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Showing posts from February, 2019

Buhari Re-elected For A Second Term

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By Suleiman Ugbokhe President Muhammadu Buhari in a campaign rally before the election President Muhammadu Buhari has been re-elected for a second term in office as president and commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His victory stemmed from the presidential election held in the country on Saturday, February 23, 2019. It took the election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) four days of counting of votes cast and collation of results from the 36 states of the country and Abuja, the federal capital to arrive at the final figures that gave victory to Buhari. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while announcing the winner, said Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) garnered 15,191,847 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer, Atiku Abubakar, who got 11,262,978. According to Premium Times, an online publication, the INEC Chairman, in declaring the winner, said: “I, Professor Mahmood Yakub...

Man Awarded $21m for false murder charge

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Image copyright REUTERS Image caption A review of DNA evidence helped Craig Coley clear his name in 2017 A California man wrongly convicted of murder has been awarded $21m (£16m) as compensation for his 38 years in jail. Craig Coley, 71, was jailed in 1978 for the murder of his ex-partner and her son, but consistently maintained his innocence. He was released in November 2017 after DNA evidence cleared him during a review of the case. His prison term is reportedly the longest ever overturned in California history. The compensation will be paid by the city of Simi Valley as part of an out-of-court settlement. "While no amount of money can make up for what happened to Mr Coley, settling this case is the right thing to do for Mr Coley and our community," said Simi Valley City Manager, Eric Levitt. "The monetary cost of going to trial would be astronomical and it would be irresponsible for us to move forward in that direction." 'A model inmate' ...

Nigeria Election 2019: Counting Under Way

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4 hours ago Share this with Facebook   Share this with WhatsApp   Share this with Messenger   Share this with Twitter   Share Related Topics Nigerian general election 2019 Image copyright REUTERS Image caption Nigerians are anxious to find out the name of their new president Ballots are being counted in Nigeria's closely fought general election, although voting has been extended to a second day in a handful of places. Due to logistical problems and some cases of violence, polls have been put back to a later date in a few areas. President Muhammadu Buhari, 76, is seeking a second term. His main challenger is former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, 72. The election had been due last week but was delayed at the last minute. Whoever wins in Africa's most populous nation and largest economy will have to address power shortages, corruption, security threats, and an economic slowdown. President Buhari cast his ballot in his hometow...

Botswana Mulls Lifting Elephant Hunting Ban

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Image copyright GETTY IMAGES Image caption Botswana is home to a third of Africa's elephants A report by cabinet ministers in Botswana has recommended lifting a four-year hunting ban and the introduction of elephant culling. After months of public meetings and consultations, the report by ministers also recommends the "establishment of elephant meat canning" for pet food. The number of elephants in Botswana is estimated to be about 130,000, which some argue is too many for the ecosystem - there is increasing conflict between wildlife and people. But others say the country's tourism has grown dramatically since the ban came into place and that lifting it would affect the country's international reputation for conservation. Shortly after coming into office in April 2018, President Mokgweetsi Masisi asked ministers to review the hunting ban which was implemented by his predecessor Ian Khama in 2014. Public meetings were held and organisations, c...