(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.

According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.

The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.

NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.

The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.

First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.

Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.

The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.

NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.

The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.

The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.

COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”

COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.

NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.

Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”

The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.

Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”

Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.

The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.

Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”

The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.

Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.

(DDM) – The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the Nigerian government following the embarrassing sight of an empty national pavilion at the International Investment Fair in Japan.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the fair, which commenced on August 18, 2025, drew global investors, trade experts, and economic leaders to explore opportunities across various countries.

However, Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy was shockingly unrepresented at its own stand, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a large delegation of officials reportedly attending the event.

A viral video from the fair showed vibrant stands from Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, each managed by representatives showcasing their nations’ economic potential.

In stark contrast, Nigeria’s booth stood deserted, with no official present to welcome prospective investors or provide promotional materials.

COPDEM, in a strongly worded statement, described the situation as “an international disgrace and a symbol of Nigeria’s collapsing governance culture.”

The group stated that the incident highlighted a disturbing trend where public funds are spent on lavish foreign trips, yet critical tasks like economic representation are neglected.

“The President cannot lead a horde of officials to a global investment fair only for Nigeria’s stand to be empty,” COPDEM declared.

“This is more than incompetence; it is a clear sign that the welfare of the country is secondary to political pageantry.”

The International Investment Fair, hosted annually in Tokyo, Japan, provides a platform for countries to present business opportunities, forge trade partnerships, and attract foreign direct investment.

Analysts say Nigeria’s absence at its own pavilion represents a costly missed opportunity, especially as the nation battles economic instability and declining investor confidence.

COPDEM further called for an immediate probe into the delegation’s activities in Japan and demanded a public explanation from the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.

The group warned that such blunders could further damage Nigeria’s international image and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement at the highest levels.

Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with critical comments, describing the incident as “a national embarrassment” and questioning how much was spent on the trip.

The fair continues until August 22, 2025, but critics say the damage to Nigeria’s reputation has already been done.

(DDM) – Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has issued a strong statement against the Dangote Group following a recent truck accident that left Ruth Otabor, sister of reality star Phyna, severely injured.

DDM gathered that Kuti described the incident as yet another tragic example of how major corporations in Nigeria escape strict accountability despite repeated safety lapses.

He argued that businesses of such magnitude would face billion-naira lawsuits in other jurisdictions, but in Nigeria, their influence often shields them from legal consequences.

Pattern of negligence cited

Kuti pointed to previous accidents involving Dangote trucks, many of which resulted in multiple fatalities.

He accused the company of prioritizing profits while disregarding the safety of citizens who suffer life-altering consequences from such crashes.

According to him, the Nigerian regulatory system has failed to enforce strict compliance with safety standards, allowing similar tragedies to persist.

Kuti’s wider criticism of corporate impunity

The musician also criticized a system where ordinary Nigerians are left to bear the burden of loss while powerful corporations avoid responsibility.

He claimed that the country’s justice system enables big businesses to settle matters quietly, often without adequate compensation to victims.

This, he warned, has created a dangerous precedent where lives are undervalued, and safety protocols remain largely ignored.

Background on Dangote truck incidents

Past reports show that Dangote Group trucks have been involved in multiple accidents across various states, sometimes resulting in mass casualties.

In many of these cases, victims or their families alleged poor handling of compensation and lack of corporate accountability.

Kuti insisted that repeated negligence should no longer be tolerated and called for tougher laws to protect citizens.

Call for enforcement and reform

He urged Nigerian lawmakers to implement policies mandating multi-billion-naira penalties for companies whose negligence causes loss of life or severe injuries.

According to him, such measures would compel businesses to prioritize safety and comply with strict operational standards.

He also appealed to advocacy groups and civil society organizations to demand justice for victims of corporate negligence.

Public reaction and next steps

The statement has sparked debate on social media, with Nigerians expressing anger over recurring incidents linked to large business fleets.

Some users echoed Kuti’s sentiments, urging regulators to enforce reforms and demanding that Dangote issue an official response.

As the controversy continues, attention now shifts to whether authorities will launch a formal investigation into the latest accident and review safety regulations.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Police Force has published the official contact numbers of Public Relations Officers (PPROs) for all state commands and the Federal Capital Territory.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the announcement was made on August 18, 2025, as part of a wider effort to improve communication between the police and the public.

According to a statement from the Force Public Relations Department, the verified numbers are now available to the public for direct access to police spokespersons across the country.

The department explained that the initiative is designed to provide faster responses to complaints, promote transparency, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

Officials stated that each command’s PPRO would be available to receive reports, provide guidance, and escalate cases for prompt action.

Bridging communication gaps

The Nigerian Police Force has long been criticized for slow response times and limited access to officers responsible for public communication.

Security analysts note that this move could be a game-changer in addressing long-standing complaints about poor engagement with citizens.

The verified phone numbers are expected to eliminate cases of misinformation, impersonation, and fraudulent contact lines often used by criminals to extort unsuspecting victims.

Public urged to use official channels

Police authorities have appealed to Nigerians to use these official lines responsibly and for genuine concerns only.

They emphasized that prompt reporting of emergencies, suspicious activities, or security threats will help law enforcement respond more effectively.

Additionally, the contacts will allow citizens to seek clarifications about ongoing investigations, public safety measures, and law enforcement procedures.

Building trust and accountability

Community leaders have welcomed the initiative as a step toward improving trust between citizens and the police.

They believe direct access to PPROs will ensure that cases of police misconduct, delayed response, or unresolved complaints are reported quickly.

Civil society organizations have also urged the Nigerian Police Force to monitor the use of the contact lines and ensure timely feedback.

Next steps

While the police have not released a digital directory or mobile app for the contacts, sources hinted that such innovations could follow in the coming months.

Security experts recommend periodic review of the communication system to ensure it remains effective and accessible nationwide.

Citizens have been encouraged to store their respective state command PPRO numbers for emergencies and official correspondence.