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New Taiwan President Sworn In, Pledges To Protect Democracy

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Lai Ching-te was inaugurated as Taiwan’s new president on Monday, vowing to defend the island’s democratic values while urging China to end its military intimidation.

In his inaugural address, Lai emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s democratic era and thanked citizens for their resilience against external pressures.

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“A glorious era of Taiwan’s democracy has arrived,” he said.

“We must demonstrate our resolution to defend our nation and strengthen our legal framework for national security.”

Lai, 64, has faced criticism from Beijing, which labels him a “dangerous separatist” due to his past pro-independence remarks, although he has since moderated his stance.

He pledged to maintain the status quo, preserving Taiwan’s sovereignty without formally declaring independence.

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“I call on China to cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan,” Lai said. “We should share the global responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and ensure the world is free from the fear of war.”

Lai has repeatedly sought to reopen high-level communications with China, which were severed in 2016 when his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, took office.

Despite his appeals for dialogue, experts believe Beijing is unlikely to respond positively.

Since 1949, Taiwan has been self-governed after nationalists fled there following their defeat in the Chinese civil war.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has long threatened to use force to reunify the island with the mainland.

The United States, which switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, remains Taiwan’s key ally and largest arms supplier.

Lai is expected to further strengthen defense ties with Washington during his presidency. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Lai and expressed a commitment to deepening ties and maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.

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Meanwhile, Chinese state media reported sanctions on three U.S. defense companies for their arms sales to Taiwan, and Chinese social media platform Weibo blocked hashtags related to the inauguration.

Despite near-daily military activities around Taiwan, there was no significant increase in Chinese military presence leading up to Lai’s swearing-in. Lai and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, both from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), are firm advocates of Taiwan’s sovereignty. China has dubbed them an “independence duo.”

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As Lai assumes office, Taiwan and its allies watch closely, hoping for stability and continued democratic governance in the face of ongoing tensions with China.

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Senate Begins Public Hearing On Judges’ Salary Review

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The Senate is set to hold a public hearing today to discuss the proposed increase in salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial officers across the nation.

A notice of the hearing, dated May 14, 2024, was addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

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The notice, marked NASS/S/CJHL/024 10th Sen/2024/01, was issued by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Senator Mohammed Monguno.

The letter indicated that the Senate, in its plenary session, had considered the Judicial Officers (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) Bill 2024 and referred it to the Senate Committee for further legislative action.

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Senator Monguno’s letter emphasized the need for public input, stating, “the committee, in furtherance of its mandate, held a series of meetings and resolved to conduct a public hearing to gather comments and viewpoints on the bill from stakeholders and the general public.”

The public hearing is scheduled for today at 12 pm.

This legislative initiative follows the House of Representatives’ passage of a bill, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at significantly increasing the compensation for judges.

The bill proposes an over 800 percent salary hike, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria set to earn an annual basic salary and allowances totaling N64.6 million, markedly higher than the current compensation.

Other Supreme Court Justices are to receive annual salaries and allowances exceeding N60 million.

The proposed salary increase has garnered support from numerous Senior Advocates of Nigeria, who argue that higher remuneration for judicial officers will reduce susceptibility to corruption and enhance the integrity of the judiciary.

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Mohammad Mokhber To Assume Iranian Presidency After Raisi’s Death

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Dailygazettenig
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Following the tragic death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Mohammad Mokhber, the first vice president, is set to assume the presidency as the country prepares for early elections.

According to the Iranian constitution, the first vice president is mandated to take over in the event of the president’s death, dismissal, resignation, or prolonged illness.

Raisi, who perished on Sunday along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other senior officials, was nearing the end of his first four-year term.

Mokhber’s interim presidency requires the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority in Iran.

A new presidential election to select Raisi’s permanent successor must be held within 50 days.

A council comprising the parliament speaker, the head of the judiciary, and the vice president will be responsible for organizing the national vote.

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Mokhber, 68, has been the vice president since Raisi took office in August 2021.

Born in Dezful, Khuzestan province, he has held various official roles in the region. From 2007, Mokhber led the Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order, a governmental body managing properties seized after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

This organization has evolved into a significant state economic conglomerate with interests in multiple sectors.

Iran conducts presidential elections every four years, with a two-term limit for presidents.

The country’s political system does not include the position of prime minister, making the president, supported by several vice presidents, responsible for appointing and overseeing the cabinet.

Mokhber’s temporary leadership marks a critical juncture for Iran as it navigates this period of uncertainty and prepares for a new election amid the backdrop of recent political and social upheavals.

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Iran’s President, Senior Officials Killed In Helicopter Crash

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Dailygazettenig
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In a tragic incident, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, 63, alongside the country’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian and seven other senior officials, died in a helicopter crash.

Iranian news outlets confirmed the crash, which occurred in the mountainous northwest region of Iran.

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Rescue teams located the wreckage on Monday, following an intensive search operation in the fog-shrouded mountainous area.

The helicopter went missing on Sunday, leading to widespread uncertainty and concern within the country.

The crash comes just weeks after Iran conducted a drone-and-missile attack on Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on its diplomatic compound in Damascus.

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President Raisi, a hardliner who took office in a 2021 election marked by low competition, previously served as Iran’s chief justice.

His tenure as president saw heightened repression of dissent amid widespread youth-led protests against the clerical regime.

Raisi was considered the second-most powerful figure in Iran’s political hierarchy, subordinate only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini.

According to the Iranian Constitution, the first vice president is to assume the presidency upon the death of the president, subject to the Supreme Leader’s approval.

The sudden death of President Raisi and other top officials has plunged Iran into a state of shock and mourning, as the country grapples with the implications of this tragic loss.

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Truck Accident At IMSU Junction Leaves 6 Dead, Many Injured In Imo

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Dailygazettenig
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The Imo State Police Command confirmed on Sunday that six individuals were killed and several others injured in a tragic accident involving a truck at the Imo State University (IMSU) junction on Saturday night.

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Henry Okoye, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed the details to newsmen in Owerri. According to the police’s preliminary investigation, the driver of a Mack Truck, registered KWL 857 YE, allegedly lost control and veered into the wrong lane, colliding with four minibuses and causing multiple injuries.

“Following information received from a concerned citizen on 18/05/2024, at about 1745hrs, regarding a fatal motor accident involving a Mack Truck and four minibuses at IMSU Junction along Okigwe road, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, promptly mobilized operatives from Orji Divisional Headquarters and the State Traffic Department to the scene,” Okoye explained.

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Upon arrival, police operatives, with the help of public-spirited individuals, evacuated the victims to the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Owerri. Unfortunately, six victims were declared dead on arrival, while efforts were made to treat the injured.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the truck driver, heading towards IMSU Junction from Orji along Okigwe road, lost control and ran over four shuttle minibuses and several pedestrians. The accident left many seriously injured. Police have documented the scene with photographs and sketches, and cleared the vehicles to facilitate traffic flow. The deceased victims’ bodies have been deposited at the FMC mortuary.

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Efforts are ongoing to contact the families of the deceased and injured victims. The police are also working to apprehend the truck driver, who fled the scene immediately after the accident. Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma expressed condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for the souls of the deceased and a quick recovery for the injured. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to apprehend the fleeing driver and urged road users to drive responsibly and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent such accidents.

Reacting to the incident, Imo State’s Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, conveyed Governor Hope Uzodinma’s deep sadness over the loss of lives. The governor directed an immediate response, including security agencies assisting in transporting the injured to hospitals and the deceased to the mortuary. He also tasked the State Commissioner for Health with ensuring adequate medical attention for those hospitalized.

Governor Uzodinma has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the accident to identify and prosecute those responsible. He expressed regret over the avoidable loss of lives, particularly those of innocent students, and assured that measures would be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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‘What Is Gov. Soludo Afraid Of?’ – Ogene Queries Frequent Appointment Of TC Chairmen

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Dailygazettenig
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Labour Party’s Hon. Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has criticized Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for appointing a new set of local government transition chairmen for the eighth time since taking office two years ago.

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In a statement released in Awka, Ogene described Governor Soludo’s frequent changes as “ridiculous, undemocratic, and an abuse of power,” arguing that such actions undermine the developmental aspirations of Anambra’s residents.

The controversy stems from a recent directive by the state government, instructing stakeholders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to nominate candidates for transition chairmen in the state’s 21 local government areas.

The current transition chairmen were ordered to hand over to local government heads of service by May 20, 2024, pending the appointment of new officials.

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APGA members interested in the positions were asked to submit their credentials through their local government chairmen.

Ogene, who also serves as the Labour Party’s House of Representatives caucus leader, expressed dismay at the governor’s record of changing transition committee members every three months.

He noted, “Governor Soludo has changed LGA Transition Committee members seven times since assuming office in 2022. With this new appointment, it will be the eighth time in just two years.”

Ogene criticized this “puppeteering style of leadership,” arguing that it destabilizes the local government system, which is intended to be the closest tier of government to the people and the foundation of both state and federal governments.

He emphasized that appointing rather than electing local government administrators fosters impunity, lacks accountability, and hinders transparency and development at the grassroots level.

He questioned the feasibility of meaningful development under such short tenures, saying, “What kind of development plan can a transition chairman implement in just three months? It’s troubling that Governor Soludo, a noted economist, supports this charade, which runs contrary to economic indicators showing declining fortunes for grassroots communities.”

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Ogene urged Governor Soludo to fulfill his campaign promise to conduct local government elections, which would align with the desires of the people and constitutional provisions.

He pointed out that other states, such as Delta, Lagos, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom, hold local government elections despite their imperfections.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Anambra have consistently reminded Governor Soludo of his campaign pledge to conduct local government elections within six months of taking office, a promise he has yet to fulfill.

The Nigerian Senate recently criticized state governors for mismanaging funds allocated to local government councils and failing to democratize this tier of government.

The Senate lamented the erosion of local autonomy due to state governors’ overwhelming powers, which has stifled the objectives of the local government system.

Senate called on the federal government to cease allocating funds to caretaker-led local government areas and urged President Bola Tinubu to champion full local government autonomy.

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Fresh Ebonyi Crisis: Two Beheaded, Seven Kidnapped, Houses Burnt

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Dailygazettenig
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In an escalation of violence, suspected warlords launched a brazen attack on Ikachi village in the Akparata area of Effium, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The assault resulted in the gruesome beheading of two individuals, the kidnapping of seven others, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

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According to Dr. James Agena, the President General of Effium Community, the attackers, believed to be Ezza warriors, descended on Ikachi village in the early hours of Sunday.

Their onslaught left two men beheaded, seven Effium natives abducted (including five women and two men), and twelve individuals with gunshot wounds.

Additionally, five houses were razed to the ground in the heinous attack.

The deceased victims were identified as Obinna Aje, aged 19, and Ogenyi Abowu, aged 78.

This latest atrocity follows a similar Ezza warriors’ assault on Effium urban area the previous Sunday, where Mrs. Cecelia Omah was brutally killed, her head severed from her body.

Dr. Agena condemned the relentless violence perpetrated against the peace-loving people of Effium and called upon the Ebonyi State government and security agencies to swiftly apprehend and prosecute all those responsible for the genocidal acts.

This incident comes just ahead of a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, convened by the new peace committee to present the government White Paper on the Effium crisis to the two conflicting factions.

The ongoing crisis, which erupted in 2021, has exacted a heavy toll, claiming numerous lives, displacing many, and resulting in the destruction of properties valued at billions of naira.

Police spokesperson, ASP Ukandu Joshua confirmed the attack, stating that the command is actively investigating the matter.

He acknowledged the volatile nature of the Effium axis, labeling it a war zone where anything can happen.

Despite the presence of military detachments and two mobile units in the crisis area, Joshua emphasized the need for continued vigilance and swift action to quell the escalating violence.

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Organised Labour Firm On Minimum Wage Demands, Rejects N100,000 Proposal

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Dailygazettenig
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Organised labour has rebuffed the notion of accepting N100,000 as the new minimum wage, urging the government to take negotiations seriously.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), withdrew from negotiation talks last week when the government proposed N48,000 as the new minimum wage.

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Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, has invited organised labour for a meeting to discuss the issue further, suggesting a potential shift in the government’s stance.

NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, stressed the importance of government sincerity in addressing workers’ wages, emphasizing the significant impact of the proposed N100,000 minimum wage on livelihoods.

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Addressing concerns over the feasibility of N100,000, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, a member of the NLC delegation, asserted that such an amount would not adequately sustain workers, especially those supporting families.

He underscored the need for a wage that ensures workers’ well-being, considering factors like family size and living expenses.

Labour representatives criticized government expenditure priorities, highlighting instances of perceived wasteful spending and emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility.

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They called for transparency in the breakdown of proposed wages, urging the government to justify its financial constraints and explore avenues for revenue generation.

While indicating a willingness to consider reasonable proposals, organised labour emphasized the importance of realistic wage figures based on thorough analysis and consultation.

They rejected arbitrary figures and called for a substantive dialogue grounded in factual data and economic realities.

As negotiations continue, the labour movement remains steadfast in advocating for fair wages that reflect the true cost of living and contribute to workers’ welfare and dignity.

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Tribunal: Imo LP Guber Candidate, Achonu Confident Judiciary Will Nullify Uzodinma’s Re-election

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Dailygazettenig
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Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party candidate in Imo’s last gubernatorial election, has expressed optimism that the judiciary will invalidate Governor Hope Uzodinma’s re-election and order a rerun.

Achonu cited substantial evidence of electoral irregularities as the basis for his confidence in the judicial process.

Speaking during a special thanksgiving service at the Holy Trinity Parish in Maitama, Abuja, Achonu recounted instances of violence he endured during the election, including an assassination attempt on his life and the abduction of his cousin, John Chima.

He praised the dedication of his legal team in presenting a strong case before the election petitions tribunal.

Additionally, Achonu commended the bravery of women like Prof. Nnenna Oti, an INEC returning officer in Abia State, who resisted pressure to manipulate election results.

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Achonu expressed trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a democrat who would not interfere with the election petition courts, despite speculation to the contrary.

Asserting his confidence in the judiciary, Achonu stated, “I am very confident that the judiciary will cancel the election. The whole world knows what happened, and what we have tendered in court is very straightforward. There’s no kind of technicality that can upturn it.”

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He highlighted the pivotal role of women in upholding democratic principles and expressed faith that female tribunal judges would uphold justice.

As the election petitions tribunal prepares to deliver its verdict, Achonu and the people of Imo State await the outcome with anticipation, hopeful for a fair and just resolution to the electoral dispute.

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Just In: Manchester City Wins Premier League

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Dailygazettenig
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Manchester City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, has clinched the Premier League title for a record fourth consecutive season following a decisive victory over West Ham on the final day.

The triumph at the Etihad Stadium saw City edge past Arsenal by two points, marking their sixth Premier League title during Guardiola’s tenure.

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Phil Foden emerged as the star of the match, scoring twice in the 3-1 win against West Ham. Reflecting on the victory, Foden told Sky Sports, “Not just me, all the lads have played in important games, we’ve played this scenario over. We were confident. It’s paid off. It was the perfect start. The [nickname] sniper is going to stay forever now. This feeling will never get old. I want this winning feeling always.”

City’s path to the title was marked by a dramatic turnaround.

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Trailing Liverpool by three points and Arsenal by one after a draw against the Gunners on March 31, they won their final nine league games to surge to the top of the standings.

Individual accolades this season include Foden being named FWA Player of the Year and Erling Haaland securing the Golden Boot.

The team now shifts focus to the FA Cup final, aiming to complete a double by defeating Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday, May 25.

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