Connect with us

Politics

Moldova’s pro-EU leader in tight run-off as Russia denies meddling

Published

on

Spread the love

Moldova’s pro-EU leader in tight run-off as Russia denies meddling

 

Moldovans are going to the polls on Sunday in the second round run-off of a presidential election seen as a choice between a European future or a return to Russian influence.

Pro-European President Maia Sandu faces Alexandr Stoianoglo, a man she fired as chief prosecutor, who has promised to balance foreign policy between the West and Russia and has the backing of the pro-Russian Party of Socialists.

Sandu and Moldova’s authorities have warned that a fugitive oligarch now based in Russia is trying to buy the election for Moscow.

The Kremlin has denied interfering in the vote, much as it did during last weekend’s disputed elections in Georgia, whose president described the vote as a “Russian special operation”.

“We resolutely reject any accusations that we are somehow interfering in this. We are not doing this,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Sandu won the first round of the vote two weeks ago with 42.4%, well ahead of Alexandr Stoianoglo on 26%, but short of the 50% she needed to win outright. His vote is likely to increase because of the votes of candidates who failed to reach the run-off.

Stoianoglo has told Moldovans he would be an “apolitical president” for everyone, with a goal of security, peace and prosperity, and a “truly European model”.

But commentators and politicians have warned that a Stoianoglu victory could radically change the political landscape in the Danube and Black Sea region, not because he is some kind of “Trojan horse”, but rather because Russia has thrown its weight behind him.

Alexandr Stoianoglo promises Moldovans to save their country from four more years of “abuse and ruin”
© Reuters

 

Former Moldovan Defence Minister Anatol Salaru said the election would decide whether Moldova would “continue the process of European integration or return to the Russia fold”.

A former Soviet republic flanked by Ukraine and Romania and one of Europe’s poorest countries, Moldova has a population of 2.5 million. It also has a large expat population of 1.2 million, whose votes could prove key to Maia Sandu in the run-off.

Moldova has opened talks on joining the European Union, and on the same day of the first round Moldovans voted by a whisker to back a change to the constitution embracing the commitment to join the EU.

The tiny margin in favour came as a surprise, although Maia Sandu said there was clear evidence of attempts to buy 300,000 votes.

The BBC spoke to one voter who said she and others had sold their votes for up to 1,000 roubles (£8).

Whatever Russia’s role behind the scenes, police said fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor had moved $39m (£30m) over two months from Moscow into Moldovan bank accounts in September and October, benefiting at least 138,000 voters.

Shor denies wrongdoing but did promise cash handouts to people prepared to back his call for a “firm No” to the EU. He faces a lengthy jail sentence in Moldova for money laundering and embezzlement.

Stoianoglo denies links to Ilan Shor but he does have the backing of the opposition pro-Russian Party of Socialists, led by ex-president Igor Dodon.

A populist ex-mayor who came third has refused to back either him or Maia Sandu, criticising both in equal measure.

“Do what you see fit. You must decide on your own,” Renato Usatii told his supporters, blowing the race wide open.

More on this story

Politics

N18bn will be paid as compensation for Lagos-Calabar coastal road project-Umahi

Published

on

N18bn will be paid as compensation for Lagos-Calabar coastal road project-Umahi
Spread the love

N18bn will be paid as compensation for Lagos-Calabar coastal road project-Umahi

 

The federal government has announced plans to pay approximately N18 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

This figure represents an increase from the initial N8 billion earmarked for the project’s first phase, ensuring fair compensation for affected citizens.

Speaking in Lagos on Sunday, November 3, at a stakeholder engagement event, Minister of Works Dave Umahi disclosed that the new amount, applicable to phase one’s section one, reflects the government’s commitment to fair restitution. He also confirmed that half of the compensation has already been disbursed, with payments assessed and verified by independent experts. Umahi assured attendees that the remaining compensation will be completed within 10 days.

Akin Alabi, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, praised the ministry for its transparency and efforts to engage stakeholders. He also stressed the importance of publicly documenting compensation details to prevent misinformation and foster accountability.

“There are mischief makers out there, but by the time we start to publish these things, some people will have to keep quiet,” Alabi noted, underlining the government’s dedication to clarity and fairness in the process.

Continue Reading

Politics

GOV. FUBARA EXPOSES THE REAL AGENDA BEHIND RIVERS POLITICAL CRISIS, VOWS TO SAFEGUARD STATE RESOURCES

Published

on

GOV. FUBARA
Spread the love

 

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has revealed the true motive fueling the political turbulence in the state; a sinister plot by certain individuals to seize and squander the state’s resources.

The Governor shared these insights during the birthday celebration of Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries. Speaking to a gathering of supporters and worshippers, he stated, “There’s a reason for the crisis in Rivers State and that reason is an attempt to control its resources. Rivers State’s resources belongs to its people, and we are committed to using it wisely for the betterment of all. What we ask from you is your continued prayers; with your support, we will stay focused and our mission of good governance will be achieved.”

Gov. Fubara also took a moment to applaud Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere’s dedication to humanity, praying for God’s strength, wisdom, and grace upon his life.

Adding to the momentous occasion, Governor Fubara generously donated 200 million Naira to Omega Power Ministries, recognizing the impactful work of the church. The celebration drew an impressive array of dignitaries, including former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Senator Adolphus Wabara, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman; and Hon. Uzoma Abonta, former House of Representatives member for Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency.

Earlier in the day, the Governor attended a Thanksgiving service at Salvation Ministries headquarters in GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, held in honour of the Deputy Governor of Rivers state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as leaders and well-wishers gathered to celebrate her remarkable contributions to the state.

Continue Reading

Politics

Breaking : President Tinubu Directs immediate release and treatment of all the minors arrested in connection to the recent protest.

Published

on

Spread the love

Following the outrage that trailed the arrest and arraignment of minors over the #EndBadGovernance protests held in several parts of the country in August, President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed the immediate release of all the children.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers cleared by the Senate.

The minister said the President ordered the immediate release of the minors without prejudice to whatever legal processes that are ongoing.

The President also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also take part to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

Tinubu also directed that a committee would be set up to be spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of the minors.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Nigerians were enraged and disgusted when the government brought 72 minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The defendants, who were accused of treason, among others, were arrested in places like Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. Some of them looked gaunt and poorly fed and collapsed in court.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted N10 million bail to 72 minors who were arraigned.

Continue Reading

Trending