Politics

2023 presidency: Court told to disqualify Atiku from running for president

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, has been asked to disqualify Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from running for the forthcoming presidential election.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, dragged the former Vice President of Nigeria to court following his victory at the presidential primary election of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Atiku had emerged the presidential standard bearer of the PDP for the 2023 general elections after polling a total of 371 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State who garnered 237 votes.

However, Johnmary Jideobi, in his suit, is challenging Atiku’s Nigerian citizenship, despite serving as vice president from 1999 to 2007.

Also joined as defendants in the suit are the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF.

Jideobi, in his suit, argued that Atiku is not a Nigerian citizen by birth as required by the country’s laws and does not qualify to run for the office of the President.

According to him, the former Vice President only “acquired his citizenship of Nigeria by virtue of the 1961 plebiscite which integrated some people of Northern Cameroon into Nigeria as new citizens of Nigeria.”

The plaintiff further told the court that it would amount to a grave desecration of the otherwise sacrosanct and inviolable provisions of Sections 1(1) & (2), 25 and 131(a) of the Constitution if Atiku is allowed to participate in the 2023 presidential election as the PDP candidate.

He also said that the court must ensure that the INEC shall not allow any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Furthermore, Jideobi prayed the court to declare that “by virtue of Sections 1(1) & (2), 25 and 131(a) of the Constitution, it is only a Nigerian citizen by birth that is constitutionally eligible to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He further seeks a “declaration that given the circumstances of the birth of the first defendant (Atiku), he is not constitutionally qualified to stand for election into the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The plaintiff seeks an “order of the court disqualifying the first defendant – Atiku Abubakar – from contesting for election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He also begged the court to declare that the “PDP does not have a candidate for the office of the president in the 2023 presidential election to be organised by the third defendant.”

He sought an order of perpetual injunction stopping the former Vice President and 2019 presidential candidate of the PDP from running for the office of the President of Nigeria or occupying such office by whatever means and throughout his lifetime an order to stop the PDP from fielding Atiku as its candidate for the 2023 presidential election and an order to restrain the INEC perpetually from accepting and or publishing Atiku’s name as a candidate of PDP for the office of the President.

Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

Politics

Oyegun’s panel to discuss petition seeking Tinubu’s disqualification over drugs charges, certificate forgery

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The ruling All Progressives Congress’ screening committee headed by John Odigie Oyegun has received a petition to disqualify Bola Tinubu over allegations of drug dealing and certificate forgery.

An APC member Sagir Mai Iyali had in his petition to the panel alleged that how Mr Tinubu failed to indicate in his nomination filings that he had a case in the United States in the early 1990s, during which prosecutors extracted over $400,000 in forfeitures from the former Lagos governor.

Mr Tinubu was also once accused of filing false claims to the electoral office INEC when he ran for governor in 1999. Late rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi made the allegations at the time, saying Mr Tinubu falsely claimed to have attended Chicago State University.

The Supreme Court did not find Mr Tinubu ineligible to stand for office over the matter following a lengthy trial in the 2000s.

Mr Tinubu was also not convicted in the U.S., but his critics said the forfeitures were enough grounds to assume his guilt. He strongly denies all the allegations.

Mr Mai Iyali’s letter, which was first reported by Sahara Reporters, was received at the ruling party’s headquarters in Abuja as screening came underway on Monday morning. The panel is led by Mr Oyegun, who has been nursing a political rivalry against Mr Tinubu.

In his argument, Mr Mai Iyali said: “We understand that Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has since procured his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms and has submitted same to the party has certain issues that clearly amount to a similar disqualification scenario. 

“From the information contained in prior submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly in 1999, Mr Tinubu Presented a false claim, on oath, of his attendance at University of Chicago from 1972-1976.

“It is clear now that these claims are false. Not only was this filed in the INEC form with a declaration on oath on December 20th, 1999, but it was also contained in an affidavit of loss sworn to before the High Court of Lagos, Ikeja Registry, December 29th 1998. 

“The latter claim that seeks to transpose history is untenable. Mr Tinubu has to show proof he attended University of Chicago or he must stand disqualified as the opposition is in possession of these same documents. 

“Over the years, the identity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been shrouded in secrecy. In fact, no one can claim to know the identity of the man. 

“Similarly, the age of Tinubu is not known to anyone. Though, it’s not contention that he is above the statutory age of 35-years, it’s equally important that his exact age is known.”

The national convention and presidential primaries of the APC have been scheduled for June 6. Mr Tinubu is currently undergoing screening before the presidential nomination panel at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

A spokesman for Mr Tinubu did not immediately return a request seeking comments about the petition on Monday evening.

Politics

28-yr-old Female Aspirant Defeats Incumbent In Enugu APC Primaries

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A 28-yearly-old female aspirant, Jennifer Ndubuisi, in Awgu North state constituency in Enugu has defeated the incumbent member, Eneh Jane Chinwendu to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket in the 2023 State Assembly election.

Ms Ndubuisi won the election by 14 votes while her closest opponent, Nwabisi Elozie James got 11 votes.

Though her victory was challenged and a re-election was conducted, Ndubuisi won with 16 votes, leaving her opponent with nine votes.

Ndubuisi thanked Mrs Ginika Tor, a commissioner at the Federal Character Commission, for single-handedly sponsoring her election.

Ndubuisi who spoke through her spokesman, Onyebuchi Dede, said the Omaluegwuoku Progressive Initiative, founded by Mrs Tor embarked on a 3-day dry fasting prior to the primary election.

“I want to appreciate no other person but our humble leader, mentor and role model, Mrs Tor,” she stated.

The youngest flag bearer in her goodwill message said, “Thank you for always standing up for women in Nigeria, speaking for us and making our voices heard. I will always stand and insist on inclusion of women and youths in Nigerian politics.

“Thank you for your financial support, love and kindness and standing up for women of Enugu state, allowing justice to reign, despite challenges, Women and youths of Enugu state are blessed and proud to have you.”

Politics

Buhari Meets APC Govs Over Presidential Primary Election

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President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The meeting, it was gathered, was on the forthcoming presidential primary election of the party scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday next week .

All the APC governors are present in the meeting.

Politics

2023 elections: Pastor David Ibiyeomie tells Nigerians who to vote

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Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries has addressed Nigerians on those to vote ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ibiyeomie urged Nigerians to vote for politicians with a vision for the country and not a politician.

He gave the remark while addressing his members at the church’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Ibiyeomie noted that anyone who collects money to vote in the forthcoming election sold their conscience, stressing that electorates should vote for a statesman.

According to Ibiyeomie: “If you take money to vote, then you have sold your conscience. When we are shouting, you people will say I don’t shout. I am shouting now. Don’t collect bribes to vote, vote for your conscience.

“Don’t vote party again in Nigeria; vote for someone who has a vision. Nigeria is in the woods; she needs someone who has a vision.

“No politician should be voted; vote for a statesman instead. A statesman thinks of the next generation, a politician thinks only of the 2023 general elections.”

Politics

Russian foreign minister again denies reports of Putin illness

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Russia’s top diplomat has again been forced to address persistent reports in the West that President Vladimir Putin is suffering from an undisclosed illness, denying the 69-year-old Mr. Putin faces any serious health issues and accusing those who question his stamina and judgment of having ulterior motives.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in an interview late Sunday with French television network TF1, once again insisted that Mr. Putin is not sick.

“President Vladimir Putin makes public appearances on a daily basis,” Mr. Lavrov said when asked directly about Mr. Putin‘s status. “You can see him on TV screens, read and listen to his speeches. I don’t think that a sane person can suspect any signs of an illness or ailment in this man.”

“I’ll leave it on the conscience of those who disseminate such rumors despite daily opportunities for everyone to see how he and others look like,” he added.

Discussions about Mr. Putin‘s health are virtually taboo inside Russia, but outside analysts say his face has appeared puffy and his gait unsteady in recent videos and there appeared to be a suspicious tremor in at least one of his hands.

Politics

Peter Obi emerges Labour Party’s presidential candidate

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Former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Peter Obi on Monday emerged as the Presidential candidate of  the Labour Party.

Obi emerged as the presidential candidate after another presidential aspirant, Prof. Pat Utomi stepped down for him.

The party’s presidential primary was held in Asaba, Delta State.

Asides Utomi, another aspirant, Joseph Faduri also stepped down for Obi to emerge as the presidential candidate.

Utomi had said Obi was younger than him and had the capability to effect the needed change that the country so much desired.

Obi had dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week, 72 hours to the party’s presidential election.

He announced his withdrawal from PDP in a letter to the National Chairman of PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

In the letter, Obi said he was writing to inform Ayu of his resignation from the PDP, which he had already conveyed to the chairman of PDP, Agulu Ward 1, Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Obi said it had been a great honour to contribute to nation building effort through the PDP, but lamented unhealthy development in the party which made him to quit.

“Unfortunately, recent development within our party makes it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm even if the mode differs,” Obi had said.

The former Anambra governor later announced his joining the Labour Party.

Politics

John Oyegun, Tinubu’s arch enemy, emerges APC presidential screening committee chairman

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John Odigie Oyegun has emerged as the chairman of the screening committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, according to party insiders familiar with the development.

Mr Oyegun has started supervising the screening of APC presidential aspirants in Abuja, our sources said.

A source said Mr Oyegun’s emergence as the head of the committee could be problematic for Bola Tinubu. The top APC aspirant had openly led a fight that toppled Mr Oyegun as the party chairman in 2018.

Mr Tinubu then backed Adams Oshiomhole for the position, and the former Edo governor’s ouster in 2020 was seen as part of the game plan to cut Mr Tinubu to size ahead of 2023 politics.

Mr Oyegun also published several statements condemning Mr Tinubu’s dangerous political antics. Both politicians have stayed largely apart ever since.

The development could deepen concerns within Mr Tinubu’s camp that there were plots to frustrate his efforts to clinch the party’s ticket at its convention on June 6.

Politics

How the EFCC wrongly accused Mohammed Audu of fraud and then failed to apologize

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On February 20, 2020, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission published a press release announcing the arrest and expected prosecution of Mohammed Audu for allegedly siphoning off “several million US dollars and billions of naira” donated to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The EFCC further alleged that Mr. Audu diverted the funds for his personal use through his companies, Mediterranean Hotels Limited and Mediterranean Sports.

However, new findings from PREMIUM TIMES showed that the anti-corruption agency misled the public on the matter, as the agency currently has no case against Mr. Audu.

This newspaper found that after the statement was issued, the EFCC questioned Mr. Audu but did not establish any wrongdoing against him and his businesses. The anti-corruption agency did not issue an indictment or charge him.

Sources inside the agency said that after the officers questioned him and cleared him as having no case to answer, Mr. Audu asked the EFCC to issue a public statement indicating that the published accusations against him were not true. The businessman had argued that the initial statement about his arrest was damaging his reputation and his business.

However, the anti-corruption agency has not yet issued such a statement.

Seizing the opportunity of the NFF probe

At the time Mr Audu was smeared, the EFCC was investigating Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials for allegations of embezzlement of sponsorship funds. The investigation was triggered by a request that agents later determined was without merit.

One of the sponsors, Aiteo, had retained Mr. Audu’s company, Mediterranean Sports, as the agent through which the sponsorship funds were routed through Bismark Rewane’s Financial Derivatives to the NFF.

It was based on his involvement in the sports agency company that he was invited by the EFCC and publicly shamed for alleged fraud. But neither he nor the company were ever prosecuted or charged.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that Mr. Audu’s repeated pleas to the EFCC to issue another statement to clear his name have yet to be considered.

EFCC spokesman Wilson Uwujaren did not return repeated calls or respond to a text message requesting comment for this report.

This outlet also wrote to the agency seeking an update on Mr. Audu’s case. There was no response after our letter despite repeated reminders.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has since 2019 acquitted all NFF officials indicted by the Federal Ministry of Justice on the sponsorship deals allegations.

The court based its verdict on the prosecution’s withdrawal of the charges after the April 2019 Presidential Special Investigation Panel report that cleared officials of the NFF and its partners, including Audu’s Mediterranean Sports.

The EFCC’s investigation of the NFF was based on the same issues of alleged misappropriation of sponsorship funds that the court judged. Following the court ruling, the EFCC closed its investigation.

However, Mr. Audu’s request that the anti-corruption agency issue a public statement exempting him and his companies from any wrongdoing has not been met, authorities said.

Politics, World News

PDP primary: Atiku Abubakar meets Wike, Fayose, others

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Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, May 30, 2022, met with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.

Atiku had defeated Wike at the party’s presidential primary in Abuja on Saturday, May 28, 2022, night.

The Monday meeting, it was gathered, was to reconcile the two party chieftains and give the PDP a robust outing in the 2023 presidential election against the ruling All Progressives Congress

The meeting was also attended by former Ekiti State Governor and PDP presidential aspirant, Ayodele Fayose, amongst other PDP chieftains.

Atiku polled a total of 371 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who garnered 237 votes.

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, scored 70; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, scored 38; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, polled 20 votes; Anyim Pius Anyim scored 14, Sam Ohabunwa polled 1 and Olivia Tariela also scored one vote.

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Kim Kardashian endorses Rick Caruso for LA mayor

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Reality television star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian announced Friday she is endorsing Rick Caruso (D) for mayor of Los Angeles. 

In a video posted by Caruso to Twitter, Kardashian said she met with the mayoral candidate, adding “I really believe in what he stands for.”

Kardashian pointed to two major issues in the race — crime and homelessness — that she said she believes Caruso is ready to tackle. 

“I think that with him he can offer a better path to a better life for people that are homeless in California and in Los Angeles. I really believe in what he stands for. I was really inspired by him,” she said. 

Caruso embraced the endorsement from Kardashian in a Friday tweet.

“Kim, it was a privilege to speak with you and your family about the policies I intend to implement as mayor. We must do better. This is our hometown, and we need to care for our city and her people. Thank you for your confidence. I won’t let you down. #CarusoCan,” he tweeted. 

Kardashian said she stays out of politics, but her family was thrown into political the political foray after Kanye West, her ex husband, decided on a bid for president in 2020. West has previously been supportive of former President Trump.

Caruso is running as a Democrat in the primary election that will take place on June 7, but primary challengers have slammed him for his tied to the GOP.

Caruso will also face off against Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) in a race to replace Mayor Eric Garcetti (D). Caruso and Bass currently lead the group in terms of media coverage and fundraising of nine Democrats in vying for the nomination, according to Ballotpedia.

Caruso was previously registered as a Republican until 2011 when he dropped the affiliation, and refused to define his political party. Before running for mayor, he registered as a Democrat. 

Politics, World News

EFCC has no legal justification for arresting dad – Okorocha’s daughter

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Uloma Nwosu, daughter of embattled Senator Rochas Okorocha, has said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had no legal justification to arrest him on Tuesday, May 24.

Speaking in an interview with Arise TV today May 25, Uloma claimed the EFCC operatives failed to present any legal document or arrest warrant to justify breaking into their Abuja home and forcefully arresting the politician.

“The way they (EFCC operatives) had presented themselves did not show that it was something that was official, because there was no legal documents supporting their action. So you could say it was illegal battery or whatever we may call it. At this point, I was also scared as well, because it didn’t look official, it didn’t look like something that was done right. So of course we were afraid for His Excellency’s life, and that is why he requested something that was simple: ‘give us a document, give us a paper, a court order.’”she said

She said no one has heard from him since he was arrested at about 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Politics, World News

ASUU, Polytechnic Lecturers, Others To Get N34b Minimum Wage Adjustment Arrears – FG.

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The Federal Government has said it would spend about N34 billion on the ongoing payment of minimum wage consequential adjustments to education sector workers with effect from 2019.

According to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the beneficiaries include the members of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and their counterparts in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, disclosed this while responding to questions from Labour correspondents in Abuja on the prolonged ASUU strike.

According to Ngige, the universities would get N23.5b, the polytechnics N6b and the Colleges of Education N4b, totaling about N34b.

Regarding the ASUU strike, the Minister said the committees set up during the last tripartite-plus meeting of the government and university-based unions were given a fortnight to turn in their report, and they were still working.

He added that the reports of the committees were being expected this weekend.

He said, “Those committees are working. The one on NITDA is testing the three platforms, the government’s Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) of ASUU, and the Universities Peculiar Personnel Payroll System (UPPPS) of the non-teaching staff.

“They started the testing last Thursday. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has issued their amendment circulars. The unions also have copies to take care of responsibility and hazard allowances wherever it has not been properly captured.

Ngige assured Nigerians that there may likely be wage adjustments as the government intensifies efforts to streamline wages through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.

“We have done that of the Police, for example. It wasn’t envisaged that we should do it in bits. But you can see that it has been done. You can also see university teachers saying that their own should be done immediately, since we have done police. So, something is being done. It was part of the 2009 negotiation they had with the government then. So, the committee of Prof. Briggs is on it, discussing with the university unions and their employer, the Federal Ministry of Education. They will bring up something for government to see.

“There are other people. The doctors are complaining about brain drain, this and that. Their hazard allowance has to be touched and it was touched by close to 300 percent. From N5,000 paid across board for each person, the least person in the health sector is getting N15,000 while the big ones are getting N45,000. That is a quantum leap.”

The minister appealed to ASUU and other university-based unions once more to suspend their strike so that academic activities could resume in public universities across the country.

Politics, World News

Kaduna Train Attack: Terrorists Threaten To Kill Victims In Seven Days, Relatives Cry Out.

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Family members of the Kaduna train attack have raised concern over threats by the terrorists to kill the victims if the Federal Government fails to yield to their demands after seven days.

The devastated relatives of the abductees said the terrorists have spoken to them directly, and are demanding the release of their eight children being held by the Federal Government in Adamawa State before they will release the 61 abducted train passengers.

They, however, appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to order for the immediate release of the eight children to the terrorists , so as to secure the release of their loved ones who have been in captivity for 59 days.

They also said that the bandits released videos of the victims in their custody to prove to them that they are still alive.

The aggrieved relatives held a peaceful protest on Wednesday morning to continuously call on the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward the rescue of the victims.

Politics, World News

Osinbajo Meets Kaduna Delegates Ahead Of Presidential Primary.

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Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has visited Kaduna State in continuation of his presidential campaign ahead of the All Progressive Congress (APC) primary.

Osinbajo arrived in the state on Sunday night where he met with the APC Adhoc delegates behind closed doors at the Murtala Mohammed Square.

He was accompanied by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the Director-General of his campaign organisation Senator Kabiru Gaya among other top government officials.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Professor Osinbajo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his discussion with the Kaduna APC Delegates.

The Vice President added that the delegates were impressed by his presentation in the areas of security, economy, and healthcare service delivery if he is elected as the next president of the country in 2023.

Politics, World News

Ansaru terrorists are protecting and indoctrinating some Kaduna communities – Community Leader

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Days after Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State raised the alarm that Boko Haram and Ansaru terrorists are now in forests across the state, a community leader in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state Zubar Abdurra’uf has shared more insight on how Ansaru terrorists have taken over some communities and are protecting the residents from attacks by armed bandits.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme Sunrise Daily on Monday May 23, a community leader in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna state Zubar Abdurra’uf said some of the locals feel secure having them around to help fight against those he called bandits in the UAC forest.

Abdurra’uf who is also a former Head of Kaduna State Media Corporation, also revealed that the terrorists ride on motorcycles in military uniforms across the communities. 

He said; 

“If you look at Giwa and Birnin Gwari, the Ansaru presence is still there; nobody knows their motive. In some areas, the Ansaru are patrolling the roads and you’ll see them with their arms and even the military fatigues.

“If you go from Maganda in Birni Gwari LGA to old Birnin Gwari up to Funtua, you would see these people(terrorists)…

“The Ansaru is in charge on these roads and if they spot any armed bandit…any Fulani bandit they chase them away. That road is more secured than the Kaduna to Birnin Gwari Road because the Ansaru is in charge.”

The community leader also said the terrorists are prominent in “eastern part of Birnin Gwari and some part of Giwa LGA notably in 6 wards Kidandan, Galadimawa, Katarge, Yaka Wada and to some extent Bangoya”.

When asked if the people are okay with the arrangement, he said the locals, who are being indoctrinated, are forced to choose between the two evils of the terrorists and bandits but they rather pick the terrorists who seem more friendly.

Politics, World News

Putin wants to eliminate Ukraine’s identity-Biden

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United States President, Joe Biden, on Monday, accused President Vladimir Putin of Russia of trying to destroy Ukraine’s identity.

According to Biden, this is as witnessed by Russian bombardments of civilian targets such as schools, hospitals, daycare centres and museums.

“I believe what Putin is attempting to do is to eliminate the identity of Ukraine.

“He can’t occupy it, but he can try to destroy its identity,’’ Biden said in Tokyo.

Biden said “Putin must pay a dear price for his barbarism in Ukraine,’’ in order to deter others from taking similar action, in reference to military tensions around Taiwan.

He was speaking at a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida.

NAN

Politics, World News

Security Situation In Nigeria Would Have Worsened If Buhari Was Not President, Umahi Praises President Amid Obvious Failure

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The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration over the way it handled the security situation in the country.

Umahi, a Presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, said Buhari has done well in piloting Nigeria’s affairs since assuming office in 2015.

According to him, the spate of insecurity in the country would have worsened but for Buhari’s administration and efforts to tackle the menace.

He said, “In terms of naming all the indices that are needed now to improve on what Mr President has done because whether you like it or not, this President has done very well. If it is in infrastructure, security, economy, and uniting Nigerians, I think God has helped him to do very well in each and every one of them.

“Nigerians are very tired of political promises. They want to see evidence of what you have done. I have evidence of what I have done and I believe that what I have done could be replicated at the national level.”

He further described Buhari as humane, saying Nigeria’s situation would have been worse if not for him.

“The security situation in the country, I have always told people that if we didn’t have the kind of President we have that is very humane and not vindictive, nobody knows where Nigeria would have been by now,” he said.

“So, he has helped us tremendously in the security of the South-East. This thing started as a joke and today it is quite a big issue.”

Since Buhari, Nigeria’s security cannot be said to have improved. Many Nigerians have accused Buhari’s government of not doing enough to tackle the security challenges in the country, saying it has worsened.

Killings and abductions have been very rampant across the country, including in Abuja, the seat of power.

Politics, World News

US President Biden Vows Military Response If China Invades Taiwan

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US President Joe Biden addressed the issue of Taiwan during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, pledging to protect the island against any invasion.

“That’s the commitment we made,” he said when asked if Washington would intervene militarily against a possible attempt by Beijing to take control of Taiwan, Sputnik reported.

“We agreed with the One China policy, we signed on to it… but the idea that it can be taken by force is just not appropriate,” he added.

This is not the first time Biden has confirmed that the US would defend Taiwan if it was attacked: Last year, he also noted it, while the White House stressed that the US won’t change its policy regarding this matter.

Tensions between China and the US have been brewing over the past months, amid growing deliveries of American weapons to Taipei.

At the same time, China voiced protest over a number of US policies on the Taiwan issue: Most recently, the US Department of State edited its website, omitting the phrase “the United States does not support Taiwan independence”.

In response, Beijing urged the US to “stop engaging in political manipulation”, stressing “there is only one China in the world”, FARS News Agency reports.

Taiwan, which formally calls itself the “Republic of China”, has been governed separately from the rest of the country since the end of the civil war in 1949. Beijing considers the island to be a part of the People’s Republic of China, and while the US does not recognise Taiwan as an independent nation, Washington enjoys close relations with Taipei, delivering weapons and pledging to protect the island.

Last month, however, US media suggested that American defence contractors had a backlog of $14.2 billion worth of military equipment that Taiwan bought back in 2019. According to the reports, less than 20 percent of the weaponry ordered has been delivered to Taipei due to “COVID-related acquisition issues”.

Addressing the backlog, Admiral Michael Gilday, chief of US Naval Operations urged Taiwan to boost its defence, citing a possible “aggression” by China in light of the crisis in Ukraine. It triggered a painful reaction in Beijing, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressing that Taiwan was none of America’s business.

Politics, World News

Gunmen Behead Anambra Lawmaker, Soludo Places N10m Bounty On Killers

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Gunmen have beheaded Okechukwu Okoye, the lawmaker representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The lawmaker and his aide, Cyril Chiegboka, were kidnapped on Sunday, along Aguluzigbo road, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. He represented Aguata 2 Constituency in Anambra State.
Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that Okoye’s head was dumped at Chisco park in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area on Saturday, six days after he was abducted.
Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident on Saturday night.
Reacting to the murder, Governor Charles Soludo condemned the gruesome killing of the lawmaker and commiserated with his family on the loss.
Soludo in a statement by his media aide, Christian Aburime, described the lawmaker’s killing as heartless and barbaric, saying he received the news with rude shock and deep sadness.
According to him, it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that is once again on the prowl.
The governor also reassured the people of Anambra State of his administration’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.
This is even as he placed a N10m reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.


“Soludo condoles with his kinsmen of Isuofia, noting that it is probably the same criminal gang that attacked him and killed three policemen at Isuofia two years ago that are once again on the prowl. But they can never cow down Isuofia and Anambra State,” the statement read.
“The governor is still in shock over the barbaric acts against his two kinsmen, vowing that the perpetrators, as well as all criminals operating in Anambra, must be decisively brought to book.
“Governor Soludo has consequently placed N10m reward for anyone or group that will avail valuable information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of this dastardly act. Anambra will soon be hell for these criminals.
“He wishes to reassure Ndi Anambra of the government’s resolve and renewed determination with the security agencies to go all out against the criminals and ensure they are brought to justice.
“Anambra will win against the forces of darkness. Ndi Anambra should brace up for the all-out war against the criminals.”

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