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.
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“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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,”…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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“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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Twelve years after the death of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, his wife, Bianca has praised former President Goodluck Jonathan for the honour done the deceased. Bianca made her feelings known in a statement to mark the 12 posthumous celebration of Ojukwu and made available to newsmen on Monday in Awka. Mrs. Ojukwu said what the federal government under Jonathan did was memorable to Ojukwu, saying the honour to Ojukwu at his twilight and death was for both the family and entire Igbo people. According to her, “this year’s Ojukwu Memorial Day 2023, is a tribute edition. As…
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Dear Concerned Citizens, I write to you today with an urgent message that touches upon our health and well-being, particularly concerning reused bottles and containers found in hospitals and their potential risks to unsuspecting consumers. It has come to our attention that empty bottles of water and cans used by patients in hospitals are sometimes repackaged and sold by cleaners who collect them during their cleaning routines. Shockingly, these containers may have been used by patients who suffer from various illnesses, leading to serious health risks if not handled and reused cautiously. In some unfortunate cases, these containers have been…
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For years, I have harbored a simmering rage, an anger that refuses to dissipate whenever thoughts of my home state, Imo State, flood my consciousness. It’s a visceral emotion, born out of frustration and helplessness in witnessing the tragic turn that has befallen the Eastern Heartland, my beloved state. I restrained myself from putting pen to paper, adhering to the golden rule of communication – refrain from speaking when consumed by anger. But the weight of indignation had two distinct roots that fueled this seething fury within me. Firstly, my ire is directed towards the Northern Islamic Oligarchy and their…
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The rise and fall of Warri, once a thriving industrial hub, stands as a poignant testament to the catastrophic consequences of internal discord on a city’s prosperity. In its heyday spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s, Warri boasted a bustling landscape of industrial giants like the Warri Refinery, NNPC, DSC, Delta Glass, Shell, Chevron, Schlumberger, Dunlop, Agip, Saipem, Halliburton, while Escravos and Forcados were operating at their zenith. The city exuded a vibrant atmosphere, teeming with economic activities that fueled its growth and allure. Multinational and local banks dotted the cityscape, catering to a flourishing business ecosystem. Warri’s port…
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Fighting can’t go on for months, Secretary of State Blinken has reportedly said Israel lacks “credit” to keep the fight against Hamas going for months and needs to change its tactics in the south of Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a war cabinet meeting on Thursday, according to Israel’s Channel 12. Blinken was in Jerusalem for meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet overseeing the war on the Palestinian militant group. Some of the quotes from the meeting somehow made their way to Channel 12, Israel’s most popular commercial TV station, which aired them on…
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Interview with Dr. Ahmad Alderzi “Israel has failed to eradicate Hamas, and empty Gaza of Palestinians” The events in Gaza and Israel have captured the world’s attention. With so many factors and moving parts to the situation, it is necessary to take a step back and look at the whole scene. Dr. Ahmad Alderzi, the noted microbiologist and activist, has been interviewed by Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse, and his sweeping assessment is enlightening and thought provoking. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Many people have wondered if Hezbollah will open a war front against Israel in response to the situation in Gaza since October…
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First published on October 15, 2023 According to the official version, the Hamas attack “caught Israel by surprise”. However, a series of inexplicable facts do not make the official version credible. How is it possible that the Gaza barrier was breached with bulldozers without anyone noticing? The 64-kilometre barrier surrounding Gaza is made of an underground wall equipped with sensors to prevent tunnelling, and a 6-metre high fence with sensors, radars, cameras and automatic weapons systems connected to a command, and is manned by soldiers. How is it possible that on that very day, a music festival was taking place involving thousands…
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I emphasize that the recent advancement for Igbos doesn’t merely stem from the internet’s arrival; it’s the social media element empowering independent thinkers to challenge historical inaccuracies. Through social media, scholars are debunking false narratives perpetuated by the Yoruba press, often biased against Igbos, rewriting Nigeria’s history to favor themselves. The skewed narrative wrongly attributes post-independence successes to Awolowo and blames Azikiwe, Ojukwu, and the Igbos for Nigeria’s problems. However, the truth is slowly surfacing, gradually vindicating the Igbo people. This masterpiece by Professor Tekena Tamuno, a historian and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, provides valuable insight. It’s…
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Berlin is abandoning its own national interests in order to satisfy the whims of its “allies,” the Russian president has said Germany is being bossed by its Western partners because it lacks sovereignty, and its policymakers demonstrate poor leadership skills, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a meeting with young Russian scientists on Wednesday. Putin weighed on the EU’s push to wean itself off Russian energy following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that by implementing the measure, Germany was only hurting itself. The president noted that either European countries are turning their backs on cheap energy on their own…
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No fewer than 400 consultant anaesthetists left the shores of Nigeria for greener pastures in the last two years, says the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists. President of the society Dr Olubusola Alagbe-Briggs, disclosed this in Gombe on Wednesday during the society’s 31st annual scientific conference. Alagbe-Briggs said that the immigrant anaesthetists left Nigeria in search of a better practice environment. She said anaesthetists were the most sought-after specialists in foreign lands because of the peculiarity of their services. “There is a global shortage of anaesthetists because of the nature of the job which is intensive, acute and focused. “We had…
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The Labour Party (LP) has raised alarm that the Supreme Court has, till date, failed to deliver judgment in the appeal filed by the Party and its candidate in the Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi, and has also refused to avail it of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. This was disclosed in a press release by Labour Party signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, on Tuesday. According to Alhaji Farouk Ibrahim, all the apex court did was “read the judgment in Appeal No. SC/CV/935/2023 filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). After that, the Presiding Justice, His…
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A part of the activities of the University Professors is serving as external examiners to universities other than theirs. The appointment of external examiners is a worldwide practice for quality control. Professors can be external examiners for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. While the external examiner for a postgraduate program can be for a day if it involves just a student, appointment as an external examiner for an undergraduate program lasts for a whole academic year. The external examiner is required to moderate the question papers and marking schemes of all the final-year examinations for the first and second semesters of…
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The aspirations for a prosperous Nigeria often face hindrances deeply embedded within our societal fabric. Addressing these entrenched vices is pivotal for our nation’s development. Religious Fervor Beyond National Growth: Nigerians exhibit an ardent dedication to religious faiths, prioritizing the afterlife over the enhancement of our nation. Unfortunately, many fail to embody the teachings of their religions in their daily lives, leading to a disconnect between faith and practice. Ethnic and Traditional Attachments: The strong allegiance to ethnic groups and traditional rulers hinders national unity. The words of Samora Machel resonate – to foster growth, the triumph of the tribe…
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The Igbo people have a fascinating history that spans thousands of years, passed down through stories and traditions from our ancestors. Archaeologists have found evidence of our presence in the region dating back to around 2500 BCE. Our ancestors built vibrant communities and practiced unique customs and traditions. Long ago, the Igbo people organized themselves into village communities, each with its own system of governance. Elders and leaders, known as “Ofo” or “Nze,” played important roles in decision-making. These village communities thrived and cherished our rich cultural heritage. Our history is deeply rooted in oral tradition. Our elders passed down…
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The history of the Igbo people can be traced back thousands of years, but much of it relies on oral tradition. Archaeological evidence suggests their presence in the region dating back to at least 2500 BCE. The transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and post-colonial Nigeria have also significantly shaped their history. The history of the Igbo people is intricate and multifaceted. Their origins are believed to trace back to the Nri Kingdom, which is considered one of the oldest kingdoms in Nigeria. This kingdom was known for its political and religious influence among the Igbo people and neighboring regions. The Igbo…
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• The south-west zone of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) said occupants of houses marked for demolition at the Festac Phase II area of Lagos state violated rules • The agency disclosed a plan to pull down 677 houses, while 744 others will be partially demolished over infringement Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, took significant steps in resolving the Abule-Ado buildings’ demolition issue in Lagos. His proactive efforts led to a pivotal meeting on November 28th, 2023, at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) headquarters in Abuja. At this session, he engaged in constructive discussions with Senator Gbenga Ashafa, the…
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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has described Africa as the right continent for trade and investment. Obi made this remark yesterday while speaking at the opening of the two-day Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London that started yesterday. His address focused on the vast opportunities within Africa and outlined strategies for sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent. In his opening remarks, Mr. Obi who expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for organizing the event, highlighted Africa’s potential, and underscored the continent’s rich…
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Retired Justice Samson Uwaifo’s poignant words captured the dire repercussions of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary. It’s a system marred by inefficiency and malpractice, a situation highlighted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The shocking revelation that 52 government ministries, departments, and agencies declined to engage with the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) paints a worrying picture of systemic corruption risks, even within esteemed institutions like the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. The gravity of the issue becomes starker when considering the staggering sums exchanged as bribes in the judicial sector, as disclosed by…
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Last year, Nigeria’s most successful businessman and richest person alive in the country, Aliko Dangote, had a meeting with his selected strategists. The purpose of the meeting was simple. To decide among the three presidential candidates, Aliko Danogte would support The three candidates were Peter Obi Atiku Abubakar Bola Ahmed Tinubu The candidate’s profile, merit, and demerit were analysed by the gentlemen seated in that room. At the end of the meeting, the consensus was that Atiku Abubakar was a better option to back, and the reasons were not far-fetched. Aside from the special chummy relationship between the businessman and…
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I have been inundated with videos and writings by a cross-section of Ndi Igbo calling on our businessmen to move their businesses to Igboland. I have seen a video claiming Ladipo traders are moving spare parts business to the east. I have watched angry Igbo abuse Lagos State Government for demolishing properties owned by Igbo people as a sort of political vendetta. I have read, watched, and heard all sorts of allegations of marginalisation of Igbo people by the contraption we call Nigeria. I have read people praise MNK for “opening Igbo eyes” to the discrimination we face in Nigeria.…
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The falcon no longer hears the falconer. A commercial flight landed in Asaba on Sunday but its cabin crew welcomed passengers to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. A certified true copy of an Appeal Court judgment last week gave victory to both the respondents and the appellants. Nigeria of today is the textbook definition of confusion. I seek to describe what the Court of Appeal did with the Kano governorship case as judicial adultery. I also seek to call it an adulteration of justice. I write with the help of my dictionary which has pointed it out to me that ‘adulterate’…
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There is a growing body of compelling evidence showing that Russia and Ukraine were involved in serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine right after it started on 24 February 2022 (see below). These talks were facilitated by Turkish President Recep Erdogan and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and featured detailed and candid discussions on the terms of a possible settlement. By all accounts, these negotiations, which took place in March-April 2022, were making real progress when Britain and the US told Ukrainian President Zelensky to abandon them, which he did. Coverage of these events has focused on how foolish and irresponsible it was for…
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Subsidies, globally, are an integral part of good governance. However, in Nigeria, they predominantly serve the wealthy, by the wealthy, and for the wealthy. Highlighted here are several instances of manipulation, showcasing how substantial sums of money could be recovered not just to subsidize fuel but also to foster national development. 1. Diversion of N40 billion from Federation Account Continental Transfert Technique, engaged by the Ministry of Interior, unlawfully collects the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card (CERPAC) Fee, amounting to an average of N40 billion annually. Despite court orders directing remittance to the Federation Account, the contractor and…
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In the annals of Ghana’s judiciary, Samuel Azu Crabbe’s name resonates profoundly. As Chief Justice of Ghana from 1973 to 1977, he stood resolute, unwavering in the face of potential intimidation by Jerry Rawlings and Kojo Tsikata, steadfastly delivering justice even amid tumultuous times. Azu Crabbe, whose name finds its roots in Igbo, signifying “back” or “fish,” chaired the Special Investigation Board (SIB) tasked with unraveling the tragic murder of three distinguished Ghanaian judges—Cecilia Koranteng-Addow, Frederick Poku Sarkodee, Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong—and retired Army major, Sam Acquah. These eminent figures, targeted and ruthlessly slain on June 30, 1982, had previously issued…
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The militant group has released 24 people, both Israelis and foreign nationals, in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners Israeli citizens handed over by Hamas on Friday appear to be in good health, local medics have reported. The Palestinian militant group also released ten Thai nationals and one Filipino, while Israel let 39 Palestinian prisoners go. The swap was part of a deal reached earlier this week, under which 50 Israeli women and children were due to be exchanged for 150 Palestinian inmates. The Israeli military has also temporarily halted its operation against militants in Gaza, with the truce expected to…
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The characterization of government and politics as a criminal enterprise in Nigeria has sparked significant concern and scrutiny both domestically and internationally. Nigeria, a nation brimming with resources and promise, has grappled persistently with systemic corruption, fund mismanagement, and political maneuvers that often mirror organized crime. Instances of embezzlement, bribery, and nepotism have infested Nigerian politics, stalling national progress and eroding public trust. The diversion of public funds into private pockets, frequently facilitated by those in power, has perpetuated an endless cycle of economic stagnation and inequality. This misuse of resources has led to the neglect of critical sectors like…
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Hamas freed two dozen hostages, Israel released 39 imprisoned Palestinians, and more than 130 aid trucks reached Gaza over the first day of a tense, temporary truce after seven weeks of war. Hamas freed two dozen hostages held in Gaza and Israel released nearly 40 imprisoned Palestinians on Friday, completing the first exchange in a tense, temporary truce that halted the fighting after seven weeks of war. The cease-fire, reached after weeks of painstaking negotiation with the help of Egypt, Qatar and the United States, had held for a few hours before word emerged that anyone had been released. Then…
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“What was all this area before the First World War? Palestine was the area between the Mediterranean and the Iraia n border… East and West Bank was Palestine; I am a Palestinian,” Meir said. She also admitted that she obtained a Palestinian passport under the British Mandate, which was created in 1923 to facilitate the mass Jewish immigration to Palestine. The Mandate was established six years after the Balfour Declaration was issued
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British spy agencies worked with the CIA to turn televisions and smart phones into bugging devices that can record conversations and even take photographs, according to leaked intelligence documents. The CIA is accused of running a secret computer hacking programme giving its agents access to everyday items including mobile phones, TVs and iPads. The CIA is also alleged to be targeting cars that contain onboard computers linked to the internet, amid unsubstantiated allegations that once in control of vehicles it could stage assassinations and make them look like accidents. The catastrophic leak of data was obtained by WikiLeaks and published,…
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Either the Resistance Axis and the Global South decolonize the Middle East, or “Israel” and the US will continue occupying the region, choking off the New Silk Road, plundering Syria’s oil, and keeping Russian, Iranian, and Arab gas cut off from the world market. Two weeks before Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, Netanyahu went to the United Nations General Assembly, held up a map, and declared his plan for a “New Middle East”: an economic corridor, stretching from India to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, “Israel”, and finally to Europe. This is one of the main geopolitical reasons…
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Miko Peled whose father served as a general in Arab-Israeli War of 1967 speaks for the rights of Palestinians and says condemning Palestinians under oppression for resisting is the height of hypocrisy. Israeli activist and writer Miko Peled, the grandson of a signatory to the Israeli state’s 1948 Declaration of Independence, criticises Tel Aviv’s policies towards Palestine, asserts that they cannot defeat the Palestinians. The author, whose father served as a general in the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, spoke to Anadolu about his journey as an activist advocating for the rights of Palestinians, and evaluated the current conflict that started on…
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The four-day truce is proof of Israel’s failure to crush Hamas and release hostages by sheer military force, say experts. At the very beginning of the Israeli assault on Gaza, Israel’s hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his military leaders had asserted that a military invasion of Gaza was the only way to crush the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in the Mediterranean enclave. They sounded confident of achieving their goal swiftly. But despite a 47-day bombing campaign — which many have equated with America’s atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during WWII — and a ground invasion by tens of thousands of…
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Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed worry over the current state of affairs within the judiciary system in Nigeria. NEF’s view comes amidst the controversy surrounding the Court of Appeal ruling on the Kano State governorship election. According to NEF, the error in the CTC of the court ruling may validate the concerns raised by retired Supreme Court Justice, Dattijo Mohammed, about corruption in the judiciary. In a statement released through its Convener, Ango Abdullahi, NEF stressed the need for the judiciary to be cautious in its actions to prevent the erosion of its integrity, public trust, and confidence. He…
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A spokesman for the Ministry of Health in Gaza: We call on all sides to take full advantage of the truce for the flow of medical aid, fuel, medical delegations, and the exit of the wounded. Islamic Resistance in Iraq said that In response to the crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, its fighters targeted the US occupation base in the Al-Omar oil field in Syria. Al Mayadeen’s correspondent to Gaza reports Israeli warplanes launch a series of raids on the area east of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Spokesman for the Ministry of Health in…
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History is repeating itself – and every politician and establishment journalist is pretending they cannot see what is staring them in the face. There is a collective and wilful refusal to join the dots in Gaza, even when they point in one direction only. There has been a consistent pattern to Israel’s behaviour since its creation 75 years ago – just as there has been a consistent pattern to the “see no evil, hear no evil” response of western powers. In 1948, in events the Palestinians call their “Nakba”, or Catastrophe, 80 percent of Palestinians were ethnically cleansed from their…
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Israel is intentionally assassinating journalists in Gaza. As it wages its genocidal onslaught on the enclave, having murdered at least 13,000 Palestinians so far, Israel is simultaneously killing media workers in order to prevent the world from seeing the unspeakable atrocities it carries out. The situation at hand is as dire as it is unprecedented. Since October 7, the Israeli military has killed 60 media workers, according to the Gaza Government Media Office. The Committee to Protect Journalists has stated this is the deadliest month for attacks on journalists since it started keeping record in 1992. Additionally, many other Palestinian reporters outside of Gaza face…
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A State Department official, Sylvia Yacoub, not only has accused the Biden Administration of “spreading misinformation”, but also of being “complicit in genocide”. Her 5-page memo was signed by 100 State Department and USAID officials in a State Department system that, unfortunately, is not for public view. Still, it reveals that conflict exists within governmental structures. In the case of this memo, the impact is certain to be essentially zero. It’s as if leadership is saying, “OK, you’re critical, but now back to work.” So then, how does someone aware of dangerous or treasonous activity make it known to a larger public that needs it? There…
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Geert Wilders was the surprise victor in Wednesday’s Dutch elections, after a late surge that catapulted his anti-EU party to a resounding victory over his mainstream rivals. As people in the Netherlands, and the rest of Europe, adjust to the shock, these are some of the key issues they’ll be considering: Who is Wilders? The 60-year-old Wilders has been a fixture in Dutch politics for decades. He started his career as a member of former Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s liberal group but broke away to serve as an independent lawmaker before setting up the anti-migrant Freedom Party, known as the…
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US officials involved in negotiations say the two sides are still working out “final logistical details” The hostage exchange deal between Israel and the Hamas militant group will be postponed until Friday, a senior Israeli official has said. The arrangement was originally set to begin on Thursday, with Israeli forces expected to pause operations for four days to allow aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. Israeli National Security Council Director Tzachi Hanegbi announced the delay in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that the negotiations were still underway and that the deal was set to be finalized. “The contacts on the…
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On Sunday, 19 November, the extreme neoliberal Javier Milei won the run-off elections with 56% against 44% for the present Peronist (center left) Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa. This is more than a surprise. On 23 October, during the first-round vote, Massa had a 36% to 30% lead. Massa is an experienced economist and well-versed politician. Milei is neither. However, Milei boasts he will drastically reduce Argentina’s inflation, currently more than 140%, get rid of the Argentine Central Bank and adopt the dollar as the national currency, replacing the Peso. This is just one of his radial neoliberal measures he plans for Argentina.…
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