Foreign
ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY WEAH, OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA.
Outgoing President, George Weah Writes After Losing Liberia’s Presidential Elections:⬇️
ADDRESS TO THE NATION
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY DR. GEORGE MANNEH WEAH
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
CONCERNING THE RESULTS OF THE RUN-OFF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
NOVEMBER 17, 2023
MY FELLOW LIBERIANS, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart, but with the utmost respect for the democratic process that has defined our nation. As your President and the leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change, I want to address you on the outcome of the run-off elections held on November 14, 2023.
The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters, and his campaign team. May his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and may our nation prosper under his leadership.
Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation.
Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people – a promise of fairness, transparency, and credibility. I am proud to say that, for the most part, we have fulfilled that promise. The Liberian people have spoken, and their choice will be honored and obeyed.
At this juncture, I would like to congratulate the National Elections Commission for a job well done. You have earned the respect of all Liberians, our foreign partners, international observers, and the world at large for completing this difficult task to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including the contesting parties.
However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to the new Boakai administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division and work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia.
To the members of the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change, fellow partisans, CDCians, Weahcians, auxiliaries, first-time voters, campaign managers, and party leaders, I understand that this is not the outcome we desired. Although we did not emerge victorious, your hard work and support have been the backbone of our campaign, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections. Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideals and vision for Liberia remain strong. We are a young movement, and our time will come again. Tomorrow, resume your daily activities in a normal way, and come and join me at our party headquarters to reflect on our journey and plan for our return to political leadership in 2029.
MY FELLOW LIBERIANS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People.
May God bless Liberia, and may we continue to strive for a brighter future together.
Thank you, and good night.
By: Divine Perezide
Eighteen months after undergoing a groundbreaking procedure with Elon Musk’s company Neuralink, Noland Arbaugh has opened up about how the brain chip implant has transformed his daily life and future ambitions.
Arbaugh, who lost sensation and movement below his shoulders after a swimming accident in 2016, received the device in 2024. During the surgery, a robot implanted a coin-sized chip in his skull, linking more than 1,000 electrodes directly to neurons in his brain. This advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) translates his brain’s electrical signals into digital commands, allowing him to control devices around him.
With the Neuralink implant, Arbaugh can now operate his computer, play games such as Mario Kart, switch his television on and off, and even control his air purifier-all without moving his body. “It’s been transformative,” he told Fortune, explaining that he uses the device for about 10 hours each day for studying, reading, and gaming.
The technology has also enabled him to pursue new opportunities. Arbaugh is enrolled in classes at a community college in Arizona and is making plans to start his own business while also seeking paid professional speaking engagement and live talks to share his story.
Both Fortune and Blomberg have reported Arbaugh’s case as a key milestone in Neuralink’s ambitious goal of merging human cognitive with digital technology. His journey offers a rare glimpse into how brain-computer interfaces could reshape independence and accessibility for people with severe physical disabilities.
Foreign
SECRET SERVICE CHIEF, KIMBERLY Cheatle RESIGNS TWO WEEKS AFTER TRUMP’S ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
SECRET SERVICE CHIEF, KIMBERLY Cheatle RESIGNS TWO WEEKS AFTER TRUMP’S ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT
By Tobouke JEMINE
Kimberly Cheatle, the embattled Secret Service boss, has announced her resignation following the agency’s failure at Donald Trump’s July 13 campaign rally, where he narrowly escaped assassination.
Cheatle, who has been with the Secret Service for 28 years, faced persistent pressure to step down but had initially insisted on remaining in her position.
During a House Oversight Committee meeting on July 22, she admitted the agency’s response at the rally was a “failure” but controversially awarded her agents an “A” grade for their efforts. She communicated her decision to resign in a letter to agency staffers on Tuesday morning.
“All of you are worthy of trust and confidence.”
“You deserve the nation’s support in carrying out our critical mission,” she said. “One of my favorite things about this workforce is that the men and women are fiercely committed to our mission.”
“Thank you for all that you do, and will continue to do, for our great nation,” she concluded.
Following the resignation of Secret Service Director Cheatle, U.S. president, Biden expressed his appreciation her “for her decades of public service.”
“She has selflessly dedicated and risked her life to protect our nation throughout her career in the United States Secret Service. We especially thank her for answering the call to lead the Secret Service during our Administration and we are grateful for her service to our family,” Biden said.
“As a leader, it takes honor, courage, and incredible integrity to take full responsibility for an organization tasked with one of the most challenging jobs in public service,” he continued.
“The independent review to get to the bottom of what happened on July 13 continues, and I look forward to assessing its conclusions,” Biden added. “We all know what happened that day can never happen again. As we move forward, I wish Kim all the best, and I will plan to appoint a new Director soon”
IduwiniVoice
AUSTRALIA/NIGERIA>Government Announces $915 Minimum Wage Effective From July 1st…
By Tobouke JEMINE
The recent announcement by Australia’s Fair Work Commission about a new minimum wage of $915.90 per week (or $24.10 per hour) effective from July 1, 2024, is a significant development for workers in Australia.
This 3.75% increase aims to help workers cope with inflation and economic shifts. It also improves Australia’s attractiveness for skilled international workers, given that meeting these wage standards is crucial for employers, especially those seeking to sponsor overseas employees.
In Nigeria the case is different. It’s been months Nigeria has not fixed its minimum wage challenges. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have proposed a substantial increase from N30,000 to N494,000, citing the high cost of living.
However, the federal government has not agreed to this demand, saying it is financially unsustainable. This institutional differences recently led to a nationwide strike, resulting in a temporary agreement to raise the minimum wage to over N60,000 while further negotiations take place.