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Cost of Governance: Tinubu govt under scrutiny over Dubai summit
The recent dispute surrounding Nigeria’s 1,411 delegates at the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai has sparked serious concerns about the government’s commitment to reducing governance costs in the face of escalating inflation and economic challenges. This arises as the administration continually urges citizens to endure hardships and make sacrifices, leading to widespread criticism that the government is not aligning its actions with its appeals.
President Bola Tinubu’s arrival in Dubai with the largest African delegation, totaling 1,411 individuals, has drawn widespread condemnation, especially given Nigeria’s economic struggles. Many Nigerians have expressed dismay at the high number of delegates, the third-highest at COP28, amid the economic suffering caused by government policies. This criticism follows the government’s claims of inheriting an ’empty treasury’ and ‘bankruptcy,’ as inflation rises and citizens face increased poverty.
Despite public outcry and calls for measures to reduce the cost of governance, the government has not taken visible steps in that direction. Instead, substantial funds have been allocated for a presidential yacht, state house vehicles, and the renovation of presidential lodges, further aggravating public discontent.
In response to criticism, the Presidency clarified that only a fraction of the 1,411 delegates were sponsored by the Federal Government. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, emphasized that a significant portion of the contingent consisted of private sector players, civil society organizations, and delegates from Nigeria’s oil-producing Niger Delta region. However, on Monday, the federal government acknowledged funding 422 delegates to the climate summit.
Various figures and discrepancies in official statements have fueled skepticism and dissatisfaction among the public. Critics, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have lambasted the administration for what they perceive as an extravagant and wasteful delegation.
In an interview, Dr. Reuben Abati criticized the lack of coordination in the government’s response, pointing out contradictions between statements from different spokespersons. Meanwhile, civil society groups and public affairs analysts have raised concerns about the moral justification for sending such a large delegation, considering the pressing issues of poverty and hunger within the country. Calls for the government to prioritize essential needs over frivolous expenses and to address the nation’s critical challenges continue to resonate.
Convicted billionaire kidnapper Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, and his co-accused Joseph Emeka, have requested a plea bargain in their high-profile kidnapping case.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, disclosed the plea bargain request to the court on Thursday during the case’s call for re-arraignment. The case is being heard by Justice Adenike Cokers of the Ikeja High Court.
Evans and Emeka were scheduled to be re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony to wit: kidnapping, and attempted murder.
Sule informed the court, “The case was for re-arraignment, but I am aware that the defendants have applied for a plea.”
The prosecutor also noted that the plea bargain terms are being reviewed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN).
Peruvian Health Minister Cesar Vasquez has classified transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals as mentally ill.
On May 10, Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Health Minister Cesar Vasquez, and Minister of Economy and Finance Arista Arbildo signed a decree. This decree states that transsexualism, dual-role transvestism, gender identity disorder in childhood, other gender identity disorders, and egodystonic sexual orientation are all categorized as mental health problems.
Cesar Vasquez explained that the decree was necessary for Peru’s public health services to ensure comprehensive medical attention for mental health issues.
The decree has sparked outrage among the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community, which has labeled it discriminatory.
A medical researcher at Lima’s Scientific University of the South noted that although the decree might have been well-intentioned, it shows a lack of understanding of complex LGBT issues and potentially opens the door to conversion therapy.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has singled out captain Bruno Fernandes as the only senior player the club should retain at Old Trafford this summer.
Rooney urged the Red Devils to conduct a major clear-out of players during the summer transfer window.
This recommendation follows Fernandes’ key role in Manchester United’s crucial 3-2 victory over Newcastle United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via United in Focus), Rooney stated:
“He is the one player with quality and fight in him. I would keep the young players and Bruno, but all the other players need to go. There has to be a massive clear-out. It’s not going to happen in one year, but over the next couple of years.”
He added, “To compete with Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, they need better players.”
Billionaire Kidnapper ‘Evans’ Seeks Plea Bargain
Peruvian Gov’t Classifies Intersex, Transgender People As ‘Mentally Ill’
EPL: Conduct massive clearout – Rooney names only player Man Utd needs
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