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Obasanjo calls for a leadership change and a reduction in tenure at the INEC.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the urgent appointment of new and credible leaders for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Chinua Achebe leadership forum at Yale University. Highlighting the need for short tenures to minimize the risk of corruption and restore public trust, Obasanjo’s remarks resonate deeply amid concerns regarding electoral integrity in Nigeria.

In his address on “Leadership failure and state capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo characterized the 2023 general elections as a “travesty.” He emphasized that significant reform of the electoral system is essential for the nation’s democratic health. According to Obasanjo, INEC must implement a rigorous vetting process to ensure that its officials are non-partisan and possess impeccable reputations. This vetting is crucial, he argued, to prevent electoral manipulation by both internal and external actors.

Obasanjo’s recommendations extend to all levels of INEC leadership, including federal, state, local government, and municipal appointments. He asserted that the chairperson of INEC should be not only competent but also transparently independent and incorruptible. His vision for electoral reform involves safeguarding elections from undue influence, thereby upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Furthermore, Obasanjo criticized INEC’s failure to utilize technological innovations, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Viewing Portal (IReV), during the recent elections. He noted that these technologies were originally heralded as instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and transparency of electoral outcomes.

In conclusion, Obasanjo’s poignant call for credible INEC leadership underscores an urgent need for electoral reform in Nigeria. By implementing transparent processes and ensuring accountability, the nation can aspire to restore public confidence in its electoral systems and, ultimately, its democracy.

News

Lagos State Reaffirms Focus on Road Safety, Not Revenue, with Speed Enforcement.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to road safety, emphasizing that the recently implemented speed limit enforcement and e-policing camera system is primarily designed to reduce accidents and fatalities, not to generate revenue.

Speaking on a local radio program, Mr. Musa clarified that the initiative aims to curb excessive speeding, a key contributor to road accidents. He stated that compliance with speed limits is crucial for saving lives and preventing injuries, and that the enforcement measures, though often met with resistance, are necessary for public safety.

Further, Mr. Musa addressed concerns regarding potential errors and assured the public that a transparent process exists for contesting perceived wrongful fines. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable enforcement, noting that even government vehicles have been subject to fines for violations. He urged motorists to adhere to posted speed limits, especially along the Alapere axis and the Third Mainland Bridge, and to utilize designated locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off. The government is also addressing issues of missing or vandalized road signs through alternative measures like direct road markings.

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Entertainment

Val Kilmer, Acclaimed Actor, Passes Away at 65.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Hollywood mourns the loss of Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his diverse and memorable roles, who passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news.

Kilmer, a prominent figure in 1990s cinema, achieved widespread recognition for his performances in iconic films such as “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” where he embodied Jim Morrison, and “Tombstone,” where he portrayed Doc Holliday. He also donned the cowl as Batman in “Batman Forever.” His extensive filmography includes significant roles in “Heat,” “The Saint,” “Willow,” and the recent “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Beyond his on-screen achievements, Kilmer’s career was marked by periods of controversy and fluctuating box office success. He was reportedly diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, though he later recovered.

Val Kilmer’s talent and dedication to his craft will undoubtedly be remembered by audiences for years to come.

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Foreign

Case Dismissed: Federal Charges Against Mayor Adams Dropped.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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On Wednesday, District Court Judge Dale Ho dismissed, with prejudice, the federal criminal case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This action effectively terminates the possibility of the Department of Justice (DOJ) resurrecting the five-count indictment against the Democrat in the US District Court in Manhattan.

The dismissal follows a controversial request by the Trump administration, nearly two months prior, to drop the corruption charges. The DOJ argued that prosecution would impede Mayor Adams’ ability to govern New York City and collaborate with the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.

The request prompted significant internal dissent, culminating in the resignation of seven federal prosecutors, including the acting Manhattan US attorney. Their departure underscores the contentious nature of the decision to seek dismissal and the ethical questions it raised within the Department. The “with prejudice” ruling solidifies the finality of this complex and closely watched legal battle.

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