News

Biden’s Victory Speech

Published

3 years ago

November 8, 2020

Nigerian Tracker

“My fellow Americans, the people of this nation have spoken.

They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory. A victory for “We the People.”

We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million.

I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.

I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify. Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States. And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.

For that is what America is about: The people. And that is what our Administration will be about.

I sought this office to restore the soul of America. To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class. To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.

It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision. And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.

As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband. I would not be here without the love and tireless support of my wife, Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family. They are my heart.

Jill’s a mom — a military mom — and an educator. She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn’t just what she does — it’s who she is. For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.

And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.

It’s long overdue, and we’re reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.

Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you’re family. You’ve become honorary Bidens.

To all those who volunteered, worked the polls, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation. To my campaign team, to all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I thank you for everything. And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we built, the broadest and most diverse in history.

Democrats and Republicans and Independents. Progressives, moderates and conservatives. Young and old. Urban, suburban and rural. Gay, straight, transgender. White. Latino. Asian. Native American.

And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community.

I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that.

And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight. I’ve lost a couple of elections myself.

But now, let’s give each other a chance. It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric. To lower the temperature. To see each other again. To listen to each other again. To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy. We are not enemies. We are Americans.

The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal.

This is that time for America. A time to heal.

Now that the campaign is over — what is the people’s will? What is our mandate?

I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.

The battle to control the virus. The battle to build prosperity. The battle to secure your family’s health care. The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country. The battle to save the climate. The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.

Our work begins with getting COVID under control.

We cannot repair our economy, restore our vitality, or relish life’s most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.

On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.

That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern. I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.

I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me — as I will for those who did.

Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end — here and now.

The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control. It’s a decision. It’s a choice we make.

And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate.

That’s the choice I’ll make. And I call on the Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — to make that choice with me.

America’s story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity. Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long. We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their identity, their ethnicity, their faith.

America has always been shaped by inflection points — by moments in time where we’ve made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.

Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union. FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal. JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier.

And twelve years ago — when Barack Obama made history — and told us, “Yes, we can.”

We stand again at an inflection point. We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose. We can do it. I know we can.

I’ve long talked about the battle for the soul of America. Now we must restore the soul of America.

Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses. It is time for our better angels to prevail.

Tonight, the whole world is watching. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe. And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.

I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.

That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them.

You see, I believe in the possibility of this country. We’re always looking ahead. Ahead to an America that’s freer and more just. Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect. Ahead to an America that cures disease — like cancer and Alzheimers. Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind. Ahead to an America that never gives up.

This is a great nation. And we are a good people. This is the United States of America. And there has never been anything we haven’t been able to do when we’ve done it together.

In the last days of the campaign, I’ve been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.

And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.

“And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”

And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.

With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.

A nation united. A nation strengthened. A nation healed.

God bless you. And may God protect our troops.”

Joe Biden

News

50 Civil Society Groups Criticize Withdrawal of Police at Kano Anti-Corruption Agency

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Civil society groups have raised concerns over the withdrawal of police personnel from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, criticizing the move during a press conference held in Abuja.

The groups said the withdrawal of approximately 40 police officers, responsible for security and investigative tasks, has not only hindered the commission’s work but also raised questions about the impartiality and independence of law enforcement agencies.

According to them the action is perceived as an attempt to impede ongoing corruption investigations involving Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All-Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Kano State.

The civil society groups have also issued recommendations to address corruption effectively in Nigeria.

They emphasize the need for autonomy and integrity within the judiciary, urging the National Judicial Council to monitor its members diligently.

They also call for transparency and accountability in governance, urging political parties to denounce and suspend members facing corruption allegations.

They also call for adequate resource allocation to anti-corruption agencies and also highlighted the essential to uphold their independence and efficiency.

Furthermore The groups called on religious leaders, community leaders, and opinion influencers to promote ethical behavior and combat corruption within their spheres of influence.

The reinstatement of police personnel withdrawn from the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission are urged to facilitate the commission’s duties effectively.

The Civil society organizations also reaffirm their commitment to the fight against corruption and call for collective action to build a corruption-free Nigeria.

The withdrawal of police personnel from the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission was allegedly ordered by the Inspector General of Police on April 25th. The move has sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability in law enforcement actions related to anti-corruption efforts.

The groups are as follows

1. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
2. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
3. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
4. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
5. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
6. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)

7. BudgIT Foundation
8. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
9. State of the Union (SOTU)
10. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
11.Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
12.Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
13.Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
14.Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE)
15.Centre Democracy and Development (CDD)
16. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
17. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID}
18.Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
19.Femi Falana Chamber
20.Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
21.Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
22. Good Governance Team
23.21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
24. OCCEN-Kano
25. Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre ( MAMA Centre)
26.Social Action
27.Centre for Transparency Watch
28.West Africa Civil Society Forum WASCSOF
29.Global Rights
30 African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
31.Partners West Africa
32.Order Paper
33.Say No Campaign
34 Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. ERA
35.Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
36.Amnesty International Nigeria
37. RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
38. Connected Development (CODE)
39. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
40. Praxis
41.CLEEN Foundation
42.Spaces for Change
43.Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
44.Yiaga Africa
45.Policy Alert
46.Socio Economic Research and Development Centre
47.Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
48.Media Rights Agenda
49.MEDIA INITIATIVE FOR TRANSPARENCY IN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES (MITEI)
50.Centre for Social Justice

News

Plateau NLC Demands inclusion of LGA worker’s in the minimum wage

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

By Asile Abel,Jos

Plateau state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC Comrade Eugene Manji, has mandated goverment to ensure that the new minimum wage to be implemented covers the local government sector.

“As workers, we want to place on record that, we will no more accept differential salary structures in the Plateau State between state and local government workers in the new minimum wage arrengment.”

Comrade Manji made the appeal at the annual international workers day been marked in Nigeria every 1st of May each year.

The Plateau State NLC boss equally complained that workers are being shortchange of their due rights.

“Even the recent fertilizer that was shared by government of Plateau state, workers were denied.’

Speaking on the insecurity bedeviling Nigerians, Comrade Manji said security operatives are not doing enough in protecting citizens.

“It should be noted that Nigeria is in a sorry state.” People are Killed daily and our national security offices are Celebrating drop on the number of deaths resulting from banditry, kidnapping, armed robberies and other vices as if Nigerian lives do not matter.” He noted.

On his part, Chairman TUC Plateau State chapter, Comrade Kenneth Shammah, reminded government that workers of a state owned hotel (Hillstation hotel) are being neglected.

Comrade Shammah revealed that the said workers are owed 50 months salaries.

“Workers in the Hillstation hotel have not been paid salaries for as for as over 50 months, we therefore appeal for the payment of those salaries to those category of Workers.”

Reacting to the agitations of the workers, governor of Plateau State Barr Caleb Mutfwang, reminded workers that his administration prioritize welfare of workers.

The governor pledged that his administration shall always prioritize welfare of civil servants.

Governor Mutfwang was represented at the event by the Head of Civil Service Plateau State, Barr Rauta Dakok.

Mutfwang told the gathering that his administration has upset the 11 billion naira unpaid salaries of civil servants; according to him, the said salary arrears was abounded by his predecessor, Ex-governor Simon Lalong.

He stressed that his administration has commenced payment of pension arrears from year 1986, since December 2023.

News

HISBAH Commandant Offers 50 Slots to Journalists in Next Mass Wedding

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Nigerian Tracker

Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa HISBAH Commandant Kano

Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Commander-General (CG) of the Kano State Hisbah Board has revealed that the board has offered 50 slots to journalists and media workers in the next batch of the state’s mass wedding program.

Reports indicate that Sheikh Daurawa revealed this in an interview with journalists on Wednesday.

The Hisbah CG said following the success recorded in the last batch of the mass wedding which saw about 1,800 couples married off, the board decided in to include interested members of professional groups and trade unions in the programme.
We have given 50 slots to journalists and other members of the media who are interested in participating in the mass wedding programme,” he said.

He added that the board would also include legal practitioners and health workers in the next batch of the exercise.

Sheikh Daurawa also explained that the essence of the mass wedding program is to entrench moral values in the society and reduce immorality among young men and women.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Daurawa has urged Hisbah personnel across the 44 local government areas of the state to re-commit themselves to the job or resign.

He made the call during a meeting with heads of Hisbah commands in the 44 LGAs in the state at KERD conference hall in Kano city on Wednesday.

According to him, the Hisbah management has since provided written guidelines to help operatives understand their roles and responsibilities.

He explained that the Hisbah board has collaborated with Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK), Amine Kano College of Islamic Legal Studies, Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education and the department of Islamic studies at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) to establish a Hisbah Academy.

He said when established, the Hisbah Academy would be an institution where formal knowledge and skills pertaining to Hisbah work would be taught and certificates would be awarded to its graduates.

Daily News