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Pakistan picks new army chief amid political turmoil

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Pakistan picks new army chief amid political turmoil

Pakistan picks new army chief amid political turmoil

Pakistan’s prime minister on Thursday appointed a new chief for the nation’s powerful army amid a period of political turmoil that has worsened the country’s ailing economy devastated by this year’s historic floods.

General Asim Munir, who had previously led the country’s intelligence services, would replace outgoing army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa next week after formal approval by the president.

Munir, who was removed as spy chief prematurely and unceremoniously by ousted prime minister Imran Khan, was chosen by the country’s Cabinet, a statement by the prime minister’s office said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Khan after his ouster through a no-confidence vote in April, picked Munir out of the top six generals eligible to become the army chief.

The army chief wields unprecedented powers in Pakistan, a country that was ruled by generals for decades directly; They controlled the diplomacy, politics and economy indirectly even when civilian rulers were in power.

The move came as Khan announced that he would resume his march on the capital Islamabad, weeks after he was shot in the leg at a political rally aimed at forcing the government to call fresh elections.

Khan had proposed that the current army chief should continue until the new government came into power after the fresh election.

It was believed Khan would not accept the appointment and continue his march in a move likely to deepen the country’s economic crisis.

Pakistan’s economy is faced with dual crises of a current account deficit and fiscal imbalance and has been bailed out by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The crises were worsened by historic floods this year that killed more than 2,000 people and inflicted estimated losses of 30 billion dollars. 

Pakistan picks new army chief amid political turmoil

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Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

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Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

By: Yahaya Wakili

President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.

During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.

Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.

Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.

Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.

“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.

Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State

A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”

Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.

“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”

He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”

Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”

He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”

He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.

“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.

“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”

Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

By: Michael Mike

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.

Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa

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