NEWS
Nigeria, Not On Autopilot – Onanuga
There is no leadership vacuum in Nigeria, as those elected to lead are fully in charge, though they might not be physically on ground.
This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga in a statement in Abuja, Wednesday night.
Onanuga made the clarification in response to media enquiries, with journalists expressing concern that the absence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, still on a two-week working vacation outside Nigeria, while Vice President Kashim Shettima jetted out on Friday on two-day visit to Sweden, creating concerns that Nigeria had a semblance of a ship without a captain.
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However, the presidential aid, wrote under the subject, ‘no vacuum in leadership as president and VP are out of the country’, explained that President Tinubu was fully in charge, working remotely with the telephone.
He made it clear that the absence of the President and his vice does not constitute a breach of any extant law.
Onanuga noted that, “The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”
The statement reads, “Following enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country, we want to clarify:
“It is important to note that the President and Vice President are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs, even while they are away. There is no leadership vacuum in the country.
“President Tinubu left the country on 3 October and is on a two-week working vacation. During this time, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state. He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.
“The vice president departed the country Wednesday for Sweden on an official visit, working for Nigeria.
“All state organs are functioning as usual. The Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May. During this time, the government’s machinery did not halt.
“The Constitution, a testament to our adaptability in the virtual age, does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil his duties.”
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has commenced the distribution of 1,880 prepaid meters to Band A customers under the Meter Asset Funds (MAF) Scheme.
The initiative, which runs from November 18 to November 30, 2024, aims to ensure accurate billing and enhance customer satisfaction within the company’s franchise area.
In a statement released on Tuesday, YEDC’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, confirmed that the exercise includes 1,500 single-phase meters and 380 three-phase meters.
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The installations will be carried out at no cost to customers by approved vendors, with the program approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“The deployment of meters under the MAF programme is part of our commitment to delivering accurate billing and improving customer experience. We urge Band A customers to cooperate with the installers during the exercise,” the statement read.
This metering drive targets unmetered Band A customers who stopped receiving electricity subsidies in April 2024.
It is part of the Presidential Metering Initiative, launched in June, which aims to fast-track nationwide metering for electricity consumers.
YEDC reiterated its commitment to improving electricity distribution, ensuring transparency, and delivering reliable services to all customers.
The company encouraged affected customers to take full advantage of the ongoing metering program.
Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) has paid a condolence visit on his former vice president, Arch. Namadi Sambo.
According a statement, which he personally signed and posted on his socials on Wednesday morning, GEJ paid the condolence visit to Sambo at the latter’s Abuja residence on Tuesday night.
Biztellers reports that Alh Suleiman Sambo, elder brother to the former vice president, passed on at the age of 82.
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Jonathan wrote, “Last night in Abuja, I paid a condolence visit to my former Vice President and brother, His Excellency Arch. Namadi Sambo, over the passing of his elder brother, Alhaji Suleiman Sambo, who died recently at the age of 82.
“Late Alhaji Suleiman Sambo was a well-respected community leader and peacebuilder who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
“May God grant his soul eternal rest.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree approving an updated doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons, according to state-run news agency TASS.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, following reports that U.S. President Joe Biden has given Ukraine permission to strike Russian territory using American-supplied long-range missiles.
The updated doctrine reflects a sharp escalation in rhetoric and strategic posturing, with analysts speculating on its potential implications for global security. Details of the revisions remain unclear, but the timing underscores the intensifying geopolitical standoff.
U.S. Actions Escalate Tensions
President Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine access to U.S.-made long-range missile systems has been viewed by Moscow as a provocative step. While Washington insists it is committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and defense, this marks a significant shift in its military aid policy, potentially widening the scope of the conflict.
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Reports of High-Level Meeting in Washington
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced of an emergency post-election meeting involving key members of the U.S. political and defense establishment. Notable attendees include Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett, Susan Rice, Samantha Power, Victoria Nuland, Antony Blinken, and Jake Sullivan.
Defense contractors and financial powerhouses, including executives from Lockheed Martin, BlackRock, Blackstone, and State Street, were reportedly present. Sources claim the meeting took place at “Obama’s War Room,” located at 2446 Belmont Rd NW, Washington, DC.
Lockheed Martin and BlackRock allegedly played dominant roles in the discussions, with two unidentified participants calling in from Switzerland to help steer the agenda.
Rising Concerns Over Global Stability
The confluence of events raises concerns about the growing potential for direct confrontation between global powers. Critics argue that the involvement of major defense and financial entities in strategic discussions highlights the complex interplay between economic interests and national security.
As the international community watches closely, questions remain about how these developments will shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and the broader balance of power.
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