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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Russia supplied just over €29 billion ($31.2 billion) worth of energy to the EU last year, according to data from the bloc’s statistics office, Eurostat, as cited by the Russian business daily RBK. Despite bans and extensive sanctions, the bloc has continued to import oil, petroleum products and natural gas from Moscow This figure represents a threefold drop compared with the previous year, when the EU purchased over €90 billion worth of Russian energy. The bloc continues to import Russian oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. Though Brussels banned purchasing oil and petroleum products from Russia, temporary exemptions were provided…
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The phenomenon of the quick money syndrome versus the acquisition of formal education and gradual wealth building in Nigeria has significantly impacted our youth’s psyche and development. This contrast reflects broader societal issues influenced by economic challenges, unemployment, and societal values that prioritize material success over educational attainment and ethical labor. Additionally, there’s an increasing trend among unemployed and even educated youth who have embraced politics as a professional career and a shortcut to overall success. These individuals navigate the political landscape for personal gain, sidelining the principles of public service and governance. This involves aspects like political patronage, clientelism,…
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Today, President Bola Tinubu in company of Vice President Kashim Shettima at the State House met with the 36 States Governors and the FCT Minister. He informed the Governors that the Federal Government will work with them and the National Assembly towards putting in place a mechanism that will engender state police instead of the vigilantes that are being used in some states and thatmodalities for State Police and addressing security issues to be discussed further at National Economic Council. The proposal for state police in Nigeria has sparked a robust debate, reflecting deep concerns about the nation’s security infrastructure’s…
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The 1963 Constitution of Nigeria, often referred to as the Republican Constitution, marked a significant transition in Nigeria’s constitutional and political development. It replaced the Queen of England as the head of state with a President elected by a secret ballot of the joint session of the two houses of the Federal Assembly. This move to a republic signified Nigeria’s full sovereignty, with the President becoming the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The Supreme Court replaced the Privy Council as the highest court of appeal, which was a move towards judicial independence and the entrenchment of…
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An aging population and higher interest expenses have been pushing the country’s indebtedness higher The US national debt could surge by $19 trillion over the next decade to surpass the $54 trillion mark, owing to the mounting costs of an aging population and higher interest expenses, according to the latest report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The debt exceeded $34 trillion in December. A key factor that will likely lead to a further surge in the national debt is the sharp increase in the federal deficit, according to the CBO, which projects the annual shortfall rising to $2.6 trillion…
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President Bola Tinubu recently declared that he should be included in the Guinness Book of Records for having the guts to remove fuel subsidy on his first day in office—something that no other Nigerian president has ever done. Yes, he does deserve a spot like that, but sadly, it’s not for the wrong reason. The damage Tinubu has done to the country’s economy is comparable to chopping off a person’s legs without giving them anesthesia or providing drugs to prevent inevitable infections. And in a short while, Nigeria’s economy will fully fit Venezuela’s collapsed economy in all its ramifications unless…
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Josep Borrell has urged the US to send “less arms” to Israel Supplies of weapons to Israel should be reduced as the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignored international calls to avoid civilian casualties during the IDF’s military operation in Gaza, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said. According to the latest figures from Gaza’s health ministry, 28,473 people have been killed and 68,146 more wounded in Israeli airstrikes and the ground offensive against the Palestinian enclave. The IDF has been attacking Gaza since the Palestinian armed group Hamas launched its October 7 strike on Israel, in which…
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Naledi Pandor claims to have received intimidating messages arising from the war crimes case against Israel South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor has accused Israeli intelligence of attempting to intimidate her and her family in response to Pretoria’s genocide case against the Jewish state in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the war in Gaza. Pandor told reporters on Thursday in the South African city of Cape Town, on the sidelines of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation, that she had requested extra security after receiving threatening messages. “What I’m more concerned about is my family, because in…
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People need to be given a “political horizon” toward a state of their own, the foreign minister said The UK is considering whether to officially recognize a Palestinian state, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has revealed. Such a gesture would create “irreversible progress” toward peace in the Middle East, he believes. Speaking at a reception for Arab diplomats in London on Monday, Cameron called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and for the Palestinian people to be given “a political horizon” toward a two-state solution. “We have a responsibility there because we should be starting to set…
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West Jerusalem must carefully consider any military action in Rafah, Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said Israel must carefully consider the consequences of further military action in Rafah in southern Gaza, which hosts approximately a million displaced Palestinian civilians, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has said. His comments came shortly after Israel carried out airstrikes that killed 67 people in the city and left dozens injured, according to local officials. Located near the Egyptian border, Rafah had a population of around 280,000 people before hostilities between Israel and Hamas broke out last October. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously…
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The expansion of Israel’s ground operations in the southern Gaza city may further violate Palestinians’ rights, Johannesburg says South Africa urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to evaluate whether Israel’s planned ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah requires the court to intervene to prevent further breaches of Palestinian rights in an emergency filing on Monday. “The unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction,” the South African Presidency said in a statement published on Tuesday, suggesting the ICJ take…
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Disgusting: Here are the 18 Republicans Who Voted with Democrats In an unusual session held on Super Bowl Sunday, the US Senate voted to move forward a substantial $95 billion aid package that will support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with no southern border security provisions. The vote garnered support from RINOs, with a final tally of 67-27. The vote came in response to Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.)’s steadfast refusal to expedite voting on the bill, which he vehemently criticized as “rotten” and detrimental to national interests. Senator Paul, expressing his staunch opposition, declared he would not allow the bill to…
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This narrative invites a reflection on the principles of self-determination, the importance of respecting cultural and ethnic identities, and the potential for peaceful restructuring to create more cohesive and prosperous societies. It’s a call to consider alternative pathways to harmony and development, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding as foundational pillars. The emphasis on peaceful separation as a catalyst for development draws from historical precedents where nations have successfully navigated their way towards sovereignty and economic prosperity through peaceful means. This approach advocates for a reevaluation of existing structures, suggesting that a reimagined political and economic landscape could potentially unlock…
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The microzoning dilemma in the Owerri zone, involving the three power blocs—Owerri, Mbaike, and Mbaise—underscores a tangled scenario of political maneuvering and equity issues. This situation calls for a unified effort from all Owerri zone stakeholders to establish unity and reach a consensus on rotating political offices, ensuring equitable representation for all blocs. Such collective action aims not only to enhance the zone’s political influence but also to foster inclusivity and a sense of community, signaling readiness for governance to the governor. Despite Governor Uzodinma’s commitment to equitable power distribution in Imo State, with a preference for an Owerri governorship,…
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Report, February 2, 2024. Dele Alake states, “State governments and local governments are entitled to collect other taxes, such as ground rent, but not royalties and taxes on mining.” This policy, if enforced, undermines the revenue-generating capacity of mineral-rich states and escalates constitutional disputes highlighted by recent Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) rulings on internal waterways and Elegushiland in Lagos State. Before proceeding, I must share my foundational beliefs. Having been honored to write the foreword to Governor Victor Attah’s book, “Resource Control,” in 2004 and edit its second edition in 2018, I assert that the federal government’s treatment of…
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The political environment in Imo State is characterized by the emergence of various self-serving, unsanctioned political pressure groups. These groups, often formed to advance specific political agendas, may align more with individual or party interests than with the general welfare of the public. Their activities, ranging from advocacy and lobbying to potentially manipulative actions affecting public opinion and electoral outcomes, underscore a complex dynamic within the state’s political landscape. Operating without formal approval or oversight, these entities position themselves outside the established political framework. While some argue they contribute to democratic processes by fostering political engagement and advocacy, their lack…
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In June 2022, Bola Tinubu’s declaration of “Emi lokan” (It is my turn) during an event in Ogun State starkly underscored the self-centered ethos pervading Nigeria’s political scene. This proclamation, far from being a mere personal ambition, epitomized the widespread greed, self-indulgence, and egotism characterizing Nigerian politics. It unveiled a deeper, detrimental political philosophy where individual aspirations undermine collective welfare. This prevalent “Emi lokan” mentality underscores a concerning trend across Nigeria’s political spectrum, from governors to the presidency. Such deep-rooted self-interest poses significant threats to governance and erodes public trust. Rooted in the concept of egoism, the actions of Nigerian…
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Delay in Appointing New Ambassadors Raises Concerns Over Nigeria’s Diplomatic Relations. Five months have passed since President Bola Tinubu recalled all of Nigeria’s ambassadors, and he has yet to appoint their replacements. On September 2, 2023, President Tinubu ordered the immediate recall of all Nigerian ambassadors and envoys. Nigeria operates 109 diplomatic missions globally, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates, as reported by Daily Trust. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has sustained diplomatic relations with numerous countries. Despite occasional reports of inactivity at some Nigerian diplomatic missions, experts argue that countries gain more respect through visible…
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Nigeria stands as a beacon of potential, evoking both admiration and concern on the global stage. Its wealth in natural resources, from aluminum and gold to fertile lands yielding diverse crops, positions it as a powerhouse for industrial and agricultural development. The vision of thriving industries—from technology to agriculture, fueled by resources such as oil, signals a future of prosperity and influence. Yet, this promise remains largely unfulfilled, overshadowed by challenges of governance and economic management. The mention of Nigeria stirs discussions of its potential as a leader not only in Africa but globally, driven by its young and vibrant…
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Will Western media outlets look past their egos and establishment narratives to take advantage of the insights from the conversation? American establishment media spent the days in the run-up to Tucker Carlson’s interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin pre-judging it as propaganda, and soliciting the opinions of establishment figures, like former US secretary of state, first lady, and presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, who dismissed Carlson a “useful idiot.” All this before they even had the slightest notion of the interview’s content. All they knew was that Putin would have an opportunity to speak, and that ever since Carlson left Fox News and turned independent, there…
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From our Archives 31 October 2019 Even the Gray Lady admits the president is up against a powerful bureaucracy that wants him sunk. The New York Times on Thursday published a remarkable piece that essentially acknowledged the existence of an American “deep state” and its implacable hostility to Donald Trump. The Times writers (fully five on the byline: Peter Baker, Lara Jakes, Julian E. Barnes, Sharon LaFraniere, and Edward Wong) certainly don’t decry the existence of this deep state, as so many conservatives and Trump supporters do. Nor do they refrain from the kinds of value-charged digs and asides against Trump…
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As more nations continue to find viable solutions to bypass the US dollar for other alternative currencies, the US government’s stranglehold on global finance and trade continues to decline. No one should be surprised at this point since Washington has been using its currency as a weapon of war including the economic sanctions it has imposed on various nations across the globe and its open threats for regime change and so on against those who are unwilling to obey Washington’s Old-World Order. So you can expect major challenges for Washington. Most of the world are currently working to end the…
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Background and Introduction This relatively lengthy introduction is deemed necessary to understand how we got to where we are today; to grasp the long-term western (US) plan to dominate the world economy with their currency, the US dollar, to which some 23 years ago the US-dollar’s cousin, the Euro, was added, with the same “zero-backing” base. The current western (US) made International Monetary System (IMS) has been plagued by unfairness since the beginning, when it was created through the so-called Federal Reserve Act (FRA), signed by US President Woodrow Wilson on December 23, 1913. Image is from the public domain The FRA…
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First published in June 2023 In his bestselling book of 1987, The Rise and Fall of Great Powers, historian Paul Kennedy chronicles the rise of western power and its world dominance from 1500 to the present. He reports that the rise was not due to any particular event, nor even an unusual series of events. It was, in fact, neither foreseen nor even recognized until it was already well under way, although it may be accurately ascribed to multiple factors, which Kennedy discusses. The same may be said of the ongoing fall of western power. Although the decline of the…
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30 January 2019 American economic sanctions have been the worst crime against humanity since World War Two. America’s economic sanctions have killed more innocent people than all of the nuclear, biological and chemical weapons ever used in the history of mankind. The fact that for America the issue in Venezuela is oil, not democracy, will surprise only those who watch the news and ignore history. Venezuela has the world’s largest oil reserves on the planet. America seeks control of Venezuela because it sits atop the strategic intersection of the Caribbean, South and Central American worlds. Control of the nation, has always been…
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Venezuela’s crisis is both profound and man-made, mirroring a nation engulfed in war. It is plagued by acute shortages of food and medicine, unchecked crime, and frequent electricity outages. This narrative finds echoes in the experiences of another nation familiar to me. Economists have labeled Venezuela’s situation as an extreme hyperinflation scenario, where goods’ prices double every 26 days. For instance, a cup of coffee that cost 450 Bolivares in 2016 skyrocketed to an astonishing 2.5 million Bolivares by 2019. An overwhelming 90% of Venezuelans are ensnared in poverty, with a currency that has lost almost all value. The impoverished…
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“The Western Hemisphere is our Region” Michael Pompeo, US Secretary of State First published in March 2019 Introduction Not since the US pronounced the Monroe Doctrine proclaiming its imperial supremacy over Latin America, nearly 200 years ago, has a White House regime so openly affirmed its mission to recolonize Latin America. The second decade of the 21st century has witnessed, in word and deed, the most thorough and successful US recolonization of Latin America, and its active and overt role as colonial sepoys of an imperial power. In this paper we will examine the process of recolonization and the strategy…
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The argument over whether Nigerians should be allowed by law to carry weapons for self-defence is returning and gaining traction in light of the terrifyingly high levels of insecurity in the nation, especially kidnapping. When the notion was recently put to the Chief of Army Staff, he soberly rejected it. Nigeria’s chief of army staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, thought that there would be anarchy if Nigerians were allowed to carry firearms. “I do not support that. I think that is a call for anarchy,” said COAS Lagbaja during a TV programme recently. Also, previous Inspectors General Police (IGPs) had similarly firmly…
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In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, February 7, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, directed the federal government to establish pricing for various goods and petroleum products within the next seven days. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa issued the directive following a motion presented and argued by the petitioner, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN. Justice Lewis-Allagoa stated, “After hearing the applicant Femi Falana in case No. FHC/L/CS/869/2023, and noting the absence of any counter-affidavit from the respondents—the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board—it is concluded that the facts presented in the motion are accepted as unchallenged. Therefore,…
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Analyzing the Super Eagles’ Success: Team Composition and the Spirit of Patriotism FACTS: °12 Igbos out of 25 players ° 22 Christians out of 3 Muslims °21 Southerners out of 4 Northerners °12 states, Imo, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Enugu, Anambra, Kebbi, Kano, Borno out of 36 States °12 Igbos, 5 Yorubas, 3 Binis, 3 Hausa Fulani, 1 Ibibio, 1 Idoma, 1 Bakor (Cross River). I carried out a prescriptive and a diagnostic data analysis on the Super Eagles and the findings might shock some of you. The descriptive analysis has turned out raw numbers into information…
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This Tuesday, in Abuja, the Save Democracy Group – West Africa (SDG-WA) and the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (TAS) held a policy dialogue. They expressed alarm about the shortcomings of democracy, especially in West Africa, the sub-region where the majority of Black people live, as seen by the military’s increasing reentry into governance. The departure of three founding members of ECOWAS served as the impetus for the shared policy dialogue under reference. The partnering NGOs said that they will establish a West African Democracy Observatory (WADO) to track the sub-region’s political and governance health by keeping an…
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The Fulani socio-cultural organisation in Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, established the “Nomad vigilante group” in Nassarawa state on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The Miyetti Allah’s national president, Bello Bodejo, stated that the security group will support law enforcement in their efforts to battle criminal activity within the state. He added that 1,144 Fulani youths who were chosen from different communities within the state’s 13 LGAs comprise the vigilante organisation. The ethnic vigilante group received tacit official approval by the presence of the commissioner of Police for Nasarawa state CP Umar Nadada represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police Operation, ACP…
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Sunday is the 20th anniversary of Facebook’s* launch. In twenty years, the company has grown into a major tool for manipulation, social engineering and control by the deep state, big business and Western intel agencies. Sputnik reached out to an insider-turned whistleblower for info on the architecture of Facebook’s censorship industrial complex. Formally launched on February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg’s future empire started out as a modest “directory of information for college students,” with Zuckerberg and several of his Harvard classmates assembling the initial platform in about two weeks, and the company taking just four short years to surpass rival…
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Three influential opposition figures have hinted at the coming of a mega party that will challenge the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general election. These are Prof. Pat Utomi of the Labour Party, a former governor of Kano State and the presidential candidate of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president of Nigeria and PDP candidate in the last two presidential elections. For Nigeria’s democracy to flourish and become functional once again, the need for a mega opposition party has become very critical. The other seventeen political parties, many of which are…
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France has been exerting pressure on Tinubu, utilizing its influence over previous allies such as Mali, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. These countries have historically supported Nigeria’s efforts to maintain unity and combat insurgencies, including during the Nigeria-Biafra war and the fight against Boko Haram. In exchange, France was promised access to Nigerian gas. This arrangement has also been favorable to Britain, which has appreciated France’s efforts to keep Nigeria united since the 1960s. However, France has been disillusioned by the lack of support from the USA, UK, and others in suppressing uprisings in its former colonies. Instead of backing France,…
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Qatari negotiators are awaiting a final response from Hamas officials, who have seemingly welcomed the plan Israel has agreed to a ceasefire proposal that would halt its war with Hamas, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday, citing the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Hamas has reportedly given the plan a “positive” response. The ceasefire plan was hashed out in Paris over the weekend, with Qatari and Egyptian diplomats mediating between Israel and the Palestinian militant group. Delegations from West Jerusalem and Gaza left the French capital promising to study the proposal and negotiate further this week, and by Thursday evening, a deal was apparently within…
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A former gubernatorial aspirant in Ogun State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi has insinuated that the continued detention of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was a testament to the unfair treatment of South-East people in the country. This is as he also on behalf of Nigeria appealed to the Igbos to forgive the nation for the ugly experiences they went through during the civil war and what he described as crime against humanity that might have taken place, including loss of lives and assets. In a statement he sent out to…
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U.S. senators on Wednesday grilled leaders of the biggest social media companies and said Congress must quickly pass legislation, as one lawmaker accused the companies of having “blood on their hands” for failing to protect children from escalating threats of sexual predation on their platforms. The hearing marks the latest effort by lawmakers to address the concerns of parents and mental health experts that social media companies put profits over guardrails that would ensure their platforms do not harm children. “Mr. Zuckerberg, you and the companies before us, I know you don’t mean it to be so, but you have…
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The shift towards cryptocurrency in Nigeria has been influenced by economic factors and actions of law enforcement agencies like the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These agencies have targeted young, enterprising Nigerians, often labeled as ‘scammers’, leading to the blocking of bank accounts, seizure of cash and assets, and other forms of financial ostracism. In response, many young Nigerians have turned to cryptocurrencies to evade the scrutiny of these security agencies. Cryptocurrencies offer a level of anonymity and are less traceable than traditional bank accounts, providing an attractive alternative for those feeling…
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Ndigbo have a saying that, ‘Oji ọfọ ga ana’. Translated, this means that he or she that lives by pious virtues need not be afraid of any harm or danger coming to the person. Ọfọ is not just a piece of wood that can be seen in the home of a titled Igbo man, or the home of an Igbo man that is revered in his community. It is much more, and represents a lot. In the wider Igbo society, any Igbo man that has come of age, has joined his community’s age grade system (Ịpụta ọgbọ), or ‘Iwa akwa’…
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A democracy without opposition is like making an omelet without breaking eggs; or, a bird flying with one wing or one clapping with one hand. Yet, the fact is there is no opposition in the nation’s so-called democracy. Opposition political parties simply exist as platforms for power grabbers to contest and capture power and there it ends till another election season comes. It should be declared right away that the opposition political parties may soon not have enough time to do the needful to be able to successfully run and win the 2027 General Election. The gaps and flaws found…
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N40 Trillion LGA Allocations Unaccounted For. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called upon the 36 state governors of Nigeria and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to disclose the details of federal allocations intended for local governments in their respective states and the FCT. This request includes the actual disbursement of these allocations since the inception of democracy in 1999. Furthermore, SERAP urges these officials to invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an investigation into the disbursement and…
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If we take the Central Bank of Nigeria to Sokoto, will that translate to wellness for the seat of the caliphate? The Central Bank of Nigeria recently announced a decision to send back to Lagos some of its departments. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also announced a decision to go back to its natural habitat, which is Lagos. The elites of the north are not happy; they are, in fact, angry. They allege a plot by the Yoruba, through Bola Tinubu, to under-develop the north by taking the capital out of Abuja. But what did Lagos lose by…
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In a significant move to promote transparency and address the decline in oil revenue, President Bola Tinubu has initiated a major reform in Nigeria’s oil sector. This reform involves transferring the responsibility of crude oil sales from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Historically, the NNPC had exclusive control over crude oil sales, reporting only to the federal government. This arrangement faced criticism for its lack of transparency, with concerns about possible underreporting of earnings by the NNPC. Under the new directive, the NNPC is mandated to forward all receipts from crude…
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In a startling development in Owerri, Imo State, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) uncovered five decomposing bodies, including that of a woman, in a forest opposite the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Ihiagwa. This disturbing discovery, made during an operation based on intelligence reports, has raised significant fear and concern in the region. The bodies, in advanced stages of decomposition, were located in a forest now infamous for its criminal activities, especially kidnapping. The operation, under the leadership of State Commander Dr. Fabian Iwuoha, involved more than 50 officers and was conducted with the approval and…
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Justice Sebutinde argued that the case against Israel was political not legal Uganda’s government has distanced itself from Judge Julia Sebutinde, Kampala’s representative in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), after she opposed all emergency measures sought by South Africa in the genocide case against Israel. On Friday, the ICJ ordered Israel to take “all measures within its power” to prevent acts that could qualify as genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, but stopped short of calling for a full ceasefire. Out of nine provisional measures requested by South Africa, six were approved by the overwhelming majority of 17 judges on the panel,…
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Tony Elumelu, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s financial sector, is flourishing under the current administration. His bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), is poised to earn a substantial commission of approximately $66 million (or 66 billion naira) for orchestrating and facilitating the Afrexim-NNPC $3.3 billion loan deal. However, this achievement is just a part of a larger narrative. In the previous year, Nigeria grappled with a severe dollar scarcity, leading to unprecedented spikes in the black market dollar rate. The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, driven by the desire to remain in favor with Bola Ahmed Tinubu and…
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed significant perplexity regarding a substantial $3.3 billion emergency crude oil repayment loan. This loan, obtained by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and facilitated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afrieximbank) in 2022, is a point of contention. This financial arrangement emerged during a period marked by the dramatic decline of the Nigerian Naira against the US Dollar. According to NNPCL, the loan was intended to bolster the Naira and ensure stability in the Foreign Exchange market. Atiku has raised concerns about the terms of this loan, noting that it involves repaying with…
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If history were a child, the Yoruba would insist on calling it an Abiku. History keeps climbing the chimney and, in Wole Soyinka’s voice, yelling at us: “I am Abiku, calling for the first/ And the repeated time.” And with J.P. Clark’s opening glee, his entrance chant, history revels in “coming and going these several seasons.” Hundreds of years before Christ, a rampaging General called Alexander the Great from Macedonia staged what history recorded as the Siege of Gaza. Second century Greek historian and military commander, Arrian of Nicomedia, wrote on the last days of the siege. He also gave…
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I wrote a piece highlighting the constitutional order that was being challenged in Anambra state when the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, decided to call out Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the media. The much-respected royal father made a very poor decision with that one. It was an unprovoked fight with all gloves off. I feared that Soludo, who is the executive governor of Anambra state and a sub-sovereign in Nigeria, would use his maximum powers. Under a presidential democracy, in which there are only three arms of government, the law is very clear on the powers of the…
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Yes, Buhari was a Mistake. Few weeks ago, he turned 80. At that, he is the oldest Nigerian to serve as the leader of this country. He is unarguably one of the luckiest Nigerians. Besides Olusegun Obasanjo who became Nigeria’s democratically-elected President, having served as military Head of State, no other person has been as lucky as President Muhammadu Buhari, not only for twice emerging as Nigeria’s leader, but more because on both occasions, he landed the presidency of the country on a platter of gold. Even when he emerged as Military Head of State, on December 31 1983, the…
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The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) emerged from a long-standing secessionist sentiment in Nigeria’s South East region. Its roots can be traced back to the secessionist movement of the 1960s, led by Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, which sought to establish the Republic of Biafra. The movement stemmed from feelings of marginalization by the central government, dominated by leaders from the Northern part of Nigeria. This initial secession attempt led to the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Although the war ended with the reintegration of the Biafran region into Nigeria, the sentiment of separatism persisted IPOB, under the leadership…
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As year 2024 gets underway, not even the staunchest optimists and the predatory political class can pretend any longer that all is well with the world’s largest agglomeration of Black people. In all sectors of national life–governance, the economy, security, infrastructure, social services, and national cohesion–confusion, decay and misery are prevalent amid unmistakable symptoms of state fragility. Nigeria barely survived 2023 and its severe stresses, this year offers a new opportunity for the leadership and people to arrest the spiral and reset the country to a sustainable path. It is the collective responsibility of Nigeria’s 226.43 million persons (UN), but…
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The Ikwerre (natively known as Iwhuruọha are one of the Igbo Subgroups in Rivers State. Traditional history has classified Ikwerre into seven groups called “Ikwerre Essa”. They are Elele, Isiokpo, Rumuji, Emohua, Choba, Aluu Igwuruta and Obio group. This division was recognized by Forde and Jones; (1950) in their ethnographic study of the Igbo speaking peoples of South Eastern Nigeria Some Ikwerre people migrated from Ika a subgroup of Igbos in Delta State and Edo state while some migrated from Ngwa, Arochukwu and Ohaji/Egbema. The Aro first came into the Ikwerre area through Ozuzu-Etche, settling at Isiokpo, Igwuruta, Omagwa, etc.…
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The issue of Igbophobia in Nigeria is deeply rooted, with its origins dating back to the colonial era and the early years of Nigeria’s independence. During this time, the Igbo people were perceived as disproportionately favored by colonial authorities, leading to envy and resentment from other ethnic groups. This negative sentiment was further exacerbated by the events of the Biafran War, which saw the Igbo-led secession and subsequently strained relationships with other Nigerian ethnic groups, especially the Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba. The entrepreneurial spirit and cultural vibrancy of the Igbo people have often been met with suspicion and hostility. The recent…
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On January 17, 1961, in this farewell address, President Dwight Eisenhower warned against the establishment of a “military-industrial complex.” In a speech of less than 10 minutes, on January 17, 1961, President Dwight Eisenhower delivered his political farewell to the American people on national television from the Oval Office of the White House. Those who expected the military leader and hero of World War II to depart his Presidency with a nostalgic, “old soldier” speech like Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s, were surprised at his strong warnings about the dangers of the “military-industrial complex.” As President of the United States for two…
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The Nigerian nation is a confused state. The protection of people’s lives and property as well as their welfare are the two main reasons that governments are in place everywhere in the globe. Any additional justification is incidental rather than central. This implies that any nation with a government that is unable to guarantee the safety of people and their property is doing a poor job of fulfilling its basic obligations. Nigeria has been woefully inefficient in protecting its citizens and their property for decades, not to mention the incapacity of the country’s successive governments to ensure the fundamental well-being…
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The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has a complex and evolving history, characterized by both achievements and significant challenges. Established with colonial origins, the NPF has played a crucial role in law enforcement and maintaining peace and order in Nigeria. However, the force has faced issues such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, corruption, and a lack of public trust and confidence. These issues have frequently led to public outcry and protests, including the notable #ENDSARS movement in 2020. In recent years, there have been several reform efforts aimed at improving the effectiveness, professionalism, and accountability of the NPF. These efforts include…
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The US and Israel have clashed over the future of post-war Gaza Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel “will not settle for anything short of an absolute victory,” rejecting calls from Washington to either wind down the hostilities in Gaza or support the creation of a Palestinian state. The US pushed for the realization of the two-state solution earlier this week in Davos, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arguing that Israel’s path to “genuine security” lay with the formation of a Palestinian state. The Israeli PM dismissed the idea on Thursday, asserting that “Israel must maintain security control over all the territory…
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has committed “genocide” against the Palestinians of Gaza, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday. Speaking at a warship commissioning ceremony at the Yalova shipyard near Istanbul, the Turkish leader laid into both Israel and the West. “There is no more trust towards the Western countries that have failed the test on the Gaza issue. Their fascist faces have been exposed. They have not taken a single step to prevent violence. The organizations tasked with global security have suffered a fiasco,” Erdogan said. “They have confined themselves to idly watching acts of genocide and barbarism committed…
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Netanyahu has vehemently denied such claims, blaming Iran for the flow of arms and funds to the Palestinian group EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has openly accused the Israeli government of funding Hamas, an allegation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied. Borrell did not elaborate on the claim, which has been repeatedly made by opponents of Netanyahu and the Israeli media. Speaking at the University of Valladolid in Spain, Josep Borrell said Hamas “was financed by the Israeli government in an attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority led by Fatah,” according to El Pais newspaper. Netanyahu has blamed the rise of…
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What is the Hidden Agenda? This “Engineered Chaos” –which consists in deliberately prolonging an unwinable war, to the detriment of the people of Ukraine–, creates conditions which favour the Neo-Colonial Privatization of An Entire country The Privatization of Ukraine was launched in November 2022 in liaison with BlackRock’s consulting company McKinsey, a public relations firm which has largely been responsible for co-opting corrupt politicians and officials Worldwide not to mention scientists and intellectuals on behalf of powerful financial interests. BlackRock, which is the World’s largest portfolio investment company together with JPMorgan “has come to the rescue of Ukraine”. The Ukraine Reconstruction Bank. was set up. The stated objective…
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On January 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the political West is trying to exert greater control over the increasingly unhinged Kiev regime frontman Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Lavrov’s assessment, the US-led power pole’s puppet is trying to expand his grip on power by eliminating any form of dissent, including canceling this year’s presidential election. The increasingly out-of-control Zelensky has become a nuisance for the United States, prompting it to insist on “more flexibility” from him, Lavrov said, adding that “all the latest rhetoric coming from [Zelensky’s] office only reflects the wish of that individual and his associates… to keep power as…
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Israel’s appearance at The Hague last week to defend itself against South Africa’s charge of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip marked the most significant legal and diplomatic challenge to the country since its inception more than seven decades ago. In a public hearing, South Africa’s legal team presented a solid legal document that outlined how Israel has breached the Genocide Convention during its three-month-old war on Gaza. More importantly, the plaintiff debunked Israel’s claim that its actions in Gaza were justified as self-defense in retaliation for Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, which South Africa had condemned. And finally, using the…
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After 85 years, British energy major Shell (SHEL.L) has agreed to sell its Nigerian onshore oil and gas subsidiary in Nigeria to a consortium of five mostly local companies for up to $2.4 billion. Active in the West African country since the 1930s, Shell has struggled for years with hundreds of oil spills at its onshore operations as a result of theft, sabotage and operational issues that led to costly repairs and high-profile lawsuits. Shell’s SPDC Limited operates and has a 30% stake in the SPDC joint venture that holds 18 onshore and shallow water mining leases. According to report,…
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Fellow Nigerians, let me tell you from the outset and without equivocation that I voted “against” the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the February 25th presidential election. And if the opportunity arises again, I will repeat the same thing, whether in the rain or in the scorching sun. It was a promise I made to myself that I cannot in good conscience vote for a man who represented and still represents all the character attributes that generations of our forebears preached against. Yes, I couldn’t turn a blind eye to all the corruption and…
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When you read this column, you may think it’s about a successful entrepreneur selling his business and making a lot of money. He did make a lot of money, but the real story is that this man plans to build multiple businesses that will create many much needed high paying jobs. Birmingham and Jefferson County have struggled for decades to attract fast growing companies to expand our employment base. Yes, it’s true this man will likely make even more money, but that’s not the point, He’s committed to investing his time, energy, and capital locally when it might be easier…
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The debate over Nigeria’s political and governance structure is complex, touching on the nation’s diversity, large population, and centralized system. Nigeria’s immense diversity in ethnicities, religions, and languages is a potential strength but has led to conflicts, raising questions about the suitability of the current centralized government for such a diverse nation. The proposal to divide Nigeria into three regions or countries stems from concerns that central control over key governance areas — including education, health, transportation, INEC, legislature, executive, judiciary, revenue collection, police, and major infrastructure — is not effective for Nigeria’s size and diversity. This centralization in Abuja…
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In failing to look past Joe Biden, Democrats have shown cowardice and complacency American politics is paralysed by a contradiction as big as the Grand Canyon. Democrats rage about how re-electing Donald Trump would doom their country’s democracy. And yet, in deciding who to put up against him in November’s election, the party looks as if it will meekly submit to the candidacy of an 81-year-old with the worst approval rating of any modern president at this stage in his term. How did it come to this? Joe Biden’s net approval rating stands at minus 16 points. Mr Trump, leading…
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The term “challenge” can often trigger a defensive reaction, as it is frequently associated with conflict or drama. However, being challenged can also mean being intellectually stimulated or encouraged to excel. Regrettably, not many women encounter men who challenge them in this positive sense. Women have made significant progress in both financial and educational fields. They’ve been known to surpass men in many fields. This leads to the question: what role do men play in the lives of such accomplished women? The candid response is that, from a practical standpoint, women these days don’t necessarily need men. I argue that…
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Serial digital entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, has spotlighted the chief reasons why multinationals are exiting Nigeria and warned that if nothing was done, more of such businesses and indigenous ones may close shop in the coming months and years. In a press statement, Ekeh who is the Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, a Nigerian conglomerate with international affiliations, urged President Bola Tinubu to address the critical issues of corporate blackmail and bullying, which he said frustrate the Federal Government’s effort at promoting ease-of-doing-business in the country. While acknowledging that scarcity of forex is a challenge for businesses operating in Nigeria,…
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A court has ruled stolen assets worth £6.9m ($8.9m) can be returned to Nigeria. It comes after Jersey’s Attorney General served a forfeiture notice to the Royal Court in Jersey in November. The court ruled the money, deposited in a Jersey bank account, was likely stolen by officials in the Nigerian Government in 2014. The return of the assets will now be negotiated with the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The transfer of money was disguised as government-sanctioned contracts for arms purchases during incursions by Boko Haram in Nigeria between 2009 and 2015. ‘Victims of crime’ The Government of Jersey said it was…
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The current exchange rate of the Naira, around N1,000, is merely a midpoint in its journey to N3,000 by 2027. This projection is based on the lack of significant improvement in key macroeconomic variables or factors by then. The exchange rate is an economic metric comparing two economies. It reflects disparities in macro variables between countries, such as infrastructure, technology, foreign direct investment (FDI), rule of law, military power, education, energy, healthcare, etc. Economically disadvantaged relative to the US, the Naira is expected to depreciate against the Dollar. Since 1978, the Naira has plummeted by an astonishing 99.94%, retaining only…
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I believe Igbo should have their Biafra because I find no single positive reason why we must live as one nation while other people closer to us than the Igbo are having separate nations. As a man without colonial mentality, I do not allow colonial hangover to becloud my reason. There is already Biafra. No Hausa/Fulani dares dream of going to the east for whatever reason. So where is the One Nigeria? Is it not better to make the separation formal so that we can trade freely and and even send ambassadors? Can’t you see how we ralate with Niger…
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The battle against the hydra-headed monster known as corruption has primarily been political since the establishment of Nigeria’s two primary anti-corruption agencies. President after President has used these main agencies as a weapon against those who are thought to be opponents of the president or the ruling party. A national chairman of the ruling party once said: “If you enter the ruling party all your sins are forgiven.” After President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, Nigerians have been observing the two anti-corruption agencies’ dance moves. Every President’s body language has always been observed by these agencies,…
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Everywhere I look, it feels like a national emergency. The widespread despondency is matched only by a profound sense of helplessness. Driven by curiosity about this pervasive disquiet, I have been quietly observing conversations in various WhatsApp groups. Despair seems to reign; many believe the economy is in a nosedive. Opinions range from believing we’re applying Band-Aids to fatal wounds, to declaring Nigeria a lost cause. Yet, some still hold faith that, like the biblical dry bones, revival is possible. The plight of the poor, rendered voiceless and almost emasculated, is heartbreaking. They resort to desperate text messages, begging for…
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Globally, subsidies, whether for food, transportation, energy or housing, are part of good governance. So, the issue is not subsidies but who benefit from them. In Nigeria, subsidies are primarily of the rich, by the rich and for the rich. I will highlight a few, how they are being manipulated and how huge sums of money can be recovered not just to subsidize fuel but also provide funds for development. 1. Diversion of N40 billion from Federation Account A company, Continental Transfert Technique had been hired by the Ministry of Interior to collect the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien…
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The problem with writing skewered history is that it equally misinforms its target: Kayode Esho was a great jurist, but Akunne Oputa was the “Socrates” of the Supreme court. Enahoro was a young editor at his paper, the Southern Nigerian Defender in Ibadan, but Azikiwe made him that young editor with Osita Agwuna as his assistant. The myth of Awolowo as building the first this and that does not match the documented economic history of the period. Between 1954 and 1964, Eastern Nigeria was described as “the fastest growing economy in the world,” by the Harvard Review; faster than China,…
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Countries across the continent have been unable to capitalise on their demographic dividend A global baby bust is slowing growth in every major economy, from China and Japan to Germany and the US. But the flip side of this story goes untold: even economies that could still get a big boost from population growth are failing to do so. The biggest problem for global growth is Africa, now home to 1.5bn people. One in three of those entering the workforce will live on the continent by the 2030s. For the world economy to grow faster as a whole, Africa would…
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This Friday, African Independent Television (AIT) aired two opposing press statements of the Nigeria Police and the Army regarding the Netizens’ 2024 slogan, “No Gree for Anybody.” The Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi issued a warning, stating that the slogan might cause the nation’s law and order to collapse. He said, “We have been informed from our intelligence that this slogan is coming from a revolutionary sector that may likely cause problems across the country.” On the other hand, the Army took up the slogan and used it to exhort Nigerians to rise against the banditry and terrorism that are destroying…
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An Intelligence Ministry document revealed by Local Call and +972 shows how the idea of population transfer to the Sinai is reaching official discussions. First published on November 1, 2023 The Israeli Ministry of Intelligence is recommending the forcible and permanent transfer of the Gaza Strip’s 2.2 million Palestinian residents to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, according to an official document revealed in full for the first time by +972’s partner site Local Call yesterday. The 10-page document, dated Oct. 13, 2023, bears the logo of the Intelligence Ministry — a small governmental body that produces policy research and shares its proposals with intelligence agencies, the…
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January 11 Hearing at the World Court Israel’s Secret Intelligence Memorandum An official “secret” memorandum authored by Israel’s Ministry of Intelligence “is recommending the forcible and permanent transfer of the Gaza Strip’s 2.2 million Palestinian residents to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula”, namely to a refugee camp in Egyptian territory. There are indications of Israel-Egypt negotiations as well as consultations with the U.S. The 10-page document, dated Oct. 13, 2023, bears the logo of the Intelligence Ministry … assesses three options regarding the future of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip … It recommends a full population transfer as its preferred course of action. … The document, the authenticity of which…
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Restructuring Federal Powers and Empowering Regional Autonomy. The argument for restructuring Nigeria and decentralizing key sectors such as transport, education, health, police, works, aviation, mines, and power to the states is multidimensional, encompassing historical, political, economic, and social aspects. With the Population Reference Bureau forecasting Nigeria’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest population by 2050, the current federal structure, primarily reliant on oil revenue sharing, is unsustainable. Transitioning to a model that promotes productivity and regional development is crucial, especially given the global shift towards a knowledge-based economy and the diminishing reliance on fossil fuels, to ensure Nigeria’s long-term economic sustainability.…
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I saw the BBC documentary on the late Prophet TB Joshua and his Synagogue church and wasn’t surprised. I have a personal experience too. I’m not sure if this qualifies as the proverbial “case of curiosity kills the monkey.” However, I was aware that Prophet TB Joshua and his Synagogue Church had gained significant traction in Nigeria and beyond, and I, too, had noticed this. I used to watch his Emmanuel TV station a lot back then when I was bored with the sad news from Nigeria. Even if I had my doubts about the validity of his amazing miracles,…
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The origin of the “Savior” – Later becoming the person worshipped today as Jesus Christ. Ptolemy I Meryamun Setepenre (circa 367-283 B.C.E- Before Common Era) (also known as Soter) (“Soter” means savior) became the first European pharaoh of Egypt through military force led by Alexander the Greek (a.k.a Alexander the Great). When Ptolemy became pharaoh of Egypt, he wanted the Egyptians to consecrate him as a god. He wanted to be called a god because that was the title all of the pharaohs of Egypt were called prior to him. However, the people of Egypt refused to call him a…
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The controversy about the request by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to the Accountant General, as widely reported, is only a reflection of the systemic failure in our public service. I will point out a few issues while we await the outcome of the investigation. Before I proceed, it is evident that the Ministerial Retreat did not deal with serious governance issues. I am confident that no one in the retreat presented the case study of Minister Adenike Grange, who was advised to approve payouts for the end of the year. A sterling career suffered extensive…
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The BBC reveals how the late megachurch leader TB Joshua, who is accused of committing sexual crimes on a mass scale, locked up his own daughter and tortured her for years before leaving her homeless on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. Warning: Contains details some readers may find distressing “My dad had fear, constant fear. He was very afraid that someone would speak up,” says one of the pastor’s daughters, Ajoke – the first whistle-blower to reach out to the BBC about the abuse she witnessed at her father’s church, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan). TB Joshua, who…
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Dozens of ex-Synagogue Church of all Nations members – five British – allege atrocities, including rape and forced abortions, by Nigeria’s late TB Joshua. The allegations of abuse in a secretive Lagos compound spans almost 20 years. The Synagogue Church of All Nations did not respond to the allegations but said previous claims have been unfounded. TB Joshua, who died in 2021, was a charismatic and hugely successful preacher and televangelist who had an immense global following. The BBC’s findings over a two-year investigation include: One of the victims, a British woman, called Rae, was 21 years old when she abandoned her…
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When we enter luxurious malls, boutiques, and supermarkets, we often accept prices without question. We pay exactly what the price tags display and sometimes even generously tip the staff. However, this attitude sharply changes the moment we step outside to buy something as simple as bananas. Our haggling skills intensify. Imagine a poor widow, burdened with the responsibility of feeding her 12 hungry children, offering bananas for N100. She shares her struggles – the difficulty in sourcing them, the relentless pressure of a tough economy. Yet, we relentlessly bargain, refusing to pay more than N50. Some of us might even…
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1- In 1938, Lee Byung-Chull launched Samsung in South Korea as a grocery shop. 2- In 1940, due to tight competition in the grocery segment, Samsung abandoned grocery for producing and selling of noddles. 3- In 1950, Samsung abandoned production of noddles for producing of sugar. 4- In 1954, Samsung left sugar and started a woolen mill in Korea. 5- In 1956, Samsung abandoned woolen mill and started selling Insurance and securities. 6- In 1960, Samsung left selling of insurance and securities for production of television – the black and white television. Not color television. 7- In 1980, Samsung switched…
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“Was It A False Flag”? An Israeli cabinet meeting devolved into a bitter argument Friday in the wake of the IDF chief announcing plans to launch an inquiry into the military’s failure to respond to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7. Several ministers lambasted IDF Chief-of-Staff Herzl Halevi during a discussion on “the day after” the Gaza War over plans for the IDF to form an investigatory team to probe the security lapses surrounding Hamas’ deadly incursion into Israel. From The Jerusalem Post: At issue was opposition to an IDF plan for an internal investigatory committee that would include former Defense Minister and former…
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These are some of the things we adopted from the United States of America. In Nigeria’s past: These were the days before American influence transformed our society, days of strong, visionary leaders and communities bound by tradition and morals. Pastors and Imams were spiritual guides, and monarchs were custodians of customs. Then came the American influence, shifting our conservative ideologies to embrace capitalist ideals. This shift, supported by various global and national figures, led to significant changes in our religious, economic, and social fabric. We are now at a point where Nigerian leadership is heavily influenced by American policies, and…
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Cyber attack, Power Grid Goes Out, Synchronized Chaos, Collapse, “Civil War” “Leave the World Behind” depicts the unraveling of society in the wake of a surprise attack by an unknown assailant. Many believe the film, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, predicts a cyberattack on the U.S. power grid A cyberattack that will make the COVID pandemic look like a minor inconvenience in comparison has been repeatedly “promised” in recent years by World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab “Leave the World Behind” doesn’t preach preparedness ideologies or indulge in apocalyptic fantasies. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the potential ramifications of…
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End the Genocide against the People of Palestine. Nuremberg Principle IV: Disobey Unlawful Orders, Abandon the Battlefield under Principle IV of the Nuremberg Charter. The Republic of South Africa’s Legal procedure against the State of Israel. APPLICATION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS To the Registrar of the International Court of Justice, the undersigned, being duly authorised by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, state as follows: In accordance with Articles 36 (1) and 40 of the Statute of the Court and Article 38 of the Rules of Court, I have the honour to submit this Application instituting proceedings in the name…
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The educational landscape in Imo State, Nigeria, particularly in its public primary and secondary schools, has been facing significant challenges. When compared with past decades, the overall quality and quantity of education in Imo State have shown a negative trend. The neglect and near collapse of the education system in Imo State casts a shadow of uncertainty over the future, fostering hopelessness, joblessness, and insecurity. The current Imo State Government has reportedly inspected over 2,000 schools to identify those in need of rehabilitation and reconstruction. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Arinze Nwokedi, announced plans to renovate…
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Extraordinary Stories of the WaZoBia Billionaires: Ojukwu, Da Rocha, and Dantata” offers a captivating insight into the lives of three Nigerian remarkable figures who rose to immense wealth and influence in pre independence Nigeria. This book explores their unique journeys, business successes, personal challenges, and their significant socio-economic and cultural impact. Through engaging storytelling, it highlights their resilience, visionary entrepreneurship, and lasting legacies, providing an inspiring account of how these individuals shaped their world and history. By Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store http://www.oblongmedia.net
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It was established that sometime during August 1965, a small group of army officers, dissatisfied with political developments within the federation, began to plot in collaboration with some civilians, the overthrow of what was then the Government of the Federation of Nigeria. The plan which eventually emerged from their deliberations was that on a date not yet decided at the time, the following action would be taken by troops from selected units, led by the ringleaders of the plot. By Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store http://www.oblongmedia.net
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A pro-democracy organisation called Save Democracy Group – West Africa (SDG–WA) recently issued a press statement alerting the public to the ongoing military takeovers that have occurred in West Africa and Africa since 2020, as well as the pressing necessity to preserve democracy in the West African sub-region. In fact, since 2020, the military has overturned the governments of seven African countries: Mali, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon and Guinea. A coup attempt was almost successful not so long ago in Sierra Leone, where numerous people are currently on trial for the incident and that country’s former…
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Nigerians are increasingly frustrated at the growing disconnect between the political class and ordinary people. Whatever else happens in the rest of his term of office, those informed in such matters will be eternally grateful to President Bola Tinubu for pulling the plug on the oil subsidy regime, a trough at which the Nigerian political class irrespective of party affiliation had gorged for as long as anyone can remember. Ordinary Nigerians may justify access to cheap gas on the presumption that it is the least that the citizenry of an oil-producing country is entitled to, but even those who may…
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From Chicago, Illinois to Tulsa, Oklahoma to Durham, North Carolina and many other cities in between, African Americans built flourishing centers of economic growth and commercial activity in their communities at the start of the 20th century. While each district had its own unique nickname reflecting its status as a financial boomtown, one moniker is often used to collectively describe these historic centers of Black wealth and success—Black Wall Street. Black Wall Street was the informal name for Greenwood, a neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which, in the early 20th century, became a prosperous hub for African American businesses. This district…
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