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Govt dares foreign airlines to shutdown operations, threatens reciprocity

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The Federal Government, yesterday, dared foreign airlines operating in the country to make good their threat to shutdown operations, saying they should re

The Federal Government, yesterday, dared foreign airlines operating in the country to make good their threat to shutdown operations, saying they should remain grateful for doing business in Nigeria.

The government also berated the airlines for failing to employ a good number of Nigerians, noting that other nationals are more in the employment of the foreign carriers than Nigerians. Minister for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting with key players in the industry, insisted International Air Transport Association (IATA), which issued the threat cannot blackmail government.

The meeting, called at the instance of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had in attendance Central Bank Governor (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, and other top government functionaries. Sirika said: “We are not afraid of being shutdown. The country can thrive without the operations of foreign airlines. Countries have been shutdown in the past for various reasons, yet they came out stronger.

So, we cannot be intimidated. “We are talking about the biggest market in Africa here, which cannot be compared with other countries in this part of the world. So, it is in the interest of the operators to be in business here. We are not going to be intimidated in any way at all.” Emefiele said one third of the global economy is in recession but assured that the backlog of $700 million owed IATA will be paid, though the process appear slow.

He said Nigerian airlines should also be allowed to fly into other countries and operate with use of the naira. He noted that Nigeria remains the biggest market on the continent and must be respected. The CBN governor, who called for all countries to benefit from one another, said government has been supportive in sustaining the operators.

He said while the airlines were supposed to rely on their banks to get foreign exchange, the apex bank used its discretion to allocate foreign exchange to them, as a measure aimed at easing their business operations. Gbajabiamila said the current administration met a backlog of $480 million but was able to offset the debt, urging the operators to shift ground to resolve the issue.

He said Nigeria must begin to enforce reciprocity in the industry for the sake of its integrity and benefit. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, said the foreign airlines operate to the detriment of local carriers, thereby, reducing chances of expansion. To encourage the growth of local airlines, Onyema suggested foreign carriers reduce their frequency into the country to enable their Nigerian counterpart also fly internationally.

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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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