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South Sudan president dismisses long-serving security chief

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FILE PHOTO: South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo © Thomson Reuters
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NAIROBI (Reuters) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country’s long-serving intelligence chief, replacing him with a close ally, state broadcaster SSBC reported, citing a presidential decree.

The dismissal of Akol Koor Kuc, who had headed the controversial internal security bureau of the National Security Service (NSS) since the country’s independence from Sudan in 2011, came weeks after the transitional government announced yet another election delay.

Last month Kiir’s office announced an extension of the transitional period by two years and postponed elections for a second time following a delay in 2022, drawing criticism from the United States and other international guarantors of the country’s peace process.

Calls to the government spokesperson and the office of the president were not answered.

Rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have long warned that the secretive NSS commands excessive power in the country, operating with impunity against civil society and activists who challenge the government.

Analsyts say the decision to sack the intelligence chief, announced late on Wednesday, reflects a power struggle at the highest levels of the government.

“There’s been a lot of reckoning in terms of what to do with Akol Koor. The president doesn’t want very rapid decisions to cause a problem with national security,” policy and security analyst Boboya James told Reuters.

“Now, with the extension of the peace agreement, he would want to consolidate power by beginning to bring loyalists” into government, James said.

The new intelligence chief, Akec Tong Aleu, is a close ally of Kiir.

South Sudan ended five years of civil war in 2018, but disagreements between Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar – who led the opposing sides in the conflict – have been major obstacles to completing the peace process.

(Writing by Ammu Kannampilly, Editing by Angus MacSwan)

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Politics

“I am Qualified To Be President” – Orji Kalu Sets Condition to Contest in 2027

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Orji Uzor Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, has revealed his intention to contest for the presidency in 2027 if one crucial condition is met.

The former Abia State governor said he may contest for Presidency if President Bola Tinubu does not seek re-election.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu stated, “Let me tell you, first and foremost, I’m qualified to be a President, and I’m competent. We have already a candidate in our political party unless he is not running. If the party gives me the opportunity to fly their flag, it’s a privilege; it’s not something that I will like. It’s an opportunity given by the party. It’s not about me. My interest in 2027 is to come back, be a lawmaker, sit in the Senate and work in the Senate.”

Kalu attributed Nigeria’s economic struggles to the lack of economic processes and an organized economy.

“We never had an economy since 60 years ago. There is no organized economy here. We have no light, we have nothing, and our stock exchange is just building up. The institutions that drive the economy are very weak, and this is what President Bola Tinubu is trying to rebuild to make sure the institutions are strong. Because if you continue with these handouts and a weak economy, you are not going to go on, somebody must make tough decisions. He might be right or wrong. He’s making tough decisions for the future. The question is the Nigerian people, are they hungry? The answer is yes. But our looks worse because we didn’t make decisions at all,” he lamented.

The Senator suggested that the government should prioritize austerity measures and reduce expenses. “People in government ought to maintain austerity measures. There should be more sewing our coat according to our size, scaling down on most things people in government do.”

The Senator revealed that President Tinubu is aware of the economic situation and often ventures out at night to gauge the pulse of the nation. “The President himself knows that Nigerians are suffering; the President knows that Nigerians are hungry.”

“He is a street person, he knows the street very well. The President sometimes uses his car to go around and know what is happening in Abuja here.”

 

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When Tinubu was governor of Lagos, Obasanjo did not do to him what he has done to Fubara–Ann Briggs.

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In a compelling video broadcast on Symfoni TV, prominent Human Rights and Niger Delta Environmental Activist Ann-Kio Briggs has drawn attention to the historical parallels between President Bola Tinubu’s experiences as Lagos State governor and the current situation facing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The activist highlighted the stark contrast between Tinubu’s treatment as Lagos governor under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and his current approach to the Rivers State crisis as president. Briggs emphasized how Tinubu, despite his fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s policies, ultimately received substantial federal support.

“When the president (Tinubu) was the governor of Lagos State, Obasanjo did not do to him what he has done to Fubara today as he is the president,” Briggs stated. “Look at how he fought Obasanjo, he fought Obasanjo hands down. Eventually, all his money was paid to him, he got everything that he wanted.”

The activist’s comparison carries particular weight given Nigeria’s political history, drawing attention to how past federal-state relationships might inform current political dynamics. Briggs’s statement suggests that Tinubu’s own experience as a governor who successfully opposed federal authority while maintaining state autonomy should inform his current approach to state-federal relations.
Political analysts note that this historical parallel raises important questions about the evolution of federal-state relationships in Nigeria’s democracy. The comparison between Tinubu’s past struggles and his current position of power provides a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of Nigerian politics.

The activist’s remarks have sparked renewed discussions about political consistency and the responsibilities of federal leadership. By highlighting Tinubu’s transition from state governor to president, Briggs’s commentary underscores the importance of historical context in understanding and addressing current political crises.

This revelation adds another dimension to the ongoing discourse about federal intervention in state affairs, suggesting that personal experience and historical precedent should guide current political decision-making at the highest levels of government.

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES AND INAUGURATES THE COMMITTEE FOR 3rd ASSEMBLY OF IMO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

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PRESS STATEMENT!!!

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES AND INAUGURATES THE COMMITTEE FOR 3rd ASSEMBLY OF IMO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Sequel to the expiration of the 2nd Assembly, while the 2nd Assembly awaits the valedictory session; Hon. Eric Uwakwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo on Youth Mobilization, in conjunction with the Speaker of Imo State Youth Parliament RT Hon. Eze Ekewuba has officially inaugurated the Committee tasked to oversee the transition to the 3rd Assembly of the Imo State Youth Parliament.

This significant milestone marks the beginning of the process to elect new members to the Youth Parliament, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

We invite all interested youths to keep informed and participate in this crucial phase of our democratic journey by helping the Committee to be fair and ensure all eligible candidates are given chance to compete

“The Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Eric Uwakwe, emphasized the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the election process for the 3rd Assembly of the Imo State Youth Parliament”.

He urged the committee to ensure that all eligible youths are given equal opportunities to participate and demonstrate their leadership skills.

The formation of the 3rd Assembly is an exciting opportunity for young people to make their marks in the political landscape and contribute to the development of our state. We are confident that this process will produce dynamic and diverse groups of leaders who will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our government.

LIST OF COMMITTEE.
1. Dr. Eze Akanazu—- Chairman
2. Hon Comr Okereke Godson C Bishop — Vice Chairman
3. Dr Emma Mbanusi—- Secretary
4. Walte Ononuju– PRO
5. Comrade Humphrey Osuji
6. Hon. Obikaeze Anaemem
7. Hon Lolo Amaka Osunde
8. Stanley Ezeruwa (AlutaBaba)
9. Emeka Agbugba
10. Rtr Comr Achiever Ikenna Anyanwa
11. Chukwuemeka Chikere
12. Pascal Blaise
13. Comr Sixtus Njoku
14. Dr. Chuks.
15. Comr Johnkennedy NkemjikaDr

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