Politics
PDP Tasks Kwara Electoral Commission on Credible Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties participating in the forthcoming local government elections across the state’s 16 councils.
Key Highlights:
- Statement from PDP: The PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, issued a statement in Ilorin, Kwara State’s capital, emphasizing the need for fairness in the electoral process. The statement was made available to Punch on Sunday.
- Party Representation: PDP Chairman Babatunde Mohammed and Secretary Abdulrahman Kayode represented the party at a KWASIEC-organized meeting with other political parties on Friday.
- Concerns Raised: The PDP expressed worries about a perceived alliance between KWASIEC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). They questioned the impartiality of KWASIEC, citing behavior by APC Chairman Mr. Sunday Fagbemi, who allegedly overstepped his bounds during the meeting.
- Commitment to Elections: The PDP declared its readiness for the elections and did not request any changes to the election timetable previously released by KWASIEC. The party emphasized its commitment to a transparent and timely electoral process.
- Local Government Administration Issues: PDP highlighted concerns about the current administration of local governments, criticizing the imposition of Transition Implementation Committee chairmen by the Governor in 2019.
- Nomination Form Fees: The PDP agreed with suggestions from other parties on the affordability of nomination form fees. They proposed that the fees should not exceed N50,000 for councilorship and N200,000 for chairmanship.
- Call for KWASIEC Independence: The PDP urged KWASIEC to maintain its independence and ensure a fair electoral process, stressing the importance of integrity in democratic processes.
- Appeal to Party Members: The PDP called on its members, stakeholders, and Kwara electorates to uphold democratic principles and work towards free, fair, and credible local government elections.
APC’s Response:
APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi denied any dealings with KWASIEC, stating he had not visited the Commission’s office or contacted its members. He emphasized his right to express views on public matters and reiterated the APC’s focus on maintaining peace and preventing thuggery during the elections.
- Accusations Against PDP: Fagbemi accused the PDP of attempting to frustrate the election process, citing unnecessary questions posed by the PDP chairman during the meeting. He suggested that some opposition parties might plan to go to court to stop the election.
Conclusion:
The PDP’s call for a fair electoral process and KWASIEC’s independence highlights the ongoing concerns and preparations for the upcoming local government elections in Kwara State. Both parties have expressed their positions, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Politics
Sri Lanka swears in new left-leaning president
Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, pledging to bring “clean” governance as the country continues to recover from its deepest economic crisis. The left-leaning leader, known for his stance against corruption, sees his election as a call for change and transparency in a country long troubled by political cronyism.
Dissanayake’s election follows the ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa in 2022 after mass protests driven by economic hardships. In his inaugural address, the 55-year-old president emphasized the need for a new political culture that restores public trust. “We need to establish a new clean political culture,” he said, while committing to safeguard democracy.
His speech underscored the importance of unity, with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities attending the ceremony. Dissanayake promised good governance, economic reform, and a focus on manufacturing, agriculture, and IT development. He also pledged to uphold Sri Lanka’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aiming to reduce the burden of austerity on the country’s poorest citizens.
Dissanayake’s swearing-in was preceded by the resignation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, setting the stage for a parliamentary dissolution as the nation embarks on this new political chapter.
Politics
Okpebholo Secures Victory in Edo Governorship Election
Okpebholo Monday, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been declared the winner of the Edo State governorship election after receiving 291,667 votes. He defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,761 votes. Fourteen other candidates also contested but received fewer votes.
Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, officially declared Okpebholo the winner at 09:27 pm at the collation center in Benin City, Edo State’s capital, amidst applause from APC supporters.
Okpebholo’s victory was dominant in over 10 out of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo achieved marginal wins in the remaining councils. The APC also claimed control in two of the three key senatorial districts in Edo State.
News
Suspect in Alleged Trump Assassination Attempt Faces Gun Charges
Ryan Routh, the suspect in the alleged assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, has been charged with federal gun crimes. During a brief court hearing in Palm Beach, the 58-year-old was charged with two offences: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years, and possession of a firearm with an obstructed serial number, punishable by up to five years.
Routh, dressed in a blue prison jumpsuit and with his hands cuffed, spoke to a public defender for several minutes before the hearing began. Initially displaying a calm demeanor with occasional smiles, he turned expressionless once the court proceedings got underway, responding to the judge’s questions with, “Yes, your honor.”
In a series of personal questions to assess his eligibility for a public defender, Routh revealed that he had “zero funds” in his bank account, made about $3,000 monthly, and owned two trucks in Hawaii, each valued at around $1,000.
Routh was brought into the courtroom just before 10:00 (14:00 GMT) and observed the scene, which included other defendants, press members, and attendees. After his brief hearing, he was escorted out as proceedings for other cases began.
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