Former President Barack Obama has praised Joe Biden’s decision to step down as the Democratic presidential candidate, calling him “a patriot of the highest order.” In his official statement, Obama commended Biden’s service and character, highlighting his deep empathy, resilience, and fundamental decency. He emphasized Biden’s achievements, such as ending the pandemic, creating millions of jobs, lowering prescription drug costs, passing significant gun safety legislation, and making historic investments to combat climate change.

Obama also acknowledged Biden’s role in restoring America’s standing, revitalizing NATO, and mobilizing global opposition to Russian aggression in Ukraine. He reflected on Biden’s efforts to steer the country away from the “chaos, falsehood, and division” of the previous administration, praising his policies and example as reminders of America’s best values.

Despite Biden’s right to seek re-election, Obama recognized the difficulty of Biden’s decision to pass the torch, noting it was surely one of the toughest of his life. He commended Biden’s love of country and dedication to public service, urging future leaders to follow his example.

Obama expressed confidence in the Democratic Party’s ability to select an outstanding nominee, believing that Biden’s vision of a generous, prosperous, and united America would be on full display at the Democratic Convention. He concluded by extending love and gratitude to Joe and Jill Biden for their courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation’s ideals of freedom and equality.

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has expressed frustration over the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery. He believes that the refinery has the potential to address Nigeria’s long-standing fuel crisis, but perceives opposition from various quarters. Dangote has even offered to sell the refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).

The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and an estimated cost of $19 billion, aims to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products, potentially saving the country around 30% of its foreign exchange expenditure on imports.

Dangote has accused local and foreign interests, which he described as a “mafia,” of trying to obstruct the refinery’s completion. Following these allegations, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) claimed that the refinery’s diesel quality was inferior to imported products, with a measurement of 665 ppm. The NMDPRA’s CEO, Farouk Ahmed, also mentioned that the refinery has not yet received a license to begin operations.

In response to these challenges, Dangote stated, “Let them (NNPCL) buy me out and run the refinery the best way they can. They have labelled me a monopolist. That’s an incorrect and unfair allegation, but it’s OK. If they buy me out, at least their so-called monopolist would be out of the way.”

Despite the controversies, Dangote remains hopeful that the refinery can play a crucial role in resolving Nigeria’s fuel issues.

Biden’s sudden exit and endorsement of Harris upended the race, just eight days after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a campaign rally. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump plans to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris’s ties to the Biden administration’s policies on immigration and the economy to win over swing voters in the November election.

Sources within the Trump campaign indicate a strategy to portray Harris, who is expected to become the Democratic candidate following Biden’s withdrawal, as a key figure in policies they blame for voter discontent. Trump believes Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden, stating to CNN, “Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been.”

Trump’s campaign aims to link Harris directly to Biden’s immigration policy, criticized by Republicans for a sharp increase in illegal crossings at the southern border. Additionally, they plan to target the administration’s economic record, citing high food and fuel costs, as well as unaffordable home-buying interest rates.

“She’s the co-pilot of the Biden vision,” said a Trump adviser, emphasizing her integral role in the administration. Trump has already begun attacking Harris personally, dubbing her “Cackling Kamala” and criticizing her laugh as evidence of her instability.

Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, is shifting its focus from Biden to Harris, launching new ads in battleground states. These ads accuse Harris of concealing Biden’s incapacity and attribute negative outcomes like inflation and border issues to her.

At a Michigan rally, Trump intensified his rhetoric, calling Harris “crazy” and “nuts,” and suggesting her laugh revealed her instability. However, political strategists warn that Harris’s nomination could bring a new dynamic to the race. As a Black and Asian-American woman, Harris, 59, could energize younger voters and people of color, demographics Biden struggled to mobilize.

Democratic strategist Rodell Mollineau believes Harris’s background as a prosecutor and attorney general equips her to effectively challenge Trump in public opinion. Republican strategist Chip Felkel cautions against underestimating Harris’s appeal, noting she could attract different parts of the electorate. Recent polls show Harris tied with Trump in a hypothetical matchup, underscoring her competitiveness.

Despite potential advantages, some strategists argue that Harris’s close ties to Biden could hinder her candidacy. Jeanette Hoffman, a Republican consultant, asserts that Harris “doesn’t represent the change America is looking for.” Meanwhile, MAGA Inc. CEO Taylor Budowich stated the group is prepared for any Democratic candidate, continuing their opposition research efforts.

Reno Omokri linked the scenario to the 2023 presidential poll, noting that Peter Obi of the Labour Party should have resigned his candidacy like Biden. Nigerian political elites and critics have expressed mixed reactions to Joe Biden’s unexpected resignation as Democratic presidential candidate due to health reasons, with responses highlighting the interconnected nature of global politics.

Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), made a humorous reference to President Bola Tinubu’s fall from his presidential van during the Democracy Day celebration on June 12, 2024, in reaction to Biden’s resignation. Former lawmaker Senator Shehu referenced his earlier prediction that Biden would eventually quit, stating “It happened.” Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor and a member of the House of Representatives, described Biden’s decision as morally correct.

Reno Omokri criticized Peter Obi, suggesting that like Biden, Obi should have resigned his candidacy in the 2023 presidential elections to avoid dividing the opposition vote. Omokri argued that Obi’s participation only served to weaken Atiku Abubakar’s chances of winning.

Many Nigerians admired Biden’s decision, while others speculated on how it might affect the upcoming U.S. elections and international relations. Biden has since endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s new presidential candidate, marking a significant moment in international politics that has resonated deeply within Nigeria’s political circles.

Reno Omokri has criticized Peter Obi, accusing him of being manipulative and controlling media narratives. Omokri claimed that Obi’s media team targets and threatens those who oppose him on social media. This criticism followed Joe Biden’s resignation as the Democratic presidential candidate, with Omokri drawing a comparison to Obi’s political ambitions in Nigeria.

Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, suggested that Obi had no real chance of winning the 2023 elections and would have even less chance in 2027 due to controversial incidents involving Nnamdi Kanu and leaked audio tapes. He described Obi as an “ungrateful character, blinded by ambition,” who divided the opposition vote, leading to Atiku Abubakar’s defeat.

Omokri expressed regret over supporting Obi as Atiku’s running mate in 2019 and criticized Obi for weakening the opposition in the 2023 elections. He highlighted Obi’s failure to unite the opposition against the ruling APC and accused him of poor governance during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

In his concluding remarks, Omokri challenged Obi to contest in the 2027 elections, vowing to retire from politics if Obi received as many votes as he did in 2023.

Dans le différend opposant la Direction générale de la CBAO aux agents licenciés, une nouvelle décision du ministre du Travail, Yankhoba Diémé, en date du 19 juillet, a demandé la réintégration des délégués du personnel. Cette décision annule celle prise par l’inspecteur du travail autorisant le licenciement des délégués.

Le ministre a expliqué que les déclarations des syndicalistes avaient été faites dans le cadre de leur mission en vertu de l’article L.218 du Code du travail, qui leur permet de présenter aux employeurs les réclamations concernant les conditions de travail et la protection des travailleurs. Il a également invoqué l’article L.92 du Code du travail, qui permet aux délégués de négocier des accords pour une participation équitable aux bénéfices de l’entreprise.

Yankhoba Diémé a souligné que les propos des délégués, tenus lors de sit-in les 17 octobre et 4 décembre 2023, ne constituaient pas un motif valable de licenciement car la demande d’autorisation de licenciement déposée en février 2024 dépassait un délai raisonnable pour sanctionner un acte fautif. Par conséquent, il a annulé la décision n° 001319/IRTSS/DK du 14 mars 2024 autorisant leur licenciement, ordonnant ainsi leur réintégration.

Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, revealed in an interview with Premium Times that a friend, who had advised him against investing in Nigeria, is now mocking him for disregarding that advice. Despite this, Dangote emphasized that his investment in the refinery aimed to address a significant problem in the country. He expressed confusion over why some individuals opposed his efforts, noting that the refinery could help resolve the fuel crisis that has plagued Nigeria since the 1970s.

Dangote shared his disappointment over the antagonism he faces, stating, “I need very little to live the rest of my life. I can’t take the refinery or any other property or asset to my grave. Everything I do is in the interest of my country.” He further mentioned that if people are uncomfortable with his involvement, he is willing to let the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) buy him out and run the refinery, ensuring that the country has access to high-quality products and job creation.

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Finance and Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has threatened to sanction agencies and companies that failed to appear for the investigation into the loss of $60 billion by the federal government due to inflated cash calls by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) Joint Venture Agreements.

At the resumed investigative hearing on Monday in Abuja, the joint panel, co-chaired by Rep. James Faleke, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the Petroleum Resources Committee, expressed their dissatisfaction with the absence of the chief executives of the invited companies and agencies. They criticized the inadequate presentations by those who did attend and condemned the practice of sending representatives instead of the principals.

Rep. Ado-Doguwa emphasized that the committee would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the constitutional authority of the parliament. He stated that the committee would use all legal means available to ensure that the invited parties appear, highlighting the importance of accountability in managing resources that could significantly improve the lives of Nigerians.

The companies and agencies involved in the probe include Total Exploration, Shell Petroleum, Agip, Chevron, Oando, Mobil, Pan Ocean, Erotton, Belema, First Exploration, New Cross Exploration, Seplat Petroleum, Amini International Petroleum, West Africa Exploration and Production Limited, Walter Smith Petroleum Ltd., and Western Sahara Energy Ltd.

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) has started a five-day warning strike due to unpaid salaries for some members. Vice President Dr. Ashiru Mikail announced this during a news conference in Zaria on Monday.

The association had previously issued a one-week ultimatum to the hospital’s management on July 15 to address their demands. The ultimatum expired on Sunday, prompting the warning strike. After the strike, the association plans to reassess its strategy to determine the next steps.

Dr. Mikail stated that the association opposes percentage salary payments for members on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform and demands the repayment of withheld salary portions. In June, affected members experienced a salary reduction of approximately 25 to 27%, amounting to ₦58,000 to ₦60,000, without any satisfactory explanation from the management.

Additionally, the management proposed paying ₦2 million per month to offset arrears of accoutrement allowance from the overhead cost, which translates to only ₦5,000 per member monthly, far below the ₦100,000 owed to each member. Dr. Mikail highlighted that over 60% of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in the North West zone have started paying the arrears of accoutrement allowance, while ABUTH has not met the same standard.

The association is also demanding the implementation of a 25% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for members on the GIFMIS platform, among other demands.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has advised Nigerians to avoid using second-hand tyres, known as ‘tokunbo tyres,’ to reduce road accidents. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun, Comptroller James Ojo highlighted that these tyres significantly contribute to road crashes in both the state and the country.

Ojo emphasized the importance of purchasing new tyres, which are not only longer-lasting but also safer for highway use. He acknowledged the current economic difficulties but stressed the necessity of making the right choices to prevent unnecessary loss of lives.

“These pneumatic tyres, popularly known as tokunbo tyres, are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates,” Ojo explained. “Any usage beyond this duration can pose a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy.”

He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to protecting the local economy, ensuring road safety, and upholding the integrity of the nation’s borders.

The Abia Police Command has confirmed the deaths of an Inspector of Police and five other individuals in Aba, Abia State, following a fatal attack on a police patrol team on Sunday. The incident occurred during a gunfight between unidentified gunmen and the patrol team.

According to SP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Abia, three civilians and Inspector Shehu Oyibo died in the gun duel, while two of the attackers were neutralised. The deceased civilians were identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah (32) from Item, Abia, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement (18) from Akwa Ibom. The assailants killed these civilians with stray bullets.

Chinaka reported that other members of the gang escaped with various bullet wounds. The attack took place at approximately 11:28 AM when armed men in an ash-colored Sienna vehicle opened fire on police personnel patrolling along Ngwa Road/Mosque Junction, Aba. The police managed to repel the attack, preventing a potentially deadlier outcome.

The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the mortuary, and an investigation into the incident is underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. SP Chinaka assured the public of their safety, urging them to continue their daily activities without fear and to report any suspicious individuals, especially those with bullet injuries, to the nearest police station. Police operatives have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to ensure the protection of lives and property.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Afam Osigwe, SAN, on his election as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). In a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, Tinubu also congratulated all newly elected officers of the NBA and commended the outgoing NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), for his leadership.

The President assured the new leadership of the NBA of his administration’s support in addressing challenges affecting the association and the legal profession in general.

Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with a 25-year legal career, won the presidential election of the NBA held on Saturday. He secured 20,435 votes, more than half of the total ballots cast, defeating his two rivals. Osigwe, a former General Secretary of the NBA from 2014 to 2016, is set to become the 32nd NBA president when Maikyau completes his two-year tenure in August.

Hilda Dokubo, the Labour Party Chairperson in Rivers State, has refuted claims of her suspension from the party. She clarified that the individuals spreading these allegations are affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and have no connection to the Labour Party.

Reports had surfaced that Dokubo was suspended as a party member in her ward in the Asari Toru Local Government Area. The suspension was reportedly contained in a letter written to the Labour Party Chairman of the Asari Toru LGA, signed by Ward Chairman Ajalamonia Ibama, Secretary Lole Amacheer, Treasurer Emmanuel Ibamathe, Women’s Leader Osaki Dieypiriye, and Publicity Secretary Osaki Dokubo.

Debunking these assertions, Dokubo revealed that the rumor peddlers were not card-carrying members of the Labour Party but members of the PDP. She stated, “I ran as Labour Party’s candidate for Akuku Toru/Asari Toru federal constituency in 2023, and then the campaign started. I lived in my community for six months straight. The only time I came to Port Harcourt was to buy food. So I know these people. For instance, the guy who signed, Ajalamonia, is a PDP card-carrying boy who twice tried to disrupt my campaign until he was called to order and told not to try it again.”

Dokubo further explained, “Osaki Dokubo, a first cousin, who is the ward coordinator for PDP. He could not even campaign for me, even with the blood relationship, because, at the time, the governor had given all of them instructions on what to do to people who were from any other party campaigning in the communities.”

She emphasized that all the individuals who signed the alleged suspension letter had no credibility or affiliation with the Labour Party, asserting that the claims of her suspension were unfounded and politically motivated.

Tensions are mounting nationwide as Nigerians prepare for a mass protest over the economic hardships attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s policies. Since Tinubu became president, fuel prices have surged, and the costs of transportation, food, housing, and other essentials have skyrocketed by over 300%.

This situation has sparked campaigns for peaceful protests, increasing pressure on the federal government. However, civil society organizations, led by Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Stability and Cohesion, are calling on Nigerians to reject the planned nationwide protest set for August 1.

During a media briefing in Abuja, Solomon Adodo, convener of RUN, along with Danesi Momoh of the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative and Igwe Ude-umanta of Guardians of Democracy and Development, urged Nigerians not to be influenced by “unpatriotic” elements aiming to destabilize the country. They stressed the importance of exercising the right to peaceful protest while remaining cautious of those exploiting Nigeria’s challenges to incite unrest.

“While we respect the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental aspect of our democracy, it is crucial to remain vigilant and not be swayed by those who seek to destabilize our beloved country for their own gain,” Adodo stated.

The coalition highlighted the potential dangers, warning that the protest could be hijacked, similar to the EndSARS protests, leading to loss of lives and properties. They accused certain individuals of using the country’s initial challenges under Tinubu’s administration to incite Nigerians.

Despite the hardships caused by the fuel subsidy removal, they noted that Tinubu’s administration is addressing these issues through various initiatives. Among these are the approval of centers for converting petrol and diesel-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at no cost to vehicle owners under the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (P-CNGi), efforts to enhance refinery performance, tackle farmers-herders clashes, implement a new minimum wage, and support farmers with inputs and distribution of grains.

The coalition urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu and resist attempts to create chaos, stating, “We must stand by him while offering fair and constructive criticisms where necessary.”

Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate Monday Okpebholo have been accused of contributing to the tragic murder of Inspector Akor Onu, a police orderly allegedly killed by political thugs last week. This accusation came shortly after Inspector Onu left the Benin airport, where he had accompanied Senator Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Shaibu from Abuja.

A pro-democracy group, Movement for Democracy, conveyed its condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, Edo State Command, and the deceased officer’s family. In a statement signed by its convener Osaze Samuel, the group condemned the actions of the APC candidate, attributing the loss to political misconduct.

“This loss, a direct consequence of the political misconduct of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo, is a testament to the grave consequences of political recklessness introduced by the senator,” the statement read. The group emphasized the disheartening nature of the incident, criticizing the political recklessness and ignorance that led to the innocent officer’s death.

The Movement for Democracy further criticized the public demonstration at the airport, noting that the court’s judgment in favor of the former deputy governor should have remained a legal matter, not a political spectacle. “Rather than respecting the security advice provided by the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, and opting for a more discreet approach, the APC candidate chose to lead a public procession,” the group noted.

The statement also highlighted the collaboration between Okpebholo and Shaibu, accusing both politicians of prioritizing personal and political gain over public safety. “This act of defiance, in collaboration with Phillip Shaibu—known for his violent tendencies and disregard for authority—demonstrates a reckless pursuit of personal and political gain at the expense of public safety.”

The Movement for Democracy praised the Nigerian Bar Association and Edo State citizens for condemning the behavior and called for accountability. “It is imperative that the APC candidate be held accountable for the actions that led to this officer’s death. He must be called upon to explain his role in this tragic incident and to account for his blatant disregard for security protocols.”

In conclusion, the group urged Edo State citizens to reject the APC and its candidate, asserting that their actions were intended to exploit the situation for political gain. “The people of Edo State have shown through their reactions that they will not be swayed by such deceitful tactics,” the group said.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof. John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), effective from July 24, following the expiration of Prof. Babatunde Salako’s tenure on July 23. The announcement was made through a statement by the President’s spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, who expressed gratitude to Prof. Salako for his service.

President Tinubu expects Prof. Obafunwa to leverage his extensive experience to advance NIMR’s mission of spearheading research on diseases of public health significance in Nigeria. The President also anticipates that Prof. Obafunwa will develop effective structures for disseminating research findings and provide a conducive environment and facilities for health research and training, in collaboration with federal and state health ministries.

Prof. Obafunwa’s qualifications include a medical degree from the University of Lagos (1980) and specialisation in Anatomic Pathology (1987). He further sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland (1991) and obtained a law degree from England (2004). His extensive professional experience includes work in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before his return to Nigeria in 2004 to become a Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM). He is also a member of various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.