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300,000 Nigerians Sign Online Petition for Cancellation of INEC Chairman Visas Over Election Irregularities

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Mahmood Yakubu

Following the announcement of the presidential election results in Nigeria by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Wednesday, reactions have erupted from the citizens, observers and political parties.

On Thursday, over 300,000 Nigerians signed a petition online drawing the attention of foreign countries and international bodies to stop the visas of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared the winner of the Saturday’s presidential election with 8,794,726 votes, defeating Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who had 6,984,520 votes; Labour Party’s Peter Obi who polled 6,101,533 votes and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with 1,496,687 votes garnered.

Investors King findings showed that as of Thursday morning about 316,071 people, in the online petition alleged that Yakubu rigged the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The petitioners called on the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and European Union authorities to cancel the visas of the INEC Chairman.

Osusu, who started the election, enjoined more Nigerians to sign the petition to further expose the irregularities and malpractices observed during and after the election.

He said, “I started this petition because Mahmood refused to do the will of the people. He rigged the election for APC against the will of the Nigerian voters. I am so very excited to see like minded people. So grateful guys.  Let’s keep sharing.”

The presidential election results have been greeted with several criticisms as voters, observers and analysts said the election was characterised by rigging, disenfranchisement, Bimodal Verification and Accreditation System (BVAS) manipulation, lateness of INEC officials to the polling units amongst others.

The Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party have expressed displeasure over the electoral process and its outcome, thereby rejecting the election results. 

The parties vowed to challenge the results in court after calling for the resignation of the INEC Chairman and cancellation of the polls.

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Saudi Arabia Breaks 70-Year Alcohol Ban, Opening Shop for Diplomats

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Alcohol

Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of an alcohol shop in Riyadh, breaking a 70-year-long prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages in the kingdom.

This decision marks a significant shift in the conservative nation’s stance on alcohol consumption.

The alcohol shop, set to be located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, will exclusively serve non-Muslim expatriates, particularly diplomatic staff.

This is the first time since 1952 that alcohol will be legally available for purchase in the kingdom.

The initiative aims to provide a legal avenue for diplomats who have previously relied on importing alcohol in sealed diplomatic pouches.

The decision comes as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to address the issue of illicit alcohol trade within the country.

By offering a legal means to access alcohol, authorities hope to mitigate the risks associated with underground alcohol markets.

However, the shop’s operations will be subject to strict regulations. Only diplomatic staff with prior registration and government clearance will be allowed to purchase alcohol.

Also, patrons must be over 21 years old and adhere to a prescribed code of conduct while inside the shop.

The introduction of the alcohol shop is a part of broader societal reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at modernizing and diversifying the kingdom’s economy.

While the move represents a significant departure from traditional norms, it aligns with the government’s broader agenda of liberalizing certain aspects of Saudi society.

While the alcohol shop signifies a progressive step forward, it’s important to note that the sale and consumption of alcohol remain strictly prohibited for Saudi citizens under Islamic law.

Violators of these laws are subject to severe penalties, including fines, and imprisonment.

Overall, the opening of the alcohol shop marks a historic moment in Saudi Arabia’s social and economic landscape, signaling a willingness to adapt to changing global norms while navigating the complexities of religious and cultural traditions.

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NCAA Suspends Dana Air’s Operations Amid Safety Concerns

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Dana Air

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action following a recent incident involving Dana Air by suspending the airline’s operations amid escalating safety concerns.

This move comes in the wake of an unsettling event where a Dana Air plane veered off the runway upon landing at Lagos airport.

The incident, which occurred shortly after a flight from Abuja, prompted emergency responders and regulatory agencies to swiftly respond and ensure the safety of all 83 passengers and crew onboard.

While initial reports indicate no injuries, the occurrence raised red flags regarding Dana Air’s operational safety protocols.

In response, NCAA wasted no time in initiating a thorough investigation with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau leading the probe.

However, pending the investigation’s outcome, the regulatory body opted for a precautionary measure by suspending Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) effective April 24, 2024, at 23:59.

The suspension, outlined in a letter signed by Acting Director Chris Najomo, aligns with Section 31(7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed dismay over the incident.

In a letter addressed to NCAA, the Ministry directed the immediate suspension of Dana Air’s fleet until a comprehensive audit could be conducted, covering safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health.

The suspension serves as a stern reminder of the aviation industry’s uncompromising commitment to safety and underscores the need for thorough oversight to safeguard passengers and maintain industry standards.

As stakeholders await further developments, the focus remains on ensuring the highest level of safety and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

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Delta Air Lines Flight Diverts to Togo After Passenger Dies Midair

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Delta Air Lines

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Lagos was diverted to Togo following the midair death of a yet-to-be-identified passenger.

The unfortunate incident occurred approximately three hours before the flight’s scheduled arrival in Lagos, prompting the crew to address a health emergency onboard.

Despite initial intentions to proceed to Lagos, adverse weather conditions, including heavy thunderstorms, forced the pilots to divert the plane to Lome, Togo.

The flight, Delta Air Lines’ A330-200 aircraft, was carrying 215 passengers at the time. Upon landing in Lome, the aircraft underwent refueling procedures and awaited clearance amidst the inclement weather.

Subsequently, after an additional delay in Togo, the flight resumed its journey and safely landed in Lagos, albeit approximately eight and a half hours behind schedule.

Passengers onboard expressed their concerns and frustrations, particularly regarding the handling of the medical emergency and the subsequent diversion.

Social media platforms buzzed with accounts of the ordeal, with one passenger recounting the unfortunate sequence of events, including the midair death and the necessity of an emergency landing due to fuel depletion.

Meanwhile, an airplane operated by Dana Airline veered off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The affected MD-83 aircraft, registration 5N-BKI, carried 83 passengers. Dana Air spokesman Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa confirmed all passengers and crew disembarked safely without injuries.

Ezenwa, in a statement, said: “Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos today, 23/04/24.

“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

“We have also updated the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the incident, and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident, and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.”

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