There’s been a change in the partisan dynamic driving concerns about the probability of an overturned long term election. Though the 50{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} over-all who considered these a prospect at the very least rather very likely was very similar to the 51{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} who felt that way in September, Democrats have been now far more apt to see an overturned election in the potential than Republicans. In the new poll, 56{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Democrats noticed it as likely vs. 48{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Republicans. In September, 57{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Republicans considered that was most likely whilst just 49{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Democrats agreed.
Also in the new poll, 56{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of respondents explained they have minor or no assurance that American elections mirror the will of the folks, up from 52{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} who felt that way in September and 40{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} in January 2021. Practically three-quarters of Republicans have been now skeptical that elections are agent (74{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}), as have been 59{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of independents, and only a third of Democrats (32{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}). The effects mirrored a considerable decline in self confidence about the previous year amid each independents (45{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} lacked self confidence in January 2021) and Democrats (9{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} felt that way a year ago).
Far more broadly, much less now mentioned that American democracy is beneath assault than did late previous summer months (52{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} now vs. 56{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} in September), and the share who said the assault on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, represented a crisis for democracy stood at 28{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}, down from 36{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} shortly immediately after the assault previous 12 months.
The poll’s results come as the House pick committee investigating the January 6 assault has issued new subpoenas to crucial users of former President Donald Trump’s internal circle as it investigates the origins of the attack.
Most People in america saw the January 6 assault on the Capitol as a issue for democracy (28{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} explained it can be a crisis, 37{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} a important problem, and one more 20{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} identified as it a insignificant problem), and 54{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} claimed not enough has been carried out to penalize people who rioted at the Capitol.
Republicans in certain, nevertheless, have shifted in their sights of the assault over the previous calendar year. When 15{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Republicans claimed in January 2021 the storming of the Capitol was not a issue, 27{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} felt that way now. Also, although 38{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of Republicans a 12 months back mentioned more than enough experienced been finished to penalize rioters, 71{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} felt that way now.
A plurality of all Us residents observed the decide on committee’s get the job done as a good try to establish what took place on January 6 (44{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}), while about a 3rd saw it as a 1-sided effort and hard work to blame Trump (36{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}) and 20{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} said they hadn’t heard ample about it to say. About three-quarters of Democrats (76{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}) claimed it was a truthful investigation, when two-thirds of Republicans (67{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}) dubbed it a 1-sided effort and hard work to blame Trump.
Nevertheless, these who reported the January 6 attack was a issue for democracy had been not incredibly most likely to see the decide on committee’s perform as a path to supporting defend American democracy. In general, 47{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} reported that the assault was a trouble and that the panel’s get the job done was unlikely to result in alterations that would assistance secure democracy, while 37{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} said protecting changes were the most likely result.
Further than the all round partisan divide about these issues, the poll observed that those people who have been most worried about both the January 6 assault or the health and fitness of democracy typically were the most ideological partisans, suggesting the difficulties may not come to be turning points for the future midterm elections.
Perceptions of the January 6 attack as a crisis for democracy ended up concentrated amongst liberal Democrats, 62{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of whom felt that way, in comparison with 37{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of average or conservative Democrats, 13{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of moderate or liberal Republicans and 11{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of conservative Republicans. And sights that democracy by itself was less than assault were being similarly strongest among the conservative Republicans (72{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}) vs. 53{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of average or liberal Republicans, 40{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of reasonable or conservative Democrats and 57{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} of liberal Democrats.
Looking back at the end result of the 2020 election, little has improved in how Individuals seen Joe Biden’s victory. Although there was no evidence of common fraud or vote tampering, 37{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} mentioned they considered Biden did not legitimately gain more than enough votes to be president. A lot more than 1 in 5, or 22{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}, mentioned there was stable evidence that Biden did not acquire adequate votes, even although these proof does not exist. Between Republicans, 70{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} claimed Biden’s victory was not reputable, and approximately half, 45{cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809}, considered falsely that there was good proof of that.
The Indian automotive sector had many expectations from the Finances 2022 speech by the Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman nowadays but at the end of the working day there was not a great deal to be joyful about for the complete sector. There was one major immediate announcement in the type of a new battery swapping policy that will stimulate new personal gamers to enter this space and operate with point out governments to enrich electrification of public transport. The concentration will be on endorsing cleanse tech and electric powered autos in the public transportation space according to the FM. This announcement will have a important impact on specific EV makers across from the CV space to past-mile connectivity gamers. Nevertheless, the general effect on personal electric powered mobility will be negligible at most effective. That reported, the government’s aim on EV know-how grew to become apparent with the Spending plan announcement now. Firms in the EV house will now locate it less difficult to commit in technological innovation and scale with the assure of a change to electric powered cars. For the remaining automotive sector, particularly the petrol and diesel auto makers there wasn’t any significant announcement to boost sentiments. Most of the positive announcements were being indirect in character, therefore restricting any rapid good influence that was anticipated. Rs 20,000 crore expense in infrastructure projects together with the growth of Nationwide Highways community by 25,000 km in 2022-23 should enable the Commercial Vehicles (CV) sector as there could be need for new automobiles thanks to these big-scale tasks. Similarly, the concentrate on strengthening the rural economic system will make improvements to shopper sentiment and disposable earnings, therefore major to improved car gross sales in the medium-time period. The other suitable announcement for the automotive ingredient sector was that of the federal government opening up defence R&D for personal players. This will allow for automobile ingredient corporations to develop a new profits stream in the very long-expression. Nonetheless, this shift will only have a constructive impression on specified huge-scale suppliers who have the scale and technological know-how to meet up with the tricky necessities laid down by the Armed forces. Hence, this announcement is not envisioned to have any sizeable effects on medium and little-scale vehicle component players. The business was anticipating the federal government to lengthen the duration of the FAME II scheme for electrical vehicles together with some new direct and indirect incentives for adoption of EVs but no these announcements were manufactured. In addition, the auto makers and element gamers have been highlighting their struggle with large taxation, specifically in the two-wheeler room the place up to 28 {cfdf3f5372635aeb15fd3e2aecc7cb5d7150695e02bd72e0a44f1581164ad809} GST is levied on them. This, along with the rising input expenditures is main to car makers expanding rates on a standard foundation. As a outcome, at a time when people today are having difficulties with decrease disposable incomes due to the ongoing pandemic, vehicles are getting far more costly and further than affordability. We acquired in contact with some executives and field captains from the automotive sector and here’s what they experienced to share. Samrath Kochar, CEO & Founder of Trontek, a Li-ion battery producer, described the Budget 2022 as expansion oriented. He stated, “The Spending plan amply supplies to advertising adoption of cleanse strength and electric powered automobiles. The battery swapping policy with interoperability will raise adoption of EVs as it will support allay the vary stress and deliver the EVs at par with ICE motor vehicles in phrases of time taken for replenishment of gasoline. Clear mobility has seen increased deployment by passenger-mobility in rural and commercial mobility in urban regions. The focus of passenger-utility automobiles in urban areas and zero fossil gas policy will more leapfrog the growth of thoroughly clean mobility in the state.” Ankit Kumar, Tech Trader EV (Electric powered automobile) & Drone, explained, “Initially, there were being uncertainties in the minds of investors about the intentions of the Government in terms of the EV industry, but the bulletins made in the 2022 budget have unquestionably quelled doubts. The Government built it amply obvious that EV manufacturing is the next huge thing in its eyesight. This was very encouraging for the EV industry and demonstrates how major the authorities is in pushing for quicker adoption of electric automobiles in the country. Authorities announcement towards marketing a change to use of public transport in urban areas will persuade investors towards financial investment in the EV sector. This will be complemented by clean tech and governance remedies, specific mobility with zero fossil gasoline policy, and EV Motor vehicles. Finance minister also introduced that the Governing administration will appear out with battery swapping technological know-how to build exclusive zones for electric autos. Integration of Private firms for the growth will also improve investment in the sector.” Rajeev Singh, Associate and Automotive Sector Leader, Deloitte India claimed, “ Target on general public transportation applying non-fossil fuels must assist in pushing electric motor vehicles (EVs). This, in addition to the battery swapping policy, could generate quicker adoption of EVs. The battery swapping policy including interoperability could be a major booster for all the startups now working in this space. It could also help push movement to electrification of fleets, primarily for past mile connectivity for both equally, men and women and products. Sohinder Gill, Director Typical, Culture of Companies of Electric powered Cars (SMEV), claimed, “We welcome the steps introduced by the honorable Finance Minister, now. The spending plan for 2022–23 offers a big impetus to the electric powered automobile (EV) field. Introducing the battery swapping plan and recognizing battery or strength as a assistance will help to create EV infrastructure and enhance the use of EVs in community transportation. It would motivate enterprises engaged in shipping and delivery and vehicle aggregation organizations to include EVs into their fleet. It will generate new avenues for corporations to enterprise into the enterprise of battery swapping. Additionally, creating unique clean up zones will additional accelerate the adoption of EVs and unfold awareness amongst the citizens. The move will reward the total section, i.e E2W, E3W, E-autos, and buses.” Naveen Munjal (MD Hero Electric), explained, “The last 12 months has seen the EV marketplace witness huge development and the government has been privy to the fact that the way ahead in the mobility sector is to shift to EVs. We hence welcome the shift by Hon’ble Finance Minister for asserting the commencement of battery swapping and battery standardization approach. This go will open up up avenues for more development and enhancement of the EV and electrical power sector in the state. Hero Electric powered has usually been a powerful advocate of standardization of EV battery packs to accelerate EV adoption. Interoperability requirements will support address array stress and anxiety difficulties and battery swapping stations will be an asset to the evolving EV ecosystem throughout the nation. Preserving in line with the Web Zero motivation of 2070 designed by Hon’ble Prime Minister, announcement of the PLI plan concentrating on solar modules and reduction of reliance on non-renewable sources of strength by using the launch of sovereign inexperienced bonds to create a carbon free financial system is a significant phase ahead. All round, we believe that we are steering forward in our determination to generate an emission cost-free region.” Ravikiran Pothukuchi, Director, Dassault Systemes, mentioned, “Battery-swapping, including improvement of interoperability expectations and a change in direction of public transport with zero fossil gasoline guidelines, as a component of the Spending plan 2022, speed up India’s journey to web-zero carbon commitments, and persuade growth of EV sector in India. Investments in Drone producing, support for space startups and style and design-led production in advancement of a solid ecosystem in India will drive us in direction of a new era to provide. The market along with the offer chain should invest in virtual twin technological know-how to allow collaboration throughout the benefit chain and enhance productiveness in production. Producing design-led mental residence is a should for India to turn out to be a environment chief in these new domains.” Chetan Maini, Chairman & Co-Founder, Sunlight Mobility, mentioned “Kudos to Govt of India for when again using the leadership in accelerating the changeover to a greener mobility paradigm. The announcement of Battery Swapping policy as a way forward to accelerate penetration of EVs is a move significantly in advance than other folks and will help technology-agnostic possibilities for a potential EV customer. Battery swapping technological innovation addresses essential issues about upfront price, array stress and prolonged charging time enabling more quickly adoption of EVs. As the policy unfolds, it would be fantastic to see the govt addressing crucial details around how consumers can accessibility subsidies (at the moment available for EVs), assortment for every demand standards (as swap batteries, by definition, are lesser and with a lot less selection) and GST for swapping providers in line with EVs. It’s encouraging to see techniques being taken on interoperability benchmarks, we are hopeful that the system of innovation is not impacted while defining these new procedures for the place and glimpse ahead to functioning with the field and the govt to building this a reality. Vivekananda Hallekere, CEO & Co-Founder, Bounce, claimed “We welcome Honourable Finance Minister’s progressive eyesight to facilitate a lot quicker adoption of electric powered automobiles in the country. With the Budget 2022 -2023 announcement on bringing out a strong battery swapping coverage, this is a vindication of the path that we have pioneered for Bounce. Governing administration and policymakers have recognised battery swapping as the most efficient resolution to speed up EV adoption in India by addressing array stress and anxiety and hesitancy in adoption as nicely as contemplating the pragmatic elements of setting up charging infrastructure – for occasion, house constraints in urban parts for focused charging stations. We imagine this go can empower economical and clean mobility at scale. At Bounce, we are nearing a million battery swaps currently and the Hon’ble Finance Minister’s announcement ties in with our vision that thoroughly clean, reasonably priced mobility is a basic ideal.”
Britishvolt’s LeCain sees EV batteries improving in the same way that the internal combustion engine improved over more than a century: incrementally. He said he believes there are plenty of gains to be made in making lithium ion batteries better. The company is working on technology that reduces the weight and size of the pack.
“Right now we’re trying to take parts out, going from cell to chassis, using hard-cased prismatic cells that bear some of the weight and structure of the vehicle,” LeCain said.
Britishvolt’s first cells for the auto industry will be lithium ion, but the company is also investing in solid-state batteries. And unlike many other battery companies, its leadership team includes two auto industry veterans, both of whom have extensive powertrain backgrounds:
Joe Bakaj, former Ford of Europe vice president of product development. He is Britishvolt’s vice chairman.
Graham Hoare, former chairman of Ford of Britain. He is the battery-maker’s president of global operations.
Although global automakers and battery companies are investing billions over the next nine years toward cell development, it’s not clear whether a battery will ever hold as much energy as a gallon of gasoline or be as convenient to use.
A Chevrolet Silverado pickup, for example, has a 24-gallon fuel tank that can be refilled at most stations in about three minutes. Driven on the highway, the truck will get 21 mpg and travel around 504 miles before it needs more fuel. A full fuel tank in the Silverado weighs 146.4 pounds.
To get a driving range of 300 or more miles, the battery pack in electric vehicles has to be very large. A Tesla Model 3 with the long-range battery pack contains 4,410 cells and weighs more than 1,200 pounds; the EPA-estimated range is 358 miles. Even a compact Chevrolet Bolt’s battery pack, with its range of 259 miles, weighs around 960 pounds.
And then there’s the matter of charging times. For the roughly 80 percent of EV drivers who charge at home and don’t exceed their vehicle’s range, those long waits aren’t usually a problem. But for those who need to use public chargers, wait times can be long, anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, once plugged in, to get reasonable range.
“Were combustion cars viable in 1950? Absolutely. People got to and from work every day. Are they better today than they were in 1950? Absolutely,” said Renna. “You’ve had billions of R&D dollars and engineers working on making them better every day. Using that analogy, I think electric cars are viable today, and solid-state batteries have the potential to make them more viable in the future.”
• We will track down financiers of Igboho, Kanu for threatening our national security • Buhari reiterates restoration of Twitter after fulfilling conditions • Lawan urges unity, faith in Nigeria • We have what it takes to overcome today’s threats, trials, says Jonathan • I am deeply concerned at the level of disunity in Nigeria – Atiku • PDP bemoans rising insecurity, economic stress, others under Buhari • APC: Our Independence provides a strong source of unity, strength • Let’s bury old prejudices to save Nigeria, says Mark • CAN blames nation’s woes on selfish leadership • NADECO urges UN to fast-track referendum on Nigeria • France, Indian presidents congratulate Nigeria • U.S. will continue to stand by Nigeria despite challenges, says envoy
It’S a mixed feeling today, the 61st anniversary of Nigeria’s attainment of independence. Amid the celebration of nationhood in the national colours of green and white, symbolising natural wealth and peace, the reality for citizens is the exact opposite, gloom and a state of fear.
Acknowledging this reality, President Muhammadu Buhari in his Independence Day broadcast, today, said “the past 18 months have been some of the most difficult periods in the history of Nigeria. Since the civil war, I doubt whether we have seen a period of more heightened challenges than what we have witnessed in this period.
Buahri
“Our original priorities for 2020 were to continue stabilising our economy following the deep recession while restoring peace in areas confronted with security challenges, but the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on all nations meant we needed to shift gears and re-strategise.
“Despite the global inequity in access to vaccines, the government has continued to explore all available options to ensure Nigerians have free access to safe and effective vaccines.
“But as our economy continues to open after the COVID-19-related lockdowns, we have also seen the resurgence of insecurity in certain parts of the country.”
Reeling out steps taken to address the problem, President Buhari said the government was ready to arrest and prosecute all persons inciting violence through words or action.
“Our resolve for a peaceful, united and one Nigeria remains resolute and unwavering. I use this day to ask all Nigerians to embrace peace and dialogue, whatever their grievances.
“The seeds of violence are planted in people’s heads through words. Reckless utterances of a few have led to losses of many innocent lives and the destruction of properties.
“Such unfiltered and unsubstantiated lies and hate speeches by a few evil persons must be stopped. Our media houses and commentators must move away from just reporting irresponsible remarks to investigating the truth behind all statements and presenting the facts to readers.
“We shall continue to work on dialogue-based solutions to address legitimate grievances. But we remain ready to take decisive actions against secessionist agitators and their sponsors who threaten our national security.
“The recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, and the ongoing investigations being conducted have revealed certain high-profile financiers behind these individuals. We are vigorously pursuing these financiers including one identified as a serving member of the National Assembly.”
Speaking on the suspension of Twitter in the country now nearing its fourth month, the President said: “Social media is a very useful platform that has enabled millions of Nigerians to connect with loved ones, promote their businesses, socialise, and access news and other information.
“However, recent events have shown that the platform is not just an innocuous platform for information dissemination. Rather some users have misused the platform to organise, coordinate, and execute criminal activities, propagate fake news, and promote ethnic and religious sentiments.
“To address these negative trends, the Federal Government of Nigeria suspended the operations of Twitter in Nigeria on June 5, 2021, to allow the government to put measures in place to address these challenges.
“Following the suspension of Twitter operations, Twitter Inc. reached out to the Federal Government to resolve the impasse. Subsequently, I constituted a Presidential Committee to engage Twitter to explore the possibility of resolving the issue.
“The Committee, along with its Technical Team, has engaged with Twitter and have addressed a number of key issues. These are National Security and Cohesion; Registration, Physical presence and Representation; Fair Taxation; Dispute Resolution; and Local Content.
“Following the extensive engagements, the issues are being addressed and I have directed that the suspension be lifted but only if the conditions are met to allow our citizens continue the use of the platform for business and positive engagements.”
PRESIDENT of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has called on all Nigerians to unite for the progress of the country and continue to keep faith with their fatherland.
Lawan, in his Independence anniversary message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ola Awoniyi, said: “This is the first year of our seventh decade as a nation and also the second year of the third decade of the Fourth Republic. I find it remarkable that we are living in the longest era of democracy in our history as a nation.
“That may seem modest as an achievement but it is an additional cause for celebration in the light of our political experience. Every patriot will always remember with pride that historic moment on October 1, 1960, when the British Union Jack was lowered and our Green-White-Green flag hoisted in its place.
“Over six decades on, the journey has been eventful and the challenges enormous. But we can be proud of the progress that we have made, draw lessons from the missteps and rededicate ourselves to our historic mission of nation-building. We should never abandon that mission.
“The National Assembly is determined to facilitate a meaningful review of the Constitution by the people, to ensure that the instrument continues to serve its purpose and to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians. A people-oriented Constitution will address the frictions that we are currently witnessing and this is why the National Assembly is taking very seriously this national assignment,” he said.
FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has affirmed that Nigeria has got what it takes to overcome its present “threats and trials.” He has, therefore, urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the future of the country, despite the challenges currently being faced by citizens.
Jonathan stated this in his goodwill message to Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 61st Independence anniversary, stressing that the nation holds abundant promises for its citizens.
The former president encouraged the nation’s leaders and the citizens to rededicate themselves to the virtues of equity, justice and tolerance and strive to give their best for the good of the nation. He further described it as a day of freedom that provides an opportunity “to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.”
In the message released by his media assistant, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan wrote: “I join all citizens to celebrate the 61st Independence anniversary of our great nation, Nigeria.
“As we mark this day of freedom, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.
“We may have hiccups along the way and challenging times that might be stretching our resolve and determination to forge ahead. But we should not relent nor succumb to fear, discouraging trials and threats of today.
“The journey of nationhood is a marathon, which requires patience, resilience, tolerance and determination. The uncertainties of this time cannot be compared to the limitless promises that this nation holds for us all.”
FORMER Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, urged Nigerians to remain united despite their current existential challenges and struggles for economic survival. He also called on governments at all levels to enunciate policies that would lead to improved standards of living for the average Nigerian, even as he assured that the future ahead as a nation will be brighter and better.
In his goodwill message, issued by Paul Ibe, media adviser to Atiku, the former Vice President expressed concern at the level of disunity, intolerance and bigotry in the country, which resulted in conflicts with its attendant losses of human life and property.
According to him, disunity does not help Nigerians because it made it impossible for them to unite for a mutually beneficial common cause.
“I believe that our common interests are greater than those things that divide us. If we spend our energies on division rather than fighting for our common interests, it would be more difficult to bring about positive change to assuage the situation,” Atiku said.
THE opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reviewed the 61 years of Nigeria’s nationhood and submitted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has gone down in history as the worst in the annals of her national life.
It claimed that “the push by this administration to sink the nation is evident in our daily lives; the lies, injustices, violations, state-backed violence, impunity, nepotism, treasury looting, harsh economic policies and accommodation of terrorism, but our nation has continued to survive by the resilient spirit of Nigerians.”
The party at a press conference presided over by its national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, however, said “though the APC and its government have been pushing the nation to the brink, Nigeria, as a nation, will never fail.”
According to the opposition party, “it is painful that all the gains made by our nation since Independence in 1960 and especially during the 16 years of the PDP in office – including the entrenchment of national unity and cohesiveness, freedom and personal liberty of citizens, rule of law, credible elections, justice, equity, fairness and economic progress – the very elements of an independent state, have all been reversed by the APC and the Buhari Presidency.”
It alleged that the Buhari Presidency and the APC have on all fronts “taken our nation back to the pre-independence days with associated bondage mentality and frustration resulting in much-losing faith in the system and leaving our country in droves within the last six years.
“Is it not an irony that our nation is celebrating Independence in the face of subverted elections, a brazen crackdown on the opposition and dissenting voices as well as other suppressive acts, including the muzzling of free speech as witnessed in the ban on Twitter in Nigeria?” PDP queried.
It lamented that “as we celebrate Independence, thousands of our compatriots are falling victims to extra-judicial killings, arbitrary arrests and illegal detention in dehumanising cells, which underscore the horrible situation under President Buhari and the APC, as even profiled by Amnesty International (AI) and US Department of State.
“Is it not painful that under President Buhari, our nation has been opened up to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, who are wantonly killing our citizens while their known apologists are enjoying official cover with one of them even holding office as a cabinet minister?” it further queried.
On the economic front, the party noted that “we can’t celebrate when President Buhari and the APC have in a space of six years, wrecked our once robust economy and turned Nigeria into the poverty capital of the world, where over 82.9 million Nigerians can no longer afford their daily meals.
“How can we celebrate when the APC has plunged our nation into economic slavery with over N33.1 trillion accumulated debt, a 33 per cent unemployment rate, collapse of productive sectors and a weakened naira from the N167 to a dollar handed over to President Buhari in 2015 to a dismal N576 to a dollar today?”
BUT the Chairman APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, said Nigeria’s 61 years of Independence provides a strong source of unity and strength. The governor said the long history of integration among the various ethnic, and socio-cultural groups should be a source of unity in diversity for the country.
“At 61 years, Nigerians should concentrate on issues that unite the country rather than divisive tendencies,” he said.
Governor Buni said although Nigeria might not have reached where it wanted to be after 61 years of independence yet, we have cause to celebrate our existence as a country.
“We should remember that every country including the developed nations has their challenges, ours should not be an exception to contest our existence as a country and provoke our growth and development.”
He said as a ruling party, APC is redefining party politics in Nigeria through institutionalisation of a strong internal democracy and a bottom-up approach to give ownership of the party and power to the people. He appealed to Nigerians to support and cooperate with the Buhari administration in its commitment to build a prosperous nation.
FORMER President of the Senate, David Mark, has called on citizens to bury old prejudices to religion, tribe or ethnic leanings believed to be antithetical to development.
Mark listed the misfortunes occasioned by the 30-month-old Nigeria/Biafra civil war, several ethnoreligious conflicts and agitations in some parts of the country as unfortunate incidents hindering developments.
In his goodwill message to Nigerians by his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, he noted that the security, socio-economic and political challenges bedeviling the country demand that “we bury mundane issues of attachment to religion, ethnic or tribal leanings and come together to rescue Nigeria from the precipice.”
To this end, he tasked governments at all levels to do all that is necessary to restore hope and rebuild citizens’ trust and confidence in leadership to actualize the project in Nigeria.
IN its message yesterday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) noted that for the past 61 years, bad and selfish leadership has largely contributed to the unfortunate state of the country, adding that these bad leaders did not plan for the country to grow and if they did, never made efforts to implement the development plans.
In a statement titled: ‘Nigeria will Experience Showers of Blessings’ by CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, he lamented that the political leaders embezzled the commonwealth of the nation and by their action, threw the citizens into unnecessary sufferings and pains.
“Unemployed youths have taken to criminalities. Youths are trying frantically to run abroad to search for a better life. Some in the process perished in the Mediterranean Sea or ended up being used as sex slaves. Some got themselves engaged in armed robbery and internet fraud, among others.
“The situation of the country appears bleak but knowing that God is not man and with him, all things are possible, this is the right time to believe that there shall be showers of blessings because some people are praying for this country.”
THE National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has called on the United Nations, its Security Council and other global bodies concerned with the peaceful co-existence of the world to urgently fast-track their preparations to conduct variously demanded referendums to ascertain the wishes and aspirations for self-determination of various ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The group in its statement to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary and signed by its General Secretary, Chief Ayo Opadokun, said the call became necessary because of the agitation of various ethnic groups who have lost hope in efforts to redeem the country from drifting towards the precipice.
The pro-democracy group, blaming the 1999 Constitution for various social, political and economic challenges facing the country, expressed its support to some self-determination groups that threatened not to allow 2023 general elections to hold under the 1999 Constitution.
NADECO, however, told the international community “to accept that their failure to act timely on these legitimate demands for their intervention may be tantamount to an invitation to possible national conflagration and unmanageable national crisis, which may result into consequential deleterious situations on the West African Sub-Region, the African continent and the world in general.
“Let it be remembered that Nigeria as the most populous black nation in the world has about 200 million citizens residing in a suffocating geographical and political space, the possible reaction of the entrapped ethnic nationalities who are already overwhelmed with repression, discriminations on religion, gender, ethnicities can quickly result to national upheavals, forced dispersal and migration with their attendant global consequences.”
The group regretted that Nigeria remains an underdeveloped and retarded nation, 61 years after its independence from the British colonial government and blamed its underdevelopment on the 1999 Constitution, which the group said was imposed on Nigerians by the Military.
Blaming President Buhari for the spate of killings, maiming and kidnappings in almost all states in the country, the group alleged inability of the government to deploy modern technology, nepotism and favouritism to a particular tribe in the country for insecurity and increase in the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the country.
FRENCH President, Emmanuel Macron, has congratulated the President on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary today. In a statement yesterday, he said: “You know my personal attachment to the relationship between France and Nigeria, the continent’s leading economic and demographic power. I firmly believe that it is in the mutual interest of our two countries to strengthen this relationship on all fronts.”
According to him, since his visit in July 2018, the ties between the two countries have been strengthened, especially in the economic field. The creation of the Franco-Nigerian Business Council will allow the birth of many structuring projects between France and Nigerian companies.
“We can do even more together because France and Nigeria share many common interests both on regional and security issues and on global issues. I hereby hope that our countries will intensify their exchanges on all these subjects.”
ALSO, the Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind, yesterday, congratulated Nigeria and its people on the celebration of the 61st Independence Day anniversary.
Reporting President Kovind’s good wishes to Nigeria, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the Indian leader observed the friendly and deep-rooted ties between his country and Nigeria.
In a congratulatory letter to President Buhari, Kovind conveyed his best wishes to the Nigerian leader as well as the continued prosperity of the country.
“India and Nigeria have strong relations. Despite challenges during the pandemic, our economic relations have gained strength.”
MEANWHILE, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Leonard, has pledged that President Joe Biden administration will continue to stand by Nigeria in spite of the many economic and security challenges confronting the West African nation.
The American envoy stated this in a statement titled: ‘Reflections on 61 years of U.S. – Nigerian Engagement’. Leonard said the U.S. Mission in Nigeria “recognise that security and economic concerns weigh on the minds of all Nigerians”, adding that it has been working in solidarity with the Nigerian government to address the challenges together.
To assure the security of transactions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated a new rule for the automobile-debiting facility of banking transactions that had been established to just take outcome from Oct 1, Friday. The new RBI mandate indicated that there was to be no extra automatics recurring payments for the numerous solutions that are linked with it, this kind of as utility payments, recharge of cellular phone, DTH and OTT payments. This is since starting off from nowadays, the apex bank’s directive mentioned that there needs to be an additional variable of authentication (AFA) in advance of any transaction can be presented the go-in advance.
This fundamentally signifies that with out the customer’s seal of approval, no cash can or will be deducted from the lender account on the foundation of an automated debit payment. The RBI reported that the cause for the introduction of AFA is to carry forth additional layers of security to any transactional approach. The apex bank’s principal objective, in this case, is to secure lender shoppers from fraudulent transactions although concurrently also improving customers’ advantage.
The deadline has been moved up quite a few instances to day. The motive powering it is that a lot of of the significant financial institutions these as HDFC Bank, ICICI Banking companies and the Point out Financial institution of India (SBI) had not complied with the issued mandate, which compelled the RBI to increase the deadline by 6 months.
Talking on the similar, the RBI said in a circular, “The framework has not been thoroughly executed even right after the prolonged timeline. This non-compliance is observed with significant worry and will be dealt with individually. The hold off in implementation by some stakeholders has presented increase to a situation of doable large-scale customer inconvenience and default. To reduce any inconvenience to the prospects, Reserve Financial institution has resolved to extend the timeline for the stakeholders to migrate to the framework by six months, i.e., till September 30, 2021.”
Acquiring stated that, right here are five things that you ought to know about this new rule heading forward into the calendar thirty day period of Oct.
1) Progress Alerts
As for each the new norms of the RBI mandate, your respective financial institution with which you have your transactional accounts will have to mail you data or an alert regarding the recurring payment dues, 24 hrs in progress. It is sent in progress so as to give the client time to accept and confirm the payment, due to the fact, without the need of that acceptance from the account holder, the lender will not finalise the transaction. This added layer of safety makes sure that the purchaser is involved in every and each and every transaction that sees money move out of their accounts.
2) One-Time Registration
Now, while it may well sound like a laborous system, it actually is not. Consumers will need only go as a result of the process of registration at the time under this new mandate and it is only the initial transaction that needs the added factor of authentication. After the very first time, consumers can carry out other future transactions without having the AFA. In reality, while registering, buyers can offer the validity period of time for long run transactions.
3) OTP Payments Exceeding Rs 5,000
If the recurring payment is higher than the restrict of Rs 5,000, then according to the RBI mandate, the financial institution in query is needed to deliver the consumer a 1-time password (OTP), just before the transaction is processed.
4) It Is Optional
For the sake of convenience, buyers of any financial institution can select to choose-out of the mandate or any specific transaction at any place in time. This can be completed through the use of the pre-debit notification which has a backlink that will acquire you to a portal where it can be carried out step-by-step. Maintain in head that at the close of the day this mandate was released to secure your financial institution account and the money therein.
5) No Impacts on Car-Debits
Any standing guidelines that were registered for employing present financial institution accounts for mutual funds, SIPs or equated monthly instalments for loans would not be impacted by these new principles and adjustments.
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