Africa
Ghana election: Labour Party criticizes INEC chairman, Yakubu

The Labour Party (LP) has directed sharp criticism at the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, following his public commendation of Ghana’s recent presidential election.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, expressed dissatisfaction with the INEC overseer.
Mr. Ifoh made the remarks during an interview granted to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).
He asserted that Yakubu’s involvement in the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria played a significant role in the ongoing socio-political challenges in the country.
He accused the INEC chairman of overseeing an election fraught with irregularities, glitches, and controversies, which many believe compromised the democratic process.
The Labour Party’s stance was unequivocal: Professor Yakubu should be seeking lessons from Ghana’s electoral process rather than offering commendation.
The aftermath of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria was marked by widespread discontent and allegations of manipulation.
Many Nigerians expressed their disappointment with the conduct of the polls, particularly the presidential election, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared winner.
Numerous reports from observers and stakeholders highlighted significant challenges that marred the electoral process.
These include the malfunctioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and issues with the electronic transmission of results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
These setbacks had raised questions about the transparency and credibility of the election.
Ballot box snatching, electoral violence, and logistical delays were among the challenges that were extensively reported.
Despite assurances by INEC that the election would be the most technologically advanced and transparent in Nigeria’s history, the reality on the ground painted a starkly different picture.
The lapses were blamed on poor planning, inadequate training of staff, and a lack of accountability at various levels of the electoral process.
It is within this context that the Labour Party’s criticisms of the INEC Chairman gained further significance.
Ifoh, speaking on behalf of the party, stated that the conduct of Ghana’s presidential election should serve as a model for Nigeria.
In his words, the absence of electoral violence, logistical failures, and technological glitches in Ghana demonstrated what a credible electoral process should entail.
According to Ifoh, the Ghanaian election allowed the will of the people to prevail without interference, unlike what transpired in Nigeria in 2023.
“It is unfortunate that Professor Mahmood Yakubu, under whose watch Nigerians endured a flawed electoral process, would turn around to commend Ghana,” Ifoh remarked.
“The INEC Chairman should be the one to learn from Ghana.
“He owes Nigerians an apology for the hardships they are currently enduring, which were exacerbated by the electoral mismanagement under his leadership.”
The Labour Party’s grievances stem not only from the perceived lack of accountability on Yakubu’s part but also from the broader implications of the 2023 elections.
The outcomes of those elections have been linked to the economic and political instability currently being experienced in Nigeria.
Many citizens believe that their voices were stifled and their choices subverted, leading to a government that lacks the full legitimacy of a free and fair mandate.
In Ghana, however, a starkly different scenario was observed.
Reports from international observers lauded the West African nation for conducting a presidential election that was largely free from violence, logistical disruptions, and technological malfunctions.
The transparency of the process was evident, and the results were widely accepted by the populace.
Ghanaians have been described as content with the process, as their votes were seen to have counted without undue interference.
The Labour Party said that it’s call is for Professor Yakubu to take responsibility, which highlights a persistent demand for electoral reforms in Nigeria.
Critics argue that the challenges experienced during the 2023 elections were avoidable, had adequate measures been taken to address systemic weaknesses within INEC.
The BVAS and IReV technologies, which were introduced to enhance transparency, ended up being sources of frustration due to their seemingly deliberate non-performance.
This has led to calls for better training, infrastructure, and oversight in future elections.
In light of Ghana’s success, the Labour Party’s position underscores a growing sentiment among Nigerians that their electoral process is in dire need of transformation.
“What Ghanaians enjoyed during their election is what Nigerians have been yearning for.
“It is high time Professor Yakubu and his team acknowledged their shortcomings and worked towards rebuilding trust in the system,” Ifoh emphasized.
Despite moving on from the events of 2023, the Labour Party maintains that the lessons from that election must not be ignored.
The party believes that accountability and transparency are foundational to democratic governance.
The INEC Chairman’s commendation of Ghana’s election may have been intended to highlight a positive example.i
It has, instead, drawn attention to Nigeria’s electoral failings and the urgent need for reforms.
The narrative surrounding the 2023 elections serves as a reminder of the consequences of flawed democratic processes.
For Nigeria to achieve the stability and development it aspires to, its electoral system must inspire confidence among its citizens.
This, the Labour Party argues, can only be achieved through genuine accountability, robust planning, and a commitment to upholding the sanctity of the ballot.
As discussions around electoral reform continue, the Labour Party’s critique of Professor Yakubu’s leadership at INEC underscores the importance of learning from the successes of other nations.
The comparison with Ghana’s election is not merely a criticism but also a call to action for Nigeria to adopt best practices.
That, observers note, will ensure that the will of its people is truly reflected in future elections.
Africa
Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.
“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.
Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.
He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.
The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.
He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.
Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”
General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.
He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”
Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.
He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.
They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.
General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.
He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”
He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.
Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.
He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”
The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.
General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
Africa
Canada Announces Permanent Residence Lottery Results for Foreign Workers

Canada has carried out a new Express Entry lottery, inviting thousands of skilled workers to apply for permanent residency.
Financial Express report that the Announcement which came on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, marks one of the most significant rounds this year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invited 4,200 candidates in the latest Express Entry draw.
The invitations were sent under the no-program-specified category, which means candidates from all economic immigration programs were considered.
To qualify, candidates needed a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of at least 507 points.
This cut-off is higher than several recent rounds, showing rising competition in Canada’s immigration pool.
Breakdown of Recent Express Entry Draws
The August 20 general draw came just a week after Canada held two smaller, targeted draws.
On August 14, 2025, IRCC issued 1,500 invitations in a Healthcare category-based draw, with a minimum CRS of 430.
On August 13, 2025, another STEM occupation draw invited 1,000 candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 481.
This means Canada has invited more than 6,700 candidates in August alone, highlighting its steady demand for skilled workers.
Why Express Entry Remains Key
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled migration. It manages applications for three major programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Through this system, candidates are ranked by CRS points based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. Higher scores improve the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Impact of the Rising CRS
The 507-point cut-off has sparked concern among applicants.
Many worry that higher thresholds make it harder to qualify unless they boost their profiles with stronger English or French test results, higher education, or Canadian job offers.
Immigration experts note that Canada is prioritizing candidates who are more likely to integrate quickly into the economy.
With rising competition, applicants may need to explore provincial nomination programs (PNPs), which can add up to 600 extra CRS points.
Canada’s Immigration Targets
Despite higher CRS cut-offs, Canada’s immigration outlook remains ambitious.
The government has pledged to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Skilled workers make up a large share of this intake.
With labor shortages in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, Canada continues to use Express Entry to attract foreign talent.
What Applicants Should Do
Experts recommend that prospective migrants keep their profiles updated and monitor both general and category-based draws.
Targeted draws for healthcare, STEM, and trades occupations often have lower CRS cut-offs, giving candidates more opportunities.
For those struggling to meet the high CRS threshold, exploring study routes in Canada, provincial nominations, or job offers may increase chances.
The August 20 Express Entry draw shows Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled immigration.
With over 4,200 invitations issued and CRS cut-offs climbing, the competition is intense.
However, the system continues to provide multiple entry points for determined applicants worldwide.
Africa
Japan Designates City as Hometown for Nigerians

The Japanese government has officially designated the city of Kisarazu as the hometown for Nigerians, marking a major step in strengthening cultural diplomacy and workforce collaboration between both nations.
The announcement was made during the ninth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) and confirmed by the Director of Information at Nigeria’s State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.
According to the agreement, the Japanese government will introduce a special visa category for highly skilled and innovative young Nigerians who are willing to relocate to Kisarazu to live and work.
This initiative also extends to artisans and blue-collar workers from Nigeria who are ready to upskill and contribute to Japan’s economy.
At the same event, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated three other cities as hometowns for African nations:
Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture for Tanzania,
Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture for Ghana, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture for Mozambique.
These hometown designations aim to foster manpower development, cultural exchanges, and economic partnerships that will benefit both Japan and the participating African countries.
Nigeria-Japan Partnership
Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires and Acting Ambassador to Japan, Mrs. Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, received the certificate on behalf of Nigeria alongside Yoshikuni Watanabe, the Mayor of Kisarazu.
The ceremony highlighted the city’s longstanding relationship with Nigeria, as Kisarazu was the official host town for the Nigerian contingent during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where athletes trained and acclimatised before moving to the Olympic village.
Local Japanese authorities hope that designating Kisarazu as Nigerians’ hometown will boost the city’s population, enhance regional revitalisation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Japan’s Vision for Africa
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in his address at TICAD9, announced $5.5 billion in new investments across Africa.
He stressed the importance of mutual understanding, local solutions, and collaborative development, focusing on three key areas:
Private sector-led sustainable growth,
Youth and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Ishiba also acknowledged Japan’s challenges with an ageing population and shrinking agricultural land, calling on African nations to support Japan while benefiting from expanded cultural and economic opportunities.
What This Means for Nigerians
For Nigerians, the recognition of Kisarazu as their official hometown in Japan provides more than symbolic value.
It creates new employment opportunities, encourages skills transfer, and opens a pathway for closer cultural integration between both nations.
This strategic move underscores Japan’s commitment to forging deeper ties with Africa, while offering Nigerians a platform to thrive abroad
Africa
Kenyan Police Exhume Five More Bodies Linked to Starvation Cult

At least five more bodies, including two children, have been exhumed in coastal Kenya in connection with the country’s most infamous starvation cult.
Police confirmed on Friday, August 22, 2025, that the discovery is linked to the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” a tragedy that shocked the world in 2023.
The fresh graves were found near Binzaro village in Kilifi County’s Chakama area, according to Robert Kiinge of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He revealed that officers had excavated at least 27 sites spread across a five-acre plot.
“We retrieved five bodies,” Kiinge confirmed.
He explained that most of the remains were in advanced stages of decomposition, suggesting they had been buried more than a year ago.
However, one of the victims may have been buried as recently as seven to eight months ago.
Tragically, two of the bodies were those of children, estimated to be between five and seven years old.
Kiinge added that the evidence strongly pointed to a link with the original Shakahola massacre, where more than 400 victims of a starvation cult were discovered in 2023.
The cult was led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently on trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of manslaughter. Mackenzie has denied all charges, but his followers have continued to draw scrutiny from investigators.
So far, 11 people have been taken into custody in connection with the new graves.
Three of them, however, are being treated as victims rather than suspects.
“The people we have in custody today are followers of Mackenzie,” Kiinge told reporters, stressing that investigations remain ongoing.
Post-mortem examinations are expected in the coming days to determine the exact cause of death.
Until then, police have avoided speculation.
The renewed discoveries come just weeks after a Mombasa court adjourned Mackenzie’s trial due to new evidence.
The case has reignited national debate about the regulation of fringe religious movements in Kenya.
Following the Shakahola tragedy, the Kenyan government introduced stricter oversight measures for religious organizations.
However, these proposals have been met with resistance from some groups, who argue that tighter controls infringe on constitutional protections separating church and state.
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