The United States government has praised the people of Edo State for the peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial election held over the weekend.
In a statement released on the U.S. Embassy’s website, Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. commended the calm atmosphere during the September 21 election and encouraged continued peace as results were announced.
“We applaud Governor Obaseki’s call for peace and urge all stakeholders, including INEC, to uphold electoral procedures and respect legal channels to contest the results if necessary,” Mills Jr. stated.
He stated the importance of transparency and due process in maintaining public trust in democracy, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to supporting credible and transparent elections in Nigeria.
The U.S. government also expressed its intention to closely monitor developments surrounding the election.
The United States government has announced a significant humanitarian aid package for Nigeria, providing $27 million to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change.
This funding is part of a larger $536 million aid package for Sub-Saharan Africa, unveiled by Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
The aid will be distributed through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and brings the total US humanitarian assistance to the region in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion.
The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, with a focus on crises in the Sahel region and support for durable solutions such as voluntary returns and refugee integration.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it demonstrates the US’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities.
“This aid will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent,” Ambassador Mills said. “We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to address humanitarian challenges and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.
Vice President Kamala Harris has selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) as her running mate for the upcoming November election, according to sources close to the matter.
Walz, 60, emerged as a surprising choice for the vice-presidential spot, gaining traction following a recent cable news interview where he described some Republicans as “weird.”
This characterization was subsequently adopted by national Democrats, The Hill reports.
Walz’s selection comes after speculation initially centered on other high-profile Democrats, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (D).
His appointment is seen as a strategic move to appeal to the left, given his strong liberal credentials.
Other potential candidates, such as Shapiro and Kelly, had faced criticism from progressive groups—Shapiro for his management of pro-Palestinian protests during the Israel-Hamas conflict, and both for their positions on union issues.
Walz’s Midwestern background is also considered a key factor, particularly as Trump has been intensifying his campaign efforts in Minnesota, a state Biden won by 7 points in 2020.
With Trump and JD Vance increasing their efforts to flip the state, Walz’s presence on the ticket could strengthen support in this crucial region.
Harris is expected to make the formal announcement about her vice-presidential running mate today (Tuesday), ahead of a week of joint campaigning in key battleground states.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a bid to enhance service delivery and combat cross-border crimes, met with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, DC, on July 18, 2024.
The meeting aimed to revive the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) and promote global collaborations and data-driven decision-making. Adeniyi stated the importance of capacity building, particularly in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues.
He also stressed the need for a Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks and enhance cargo and passenger security.
The meeting also covered commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with US government agencies.
Adeniyi stated the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides.
James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at US CBP, noted data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups.
He stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organizations.
Key action items identified include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships, and leveraging INTERPOL programmes.
The meeting concluded with a presentation on artificial intelligence and its role in enhancing customs operations and security.
In a related event, CGC Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i., and his team.
The CGC appreciated their warm reception and efforts for Nigerians in the diaspora.
This bilateral meeting marks a significant step in strengthening global partnerships to promote better service delivery and enhance national security for Nigerians.
A 63-year-old Missouri woman, Sandra “Sandy” Hemme, has had her conviction overturned after spending 43 years in prison for a murder she did not commit.
Hemme was convicted in 1985 based on incriminating statements she made while a psychiatric patient, but a judge has now ruled that there is “clear and convincing” evidence of her innocence.
Livingston County Circuit Judge Ryan Horsman ruled that evidence directly ties the murder of Patricia Jeschke to a local police officer, Michael Holman, who has since died.
Hemme must be freed within 30 days unless prosecutors decide to re-try her. Hemme’s legal team, with the Innocence Project, argued that authorities ignored contradictory statements and failed to disclose evidence that would have helped her defense.
Her attorneys said, “We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms. Hemme has endured for more than four decades.”
Hemme’s conviction was the longest-known wrongful conviction of a woman in US history. She initially pleaded guilty to capital murder to avoid the death penalty, but her conviction was later overturned on appeal.
At her retrial in 1985, the only evidence against her was her contradictory and factually impossible “confession” made while a psychiatric patient.
Hemme’s attorneys noted that she had a history of inpatient psychiatric care, having spent most of her life in treatment since age 12.
Her exoneration is a testament to the tireless efforts of her legal team and the Innocence Project, bringing an end to a 43-year-long grave injustice.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has vehemently opposed any defence agreement between Nigeria and the United States or France, as well as the establishment of military bases by either country on Nigerian soil.
In a statement released on Sunday, May 5, 2024, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, stated that Nigeria must not allow itself to be recolonized.
He cited past and recent events worldwide, which have shown that both the US and France prioritize self-interest, imperialist agendas, and hegemonic goals that can never favor any African country.
Professor Akintola stated, “We say clearly, emphatically, and categorically that Nigeria should not sign any military pact with either of these two countries. Neither should they be allowed to set up any military base in our country.”
He highlighted France’s economic exploitation and inhumane treatment of francophone countries, as well as the US’s history of gun-boat diplomacy, funding, arming, and protecting Israel in its conflicts with Palestinians, as reasons for MURIC’s stance.
“On no account should American or French soldiers set their feet on Nigerian soil,” Professor Akintola noted.
MURIC’s opposition comes as the debate on a proposed defence pact between Nigeria, the US, and France continues.
The organisation’s stance reflects concerns about the potential risks and implications of such agreements for Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
Fahad Danladi, a proud father from Kano, Nigeria, who resides in the United States, has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter Fariha’s outstanding academic achievements.
Fariha was rewarded with a brand new bike for her hard work and dedication to her studies.
Fahad, who was overjoyed by his daughter’s success, shared the news on Twitter, saying, “I’m beaming with pride to share that my 2nd daughter, Fariha Danladi, has been rewarded with a brand new bike for her outstanding academic achievements in school! Her hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her excel. Congratulations, Fariha, on this well-deserved recognition!”
Fariha’s achievement is a testament to the importance of hard work and determination, and serves as an inspiration to her peers and the Nigerian community in the US.
Her family and community appeared to be proud of her accomplishments.
I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me.
My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:
1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.
2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.
When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:
1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.
2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests.
Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country.
The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, hosted a prestigious gathering at the Management Quarters in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the culmination of 2023.
Among the distinguished guests were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassadors of the United States and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as the World Bank.
The event focused on reflecting on the Customs Service’s activities throughout the year, paving the way for discussions on innovative strategies to enhance efficiency.
In his address to the diplomats, CGC Adeniyi showed the NCS’s commitment to harnessing new technological advancements.
He unveiled plans for the extensive deployment of scanners, the implementation of data analytics, and the adoption of open-door policies to foster collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately streamlining trade in the nation.
Highlighting the responsibility to elucidate the new developments to stakeholders, CGC Adeniyi expressed the need for massive sensitization on the recently enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He emphasised ongoing initiatives to engage Area Controllers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Act to augment their operational effectiveness, and characterising the new Act as ‘User Friendly.’
Moreover, the Customs Chief delineated the Act’s emphasis on automation processes, including the use of a single window and the authorized economy operators’ system.
He discussed the incorporation of Advanced Ruling and the expansion of scanner usage, signaling a progressive move towards modernization.
Addressing the issue of wildlife smuggling, CGC Adeniyi reassured diplomats of his commitment to sustaining efforts against illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of international cooperation in customs activities and highlighted collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
The diplomats commended the NCS’s dedication and pledged ongoing collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.
Amazon founder and second world’s richest man, Jeff Bezos, has hinted on plans to give away most of his massive fortune.
Bezos, in a response to CNN’s journalist question on whether he planned to give most of his wealth away, said: “Yeah, I do.”
He told CNN that he and his girlfriend, Lauren Sanchez, were building the capacity to be able to give away his money .
“We are building the capacity to be able to give away this money,” he said.
According to him, the money will go to causes that are dear to his heart. These include tackling climate change and supporting people who can unify humanity.
Jeff Bezos is the latest billionaire to make promises of giving away his massive fortune. While Warren Buffett and Bill Gates lead the world in support for philanthropic causes, Bezos has only given $2.4bn to philanthropic causes in his lifetime.
According to Forbes, his donations to charity is dwarfed by that of his ex-wife, Ms Scott, who has given away $12.8 bn of her money.
