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Insecurity: Presidency Blames Kukah, Others For 12 Tucano Fighter Jets’ Delayed Delivery

Published

3 years ago

April 24, 2022

The Presidency on Sunday attributed the delayed delivery of 12 Super Tucano jet fighters for the Nigerian Air Force to fight insecurity across the country to comments by those it described as “the opponents of the Nigerian government” including the Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Sokoto, Mathew Kukah.

The Presidency revealed that the reasons given for the delay—poor interreligious relations between Christianity and Islam in the country—were compounded by constant lobbying of US Congress by the government’s opponents, including Kukah.

These were contained in a statement signed on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘Predicting Nigeria’s collapse is a perennial pursuit of US think tanks and policy experts.’

It also said that the United States’ policy and support to Nigeria have been so inconsistent over the years, especially as regards the provision of military equipment to fight the decade-long insecurity in the Sahel region.

The presidency also berated the US policy experts and think tanks for their perennial attempts at predicting the country’s collapse; which, it said, does not paint a true picture of a country that has enjoyed 23 years of steady democracy 29 years since its last coup.

The statement partly read: “It is a pity therefore that US policy and support towards our country, including during the Buhari administration, has been so inconsistent.

“In 2015 the then newly-elected Buhari government requested US military support in the form of Super Tucano jet fighters for the Nigerian Air Force. The Nigerian military, security, and intelligence services repeatedly made this request. The US administration of the time concurred: the delivery of such jets would help deliver a critical turning point in Nigeria’s struggle against jihadist terrorists across the Sahel.

“Yet two years later, that jet delivery was rescinded, the reasons given that unless Nigeria improved its religious relations between Christianity and Islam then US support would not be forthcoming in this, and many other areas.

“Such views were compounded by the constant lobbying of US Congress by the opponents of the Nigerian government who had lost the previous election, and many of their southern religious supporters—including Bishop Mathew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Sokoto, who, unsurprising, provides a supportive quote for the dustcover of the new edition of Campbell’s book. (Kukah even took to addressing the US Congress himself, briefing his audience on the history of coups in Nigeria—without, of course, mentioning that none had occurred since 1993, some 29 years ago).

“Fortunately, now today under a new US administration these jets have been delivered, and with it, a serious blow against the terrorists—with the supreme leader of Islamic State in West Africa and scores of other leaders of the group eliminated in airstrikes.

“It is also inconsistent to preach the need for stability but needlessly delay sharing military equipment in the form of jets – not least when it is now proven they would have helped Nigeria much earlier defeat the terrorists who threaten our country.”

The Presidency also lamented that despite glaring contrary evidence predictors of Nigeria’s state collapse have continued to bet big on their word.

It said, “In 2005, a US National Intelligence Council paper “Mapping Sub-Saharan Africa’s Future” floated the idea there could be a military coup in Nigeria. However, for the last 29 years—close to a generation—there have been none.

“Since the return of democracy in 1999 there have been six general elections, four elected presidents, four transfers of power—including one in 2015 between the winning opposition candidate and the losing incumbent president seeking re-election.

“Yet despite all the evidence to the contrary, the collapse predictors keep doubling down on their bets. Most recently retired former US Ambassador to Nigeria 2004-7 John Campbell has updated his book, of which the first edition said:

“‘While Nigerians often claim they are masters of dancing on the brink without falling off, the disastrous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, the radical Islamic insurrection Boko Haram, and escalating violence in the delta and the north may finally provide the impetus that pushes it into the abyss of state failure.’

“It didn’t of course, quite the opposite: Jonathan was defeated at the 2015 general election with power peacefully transferring to the victor, President Muhammadu Buhari.”

PUNCH.

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Daniel Levy Makes Shock Decision To Quit As Spurs Chairman

Published

4 hours ago

September 4, 2025

Editor

Daniel Levy stepped down as Tottenham executive chairman in a shock move on Thursday after a controversial reign lasting nearly 25 years.

Levy was the driving force behind Tottenham’s £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) stadium and state of the art training centre.

But the 63-year-old was a polarising figure among Tottenham fans, with numerous protests against him during difficult spell for the Premier League team.

Levy, who was the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League, had come under fire more than ever over the last few seasons.

A series of failed managerial appointments and the club’s transfer policy infuriated supporters and turned up the heat on Levy, who was accused of caring more about the club’s financial profits than success on the pitch.

Tottenham endured their worst top-flight finish since 1976-77 last season, coming 17th before salvaging the campaign by winning the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League.

That success — which ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought — was not enough to spare boss Ange Postecoglou from Levy’s wrath as the Australian was sacked after two turbulent seasons in charge.

Levy hired Thomas Frank from Brentford to replace Postecoglou in the last significant decision of his reign.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees. We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level,” Levy said in a statement.

“More than that, we have built a community. I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Vinai Venkatesham was hired as Tottenham’s chief executive officer in April, while Peter Charrington joined the board in March and will step into the newly created role of Non-Executive Chairman.

– ‘A new era of leadership’ –

“I am very honoured to become Non-Executive Chairman of this extraordinary Club and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the Club over so many years,” Charrington said.

“This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.

“We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

Since Levy took the reins in 2001, Tottenham had won just two trophies, with the 2008 League Cup followed by the long wait that ended with last season’s Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

Levy became renowned for his ruthless sacking of managers as the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Nuno Espirito Santo were dismissed.

Tottenham’s best period under Levy came during Pochettino’s spell.

The Argentine led Tottenham to three successive top three finishes in the Premier League and reached the 2019 Champions League final.

Even Pochettino couldn’t escape Levy’s axe, but the spotlight eventually turned on the chairman.

Tottenham fans were furious as their side spluttering badly last season and a difficult summer transfer window, which saw the club miss out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze only increased the pressure on Levy.

One banner displayed last season at Levy’s pride and joy — the gleaming 62,000-capacity stadium that opened in 2019 — summed up the divisive nature of his reign.

“24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change” it said.

While Tottenham eventually added a trophy to that meagre haul in the Levy era, the disillusioned supporters have finally got their wish.

There will be no changes to the ownership or shareholder structure of the club following Levy’s departure.

Headline

Boeing Seeks New Workers To Replace Striking Union Staff In U.S

Published

5 hours ago

September 4, 2025

Editor

Boeing workers down tools, halting 737 MAX production
Boeing is launching a recruitment drive to find “permanent” manufacturing workers to replace US union employees who went on strike last month, the company said Thursday.

The company is posting job requirements for the roles and plans a job fair on September 16, Boeing vice president Dan Gillian said in an email to staff seen by AFP.

About 3,200 employees based in the midwestern states of Missouri and Illinois walked off the job on August 4 after voting down a contract.

Gillian said Boeing has maintained its pace of deliveries and testing related to new product development since the strike began, but that it was moving to the “next step in our contingency plan” due to the lack of progress on negotiations.

“We have consistently communicated we are willing to consider changes to our best and final offer that are within the current economic framework,” Gillian said. “Unfortunately, the union continues to demand more of everything while also saying it has no control over what it will take to end the strike, driving the parties further apart.”

The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace did not immediately reply to a response for comment.

Earlier Thursday, the union said on the X social media platform that it wanted more than just “minor adjustments” to pay and benefits

“Boeing says they won’t do any better. IAM members in Saint Louis say we won’t accept that,” the union said on X.

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Nigeria, China Strengthen Ties On Marine, Blue Economy Devt

Published

5 hours ago

September 4, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed commitments to partner for the advancement and sustainability of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said this on Thursday, when he received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit underscores the growing recognition of the marine and blue economy as a critical driver of sustainable growth and a cornerstone for Nigeria–China strategic partnership.

Oyetola commended the long-standing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China, describing it as mutually beneficial and pivotal to the economic growth of both nations.

He called for further strengthening of the bilateral relationship particularly in marine resource management, port development, and capacity building

The minister explained that Nigeria, with its extensive coastline and rich maritime resources, was strategically positioned to become a hub for marine trade, logistics, and investment in Africa.

According to him, Nigeria’s maritime domain holds immense potential for shipping, port operations, fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism, and the development of coastal infrastructure.

“The marine and blue economy sector is a frontier for wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable development if properly harnessed.

“Our ministry is determined to create the right framework for investment and partnership, and we believe that Nigeria has a lot to learn from China’s marine and blue economy development model.”

Oyetola added that the Federal Government was seeking collaboration with China in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which undermined Nigeria’s economic and food security.

This, he said, would enhance Nigeria’s food security while contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

He also noted that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy presented tremendous opportunities for investors, and with China’s cooperation, new potential for wealth creation and generation was guaranteed for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking earlier, Dunhai said that his visit to the ministry was in furtherance of the strong partnership between China and Nigeria.

He lauded Nigeria’s vast maritime endowment and reaffirmed China’s readiness to harness its marine and blue economy potential.

He recalled that exactly one year ago, President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China, where he met with President Xi Jinping of China.

According to Dunhai, the visit has made a significant impact on both nations’ economies, especially in deepening cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and industrial development.

He also highlighted the Lekki Deep Seaport, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company, as an example of Sino-Nigerian collaboration.

“The Lekki Deep Seaport is Nigeria’s first deep seaport and one of the largest in West Africa capable of handling ultra-large container vessels and significantly boosting Nigeria’s trade volume.

“The Lekki project created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, eased congestion at Lagos ports, ensured faster cargo clearance, and positioned Nigeria as a key maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

“The port is expected to generate billions of dollars in revenue over its concession period, making it a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.

Dunhai added that the marine and blue economy was the future of any economy.

He disclosed that an agreement was underway for the export of Nigerian aquacultural products to China, which would open new markets for local producers and strengthen food trade ties between the two nations.

He reiterated China’s approval of zero tariffs on Nigeria’s aquaculture exports to the Chinese market, a move he described as a testament to China’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation.