Politics
Tens of thousands protest across Slovakia against PM Robert Fico’s stance on Russia
Published
2 days agoon
By
Ekwutos BlogTens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Slovakia to voice their opposition to the policies of Prime Minister Robert Rico who they accuse of being pro-Russia.
The latest wave of anti-government rallies was fuelled by Fico’s trip to Moscow on Thursday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare visit to the Kremlin by a European Union leader since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“Slovakia belongs to Europe, we want to belong to Europe in terms of values. We do not belong to Russia, we do not actually want to collaborate with Russia in any way, and this is our position, which we must express politely but responsibly,” said Marián Kulich, the Managing Director of the Peace for Ukraine organisation, speaking at a rally in the capital, Bratislava.
Fico’s recent remarks that that it was a possibility to change Slovakia’s foreign policy orientation and leave the European Union and NATO were among other recent steps by the prime minister that has sparked anger among protesters.
Friday’s protests took place in 28 locations, more than double that compared to two weeks ago amid heightened tensions after Fico accused organisers and the opposition earlier this week of being in contact with an unspecified group of foreigners who he says are working toward engineering a coup in Slovakia.
Fico linked his accusations to a secret report by the country’s spy service (SIS) that he presented in parliament on Tuesday.
The details aren’t known but Fico publicly said that the opposition plans to occupy government buildings, block roads, organise a nationwide strike and provoke clashes with police forces as parts of the alleged plan to overthrow his government.
“We see a structure that wants to exploit these meetings, these rallies, primarily for a possible clash with the security forces of the state, to escalate tensions even further. To further aggression and then to fulfil the plan that is being disseminated today by the organisers of these protests,” Fico said on Friday.
Slovak leaders said that the situation was serious but the opposition dismissed the report and accused SIS of being misused for political purposes.
The organisers of most of the rallies from the Peace for Ukraine organisation dismissed Fico’s claims and said that he is trying to frighten the Slovak population.
All of the public anti-government protests since Fico’s cabinet was sworn in on 25 October, 2023, have been peaceful.
Organisers say their protest in Bratislava was attended by around 60,000 people and that rallies will continue on 7 February.
Ficos’s views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream.
He returned to power in 2023 after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won the parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-America platform.
Since then, he has ended Slovakian military aid for Ukraine, lashed out at EU sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.
Fico is a polarising figure in Slovakia and survived an assassination attempt in May 2024.
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Politics
Imo State Government Announces New Appointments to IROMA
Published
1 hour agoon
January 27, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
Owerri, Imo State – The Imo State Government has announced the appointment of new members to the Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA).
According to a statement signed by Hon Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the appointments.
Ekwutosblog gathered that Barr. Kingsley Ononuju has been appointed as the Chairman of IROMA, while Engr. Egbuka Edwin will serve as the Managing Director. Barr. Chikodi Onyeanwuna has been appointed as the Secretary of the agency.
Other members of the agency include Dr. Emeka Enyinnaya, Engr. Ikenna Anyasodo, Harrison Amaechi Ejianya, Engr. Nwaobi Williams C., and Pascal Ojiaku.
The new appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the agency, which is responsible for maintaining and improving the state’s road network.
Politics
Jeremiah useini Abachas bossom friend is dead, the iroko of middle belt has fallen
Published
13 hours agoon
January 26, 2025By
Ekwutos BlogThe news of the passing of General Sani Abacha’s close friend has sent shockwaves throughout the nation. This departed leader was not only a dear friend to General Useni but also a trusted ally and associate of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
General Useni, a renowned military strategist and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has lost a trusted confidant and partner in the corridors of power. The two shared a bond forged in the heat of battle and the intricacies of statecraft.
As a close associate of General Abacha, the late leader played a significant role in shaping the country’s history during a tumultuous period. His counsel and guidance were invaluable to General Abacha, and his passing marks the end of an era.
As the nation mourns the loss of this iconic leader, we offer our condolences to General Jeremiah Useni, his family, and the entire nation. May the soul of the departed rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations.
Politics
EWI-IN-COUNCIL ORDERS SUSPENSION OF SHARI’AH ARBITRATION PANEL IN ADO EKITI
Published
16 hours agoon
January 26, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, on Saturday, ordered the dissolution of the Sharia panel set up at the Central Mosque, Ado Ekiti in the interest of peaceful coexistence and law and order in the community.
Adejugbe spoke in Ado Ekiti during a meeting he held with the chiefs and indigenes of the community and the Chief Imam and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo and Delta states, Sheik Jamiu Kewulere; and other Muslim leaders in Ado Ekiti over tension in some quarters over the sharia panel issue.
This came barely two days after the state government said that the existing legal structure in the state did not recognise the Sharia Court or Sharia Arbitration Panel.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dayo Apata, (SAN) had spoken in reaction to news reports stipulating the first public sitting of a Shari’ah Panel in the state which resolved two marriage disputes.
He had said that the legal structure in Ekiti State (i.e. Customary Court, Customary Court of Appeal and High Court) had been handling issues relating to Islamic, Christian and traditional marriages and inheritance without any rancour or agitation.
Adejugbe said, “Based on this Sharia issue, I summoned the Chief Imam and his lieutenants, members of the Ewi-in-Council, the president of Ado Progressives Union and Ado sons and daughters to discuss the matter because it is a sensitive issue.
“We all listened and it appears they set up a committee at the Central Mosque with the intention to listen to disputes. According to them, they have good intentions and it was an internal arrangement that has nothing to do with any external person or somebody influencing them.
“I told them the mood of the nation will not allow such to happen now, that they should revert to how the founding fathers of the mosque had been settling disputes in the past without setting up a committee.
“I told them that there is no need for the committee and they should dissolve the committee henceforth. That is the decision of the Ewi-in-Council and that is the position of all Ado sons and daughters.
“The panel stands dissolved. If we should allow such committees, the Christians too will want to set up committees in their various churches, the traditional worshippers too and before you know it, it will lead to crises.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief Imam, Kewulere, who confirmed setting up the committee, which he said had resolved a marriage dispute and adjourned on a second matter, dismissed all insinuations that it was set up for sinister motives.
Kewulere, who said that Muslims and adherents of other religions had been enjoying cordial relationships, said, “Basically, the committee is to look into matters of inheritance in the interest of our members.”
He dismissed insinuations that it was to create crisis and he dismissed any external influence or link.
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