WHAT’S NEWS? SEPTEMBER 10, 2023
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By Ezinwanne Onwuka
● Minister denounces EU’s critical view of Nigeria’s election
The Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has panned the European Union Election Observation Mission’s (EU-EOM) report on the 2023 general election, describing it as an “interference” with the country’s internal affairs.
In its final report on Nigeria’s 2023 election presented on June 15, the EU-EOM faulted the conduct of the February 25 and March 19 polls. The report exposed that the election lacked transparency, inclusiveness and accountability. It also offered several recommendations for consideration by the Nigerian government that would improve future elections.
But on Monday, Wike told the EU Ambassador to Nigeria Samuela Isopi that the report is an inaccurate account of how things played out during the last elections. “I do seriously take exception to its stand because we thought there was no need for you to interfere in Nigeria,” the Minister said, “Rather, you observe and make a recommendation.” Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who is still struggling to gain the support of the majority of Nigerians since he won the presidential election, earlier described the report as “a product of a poorly done desk job.”
● Government halts airlifting of Christian pilgrims to Israel
The airlifting of intending Christian pilgrims from Lagos State in western Nigeria for a holy pilgrimage in Israel, earlier scheduled for Tuesday (today) has been put on hold due to the escalating Israel–Hamas conflict.
The first batch of pilgrims, who were already in Israel, successfully concluded their activities on Sunday (Oct. 8) and all 310 pilgrims are back in Nigeria. However, the current fragile security situation in Israel prompted the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB) to halt the airlifting of the second batch.
More than 1,000 Israeli citizens, including civilians, police, and military, have been killed by Hamas terrorists crashing across fences on Saturday morning. At least 1,500 Hamas terrorists have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Fox News. The tension in the region is affecting not only the inhabitants but also international visitors. The Board Secretary of the LSCPWB, Florence Gbafe, said the decision of the Nigerian government to suspend the pilgrimage was to safeguard the lives of the pilgrims. No new date has been given for the airlifting.
● Governor provides free buses for citizens amid rising transportation cost
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has procured four 100-seater compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to provide free transportation services to workers and students in the southeastern state, a move, government officials said, was to ease the brunt of the petrol subsidy removal on citizens.
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to scrap the longstanding subsidy on petrol has brought hardship upon Nigerians. Citizens now pay more – double – for petrol, transportation, and essential and non-essential items alike. Though Tinubu has assured to alleviate the sufferings, hope is dim. State Governors are using their initiatives and the N5 billion grant by the federal government to offer succour to citizens.
● Lagos–Tel Aviv flights continue despite Israel–Hamas conflict
Flights between Lagos, Nigeria and Tel Aviv, Israel’s capital have continued without disruption despite the precarious security situation in Israel because of the ongoing conflict with the Palestinian terror group, Hamas. TruthNigeria learned that Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways, two primary carriers connecting Nigeria to Israel, have maintained their flight schedules from Nigeria to Tel Aviv airport.
Leading international airlines have suspended or reduced flights to Israel’s capital Tel Aviv after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Saturday (Oct. 7), stranding holiday tourists in Israel and leaving Israelis abroad scrambling for a way to return home. About half of all scheduled flights at the airport did not operate on Sunday and a third were cancelled as of Monday evening, according to Al Jazeera.
Yet the President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Susan Akporiaye, said Nigeria–Tel Aviv flights will not be cancelled as long as the borders remain open. “It is only when it gets to the extent that all their borders are closed that they cancel flights. If their border is not closed, flights will still go,” she said.
