News
Biden Firm on Presidential Bid Despite Debate Fallout and Poll Concerns
Joe Biden’s spokeswoman affirmed on Wednesday that he is “absolutely not” withdrawing from the White House race, countering speculation following his challenging debate performance against Donald Trump. Reports from The New York Times and CNN indicated Biden, 81, is keenly aware of the need to reassure the public about his capabilities, with his first post-debate TV interview scheduled for Friday.
Despite Biden’s acknowledgment that another poor debate could significantly impact his campaign, the White House dismissed suggestions of his potential withdrawal as untrue. However, within the Democratic establishment, concerns have grown over what’s seen as evasive responses from Biden and his team following the debate.
A recent New York Times poll, conducted post-debate, showed Trump with a significant lead over Biden, amplifying worries among Democrats about their prospects in November’s election. Progressive polling also suggested traditionally safe Biden states like New Hampshire, Virginia, and New Mexico could now be competitive for Trump.
Amidst mounting apprehension within the party, Biden scheduled a meeting with all 23 Democratic governors to address concerns. He plans to campaign in swing states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in the coming days and will participate in his first interview since the debate with ABC News on Friday.
News
“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
News
Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
News
Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.

