Politics
Greenland’s PM pushes for independence from Denmark amid Trump’s interest
Published
2 days agoon
By
Ekwutos BlogGreenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has called for the North Atlantic island to pursue independence from its former colonial ruler Denmark in a New Year speech.
The world’s biggest island — which is home to about 57,000 people — was a Danish colony until it become a self-governing territory of Denmark in 1979. Since 2009, Greenland has held the right to declare independence through a referendum.
“The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” said Egede, who is a member of the pro-independence Community of the People (IA) party.
“It is now time for our country to take the next step,” he added. “Like other countries in the world, we must work to remove the obstacles to cooperation – which we can describe as the shackles of colonialism — and move forward.”
Egede’s speech this week came after US President-elect Donald Trump last month repeated his desire to purchase Greenland from Denmark, having first expressed the wish in 2019 during his first term in office. Responding to Trump’s latest comments, Egede last week said that Greenland is “not for sale and will never be for sale”.
An independence movement is gaining momentum partly because of multiple revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities last century, including a forced contraception campaign in the 1960s and 1970s.
Egede suggested an independence referendum could coincide with parliamentary elections in April.
“Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state,” he said. “It is necessary to take major steps … The upcoming new election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps.”
Greenland — whose capital Nuuk is nearer to New York than Copenhagen — is rich in mineral, oil, and natural gas resources, but it relies on annual subsidies from Denmark worth some €500 million a year.
Home to a large US Air Force air base, Greenland is strategically vital for the US military. Following Trump’s latest remarks about buying the island last month, Denmark announced it would increase defence spending there by at least €1.3 billion — though Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the timing was just an “irony of fate”.
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Muhammad Diggol, the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, has resigned after being moved to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Dockaysworld reports.
Engr. Muhammad Diggol was initially appointed as Commissioner for Transportation at the inception of Governor Yusuf’s administration in 2023.
He was later reassigned to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, where he served until his resignation on Sunday.
Although he did not give any official reason for leaving, close sources claim the decision was linked to politics.
Diggol, who was part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s cabinet since 2023, reportedly felt sidelined after being reassigned from the Transportation Ministry, which is seen as more important.
Some insiders believe he left to avoid further conflicts and protect his reputation, as there were signs he might have been removed from office.
A source said:
“I can also confirm to you that another major reason he left is to allow peace reign; and also protect his integrity and dignity as chances were ripe that he could have been sacked.”
Governor Yusuf has accepted his resignation and praised Diggol for his contributions and hard work during his time in the government.
Politics
The Igbo Province Executive council passes vote of no confidence on the coming Ohaneze election; advices Rivers contestant to reconsider their candidacy.
Published
11 hours agoon
January 5, 2025By
Ekwutos BlogThe Igbo Province Executive council passes vote of no confidence on the coming Ohaneze election; advices Rivers contestant to reconsider their candidacy.
The council maintains that featuring a candidate from the south East in an election whose slot is for Rivers state damages the founding principle of Ohaneze aimed at equity and curbing over politicking hence the rotational presidency.
The council noted that while by Nigerian constitution, it may be considerate for citizenship to be affiliated to the mother’s state, however in Igboland, citizenship is patrilineal (attached to the father) and Ohaneze is going the part that will put many unique aspect of Igbo culture to a test.
The Okpara concept is strong in Igboland. It is only in few Igbo communities that a man is allowed to take up the citizenship of the mother’s community and that is usually when the bride price of the mother is not paid and even at that the said son can’t aspire for certain position in the mother’s community. Again, a candidate with strong ties with the south East will definitely have an upper hand in an election where southeast is responsible for over 80% of the voters.
The council also recognizes the right of full rivers contestants to go ahead with the election if they so desires but noted that they stand no chance against a veteran like former ISP of Nigerian police from Imo state irrespective of how one chose to look at it.
The council cautioned Ohaneze’s Ime Obi to go back to the drawing board and consult elders of AlaIgbo before taking a step that may undermine the very fabric of our culture and threaten the integrity of the institution (Oheneze) due to politics.
The institution also advised against inflammatory statements as the fragile peace in AlaIgbo needs to be preserved. For those who prefer to continue with the contest, best wishes, those who feel aggrieved may use appropriate channels to seek redress.
Unify IGBOS Now
Politics
What Tinubu discussed with Southeast leaders in Enugu
Published
13 hours agoon
January 5, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with Southeast leaders in Enugu, where he announced plans to drive development in the region.
He promised to complete the Eastern Rail Line, which will connect Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.
The President noted that the Port Harcourt to Aba section of the project is already done and assured that the remaining parts will be finished to improve trade and transportation.
He also pledged to support the development of the Anambra Basin, a region rich in oil and gas, with reserves estimated at 1 billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas.
Tinubu said this project would boost energy production and help industries grow.
The President spoke about the need to invest in gas infrastructure, which he sees as an important alternative to petrol.
He explained that this would strengthen Nigeria’s energy system and reduce reliance on fuel imports.
On security, Tinubu highlighted the importance of modern methods.
He praised Enugu’s CCTV systems and surveillance-equipped patrol cars, saying these are better than the outdated roadblocks still used in many places.
He assured Southeast leaders that the government would support such advanced security strategies.
Tinubu also commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his efforts in building roads, schools, and a new Command-and-Control Centre.
The President promised that the federal government would continue to support these initiatives.
During the meeting, Tinubu acknowledged that some of the region’s challenges have been longstanding.
He reassured the leaders that he is committed to solving these problems and working with governors to achieve progress.
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