The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N518,260,000 for the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections in the state. This allocation, sanctioned during a plenary session chaired by Hon Moses Odanwa, Speaker of the Assembly, underscores the commitment to uphold democratic principles in governance. The approval came in response to a request forwarded by Governor Francis Nwifuru, facilitated by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC). The proposed budget encompasses various essential elements, including the remuneration of clerks, ad hoc staff, and pre-election training initiatives. During deliberations, notable voices within the Assembly, such as…
Author: Promise Babatunde
Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced Gambian former interior minister Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. Sonko, 55, was convicted over a string of offences committed between 2000 and 2016 under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh. Reading the verdict, the clerk of the court said Sonko had been given a “custodial sentence of 20 years”. Sonko can appeal the verdict. State prosecutors had sought life imprisonment for Sonko at the trial in Bellinzona, southern Switzerland, which began in January. Sonko has been in Swiss…
In a surprise visit to Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed strong U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion threat. Blinken’s two-day trip, the first high-level visit by a Biden administration official since Congress approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, aimed to bolster Kyiv’s resolve amid deepening concerns about its ability to repel Russian aggression. During his visit, Blinken emphasized the need for a long-term plan to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and address longstanding issues such as corruption. He underscored America’s commitment to Ukraine’s security, highlighting the strategic importance of preventing Russia from…
Battles between Israel and Hamas have escalated across the Gaza Strip as mediators strive to revive talks aimed at halting the violence and securing the release of hostages. Israeli military operations in Jabalia, Zeitoun, and Rafah have intensified, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of a potential prolonged insurgency even if Hamas is defeated in Rafah. Israel’s targeted operation in Rafah, aimed at pressuring Hamas into a temporary cease-fire for hostage release, has resulted in heightened fighting. Cease-fire negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., have stalled, though Arab mediators anticipate reconvening in Doha this week. The conflict coincides…
Amidst a week of trial testimony shedding light on former President Trump’s alleged affairs and hush money payments, GOP senators express growing concerns over his electoral prospects. Despite high poll numbers in battleground states against President Biden, recent developments have raised red flags among Republican lawmakers. The trial in Manhattan, which has featured salacious details including testimony from porn actor Stormy Daniels about her alleged encounter with Trump, has put a spotlight on Trump’s challenges with women voters. GOP senators fear this could exacerbate his biggest liability heading into November. The concern among Republicans is compounded by recent primary results,…
In the ongoing trial concerning hush money payments made by former President Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, once a staunch ally, took the stand to offer crucial insider knowledge. The trial, unfolding in Manhattan, has shed light on a web of deceit allegedly orchestrated by Trump to conceal payments, including one to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Cohen, a former confidant of Trump’s, testified about his involvement in the scheme, revealing details of purposefully mislabeled checks, false receipts, and unwavering loyalty. Despite his prior allegiance to Trump, Cohen’s testimony underscored the prosecution’s argument that the case isn’t about the salacious details…
Residents of the Gbarain area in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were rattled by an explosion on Tuesday morning, as suspected vandals breached an oil pump line, triggering a loud blast near a gas processing plant operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The gas plant, crucial for supplying the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) export terminal in Bonny Island, Rivers State, became a focal point of concern as thick smoke and gaseous emissions filled the air. According to sources within the community, the explosion occurred during the early hours of the day, originating from an oil pump line feeding the gas…
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order for Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to file their defense in response to a suit seeking to invalidate Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy in the upcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for November. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, initiated the legal action, contesting Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the APC governorship primary election held on April 20 in Ondo State. Ibrahim argues that Aiyedatiwa’s candidacy is invalid due to alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022. Chris Uche (SAN),…
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has initiated legal proceedings against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji. This action comes in response to Sarkin-Daji’s controversial plan to sponsor the marriage of 100 girls who were orphaned by insurgency. Kennedy-Ohanenye has approached the court of law and petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, to halt Sarkin-Daji’s proposed mass wedding scheduled for May 24. The minister has expressed deep reservations about the initiative, stating the importance of prioritizing the future and well-being of the girls involved. Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye stated the government’s commitment to upholding…
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, is currently in New York City to participate in the prestigious 30th Cobalt Congress. The event serves as a platform for global leaders to discuss critical minerals supply chains and strategies for building secure, sustainable, and resilient networks. At the forefront of his agenda, Under Secretary Fernandez is set to articulate the United States’ foreign policy objective of expanding and fortifying critical minerals supply chains. This goal is to be achieved through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), an alliance comprising 14 nations and the European…
Residents of Igbode and Osun-Egbado in Mowo, Badagry, are seeking urgent intervention from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as they face the imminent threat of demolitions in their communities. Allegations have surfaced regarding the intrusion of land grabbers armed with cutlasses and deadly weapons, demanding the evacuation of residents and marking buildings for demolition. Imam Abdul-Kabir Tijani, a customary landowner, recounted the peaceful coexistence shattered by the invasion on March 4. He revealed that land grabbers, backed by security personnel, descended upon the communities, instilling fear and chaos. Tijani further disclosed the intimidating tactics employed, including padlocking houses and demanding…
The United States and Kenya are gearing up for their fifth negotiating round under the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The talks, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. from May 13-17, 2024, signify the commitment of both nations to deepen mutual understanding and resolve differences in key areas of trade and investment. Led by Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Constance Hamilton and Principal Secretary for Trade Alfred K’Ombudo, the delegations from both countries will delve into crucial topics such as agriculture, workers’ rights and protections, and customs and trade facilitation and enforcement. These discussions aim to pave the…