News
Democracy Day – Tinubu Honors Abiola and Other Heroes, Warns Against Anti Democratic Forces
In his Democracy Day broadcast, President Bola Tinubu praised the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola, and other democracy heroes such as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane. Tinubu celebrated their sacrifices and highlighted the critical role they played in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Recognition of Democracy Heroes
President Tinubu acknowledged various individuals who made significant sacrifices for Nigeria’s democracy, including:
- Chief Anthony Enahoro
- Chief Abraham Adesanya
- Commodore Dan Suleiman
- Chief Arthur Nwankwo
- Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife
- Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu
- Chief Frank Kokori
- Chief Bola Ige
He emphasized that these heroes bravely surrendered their futures to secure a better one for the nation, making significant personal sacrifices in the process.
Economic Hardship and Commitment to Reforms
Addressing the nation’s economic challenges, Tinubu acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians but justified the need for economic reforms. He stated, “Our economy has been in desperate need of reform for decades,” and emphasized that these reforms are essential to create a stronger foundation for future growth.
Tribute to the Media
Tinubu also paid tribute to the media’s role in the democratic struggle, praising the indomitable spirit of Nigerian journalists and their establishments, such as The PUNCH, The Guardian, and Tribune, which played crucial roles in fighting against military dictatorship.
Warning Against Anti-Democratic Forces
The President warned Nigerians to beware of elements attempting to undermine the current democratic dispensation. He stressed that democracy, despite its complexities, is the best form of governance and urged the nation to remain vigilant against those seeking to exploit current economic challenges to destabilize democracy.
Commitment to Democracy
Tinubu reassured citizens of his commitment to democracy, stating, “I stand uniquely placed in this regard. I was among those who took the risk to midwife the birth of our democracy. I am now a direct and obvious beneficiary of the fruits of those historic efforts.”
He pledged to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms and to solidify democracy as Nigeria’s way of life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining political and economic democracy.
Upcoming Legislation on Minimum Wage
Tinubu revealed plans to submit an executive bill to the National Assembly to codify agreements reached in the ongoing minimum wage negotiations. This legislation aims to enshrine the agreed terms into law for the next five years or less, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing labor concerns through cooperation and dialogue.
Concluding Remarks
In his concluding remarks, Tinubu reiterated his dedication to Nigeria’s democratic principles and the well-being of its citizens, vowing to continue reforms and listen to the people to ensure fair pay and economic opportunities for all. He emphasized the need for reasoned discussion and principled compromise in governance, promising to lead impartially and work towards a nation where no one is oppressed.
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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