United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to deport all immigrants in the United States illegally over his upcoming four-year term.
In an interview aired Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump detailed his vision for a broad crackdown on illegal immigration, which he intends to classify as a national emergency upon taking office on January 20.
According to Reuters, the Department of Homeland Security estimates that as of January 2022, over 11 million people are in the US without legal status, a figure likely higher today.
Trump affirmed his intention to remove all unauthorized immigrants, stating, “I think you have to do it. It’s a very tough thing to do. You know, you have rules, regulations, laws.”
While emphasising enforcement, Trump signaled willingness to negotiate protections for “Dreamers,” immigrants brought to the US illegally as children.
During his first term, Trump attempted to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, which provides deportation relief to this group, but was blocked by the Supreme Court.
Trump also plans to issue an executive order to end birthright citizenship on his first day in office.
The policy, which grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil regardless of their parents’ immigration status, is rooted in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution and reinforced by an 1898 Supreme Court decision.
“We’ll maybe have to go back to the people,” he said.
Trump acknowledged potential legal challenges to his proposal and suggested that achieving this goal might require a constitutional amendment.
The implementation of these measures would demand substantial financial resources.
The American Immigration Council estimates the cost of deporting all unauthorized immigrants at $88 billion annually. Trump’s team, including incoming border czar Tom Homan, has called on Congress to provide significant funding increases to support immigration enforcement efforts.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ghanaian President-elect, John Mahama, on his victory in the country’s December 7, 2024 general election.
This came after Mahama’s rival, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday, saying this was to ease tensions after reported fights in several local constituencies.
Although the Electoral Commission has yet to announce the results, Bawumia’s ruling National Democratic Congress said its internal review showed Mahama leading with 56.3 per cent of the vote against its 41.3 per cent.
A statement signed Sunday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said, “In a telephone call to Mahama, President Tinubu hoped that Mahama’s ascension to power for the second time would further bring stability to the Economic Community of West African States, of which President Tinubu is the chairman.”
The statement is titled, ‘Ghana: President Tinubu congratulates President-Elect John Mahama in a telephone call.’
Tinubu commended the people of Ghana for their commitment to democracy, which was demonstrated through the peaceful and successful conduct of both the presidential and parliamentary elections.
“He applauded Ghanaians for demonstrating again to the world that democracy is the preferred path to achieving political stability, economic development, social justice and transparent governance in Africa.
“He affirmed that Nigeria’s and the region’s belief in the principles of the people’s right to choose their leaders freely will remain a source of pride.
“The Nigerian leader applauded the candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party, the Vice President of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for conceding defeat before the official announcement by Ghana’s Electoral Commission,” Onanuga revealed.
Tinubu said Bawumia’s stance reinforced Ghana’s democratic ethos.
He noted that Mahama’s return to Jubilee House, having served as President from 2012 to 2017, reflects the Ghanaian people’s trust in his stewardship and vision to take the country to greater heights.
Mahama served as Ghana’s Vice President from 2009 to 2012, Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009, and held deputy and ministerial roles between 1998 and 2001.
Tinubu renewed his steadfast support for deepening the fraternal bonds between Nigeria and Ghana, underpinned by shared history, cultural ties, mutual support and cooperation, Pan-African goals, democracy, the rule of law, and economic integration.
The Nigerian leader thanks President Nana Akufo-Addo for his exemplary leadership and numerous contributions to Ghana’s progress and regional peace and stability.
He said he looks forward to working with Mahama’s incoming administration to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors and build a brighter future in the West Africa region.
Ghana’s former President John Dramani Mahama has won the country’s presidential election after his main opponent, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia said in a news conference on Sunday.
The defeat in Saturday’s election ends two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, marked by Ghana’s worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.
Bawumia said he called Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to congratulate him.
Earlier, NDC spokesman Sammy Gyamfi told reporters the party’s internal review of results showed Mahama won 56.3 percent of the vote against 41.3 percent for Bawumia.
“It is very clear the people of this country have voted for change,” Gyamfi said.
The vice president said Mahama won the presidency “decisively
The NDC won the parliamentary election, according to the NPP’s internal tally of votes.
Mahama, who was president of Ghana between July 2012 and January 2017, confirmed on X he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call over his “emphatic victory”.
Blaring horns and cheering, the 65-year-old’s supporters were already gathering and celebrating outside the party campaign headquarters in the capital, Accra.
During his campaign, he promised to “reset” the country on various fronts and tried to appeal to young Ghanaians.
His win marks a historic victory, making him the first president in the three decades of Ghana’s Fourth Republic – since the 1992 return to multi-party democracy – to reclaim the presidency after being voted out.
Ghana’s economic woes dominated the election after the gold and cacao producer went through a crisis of default and currency devaluation, ending with a $3bn International Monetary Fund bailout.
On corruption, Mahama vowed during the campaign that he will create a new office tasked with scrutinising government procurement above a $5m threshold.
He said unchecked procurement processes are a major source of corruption.
But Mahama also voiced support for the anti-LGBTQ bill passed by Ghana’s parliament in February but which is yet to be signed into law and has sparked international criticism.
Ghana’s election commission had said official results were likely due by Tuesday.
With a history of democratic stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the NPP and NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party politics in 1992.
Afe Babalola, the senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says he took legal action against Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, to address the “falsity of his allegations and hold him account for his actions”.
On Tuesday, operatives from the police command in Ekiti arrested Farotimi in Lagos over a petition about alleged defamation and cyberbullying.
Farotimi had, in a statement, alleged that officers attached to the Ekiti police command had perfected plans to abduct him from Lagos.
He accused the command of deploying questionable means to lure him for arrest despite honouring the invitation of the zone 2 police headquarters in Lagos some weeks ago.
The police accused Farotimi of “criminally defaming” Babalola, the legal luminary, in a book titled: “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System”.
On Wednesday, the Ekiti state magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti remanded Farotimi after he was arraigned on a 16-count. The activist pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Since his arrest, there have been strident calls on social media for his release, including from political bigwigs like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, has asked Nigerians to join a “nationwide/global protest” against the judiciary over the prosecution of the human rights activist.
However, in a statement on Friday issued by Afe Babalola & Co., his law firm, the erudite lawyer said no amount of street yelling and media tactics would stop the prosecution of Farotimi.
“We acknowledge several concerns and suggestions on this subject and the inference that the firm and its members would be better served by ignoring these published falsehoods,” the statement, signed by Adebayo Adenipekun, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reads.
“However, if we do not take any action to correct the false, reckless, and malicious statements by this author, our silence will necessarily be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
“Afe Babalola & Co is a law-abiding organisation that operates strictly within the law. We are aware of the implications of the steps we are taking and the possibility of spin and manipulation by this author, his acolytes, uninformed members of the public, and others who, like him, view us maliciously.
“Still, we are convinced that the legal steps we take now and in the future are the only way to address the falsity of the author’s allegations and hold him to account for his deliberate assault on the integrity and reputation that our founder, Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CFR, SAN, LLD, has built and passed on to us over the past seven decades using nothing but hard work, legal knowledge, and trenchant advocacy.
“The constitution recognises fundamental human rights, and our firm has championed these rights in over sixty years of its existence.
“However, these rights are not absolute; the freedom to speak is not freedom from consequences of speech. And the subject of speech also has a fundamental right to hold the speaker accountable using lawful means.
“Since the matter is sub judice, we do not intend to join issues in the media on the merits of our complaints or the strength of evidence against Mr. Farotimi.
“Unlike him, we believe in the justice delivery system every time—not only when it favours us. In six decades of litigating cases across Nigeria, we have encountered several lawyers who prevailed against us in court.”
“Their existence disproves Mr. Farotimi’s wild accusations and indicates that at the end of this process, only the law will matter—not the media tactic or street yelling.”
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has resolved over 1,000 petitions in the last five years, addressing issues such as emergencies, stranded citizens, consular matters, trafficking, and deportation, according to the agency’s Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the achievements as part of the Commission’s reflection on its milestones since its establishment in May 2019.
She also noted significant progress in increasing Diaspora investments in Nigeria, a key focus of the agency’s mandate.
In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol unit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad.
According to the statement, “The Chairman, NiDCOM informed, also that, the anniversary celebration doubled to successfully celebrate the year, which is gradually ending.
“She lauded the NiDCOM team, past and present, for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.
“The NiDCOM Boss acknowledged the challenges faced but expressed hope for the future, envisioning a brighter path for the Commission and its staff.”
Also Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission underlined the staff’s pivotal role in fostering diaspora engagement, attracting investment, protecting Nigerians abroad, and promoting Nigeria’s positive image, for the Commission.
He noted the hurdles NiDCOM experienced but expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to deliver effective services.
Habibat Pat-Eluameh Esq, a former staff member, shared her pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and showed optimism for a dedicated Commission building.
Mrs. Halima Ajagbe, Head of Administration, praised Hon. Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the Staff’s commitment to work hand in hand with top management to find more ways of value addition.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to deserving staff, recognising their outstanding contributions to the Commission’s success story.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said Nigeria’s justice system needs help to be revived as it is not at its best.
Egbetokun said it was wrong to blame only the Police that is just a part of the whole justice system that requires reviving to perform optimally.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Egbetokun admitted that the police have challenges.
Represented by the Force Headquarters Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP assured of the Police’s commitment to being the best for the country.
“Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country. We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system.
“All of us must come together to help perfect criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria. If this system is working well; it is going to affect you, it is going to us,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, stated that corruption was a persistent challenge affecting all sectors in the country.
Aliyu noted that tackling corruption requires the effort of all stakeholders. He decried that Nigerian institutions are all affected by corruption undermining efficiency in service delivery.
“Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermines policy-decision making, resource mobilization and utilization, policy execution and service delivery.
“Our experience at the ICPC in partnership with key stakeholders, has shown that tackling corruption effectively, across sectors and institutions, requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. This approach should focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention, deterrence, and systems reform,” he stated.
Heavily armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have surrounded the Kano Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, restricting both entry and exit from the premises.
The deployment of security to the palace was a result of moves by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to install his newly appointed Wamban Kano, District Head of Bichi.
DAILY POST gathered that Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is scheduled to accompany the newly appointed Wamban Kano, Munir Sanusi, to his official district posting in Bichi.
Reliable sources have also confirmed that the Bichi Emir’s Palace is under tight security, with armed policemen deployed to the area.
Two weeks ago, the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, while at Bichi, insisted that the Bichi Emirate Council remains valid and that Emir Nasiru Ado Bayero remains the instituted emir.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while acting on the newly passed Kano Emirate Council Law, invalidated the five emirs, removing them from their chiefdoms.
However, a few days later, the same government appointed three second-class emirs, excluding Bichi, which made a district head’s domain.
The Federal Government has begun payment of pensions and other entitlements to retired military personnel, including three months’ arrears.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike.
PUNCH Online reports that retired military personnel halted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Thursday to protest their unpaid entitlements.
The retirees expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to pay the promised 20% to 28% salary increment from January to November 2024.
Their demands included overdue payments for palliatives from October 2023 to November 2024, an additional N32,000 added to their pensions, bulk payment of the Security Debarment Allowance, and the refund of pension deductions made from the salaries of medically boarded soldiers.
However, Matawalle said that the government has begun payment of military salary increases, and the military personnel have already started receiving alerts for the payment.
“President Bola Tinubu released funds for the payment of pension and other entitlements owed to retired military personnel on Thursday,” the statement said.
He commended the President for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired military personnel, emphasising that the payment of pension arrears owed to retirees would continue to receive critical attention.
The minister said that the initiative reflected the President’s dedication to enhancing the living standards of those who have served the nation.
Mayawalle also acknowledged the efforts and support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who was very committed to actualising the payments.
He urged the Nigerian military to remain steadfast in their duties while reassuring them that the President was fully committed to boosting their morale and providing the necessary support to combat insecurity in Nigeria.
“In spite of initial setbacks, be rest assured that Mr President will do everything within his power to uplift our military forces as they confront the challenges of insecurity,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the President for his decisive action and reiterated the vital role played by both retired and serving military personnel in ensuring the nation’s security and their significant contributions in combating insurgency.
He assured the Nigerian Armed Forces officers and personnel of the President’s unwavering resolve to eradicate insecurity in Nigeria, bolstered by the readiness and resilience of the military.
NAN
The Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is trying to recover N4 trillion debts from debtors, Managing Director Gbenga Alade said yesterday.
He said the company has successfully recovered N2 trillion from debtors, who put up stiff resistance to offset their debts.
Alade, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, lamented that those who owe are eminent Nigerians, politicians, public officers, captains of industry and other celebrities.
He said that many debtors live in opulence and flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, adding that they also abuse the currency by spraying money at social events.
Alade thanked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for cooperating with the company in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, saying the proposed laws are a wake-up call to northern Nigerian leaders to develop their region.
Gumi said the tax reform bills would create more opportunities in the economy than the existing tax system, which promotes multiple taxation.
The cleric stated this on two different occasions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kaduna. The videos of the conversation were posted on his Facebook page.
The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024- SB. 585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Some experts said most critics of the bills had not read their provisions and were only amplifying falsehoods circulated by uninformed interest groups.
Gumi lamented that the debate on the bills is political. He said northern leaders should instead debate their region’s backwardness and why they allow industries and banks to go bankrupt.
However, he identified grey areas in the bills. He said the VAT sharing formula that ignited the debate should be given a second look.
“I heard people debating that Lagos will benefit more from the new sharing formula in the proposed tax reform bills; this should not be the issue to debate on; our leaders should not say so. You said the corporate headquarters were relocated to Lagos, where are your banks’ headquarters in Kaduna or Kano?
“You people were sleeping; you deliberately allowed the population to wallow in poverty. You are shouting over the tax reform bills; where are our industries? Who among you invested in the industries in Kakuri to sustain them? Only the breweries are still functional in the area. We are always applying politics on issues where there is no need for it.
“Nigeria needs the new tax system to move away from the obsolete system that promotes multiple taxation. You cannot throw away the tax reform bills, adopt them, and address their grey areas.
“If we want development, let’s build industries, cultivate more land, and have banks,” Gumi said to the northern leaders.
“Nigeria is blessed with wealth across all regions, so our leaders are treated with dignity globally. France is treating Nigeria with caution; the way they warmly received President Bola Tinubu means a lot.”
Gumi said the debate on the tax reform bills should be conducted by people who are knowledgeable in the field.
“The tax reform bills exempting low-income earners from paying taxes is a welcome development. This should apply to all low-cadre workers, including security agents; doing so will greatly help Nigerians.
“The attempt of the president to reform the collection system is commendable, continuing in the old system will not be good for the country because of the multiple taxation,” the cleric said.
PT
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[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Founder and CEO Of Matrix Energy Group, On His 50th Birthday
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Celebrates Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Founder and CEO Of Matrix Energy Group, On His 50th Birthday](/media/k2/items/cache/fa216bd21218ead7287c5f2fb66faf8d_XS.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt congratulations to Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, the founder and CEO of Matrix Energy Group, as he marks his 50th birthday on December 5, 2024.
This significant milestone not only commemorates Abdulkabir's personal journey but also highlights his remarkable contributions to the energy sector and his profound impact on fostering economic growth and social development in Nigeria.
President Tinubu commends Abdulkabir for his transformative role in Nigeria’s energy landscape and his unwavering commitment to economic progress.
As an entrepreneur, Abdulkabir has successfully broadened the scope of Matrix Energy Group to encompass logistics, shipping, LPG distribution, and fertiliser blending. His leadership has spurred innovation and excellence across these vital industries.
The President recognizes Abdulkabir’s philanthropic endeavours, which have led to the construction of a state-of-the-art Kidney Complex in Maiduguri and at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), the renovation of healthcare centers, and the provision of essential medical supplies to host communities.
Additionally, he has endowed scholarships for over 4,000 students and empowered women through skills training and financial support.
“Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu exemplifies the spirit of resilience, innovation, and service that elevates communities and strengthens our nation,” President Tinubu stated.
In his capacity as a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PEEC), Mr. Aliu continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda.
The President wishes him continued success, robust health, and personal fulfilment in the coming years.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser
Information & Strategy to the President
[PHOTO] Gov. Sanwo-Olu Disburses N1.5 Billion Compensation to Lagos Residents for Acquired Lands by Lagos State Government
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Gov. Sanwo-olu presents cheques to 150 beneficiaries as compensation for lands acquired by lagos state govt for public use, held at adeyemi bero auditorium, alausa, ikeja, on tuesday, 3rd December 2024
See Photo Below:
l-r: Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, representatives of Ogunsanya and Ogunsanya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December
l-r: Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Alhaji Muritala Abubakar; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Estate of Chief Robert Jaiyeola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowosago; Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Olawale Jimoh; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi and Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Opeluwa of Lagos, High Chief Yusuf Ajose Aderibigbe; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Samuel Kalu; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
l-r: Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu; beneficiary, Mr. Adebayo Adekoya; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Executive Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mrs. Ololade Ajetunmobi during the public presentation of cheques to 150 beneficiaries compensated for lands acquired by the Lagos State government for public use, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 03 December 2024
[ PRESS RELEASE] Out-Going President Akufo-Addo Promises Peaceful, Credible Elections in Ghana
Admin![[ PRESS RELEASE] Out-Going President Akufo-Addo Promises Peaceful, Credible Elections in Ghana](/media/k2/items/cache/7c151883632d5aee74823458e730717f_XS.jpg)
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, who completes his mandatory two terms by 7 January 2025, has promised to leave office through peaceful and credible general elections on 7 December 2024.
“I came (to the office) as a result of a peaceful and credible election, and I want to go out through the same process,” to entrench the democratic tradition in Ghana, the Ghanaian leader told visiting ECOWAS Election Observation Mission led by former Nigerian Vice-President Mohammed Namadi Sambo during an audience at Jubilee House, Accra on Tuesday 3rd December.
President Akufo-Addo said that ECOWAS as a community has been facing “challenges and negative developments”, including violent extremism and military incursions in politics, especially the decision of three member States to quit the regional economic bloc.
“The responsibility is on us to respond to these challenges with the conduct of free, fair and credible elections,” he said, adding that the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana, a founding and active member of ECOWAS, would be of particular resonance.
He assured that Ghana has institutions with experience in conducting credible elections under its fourth Republic from 1992, noting that the country values the contributions of ECOWAS, chairing its Authority of Heads of State and Government in the past.
In his remarks, Dr Sambo commended Ghana’s democratic tradition, which included the unbroken ninth cycle of regular elections and peaceful transfer of political power.
He urged the president to galvanise the nation to pull together for peaceful, transparent and credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in Ghana and the region.
The ECOWAS delegation included the Deputy Head of Mission, Baboucarr Blaise Jagne, Gambia’s former Foreign Minister, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, who is leading an Electoral Technical Support Team and Ambassador Mohamed Lawan Gana, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.
Accompanying President Akufo-Addo at the meeting were Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, recently appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, Interior Minister Henry Quartey, Kow Essuma, Secretary to the President and Michael Afori-Attah, Director Regional Integration, Office of the President.
At a separate meeting with Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Dr Sambo called on the electoral umpire and other stakeholders, including the security agencies, to demonstrate high-level professionalism and neutrality in carrying out their duties.
The EC Chairperson briefed the ECOWAS Mission on the activities of the Commission, saying preparations were on course for a peaceful and credible presidential and parliamentary elections on 7 December.
The Senate on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo; Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo; airline operators and other relevant stakeholders over the incessant flight delays and cancellations by airlines.
Adopting a motion to that effect, sponsored by Senator AbdulFatai Buhari (APC Oyo North) during plenary, the Red Chamber particularly charged its Committee on Aviation to unravel the circumstances behind the incessant flight delays and cancellations to find lasting solutions to the problem.
The PUNCH exclusively reported on Wednesday that about 2,000 air passengers lost 19,274 pieces of luggage between January and June this year, according to data from the Federal.
The report stated that data obtained from the half-year report of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, an agency of the Federal Government that regulates civil aviation, further indicated that 19,250 passengers were delayed for long hours during the review period.
Senator Buhari, while presenting the motion, said the problem which he noted had been on the increase in recent times, is all over the media.
“This development is worrisome as air travel is one of the most reliable, dependable, and quicker means of transportation, often undertaken for business/official purposes and to keep other scheduled appointments, which are usually time-bo,” he said.
Therefore, he cautioned that “unwarranted flight delays and cancellations will be counterproductive to the socio-economic growth and development of this country.”
The lawmaker noted that as part of interventionist measures to check unethical and unwholesome practices of the practitioners in the àviation sector, the NCAA is statutory empowered through the enactment of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act, to among other things, provide oversight and guidelines aimed at ensuring that airlines operate within the contemplation of international standards in Nigeria and to ensure that airline customers get value for the services paid for.
Buhari pointed out that “the quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment, which are parts of the current administration’s policy thrust, will remain an illusion if the country’s aviation industry falls short of the acceptable best practices across the globe.”
“Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Regulations of 2023, makes provisions for consumer protection in the civil aviation industry in Nigeria.”
He added, “However, enforcement has been an issue as most Nigerians are not even aware that they are entitled to compensation for time lost due to unnecessary delay, hence the need for the NCAA to activate this aspect of its regulation so that airline operators will sit up and be alive to their responsibilities.”