Politics

US House Of Reps Passes Bill That Would Ban TikTok

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2024

The United States House of representatives has voted to in favor of the bill seeking to ban social media platform TikTok) in the country.Unless Its Parent Sells Ownership Stake.

The measure, which only gained momentum in the past few days, requires TikTok’s parent company ByteDance to sell the app within 180 days or see it barred from the Apple and Google app stores in the United States.

The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill on Wednesday that would force TikTok to divest from its Chinese owner or get banned from the United States.

The lawmakers voted 352 in favour of the proposed law and 65 against, in a rare moment of bipartisan unity in politically divided Washington.

The legislation threatens to be a major setback for the video-sharing app, which has surged in popularity across the world while causing nervousness about its Chinese ownership and its potential subservience to the Communist Party in Beijing.

The fate of the bill is uncertain in the Senate, where some key figures are apprehensive of making such a drastic move against an app that has 170 million US users.

President Joe Biden will sign the bill, known officially as the “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” into law if it came to his desk, the White House has said.

It also gives the president power to designate other applications to be a national security threat if under the control of a country considered adversarial to the US.

The resurgent campaign by Washington against TikTok came as a surprise to the company, the Wall Street Journal reported, with TikTok executives reassured when Biden joined the app last month as part of his campaign for a second term.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is in Washington, trying to shore up support to stop the bill.

“This latest legislation being rushed through at unprecedented speed without even the benefit of a public hearing, poses serious Constitutional concerns,” wrote Michael Beckerman, TikTok’s vice president for public policy.

– The Trump factor –to
The co-sponsors, House Republican Mike Gallagher and House Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, as well as the White House, argue that the bill is not a ban of TikTok, as long as the company divests from ByteDance.

China warned on Wednesday that the move will “inevitably come back to bite the United States.”

“Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens US national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok,” foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, condemning it as “bullying behavior.”

Republican lawmakers approved the bill, in an unusual act of defiance against Donald Trump.

In a turnaround from his earlier stance, Trump on Monday said he was against a ban, mainly because it would strengthen Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, which he called an “enemy of the people.”

When Trump was president, he attempted to wrest control of Tiktok from ByteDance, but was blocked by US courts.

Trump denied accusations that he changed his tune because a major investor in TikTok, hedge funder Jeff Yass, is donating to his 2024 election campaign.

“I think it will die in the Senate,” said representative Nancy Mace, a Trump ally. “This is not our job to this.”

Other efforts to ban TikTok have failed with a bill proposed a year ago getting nowhere largely over free speech concerns.

Similarly, a state law passed in Montana banning the platform was suspended by a federal court on the suspicion that it violated constitutional free speech rights.

TikTok staunchly denies any ties to the Chinese government and has restructured the company so the data of US users stays in the country, the company says.

Channels.

Politics

2027: ADC Gombe Rallies Behind David Mark, Vows to End Poverty and Insecurity

Published

5 days ago

September 12, 2025

DailyFact Desk

By Our Political Reporter

The Gombe State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the recognition of Senator David Mark as the National Chairman of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a victory for Nigerian democracy and a turning point for the party’s political future.

In a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the party and made available to Daily Fact Online, the state executive council of ADC, under the leadership of its chairman, Alhaji Auwal Abba Barde, pledged unwavering support for David Mark’s leadership.

According to the statement, Gombe ADC is fully behind the former Senate President, stressing that his wealth of experience and distinctive leadership style will reposition the party for victory at all levels in the 2027 general elections.

“The recognition of Senator David Mark by INEC is not just a win for ADC but a victory for Nigerian democracy. With his vast experience and commitment to good leadership, we are confident that the party will coast to victory in the forthcoming elections,” the statement read in part.

The party also expressed appreciation to the people of Gombe State for their loyalty and commitment to the ADC, calling on more citizens to join its fold in the collective struggle to end poverty, insecurity, and hardship in the state and across Nigeria.

“We thank the good people of Gombe for standing by the party and urge more citizens to join us in this movement. Together, under the leadership of Senator David Mark, we can bring about the change Nigerians desire,” the statement added.

The Gombe ADC reaffirmed its readiness to work with the national leadership to consolidate internal unity, strengthen its structures, and build momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.

Activist

Succession, Corruption, and Loyalty: Gara Gombe Raises Red Flags for APC in Gombe

Published

4 weeks ago

August 21, 2025

DailyFact Desk

By Our Correspondent

Gombe political analyst and commentator, Ahmad Shuaibu Gara Gombe, has expressed fears over key challenges facing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as his administration gradually winds down with less than two years to the end of his tenure.

In a widely circulated commentary, Gara Gombe, who described Governor Yahaya as “one of the best performing governors in Nigeria today”, outlined four major areas of concern: succession, sustainability of projects, corruption in government agencies, and life after governorship.

Succession Dilemma

According to Gara Gombe, choosing the right successor will be one of the greatest tests for Governor Yahaya. He warned that presenting the wrong candidate could plunge the state into a political crisis similar to the ongoing rift between Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Projects Sustainability

While praising Yahaya’s developmental strides, Gara Gombe expressed fears that many of the projects may be abandoned by whoever succeeds him. He suggested that the governor should initiate a Projects Sustainability Bill at the State House of Assembly to ensure continuity and protection of ongoing projects, irrespective of changes in political leadership.

Corruption in Government Agencies

The outspoken analyst also raised concerns about corruption within ministries, departments, and agencies of the state. He alleged that some had already been subjected to audit exercises and found wanting. He urged Governor Yahaya to decisively tackle such cases before the end of his administration to preserve his legacy.

Life After Governorship

On the governor’s future political ambitions, Gara Gombe advised him against contesting for a senatorial seat, suggesting instead that Yahaya should focus on playing the role of a kingmaker and statesman. “The parliament of Nigeria does not fit GIYU,” he said, using the governor’s popular acronym.

Political Discontent and Loyalty Concerns

Gara Gombe further noted that some political allies who played roles in Yahaya’s victories still feel neglected and unrewarded. He recommended that the governor organise a Reunion Dinner to reconcile and appreciate his political associates from 2011 to date.

He also alleged that some commissioners, advisers, legislators, and party officials within the governor’s inner circle are already holding secret meetings with opposition figures and considering defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Gara Gombe hinted that he may soon publish their names.

Commendation and Final Note

Despite his concerns, Gara Gombe congratulated Governor Yahaya on the recent creation of Local Development Areas (LDAs) approved by the State House of Assembly, promising to release a detailed opinion on the matter soon.

He concluded by praying for the governor and the people of the state:
“God bless H.E GIYU. God bless Gombe State and our people.