OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE is where independent minds meet to dissect politics, society, power, and global affairs without fear or filters. This is not mainstream media.
Posts
-
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Recent Ruling The United States Supreme Court has made a significant ruling, dismissing efforts to exclude former President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot. This decision diverges from a previous verdict by the Colorado Supreme Court and marks a crucial turn of events leading up to the 2024 presidential primaries. Earlier, the Colorado Supreme Court had removed Trump from its primary ballot, citing his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This decision was based on the US Constitution’s “insurrectionist ban.” However, this ruling is presently on pause, awaiting the outcome of an…
-
Addressing Urban Challenges in Owerri Owerri, the bustling capital of Imo State, Nigeria, faces the typical urban challenges of a growing city: infrastructure strain, housing shortages, and environmental concerns exacerbated by rapid urbanization. The city’s expanding population puts pressure on its limited resources, leading to congested roads, inadequate public services, and escalating housing demands. A Vision for Deurbanization To address these challenges, a strategic deurbanization approach is proposed. This plan aims to prevent the over-concentration of resources in Owerri and encourage a more uniform development pattern across Imo State. Such a balanced approach is expected to foster shared progress and…
-
Before the arrival of Abraham in Canaan, the region was inhabited by various tribes and peoples. These included: 1. Canaanites: The most prominent group, they were city-dwellers known for their advanced urban culture. 2. Amorites: Semi-nomadic people who eventually merged with the Canaanites. 3. Hittites: Known for their influence in the northern regions of Canaan. 4. Jebusites: Inhabitants of Jerusalem before it became the City of David. 5. Girgashites and Hivites: Mentioned in biblical texts as inhabitants of Canaan. These groups were culturally and linguistically similar. The Arabian Peninsula on the other hand was inhabited by various Semitic-speaking tribes, but…
-
“What if Jesus had been born 2,000 years later?” After all, Jesus—the revered preacher, teacher, radical and prophet—was born into a police state not unlike the growing menace of the American police state. “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the…
-
This article was originally published on 12up.com and has been republished here with permission. Alphonse Gabriel Capone was one of the youngest and most powerful gangsters to ever come out of America. He rose to power during the prohibition era and remained in charge of the Chicago underground scene for many years before going to prison at the age of 33. So, how did this “Robin Hood” turn into “Public Enemy No.1”? Growing Up in New York and Living Alongside Other Immigrant Families Al Capone was born to Italian immigrant parents and his household was said to be rather chaotic. Growing up,…
-
The ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews used evergreen wreaths, garlands, and trees to symbolise their respect for nature and their belief in eternal life. The pagan Europeans worshipped trees and had the custom of decorating their houses and barns with evergreens, or erecting a Yule tree during midwinter holidays. However, the modern Christmas tree can be shown to have roots in Christian traditions too. The term ‘pagan’ originated in a contemptuous, disdainful, and disparaging attitude towards people who had a respect for nature, the source of their sustenance: “Paganism (from classical Latin pāgānus “rural”, “rustic”, later “civilian”) is a term first used in the…
-
Death is never an easy visitor to accept, and Okwadike’s passing—whom I have known closely since 2001—is certainly not one of those occasions. It all began with the first annual lecture organised by the Oganiru Friends, a group of young Igbo professionals. The theme was: “Reawakening the Igbo Nation in the Nigerian Federation”. His Excellency Okwadike Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra state and then President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, gave that momentous lecture. A great deal of us only had a passing acquaintance with him from his time as the governor of Anambra state. From a distance, we…
-
Introduction In a world desperately in need of effective global governance, the United Nations (UN) stands as a symbol of high aspirations consistently unmet. Emerging from the ashes of World War II with the noble intent of maintaining international peace and security, the UN today appears as an edifice of unfulfilled promises. This article delves into the myriad failures of the UN, underscoring the urgency for its disbandment and the creation of a more effective system of international cooperation. Historical Context The UN was established in 1945 as a beacon of hope for a war-torn world. Pledging to save succeeding…
-
Israel’s crimes against the people of Palestine reveal a record of barbarism and cruelty unmatched in the modern world except for the unrivaled chronical of suffering resulting from murderous wars perpetrated by U.S. imperialism in Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Nicaragua, and beyond. The offspring of the Zionist movement, the state of Israel, has spawned a history of terrorism as vicious as it is pernicious. Settler colonial projects are racist and genocidal. They involve the ethnic cleansing of native populations. Israel’s history mirrors America’s. Beginning with the first English colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, settlers moved ever westward, bringing…
-
The following document pertaining to the formation of “Greater Israel” constitutes the cornerstone of powerful Zionist factions within the current Netanyahu government, the Likud party, as well as within the Israeli military and intelligence establishment. President Donald Trump had confirmed in January 2017 his support of Israel’s illegal settlements (including his opposition to UN Security Council Resolution 2334, pertaining to the illegality of the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank). The Trump administration expressed its recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. And now the entire West Bank is being annexed to Israel. Under the Biden administration, despite rhetorical shifts in the political narrative, Washington…
-
Introduction. The 9/11 False Flag This article which focusses on the 9/11 False Flag is of utmost significance to the ongoing Israel-U.S. genocide against Palestine. On September 11, 2001, Afghanistan was identified as a “state sponsor of terror”, without a shred of evidence. The 9/11 attacks were categorized as an act of war, an attack against America by an unnamed foreign power. Was it a “False Flag” which consisted in blaming Afghanistan of having attacked America? The right to self-defense was put forth. The US-NATO aggressor was portrayed as the victim. What Happened on September 11, 2001? “A few hours after the terrorist attacks on…
-
“No Wedding Of Same-sex-Union” The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), and her counterparts in Malawi and Astana have taken time out to clarify the misconception associated with the declaration on the Pastoral meaning of blessings “Fiducia Supplicans” in otherwise meaning pleading with courage, by the Dicastery Doctrine of Faith, the bishops states that it does not mean blessing of the Same-sex-marriage by the Catholic priests. The CBCN statement was signed by its President and Secretary, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese and Bishop Donatus Ogun, of Uromi Diocese respectively. According to their separate statements, issued on December 20,…
-
Introduction: Setting the Stage The unexpected endorsement of Felix Tshisekedi’s presidency in Congo by the U.S. State Department on January 23, 2019, came as a surprise to many. Despite earlier intentions to condemn the election’s fraud, Washington ultimately backed the results, drawing criticism for supporting Tshisekedi, believed by some in Congo to have engaged in a corrupt deal with outgoing President Joseph Kabila. This reversal in stance during a critical period sheds light on the complexity of U.S. foreign policy and its implications on Africa’s democratic landscape. The Context and Decision-Making Process When the results of the Democratic Republic of…
-
In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements and digital conveniences, the traditional pastime of reading is facing a steady decline within our society. This trend, with multifaceted roots, raises concerns about its repercussions on knowledge acquisition, critical thinking, and societal development. One of the primary catalysts behind this shift is the pervasive influence of technology. The prevalence of smartphones, digital media, and online content has redirected attention away from conventional reading materials. Quick, bite-sized information in the form of social media posts, videos, and articles has supplanted the immersion and depth found in books. Modern lifestyles, characterized by hectic…
-
Here they are, all of the Martin Luther 95 theses, posted on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, October 31, 1517. Out of love for the truth and from desire to elucidate it, the Reverend Father Martin Luther, Master of Arts and Sacred Theology, and ordinary lecturer therein at Wittenberg, intends to defend the following statements and to dispute on them in that place. Therefore he asks that those who cannot be present and dispute with him orally shall do so in their absence by letter. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. 1. Our Lord and Master…
-
The process of sending money to family members or friends in one’s home country, otherwise known as remittances, is a lifeline for many migrant workers around the world. A remittance is a non-commercial transfer of money by a nonresident worker, a member of a diaspora community, or a citizen with familial ties abroad, for household income in their home country. Diaspora remittances have emerged as a powerful catalyst for Nigeria’s economic and social development. The recent surge in these remittances signifies a transformative phase for the country, as evident in the staggering figures reported. In 2020, Nigeria witnessed a monumental…
-
David Axelrod has suggested that the US president should bow out of the 2024 race for the good of the country David Axelrod, the chief strategist for former US President Barack Obama’s political campaigns, has called for President Joe Biden to consider dropping his 2024 re-election bid because of voter concerns about his age. “Only Joe Biden can make this decision,” Axelrod said on Sunday in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). “If he continues to run, he will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. What he needs to decide is whether that is wise, whether it’s in his…
-
A new poll has shown that just 34% of Americans approve of the US president’s performance Only three out of ten Americans believe that US President Joe Biden is paying adequate attention to the issues that concern them most, while a record low of 34% approves of his overall job performance, a new survey has revealed. The Monmouth University poll released on Monday showed that Biden’s approval rating has dropped ten percentage points in the past five months and is at its lowest level since he was sworn in as president. The percentage of US adults who disapprove of his performance has more…
-
At least three key associates have been closely linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since his early days in politics, poised to play influential roles in his upcoming administration. Among them are the Lebanese-Nigerian brothers, Gilbert Chagoury (b.1946) and Ronald Chagoury (b.1949), who are anticipated to hold significant positions within the Tinubu administration. Their enduring relationship with Tinubu dates back to his tenure as Lagos State governor, a bond evident in social media-shared images during Tinubu’s recent trips to France where their connection was highlighted. The group’s net worth, according to Forbes, is about $4.2 billion. The Chagoury brothers own…
-
BP, the British oil-and-gas giant, said it would pause all shipments through the Red Sea citing the recent escalation in attacks. Over a thousand miles from Gaza, a naval crisis is unfolding that could transform the war between Israel and Hamas into a global affair with implications for the world economy. Since December 15th four of the world’s five largest container-shipping companies, CMA, CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and MSC, have paused or suspended their services in the Red Sea, the route through which traffic from the Suez Canal must pass, as Iran-backed Houthi militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, escalate their attacks…
-
Will Al Jazeera Rise to the Need for Some Genuine investigative Journalism into the Mysteries of 10/7 An Open Letter to Israelis from Israelis: We Deserve the Truth About October 7 “Make no mistake, what Israel is doing in Gaza now will haunt Israelis for decades. Now is the time to make sure all Israelis understand this. And this understanding should start with full disclosure about the events of October 7, 2023…… The question of who killed some Israeli civilians haunts us. It emerges from several reports that some were killed by the Israeli military. Whether they were caught in the crossfire, or…
-
This Christmas, the rooms of all the hotels in Bethlehem are empty, and local businesses are suffering because no Christian pilgrims wanted to travel to what is increasingly looking like a war-zone.. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, has cancelled Christmas this year. For the first time since modern celebrations began, the birthplace of Jesus will not decorate the Manger Square tree. In the original first Christmas story, Joseph and Mary were turned away from the inns, as all the rooms were full. This Christmas, the rooms of all the hotels in Bethlehem are empty, and local businesses are suffering because no Christian…
-
The British colonization of Nigeria in 1914 established a foundation where power was entrenched in the hands of Northern rulers, a legacy that continues to shape the country’s political dynamics. The manipulation of the 1931 census figures illustrates the deliberate effort to ensure Northern dominance, a trend that persisted through subsequent censuses in 1952, 1959, and 1963. These actions, favoring the North in governance and legislative matters, perpetuated systemic imbalances that persist to this day. The census figures of 1931 awarded by the British clearly favored the North, aiming to solidify their permanent majority in the future Central Legislature: –…
-
1. Humility as Groundedness; God’s lesson, likening our lives to trees, emphasizes humility. Just as a tree never leaves the ground despite its height, we should remain rooted and humble, never letting success cloud our connection with reality. 2. Strengthening Principles; Like a tree growing deeper as it grows taller, our principles must strengthen as we ascend. We need to fortify our foundation even as God elevates us, guarding against distractions that weaken our core beliefs. 3. Seeking the Source; Trees grow toward their energy source, the Sun. Similarly, our growth should draw us closer to our spiritual source. As…
-
Can American Politics Get Any Worse? The mainstream propaganda machine’s (ab)use of the term “conspiracy theory” (coined by the likes of the CIA in an attempt to stifle and discredit any information that could hurt their interests) has made it virtually impossible to talk about election fraud in the United States. Anyone even remotely suggesting that this could be possible in the “lighthouse of global democracy” was considered a “conspiracy nut”. Former president Donald Trump was even threatened will legal action if he doesn’t drop the idea. Worse yet, some Democrats even accused him of supposed “treachery”, as the claims of election fraud…
-
A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has joined calls for the restructuring of the country before 2027, saying Nigeria is a failing state. He insisted that Nigeria would be considered a failed state if it does not provide for the security, welfare, and basic needs of its citizens. Jega affirmed his position on the state of the country’s political economy while delivering a lecture – “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Future: Prioritizing Citizen’s Welfare and Security Amidst Challenges” – at the maiden convocation of the Bauchi State University, Gadau. “I don’t believe Nigeria is a failed state but we…
-
If Nyesom Wike had read the character portrait of the Ijaw man as sketched by Dr Percy Amoury Talbot, an early 20th-century British historian and colonial administrator, he would most probably have thought twice before settling for Simnalaya Fubara as his third-term placeholder. Wike was a two-term governor of Rivers state and is today minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In his highly authoritative 1926 book, Peoples of Southern Nigeria: a Sketch of their History, Ethnology, and Languages, with an Abstract of the 1921 Census, Talbot reserved an unflattering description for the no-nonsense Ijaw race. Hear him on page 333:…
-
Watch out! Peter Obi is steadily emerging as the main opposition figure, delivering alternative viewpoints on important national conversations and criticizing the government in selected fronts. It is a departure from the past when also-rans in presidential races would recoil into their shells in shock and shame, only to return in four years to participate in another election. But Obi is not going away, as he promised in his press conference after the Supreme Court gave its verdict on the 2023 presidential election petition. So far, he has issued no fewer than three strong and cogent attacks on government’s policies.…
-
In a heartwarming ceremony this past weekend, Belgium celebrated the acclaimed author Chika Unigwe, conferring upon her not one, but two prestigious honours. Unigwe, a prominent figure in Afropolitan literature, was decorated as a Knight of the Order of the Crown for her outstanding literary contributions and services to the nation. Born and raised in Nigeria, Chika Unigwe spent many years in Belgium, where she initiated her literary journey. Recognising her profound impact on the global stage, the Christoffel Plantin Fonds bestowed upon her a Proclamation/Oorkonde, a distinguished award reserved for Belgian nationals who significantly enhance the country’s prestige abroad.…
-
In my adopted home state of Rivers, they do not “play” politics. They wage bitter “fights” over politics. Political outcomes are more of spoils of murky wars than victories of democratic rituals. While the contest for power and supremacy rages, instruments of violence are fair. People are killed routinely. Even long after a political battle has been won and lost, the bitterness endures. Political families become enemy camps. Political dispensations survive or die out according to their ability to sustain their camp with the spoils of war. So, political solidarity in Rivers state tends to be short lived and fluid…
-
Ijeoma Uchegbu is Joining Wolfson College, University of Cambridge as its 7th President Ijeoma Uchegbu, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience known for her ground-breaking work in nanoparticle drug delivery, has been announced as the 7th President of Wolfson College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge. She will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, on October 1, 2024. Professor Uchegbu is currently a Professor of Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at University College London (UCL). She was raised in South East Nigeria and Hackney. She completed her pharmacy studies at the University of Benin in 1981 before attending the University of Lagos…
-
The Head of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde, has announced the implementation of the digital Euro, which will have devastating economic and social consequences. According to Peter Koenig: “The universal drive towards central bank digital currencies, emanates most likely from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), the Central Bank of all central banks, controlling at least 90% of central banks around the globe, and the BIS, itself, being controlled by the Rothschild family. As we see, all is in best-intended private hands, perfectly aligned with the fraudulently established 1913 Federal Reserve Act – that has allowed the US Federal Reserve –which is…
-
A Powerful, Riveting, and Masterful Documentary Series Begins It is hard for those who have not lived through the shattering political assassinations of the 1960s to grasp their significance for today. Many might assume that that was then and long before their time, so let’s move on to what we must deal with today. Let some old folks, the obsessive ones, live in the past. It is an understandable but mistaken attitude that this documentary will quickly shatter, visually and audibly. The echoes of those guns that killed President John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Senator…
-
In May 1947, the then newly constituted United Nations had 55 states as members. There are now 193 members representing the global community of nation states. Out of that then (current) minority of 55 states, in 1947, just 33 voted for UN Resolution 181 to partition then Arab Palestine that had been overwhelmingly Muslim-settled for more than a thousand years, with only a very small Jewish minority, extant. On 29 November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions and 1 absent, in favour of the modified Partition Plan. The final vote, was: in favour (33…
-
Below is a screenshot of the summary of the 1947 CIA document that was partly declassified in 2013, entitled “The Consequences of the Partition of Palestine.” Click here to read the full document. Copyright ©,2023
-
The US president’s son insists that his father was not involved in his business, but refuses to testify under oath US President Joe Biden’s son Hunter has refused to comply with a subpoena ordering him to testify before a Republican-led committee investigating his father’s involvement in his business dealings. House Republicans are expected to formalize impeachment proceedings against President Biden later on Wednesday. The House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena to Hunter Biden last month, ordering the president’s son to testify at a closed-door hearing on Wednesday. Along with the House Judiciary Committee, the Oversight Committee is leading an impeachment…
-
Our history is an ongoing narrative – Who truly are the Lagosians? The Aworis, the initial settlers in Eko (called “Lagos” by Portuguese adventurers), laid the foundation. The “Idejo” class of chiefs—Olumegbon, Oluwa, Oniru, Onisemo, Oloto, Aromire, Elegushi, Ojomu, Onikoyi, Onisiwo, Ojora, Onitolo, Onitana—stood as the original landowners of Lagos, settling in different parts during the 15th and 16th centuries. Subsequently, the Bini invasion influenced Lagos’s governance, with all Obas of Lagos originating from Bini ancestry, including the present Oba Alaiyeluwa Akiolu I. The Privy Council affirmed Olofin as the chief holding Lagos Island in the early 18th century, parceling…
-
The implementation of policies like fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria demands a critical reevaluation of the country’s oil block ownership. Throughout Nigeria’s history, the allocation of oil licenses and mining leases has remained veiled in secrecy, mired in corruption, and entangled in patronage dynamics. This culture of secrecy originated from past military regimes and persisted beyond 1999, favoring a select few without any attempt to rectify this imbalance. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has long highlighted the lack of transparency in acquiring and awarding oil prospecting licenses, financing mechanisms, and the insufficient disclosure of oil and gas production…
-
The United States (US) has a long history of aggressive behaviors, but this is nothing other than a strategy to reinforce and maintain power. In this article, we will understand the historical reasons that led the US to become a leading power in the first place, how it was able to maintain that power, and why we believe it is currently losing its privileged position. The United States (US) became the world-leading power at the conclusion of the Second World War (WWII). At that time, the period of dominant British rule ended with the devastation of the war, and the major contenders,…
-
Becoming a primarily regional power is actually an opportunity to fundamentally reconsider relations with our home region, North America. A few recent headlines reveal the painfully inhumane, dangerously volatile state of US relations with its own home region, the continent of North America. A record-breaking 2.76 million border crossings from Mexico filled homeless shelters to the bursting point in cities nationwide in 2022. This year, the possible cessation of Covid restrictions could allow tens of thousands more migrants, now huddling in the cold of northern Mexico, to surge across the border, as some are already able to do. Most of those refugees are Central Americans,…
-
“I do not accept second place for the United States of America.” That simple statement, delivered to rousing effect by Barack Obama in his first State of the Union, in January 2010, managed to summarize the current American strategic horizon in a single sentence. For decades, the United States has been in relative decline, facing the prospect of someday being overtaken by a rival power. Its main problem, however, is not the relative decline itself – it’s a natural phenomenon occurring as companies, sectors, regions and countries grow at uneven rates. Instead, its main problem is a failure to recognize…
-
Tommy Tuberville has also dismissed the notion that Russia would invade Europe, suggesting it was just a “selling point” Ukraine always faced the prospect of losing the conflict with Russia in the event that Washington cut off its aid, US Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville has said. The comments came after the US Senate last week blocked a bill by President Joe Biden that intended to provide Kiev with a further $60 billion in funding. Republicans opposed to the spending package have demanded tougher immigration control on the US-Mexico border in exchange for approving the bill. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday,…
-
I take a bet. The judgement of God and of the people is nigh! Check your neighbourhood. For weeks, and in some cases, months, there is no electricity. But in your houses, you run your generator. Neighbours come around to charge their phones, rechargeable lamps and what have you in your compound. How do you tell them that you are not part of the oppressors? What about water? As early as 5 am, neighbours are already on the queue in front of your house to fetch water. They don’t have the boldness to knock on your gate to wake you…
-
HENRY (Heinz) Alfred Kissinger, the most infamous United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, passed away peacefully at 100 on November 29, 2023 and is guaranteed a marked grave. Not so for the tens of thousands Africans, Latin Americans and Asians who experienced violent deaths in their youth and had no tomb stones in their names due to the policies formulated and implemented by Kissinger. A prolific author, brilliant academic and highly cerebral intellectual, he, like his fellow German, Adolf Hitler, used his knowledge and skills to perpetuate unspeakable crimes against humanity. One of the most vulnerable periods…
-
This was said to be Gable’s favorite car. But it was this tobacco-brown 300SC Cabriolet that became his favourite, to the extent that he never permitted anyone to drive it but himself. Only 48 of the 300SC Cabriolets were ever made so it was virtually hand-built to order, making it the most expensive car of the day. While you could buy a Ferrari or Rolls Royce for around $7,000, Clark Gable bought this car for over $16,000. The history of Mercedes-Benz often catered to luxury car buyers, offering upscale models that were exclusive and expensive. Following World War II, they…
-
The captivating saga of Candido da Rocha, the Billionaire Merchant of Kakawa, unfolds 188 years ago in the bustling heart of Lagos, Nigeria. Born as Esan in 1830, he hailed from the vibrant town of Ilesha. His childhood was etched with aspirations for education, leading him to travel 200 miles to Lagos. However, his fate took a dramatic turn during a tumultuous war when, on his way home from school, he was abducted by Ijebu traders. Spirited away from his homeland, young Esan was thrust into a life of slavery in Brazil, where he assumed the name Joao Esan da…
-
Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, born in 1909 in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, carved an extraordinary legacy as a titan of business and transportation, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in Nigeria. His educational journey began at the Government Primary School in Asaba, and he later pursued further studies at the Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar. Starting his career in the Colonial Agriculture Department, Ojukwu transitioned to working as a tire clerk at John Holt. However, his ambitions led him to break away and venture into entrepreneurial endeavors. He established his textile business, pioneering the stockfish import business—making him the…
-
8 November 2023 The historical background of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict goes back to 1917 (the Balfour Declaration) and the establishment of the British protectorate over Palestine (the Palestine Mandate) after WWI with its provision for a national home for the Jews, although “officially” not to be at the expense of the local inhabitants – the Palestinians. The People and the Land Since the time of the Enlightenment followed by Romanticism, in Western Europe emerged a new trend of group identification of the people as ethnic or ethnocultural nations different from the previous feudal trends from the Middle Ages based on religion,…
-
A police investigation shows Israeli Apache helicopters opened fire on attendees of the Nova music festival during the 7 October Hamas attack An Israeli police investigation into the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival near the Gaza border on 7 October revealed that an Israeli attack helicopter killed some of the attendees, Haaretz reported on 18 November. According to a police source, an investigation into the incident showed that an Israeli combat helicopter that arrived at the scene from the Ramat David base fired at Hamas fighters and other Palestinians who crossed through the border fence from Gaza into Israel, but also fired…
-
It should be made clear from the outset that I am overwrought with immense grief by the heartbreaking but unintentional killing of 126 innocent men, women, and children celebrating Maulud at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State on December 3. Nothing can compensate for this. No excuse can rationalize it. And the outrage that this issue has generated against the Tinubu government is richly justified. But it’s oddly hypocritical that there are suddenly vocal elements from the North—particularly the Muslim North, which went into a dreamless slumber during Buhari’s reign of bloodshed—carrying on as if this cruel, indefensible, even if…
-
The White House needs a cover story to obscure its complicity. In desperation, it is once again resurrecting the long-dead two-state solution The White House faces a dilemma. It has the power to stop the death and destruction in Gaza in its tracks, at any time of its choosing. But it chooses not to. The US is determined to back its client state to the hilt, giving Israel licence to wreck the tiny coastal enclave, seemingly whatever the cost in Palestinian lives. But the optics – and that is all that concerns Washington – are disastrous. TV images have shown hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing their destroyed homes,…
-
Due to the sealed borders and the minuscule passage of food, water medicine and fuel through the single Rafah crossing from Egypt, many Palestinians are already down to a single meal a day. . But now, according to the Israeli plan, they may be the lucky ones. . This video is the first major sign that I have seen that food will become a rare commodity and starving Palestinians with skin over bones may soon be more commonplace (Paul Larudee) Click Screen to View Video Below Two reports by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor : . Israel expands its mass starvation campaign to include more…
-
Israel is seeking to deflect attention from civilian casualties in Gaza as criticism for its tactics intensifies among US officials The most powerful Israeli lobbying group in the US is partnering with other Jewish special interest groups to launch a public relations campaign to influence media coverage of the war in Gaza, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported on 7 December. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) launched the new PR campaign, called the 10/7 Project, along with the American Jewish Committee, The Jewish Federations of North America, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish organizations. The groups say…
-
Seventy years ago, United Nations member states approved the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a treaty born out of the fervent desire to ensure that “never again” would any person face the horror of genocide, such as the atrocities inflicted by the Nazis during the Holocaust. The Convention was the first human rights treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly. Its approval came just one day ahead of proclaiming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on 10 December 1948, which explicitly laid out the rights inherent to all. Today, the world is…
-
The author’s exclusive interviews with scores of the participants in the decision-making, together with her analysis of newly declassified documents, yield a chilling narrative of self-serving caution and flaccid will—and countless missed opportunities to mitigate a colossal crime I. People Sitting in OfficesIn the course of a hundred days in 1994 the Hutu government of Rwanda and its extremist allies very nearly succeeded in exterminating the country’s Tutsi minority. Using firearms, machetes, and a variety of garden implements, Hutu militiamen, soldiers, and ordinary citizens murdered some 800,000 Tutsi and politically moderate Hutu. It was the fastest, most efficient killing spree…
-
Introduction:Nestled within the thriving confines of the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition in the realm of oil and petrochemicals. Envisioned as a colossal integrated refinery and petrochemical complex, this monumental project heralds a new era, poised to redefine not only Nigeria’s energy landscape but Africa’s as a whole. Unveiling Africa’s Largest Refinery:With a staggering processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Dangote Refinery is set to become Africa’s largest oil refinery and the world’s most significant single-train facility upon its completion in 2022. This project, spearheaded by…
-
A shipment of 50,000 tons has been allegedly delivered to the Norfolk naval base A Ukrainian maritime traffic watchdog has flagged a German-operated tanker, claiming that it had likely delivered Russian petrol products to Naval Station Norfolk, a major US military base, in an apparent violation of Washington’s sanctions. The allegation, which was widely reported by Ukrainian media on Thursday, comes from Andrey Klimenko, head of the Black Sea Institute of Strategic Studies, an NGO, and editor of BlackSeaNews, a pro-Ukrainian news outlet covering maritime trade. He claimed that the tanker Avenca had delivered 50,000 tons of petroleum products from…
-
This is a carefully researched article by Nauman Sadiq first published on March 31st, 2022 in the immediate wake of the failed peace negotiations in Istanbul. The article provides details on the peace negotiations as well as on the political response of the Pentagon, the US State Department and Western media. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, leading the Russian peace delegation in Istanbul talks, told reporters Tuesday: “In order to increase mutual trust and create the necessary conditions for further negotiations and achieving the ultimate goal of agreeing and signing an agreement, a decision was made to radically,…
-
The Council of Ministers has approved the move in an amendment to the constitution An amendment to Burkina Faso’s constitution granting local languages official status, while dropping French and making it a working language, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday. The minister of justice and human rights, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, announced the changes regarding the status of the former French colony’s languages. “In this draft text, we must note the institutionalization of national languages as official languages while French remains a working language,” Bayala explained. The draft contains reforms that include expanding the Constitutional Council’s powers, and the…
-
Ebrahim Raisi is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations and other issues Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation have touched down in Moscow where they are set to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday to discuss a number of key issues. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has announced that the negotiations between Putin and Raisi will first take place in а limited format, which will then be followed by Russian-Iranian negotiations at a working lunch. Peskov noted that the two presidents have no plans to make any statements to the media…
-
In contemplating the reflections of prominent figures at the brink of mortality, a vivid tapestry of thoughts and emotions emerges, underscoring the complexity of human existence and beliefs. These excerpts capture the profound, sometimes harrowing, introspections of individuals whose lives waned while confronting the unknown abyss. These reflections encapsulate the stark vulnerability and introspection that often accompany the final moments of individuals from varying walks of life, regardless of their beliefs or convictions. They serve as a poignant reminder of life’s transient nature and the profundity of its uncertainties. Life is an opportunity that will not be repeated. Have you…
-
Dear Fellow Countrymen, I am writing to you as an Igbo, a member of a vibrant community known for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. If you journey through the bustling cities of Onitsha, Aba, Alaba, or Kano, you’ll witness the pride of wealthy individuals not in their personal millions but in how many they’ve empowered. These are individuals engaging in healthy competition, forging millionaires out of common ventures, yet not at the expense of others. It’s a mastery over greed unparalleled globally—a facet of Igbo heritage that fills me with immense pride. The indomitable spirit of my ethnicity resonates within…
-
The White House proposal that included over $60 billion in funding for Kiev failed to pass in the Senate on Wednesday, falling short of the 60 votes necessary to proceed. The final vote was 49 in favor and 51 against, with Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who normally votes with the Democrats, joining the Republican opposition. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, also voted “no” so he could bring the bill up again at a later date, according to The Hill. The White House originally requested $105 billion in emergency supplemental “national security” funding in October, choosing to bundle the aid to Ukraine…
-
In a worst-case scenario, the world would be plunged into a recession and lose $1 trillion in GDP The global economy would fall into recession with oil prices skyrocketing if Iran were to get involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict, Bloomberg reported this week. According to Bloomberg Economics, analysts are viewing the impact on global growth and inflation under three potential scenarios: with hostilities largely confined to Israel and the Palestinian territories; with the conflict spreading to Lebanon and Syria; and with a direct confrontation between Israel and Iran. While all the three scenarios are likely to cause a surge in…
-
Moody’s has placed the country’s credit score on review amid the escalation of hostilities in Gaza International ratings agency Moody’s on Thursday placed Israel’s A1 credit rating on review for a possible downgrade, according to a statement published on the agency’s website. The potential further escalation of hostilities between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Palestinian militant group Hamas was cited as the cause for review. “Israel’s credit profile has proven resilient to terrorist attacks and military conflict in the past. However, the severity of the current military conflict raises the possibility of longer lasting and material credit impact,”…
-
The government has raised nearly $8 billion in liabilities since October 7, according to the Finance Ministry Israel has raised about 30 billion shekels ($7.8 billion) in debt since the start of the conflict with Palestinian militant group Hamas, the country’s Finance Ministry revealed on Monday. According to the ministry, $4.1 billion of that amount was dollar-denominated debt raised in issuances in international markets. On Monday, the ministry reportedly raised another $957 million in the local market in its weekly bond auction. Officials claimed that the government can now “fully and optimally finance all its needs.” The Israeli government has significantly…
-
The conflict with Hamas will negatively affect GDP in 2023 and 2024, according to the rating agency Israel’s economy will contract 5% in the fourth quarter of this year amid rising geopolitical and security risks due to the conflict with Palestinian military group Hamas, credit rating agency S&P said in a report this week. The rating agency cited lower business activity, falling consumer demand, and a “very uncertain” investment environment. S&P projects an Israeli fiscal deficit of 5.3% of GDP in 2023 and 2024, compared with the agency’s pre-war estimate of 2.3%. The Israeli government has significantly increased expenses to fund the…
-
A new study detected a sharp uptick in trading activity on Tel Aviv and US stock exchanges before October 7 Some traders may have been informed about the Hamas plan to attack Israel on October 7 and used that knowledge to make millions of dollars by short-selling Israeli securities, a study by US researchers published on Monday suggests. Law professors Robert Jackson Jr. from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University examined trading in exchange-traded funds that invest in Israeli companies, as well as short-selling activity on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) and options activity around Israeli firms traded…
-
The army mission had targeted rebels but instead killed Muslims as they gathered for a religious celebration on Sunday At least 85 people were killed in an alleged military drone strike in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna state over the weekend, according to local authorities. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into the incident. The bombing on Sunday night was intended to target insurgents in Tundun Biri in the Igabi area, but it “mistakenly killed” dozens of civilians and injured “many others,” Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani told the media on Monday. The victims were Muslims who had gathered to celebrate the…
-
All the conflict in Gaza is achieving is civilian misery, and the US can stop it at any time After a seven-day lull in the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, the resumption of hostilities has been given another green light from Washington. Having failed to lead its Israeli allies towards military victory, the US is permitting a dangerous escalation and rejects a peaceful solution that will prevent further civilian suffering. Just minutes after the departure of US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, from Palestine/Israel, the war in Gaza resumed, with a large aerial onslaught on…
-
Washington wants West Jerusalem to hold “extremist settlers” accountable for attacks against Palestinians, the State Department has said The US has introduced visa restrictions for those involved in the oppression of Palestinians in the West Bank, the US State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. Washington advised Israel to “do more” to protect Palestinians in the area and to punish anyone involved in violent attacks against civilians or undue restriction of their access to basic amenities, it added. While the previous US administration of Donald Trump took a more lenient position on the issue, the State Department under President Joe Biden…
-
The progressive senator condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “violating international law” US Senator Bernie Sanders has urged his Democratic colleagues to pull more than $10 billion in military aid to Israel from an upcoming spending bill, arguing that the money would make Washington complicit in Israel’s “immoral” war in Gaza. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Monday that he would put a $106 billion spending bill to a vote on Wednesday. Requested by President Joe Biden, the bill includes $10.1 billion in direct military aid to Israel, more than $61 billion for Ukraine, and $13.6 for border protection at…
-
Chief (Hon) Dr. Chris Chigoziri Asoluka stands as an influential figure whose profound impact reverberates across Nigeria’s political landscape and consultancy domains. He is the chairman of NIPAL consulting network. His journey is an amalgamation of academic brilliance, extensive professional expertise, and transformative contributions to governance and policy formulation. In this episode of The discourse with doctor Ken, he discusses the nexus between leadership and prosperity. Educational Background: – Graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1979 with a degree in Political Science, followed by further academic pursuits: – Master’s degree from the University of Lagos in 1989 …
-
Ihiagwa ófó asato, nestled in Imo State, Nigeria, is a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. Home to approximately ten thousand inhabitants, the town pulsates with a rich blend of Igbo ethnic traditions and modern dynamics. Comprising eight lively villages, Umuelem, Umuchima, Mboke, Nkaramochie, Iriamogu, Aku/Umuokwo, Ibuzo, and Umuezeawula, Ihiagwa exudes a sense of unity while embracing its diversity. These villages form two autonomous communities, each led by an Eze, the traditional head, fostering a sense of cohesion and administration. Historically, Ihiagwa maintains the role of “Aguzieafors,” entrusted with maintaining the calendar for neighboring communities and marking important cultural events like…
-
Earlier this week, news broke that Aliko Dangote was moving 60% of his family investment to the US.Two days after, we saw him in Tanzania promising to increase his investment in the country because he wants to support the new president, whose business decisions have been investment friendly. I am happy for him. He has sense.But as a businessman, I am not sure Dangote is a model.Don’t take my word for it. Let the data speak:In October 2016, Dansa, Dangote’s fruit juice company packed up because it wasn’t making profit.It closed shop, owing its workers 6 months salary. He also…
-
Igbo Billionaires, Traders In Lagos Begin Relocation To S’East, Show Off Big Market They’re Building Igbo businessmen in Balogun and Alaba market have begun the process of relocating their businesses to the South-East amid the alleged tribal feud between them and the Yorubas. This also comes in the backdrop of the allegations that the Lagos State government is targeting and demolishing properties belonging to them. A video shows a site acquired by the businessmen for their proposed market called, ‘Akulueuno’. One of the businessmen who spoke in the video said as depicted, construction has begun on the market site in…
-
The creative and cultural sectors in Nigeria are estimated to be missing out on a staggering $13.2 billion annually, a substantial sum that could significantly contribute to the country’s revenue. According to the 2021 World Economic Forum report, these sectors collectively generate around $3,500 billion in revenue, accounting for approximately 4.8% of the global GDP, showing an increase from the 3% recorded in 2019. Chief Kingsley Okafor, the National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers in Nigeria (APCAD), emphasized these figures during a presentation in Abuja at the 10th anniversary of the Great Ekenhuan Alumni Association.…
-
The IDF will only prevail in urban warfare against Hamas if it protects civilians in Gaza, Lloyd Austin says Mourners recite a prayer over the bodies of victims killed Israeli bombing in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. © AFP / Mahmud Hams Israel’s victory over Hamas will become a “strategic defeat” if the country doesn’t prevent civilian casualties during its military operation in Gaza, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said. Washington “will continue to press Israel to protect civilians and to ensure the robust flow of humanitarian aid” into Gaza, Austin vowed on Saturday, in a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum…
-
My father wanted me to study Law in the university because he knew I would scale the cutoff mark in the UTME. I refused and chose to study English instead. As it turned out, I scored 302 in the UTME of 2019, placing me at the top of candidates seeking admission into the English department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, my first choice. Today, I feel I did the right thing by disobeying my father. So many judgements coming out from Nigerian courts in recent years have made me congratulate myself on choosing to avoid a cult of liars…
-
A Declassified U.S document of July 1969 described the Igbos as the wandering Jews of West Africa – … gifted, aggressive, westernized; at best envied and resented, but mostly despised by the mass of their neighbors in the Federation. The document which described Leader of Biafra, Ikemba Odimegwu Ojukwu as as “erstwhile playboy,” said the Igbos “have fought well (by African standards) against heavy odds; their cy:nical public relations use of the starvation has been brilliant.” The document further revealed that then Senator John Kennedy had proposed a Biafra State akin to the State of Israel that was created in…
-
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) is making bold to say that going by historical facts and realities on the ground as well as available local and international codified safeguards in various human rights and humanitarian enactments; it is an act of impossibility for the Igbo People living in Lagos or Abuja to be forced out and forcefully relocated back to the South-East. As a matter of fact “asking the Igbo People to leave Lagos (Eko) through threats of violence against persons and properties is like asking the Yoruba People to return Lagos to Ancient…
-
Introduction – by Sir Anthony Seldon 10 Downing Street, the locale of British prime ministers since 1735, vies with the White House as being the most important political building anywhere in the world in the modern era. Behind its black door have been taken the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 275 years. In the 20th century alone, the First and Second World Wars were directed from within it, as were the key decisions about the end of the empire, the building of the British nuclear bomb, the handling of economic crises from the Great Depression in 1929…
-
December 10, 2017 Benin people ‘owned’ Lagos, Aworis paid royalties to them —Erelu Abiola Dosunmu Her Royal Highness, Abiola Dosunmu, Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, in this interview, shares her perspective on the controversy over the ‘ownership’ of Lagos and declares that the former federal capital was an extension of Benin Kingdom. She explains that there are no ambiguities regarding the ancestry of the aborigines of Lagos, saying they are predominantly Benin. Abiola Dosumu maintains that the Awori ,after settling in Lagos, paid royalties to Benin people. Excerpts: Are you not concerned about the controversy over the true aborigines of…
-
The wife of the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defence Kyrylo Budanov, Marianna Budanova, was poisoned along with several other GUR employees, said Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence directorate. Her poisoning is likely the latest event in the deepening power struggle in the Kiev regime. According to Ukrainian media outlets, Budanova was hospitalised after being poisoned with heavy metals, most likely via food, and is now being treated. RBC Ukraine noted that it is unknown whether this was a “one-time poisoning” or “they poisoned her in portions for some time.” “During the tests,…
-
Might vs. Right, and the Insanity of Western Power Often misattributed to Albert Einstein, the famous adage that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” has rarely been more apt than in the case of the traditionally biased Western governments’ position vis-à-vis the Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Remarkably unanimous as far as the substance of the problem is concerned – even though occasionally divergent on paltry details of pure form – these governments, as well as their powerful relays among the elites and mainstream media, have invariably supported and defended loud and clear the…
-
Pyongyang says it’ll retaliate and target American spacecraft if Washington interferes with North Korea’s new spy satellite Pyongyang will view any interference with its recently-launched satellite as a declaration of war and will respond accordingly, a spokesperson for the North Korean Ministry of Defence warned on Saturday. The statement followed a comment by the US Space Forces Public Affairs Officer Sheryll Klinkel when answering a question from Radio Free Asia about Washington’s ability to counter North Korea’s first spy satellite. “Joint Force space operations could deny an adversary’s space and counterspace capabilities and services using a variety of reversible and irreversible…
-
The pontiff also told the COP28 summit that ‘the destruction of the environment is an offense against God’ The Pope has called on world leaders to divert money being used to support conflicts across the globe into a fund to help eliminate world hunger, and also sounded the alarm about the impact of climate change, in an address to the COP28 summit in Dubai. Pope Francis’ comments, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, cast a dire long-term outlook on the effects of climate change. In the wide-ranging statement, he called for an end to the fossil-fuel industry and for debt forgiveness…
-
“We demand all the world’s forces to end the occupation of our land and our Al-Quds. We are ready to pay the price for freedom and will not accept anything less than our independence. We had information that the aggression would return to Gaza after the civilian prisoner exchange operation. There will be no prisoner exchange as long as the aggression continues on Gaza. We are in a battle of liberation, and the occupier must leave our land. We have proposed the handover of the elderly over 60 years in exchange for the release of our prisoners over 60. Efforts…
-
Nigeria’s steady plunge into a labyrinth of socio-political and economic upheavals has been profoundly disorienting. It’s a landscape of confusion, where the unfolding narrative leaves minds reeling. We find ourselves at a precipice, a nation teetering on the brink, where paranoia and an array of psychosomatic disorders have transmuted many Nigerians into a volatile powder keg, waiting for the faintest spark to ignite. Let’s map the trail of events: politicians, guardians of power, maintained an eerie silence, their inaction a testament to a system seemingly content in its stagnation. The masses, disenchanted and disheartened, frowned upon this, calling it a…
-
The veteran US diplomat, who died on Wednesday, had been added to the ‘Peacemaker’ database for allegedly spreading anti-Kiev narratives Ukraine’s ‘Peacemaker’ database, which features supposed enemies of the state, has marked US veteran diplomat Henry Kissinger as ‘deceased.’ The former US secretary of state, who passed away on Wednesday, was added to the list in May 2022 for his alleged participation in “Russia’s information special operation against Ukraine.” The online resource, created back in 2014, describes itself as a “non-government Center for Research of Elements of Crimes against the National Security of Ukraine, Peace, Humanity, and International Law.” Over the years, it…
-
An annual report on extremism in the American military has revealed a rise in suspected cases Extremism in the ranks remains a troubling trend for the US military, as evidenced by the fact that 78 service members were suspected of being advocates for the overthrow of their own government, an annual Pentagon report has revealed. The report, released this week, also showed that 44 service members were suspected of supporting or engaging in terrorism in the past year. Overall, the 183 allegations of extremism across all branches of America’s military marked a 25% increase from the previous year’s level. In addition…
-
All of Ukraine is becoming dependent on the “mood” of a single person, Vitaly Klitschko says Ukraine’s municipal authorities now remain the only independent force in the country, which has grown increasingly authoritarian amid the conflict with Russia, the Mayor of Kiev Vitaly Klitschko has said. Klitschko shared his assessment of the state of ‘democracy’ in Ukraine in an interview with German daily Der Spiegel, published on Friday. The country’s governing institutes have greatly deteriorated amid the hostilities, with local municipal authorities effectively remaining the only independent force standing, he asserted. “Ukraine is on the path to authoritarianism,” the mayor said. “There…
-
Israel and its Western backers should focus on a two-state solution instead, the Turkish president said Israel’s goal to destroy Hamas or expel the Palestinian militants from Gaza is unattainable, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, as the fighting in the Middle East has resumed following a brief truce. “The Western countries that support Israel, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, always bring up the question ‘What are we going to do about the threat of Hamas?’ instead of looking at the two-state [solution],” Erdogan told reporters on a flight from Dubai, where he attended a climate…
-
A former bank chairman has figured out the art of never running out of money to waste. Other people’s money. Thomas Akoh Etuh is a very rich man. He is the Chairman at Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc and Founder of the TAK group of companies, a multibillion naira conglomerate spanning Agriculture, Logistics, Asset Management, Aviation and Mining. His portfolio includes TAK Continental Limited, TAK Asset Management, TAK Agro, TAK Aviation, Thomasses and Associates Limited (UK) and Cape Cross Salt (PTY) of Namibia). Like many Nigerians of such considerable means, he made the jump from bank customer to bank insider, becoming…
-
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), one of Nigeria’s most prominent pro-democracy NGOs, invited me to make a virtual presentation from my base in Atlanta to a national seminar it organized last Thursday on “targeted judicial reforms and enhanced judicial integrity in post-election litigation.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it, but here are the thoughts I would have shared on the topic. It’s oddly ironic that the judiciary, which should be the bulwark of democracy, has become such a dreadful terror to democracy that people are seeking to protect democracy from it. The courts have become the graveyards of electoral…
-
The Israeli government has plans to continue the Mossad’s decades-long international assassination operations targeting Palestinian resistance leaders The Mossad is preparing to assassinate Hamas leaders around the world once the war between Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza and Israel winds down, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on 1 December. “With orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s top spy agencies are working on plans to hunt down Hamas leaders living in Lebanon, Turkiye, and Qatar,” the report reads. “I have instructed the Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a nationwide address on 22…
-
For a while now, the South East has been in terrible shape. The area that was the safest and most tranquil in the nation around two years ago is now plagued with insecurity. A large portion of the blame can be attributed to the void left by the almost total absence of patriotic and selfless political leadership. Their political leaders haven’t done enough to stand up for the people of the Southeast; instead, they have taken advantage of them to establish themselves. That’s how the zone descended into anarchic and violent youth unrest that eventually took the form of what…
-
Late Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, a seasoned statesman and nationalist who served as a former Minister of Aviation in the First Republic, recently provided insights in an interview. He shared thoughts on the nation’s prevalent violence, the visit of Igbo leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the perceived marginalization of the South-East, growing unrest, and the aspiration for an Igbo president, among other critical issues. TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI presents the excerpts: During a recent visit, you led Igbo leaders to meet President Buhari. Could you elaborate on the visit’s…
-
Introduction Nigeria’s diaspora community constitutes a substantial demographic of citizens residing abroad, each maintaining deep ties to their homeland. With an estimated population exceeding 27 million, Nigerians abroad wield substantial influence in the socio-political and economic landscape of their country. However, their participation in Nigeria’s electoral process remains constrained due to the absence of adequate technology and mechanisms for diaspora voting. This essay advocates for the critical need for Nigeria to develop capacity for diaspora voting, thereby harnessing the invaluable perspectives and contributions of its citizens residing outside its borders. Recognition of Diaspora Contribution: The diaspora community represents a pivotal…
-
The Federal Government has expressed its condolences on the passing of Ambassador Denis Iyortom Ukume, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire from 1981 to 1984. Describing him as a “distinguished Nigerian diplomat and a strong proponent of Nigeria’s global outreach in the Second Republic,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, paid tribute to the late Ambassador’s significant contributions. In a condolence message to the Ukume family, Akume highlighted Ambassador Ukume’s unique experience during his diplomatic tenure in Côte d’Ivoire. He recalled the ambassador’s pivotal role in facilitating the return of former Biafran leader, Odumegwu…
OBLONG MEDIA GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE 