If Trump were a Nigerian President, 10 Things would Likely Happen

By

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November 9, 2020

images (8) — File Photo: Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari visits US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington.

The just concluded US presidential election on many accounts births new records that earned it the ‘unprescedented’ label and also reserved it a frontline spot in the history of the one time world-power nation.

President-elect Joe Biden tallied votes not less than 74 million, numbers described as the highest recorded by a candidate in the history of America’s presidential election.

President-elect, Joe Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris at their acceptance speech event Saturday night, Nov 7, 2020.

Similarly, running mate and now Vice President-elect Kamala Harris shattered the glass ceiling setting new records of not only becoming the first woman, but also the first black woman of Asian root to become Vice President of the United States of America. It was as though she knew of the election outcome before hand when she chose ‘Pioneer’ as her Secret Service call-sign many weeks ago.

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In an article published on Sunday by National Geographic, Amy McKeever said: “Even though Joe Biden has secured enough votes to become president-elect of the United States, President Donald Trump has given every indication that he won’t accept the result as fair. Trump also has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power.

“Both moves would be historical firsts if Trump refuses to concede even after all legal challenges are resolved. U.S. history has seen a handful of bitterly contested elections, most recently in 2000, when Democrat Al Gore called Republican George W. Bush to concede in the early hours after election night—only to call back and retract his concession when the race unexpectedly tightened up. While their first conversation was congenial, the second was tense, with Gore famously telling Bush.”

In ways that are familiar to Nigerians, a London based Nigerian journalist, Ayo Akinfe on www.ayoakinfe.com highlights 10 things that would likely have happened had Donald Trump been a Nigerian president.

File Photo: Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari visits US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington.

(1) First of all, many Inec officials would have obeyed his instructions to stop counting the votes immediately the president called for it

(2) Leaders from his ethnic group would have held meetings and declared their unalloyed support for him

(3) Troops would have been dispatched to seize all those ballot papers at the counting centres

(4) Troops, policemen and DSS operatives would have been dispatched to seal off any media networks that defied the order and continued reporting results

(5) The youth from the president’s ethnic group would have held solidarity marches in his support

(6) Counter-marches would of course been organised but troops would have been sent to open fire on them as we saw at the Lekki Toll Gate

(7) Those Inec officials who refused to be intimidated, insisting on showing integrity, would have been picked up by the DSS

(8) The EFCC and Code of Conduct Tribunal would have been used to arrest and bring charges against the owners of media houses who keep announcing results, as happened to Walter Onnoghen

(9) There would have been no shortage of sycophants and praise singers taking to the media to back the president. His own party in particular would be solidly behind him

(10) By now, the uncounted ballot papers would have been destroyed prompting calls for a fresh election. Court orders would have been obtained making this legal

Against the popular finger pointing at Nigerian leaders as the main culprit in the many woes that the most popular black nation suffers, Akinfe differs that: “We complain about Nigeria a lot but refuse to accept that the only problem with Nigeria is Nigerians themselves.

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“When I see how leaders of the #EndsSars movement are currently being persecuted and how a shameful meeting in Kaduna recently backed the government, I just shudder.

“Nigerians are their own worst enemies. What is most scary is the number of sycophants wanting to eat crumbs from the oga-at-the-top’s table who will mortgage their consciences for a mess of porridge.”

Also commenting about the heterogeneous ethnic nature of the Nigerian social milieu, a peculiar factor that has been critical in the many ethnic stress experienced from time to time, Akinfe stated that: “One other thing that makes my blood boil is the way Nigerians take sides based on ethnicity and religion. I just hope this latest US saga helps debunk the myth that the problem with Nigeria is bad leadership.

“Our biggest problem is poor followership. Bad leaders like Trump exist everywhere but how far the people are prepared to go to resist them is what makes the difference between good and bad governance.”

President Donald Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his loss in the 2020 election has sparked concerns that the presidential transition would be sabotaged.

The Guardian on Monday reported that a Trump appointee refused to sign off on funding for the transition and the Trump campaign announced an expanded legal strategy in a quest to reverse the election result.

The Center for Presidential Transition, a nonpartisan advisory board, urged the Trump administration on Sunday to begin the handoff to staff supporting Joe Biden, whose victory continued to grow in magnitude as states completed their ballot counts.

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“We urge the Trump administration to immediately begin the post-election transition process and the Biden team to take full advantage of the resources available under the presidential transition act,” the transition center said in a letter Sunday.

“This was a hard-fought campaign, but history is replete with examples of presidents who emerged from such campaigns to graciously assist their successors.”

However, neither Trump nor his campaign nor political appointees has the power to stop the transition, and there was no sign that the basic steps toward Biden’s installation as president were at risk of interruption.

But non-cooperation by the Trump administration in the transition could slow the ability of some agencies to act on directives by Biden in essential areas such as pandemic response and the reinstatement of environmental regulations, protections for migrants and international accords, The Guardian wrote.

By Tobiloba Kolawole

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Stakeholders in Nigeria’s South-West Demand Youth Empowerment After EndSARS

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 9, 2020

1

EndSars-_3 — Stakeholders in South-West of Nigeria meet over insecurity and unemployment. They include the six state governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo; traditional rulers, political leaders and leaders of thought.

Stakeholders at South-west Peace Dialogue which took place in Lagos over the weekend have demanded for the repair of economic assets destroyed in the wake of the #EndSARSProtests that turned bloody in the region.

The stakeholders, including the South-west governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and leaders of thought, at the end of the meeting issued a 13-point communique, called for a comprehensive programme that would address youth employment and empowerment in the country.

The communique, signed on behalf of the participants by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said: “The security architecture of the country requires adjustment to adequately address the threats and realities of insecurity in the country. There should be more police presence in communities in the South-west states.

“A comprehensive programme that addresses youth employment and empowerment should be prioritised. Closer coordination and complementarity between the States and the Federal Government. Curricular of tertiary institutions should be reviewed, with emphasis placed on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.

“We recognise the damaging and negative impact of fake and false news, and we worry about its destructive and dangerous potency. We call on Federal Government to use the instrumentality of existing laws and regulations bench-marked from other countries to provide safeguards against the spread of fake news. The 2015 Cyber Act must also be fully used.”

The South-west leaders also demanded a review of reports of past constitutional conferences, including the 2014 National Conference and implement some of the recommendations, especially with reference to security, economy, equal treatment for citizens all over the country.

Lagos State Government hosted the dialogue, which was at the instance of all the six governors of the South-west states, to forge a common front with traditional institutions in addressing the issues that led to the recent nationwide youth demonstration, which ended in violence that shook the region to its foundation.

President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari.

Also, all serving members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) from the region and Inspector General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu, attended the event held at the Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

Buhari, in his remarks, said the vigorous manner of the #EndSARS protest indicated the frustration of the youth, who he said had been ignored for a long time in governance. He said the political class must go beyond the lip service and equip the young people with skills that would make them competitive in market.

The President reiterated his commitment to addressing the root causes of the protest, pointing out the reforms which the youths clamoured for would be done and cases of abuses would be pursued to logical conclusion.

He said: “Our government’s effort are emerging from multiple level. The Vice President and governors are designing an engagement framework through the National Economic Council that will be rolled out across States of the Federation.

“Chief among them is police reform across all its dimensions. Community policing as an additional layer that can resolve some of our security issues.”

Speaking at the event, Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman of the South-west Governors’ Forum, said the coordinated violence sparked by the #EndSARS protests shook the South-west to its foundation, given the unrestrained manner with which public assets and infrastructure that had sustained the region’s economy were destroyed by hoodlums.

He said the style of the attacks, especially in Lagos, was worrisome, noting that the peace in the region remained fragile in the aftermath of the violence.

Akeredolu said there’s need to fully restore peace in the South-west and address the issues that made youths to be used by those who orchestrated the destruction.

According to him, “Before our very eyes, what started as a peaceful demonstration turned to a different thing that became a threat to all of us, who are regarded as elite. What we witnessed in the violence showed that something needs to be done to address the underlying issues and come out with solutions. We must be able to sustain the peace in our region at all cost.”

To Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the engagement could not have come at a better time than the present period when the region had just come out from disturbing events.

He believed the dialogue would open a new chapter of peace and prosperity in the South-west.

The discussion went into an executive session in which all the South-west Governors, traditional rulers and heads of security agencies deliberated on the way forward.

Oba Ogunwusi, on his part, applauded the initiative, which he described as “right step” but upbraided the political class for lack of consultation with traditional institutions in decision making.

He said the dialogue would bridge the gap of communication between political leaders and traditional rulers.

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, attacked the unitary system being practised, saying the arrangement had led to insecurity and restiveness.

Also, Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, said security must be fortified in the region to protect the economy of the South-west. He also called for the creation of South-west Development Agenda to revamp and rebuild the destroyed assets.

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, in his remarks, fingered politicians as the cause of issues that led to the #EndSARS protest, saying unemployment contributed to the problem.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Zimbabwean Businessman, Socialite Dies In Car Accident After a Party [Video]

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 8, 2020

0

Screenshot_20201108-195837 — Zimbabwean socialite and businessman Genius ‘Ginimbi Kadungure.

Zimbabwean socialite and businessman Genius ‘Ginimbi Kadungure’ has died on the spot early Sunday morning in a head-on car accident along Borrowdale Road, in Harare, capital of the South African nation.

New Zimbabwe’s Alois Vinga gathered from sources that Ginimbi, who owns Pioneer Gas and PIKO Group, was speeding when he crashed and was helped out of the vehicle, which later burst into flames.

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An exiled former minister in the South African nation, Saviour Kasukuwere was said to have expressed bitterness at the passing of the young businessman.

The luxury car that would eventually take his life.

“This is unbearable. A young man who worked hard and enjoyed hard is no more! The flower has wilted! Go well Boss Ginimbi. MHDSRIP,” said Kasukuwere.

According to New Zimbabwe’s Alois Vinga, a relative told the media this morning that the businessman had two other passengers in his car who were “burnt beyond recognition”.

Reports stated that the identities of the co-passengers in the bentley luxury car driven by Kandungure could not be readily established.

Ginimbi’s lifeless body lies on the ground covered by tree branches.

It was said that a relative explained Kadungure was pulled out of the car soon after the crash but died immediately.

The crash happened along a curve just before Hatcliff suburb on the road to Domboshava. The businessman, whose mother died only months ago, owned a mansion in the peri-urban settlement.

In a video that has now circulated on social media since the unfortunate incident Sunday morning, Kandungure was seen hours before the crash preparing to attend a birthday party and later seen driving at night as it was dark.

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According to reports, witnesses at the scene of the fatal crash stated that the socialite, who was popular in Harare was speeding.

New Zimbabwe had reported that the driver of the Honda Fit car that got involved in the accident with Ginimbi survived the crash but is said to be in shock.

Video

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South-West Govs in Nigeria Meet to Improve Security After Unrest

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 8, 2020

0

Agency Reporter

Security lapses occasioned by the unrest that followed EndSARS protest by Nigerian youth, who demanded government put an end to police brutality and extortion, has put Governors in Nigeria’s South-West on their toes to ensure that the security architecture of the region improves.

The Governors met on Sunday in Lagos to strategise on how to secure the South-West as the aftermath of the EndSARS protest, highjacked by hoodlums who unleashed mayhem nearly collapsed security apparatus in the region.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that In the opening remark of the Chairman, South-West Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo State), it was stated that the region had gone through a lot in recent times.

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Governor Akeredolu said that when the EndSARS protest started in the South-West and other parts of the country, the police were guiding the protesters.

He said that what started as a peaceful demonstration by the youths eventually turned to a different thing, NAN reported.

“In the recent past, our experience has been most worrisome, everybody is worried, everybody is concerned, we have to sustain the peace we have started noticing.

“We are worried. What we are seeing in the last days shows that something needs to be done,´´ Akeredolu said.

“What we have witnessed in the South-West is a great attack on our heritage. We must have collaborate across the board. We need the cooperation of the Federal Government so that this does not repeat itself,´´ the Ondo governor said.

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He urged the governors to be up and doing in their duties, adding that the welfare of the people was paramount.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the South-West region had serious issues of security confronting the people.

Sanwo-Olu said that over 500 vehicles, both public and private were destroyed, hospitals, monarch palace, among others, were not spared.

In his address, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, said the meeting was for those in government to retrace their steps and have a rethink of a better way to engage the youths more to prevent their restiveness.

Gambari noted that President Buhari was aware of the level of destruction to private and public infrastructure in Lagos.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to addressing the many challenges and demands of the youths in due course.

Other South-West governors in attendance were Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo).

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The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, his works and housing counterparts, Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, among others.

The traditional rulers in attendance include Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.

(NAN)

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More World Leaders Celebrate Biden-Harris’ Electoral Victory Over Trump

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 8, 2020

0

Screenshot_20201108-123559 — President-elect, Joe Biden and Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris at their acceptance speech event Saturday night, Nov 7, 2020.

President Emmanuel Macron of France and many other world leaders have congratulated Joe Biden as the President-elect of the United States of America.

Macron, in a statement, said: “The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris!

“We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let’s work together!”

To President Muhammadu Buhari, Biden was being elected as the US President “at a time of uncertainty and fear in world affairs.”

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Buhari said: “Your election is a significant reminder that democracy is the best form of government because it offers the people the opportunity to change their government by peaceful means.

“The most powerful group are not the politicians, but voters who can decide the fate of the politicians at the polling booth.

“The main fascination of democracy is the freedom of choice and the supremacy of the will of the people.”

“Respect for the will of the people is the very reason why democracy remains the best form of government, despite its limitations from one polity to another, and from one society to another.”

“I am thrilled by the fact that you are an experienced politician who had served as Congressman for 40 years and a Vice President for eight years. This is a remarkable track record that gives us hope that you will add value to the presidency and world affairs.”

Buhari also noted that “with your election, we look forward to greater cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including the war against terrorism.”

On international affairs, Nigerian President urged Mr. Biden to “deploy your vast experience in tackling the negative consequences of nationalist politics on world affairs which have created divisions, conflicts and uncertainties.”

The Nigerian leader also called on Biden “to introduce greater engagement with Africa on the basis of reciprocal respects and shared interests.”

Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose 2019 call with President Donald Trump sparked impeachment investigations, took to Twitter to congratulate President-elect and his running-mate, Kamala Harris.

According to him, “Congratulations to @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris! #Ukraine is optimistic about the future of the strategic partnership with the #UnitedStates. 🇺🇦 and 🇺🇸 have always collaborated on security, trade, investment, democracy, fight against corruption. Our friendship becomes only stronger!”

Also, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa said: “We congratulate President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President @KamalaHarris and the American people on your election. We look forward to working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation.”

On his part, President George Weah of Liberia said: “Congratulations to U.S.President-elect Joe Biden on his historic win. He assumes the leadership of the United States at a very challenging time for the country and the world as we all face a global health crisis. I urge all Americans to forge together in peace and unity.

“As the traditional ally of the United States, Liberia stands ready to further enhance and rekindle our long, historic and unique bilateral relations.
Congratulations!”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement, described Biden-Harris’ victory as historic.

“Today marks the dawning of a new day of hope for America. A record-shattering 75 million Americans cast their ballots to elect Joe Biden President of the United States – a historic victory that has handed Democrats a mandate for action.

“In President-elect Joe Biden, Americans elected a leader ready on Day One to finally begin to crush the coronavirus so we can safely reopen our economy and schools. In President-elect Biden, the American people delivered a mandate for lower health costs, a mandate for creating bigger paychecks by rebuilding America’s infrastructure, and a mandate for cleaner government that works for the public interest, not the special interests. And in President-elect Biden, they have elected a unifier who values faith, family and community, and who will work tirelessly to heal our nation.

“President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won with a strong margin, and they will have a strong Democratic House Majority by their side. Working together, we have the opportunity to deliver extraordinary progress For The People,” Pelosi said.

A former British Prime Minister Theresa May also wrote: “Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Your election marks a new chapter in the history of your country and in the special partnership between our two nations. #democracy The UK & US will always work together to defend our shared values.”

Also commenting on the election, a former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said: “The voters have spoken, and they have chosen @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to be our next president and vice president.

“It’s a history-making ticket, a repudiation of Trump, and a new page for America.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. Onward, together.”

A former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu, also wrote: “Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris !

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“@JoeBiden is the 46th President of the United States! This is the will of the American people. Real democracies respect the will of the people and the institutions that uphold that will. Anyone else’s opinion is irrelevant now. Americans themselves have spoken.

“In a democracy, no one should be bigger than the voters. America has held elections for 200 years. The Democrats were crushed when @HillaryClinton lost in 2016 and @realDonaldTrump won, but they accepted it. Now that Trump has lost and @JoeBiden won, the same must happen.

“If Trump had won, would the election have been “rigged” and ballots sweepingly described as “illegal”? The whole world is watching the planet’s most powerful country. If this is happening there, what moral standing would it have to censure others on democracy?

“The votes have spoken and, although Trump has the right to go to court, his effort should be channeled in a more professional and responsible manner, not wholesale denunciation of a system that WORKS and always has.”

Idowu Sowunmi

Inline1

US President Elect Will Have Challenges No Incoming President Ever Has

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 7, 2020

1

Screenshot_20201107-233022 — File Photo: US President Elect, Joe Biden and former boss, ex-President Barack Obama.

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.

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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.

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“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

Inline1

World Leaders Congratulate Biden, Harris After Beating Trump

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 7, 2020

0

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

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Joe Biden Elected as 46th US President

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

-

November 7, 2020

0

images (6) — President Elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden.

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

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Inferno on Oando Tank Farm Finally Put Out in Lagos

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 7, 2020

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IMG_20201107_153551 — Tank farm belonging to Oando, an indigenous Oil and Gas company located in Nigeria's commercial capital, Lagos.

The inferno that gutted the Oando tank farm in Lagos, South-West, Nigeria has now been put out by firefighters.

This was confirmed on Saturday in a separate statement by the Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA).

After several hours, efforts of the firefighters finally brought the fire under control.

The inferno from the 7.6Million litres PMS tank which started on Thursday, 5th November, 2020 at about 12:20hrs was finally put under control at 09:00hrs today, Saturday 7th, November 2020, an official statement by the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) stated on Twitter.

Escalation to other tank farm was successfully averted by the combined efforts of the fire unit of LASEMA’s response team, Lagos State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and other private fire units.

The firefighters were said to have remained on ground trying to ensure that there is no reignition.

The statement confirmed that the affected area has now been cordoned off.

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$1.2bn Brazilian Loan Will Plunge Nigeria’s Economy into Further Devastating Pitfall, PDP Tells Buhari

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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November 6, 2020

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images (5) — President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; Spokesman of main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbodiyan.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised fresh alarm over the latest plans by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to “further mortgage our nation through an additional $1.2 billion loan from Brazil despite the public outcry against the accumulation of loans from China and other foreign interests.”

PDP cautioned the Buhari Presidency not to “further weaken our nation and using nebulous agricultural programmes as justification for further accumulation of foreign loans, without clear terms and conditions, to the detriment of the poor masses and generations yet unborn.”

The party further warned that “the loan request, if approved by the National Assembly, will exacerbate our nation’s debt burden, mortgage our agricultural sector, weaken our investment capacity and worsen our food security challenge.”

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“Our party invites Nigerians to note that with the $1.2 billion (N459 billion) Brazilian loan, in addition to the N5.20 trillion borrowing already proposed in the 2021 budget, our nation’s debt burden will hit a disastrous N36.2 trillion which will plunge our economy into a devastating pitfall,” said the opposition party.

PDP urged the National Assembly to save the nation by being circumspect in handling the loan request in the national interest.

“Instead of this recourse to reckless borrowings,” PDP tasked “the Buhari Presidency to apply itself productively by looking inwards and finding ways to harness and create wealth with the resources abounding in our country.”

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“What Nigeria needs now is for government to be more innovative and resourceful in galvanizing a productive economy instead of reducing our nation to a beggar status among the comity of nations,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

Idowu Sowunmi

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