The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • 248th Independence: U.S. Consul General reiterates commitment to Nigeria

    248th Independence: U.S. Consul General reiterates commitment to Nigeria

    •’700,000 Nigerian Americans represented single most successful group in U.S.’

    The United States (U.S.) Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens, yesterday reiterated his country’s commitment to a shared partnership and strengthening of bilateral relations with Nigeria.

    Stevens said this in his address during the celebration of America’s 248th Independence Day, organised by the U.S. Consulate in Lagos.

    The Consul General said that as the two largest presidential democracies in the world, Nigeria and the U.S. shared incredible deep values and histories that are robust examples to the rest of the world.

    He said: “This is a day when friends and family gather to celebrate the founding of America to reflect on who we were, who we are, and who we can become, and to reaffirm the principles that got us to where we are today.”

    According to him, Nigeria and the U.S. have a shared commitment to a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

    Read Also: EU-Nigeria trade hits €35b

     “We recognise democracy is not a destination, but a continuous journey where elected officials and citizens work together to address the needs of all and make compromises, sacrifices, and struggle together to make the place better than it was.

    “This makes Nigeria and the U.S. natural partners, friends and allies on so many important issues across the continent and the world.”

    Stevens noted that since the beginning of 2024, the depth and importance of both countries partnership has been reflected by the incredible attention the U.S. government has paid to Nigeria.

    He praised the Nigerian diaspora, noting that the more than 700,000 Nigerian Americans represented the single most successful diaspora group in the U.S..

  • UK’s longest serving bus driver refuses to stop

    UK’s longest serving bus driver refuses to stop

    A man believed to be the UK’s longest serving bus driver has vowed to stay behind the wheel.

    Kenny Beckers, 76, from Swansea, south-west Wales, has driven buses since he was 21.

    There is no maximum age for someone to carry out the role in the UK.

    Mr Beckers’ employer, First Bus, estimated he has driven seven million customers and clocked up around 800,000 miles in his five decades as a bus driver.

    The grandfather began his career in the sector as a conductor at the age of 18, before becoming a driver three years later.

    He has always been based in Swansea, but worked for five different companies, mainly due to takeovers and management buy-outs.

    Mr Becker said: “It was great being a driver in 1969. We had so many routes and carried so many passengers, including lots from all the factories, the collieries and British Steel at Port Talbot, but, of course, all that declined in the 1980s.

    “I also remember we had double-deckers back then, but passengers were only allowed to smoke on the top deck.

    “Upstairs was like a mist. All the factory girls and everybody else was up there smoking, it was unbelievable.”

    Mr Beckers said the “loss of commuters” has been the biggest change during his carrier.

    “The reduction in office workers and shop workers, and more people buying cars, means we’ve seen a decline in bus travel,” he said.

    Read Also: UK election gives hope to first-time immigrant voters

    “However, we are doing a lot more for disabled people now. Back in the day, buses had steps so if you had a pram or a buggy you just had to fold it up and get on with it.

    “We now have buses that are lower, pavements that are higher and ramps.

    “It’s great to see services increasing again in Swansea, as the key to getting people back on the bus is by putting on more services, but I completely understand that it’s a fine line.

    “But, things are definitely picking up, and that’s great news.”

    Mr Beckers is in semi-retirement working two days a week, but has no intention of stopping completely.

    He said: “Once my body feels like enough is enough then I’ll give up, but I don’t like putting a time on things.

    “I’ve seen people put times on stuff, and then everything goes haywire for a time. I don’t want to put a date on it.

    “In all my years working I’ve never really thought about giving up the job, and I can honestly say I’ve never had that moment of ‘I’ve had enough, I’m off’.

    “So long as I feel good and my health’s good, then I’ll keep going.”

    Newsnow

  • UK election gives hope to first-time immigrant voters

    UK election gives hope to first-time immigrant voters

    Voting for the first time in a British election, Prathesh Panjak and other immigrant voters are excited to take part in the July 4 ballot, hoping they can influence change in the country that they have chosen to call home.

    The opposition Labour Party is widely expected to win by a landslide, replacing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party which has been in power for 14 years.

    Refugees and immigrants from Commonwealth countries, mainly former territories of the British Empire such as Nigeria, India, and Malaysia, are eligible to vote in British elections.

    Panjak, 27, who came to Britain in February last year, said he was excited to cast his vote after missing the election in his native India.

    Read Also: Comparing UK elections with Nigeria’s

    “In my country, they don’t allow people from other countries to vote … I came here on a student visa, but they are giving us an opportunity, like British citizens,” said Panjak who works part-time as an ambassador at his university in Manchester, northwest England.

    Teh Wen Sun, a 33-year-old Malaysian student from Salford, not far from Manchester, said she did not see much difference between the two main parties, but she was keen to vote for a party that is more receptive to immigrants.

    Immigration is an electoral battleground in Britain, with Sunak promising to cut net migration levels if the Conservatives win, amid concern from many British voters that it was too high and put excessive pressure on the state-run National Health Service, housing, and education.

    Sunak has since tightened visa rules and made international headlines for a policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.

    Oyinkansola Dirisu, 31, a support worker from Manchester who came to Britain in 2022, said she was looking forward to voting for Labour and said she wanted whoever won the power to make it easier for people like her to move to Britain.

    Others, like Esther Offem, 26, who came from Nigeria last September, are still undecided: “None (of the parties) have done much in the areas I am most interested in.

    “But at the moment, I would probably go for the Conservatives … I’m not sure yet.”

  • Remain in White House race, family urges Biden

    Remain in White House race, family urges Biden

    Democratic’s family has urged him to ignore calls to step aside following his disastrous debate against Republican Donald Trump.

    He spent Sunday with relatives at a presidential retreat where they encouraged him to keep fighting, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

    Anxiety has gripped sections of his party following a rambling and at times incoherent performance in Atlanta.

    Polls since then suggest concerns about his age – he is 81 – have increased.

    A CBS News/YouGov poll released on Sunday indicated that 72% of registered Democratic voters believe the president does not have the mental and cognitive health to serve as president. Nearly half said he should step aside.

    But the message from his campaign team and his family is that he remains the party’s best hope to defeat Trump.

    The family gathering at Camp David in Maryland had been previously scheduled as a photoshoot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz. Biden’s wife Jill, his children and grandchildren were among those present.

    Jill Biden told Vogue magazine in a phone call from Camp David that they “will not let those 90 minutes define the four years he’s been president”.

    Read Also: Biden acknowledges age, bad debate performance, but vows Trump’s defeat

    They would continue fighting, she said, adding that her husband “will always do what’s best for the country”.

    The encouragement of the family to stay the course was first reported by the New York Times and later confirmed by CBS News.

    Some relatives have reportedly blamed his poor performance on over-preparation by his aides. A person close to Jill Biden told CBS she was not among those criticising his team.

    Concerns about the age of both candidates – Biden is only three years older than Trump who is 78 – were present before Thursday’s debate.

    But Biden’s weak voice and muddled answers renewed concerns about his candidacy and left some calling for him to step aside.

  • Dabiri-Erewa hails appointment of Nigerian Imafidon as UK varsity chancellor

    Dabiri-Erewa hails appointment of Nigerian Imafidon as UK varsity chancellor

    Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)  has hailed the appointment of Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, as the chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, United Kingdom.

    In a congratulatory message, Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment was a well-deserved one.

    Dabiri-Erewa in a statement issued by Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said Nigeria is proud of the genius achievements of Anne-Marie, breaking records and setting unimaginable standards at her young age, which has earned her the prestigious assignment to continue to serve humanity.

    The statement added: “While praying for her success and impactful tenure, the NiDCOM boss   acknowledged the receipt of her invitation to attend the prestigious Chancellor’s installation slated for July 2, as a special guest of Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, saying it is a great honour to her.

    She urged her not to rest on her oars by being a trailblazer and continue to motivate others to be the best in all their endeavours.

    Read Also: Dabiri-Erewa hails appointment of young Nigerian Imafidon as UK varsity chancellor

    “Dr. Imafidon, apart from being the youngest leader of a non-private university and youngest scientist to become chancellor of a multidisciplinary university, has now become the youngest chancellor of a major university.

    “This feat she has attained began with her siblings when they joined the ExcellenceInEducation.org.uk mentorship programme. A programme that nurtures inner-city kids.

    “While there, she achieved global recognition as the youngest person to attain A-Level in computing and Mathematics followed by a scholarship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA at a young age of 13.”

  • Ramaphosa unveils new cabinet with 12 opposition posts

    Ramaphosa unveils new cabinet with 12 opposition posts

    South Africa’s  yesterday announced his new Cabinet, confirming the handover of 12 ministerial posts to opposition parties in a televised speech.

    The largest opposition party, the economically liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), will take on six positions with DA party leader, John Steenhuisen, named to head the Ministry of Agriculture, Ramaphosa said.

    With 20 ministries, including key ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defence, Energy and Finance, the African National Congress (ANC) retained the lion’s share of Cabinet posts.

    With a total of 32 ministerial posts, the Cabinet has two seats larger than in previous years.

    The new government consisted of 11 parties, expected to lead the African continent’s strongest economy in a government of national unity.

    Ramaphosa’s ANC lost its absolute majority for the first time in 30 years in the parliamentary elections on May 29 and can no longer govern alone.

    The new government plans to prioritise economic growth, social justice and democratic renewal of the country.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Ramaphosa to tackle shared challenges, foster closer ties

    Combating poverty, unemployment, and crime is also a priority, along with addressing corruption and state exploitation.

    The governing alliance has been formed without any firm coalition agreements.

    Political analysts have questioned the stability and effectiveness of such a form of government.

    South Africa is becoming increasingly important internationally due to its position in a continent rich in the raw material reserves needed for the green energy transition.

  • Tourey: standing force ’ll confront bloc’s existential threat

    Tourey: standing force ’ll confront bloc’s existential threat

    President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Tourey, said the formation of a sub-regional standing force by the bloc would address any disintegration and existential threat before it.

    Tourey said this at the formal opening of the first 2024 ordinary session of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament yesterday in Abuja.

    The president of the commission said the formation of the embryonic standing force was a response to the threat posed by terrorism, violent extremism and military coups in West Africa.

    According to him, the commission is already putting in place all the necessary measures, including funding and logistics, for the standing force to become a reality.

    Read Also: He’s given us ministers, now what we need from our ministers

    “Our region is facing the risk of disintegration with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger notifying ECOWAS of their intention to exit.

    “Their exit will worsen insecurity and free movement, and deal a deadly blow to ECOWAS, especially regarding our joint efforts towards forming a regional standing force which all member states have all agreed.

    “It will also lead to international isolating of these three countries and they will also not enjoy ECOWAS support for any international position they aspire for,” Tourey said.

    The president of the commission disclosed that ECOWAS has already opened dialogue and negotiations with the three Sahelian states to persuade them to rescind their decision to quit.

  • Akpabio advises ECOWAS Parliament on unity, innovation to overcome challenges

    Akpabio advises ECOWAS Parliament on unity, innovation to overcome challenges

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the myriad of challenges in the West African sub-region can be surmounted if the ECOWAS Parliament is galvanised by the spirit of unity, innovation and an unwavering belief in the sub-region’s shared destiny.

    He stressed that this is needed to transform the region’s collective aspirations into enduring achievements.

    Akpabio spoke yesterday, while opening the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, at the National Assembly, Abuja, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, Ismail Mudashir.

    The Senate President, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President and the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau I Jibrin, highlighted the centuries-old history of collaboration among the diverse people of the region.

    He urged the community’s parliament to go beyond legislation and uplift the people by exemplifying the power of collaboration.

    “As we embark on the deliberations and discussions that lie ahead, let us remain steadfast in our optimism. The challenges we face are not insurmountable. With unity, innovation and an unwavering belief in our shared destiny, we can transform our collective aspirations into enduring achievements.

    “In this session, let our conversations be driven by the spirit of partnership and collective ambition. Let us demonstrate that when West Africa stands united, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power.

    Read Also; Akpabio tasks ECOWAS parliament on unity, innovation to overcome challenges in subregion

    “From the ancient empires of Ghana, Oyo, Mali, and Songhai, which flourished through trade and cooperation, to the pivotal alliances forged during the fight for independence, the spirit of unity has always guided our path.

    “This very spirit should permeate every session of the ECOWAS Parliament. It should envelop us like a comforting embrace as we proudly raise the banner of ECOWAS. While we are aware of the official establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, it is crucial to recognize that its foundations were laid centuries before this year by our ancestors.

    “Therefore, let us not view ECOWAS solely as a political instrument, but as a cultural artifact and the enduring legacy of our history.

    “Today, as representatives in this esteemed Parliament, let us proudly uphold and carry forward this rich heritage as a badge of honour,” he said.

    In his goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, noted that despite the numerous challenges confronting the sub-region, the ECOWAS Parliament remains strong, resolute and committed in upholding the ideals of democratic governance, economic integration, peace and security.

    He assured that the National Assembly will continue to partner and support the ECOWAS Parliament in the areas of capacity building, enhancing legislative practices, sharing of experience and ensuring that resolutions passed are implemented.

    In her opening speech, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon Memounatou Ibrahima while welcoming members to the session, expressed deep concern over the upsurge in the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime, which is costing the lives of valiant defence and security forces, as well as thousands of innocent people in West Africa.

    She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for the invaluable support he has always provided to the ECOWAS Parliament to facilitate the fulfillment of its mandate.

    The Speaker also applauded the National Assembly for availing it the use of its temporary chambers to hold the session as the ECOWAS Parliament chambers are undergoing renovation.

    ECOWAS court president tasks parliament on returning Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to the bloc.

    The President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Edward Asante, also called on the Parliament to ensure that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger rescind their threat to exit the bloc.

    Justice Asante stated this in a goodwill message at the formal opening of the first 2024 ordinary session of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

  • Reactions trail french Far Right win after snap election

    Reactions trail french Far Right win after snap election

    Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally (RN) have won big in France’s snap election, garnering reactions from domestic rival parties and politicians abroad.

    The RN won close to 34 percent of the vote in the first round of the parliamentary election in what was a major victory – but not one that gives the party an absolute majority in the parliament.

    Despite his defeat, Macron welcomed the high turnout of 65.8 percent, and reiterated his call to stand up to the far right in the second round.

    “Faced with National Rally, the time has come for a great union, clearly democratic and republican for the second round,” the president stressed in an official statement.

    Read Also: High turnout in French high-stakes elections

    Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of the centre left, said the president suffered a “hard and indisputable defeat” and was to blame for the shock decision to dissolve parliament, but stopping the far right was the priority.

    “Not one more vote for the RN, not one more seat for the RN,” he emphasised.

    In her first comments following the French first-round results, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni yesterday said the “constant attempt to demonise” far-right voters was losing impact.

    “The constant attempt to demonise and corner people who don’t vote for the left… is a trick that fewer and fewer people fall for,” Meloni told the Adnkronos news agency.  

  • Trump has immunity for official acts, U.S. S/Court rules

    Trump has immunity for official acts, U.S. S/Court rules

    The United States Supreme Court has for the first time recognised that former presidents have immunity from prosecution for certain actions taken in office, as it threw out a judicial decision rejecting Donald Trump’s bid to shield himself from criminal charges involving his efforts to undo his 2020 election loss.

    The court yesterday ruled 6-3 that while former presidents enjoy immunity for actions they take within their constitutional authority, they do not for actions taken in a private capacity.

    The ruling marked the first time since the nation’s 18th-century founding that the Supreme Court has declared that former presidents may be shielded from criminal charges in any instance.

    The decision will boost Trump’s defence against federal charges over his efforts to overturn the 2020 vote, which he lost to President Joe Biden. It could also affect similar state-level election interference charges in Georgia.

    Trump was quick to welcome the ruling. “BIG WIN FOR OUR CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY. PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN,” the former president wrote in a social media post.

    Read Also: Biden acknowledges age, bad debate performance, but vows Trump’s defeat

    Chief Justice John Roberts announced the landmark decision on behalf of the court’s six-justice conservative majority. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.

    The Supreme Court justices argued that enabling the prosecution of former presidents over their official acts in office could open the door for political retribution and despotism.

    “The President enjoys no immunity for his unofficial acts, and not everything the President does is official. The President is not above the law. But Congress may not criminalize the President’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the Executive Branch under the Constitution,” they wrote.