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Peter Obi Calls for Stronger Leadership and Inclusive Politics at Yale Event
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in Nigeria, recently had the honor of being a guest speaker at Yale University, a prestigious institution known for its rich history of academic excellence and global engagement.
Speaking at the event, which was part of the Yale Africa Initiative, Obi expressed his gratitude to Yale’s leadership, the Council on African Studies, and the Christie and Chinua Achebe Foundation for giving him the platform to discuss a topic close to his heart: democracy in Africa.
In his address, Obi delved into the challenges facing African democracies, particularly the disillusionment that many voters experience during elections.
He pointed out that much of this disillusionment stems from a deep sense of unfulfilled expectations.
In many African nations, citizens go to the polls with high hopes, only to be let down by governments that fail to deliver on promises of economic prosperity, social justice, and good governance.
Obi underscored that one of the key factors contributing to this disillusionment is a failure of leadership.
He explained that poor governance, characterized by corrupt practices, lack of accountability, and disregard for the rule of law, has eroded the public’s trust in democratic institutions.
He further noted that flawed elections, violations of term limits, and unresolved conflicts continue to undermine the progress of democratic governance in many African countries.
He also discussed how internal divisions, including ethnic and religious differences, often exacerbate the challenges facing African democracies.
These divisions weaken national institutions and create a divide between political leaders and the people they are meant to serve.
As a result, the trust gap between the electorate and the political class continues to widen, making it difficult for African nations to build strong, stable democracies.
On a more optimistic note, Obi highlighted the role of new political movements in addressing exclusion and fostering more inclusive politics across the continent.
He acknowledged the importance of these movements in challenging the status quo and pushing for a broader, more participatory form of democracy.
Obi pointed to Africa’s shift from single-party to multi-party systems as evidence that building a strong democracy is a difficult yet achievable task.
However, Obi emphasized that genuine political reform requires more than just political movements—it requires political will.
He called on African leaders to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and to prioritize reforms that would strengthen democratic institutions.
He also urged governments to respect term limits and work towards resolving internal conflicts, stressing that these steps are crucial for ensuring that democracy thrives on the continent.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, calling on critics to engage with the initiatives more thoughtfully.
Speaking during Tinubu’s presentation of the 2025 budget, Akpabio praised the four tax reform bills as a monumental step toward revitalizing Nigeria’s economy.
He described the reforms as the first comprehensive tax overhaul since independence, aimed at boosting revenue, supporting small businesses, and fostering sustainable development.
Akpabio criticized detractors for dismissing the reforms without understanding their potential impact and urged all Nigerians to embrace this transformative opportunity.
17-Year-Old OOU Student Arrested for Allegedly Stealing and Attempting to Sell Phones
A 17-year-old student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Sobando Semilore, has been arrested by the Ago-Iwoye police for allegedly stealing two high-end smartphones and attempting to sell them.
According to a statement released by the Ago-Iwoye police division, Semilore, a first-year Political Science student residing in Danmark Hall, was caught on December 17, 2024. He was allegedly in possession of a Samsung S21 valued at ₦350,000 and an iPhone 14 Pro Max worth ₦650,000, both belonging to Muktapha Adenugba.
The statement revealed that the suspect was apprehended around 5:00 PM while trying to sell the stolen phones at Pepsi Junction in Ago-Iwoye. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to stealing the devices from a poolside at Gardeen, a well-known relaxation spot.
The police confirmed that the stolen phones have been recovered and returned to their rightful owner. Investigations into the case are ongoing, with further updates expected.
This incident has sparked conversations about crime among students, with many emphasizing the need for vigilance and better security measures in social spaces.
Dauda Lawal, the Governor of Zamfara State, has given a strong commitment to ensuring a secure and supportive environment for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members stationed in the state.
In a statement made on Tuesday, at the conclusion of the three-week Batch C Stream One orientation course held at the temporary orientation camp in Gusau.
Also, Governor Lawal emphasized his administration’s dedication to the welfare and safety of the corps members.
The Governor, who was represented by Tasi’u Musa Shinkafi, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, reassured the corps members that they would be provided with the necessary security and resources to carry out their duties effectively.
Additionally, he mentioned that his government was fully committed to offering a conducive environment where the corps members could work and grow.
Governor Lawal encouraged the young graduates to approach their service with the utmost dedication, hard work, and commitment.
In his remarks, Muhammad Auwal Lawal, the NYSC State Coordinator, praised the efforts of the Zamfara State government for its proactive approach in making the necessary arrangements to ensure the wellbeing of the corps members.
He acknowledged the government’s role in providing the essential infrastructure and support systems for the success of the orientation program and the service year at large.
Lawal also urged the corps members to stay focused on their mission and maintain a sense of responsibility throughout their service year.
He advised them to avoid distractions such as late-night parties and unnecessary travel, as they could jeopardize their health and safety.
Akpabio Defends Tinubu’s Tax Reforms, Urges Critics to Engage Thoughtfully
17-Year-Old OOU Student Arrested for Allegedly Stealing and Attempting to Sell Phones
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