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Spain PM announces fresh flood aid of almost 3.8 bn euros

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The torrents of muddy water wrecked roads and railways, tossed cars, gutted shops and submerged fields © JOSE JORDAN
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Spain on Monday announced fresh measures worth almost 3.8 billion euros to help stricken citizens recover from the country’s worst floods in a generation that have killed 222 people.

But Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez postponed the reckoning for Spain’s political class after tens of thousands of protesters demanded accountability for the disaster, saying the debate must follow the recovery.

The exceptional Mediterranean storm that lashed Spain two weeks ago particularly devastated the wealthy eastern Valencia region, which has suffered most of the deaths and destruction.

The torrents of muddy water wrecked roads and railways, tossed cars, gutted shops and submerged fields, with the final bill expected to soar to tens of billions of euros.

Sanchez on Monday unveiled a second aid package worth 3.76 billion euros ($4 billion) to reinforce aid worth 10.6 billion euros announced last week.

Compensation will be streamlined and extended to cover more residents and property, while farmers will also receive fresh aid totalling 200 million euros, the left-wing premier told a news conference.

Sanchez has compared the measures to the state’s intervention to prop up the economy during the Covid-19 crisis.

The government “will be there with all the necessary resources and for as long as it takes”, he said.

Last week’s aid included support for small and midsize businesses, self-employed workers and households that have suffered deaths, incapacity and damage to homes and belongings.

Tax relief, a three-month postponement to repaying mortgages and loans and central government spending on the immense clean-up work facing local councils were also announced.

Thousands of soldiers, police officers, civil guards and emergency services are repairing wrecked infrastructure, distributing relief and searching for dozens of missing people.

– Regional leader admits ‘errors’ –

Widespread anger at the authorities for their perceived mismanagement before and after the floods triggered mass protests on Saturday, the largest in Valencia city which drew 130,000 people.

Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Sanchez and the Valencia region’s leader Carlos Mazon as details emerge about the confusion enveloping the regional and central governments during the crisis.

But the government said it was focused on reconstruction.

“Later will come the political debate about what things we must improve in the face of this climate emergency”, Sanchez said.

Mazon on Monday conceded that “errors may have been committed” and that “everyone” would be obliged to review them.

Although Mediterranean storms are common for the time of year, scientists say climate change driven by human activity is increasing the intensity, length and frequency of extreme weather events.

Spain’s national weather service AEMET has forecast another storm bringing heavy rains over the Valencia region this week.

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS…

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November 14, 2024

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GUNMEN ATTACK MILITARY CHECKPOINT AT ABIA AND IMO BOARDER, ALLEGEDLY KILL TWO SOLDIERS
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Ekwutosblog gathered that Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint earlier today, Wednesday 13th November, 2024 at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by faceless group.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

Kindly follow ekwutosblog on Instagram and Facebook for verified News and Current Affairs in addition to insightful contents that inform, inspire, educate and entertain you always.

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TV chef found dead in hotel aged 52 after criticising Vladimir Putin

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November 14, 2024

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Alexei Zimin has died
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A TV chef who fled to London after his opposition of Vladimir Putoin has been found dead while on a promotional tour

A Russian TV chef who criticised Vladimir Putin has been found dead in a Belgrade hotel

Alexei Zimin, 52, died suddenly on a promotional tour to the Serbian capital. Authorities have said his cause of death is currently “unclear”.

Zimin fled Russia to London after his oppositions of Putin. Zimin was once a popular figure on Russian cooking shows. He also owned Zima restaurant in Soho, which he founded after he had left Russia following Putin’s invasion of Crimea.

In a statement released by Zima magazine today, a spokesperson said: “Alexei Zimin, the project’s editor-in-chief and the chef of the Zima restaurant, has passed away. Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad.”

London-based exiled Russian TV chef, editor and restaurateur Alexei Zimin, dies at 52.

It concluded: “Thank you to everyone for the words we received today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.”

Zimin had also been editor-in-chief of the Russian edition of GQ magazine.

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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president

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November 13, 2024

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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president
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MC Oluomo rejected as NURTW national president

 

Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo’s recent election as National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has faced strong opposition.

Tajudeen Baruwa, is insisting that he is the union’s rightful leader.

Baruwa, supported by court rulings from both the National Industrial Court and the Court of Appeal, contended that MC Oluomo’s appointment disregards legal decisions and violates the union’s constitution.

Baruwa, who assumed office in 2023, has been engaged in a legal tussle with a faction led by former President Najeem Usman Yasin.

After Baruwa’s election, Yasin’s faction formed a caretaker committee to challenge his leadership.

Baruwa responded by seeking judicial intervention, which led to a favorable ruling in March 2024.

This decision dissolved the caretaker committee and affirmed Baruwa’s position.

However, the conflict escalated when Yasin appealed the ruling.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed the appeal earlier this month, confirming Baruwa’s leadership and prohibiting Yasin from further interference in union matters.

Despite these legal victories, MC Oluomo’s inauguration has been described as a direct challenge to the judiciary and the union’s governance.

Baruwa has called on the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure compliance with court orders, asserting his authority as the legally recognized leader of NURTW.

“It appears a faction took it upon themselves, without regard for the union’s constitution or court decisions, to select a random individual as President,” Baruwa said.

“Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, is not, and cannot be, the National President of the Union,” he stated, urging media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise.

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