Voters in Delta State eagerly gathered at polling stations on Saturday to participate in the local government elections.
Anticipation was high as residents awaited the arrival of election materials from the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC).
In the Eku community of Ward 15, Ethiope East Local Government Area, voters congregated at the Town Hall, prepared to cast their ballots as soon as the materials arrived.
Rwandans are set to head to the polls on Monday, July 15, 2024, to elect their next president.
Incumbent President Paul Kagame is running for reelection and is widely expected to win, according to analysts.
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Approximately nine million Rwandans are registered to vote in this election, which will be held concurrently with legislative elections, a first for the nation.
The election occurs three decades after the 1994 genocide, which resulted in the deaths of around 800,000 people.
Kagame has been Rwanda’s de facto leader since the genocide ended.
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Initially elected by parliament in 2000 following the resignation of former President Pasteur Bizimungu, Kagame has since secured three electoral victories with over 90% of the vote, including nearly 99% in the 2017 election.
At 66 years old, Kagame has overseen controversial constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power until 2034.
These changes reduced presidential terms from seven to five years and reset the term limits, enabling Kagame to serve in a transitional capacity from 2017 to 2024 and then potentially for two additional five-year terms.
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The legislative elections will see over 500 candidates vying for 53 out of 80 parliamentary seats.
The remaining 27 seats are reserved for independents, including 24 women, two youth representatives, and one representative for people with disabilities.
Kagame’s party and its allies currently control 49 of the 53 elected seats in the lower house.
During a rally in Musanze, Kagame addressed a large crowd, defending Rwanda’s democratic practices amidst criticisms of suppressing opposition.
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“People usually disagree on democracy or understand it differently. But for us, we have our own understanding of it. Democracy means choice, choosing what is good for you and what you want,” he said to cheering supporters. “Nothing is better than being Rwandan, but even better, nothing is better than being your leader… I came here to thank you, not to ask for your votes.”
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A two-storey residential building in the Kubwa area of Abuja collapsed on Saturday morning, trapping an unconfirmed number of people inside.
The building, located near Cupid Hotel on Cupid Road, Sultan Dasuki Way, had undergone several transformations over the years, initially serving as Al-Hilal Hotel before being converted into a hospital and, more recently, a residential apartment.
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Emergency responders and security personnel swiftly arrived at the scene, but rescue efforts faced delays due to the late arrival of cranes necessary for the operation, according to Daily Independent.
Two individuals were rescued from the rubble and transported to a nearby hospital, while several others managed to escape on their own.
Daniel Bwala, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, announced that President Bola Tinubu will unveil a new cabinet in the next few weeks. Bwala’s comments came in response to recent statements made by Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Ali Ndume.
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In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume criticized the federal government’s handling of security challenges and other issues, citing difficulties ministers face in meeting with President Tinubu.
Ndume remarked, “the major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly.”
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Ndume also told journalists at the National Assembly that the president had become disconnected from reality, allegedly due to certain forces isolating him at Aso Rock.
Bwala, in a piece titled ‘Ali Ndume, the Rant of an Expert in Grandstanding,’ argued that Ndume was unfit to criticize Tinubu.
He questioned Ndume’s achievements over his 21 years representing his constituency, suggesting that Ndume has benefited from a system that promotes mediocrity.
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“Senator Ali Ndume has shown a lack of leadership quality by any standard. He continues to represent people with little to show for it in his Senatorial District,” Bwala wrote.
He challenged Ndume to reflect on how many people he has mentored and helped succeed in life during his tenure in the National Assembly.
Bwala also defended President Tinubu, arguing that Ndume unfairly blames Tinubu for Nigeria’s current issues, which Bwala attributes to the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari.
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He stated that the Tinubu administration is working hard to rectify the problems inherited from Buhari’s leadership.
Bwala revealed that a recent assessment of the current ministers had been conducted and that President Tinubu plans to announce a cabinet reshuffle soon.
He criticized Ndume for his impatience and constant disparagement of the current administration.
Bwala noted that many current cabinet members were appointed through recommendations from influential figures like Ndume and party leaders across the states.
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In May, President Tinubu had pledged to remove any cabinet member who fails to meet the expectations of Nigerians.
Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said, “I thank the cabinet members for their efforts, but I will relieve any of them of their duties anytime I feel that they are failing Nigerians.”
Bwala concluded by emphasizing that the Tinubu administration is committed to building a strong foundation for Nigeria’s economic and socio-political development, despite the challenges inherited from the previous government.
Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, has said that the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy can only be effective with a constitutional amendment.
He emphasized that, according to the constitution, local government elections must be conducted by the states, making local governments fall under state jurisdiction.
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Speaking at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Stakeholders Summit in Port Harcourt, Duke expressed reservations about the Supreme Court’s decision.
“For the judgment to be effective, we need a constitutional amendment,” he stated.
He questioned whether local governments are truly federating units and argued that they should be governed by state laws, as they are creations of the states.
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Duke pointed out that the constitution defines the responsibilities of federal and state governments but does not clearly outline the role of local governments.
He stressed that local governments should exist but remain under state guidance.
“The problem they are trying to avoid is giving full autonomy to the states. The Federal Government is not necessarily more responsible than the states,” he added.
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He highlighted the need for a constitutional amendment to resolve these conflicts, noting that if governors are the chief executives and responsible for state security, local governments cannot have full autonomy.
Duke called for a clear delineation of powers and responsibilities, emphasizing that local governments must be accountable to state legislatures.
Duke also referenced historical conflicts, such as when President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld Lagos State’s resources after then-Governor Bola Tinubu created constitutionally unrecognized development areas.
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He pointed out that local government elections are conducted by state electoral commissions, further underscoring state control over local governments.
Duke argued that any effort to achieve local government autonomy must be carefully structured and constitutionally supported to avoid conflicts and ensure effective governance.
The Plateau State Government has confirmed that 22 people have died and 132 others were injured following the collapse of a school building in Jos.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Musa Ashoms, stated that six of the injured are in critical condition.
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The injured are receiving treatment in various tertiary health facilities across the state, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in local mortuaries.
The tragic incident occurred at Saints Academy, a primary and secondary school in Busa-Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area, around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, as students were taking their third term examinations.
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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau described the incident as a monumental loss for the state.
In a statement released by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Gyang Bere, the governor expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, calling the situation tragic and heart-wrenching.
“We appreciate the timely intervention of the search and rescue team, as well as members of the public who rushed to the scene to assist in evacuating the surviving students and staff,” Mutfwang said.
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He has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency to provide the necessary support to the survivors.
Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of Executive Order 003, recently signed into law, which aims to prevent such disasters by ensuring compliance with building regulations as part of the Greater Jos Master Plan.
“The rationale for Executive Order 003 is to prevent Jos from deteriorating into a slum and to ensure compliance with building regulations,” he stated.
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The governor extended his deepest sympathies to the grieving families, offering prayers for their comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has introduced a new logo, flag, and constitution to better position itself for future elections and reaffirm its commitment to education for all.
This was announced by the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, during an unveiling event in Abuja.
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Senator Kwankwaso detailed the changes, noting that the new logo features an academic cap on a book, symbolizing the party’s dedication to education.
This replaces the previous logo, which depicted a basket of agricultural fruits within the Nigerian map.
He explained that the white background of the logo symbolizes the peace for which the NNPP stands.
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“Despite provocations, we have remained peaceful in Kano and urge our supporters to continue in this manner,” Kwankwaso said.
The National Chairman of the NNPP, Ajuji Ahmed, stated that while the old logo will still be used in the upcoming off-season elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as the re-run election in Kano State, the new logo will debut on ballot papers starting with the November 16, 2024, Governorship election in Ondo State.
Ahmed pointed out that the old logo’s complexity had caused confusion and printing issues during the last general elections.
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This realization led to extensive consultations within and outside the party, culminating in the adoption of the new logo ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee at a convention in April.
Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its economic policies, suggesting they inadvertently promoted the NNPP.
He called for perseverance among party members, emphasizing that the struggle for emancipation requires determination.
“This struggle must be fought with all our strength so that the current challenges can be overcome by 2027,” Galadima asserted.
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Galadima also highlighted the symbolism of the new logo’s white color, reiterating the party’s commitment to peace and the development of the country.
He emphasized the importance of the NNPP’s educational philosophy, aimed at providing top-tier education to the children of ordinary citizens, enabling them to compete globally.
National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson described the NNPP as a roadmap to a new Nigeria driven by education and knowledge.
He stated, “Education is the foundation of all growth and development. It encompasses not just academic learning but all forms of information and knowledge necessary for national development.”
With these changes, the NNPP aims to streamline its identity and underscore its focus on peace and education as pillars for Nigeria’s future.
Dr. Ben Nwoye, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, has praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy in Nigeria.
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He described the judgment as a decisive end to the long-standing illegality practiced by some state governors.
The Supreme Court recently declared it illegal and unconstitutional for state governors to control how local government funds are spent.
The court also ordered the federal government to cease sending funds to non-democratically elected council chairmen.
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Reacting to the landmark judgment, Dr. Nwoye commended the Supreme Court for its bold stance and lauded the courage of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
He remarked, “I salute the bravery of Attorney-General Fagbemi. It’s astonishing that this anomaly persisted for over 24 years. Our Attorney-General rightly confronted the illegality perpetuated by democratically elected governors who violated the basic principles of democracy.”
Dr. Nwoye highlighted how some governors routinely dissolved democratically elected local government chairmen and reduced them to mere appendages of their state governments.
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“This obliterated the third tier of government as recognized by the Nigerian constitution,” he added.
Emphasizing the significance of the judgment, the APC chieftain said, “the Supreme Court has proven itself as the last hope of the common man. The judgment ensures that local government chairmen and their councillors will now be directly accountable to the people, eliminating excuses and unaccountable caretaker chairmen.”
He pointed out that the judgment mandates that states without elected local government chairmen will have their allocations withheld until democratic elections are conducted.
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“This will trigger development in local governments,” he asserted.
Addressing calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections, Dr. Nwoye disagreed.
He argued that the issue is not about who conducts the elections but ensuring fairness. “INEC hasn’t performed well either. We need to support and grow state institutions to conduct fair elections. Corruption exists at all levels, and we should focus on ending corrupt practices,” he said.
Dr. Nwoye criticized the performance of some professors in electoral processes and emphasized the need to empower institutions and individuals to conduct free and fair elections.
“Talking about INEC taking over state-level elections overlooks the need to empower state institutions and ensure their integrity,” he stated.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the revolutionary suit, which he believes will bring unprecedented development to rural areas.
Governors from Nigeria’s 36 states, under the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), are set to convene next week to deliberate on the Supreme Court’s recent decision to grant autonomy to local government councils.
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Following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, addressed the press, expressing relief over the judgment.
He highlighted that governors, who previously had to use state resources to support local governments, now feel unburdened by the ruling.
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Governor AbdulRahman stated, “we welcome the Supreme Court ruling. Our Attorney Generals have applied for the enrollment order, which we will study carefully. Overall, governors are pleased with the devolution of power regarding local government autonomy. It eases the financial burden on states, a fact often overlooked by the public.”
He further noted that the NGF would convene next Wednesday to thoroughly review the judgment and formulate a collective response.
“We haven’t seen the enrollment of the court order yet, so we don’t fully understand its implications,” he added.
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Regarding the impact on Kwara State, AbdulRahman assured that the judgment would not negatively affect it, as the state has not interfered with local government funds.
“We’ve never tampered with local government funds, so operations will continue as usual. Local governments must manage their resources effectively, especially with the upcoming minimum wage, ensuring salaries are paid and traditional rulers receive their 5% share,” he explained.
Flanked by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, AbdulRahman also mentioned that their visit to the Presidential Villa included discussions on various national issues, including the minimum wage and the Supreme Court ruling.
“We’ve addressed multiple topics with the President, from the minimum wage negotiations with labor unions to other pressing national matters,” he concluded.
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The NGF’s upcoming meeting is anticipated to provide more clarity on the next steps following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision.
Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has introduced a new social media app called Chatter, following the failure of his recent crypto project.
Just weeks ago, Davido launched a digital currency named “Timeless Davido” ($DAVIDO) in collaboration with blockchain platforms Phantom and Solana.
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The memecoin initially saw a meteoric rise, achieving a market cap of $10 million within four hours and gaining traction on DEX Screener.
However, the excitement was short-lived as the coin’s value plummeted soon after.
In a bid to move past the unsuccessful crypto venture, Davido announced the launch of Chatter, an innovative social audiovisual platform designed to connect content creators with a vibrant community, amplifying their voices.
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The announcement was made on his X handle, where he revealed that he co-owns the app with his close friend Sir Banko.
Despite the ambitious new project, the reaction from netizens has been mixed, with some expressing skepticism and frustration.
One user, @Homiebishop, lamented, “You’ve started again. The 500k I lost on $DAVIDO wasn’t enough for you?”
Another, @TheBoykayy, commented, “Why is it always one app or another with you?”
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Others voiced their doubts about the app’s purpose and potential for success. @fwbadpaul_ quipped, “Hope we don’t have to invest money in this one?” while @Flydrummerboi01 questioned, “What’s this app for again, bro? When will you save Afrobeat? Apps aren’t my concern.”
