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US president Joe Biden calls for more Western support to Ukraine on visit to Berlin

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President Joe Biden shake hands with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. Markus Schreiber/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved
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Outgoing US president Joe Biden has called on Ukraine’s Western allies to keep up their support for Kyiv, telling a meeting of European allies in Berlin that the West needs to “sustain our resolve”.

Biden was welcomed to the event by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose government is Ukraine’s second-biggest military supplier after the US.

“As Ukraine faces a tough winter, we must — we must — sustain our resolve, our effort and our support,” Biden said.

“And I know the cost is heavy. Make no mistake, it pales in comparison to the cost of living in the world where aggression prevails, where large states attack and bully smaller ones simply because they can,” he added.

Scholz said that “we will stand beside Ukraine as long as it is necessary,” pointing to a planned €46 billion international loan package funded by interest on profits from frozen Russian assets.

Biden and Scholz were joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for discussions that also addressed the conflict in the Middle East.

Earlier, Biden said he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which he described as “a moment of justice.”

“I told the prime minister of Israel yesterday, let’s also make this moment an opportunity to seek a path to peace and a better future in Gaza without Hamas.”

An election in the balance

The visit comes amid worries that a victory for Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, could upset the relationships that Biden, the outgoing US leader, is hoping to pass on to Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate.

The US presidential election, less than three weeks away, cast a long shadow over Friday’s visit as fears grow that another Trump presidency would see a return to punitive trade tariffs imposed on imports from key US security partners.

The former president has frequently expressed indifference to the security of Ukraine, refusing to say in a debate with Harris whether he wants the US ally to win its war against Russia — and even blaming Ukraine for Russia’s invasion in a recent interview.

He has also voiced doubts about coming to the defence of NATO members if they come under attack.

Germany’s Scholz seemed to address those concerns in Berlin. “Our position is clear: We are supporting Ukraine as strongly as possible,” Scholz said.

“At the same time, we are taking care that NATO does not become a party to the war so that this war doesn’t culminate in an even bigger catastrophe.”

Having visited other key allies such as Japan, South Korea, France, India, the UK, Poland, and Ukraine, Biden did not want his term to end without a visit to Berlin.

The 81-year-old was honoured with the highest class of Germany’s Order of Merit for his contribution to transatlantic relations, an award that was also bestowed on his predecessor George H.W. Bush in recognition of his support for German reunification.

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“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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