Connect with us


BIG STORY

2023: Why I Won’t Be Voting For Atiku — Bode George

Published

on

Bode George, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says he will not vote for Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, unless the national chairmanship is zoned to the south-west.

George spoke during an interview with Arise News TV on Tuesday.

The PDP chieftain has been one of the loudest voices calling for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the party’s national chairman.

The call for Ayu’s resignation is based on the grounds that the PDP presidential candidate and national chairman cannot be from the same region — an issue that has deepened the crisis in the party.

Speaking on the matter, George said PDP’s internal wrangling can be solved by giving “to Caesar what belongs to Caesar”.

He added that the south-west has not held the position of national chairman since the party was founded and it must be corrected before the 2023 elections.

“It is not a solution that cannot be handled. All we are saying is give what belongs to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Give us what belongs to us. Turn by turn Nigeria limited,” he said.

“Take for example, what I am angry about is, the first chairman was the late Solomon Lar from north-central. The second chairman, north-central. The third chairman, Audu Ogbe, was from north-central. The fourth chairman, Amadu Ali, from north-central; Kawu Baraje, from Kwara, was also north-central. Now you have Ayu, also north-central.

“The south-west has never enjoyed this position since the party started almost 25 years ago. What is our crime? If you are telling us you want to rule this country, you have to weave all the tribes and all the people together.

“That is the major problem, and unless that is resolved, I will not vote for our own candidate.”

BIG STORY

US Agency To Probe Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ System After Pedestrian’s Death

Published

on

The US government is set to launch an investigation into Tesla’s “full self-driving” system following reports of four crashes in low-visibility conditions and the death of a pedestrian.

According to international media, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made the announcement on Thursday, citing incidents where multiple Tesla vehicles encountered poor visibility environments, including sun glare, fog, and airborne dust.

In addition to the pedestrian’s death, another crash resulted in an injury, the agency stated.

Investigators will examine the capability of “full self-driving” to “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions, and if so, the contributing circumstances for these crashes.”

The NHTSA said the probe will cover approximately 2.4 million Tesla vehicles from the 2016 to 2024 model years.

The agency also plans to determine whether any other similar crashes involving “full self-driving” have occurred under low visibility conditions.

The NHTSA is also seeking information from Tesla regarding any updates to the system that may have influenced its performance in these environments.

“In particular, his review will assess the timing, purpose and capabilities of any such updates, as well as Tesla’s assessment of their safety impact,” the agency said.

Tesla has already recalled “full self-driving” twice following investigations by the NHTSA, which in July gathered information from law enforcement and the company after a motorcyclist was struck and killed by a Tesla using the system near Seattle.

Reports from the Associated Press indicated the recalls were due to the system being programmed to run stop signs at low speeds and other violations of traffic laws.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Students Set Kebbi College Provost’s Residence Ablaze Over Alleged Extortion

Published

on

Students at the College of Health Sciences and Technology in Jega, Kebbi State, have “set the residence of the Provost, Alhaji Haruna Saidu-Sauwa, on fire” and “vandalised his vehicle.”

The protest began due to allegations that the college management “extorted N23m from the students” for “index registration for 250 graduating students.”

According to a source, the controversy started with a newly introduced Public Health programme initially affiliated with the Reproductive Health and the Public Health Association of Nigeria.

The college then merged the programme with the Department of Environmental Health, leading to a demand for an additional “N65,000 from each student for index registration,” on top of the “N30,000 already paid.”

In response to the allegations of extortion, the students resorted to violent actions, including “stoning vehicles and setting the provost’s residence on fire.”

Several staff members fled before security personnel arrived.

The provost, Saidu-Sauwa, described the allegations as “fictitious, baseless and mischievous,” denying any involvement in extorting students.

He stated that the college uses a “Single Treasury Account” where all funds are deposited, and “no one has access to the account, including me.”

He further claimed that the protest was fueled by an anonymous source attempting to discredit the college, urging students and staff to “exercise restraint” while the cause of the unrest is fully investigated.

Following the intervention of security agencies, normalcy has returned to the college.

The Kebbi State Police Command indicated that more details will be provided after a report from the Divisional Police Officer in Jega is available.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Army Seeks Nigerians’ Support In War Against Terrorism, Says “We Can’t Do It Alone”

Published

on

The Nigerian army has urged the public to provide support in the fight against terrorism. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, noted that Nigeria is facing “asymmetric warfare” with non-state actors operating in various parts of the country.

In a video message on Friday, Musa emphasized that while the army is dedicated to restoring peace, success requires a “whole-of-society approach.”

He mentioned that Nigeria has a significant history of peacekeeping efforts both in Africa and internationally. Musa outlined the country’s current security challenges, including “Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast,” “banditry in the northwest,” “pipeline vandalism and sea piracy in the south-south,” and IPOB’s push for “secession” in the southeast.

Despite these ongoing issues, the armed forces are fully committed to ensuring peace across the nation. Musa also highlighted efforts to enhance “troop welfare” and training, aimed at creating a sense of normalcy in markets, schools, and the economy, especially in affected regions.

He reassured Nigerians that the military is a professional force focused on fulfilling its mission to restore “peace and security.” Musa urged the public to continue supporting the “government, the armed forces, and other security agencies” in this effort.

He concluded by stating, “We cannot do it alone… Together, we will succeed.”

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular