Donald Trump has declared himself the winner of the American Presidential election, even as votes are still being counted in some swing states. Trump needs four electoral votes to attain the mandatory 270 needed to be officially declared victorious, and he is reportedly ahead in a number of the battle ground states as counting inches to conclusion. Addressing crowds in Palm Beach, Florida, he promised the American people a new “golden age”. In the prematured victory address, covered live by CNN, Trump said: “This was the greatest political movement of all time and now it’s going to reach a new level of importance because we’re going to let our country heal. “We’ve made history for a reason tonight and the reason is going to be just that. It is now clear that we’ve achieved the most incredible political… I mean look what happened, isn’t this crazy? “It’s a political victory that our country has never seen before, nothing like this, I want to thank the American people for making me your 47th President and your 45th president. “Every citizen I will fight for you, for your family and your future. Every single day I will be fighting for you with every breath in my body. “I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that our children deserve, and that you deserve. “This will truly be the golden age of America. This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.” Trump’s premature declaration was predicted by some in Washington D.C. Independent Senator for Vermont, Bernie Sanders, said that everyone “should be aware” that the Republican could announce an early victory. Speaking to CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, he said: “It’s not ‘what if,’ Kaitlan. It is not ‘what if’ – he will.” He claimed that Trump would prematurely declare victory, adding: “That is what will happen. … This is why he has got to lose, because this is exactly how you undermine democracy: ‘The only way I can lose is if there’s fraud.’ Well, that means you can’t lose a legitimate election.” Observers said however that whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump become US President, it will have wide-reaching implications around the world
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja is dead. His death was announced today, November 6, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a statement by his spokesperson,Bayo Onanuga, President Tinuhu announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56. He died yesterday night, November 5, in Lagos after a period of illness. It was the same day the Acting Chief Of Army Staff was promoted to the same rank with him. The statement said that late Lagbaja was born on February 28, 1968, and was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023. The statement narrated that Lagbaja’s military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course. Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States. An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership. Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his wife, Mariya, and their two children. President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed its determination to roll out drums and celebrate the revival and functioning of all the Nigeria’s refineries towards ending the rumour making the rounds that it is out to monopolise the sector. “We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries before the end of this year, as promised by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari. This milestone will not only end all baseless rumours of monopoly but also position Nigeria as a refining hub for petroleum products in Africa.” In a statement today, November 5, the Dangote Group spokesperson, Tony Chiejina said: “at Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum production, and we welcome competition that drives innovation and quality. “However, we will never allow the continued importation and blending of petroleum products, nor the deliberate destruction of our national economy. “We believe that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect our industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.” Dangote refinery said it believed that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, even as it affirmed that it will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect both industries and the well-being of all Nigerians. The company expressed its support for healthy competition that drives innovation and quality, and looked forward to the upcoming commissioning of the four state-owned refineries. The statement, which reacted essentially to Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, advised that deregulation should not be used as a justification for the importation of off-spec petroleum products or the undermining of Nigeria’s national interests. Responding specifically to remarks by Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, concerning the importation and blending of petroleum products, which he framed within the context of a “deregulated commodity market,” Dangote Petroleum Refinery said that his argument for a deregulated market could not obscure the serious implications of his actions. It said that such claim not only threatened the integrity of Nigeria’s energy sector but also endangered the welfare of its citizens. Reiterating its support for deregulation and industrialisation, Dangote emphasised that this support is grounded in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from exploitation. The refinery made it clear that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be compromised in the pursuit of profit. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation. Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests.” The company also noted that, as an American, Dickerman should be well aware of how his own country protects its industries. It pointed to several recent examples from the United States to underline the point, saying that U.S. President, Joe Biden recently opposed the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, stressing the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies, supported by American workers—an example of protectionism that prioritises national economic interests over short-term profit. “Similarly, the U.S. has taken action to restrict the use of Chinese-made cranes in its ports, citing national security concerns. The U.S. has also imposed a 100% tariff on electric vehicles and a 50% duty on medical equipment imported from China, further demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding domestic industries. “The United States has also ramped up efforts to boost its own production of computer chips and medical supplies, driven by national security concerns and the need for economic self-sufficiency. “Furthermore, during his presidency, George W. Bush used anti-dumping laws to impose tariffs on a range of Chinese goods that were considered to be unfairly priced. “It is therefore perplexing that Dickerman, with all his experience in the U.S. market, would advocate for the importation and blending of petroleum products to Nigeria under the claim of deregulation and a free market. The fact is that he had deceitfully approached us and pleaded that we extend the pipeline from our refinery to Pinnacle’s tank farms for the purpose of blending our high-quality products with their imported products and selling them to Nigerians. We categorically rejected his request to extend our pipeline to their tank farms for such devious purposes because it would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust. “The health and safety of Nigerians cannot, and should not be compromised for profit.” Dangote also raised concerns over Pinnacle Oil’s decision to lease its tank farms to a company without any retail outlets in Nigeria, questioning the strategic intent behind such actions, particularly given that the farms are located just 500 metres from Dangote’s refinery. It expressed its vigilance regarding the coordinated efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery, drawing parallels to the fate of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on the government, patriotic Nigerians, and local businesses to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and economic independence. “The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs. For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products. The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people.”
President Bola Tinubu has elevated the status of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to Lieutenant General, the same as his boss, the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja who is currently out of the country on sick leave. Decorating the Acting Chief Of Army Staff in a short ceremony at the President’s office today, November 5, President Tinubu commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security. “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record. “We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable.” President Tinubu assured the military that the government would always listen to their advice and keep the country on the path of peace and prosperity. “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made.” The President attributed the success recorded in tackling terrorism and banditry to the “synergy’’ in the armed forces and urged the service chiefs to sustain harmony in their relationship for the betterment of the country. “The synergy among you has calmed the country, and we need that stability to continue. We need to assure all citizens that prosperity is not far from them,’’ President Tinubu stated. Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country. Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318) was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second lieutenant as a member of the 39 Regular Course on September 19, 1992, with seniority in the same rank effective September 12, 1987. The acting chief of army staff participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has challenged the judiciary in the country to join in the digital revolution that is fast occupying every aspect of life across the world. He declared: “as the digital landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the judiciary stands as a vital pillar in shaping a present and a future where technology serves humanity.” Speaking today, November 5, at the 2024 Edition of the Judges Workshop at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja in Lagos, Dr. Maida said: “the judiciary is not simply a bystander observing the digital revolution; instead, it is an active participant, playing a continuous role in shaping the legal frameworks that govern this new technological era.” He stressed that the judiciary’s ability to adapt and evolve alongside technological advancements is paramount to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, while mitigating potential risks. The NCC Boss is of the view that with the digital age advancing, judicial officers must constantly adapt to ensure that the rule of law is as effective and enforceable in the online realm as it is in the world of brick and mortar. “One key challenge lies in adapting existing legal principles to the complexities of emerging and evolving technologies. “Nigerians are eager to see a new chapter of digital justice, where the roles played by the judiciary are effectively translated and adapted into online contexts, as follows: “Protecting fundamental rights: The responsibility of the judiciary to act as a guardian of individual rights in the digital sphere, safeguarding privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information, while also ensuring a balance between these rights and the need for security and order. “Enforcing digital contracts and resolving disputes: The responsibility of the judiciary to provide a mechanism for enforcing online agreements and resolving disputes arising from e-commerce, intellectual property, and other digital transactions, fostering trust and predictability in the digital economy. “Developing digital jurisprudence: The responsibility of the judiciary to continually interpret and apply existing laws to new digital contexts, creating a body of digital jurisprudence that provides clarity and guidance for individuals, businesses, and governments operating in the digital space. “Promoting innovation: the responsibility of the judiciary to foster innovation by providing a stable legal framework that encourages investment and development in emerging technologies.” Dr. Maida is optimistic that the workshop would enrich the development of communications law in Nigeria, and produce outcomes that would be of immense benefit to all stakeholders.
The National grid has suffered yet another collapse this afternoon, plunging the country, Nigeria into another round of darkness. The grid suffered multiple collapse in the month of October, with the Federal Government promising a permanent solution to the embarrassment. As at 2:35pm today, November 5,0hourly generation readings showed that none of the the Power Generation Company had a single megawatt. Details later…
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested and detained over #EndBadGovernance protest. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told newsmen at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, November 4, that the President has also directed investigation into their arrest. The minister said that President Tinuhu insisted that the minors should be formally reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. “A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. “All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book.”
The Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has emerged as the President of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society. Dotun, who served as President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) for two terms, was among those who are members of the pioneer Executive Committee. Other pioneer executive committee members of the IMPCMS are Nkanu Egbe as the General Secretary and Dolapo Otegbayi as the Treasurer. The three officers: Dotun, Nkanu and Dolapo were endorsed for the position at the inaugural meeting of the IMPCMS on October 25, 2024, which birthed a new era of collaboration and empowerment among media professionals. Information at our disposal said that the IMPCMS was inaugurated by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment. The inauguration, directed by Naseerat Oyindamola Dosunmu, who led a team from the Surulere, Lagos State branch of the ministry, was a culmination of events that followed the Second Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit, held in May 2024, convened by Taiwo Obe, the Founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic. Before the inauguration, Dosunmu outlined the key provisions of the cooperative’s bylaws, emphasising the importance of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. She commended the initiative. “This cooperative demonstrates the power of collective action. “It will not only empower the members, but also contribute to the growth of the media industry in Lagos State.” Egbe, who had been coordinating events of the cooperative following its formation, provided an insightful overview of its vision, mission, and goals. He highlighted the following key objectives: Resource Sharing: Providing access to shared tools and facilities to reduce costs and enhance production quality; Training and Development: Offering workshops, seminars, and mentorship programmes to upskill members and stay abreast of industry trends; Collaborative Projects: Fostering and championing joint projects of interest to the members; Networking Opportunities: Creating a strong network of media professionals to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing. Dosunmu also inaugurated Oladipo, Egbe and Otegbayi to steer the affairs of the IMPCMS for the next two years, in the first instance, subject to renewal for another term of two years only. The initial three-member executive, Dosunmu said, is expected to bring others on board, subject to the agreement of members. In his acceptance speech, Dotun Oladipo promised to lead the cooperative to the best of his ability in fulfilling its objectives.
Students of the Federal College of Education, Technical FCE-T, Akoka Lagos, are still angry with the authorities, threatening a return to protest on the street over unresolved issues and imposition of flat N10,000 levy on each of them, against the background of the riot that led to its closure in August this year. The school was scheduled to be re-opened for the resumption of academic activities today, November 4. In a statement today, the Lagos Joint Campus of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said that it could not guarantee peace on campus without the resolution of issues which forced the institution to shut its doors early August. The college was shut down when the crisis on leadership, which lingered for over three months, degenerated into violence as some workers and students reportedly attacked the Chairman of the Governing Council, Olatunde Adenuga and other council members, vandalising cars and properties. NANS complained in the statement, fearing that another fight is looming over the N10,000 levy imposed on all students without identifying and prosecuting the ring leaders among staff and students who destroyed five vehicles and vandalised the official quarters on campus. “The Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been made aware of a recent decision by the college management to impose a blanket charge of 10,000 Naira on all students. This fee is said to be in response to damages sustained during the recent upheaval on campus, which stemmed from students’ expressions of their concerns regarding the college’s leadership. “This development has come as a significant shock and is widely seen as both unfair and insensitive, especially given the current economic climate. Families across Nigeria are grappling with soaring living costs, and many are struggling to afford basic needs, including food and essential supplies. “As an organization committed to the welfare of Nigerian students, we find this measure to be unacceptable. It not only fails to address the root causes of the unrest but also penalizes all students collectively, irrespective of their involvement or lack thereof in the incident. “Collective punishment of this nature disregards due process and overlooks the underlying reasons that led to students’ demands and frustrations. “In light of these concerns, we strongly urge the college management to reconsider and reverse this imposed fee. Failure to take immediate corrective action may leave us with no choice but to initiate a peaceful protest aimed at addressing this injustice and amplifying students’ voices. “We are hopeful that the management will choose the path of dialogue, empathy, and fairness in resolving this matter,” NANS wrote in a letter issued by Comrade Alimi Lekan Idris and Comrade Abefe Abdulrazak Yusuf, chapter chairman and secretary respectively. As the crisis in the institution began in July, the Governing Council of the College asked the Provost, Dr. Wahab Ademola Azeez to step aside and appointed Dr. Isaac Miller as the acting provost of the institution. In an internal memo on August 8, referencing FCE/T/AK/RO/IM/2/206 and signed by the Registrar of the College, Rasheed Dada, the council said that Wahab Azeez should “step down” as the provost effective 31 July. “This is to inform the College Community that at the inaugural meeting of the 8th Governing Council of the College on Tuesday, 30 July 2024, the Council directed that Wahab Ademola Azeez should step aside from office as the Provost of the College with effect from 31 July 2024, the statement reads in part. The Council had raised two panels, one to investigate allegations against the provost on maladministration and financial impropriety. The second one, a special committee was mandated to investigate the riot by some students and staff which resulted in the closure of the college. A circular dated Wednesday, August 7, 2024, and signed by Dada said the 8th governing council at its sitting on July 31 constituted an investigative panel and a committee to probe allegations against some staff and the crisis that engulfed FCE-T. The 2nd circular titled: “Special Committee of Council to Investigate various allegations against College Management and Staff” had a five-man committee with an external council member as chairman. The special investigative panel comprised the representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Attorney General of Lagos State, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Institute of Quality Surveyors, Minister of Education and Chairman, Oluwole Residents Association. The panel was mandated to look at the remote and immediate causes of the students’ unrest leading to the vandalization of five vehicles, damage to part of provost’s lodge, identify the ring leaders of the students’ crisis, staff, students and outsiders, itemized the damages suffered by the college in the course of the crisis, evaluate cost of replacements of the damaged items and assess the students facilities to be replaced and recommend those to be immediately repaired. Many students and staff of the college have expressed concern that two months after their inauguration, the findings of the panels are yet to be published. “It is unacceptable to punish all the students when those who participated in the riot were taken to court. Where is the outcome of the police investigation and the panels set up by the college,” Segun Olusola, a second-year student queried? Protest began at the college on 27 May, 2024, when students, and some staff locked up the office of the Provost of the College and issued him a notice to quit his official residence over his tenure of office. The protest was organised by the leadership of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, SSUCOEN, FCET chapter, and other unions who called themselves “concerned staff.” The protesters insisted that with the amendment of the Educational Colleges Act 2023, which introduced a five-year single term of office for provosts and other principal officers of the colleges, the tenure of Dr Azeez had ended on 26 May. However, the provost said he was appointed for the first term of four years in 2019 and that having been duly reappointed by the institution’s governing council in 2023, he had resumed his second term in office on 27 May 2023 before the amended act was signed into law on 12 June 2023. The staff unions asked for clarification on the tenure of office of the provost based on the amended act, and former the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, wrote the unions, affirming the legality of Dr Azeez’s second term of four years. The protesters ignored the minister’s verdict and continued to stage daily protests on the campus, denying management members access to their offices even after the former Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu met with the warring parties in Abuja to reach an amicable settlement. Despite signing resolutions reached at a reconciliatory meeting chaired by Sununu, some workers of FCET continued to threaten a showdown should Dr Azeez return to the office. The resolutions signed by the representatives of the ministry, the governing council, and the staff unions included the reopening of the office of the college’s provost and his return to the office.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU has temporarily suspended its strike in Nigerian universities, effective November 5.
General Secretary of NASU, Mr Peters Adeyemi announced this in a press statement jointly signed by Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU on Sunday in Abuja.
The unions, representing non-academic staff, began their strike on October 28, demanding four months of unpaid salaries and resolution of other issues.
Following intense negotiations with the Federal Government, the unions reached an agreement to resume work for one month while commitments are met.
NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, revealed that the government has promised to pay two months’ salaries in phases, with the first installment already disbursed in October and the next due by November’s end.
JAC’s decision to pause the strike reflects the government’s initial response, spurred by efforts from the Minister of Education and Department of State Services.
Union leaders will convene on campuses to discuss progress, while other demands—including N50 billion in Earned Allowances and a Wage Award—are under review.
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