USA

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tens of thousands of Americans marched in cities across the United States in coordinated protests against what organisers described as President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarian tendencies, his immigration policies, and what they labeled a government that favors the wealthy.

Demonstrations were reported in all 50 states, with protest leaders calling the action the biggest national mobilisation since Trump returned to power in January.

Participants carried placards bearing messages such as “No Kings,” “No crown for the clown,” and “The Trump fascist regime must go now!”

These slogans reflected widespread anger over what they see as Trump’s erosion of democratic norms.

The protests stood in stark contrast to a $45 million military parade that took place in Washington, held in honour of the US Army’s founding and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.

Critics condemned the show of force as unnecessary and called it a waste of public funds.

The deployment of National Guard units and Marines in cities like Los Angeles, despite objections from local leaders, drew further backlash.

“I’m here today to tell the world we don’t have kings in America. In America, the law is king,” said Ilene Ryan, who joined the protest in Boston.

In New York City, large crowds defied heavy rain to march down Fifth Avenue. Drums and chants of “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go!” echoed throughout the streets.

Well-known actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were seen among those taking part.Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, demonstrators filled the city’s central areas chanting “No faux-king way” and “Impeach Trump.”

A giant balloon caricature of Trump wearing a diaper floated above the crowds while federal troops watched from a distance.

For many protesters, the issue was personal. Iris Rodriguez, 44, whose family entered the US without legal documentation, expressed her concerns.

“If this was my mom, if this were the ’80s, this would be happening to her,” she said. “I was scared, but I refuse to be too scared to come.”

While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, authorities in Culpeper, Virginia reported that a man intentionally drove his vehicle into a dispersing group of protesters. No injuries were reported.

In Los Angeles, law enforcement used tear gas and mounted police to clear demonstrators gathered near the federal building, which has become a focal point of recent protests against immigration enforcement.

Organisers say they plan to continue staging similar protests nationwide in the weeks ahead, vowing to sustain public pressure and defend civil liberties.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has unveiled the role of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in his administration, referring to him as his enforcer-in-chief.

Trump explained that Musk, along with his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, is tasked with ensuring the implementation of executive orders issued by the presidency.

During a joint interview with Fox News, the U.S. president notes that it would be beneficial to execute his directives promptly.

According to Trump: “You write an executive order and you think it’s done, you send it out, it doesn’t get done. It doesn’t get implemented.

“And some guy that maybe didn’t want to do it, all of a sudden, he’s signing it.”

Throughout the interview, both Trump and Musk expressed mutual admiration while dismissing concerns that the president might be exceeding his executive authority.

Over the past three weeks, Trump has signed numerous executive orders, with several facing legal challenges over potential constitutional violations.

“One of the biggest functions of the DOGE team is just making sure that the presidential executive orders are actually carried out,” Musk told Fox News.

By Uzair Adam

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

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.

By Dr Raji Bello

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.