Presidential election with candidate in jail
This is unbelievable, but it is true! A presidential election is taking place on Sunday in Niger and a candidate who is challenging the incumbent is in jail, for baby trafficking. Reports say that the challenger has denied the accusation against him, but he is still incarcerated.
The question then is whether a challenger, who has been put away by the incumbent, can pull a surprise defeat from incarceration.
Hama Amadou is challenging Mahamadou Issoufu. There is a widespread report that despite the challenger being in jail, the government is fully prepared to allow unregistered voters running into millions to vote by mere identification by members of the public.
The question then is whether a challenger, who has been put away by the incumbent, can pull a surprise defeat from incarceration.
Hama Amadou is challenging Mahamadou Issoufu. There is a widespread report that despite the challenger being in jail, the government is fully prepared to allow unregistered voters running into millions to vote by mere identification by members of the public.
Nigeria emerging dictators
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Nigeria in transition to the unknown
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Nigerian Politics: Booty sharing and mass defection
By Abi Giwa
Buhari and entourage
The chairman of Nigeria's All People's Congress, APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has advised Nigerians defecting from to other parties to remain in their party and build a formidable opposition. The party's president-elect, Muhammed Buhari has also been reported as saying that those defecting into the APC would have to wait before they would benefit from political appointments, in comparison to members who fought to ensure the party's victory in the just concluded elections.
But observers who have witnessed how the APC metamorphosed into Nigeria's mega party ask whether it is not too late for the party's chairman to advise his co- travelers to desist from defection, when it is obvious that the party's rise has been from the beginning a result of mass defection from the ruling party. They say the party's foundation is based on defection, and they wonder why the chairman is now cautioning on defection after his party has benefited it.
But observers who have witnessed how the APC metamorphosed into Nigeria's mega party ask whether it is not too late for the party's chairman to advise his co- travelers to desist from defection, when it is obvious that the party's rise has been from the beginning a result of mass defection from the ruling party. They say the party's foundation is based on defection, and they wonder why the chairman is now cautioning on defection after his party has benefited it.
Nigeria's election results' trend and likely outcome
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Nigerians vote and await results
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Sierra-Leone: President and VP fall apart
By Abi Giwa
Koroma and Sumana
Sam-Sumana is the vice-president of Sierra-Leone and a member of the ruling party, All People Congress, APC, until last week before his expulsion. This weekend, information emerged that Sumana had gone into hiding, because he said he heard that soldiers had surrounded his home.
But one development that raises curious observers' attention is the information in BBC's report that Sumana put himself into quarantine for 21 days two weeks ago following the death of one of his body guards from Ebola.
Obvious that Sumana's first fear arose from Ebola, before he found that something worse than Ebola or something like Ebola was getting closer. "I don't feel safe this morning as vice-president," the BBC quoted the vice-president in its report, based on an AP report.
But one development that raises curious observers' attention is the information in BBC's report that Sumana put himself into quarantine for 21 days two weeks ago following the death of one of his body guards from Ebola.
Obvious that Sumana's first fear arose from Ebola, before he found that something worse than Ebola or something like Ebola was getting closer. "I don't feel safe this morning as vice-president," the BBC quoted the vice-president in its report, based on an AP report.
Nigerian political water gets murkier
By Abi Giwa
Will the battle by Nigerian political chieftains to wrest power from one another lead to peace or pieces? This is a question that confronts Nigerians and political observers as news report announces one of the political chieftains saying there is a plan to eliminate him.
Virtually all major newspapers in the country reported today that Bola Tinubu, a leader of the opposition party, All People Congress, APC, spoke through his media representative that the ruling party, People Democratic Party, PDP, has drummed up several plans to silent him and that the party's ultimate aim is to eliminate him, because according to him, he has constituted a bane at the party's continued rulership, because he is behind the stout opposition the party currently has.
The ruling party through two of its officials has described the opposition's chieftain as suffering from hallucination and that they believe he is paranoid. But this development has Nigerians talking about the present and nation's past political experiences, political murders and those they suspected in each of the cases. The irony is that Tinubu himself is not free from suspicion that he may have known about the murder of a former political figure in Lagos.
The current uproar has also drawn the name of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo into the scene as having knowledge of the elimination of a former attorney General, Bola Ige, because according to respondents commenting on Tinubu muder cry reports, they say Obasanjo rid his government of Ige, because Ige was more popular politically than him in the Western part of the country where they both hailed, and where Obasanjo has been fighting for political domination up to this day.
Virtually all major newspapers in the country reported today that Bola Tinubu, a leader of the opposition party, All People Congress, APC, spoke through his media representative that the ruling party, People Democratic Party, PDP, has drummed up several plans to silent him and that the party's ultimate aim is to eliminate him, because according to him, he has constituted a bane at the party's continued rulership, because he is behind the stout opposition the party currently has.
The ruling party through two of its officials has described the opposition's chieftain as suffering from hallucination and that they believe he is paranoid. But this development has Nigerians talking about the present and nation's past political experiences, political murders and those they suspected in each of the cases. The irony is that Tinubu himself is not free from suspicion that he may have known about the murder of a former political figure in Lagos.
The current uproar has also drawn the name of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo into the scene as having knowledge of the elimination of a former attorney General, Bola Ige, because according to respondents commenting on Tinubu muder cry reports, they say Obasanjo rid his government of Ige, because Ige was more popular politically than him in the Western part of the country where they both hailed, and where Obasanjo has been fighting for political domination up to this day.
Nigeria's endangered democracy
By Abi Giwa
Jega
Already, the democratic process in Nigeria is fraught with dangers. The process first ran into quagmires the day the People Democratic Party, PDP, members led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo began meetings with his political children and culminated into their decamping into the opposition. Miracles are possible and it is only a miracle that will save the process from eventual derailment, as the incumbent president and former members of his party struggle for dominance.
Amid this development, news revealed on Tuesday that Speaker Aminu Tambuwal rushed a motion in the House of Representatives criminalizing any attempt by anyone to derail the March 28 election, either by attempt to force out Attahiru Jega, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, from office or do anything that will make the election to be postponed.
Amid this development, news revealed on Tuesday that Speaker Aminu Tambuwal rushed a motion in the House of Representatives criminalizing any attempt by anyone to derail the March 28 election, either by attempt to force out Attahiru Jega, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, from office or do anything that will make the election to be postponed.
Obasanjo's war against Jonathan
By Abi Giwa
Obasanjo and Jonathan
Olusegun Obasanjo's bravado all over the world about Nigeria's election debacle, reminds me of Sunny Ade's song about the Challenge Cup final, between the Bendel Insurance of Benin City and the Mighty Jets of Jos. With his recording of the contest between the two teams, Sunny Ade had succeeded at giving a historical perspective to a soccer tournament and an event that happened in 1972, a little after 1964 - when Nigeria's first attempt at self-government started a journey toward self-destruction.
In this context, there are two contests in topic. One is a soccer contest and the other is a political contest. The soccer contest ended without any fiasco, but the political contest has been in a fiasco and from which Nigeria has not recovered. The title of Sunny Ade's song "Afai Bawon Ja" under which the "Challenge Cup" features is instructive here, for no other reason than the Cold War between Obasanjo and Nigeria's siting President Goodluck Jonathan.
In this context, there are two contests in topic. One is a soccer contest and the other is a political contest. The soccer contest ended without any fiasco, but the political contest has been in a fiasco and from which Nigeria has not recovered. The title of Sunny Ade's song "Afai Bawon Ja" under which the "Challenge Cup" features is instructive here, for no other reason than the Cold War between Obasanjo and Nigeria's siting President Goodluck Jonathan.
Nigeria on a rocky political journey
By Abi Giwa
Nigerian leaders
The ground is set for a showdown between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the opposition party over postponed elections, and the terminal leave the government reportedly ordered Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent Electoral Coomission, INEC.
Kayode Idowu, Jega's press secretary said in a Punch newspaper report that Jega said he had no plan for a terminal leave against widespread information that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered him on vacation from March 1, and that one Olufemi Mimiko had been appointed to take over from him.
In far away Nairobi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a member of the ruling party, the People Democratic Party, declared support for the opposition candidate, Muhammed Buhari, and warned against military coup. But observers say Obasanjo himself had prepared the ground for a coup he warned against, by his masterminding the worst carpet crossing of politicians in Nigeria's history.
Kayode Idowu, Jega's press secretary said in a Punch newspaper report that Jega said he had no plan for a terminal leave against widespread information that President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered him on vacation from March 1, and that one Olufemi Mimiko had been appointed to take over from him.
In far away Nairobi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a member of the ruling party, the People Democratic Party, declared support for the opposition candidate, Muhammed Buhari, and warned against military coup. But observers say Obasanjo himself had prepared the ground for a coup he warned against, by his masterminding the worst carpet crossing of politicians in Nigeria's history.
Nigeria:Attahiru Jega sacked?
Abi Giwa
Nigeria
Professor Attahiru Jega, chairman of Nigeria's Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, may have been removed from office. Unconfirmed information from Lagos said Jega has been asked to go on three months vacation from March, and has been replaced by Olufemi Mimiko.
According to Kenya's Daily Nation, a news published about 0200 pm on Tuesday, (0800 pm Nigerian time) Jega has been asked to proceed on vacation.
Jega's removal may have been a result of the fallout of the change in the election timetable, which he unilaterally decided after consultation with stakeholders, without the input of the presidency.
Some of the security agencies he mentioned as saying they would be unable to provide security for the election have reliably distanced themselves from Jega's decision to postpone the election.
There have been other calls for Jega's removal based on suspicions that he has compromised by holding meetings with emirs along a plan to return a Northerner as president.
According to Kenya's Daily Nation, a news published about 0200 pm on Tuesday, (0800 pm Nigerian time) Jega has been asked to proceed on vacation.
Jega's removal may have been a result of the fallout of the change in the election timetable, which he unilaterally decided after consultation with stakeholders, without the input of the presidency.
Some of the security agencies he mentioned as saying they would be unable to provide security for the election have reliably distanced themselves from Jega's decision to postpone the election.
There have been other calls for Jega's removal based on suspicions that he has compromised by holding meetings with emirs along a plan to return a Northerner as president.
Nigeria's election postponement frays nerves
By Abi Giwa
Jega
Postponement of presidential and the Congressional elections in Nigeria from February 14 to March 28 and April 11 2015, following a change in the country's election timetable on Sunday, is fraying nerves. The ruling party, People Democratic Party, PDP, accepted the change in the election time table, while the opposition party, All People Congress, APC, accepted the change, but cried fouls.
The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC says it has postponed the elections, because security agencies in the country say they cannot assure security, while fully engaged against Boko Haram in the North East of the country.
The APC is joined by many in the civil society and the international community, decrying the election postponement by INEC, charged with conduct and election management in the country.
The Independent Electoral Commission, INEC says it has postponed the elections, because security agencies in the country say they cannot assure security, while fully engaged against Boko Haram in the North East of the country.
The APC is joined by many in the civil society and the international community, decrying the election postponement by INEC, charged with conduct and election management in the country.
Nigeria's history, corruption and Buhari's garland
29 January 2015 By Abi Giwa
Buhari
Nigeria became an independent nation on October 1, 1960. Less than six years after independence, the nation ran into a political logjam. Politicians began fighting over sharing of the office and which part of the country will rule at the center. On top of this was widespread of corruption among politicians, who gave little attention to public needs. One politician in the South of the country, Obafemi Awolowo, then a premier in the Western Region, had offered free primary education and he promised to do the same all over the country, if he could be given votes to become the country's number one citizen. He left his region to seek power at the center. He lost and returned and asked his deputy whom he temporarily gave power to return power. But his deputy said once given power, it is not returnable.
Nigeria: APC's plan for Buhari's failure
By Abi Giwa
APC chieftains
Muhammed Buhari wants to be an elected president. It is his fourth time to present himself for election. In his fourth bid, he has ambushed himself with existence or non-existence of certificates he has said they are with the military secretary in affidavit to the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC.
The military has said it has Buhari's certificates, but that Buhari should also have copies of his certificates, and that if the former army General and military head of state wants copies of his certificates from the military, he knows the process to follow.
But rather than assuage Nigerians, by following the process to retrieve copies of his certificates from the military, one Tunji Abayomi - who claims to be a member of the All Peoples Congress, APC, - and one of those he said vetted the party's presidential candidates' academic qualifications, says in an article that APC has adjudged Buhari as qualified to contest the Nigeria's presidency, and that there is nothing anyone can do about it, certificate or no certificate. Buhari is silent, while APC's chieftains are messing up his aspiration.
The military has said it has Buhari's certificates, but that Buhari should also have copies of his certificates, and that if the former army General and military head of state wants copies of his certificates from the military, he knows the process to follow.
But rather than assuage Nigerians, by following the process to retrieve copies of his certificates from the military, one Tunji Abayomi - who claims to be a member of the All Peoples Congress, APC, - and one of those he said vetted the party's presidential candidates' academic qualifications, says in an article that APC has adjudged Buhari as qualified to contest the Nigeria's presidency, and that there is nothing anyone can do about it, certificate or no certificate. Buhari is silent, while APC's chieftains are messing up his aspiration.
Nigeria: Buhari and APC
By Abi Giwa
Muhammed Buhari, the presidential candidate for the All People Congress, APC, for the February 2015 election, may not have lied on oath. But information reveals that the manner Buhari and his party are handling the furore over his academic certificates has traces of untidiness. Though, the Punch newspaper has reported that the army said it has copies of Buhari's certificates, based on a statement of Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye of the Nigerian Army.
But the Army spokesman said that Buhari ought to have copies of his own certificates, and that if Buhari wants the Army to give him copies, he knows the procedure to follow. What does this mean? That Buhari knows the procedure, but he has decided to do it his own way?
Other questions that immediately arise are: Why has Buhari and the APC allowed the issue of existence or non-existence of certificates question their prudence, and shouldn't the public expect that a presidential candidate and a national organization of APC's stature ought to tidy up their acts before the emergence of Buhari as a presidential candidate?
But the Army spokesman said that Buhari ought to have copies of his own certificates, and that if Buhari wants the Army to give him copies, he knows the procedure to follow. What does this mean? That Buhari knows the procedure, but he has decided to do it his own way?
Other questions that immediately arise are: Why has Buhari and the APC allowed the issue of existence or non-existence of certificates question their prudence, and shouldn't the public expect that a presidential candidate and a national organization of APC's stature ought to tidy up their acts before the emergence of Buhari as a presidential candidate?
Abuja's power show
5 November 2014 By Abi Giwa
In three days, the world will know the direction politics in Nigeria will go, in the battle between the ruling party, PDP, and the opposition party, APC, following defection of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, from the PDP to the APC, two weeks ago.
Consequent to his defection, the police inspector General withdrew his security details. Members of the opposition cried foul, and accused the presidency of a plan to remove the speaker from office.
Politicians in the ruling party said the speaker has abandoned his office by defecting when there is no division or split in the party on which he got elected into the house. Members of the opposition takes that to mean that the ruling party is interpreting the constitution….
Consequent to his defection, the police inspector General withdrew his security details. Members of the opposition cried foul, and accused the presidency of a plan to remove the speaker from office.
Politicians in the ruling party said the speaker has abandoned his office by defecting when there is no division or split in the party on which he got elected into the house. Members of the opposition takes that to mean that the ruling party is interpreting the constitution….
Diplomacy in Quagadougou
5 November 2014 By Abi Giwa
Three African presidents, Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and Macky Sall of Senegal will be visiting Burkina Faso from Wednesday, to parley with Col. Silva Zidanover untidy political development in that country.
Zida has already stepped up his own diplomacy toward keeping what he has from the unrest following Campaore's ouster by the people. He has met diplomats in the country and he said the military does not like power, but that the military is in power to help the country.
He has also met with representatives of the opposition in the country in what he said was a way to find solution to political deadlock the military emergence in power had caused.
Some people have said it is the usual reason the military always give whenever and wherever they seize power. Curious observers say it will take some time to get Zida and his henchmen in Quagadougou to return power to the civilians.
Zida has already stepped up his own diplomacy toward keeping what he has from the unrest following Campaore's ouster by the people. He has met diplomats in the country and he said the military does not like power, but that the military is in power to help the country.
He has also met with representatives of the opposition in the country in what he said was a way to find solution to political deadlock the military emergence in power had caused.
Some people have said it is the usual reason the military always give whenever and wherever they seize power. Curious observers say it will take some time to get Zida and his henchmen in Quagadougou to return power to the civilians.
Nigeria's politicians battle for oil money
31 October 2014 By Abi Giwa
Nigeria's House of Representatives' speaker, Aminu Tambuwal and his new party, have gone to court, challenging the ruling party of a plan to remove the speaker.
The speaker and his new party are relying on an excuse of a split in his former party and says he belongs to a splinter group.
Apparently, the court has declared the split the speaker is claiming and the splinter group as illegal. People are asking whether the speaker and his new party are ignorant of earlier court pronouncements on the split and the group he says he belongs.
Consensus of opinions say the suit is beginning of battle for 2015 elections and sharing of oil money, if they succeed against the ruling party and not for protection of ordinary Nigerians.
The speaker and his new party are relying on an excuse of a split in his former party and says he belongs to a splinter group.
Apparently, the court has declared the split the speaker is claiming and the splinter group as illegal. People are asking whether the speaker and his new party are ignorant of earlier court pronouncements on the split and the group he says he belongs.
Consensus of opinions say the suit is beginning of battle for 2015 elections and sharing of oil money, if they succeed against the ruling party and not for protection of ordinary Nigerians.
Burkinabes reject military leadership
November 2014 By Abi Giwa
Burkinabes are saying that they have not fully achieve a breakthrough with their sacking of Blaise Compaore, because the army has usurped what should belong to the people.
Burkina Faso has reeled under. Compaore's leadership for 27 years, before his forced resignation few days ago, following mass protest by the people against his continued manipulation of the system in favor of himself and a few click. Compaore announced a power vacuum on resignation. General Honore Traore stepped in as interim leader. But the people said he was a usurper. Soon, one Col. Zida appeared on the scene in competition with. Traore. Later another Brigadier came on air with announcement that the military had backed Zida as interim leader and followed by General Traore's capitulation in Zida's favor.
The people are telling Zida to go to hell, because as the head of the presidential guard under Compaore, choosing as interim leader connotes Compaore's continuation and usurpation of the benefit of the people's protest. The people are saying the army should not be leader of change of government arising from the people 's mass protest.
Burkina Faso has reeled under. Compaore's leadership for 27 years, before his forced resignation few days ago, following mass protest by the people against his continued manipulation of the system in favor of himself and a few click. Compaore announced a power vacuum on resignation. General Honore Traore stepped in as interim leader. But the people said he was a usurper. Soon, one Col. Zida appeared on the scene in competition with. Traore. Later another Brigadier came on air with announcement that the military had backed Zida as interim leader and followed by General Traore's capitulation in Zida's favor.
The people are telling Zida to go to hell, because as the head of the presidential guard under Compaore, choosing as interim leader connotes Compaore's continuation and usurpation of the benefit of the people's protest. The people are saying the army should not be leader of change of government arising from the people 's mass protest.
Burkinabes as winners... but
2 November 2014 By Abi Giwa
It has not been quiet on Quagadougou's streets, but singing and dancing in celebration of Blaise Campaore's resignation after 27 years has enveloped the city.
Burkinabes are winners for successfully ousting a man they no longer want as a leader. Though they are saying they don't want General Honore Traore, imposed on the country by Compaore in his resignation statement.But that Kouame Lougue is the man of their hearts' desire. They say it is not feasible for them to leave the streets until their desire has been achieved. But meanwhile, Compaore is history.
Compaore said he had fulfilled his duty, and in order to preserve democratic gains, as well as social peace, he declared a transition that will lead to free and fair election within a maximum of 90 days.
General Traore was said to be Campaore's aide-de-camp. And Burkinabes say they don't want a military coup succession, but a leader worthy of benefits of their uprising.
Burkinabes are winners for successfully ousting a man they no longer want as a leader. Though they are saying they don't want General Honore Traore, imposed on the country by Compaore in his resignation statement.But that Kouame Lougue is the man of their hearts' desire. They say it is not feasible for them to leave the streets until their desire has been achieved. But meanwhile, Compaore is history.
Compaore said he had fulfilled his duty, and in order to preserve democratic gains, as well as social peace, he declared a transition that will lead to free and fair election within a maximum of 90 days.
General Traore was said to be Campaore's aide-de-camp. And Burkinabes say they don't want a military coup succession, but a leader worthy of benefits of their uprising.
Nigeria's political farce
31 October 2014 By Abi Giwa
Nigerian politicians are at it again, defecting from party to party like birds without a permanent base. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has defected from his party to another party, careless about what the law says. After stepping out of his former party, the police withdraws his security details, invoking the law. He has told the police inspector General the police has acted illegally. Pundits say he may have to go to court and prove his words that the police has acted illegally and not just by blowing hot and cold.
Based on Tambuwal's utterances, people say he is unaware he has acted illegally, and that he is in the same shoes with the police.
Based on Tambuwal's utterances, people say he is unaware he has acted illegally, and that he is in the same shoes with the police.
Nigeria's Ekiti State: Battle for control
16 October 2014 By Abi Giwa
Fayose, left and Fayemi.
Thursday, October 16, is Ayo Fayose's first day as Ekiti State's governor in Nigeria, after his defeat of the incumbent, Kayode Fayemi, an election victory that has shocked poll watchers and frightened the opposition party in the country.
Opposition party's supporters have continued saying they believe something must have gone wrong for the incumbent to have suffered a defeat despite his performance in the state. Professor Wole Soyinka added his own sense of loss with a description of the incumbent's loss as a mystery.
Consequently, the party's supporters went to court to challenge the eligibility of the election winner. Supporters of the winner emerged in court and reliably flogged court officials - including judges - claimed to have resolved with opposition to truncate Fayose's election. The opposition denied the accusation. But news reports indicate the opposition has filed a last minute papers in a Lagos court to stop the new governor's inauguration, despite the outgoing governor's acceptance of the election results. (Read More)
Opposition party's supporters have continued saying they believe something must have gone wrong for the incumbent to have suffered a defeat despite his performance in the state. Professor Wole Soyinka added his own sense of loss with a description of the incumbent's loss as a mystery.
Consequently, the party's supporters went to court to challenge the eligibility of the election winner. Supporters of the winner emerged in court and reliably flogged court officials - including judges - claimed to have resolved with opposition to truncate Fayose's election. The opposition denied the accusation. But news reports indicate the opposition has filed a last minute papers in a Lagos court to stop the new governor's inauguration, despite the outgoing governor's acceptance of the election results. (Read More)
Nigeria's Ekiti State: Who is culpable
28 September 2014 By Abi Giwa
Fayemi and Fayose
On Thursday, a chieftain of the National Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Omolafe Aderiye, was murdered in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Aderiye was a member of the People Democratic Party,PDP, and acolyte of Ayo Fayose, a governor elect on the platform of the PDP in the state, waiting to to be sworn into office.
A day before Aderiye was murdered, he was reported to have visited a court premises in the company of Fayose, where he reportedly tore a judge's robe, and disrupted proceedings in a case filed by the opposing party challenging Fayose's election.
There was no report of any attempt by law enforcement to arrest Aderiye for causing disorderly conduct in a court room. People are asking about who may have masterminded Aderiye's assassination in cold blood.
A day before Aderiye was murdered, he was reported to have visited a court premises in the company of Fayose, where he reportedly tore a judge's robe, and disrupted proceedings in a case filed by the opposing party challenging Fayose's election.
There was no report of any attempt by law enforcement to arrest Aderiye for causing disorderly conduct in a court room. People are asking about who may have masterminded Aderiye's assassination in cold blood.
Lesotho's PM runs, deputy takes over
By Abi Giwa
Lesotho's Prime Minister, Thomas Thabane, fled his country on Saturday to South Africa to avoid death from marauding soldiers, whom he said ran around the streets, threatened people and said they wanted him. He says he would return to the country if he is sure he would not be killed.
However, one report by the VOA said that the country's deputy prime minister, Mothetjoa Metsing has taken control of government in the prime minister's absence.
However, one report by the VOA said that the country's deputy prime minister, Mothetjoa Metsing has taken control of government in the prime minister's absence.
Mandosela vs. Zuma
By Abi Giwa
The African National Congress, ANC, wishes demand for President Jacob Zuma to refund part of R246m used for renovation of his Nkandla home goes away. But the office of the public protector is hitting hard at ensuring that Zuma refund the money for renovation on his private home, against ANC's position that renovation of the president's home is justifiable for security reasons.
South Africa's ANC Soul Searching Drama
Jacob Zuma
Is it corruption or e-tolls the cause of the African National Congress, ANC, dismal performance in the just concluded elections with drop in performance in Guateng and Tshwane?
An argument among some protagonists within the ANC and outside the party say that the e-tolls and President Jacob Zuma are responsible, while some are striving to exonerate the president.
An argument among some protagonists within the ANC and outside the party say that the e-tolls and President Jacob Zuma are responsible, while some are striving to exonerate the president.
Nigerians Remember Murtala Muhammed
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Here Comes Field Marshal El-Sisi
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The Charade in Egypt
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The Trouble in South Sudan
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Nigeria's Dissidents Silent Earthquake
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Nelson Mandela Dies
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Neighbors Stoking Fire against Neighbors
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Grendel's Resurrection?
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Egypt Silences Dissent
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Robert Mugabe's 7th Swearing-In Ceremony in Harare (Courtesy: News24.com)
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Zimbabwe, Egypt and Democracy
Published: 5 August 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Mugabe and Tsvangarai
Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, says the ruling party, led by Robert Mugabe, has declared Mugabe the winner. What the opposition’s argument means is that Robert Mugabe has unilaterally made himself president for another term before the country’s official presidential result’s announcement. Mugabe’s supporters are jubilating
Massacre in Egypt
Published: 15 August 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Egypt in turmoil
The Egyptian usurpers have massacred over 600 protesters in fulfillment of a brutish threat to clear Mohamed Morsi followers from protest camps. Trouble that reportedly started on Wednesday has spilled to Thursday with Morsi supporters defying the law enforcement officers who have been empowered to use lethal force against protesters. Observers say every step the military and its hand-picked leaders have taken since Morsi removal have been wrong steps that don't help the country.
In a reaction to developments in Egypt, President Barack Obama condemned the Egyptian authority's decision to use force against the protesters in the camps, and said the United States has cancelled joint military exercises with Egypt, but leaving the financial aid from the U.S to Egypt because the U.S. and Egypt have been friends from time immemorial. "Our traditional cooperation cannot continue, while civilians are killed on the streets."
The BBC reported that armored bulldozers moved in into the two Cairo protest camps, followed by clashes in and around the main encampments at Rabaa al-Adawiya. The result is a mass of death and the number of the dead is expected to rise. The United Nations has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss developments in Egypt. Observer's view President Obama's statement that the traditional cooperation cannot continue, while civilians are killed on the street as likely that the administration may pull out the annual aid to Egypt military, a decision Senator John MCcain has been championing by describing Morsi removal as a military coup.
Another development that has gladdened observers is El-Baradei's resignation from the hand-picked government. They see Baradei's action as a sign that momentum has begun to build against the military imposed government. People wonder how a government could tell relatives of people killed by law enforcement agents to sign papers that they died natural death. And the world is looking up to the U.S. to suspend aid to Egypt military like Denmark has reportedly done.
The revelation that the U.S. has been negotiating a temporary restoration of Morsi and to allow him resign to pave way for an inclusive arrangement by all parties toward a new election, but rejected by the military, has given the U.S. a reprieve from accusation it has done nothing to help Egypt since Morsi removal 3rd of July 2013. Observers say the last line for the U.S. is to suspend aid to the military, since it has rejected a pragmatic solution to resolve the political gridlock caused by its own coup in the country.
In a reaction to developments in Egypt, President Barack Obama condemned the Egyptian authority's decision to use force against the protesters in the camps, and said the United States has cancelled joint military exercises with Egypt, but leaving the financial aid from the U.S to Egypt because the U.S. and Egypt have been friends from time immemorial. "Our traditional cooperation cannot continue, while civilians are killed on the streets."
The BBC reported that armored bulldozers moved in into the two Cairo protest camps, followed by clashes in and around the main encampments at Rabaa al-Adawiya. The result is a mass of death and the number of the dead is expected to rise. The United Nations has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss developments in Egypt. Observer's view President Obama's statement that the traditional cooperation cannot continue, while civilians are killed on the street as likely that the administration may pull out the annual aid to Egypt military, a decision Senator John MCcain has been championing by describing Morsi removal as a military coup.
Another development that has gladdened observers is El-Baradei's resignation from the hand-picked government. They see Baradei's action as a sign that momentum has begun to build against the military imposed government. People wonder how a government could tell relatives of people killed by law enforcement agents to sign papers that they died natural death. And the world is looking up to the U.S. to suspend aid to Egypt military like Denmark has reportedly done.
The revelation that the U.S. has been negotiating a temporary restoration of Morsi and to allow him resign to pave way for an inclusive arrangement by all parties toward a new election, but rejected by the military, has given the U.S. a reprieve from accusation it has done nothing to help Egypt since Morsi removal 3rd of July 2013. Observers say the last line for the U.S. is to suspend aid to the military, since it has rejected a pragmatic solution to resolve the political gridlock caused by its own coup in the country.
Morsi in Detention, New Leader In
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" Give your children education," President Obama exhorts African Leaders
Published: 1 July 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Barack Obama
President Barack Obama, currently on a tour of Africa, has exhorted African leaders to invest in the training and education of young people, to stem the tide of terrorism in the continent.
He said the lack of training and education creates room for terror hire and that religion also help terror.
President Obama has visited Senegal, South Africa and will visit Tanzania. He preaches self
reliance and the need for Africa to resist dependence on other nations. He said America will not standby with China's larger than life presence in the continent.
He said the lack of training and education creates room for terror hire and that religion also help terror.
President Obama has visited Senegal, South Africa and will visit Tanzania. He preaches self
reliance and the need for Africa to resist dependence on other nations. He said America will not standby with China's larger than life presence in the continent.
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Morsi Out
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Problems Confronting African Continent Today
Published: 26 May 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Nkrumah
African head of states have just concluded a meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking 50 years of the continent’s formation of the Organization of African Unity, known today as the African Union.
The anniversary was a reminder of the history of Africa’s struggle as a continent.
The leaders who gathered in Addis Ababa in 1963 for the formation of the union were propelled by historical factors. They aimed to promote the unity and solidarity of the African states as a collective voice toward addressing political, social and economic problems that confronted the continent.
Some of such problems were the evils of colonialism and attendant woes. (Read More)
The anniversary was a reminder of the history of Africa’s struggle as a continent.
The leaders who gathered in Addis Ababa in 1963 for the formation of the union were propelled by historical factors. They aimed to promote the unity and solidarity of the African states as a collective voice toward addressing political, social and economic problems that confronted the continent.
Some of such problems were the evils of colonialism and attendant woes. (Read More)
Zumas's Dog Philosophy
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Kenya Navigates a Dangerous Bend
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Fears Over Kenya Elections
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Nigeria and the Rule of Law
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Computers Breakdown Amid Presidential Election's Vote Count
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Egypt Cracks
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Fear of Boko Haram
Published: January 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
In Nigeria, the fear of Boko Haram has become the beginning of wisdom.
It has made the Christmas and the New Year celebrations period, a time to watch out for B'Haram attacks like Grendel in Beowulf.
When a helicopter crashed last week and killed six on board, including former National Secuirty Adviser, Andrew Azazi
and Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, a Christian in a Moslem dominated state, some members of the public insinuated Boko Haram's involvement, because it was Boko Haram, an Islamiic Jihadist organization with a link to Al-Quada that had declared war against the country for what it termed its hatred of western education.
The sect's mode of operation is suicide bombing, shooting and killing people at random north of the country. United Nation's Secretariat in Abuja has been a victim along with scores of people. The sect has been targeting mostly Christian churches north of the country, police and military
posts
The United States, Canada and Taiwanese governments have reportedly declared 10 states north of the country no go area around this period for the fear of B'Haram.
It has made the Christmas and the New Year celebrations period, a time to watch out for B'Haram attacks like Grendel in Beowulf.
When a helicopter crashed last week and killed six on board, including former National Secuirty Adviser, Andrew Azazi
and Kaduna State governor, Patrick Yakowa, a Christian in a Moslem dominated state, some members of the public insinuated Boko Haram's involvement, because it was Boko Haram, an Islamiic Jihadist organization with a link to Al-Quada that had declared war against the country for what it termed its hatred of western education.
The sect's mode of operation is suicide bombing, shooting and killing people at random north of the country. United Nation's Secretariat in Abuja has been a victim along with scores of people. The sect has been targeting mostly Christian churches north of the country, police and military
posts
The United States, Canada and Taiwanese governments have reportedly declared 10 states north of the country no go area around this period for the fear of B'Haram.
Muslim Brotherhood Shows Support for Morsi
Published Dec. 3 2012 Abiodun Giwa
Events in Egypt took a relatively known dimension weekend, when Mohammed Morsi's supporters came out in protest of support for the embatled leader.
The world witnessed exactly the same scenario during Hosni Mubarak's last days, when the former leader's supporters
came out in denouncement of opposition's position. The world saw exactly same mammoth support demonstrated for Morsi on Saturday with the name of democracy used as a pivotal necessity in expression of their support for Morsi, and
approval of his actions.
Some interviewed by the press said Morsi's action was in the interest of democracy and the country. The court that was supposed to have taken a decision resultantly suffered a setback back.
One notable common factor is that when supporters of a party in power demonstrate in support of government, security personnel are hardly seen pursuing and endangering the lives of protesters the way they do against opposition. It is the same way all over the world.
Opposition and dissent are hated, but sweet words from their own are always welcomed.
Meanwhile, Morsi's fate hangs on a referendum coming up in a forthnight over amendments in the constitution hurriedly undertaken by Muslim brotherhood controlled assembly.
The world witnessed exactly the same scenario during Hosni Mubarak's last days, when the former leader's supporters
came out in denouncement of opposition's position. The world saw exactly same mammoth support demonstrated for Morsi on Saturday with the name of democracy used as a pivotal necessity in expression of their support for Morsi, and
approval of his actions.
Some interviewed by the press said Morsi's action was in the interest of democracy and the country. The court that was supposed to have taken a decision resultantly suffered a setback back.
One notable common factor is that when supporters of a party in power demonstrate in support of government, security personnel are hardly seen pursuing and endangering the lives of protesters the way they do against opposition. It is the same way all over the world.
Opposition and dissent are hated, but sweet words from their own are always welcomed.
Meanwhile, Morsi's fate hangs on a referendum coming up in a forthnight over amendments in the constitution hurriedly undertaken by Muslim brotherhood controlled assembly.
Another Black Sunday in Nigeria
Published Nov. 25 2012 Abiodun Giwa
It was another black Sunday in Nigeria, where two car bombs exploded in a church at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Kaduna, with casualties. The BBC puts the figure of the dead at 11 and 30 wounded; Sahara Reporters- a news source on Nigeria reported 'at least 10 dead, and Thisday gave 5 as dead.
However, the Army has confirmed 11 dead and 30 wounded, but it has released no photograph of the attack.
All the reports revealed that 2 vehicles were driven into the church, one truck and a car. The first vehicle exploded and attracted rescuers to the help of victims, before the second vehicle appeared and rammed into a crowd of rescuers and
victims of the first explosion. It is the first time a church within an Army barrack has been bombed, since Boko-Haram's emergence with a declaration of war, and demand for the country to embrace Sharia. Hardly a month without bombing of a church in the North of the country, and with loss of innocent lives. About 2800 people have been lost to the menace.
One major development is that the attacks are directed mostly on Christian churches North of the country, has led to a large number of Christians scurrying back to the South, and some vowing never to return North again for the safety of their lives. Some of those who remain worry for their lives, and Nigeria's unity. One solace the nation has is that majority of Nigerians don't believe in Boko-Haram.
Unlike other targets in the past, no photograph of the latest attack has emerged in the press, more than eight hours after an attack, and possibly the military has denied press photographer's access.
However, the Army has confirmed 11 dead and 30 wounded, but it has released no photograph of the attack.
All the reports revealed that 2 vehicles were driven into the church, one truck and a car. The first vehicle exploded and attracted rescuers to the help of victims, before the second vehicle appeared and rammed into a crowd of rescuers and
victims of the first explosion. It is the first time a church within an Army barrack has been bombed, since Boko-Haram's emergence with a declaration of war, and demand for the country to embrace Sharia. Hardly a month without bombing of a church in the North of the country, and with loss of innocent lives. About 2800 people have been lost to the menace.
One major development is that the attacks are directed mostly on Christian churches North of the country, has led to a large number of Christians scurrying back to the South, and some vowing never to return North again for the safety of their lives. Some of those who remain worry for their lives, and Nigeria's unity. One solace the nation has is that majority of Nigerians don't believe in Boko-Haram.
Unlike other targets in the past, no photograph of the latest attack has emerged in the press, more than eight hours after an attack, and possibly the military has denied press photographer's access.
Morsi's Usurpation
By Abiodun Giwa
After he had helped achieved a ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas, Muhammed Morsi thought the next step for him was to demonstrate how powerful he wanted beyond helping quell a fire.
He wanted to be so powerful that no one in Egypt would be able to ask him questions. The result was that he had unwittingly sent Egyptians back to Tahrir Square, and they had asked him to return the powers he grabbed overnight or go away. Nobel Laureate El Baradei, one of the most vocal Egyptians said Morsi wanted to become a pharaoh.
A glimpse at Morsi's power grab's venture reveals certain weakness on his part. He wanted a retrial for Hosni Mubarak. Wasn't he satisfied with life jail for the old man?
As some letters of his plan have revealed, his intention is either for Mubarak to get out of jail or from circulation. If his desire is to get Mubarak out of jail, that may be a way to pacify Mubarak's supporters to ensure his own peace in office. But if his plan is to get rid of the old man, then he means to consolidate himself in power at all cost. The fact that he didn't reveal his intentions for the proposed retrial of Mubarak, he had started acting like a pharaoh.
One can only assume that he is not comfortable with Mubarak still alive in jail. No king will be. Never. How can you keep one king in jail and have another king on the throne, and think the king on the throne will be able to sleep in comfort, and not think supporters of the king in jail will not one day get rid of him to bring back their former king?
But Morsi is unlucky that he comes and finds himself as leader of people in a country historically known for divine intervention to free people that the pharaohs have put in bondage. Egyptians remain at Tahrir Square for Morsi to return the powers he has usurped.
Egyptians say they no longer trust Morsi. They have carried his mock coffin to show the matter isn't a joke.
Unrest has persisted in Egypt running to one week. Each night that Morsi has gone to bed, he wakes up to a new round of probing requests for him to surrender his new powers.
He wanted to be so powerful that no one in Egypt would be able to ask him questions. The result was that he had unwittingly sent Egyptians back to Tahrir Square, and they had asked him to return the powers he grabbed overnight or go away. Nobel Laureate El Baradei, one of the most vocal Egyptians said Morsi wanted to become a pharaoh.
A glimpse at Morsi's power grab's venture reveals certain weakness on his part. He wanted a retrial for Hosni Mubarak. Wasn't he satisfied with life jail for the old man?
As some letters of his plan have revealed, his intention is either for Mubarak to get out of jail or from circulation. If his desire is to get Mubarak out of jail, that may be a way to pacify Mubarak's supporters to ensure his own peace in office. But if his plan is to get rid of the old man, then he means to consolidate himself in power at all cost. The fact that he didn't reveal his intentions for the proposed retrial of Mubarak, he had started acting like a pharaoh.
One can only assume that he is not comfortable with Mubarak still alive in jail. No king will be. Never. How can you keep one king in jail and have another king on the throne, and think the king on the throne will be able to sleep in comfort, and not think supporters of the king in jail will not one day get rid of him to bring back their former king?
But Morsi is unlucky that he comes and finds himself as leader of people in a country historically known for divine intervention to free people that the pharaohs have put in bondage. Egyptians remain at Tahrir Square for Morsi to return the powers he has usurped.
Egyptians say they no longer trust Morsi. They have carried his mock coffin to show the matter isn't a joke.
Unrest has persisted in Egypt running to one week. Each night that Morsi has gone to bed, he wakes up to a new round of probing requests for him to surrender his new powers.
Nigeria's Ondo State Election
By Abiodun Giwa
Will Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State win reelection or loses to the candidate of People Democratic Party, Olusola Oke, or the candidate of Action Congress, Rotimi Akeredolu? This is a question on the tongue of political pundits and the indigenes of Ondo State in Nigeria, the only state in the South West of the country (except Kwara State) not in the tank of the Action Congress party.
Governor Mimiko stands a better chance of winning to retain the state in the control of the Labour Party, as the incumbent governor of the state. However, if polls are anything to consider, Mimiko must be in for a yeoman political battle, with the PDP's candidate, Olusola Oke leading him in polls with a 7 point digit. And if the AC loses the election, it will mean a deflation in the party's political ego, having boasted that it will trounce the governor in the elections coming up on October 20, 2012. If the AC wins the election, it will boost the ego of Bola Tinubu and AC. But the party's candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu doesn't appear to be close to winning the election as he is 3 points down to Mimiko and 9 points down to the PDP's candidate, Oke.
Will the state be won back by the PDP? Based on reports and the poll published by one of the major newspapers in the country, the unexpected may be in the making in the state against the incumbent's words that he will win 70 percent of the votes.
Governor Mimiko stands a better chance of winning to retain the state in the control of the Labour Party, as the incumbent governor of the state. However, if polls are anything to consider, Mimiko must be in for a yeoman political battle, with the PDP's candidate, Olusola Oke leading him in polls with a 7 point digit. And if the AC loses the election, it will mean a deflation in the party's political ego, having boasted that it will trounce the governor in the elections coming up on October 20, 2012. If the AC wins the election, it will boost the ego of Bola Tinubu and AC. But the party's candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu doesn't appear to be close to winning the election as he is 3 points down to Mimiko and 9 points down to the PDP's candidate, Oke.
Will the state be won back by the PDP? Based on reports and the poll published by one of the major newspapers in the country, the unexpected may be in the making in the state against the incumbent's words that he will win 70 percent of the votes.
