West Dunbartonshire Says Yes to Independence

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Scots in the council area of West Dunbartonshire have been the second to say a resounding “yes” to Scottish independence, with 54 percent supporting Scotland’s secession from the 307-year-old union, according to the newest results. The “yes” vote has defeated unity supporters, who polled 46 percent, winning 33,720 to 28,776 votes. The turnout stood at 87.9 percent. On Thursday, people in Scotland were voting in the historic independence referendum. Voters were given a ballot paper with the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" and the "yes" or "no" options. If the majority of Scots votes "yes" in the referendum, then on March 24, 2016, Scotland will become independent from the United Kingdom.

Switzerland vote 'yes' for 'stop mass immigration' initiative, and set limits on immigration from EU

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Swiss voters on Sunday backed proposals to reintroduce immigration quotas with the European Union, Swiss television reported - a result that calls into question bilateral accords with the EU and could irk multinational companies. Some 50.3 percent backed the "Stop mass immigration" initiative. The outcome obliges the government to turn the initiative into law withing three years. 

While neutral Switzerland is not a member of the EU, its immigration policy is based on free movement of citizens to and from the EU, with some exceptions, as well as allowing in a restricted number of non-EU citizens.

That pact on free movement of people, which came into force 12 years ago, was signed as part of a package of agreements with the EU, some of which could now be in danger of unravelling, to say nothing of the effect on a globally oriented economy that employs large numbers of foreign professionals.

Orubebe and Jonathan’s YES men

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The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, must be close to President Goodluck Jonathan. At least, that is what he wants the President and some of us among the Nigerian public to believe.  The Burutu-born politician prides himself as a prominent member of the so-called kitchen cabinet of the President.  This larger-than-life posturing has often led many analysts to conclude that he speaks the mind of his boss.  It is in this light that I want us to pause and examine the recent acrimonious media exchanges between the minister and the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, and collectively assess the implications on the polity.