The United States of America and Côte d’Ivoire have cemented a groundbreaking collaboration to confront the menace of foreign state information manipulation. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba and Ivoirian Minister for Foreign Affairs Léon Kacou Adom states a shared commitment to counter disinformation and propaganda, which pose grave threats to societal cohesion, electoral processes, and public trust in governance. Foreign state information manipulation has emerged as a transnational security challenge, capable of sowing discord within nations and among international communities. The MOU, rooted in the recognition of this shared threat, charts a path…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Taiwan and Nigeria are set to embark on a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and knowledge transfer between the two nations. Reports from Vanguard indicate that the initiative was unveiled during a Knowledge Sharing Workshop on E-health, Agriculture, and Cyber Security, organized by the Taiwan Trade Mission in collaboration with the Taiwan Friendship Association in Nigeria. Held in Abuja, the event highlighted the potential for collaboration between Taiwan, renowned for its technological advancements, and Nigeria, boasting the largest economy in Africa and a burgeoning population. Speaking at the workshop, Ambassador Andy Yih-Ping Liu of the Taipei Trade Office…
In a concerted effort to fortify democratic processes worldwide, Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) convened with Dr. Tamara Wittes, President of the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The meeting, held on April 29, 2024, highlighted the pressing need to collaboratively address mounting threats to democracy across numerous nations. During the discourse, Administrator Power and Dr. Wittes stated the criticality of sustained collaboration in strategizing, preempting, and countering challenges to democratic systems. Central among these threats were identified as information manipulation, efforts aimed at discrediting electoral mechanisms, and menacing actions directed towards advocates of democracy…
In a statement marking the twentieth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540), the United States has emphasized the critical need to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The resolution mandates that all nations take measures to thwart the transfer of WMD-related goods and knowledge to non-state actors, serving as a crucial tool in safeguarding global peace and security. UNSCR 1540, adopted in 2004, addresses the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, along with their means of delivery and financing. The United States asserts that despite two decades since its inception, the threat…
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned from his diplomatic mission to Nairobi, Kenya, where he represented President Bola Tinubu at the International Development Association Summit. The summit, hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto, saw Shettima joining other African leaders in advocating for a significant replenishment of the World Bank’s concessional lending arm, the IDA. This marked Shettima’s ninth foreign trip since he assumed office just 11 months ago, Upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Shettima engaged in a closed-door meeting with United States Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, and his team. According to Stanley…
As the U.S. Supreme Court deliberates over former President Donald Trump’s claims of immunity from criminal prosecution, Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s past opinion on presidential immunity has come under scrutiny. Kavanaugh’s stance, articulated in a 2009 legal review, sheds light on his perspective regarding the legal protections afforded to sitting presidents. In his article published in the Minnesota Law Review over a decade ago, Kavanaugh argued in favor of protecting sitting presidents from prosecution, citing the arduous nature of the presidential role and emphasizing the availability of the impeachment process as a means of accountability. He emphasized that no single prosecutor,…
The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Uche Ojinmah, said that the rising healthcare costs are plunging Nigerians deeper into poverty. Speaking at a webinar organized by TheCable to mark its 10th anniversary, Dr. Ojinmah stressed the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the alarming rise in the prices of essential medicines and medical consumables across Nigeria. Titled ‘Addressing escalating costs of medicines,’ the virtual event aimed to catalyze dialogue among key stakeholders to identify practical solutions to alleviate the dire situation and ensure equitable access to essential healthcare. Despite earlier promises, the government’s delay in issuing…
New York Judge Juan Merchan has imposed a $9,000 fine on former President Donald Trump for repeated violations of a gag order in the hush money trial. The judge also mandated the removal of specific posts from Trump’s Truth Social platform and campaign website by a specified time. Merchan’s ruling came after Trump was found to have breached the gag order nine times by criticizing expected trial witnesses on social media and his campaign page. Trump has been instructed to pay the fine by the week’s end, with the judge warning of potential incarceration if further violations occur. During last…
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has appointed himself as the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning. This announcement was made during the inauguration of 24 newly appointed commissioners at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, April 30. The decision to appoint himself to this position comes amidst a series of changes in the leadership of the ministry, which has been embroiled in controversy in recent times. Initially, Enyinnaya Onuegbu held the position of Lands Commissioner during the Governor’s first tenure. However, he was later replaced by Noble Obiaso Atulegwu due to allegations of corruption. Noble’s tenure was…
In the latest revelation from VisaGuide’s World Passport Index, the Nigerian passport has been positioned as the 10th worst travel document globally. This ranking places Nigeria at 191 out of 199 countries assessed, signaling significant limitations for Nigerian passport holders in international travel. The index, which utilizes the Destination Significance Score (DSS) to evaluate and rank passports, factors in various criteria to determine their strength. Despite efforts to improve international relations and diplomatic ties, the Nigerian passport finds itself placed above countries such as North Korea, Iraq, and Libya. Singapore emerges as the leader in passport strength, securing the top…
The Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) and the Coalition of Civil Society (CCS), have clashed over the fate of Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The controversy erupted after Mr. Nakor Francis, the leader of CCS, publicly called for the removal of Dennis Otuaro from his position, alleging a passive stance by the Presidential Amnesty Programme since Otuaro’s appointment. Francis urged the National Security Adviser to seek Otuaro’s replacement, citing concerns over the program’s effectiveness. However, the NDLF, specifically representing the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Zone, vehemently opposed the call for Otuaro’s removal. In a statement issued by…
In the wake of the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis gripping Nigeria, a coalition of civil society organizations has called upon the Federal and State Governments to take decisive action to alleviate the suffering of citizens. The Osun Mastermind (TOM), a civil society group in Osun State, made this plea during a press briefing held in Osogbo. Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, the Executive Director of TOM, highlighted the dire consequences of the fuel scarcity, which has exacerbated the hardship faced by Nigerians across various sectors. He emphasized the impact on school children who have been unable to commute to their educational institutions…