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Nigeria, UK Enjoy Robust Relationship, With 300,000 Visas Issued To Nigerians – High Commissioner

December 9, 2024

Richard Montgomery- British High Commissioner to Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery has described relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom, (UK) as robust which has led to issuance of 300,000 visas to Nigerians over the past few years.

Speaking on Monday on Channels Television, Montgomery emphasized that Nigeria is one of the major beneficiaries of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.

He addressed claims of harsh immigration policies, asserting that the UK’s visa policies have been favourable to Nigerians.

“I have to contest this picture because the UK, in the last couple of years, has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, which far exceeds any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other country.

“The trends have been really positive post-Brexit. Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the post-Brexit migration visa rules.”

He noted that the number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased significantly, from 10,000–20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000–90,000 in recent years.

“The number of people getting work visas to go to the UK has gone from something like 10,000 to 20,000 about six or seven years ago to 80,000–90,000 a year in the last two years – last year and this year.

The envoy however admitted that student numbers are down, while highlighting the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors such as social care, describing their roles as vital.

Nigerians, he added, account for approximately 10 per cent of all visas issued by the UK in the past two years.

“So, I would like to emphasise how huge the relationship is. It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country, in my understanding.”

Montgomery assured prospective applicants that the UK visa approval rate remains high for those who apply with proper documentation and evidence.

Montgomery underscored the strong ties between the two nations, which he said surpasses Nigeria’s visa relationships with other countries.

“Beat Your Wife, Get Deposed”, Emir Sanusi Warns Traditional Title Holders

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 9, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Traditional title holders in Kano Emirate Council who indulge in the act of wife- beating will be stripped of their positions.

This much was made known on Monday, December 9, 2024, by the factional Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi, at the opening ceremony of this year’s National Dialogue on the role of Islamic Opinion leaders in the prevention of Gender Based Violence GBV in Northern Nigeria held at the Bayero University Kano, BUK.

Emir Sanusi, also, called for an urgent review of section 55 of the Penal code law of Nigeria.

According to him, the section which mandates husbands to adopt corrective measures against erring wives, appears to be abused by not a few .

He noted that such acts of abuse by some husbands have tended to exacerbate incidents of domestic abuse, including wife- battering and other GBV.

Emir Sanusi further stated that the session in question (session 55) of the Penal Code allows a husband to correct his wife if it is within the limits of acceptable and lawful customs, as well as not capable of causing grievous hurt.

But he, however, regretted that about 45 percent of cases across nine Shariah Courts in Kano according to a recent study are all GBV related, underscoring the need for urgent actions to curb the ugly trend.

Flaring all acts of wife beating, he noted that apart from emotional trauma, most of the victims also suffer serious bodily injuries, such as broken teeth and facial deformation.

While describing husbands who indulge in the despicable act of wife battering as close to the level of animals, Emir Sanusi called for strong legislations against all GBV in the society .

Specifically, he emphasized the urgency of such laws that protect women through the criminalization of all forms of abuses ,and maltreatment in marriages.

“A husband who beats his wife for any reason is being animalistic in nature. If we get to a point in our society where people are not restrained from beating their wives ,the Government should make it a crime .

“In the 21st Century, if Northern part of the country still upholds section 55 of the Penal Code ,which in away permits a husband to beat his wife ,then it should be expunged .

“Nigeria should rather copy family laws from Islamic countries that prohibit such acts.

“When my daughters are getting married ,I mostly tell their husbands: “if you don’t love them anymore ,please send them back to me. Don’t maltreat them.

“My traditional title holders also know that if you beat your, you lose your tittle .At the same time ,we must teach our daughters how to respect their husbands .

“Marriage is built upon love, mercy and mutual respect between husband and wife”, he noted .

Presidency: Why Atiku, The North Should Wait Till 2031″, Akume, Says No Vacancy In Aso Rock

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate in the 2023 Election has been advised to wait till 2031 to give another shot to his Presidential ambition.

Having lost on three occasions, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has urged the former Vice President and other Northern politicians aspiring to the Presidency to exercise patience until 2031. He asserted that the region’s turn for the nation’s top seat is not in 2027.

Akume said that those eyeing the position should be magnanimous enough to wait until 2031, and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Southerner, the opportunity to complete a potential second term.

“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” he said.

Akume added: “If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation.”

The former Benue State Governor made this statements while speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday program, hosted by Femi Akande.

The SGF emphasized and highlighted the administration’s economic strategies, pointing to the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of foreign exchange windows as key steps in stabilizing the economy.

“It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” Akume remarked.

He also spoke about some reforms the President Tinubu Government is embarking on, saying that the reforms are in the best interest of Nigeria and its citizens.

He, however, appealed to Nigerians to allow the bills to scale through required legislative processes stating that the bills were well envisioned for Nigerians.

The SGF defended the Tax Reform Bills as visionary legislation designed to rescue the nation’s economy, urging Nigerians to support their passage through the National Assembly.

“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course. These reforms will ultimately benefit everyone when fully implemented,” he stated.

He also expressed optimism that the results of these measures would soon be visible, restoring confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory.

“Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he concluded.

Speaker Abass Charges State Assemblies On Gender-Focused Amendments, Legislation

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2024

Hon Abbas Tajudeen in a chat with the chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abass Tajudeen on Monday met state assembly Speakers on gender-based violence and constitution amendment bills among others.

Tajudeen stated that affirmative action for women is not a privilege and undemocratic, but a corrective measure that must be taken to ensure fairness and gender balance in the polity.

The Speaker pointed out it has become necessary to mainstream women’s and gender issues in the constitution, statutes, policies, and budgetary processes of Nigeria.

Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi stated that these were contained in the Speaker’s keynote address at a session with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held at the National Assembly on

“This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.”

The Speaker noted that the 16 days had served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.

He also noted that the National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation.

According to him, since 1999, the parliament has championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act; the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.

The Speaker further noted that the 10th House has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.

Abbas stated that the agenda reflects the parliament’s recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric.

“Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low.

“This imbalance must change, not for improved statistics, but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

While emphasising that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, he opined that a society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future.

“Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.

“Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building.

“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential.

“Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.”

The Speaker said state Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms, adding that the active participation and support of state speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.

“Please Help Us, We Need Skills, Businesses To Survive” – Abia Widows Cry Out

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 9, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia Widows have called on the Abia State Government, particularly, the House of Assembly, to enact relevant legislations against harmful practices against widows.

This is even as the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, appealed to Traditional Rulers, Community leaders and other custodians of culture and traditions to be intentional and committed to the task of eradicating all forms of discriminatory practices against widows in the society.

The widows who spoke through the Abia Coordinator of their umbrella body, Widows International, WOI, Ezinne Nkechi Ezim, at the occasion of the investiture of Mrs Otti as its Grand Patron, in Aba on Sunday, December 8, 2024, regretted that the absence of laws and or their weak implementation have tended to work against efforts at eradicating the maltreatment ,and abuse of widows, and other gender- based violence, GBV, in the society.

According to the WOI, widows and their children are subjects of physical, sexual and psychological abuse that cut across lines of income, class and culture in both public and private lives.

“They face intimidation from their late husbands’ immediate family members. These are acts of violence which infringe on their human rights and fundamental freedom.

“Those groups of women require special attention .Lack of preventive and protective laws ,and lack of access to and or ineffective enforcement by public authorities of such laws where they exist ,only perpetuate and increase acts of violence against the widows and women in general.

“However, there remains the existence of rights, but their effective enjoyment especially by widows derives from the part of commitment by Government in promoting and protecting those rights,and the failure of Government will impact negatively on women and men alike”, Ezim noted.

The WOI further noted that Abia state can follow the path already charted by Enugu and Anambra ,in coming out with effective legislations against maltreatment of widows.

“We shall be happy to see Abia State’s own laws on the protection of widows ,if not in existence. But if in existence , let them be enforced”, the widows demanded.

They also called on the Government to consider appointing a Special Adviser and Assistant on Widows Matters to help in projecting and protecting the rights and wellbeing of Widows.

“If the Federal Government could create a Ministry for Livestock, and appoint a Minister or some one in charge ,it will be worthwhile if a Special Adviser on Widows and Orphans is appointed .

“We appreciate the existence of Women Affairs Ministry. But we also know that no Government can carry the load of its widows and their children ,the journey should however start somewhere.

“WOI is a platform to identify real widows and reach out to them. Here we are. Please help us. Widows need soft loans, skill acquisitions and scholarships for their children.

“We are blessed and happy to have the first mother of the State here with us today ,not as one of us but as a protector, influencer, and guide.That is the reason for the investiture today as the first ever Grand Matron -the highest honorary award in the Organization.” Chief Mrs Ezim noted .

The wife of the Abia State Governor ,while responding, assured that, she will continue to collaborate with all relevant Government agencies, groups and individuals in the task of eradicating the challenges facing widows in the state ,as well as gender based violence GBV .

Mrs Otti informed that she accepted with enthusiasm the appointment of the Grand Matron WOI because its philosophy is in tandem with her wider goal of eradicating all harmful practices against widows ,children and other vulnerable groups in the society .

The Governor’s wife noted that she is presently engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, and others on how to effectively fight GBV and other abuses being presently perpetrated against widows, women, Children and other vulnerable persons.

She reassured that Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of not just widows ,but all other less privileged persons and groups.

Mrs Otti, emphasized the readiness of the state Government to equally assist the widows in realizing their full potentials ,despite their status .

To this end, she promised that Government will continue to support them in their businesses and other positive activities.

The Wife of the Abia state Governor. however, called on public spirited individuals, groups and organizations to identify with the struggle to create an enabling environment for widows to live meaningfully.

Earlier the convener and founder of WOI, Sir Alphonsus Udeigbo said the choice of Mrs Otti as the first Grand Matron of the organization was purely based on merit.

According to him, since the formation of WOI in 1987, nobody has been conferred with the position because it is not politically motivated.

Udeigbo informed that the WOI, decided to honour Mrs Otti based on the glaring evidences of general transformation that have taken place in Abia since. May 2023 .

“Before 2023 ,the widows prayed fervently across the state demanding positive change in the leadership .

“So what is happening now is God’s answered prayers. That is why the Widows have decided to appoint the wife of the Governor as their Grand Matron so that she will continue her good works”, Udeigbo stated.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Moves To Offset Fees Of Indigenes Schooling In Cyprus

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2024

Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Stranded indigenes of Kano State that had completed university education in Cyprus since 2015 heave a sigh of relief as Governor Abba Yusuf took step to offset backlog of their fees to enable them access their certificates.

Governor Yusuf had arrived in Cyprus to secure the Certificates of Stranded Kano indigenes in that country.

The students had been faced with challenges to access their academic certificates since the administration of former Governor Ganduje.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, on Monday, revealed that Governor Yusuf held a meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to address the issue.

The statement added that discussion focused on the release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.

Some of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.

The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.

However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.

“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.

“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who the state needs for immediate employment, it is a shame on him.

“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”

Crisis Rocks Brila Media Over N150 Million Fraud

Akinwale Kasali

December 9, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Brila Media, owners of Nigeria’s leading Sports Radio Network, Brila Sports is enmeshed in crisis. The Management has uncovered a huge fraud allegedly perpetrated by some staff and its former employees running to N150 millions.

Investigation revealed that the Sports Radio Management discovered that these funds were diverted by some persons in the organisation who allegedly established a similar company to manipulate the internal system through invoice fabrication and receival of payments leading to the loss of over N150 million over the last couple of years.

Brila Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Larry-Izamoje, disclosed that the alleged heist was uncovered in June 2024, prompting the management to set up an internal investigation that later unraveled the criminal activities leading to the matter being referred to the appropriate authority in August 2024.

She further explained that Management had initially decided to handle the matter in-house, without any undue publicity by allowing the security operatives to carry out their thorough investigation to identify the culprits and not punish any innocent staffer.

It was alleged that some individuals within and outside the organization had launched series of digital attacks and blackmail on the Media Group and its founder, Larry Izamoje, prompting the Management to take divisive approach by inviting Security Agents to wade into the issue.

Her words; “In the past few weeks, we have observed and endured an ill-intentioned and orchestrated campaign of calumny by a few individuals who have been found to be engaged in certain criminal activities during their engagement with our organization spanning years.

“Sequel to the discovery of criminal diversion of funds, pass-off, invoice fabrication, receival of payments, and system manipulation leading to the loss of over N150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) over the last couple of years, the matter was referred to the appropriate authority.

“Subsequently, suspects have been invited by law enforcement agents, interrogated, and confessions made. Surprisingly, some of the key actors connected to these devious and insidious activities have been engaged in digital vilification, orchestrating netizen mobs against our organization and founder Dr. Larry Izamoje in order to blackmail the company and project it as insensitive and anti-employee.

“This appears to be a defensive effort to mitigate their criminal exposure in order to escape justice. We have endured their unjustifiable malicious and digital excoriation in the past few weeks as a law-abiding organization to allow the appropriate authority to conclude their findings. We aligned with the rule of law to ensure that justice is done and no innocent person is punished unjustifiably.

“Where necessary, the indicted members of the criminal gang will be revealed as soon as it is appropriate to do so. As a premium and dedicated media organization, we remain committed to professionalism, corporate governance, and value creation that benefits our stakeholders, including our employees. However, criminality will not be condoned no matter the effort those involved put into adverse campaigns against our organization,” she stated.

According to Company’s Group CEO, “the organization has been a responsible corporate entity with none of the staff owed salaries nor any of their entitlement. But they have to dispel the concocted and falsified stories being traded on social media for face-saving by some allegedly indicted in the fleecing of the company of such a humongous amount of money”

She further revealed that despite the social media blackmail by some of the indicted staffers, some have confessed to the crime with pledges to make restitution back to the company.

She added that investigation is still ongoing as some indicted members of the syndicate yet to make themselves available for interrogation.

The Brila Media Group CEO pledged to reveal further details of the case when appropriate and ensure justice is served.

Brila Media Group is founded and owned by Veteran and renowned Sport Journalist, Larry Izamoje.

Multi-National Meat Producers Target Kebbi For Modern Production, Processing

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Commissioner for Animal Health, Husbandry and Fisheries, Kabiru Usman-Alaramma, has disclosed that a Brazilian multi-national firm and one of the largest global meat producers is set to partner with the state government for modern meat, dairy production and processing.

Addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, the commissioner said, the state government would receive a delegation from the company on an official visit to the state this week.

He described the new development as one of the benefits of Governor Nasir Idris’ foreign trips, while emphasising the economic value such engagement would bring to the state, especially in attracting investments and modern expertise, particularly for livestock farmers.

“Today, I am here to share exciting developments following these efforts, with a special focus on the upcoming visit of top executives from one of the world’s largest meat processing companies.

“This visit, is coming a week after similar visit by the Ambassador of Indonesia which marks a significant milestone in achieving Kebbi’s livestock sector development.”

According to him, the visit of the executives of the firm is the direct result of a trip earlier this year to Brazil by a delegation from Kebbi, led by the Deputy Governor, Umar Abubakar-Tafida.

“During that trip, discussions centred on investment opportunities in livestock development, and we are now poised to bring those conversations to fruition.

“The Brazilian delegation accompanied by officials from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), will explore avenues for investment and collaboration in livestock development, meat processing and animal health in Kebbi.

“Kebbi’s vast reputation as a key hub for livestock activities in Africa is quickly spreading globally. This visit highlights the growing interest in the state as a prime destination for serious investment in the agriculture and livestock sector.”

Usman-Alaramma expressed optimism that such destinations would bring modern technology, expertise and resources to Kebbi, creating lasting benefit for the state.

During their visit, he said, the NIPC delegation, led by Executive Secretary and CEO, Hajiya A’isha Rimi would accompany the Brazilian Investors to key livestock development sites in Kebbi.

“This will allow them to evaluate opportunities for collaboration and investment. The delegation will also pay a courtesy call on the governor to further solidify the ties between Kebbi and international investors.

“This visit underscores the ongoing successes of Governor Idris’ leadership, which has focused on fostering partnerships and securing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that attract both local and foreign investments.”

He recalled that the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Usra Hendra Harahap, accompanied by his wife and a nine-member technical team, visited Kebbi State to strengthen bilateral agreements aimed at boosting agricultural growth and sustainable development in the state.

“The recent visit of Kebbi State Governor to Indonesia resulted in significant advancements in agriculture and livestock development.

“Key achievements include collaborations to improve livestock production through artificial insemination, with the Indonesian government donating 1,000 straws of semen to enhance livestock breeds for high-quality beef and milk production..

“Additionally, training opportunities in artificial insemination and embryo transfer were secured to build local expertise among veterinary doctors.”

Federal High Court Grants Bail to Dele Farotimi

Ayodele Oni

December 9, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court in Ekiti State has granted bail to Lawyer and Human rights activist, Dele Farotimi, who was ordered to be remanded last week by a Magistrate Court also in Ekiti.

The Court granted Farotimi bail in the sum of N50 million, with a surety in the same amount.

The Court ruled that the surety must possess a landed property in Ekiti and adjourned the matter to January 29, 2025, for further proceedings.

Farotimi was taken to ourt by Chief Afe Babalola, SAN after being arrested by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command.

Babalola, 95, accused Farotimi of defaming him in a book entitled: “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”

The arrest sparked outrage across the country, prompting Civil Society Organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association to call for the activist’s release.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Adeniran Akinwale, had on December 4, 2024 said that Dele Farotimi was arrested for various alleged offences.

The commissioner pointed out that the offences committed included defamation of character, cyberstalking, and others.

“That was why we have been looking for him before we were able to arrest him.We are investigating him.

“If the suspect is arrested, we will bring him for investigation. We will conduct our investigation and will be able to know his level of culpability or otherwise.”

OPINION: Ghana’s General Elections, Lessons For Nigeria, Others

James Orji

December 9, 2024

By Richard Odusanya

At Independence in 1957, Ghana’s founding father Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah asserted that “the independence of Ghana would be meaningless unless it was tied to the total liberation of Africa”. The foremost Pan-Africanist went on to lead Ghana in playing a central role in the decolonisation process and liberation struggles across Africa.

Nkrumah in his usual impeccable use of words with such calm precision became the motivation for Africa’s long move from the decolonisation era, and this generation of Ghanaians have carried on this enviable bequest – this time becoming a leading light in addressing Africa’s challenge of peaceful democratic transitions, by demonstrating this is possible, over and over again.

Self-evidently, today, the country has earned its pride of place in the global world order, and is celebrated as one of the models in the Global South, for economic stability, democratisation, and peaceful transitions. Undoubtedly, the West African country keeps strengthening her institutions and enacting enabling legislations that would ensure this legacy of peaceful transitions endure.

From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the replica of America’s 2024 general elections in Ghana yesterday 7th of December was yet another landmark event in the black continent of Africa. The American 2024 presidential election which marks a historic and improbable comeback for Donald Trump, who left office in 2021 after failing to overturn the 2020 election results. The only difference is that as a sitting President, John Dramani Mahama did not attempt the Trump’s malady of 2020.

For the records, John Dramani Mahama (JDM), is set to return as Ghana’s president after his main rival accepted defeat, even though the electoral authorities are yet to announce the official results. It is said that true leaders lead the people towards abundance. The paragon of democracy, JDM remarked as follows:

“I seek the mandate of the people of Ghana once again, confident that together, we have the human and natural resources to build the Ghana we all want. I approach this quest with the humility, introspection, integrity and urgency of an experienced leader convinced that Ghana is headed in the wrong direction and must be rescued.” This is from a pure democrat in a great nation republic of Ghana in Africa where democracy is constantly on the downward trend.

The enviable records and lessons for the other troubled Nations of the continent of Africa particularly Nigeria, is its seamlessness unlike others. General elections were held in Ghana on 7 December 2024 to elect the president and members of Parliament. The next day 8 December 2024,Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, has conceded defeat in Ghana’s 2024 elections and congratulated former President John Mahama.

“Let me say that the data from our own internal collation of the election results indicate that former President John Dramani Mahama has won the presidential election decisively,” Mr Bawumia said

Furthermore, a few days before the election, the incumbent President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stated: “I came to office as a result of a peaceful and credible election, and I want to go out through the same process,” Akufo-Addo told the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, led by former Nigerian Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, during a meeting at Jubilee House in Accra on 3rd December.

Far too often, people learn from their experiences that one of the reasons why our well deserved systemic change has continued to elude us is because of weak INSTITUTIONS, bad precedences, sentiments and not principles that guide our judgements and decisions.

In conclusion, I’d like to share with my readers a poignant, provocatively and profoundly incontrovertible fact as posited by Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana. He said it is “incomprehensible” that Africa — a continent of 1.4 billion people — has no permanent voice in shaping decisions that affect global peace and security.

“Yes, we are a continent rich in potentials and resilient in the face of adversity, but we have also been disadvantaged by a global system that has generally treated us as an afterthought,” he stressed, adding that the people of Africa are not asking for handouts. Rather, they are demanding opportunities in a new global architecture.”

Finally, I wish to dedicate this contribution about today’s events in Ghana to the evergreen memory of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings whose life and legacy continue to resonate deeply with Ghanaians. Known as a “man of the people” Rawlings is remembered for his steadfastness, dedication to Justice, Integrity, and the fight against corruption. His contributions to the Ghana’s political landscape are undeniable, and unprecedented.

So, therefore, I wish to join millions of our compatriots across the globe in celebration of the events in Ghana, particularly the victory in pools of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings who is the eldest daughter of JJR, a Member of Parliament for the Klottey-Korle Constituency and humanitarian.

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