Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Foreign

US President Elect Will Have Challenges No Incoming President Ever Has

The President-Elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden will have series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has the moment he steps into the White House in January 2021.

The newly elected President’s former boss, ex-President Barack Obama said this on Saturday in his reaction after Biden and Kamala Harris, the Vice President-Elect beat Incumbent President Donald Trump in an unprecedented election in the history of America.

“I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden.

“I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President”, Obama expressed gladness.

READ ALSO:

World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

Commenting about the election process that has been described as emotionally exhaustimg, ex-President Obama said: “In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory”.

Obama expressed confidence about the the competence of his erstwhile Vice President in changing the economic trajectory of a nation that is widely divided at the moment.

“We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.

“I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

“Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between.”

In the last 3 days, analysts and public commentators have condemned President Trump’s inflammatory comments one of which was his unproven claims of wide spread fraud in an election that is now judged unprecedented in terms of numbers of voters.

READ ALSO:

Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

“Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can”, Obama added.

One of the highpoint of this election is the Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris, who has made history as the first woman of colour, a black woman of South Asian origin, to be elected as the number two leader of the US.

Hours after results indicated that Joe Biden has won the race to Washington with over 74 million votes on Saturday night, CNN reported that President Trump refused to call or invite the President-Elect to the White House. He is not expected to speak as at Saturday night, President Trump is not expected to speak on am election that has taken a disappointing turn. He has demonstrated that he will go to court to contest the result of the election.

The 46th elected president of the US, who crossed the electoral threshold of 270 is expected to address the nation 8pm Saturday.

Tobiloba Kolawole

November 7, 2020
World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

World leaders have been congratulating Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America, along his history-making first female Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, while welcoming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ victory, said: “Congratulations to Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States and to Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.

“The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security.”

On his part, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued a congratulatory statement on the result of the U.S. presidential election.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their election as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America.

“Canada and the United States enjoy an extraordinary relationship – one that is unique on the world stage. Our shared geography, common interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties make us close friends, partners, and allies.

“We will further build on this foundation as we continue to keep our people safe and healthy from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and work to advance peace and inclusion, economic prosperity, and climate action around the world.

“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together.”

Also, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said: “Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory!

“As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights.

“Heartiest congratulations @KamalaHarris! Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans. I am confident that the vibrant India-US ties will get even stronger with your support and leadership.”

President of Croatia, Kolinda Graba-Kitarovic, in her message, said: “Congratulations to President-Elect @JoeBiden and first woman VP @KamalaHarris.

“Confident that partners and allies Croatia & US will continue working together & strengthening our long-lasting bonds. Determined leadership and cooperation are needed to overcome global challenges.”

Shortly after news of projected victory of Biden-Harris ticket, former President Barack Obama congratulated his vice president and the vice president–to–be on their “historic and decisive victory.”

Obama said: “I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden.

“I also couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala’s groundbreaking election as our next Vice President.

“In this election, under circumstances never experienced, Americans turned out in numbers never seen. And once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory.

“We’re fortunate that Joe’s got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way. Because when he walks into the White House in January, he’ll face a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has – a raging pandemic, an unequal economy and justice system, a democracy at risk, and a climate in peril.

“I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote. So I encourage every American to give him a chance and lend him your support. The election results at every level show that the country remains deeply and bitterly divided. It will be up to not just Joe and Kamala, but each of us, to do our part – to reach out beyond our comfort zone, to listen to others, to lower the temperature and find some common ground from which to move forward, all of us remembering that we are one nation, under God.

“Finally, I want to thank everyone who worked, organized, and volunteered for the Biden campaign, every American who got involved in their own way, and everybody who voted for the first time. Your efforts made a difference. Enjoy this moment. Then stay engaged. I know it can be exhausting. But for this democracy to endure, it requires our active citizenship and sustained focus on the issues – not just in an election season, but all the days in between.

“Our democracy needs all of us more than ever. And Michelle and I look forward to supporting our next President and First Lady however we can.”

In his reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said: “I congratulate Joe Biden on his well-deserved victory at the November 3, 2020, US elections, and look forward to the age-long collaboration of our two nations in the course of the advancement of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all peoples.

“Nigeria and the United States are two nations, united by a common language. Indeed, the first major trip by the leader of an Independent Nigeria was the July 25, 1961, White House visit of the golden voice of Africa, the late Sir Tafawa Balewa, under President John F Kennedy.

“Nigeria and the free world, have much to learn from your victory, especially your pronouncement that you would not be a President for only those who voted for you. May such sentiments echo and re-echo globally.

“Not only do I congratulate you on your victory, but I also urge you to build on US-Nigeria relations, especially on widening the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for seamless interplay with the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).

“Only by fair trade will Africa fulfil its potential, and a prosperous Africa is good for the United States and the world.

“In electing a man rich in experience, the great people of the United States of America have done the world a great service, and I also look forward to your global leadership in the war on terror, and partnership with Nigeria to end the terror and poverty-related insecurities that we face.

“Once again, accept my congratulations.”

Also, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, said: “I congratulate the former Vice-President of the United States, Joe Biden, on his historic election as the next President of the United States.”

“I also congratulate Senator Kamala Harris, who will be the first female Vice-President of the world’s most vibrant democracy.”

Idowu Sowunmi

November 7, 2020
Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

Vice President Joe Biden has been elected 46th President of the United States of America (USA).

He polled 290 more than 270 electoral college votes required to be crowned as the number one citizen of God’s Own Country.

Biden also recorded a historic winning votes of more than 74 million.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., born November 20, 1942, is now being officially addressed as the President-elect of the United States.

A member of the Democrat Party, Biden and running mate, Kamala Devi Harris, defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the 2020 United States Presidential election.

Harris would serve as First Female Vice President of the United States of America.

Biden had served as the 47th Vice President in the Barack Obama administration from 2009 to 2017, and as a United States Senator for Delaware from 1973 to 2009.

Reacting to his victory, Biden said: “America, I’m honored that you have chosen me to lead our great country.

“The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not.

“I will keep the faith that you have placed in me.”

Congratulations, Biden-Harris

Idowu Sowunmi

November 7, 2020
WHO Director-General, Ghebreyesus, Hasn’t Tested Positive for COVID-19

Contrary to some reports, the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, has not tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The clarification was made by WHO through its official Twitter handle, saying: “Contrary to some incorrect reports, @DrTedros hasn’t tested positive for #COVID19. He has been identified as a contact of a person who tested positive.
Dr. Tedros is feeling well and is in self-quarantine as a precautionary measure, in line with WHO protocols.”

It would be recalled that Ghebreyesus has announced in a series of tweet via his verified handle that he’s in self-isolation over the coming days and self-quarantine from home.

READ ALSO:

In a Daring Operation in Northern Nigeria, US Special Forces Rescue American Hostage

According to him: “I’ve been identified as a contact person of someone who has COVID-19 symptoms, I am well and without symptoms but will self quarantine over the coming days and self quarantine from home.

“It is critically important that we all comply with health guidance. This is how we will break chains of #COVID19 transmission, suppress the virus, and protect health systems.

“My colleagues and I at WHO will continue to engage with partners in solidarity to save lives and protect the vulnerable.”

READ ALSO:

Climate Change Financing: AfDB Appoints 80 Experts towards Accessing $10bn Green Climate Fund

Ghebreyesus and other WHO officials have been at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic since it broke out early in the year.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 2, 2020
Document Reveals Why Nigeria is Excluded from 2022 US Visa Lottery Application

A document obtained from the United States Government website has shown that Nigeria has been barred from the popular US Visa Lottery Application for 2022.

In a 19-page document published on the website, Nigeria is the only African country barred from the lottery.

“For DV-2022, persons born in the following countries are not eligible to apply, because more than, 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the United States in the previous five years: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

“Persons born in Macau SAR and Taiwan are eligible,” the document said.

While natives of other African countries are allowed to apply, the document explained that “persons born in the areas administered prior to June 1967 by Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt are chargeable, respectively, to Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt.”

It added: “Persons born in the Gaza Strip are chargeable to Egypt; persons born in the West Bank are chargeable to Jordan; persons born in the Golan Heights are chargeable to Syria.”

Titled: “Instructions for the 2022 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2022),” the document explained that prospective applicants must meet certain guidelines to be eligible for the visa lottery.

According to the document, “The Department of State determines selectees through a randomized computer drawing.

“The Department of State distributes diversity visas among six geographic regions, and no single country may receive more than seven per cent of the available DVs in any one year.”

Idowu Sowunmi

October 17, 2020
Nigeria at 60: Eyimofe Set for London Premiere

As part of activities to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day anniversary, a film, Eyimofe (This is my desire), is set to be premiered in the United Kingdom, at BFI London Film Festival on October 11.

The film, which had its world premiere at the 70th Berlin International Film Festival in February, is also billed to celebrate its U.S premiere at the AFI Fest on October 20.

READ ALSO:

Gov Sanwo-Olu Pardons Celebrity Couple, Funke Akindele and Skillz

Ahead of the London screening, which would create an opportunity for the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom to join in the country’s 60th anniversary celebration, Eyimofe has debuted its official trailer for the festival, which is already generating interest from the global film community.

A GDN Studios production, the 114 minutes film directed by twin brothers Arie and Chuko Esiri, features Jude Akuwudike, Temi Ami-Williams, Cynthia Ebijie, Sadiq Daba, Tomiwa Edun, Jacobs Alexander, Tomiwa Edun, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah and others.

Funded entirely in Nigeria and shot in 16mm and filmed across 48 locations in Lagos, the two chapter drama follows the stories of Mofe (Jude Akuwudike), a factory technician, and Rosa (Temi Ami-Williams), a hairdresser, on their quest for what they believe would be a better life on foreign shores.

READ ALSO:

Don’t Switch It Off, Just Yet

A passport, photos and a visa form recurring elements. The characters’ misfortunes are part of their everyday life and they are sketching out the need to leave Nigeria at the same time.

At the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, status, money, gender, skin colour and family structures are inextricably connected. The longing for another life is but one thread in this complex mesh, a promise that floats above things at once near and far away.

It would be recalled that Eyimofe is the 2020 official selection for Vancouver International Film Festival, an annual film festival held in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Idowu Sowunmi

October 10, 2020
WTO DG: Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala Makes Final Round
Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee, are the two candidates, out of five, who made the final round of the selection process for the top job of Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Reports stated that the trio of United Kingdom’s Liam Fox, Kenya’s Amina Chawahir Mohamed Jibril, and Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri did not secure enough support needed to scale the second round of consultations.

With two women scaling through to the final round, it is almost certain that the WTO will be led by a woman DG for the first time in the organization’s 25-year history, a report by Reuters stated.

Nigerian born Okonjo-Iweala was Nigeria’s finance minister twice, first in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration and second in the Goodluck Jonathan administration. She has experience working at international governance bodies as a former managing director of the World Bank and as a chairman at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization.

Yoo has a 25-year career in government and is South Korea’s trade minister. She has helped expand her country’s trade network through bilateral accords with the U.S., China, and the U.K.

WTO General Council Chairman David Walker plans to formally announce the results to the institution’s delegates on Thursday morning in Geneva. The third and final phase of the consultation process will begin later this month and run until Nov. 6, after which the WTO will endeavor to name a consensus winner of the race.

Clouding the outlook for the selection process is the U.S. presidential election Nov. 3. The WTO makes decisions on a consensus basis, and a lack of American support for any of the finalists could mean delays in picking the new director-general.

If WTO members are unable to select a leader by consensus, a vote requiring a qualified majority could be held as a last resort, which would be an unprecedented development for the organization.

The campaign to lead the WTO during the most turbulent period of its 25-year existence is playing out against the backdrop of the pandemic, a worldwide recession, the U.S.-China battle for trade supremacy and the American election.

President Donald Trump has blasted the WTO as the worst trade deal in U.S. history and pledges to overhaul it to better suit the country’s interests.

The vacancy for the top WTO job arose when Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo decided to step down at the end of August, a year before his term was due to end.

WTO members view the race as an opportunity to reshape the organization, whose mission of economic integration is under threat from protectionist policies around the globe. Without reform, it risks being sidelined during the biggest economic crisis in a century.
- PM
October 8, 2020
US AFRICOM’s New Director of Operations Visits Africa to Engage With Partners

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to the African continent to engage with partners, visit key U.S. military operating locations, and deepen his understanding of security in the region, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

During his engagement, Tyler visited Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.

While in Djibouti, Tyler and other U.S. Africa Command representatives met with the Djiboutian Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB).

The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specified tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army. It is the first Djiboutian Armed Forces Special Force fully supported by the U.S. government. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to CJTF-HOA provide training to the RIB soldiers in U.S. Army basic warrior tasks, combat, and combat life-saving skills.

“The U.S. military has a longstanding relationship with Djibouti and our Djiboutian military partners,” said Tyler. “The training and equipment that U.S. Africa Command provides to the Rapid Intervention Battalion uniquely demonstrates the U.S. commitment to enhancing our shared goal of improving regional security and stability on the continent. Our partnership and training continue to be in demand.”

After departing Djibouti, Tyler went to several cooperative security locations (CSL) in Somalia and Kenya, including Manda Bay, Kenya, to reinforce the importance of security in the shared fight against al-Shabaab.

Tyler’s trip highlighted AFRICOM’s commitment to working with our East African partners and operating in a degraded pandemic environment. The U.S. continues to operate and train with our East African partners.

“Al-Shabaab remains a dangerous enemy,” said Tyler. “I saw first-hand the commitment of our Kenyan and Somali partners as we address a mutual threat in al-Shabaab. We will continue to sharpen our focus and counter this common threat.”

October 5, 2020
AstraZeneca, Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine may be ready in December

A coronavirus vaccine may come in a matter of months just as about mkmnnn persons have died of the virus globally.

According to a British media report on Saturday, AstraZeneca and Oxford University jointly-developed COVID-19 vaccine may be rolled out in six months.

The vaccine, which is currently under the last phase of trial, may be given a clearance by health regulators in December.

The Times quoted UK government sources involved in the making and distribution of vaccines as saying that a full vaccine roll-out programme for adults could take six months or less after approval.

“We are looking at closer to six months and it is likely to be far shorter than that,” a government source said.

In line with a protocol developed by the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, any approved vaccine will then be given to all over 65s, followed by younger adults at higher risk, which could include those from ethnic minorities as well as those with serious health issues based on their higher risk from the deadly virus.

Next in line will be people over 50, with younger adults at the back of the queue.

The UK government has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine once it is ready for roll-out and the doses are being manufactured before it has been shown to be successful in order to save time once it clears all the regulatory stages, British media reported.

October 3, 2020
Breaking: Trump tests Positive to Coronavirus

The President of the United States, Donald Trump and the First Lady, Melania Trump both tested Positive to the deadly coronavirus.

In a Twitter post by POTUS tonight, he shared the information.
The President twitted:
“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

It was reported earlier Hope Hicks, one of aides closest to President Donald Trump, had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The White house however reported that the President and the First Lady will continue to carry out their daily duties while in quarantine. No details on this yet
More details will be coming later

Bunmi Adebayo

October 2, 2020