Breaking: Russia Declares Temporary Cease-Fire in two Ukrainian Cities to let Civilians Evacuate

Breaking: Russia Declares Temporary Cease-Fire in two Ukrainian Cities to let Civilians Evacuate

Francis Tayor

Russia said Saturday it was observing a temporary cease-fire in the key Ukrainian port city Mariupol, which it has besieged for days, to allow the creation of humanitarian corridors to evacuate civilians.

The cease-fire went into effect at 2 a.m. E.T. and will cover both Mariupol and the smaller nearby city Volnovakha, Russia’s ministry of defense said.

Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Twitter that the evacuation corridors were being prepared and that a cease-fire was in effect in those areas. Mariupol's city council said evacuations would begin at 4 a.m. ET and last until the end of the cease-fire at 9 a.m. ET.

The move comes after a second round of talks between the two countries earlier this week produced an agreement on the issue, though no progress on a broader cease-fire or end to Moscow’s attack on its democratic neighbor.

For days Russia has encircled and bombarded Mariupol, a large southeastern city on the Azov Sea, hitting critical infrastructure leaving it without water, heat or electricity.

The strategically important city has remained in Ukrainian hands, but the city council accused Russia of creating a “humanitarian catastrophe” and hindering the supply of food.

Russian forces have made key gains in the south in recent days, seizing control of the city of Kherson, further along the coast, and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant after an attack that sparked a fire and brief fears of nuclear meltdown.

Though Ukraine has maintained control of Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy in the northeast and Chernihiv in the north, it is "highly likely" that those four cities have been encircled by Russian forces, according to Britain’s defense ministry.

But its progress has come with an aerial assault on civilian areas across Ukraine, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis that has seen more than a million people flee the country while others have been left to shelter in their basements or local metro stations.

Just-ln: Egbema ljaws urged to produce Warri Fed Rep member comes 2023

Just-ln: Egbema ljaws urged to produce Warri Fed Rep member comes 2023

Egbema Ijaws of Warri North local government Area of Delta state under the aegis of Egbema Focus Group has said the Warri Federal House of Representative dominantly with Ijaws, Urhobo and Itsekiri's, in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta state is the turn of Egbema indigenes to produce the next member of Warri Federal House of Representative  in the National Assembly, in other to balance the political equation comes 2023.

The Egbema youth group passionately appealed to all political actors and leaders in Egbema kingdom to mobilize and ensure that the Constituency is being represented by Egbema son or daughter in this time around.

In a statement issued at the end of consultation, the youths passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Capt Smart Yomi Asekutu, Chairman warri North Local Government Council, Hon. Fred Martin, member Delta State House of Assembly representing Warri North, His Excellency, Dr. Sen. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive Governor of Delta State, Deputy Governor Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, member representing Warri Federal House of Representative, Hon. Bishop Michael Diden, aka Ejele, Chairman DESOPADEC, a fontline aspirant of Delta South Senatorial District seat, for their outstanding leadership style, Equity and fairness.

In a statement signed by Egbema focus group, Comrade Mingo F. Saya, Niger Delta frontier youth leader, urged Egbema sons and daughters in warri North to start their consultation and mobilize the Itsekiris, Urhobo and Ijaws both party and non party faithfuls to support Egbema sons for Warri Rep.

According to the statement, after a duly consultation to top most political agitation groups in Egbema kingdom, Concerned Egbema indigenes (CEI), and other Egbema pressure groups, stakesholders, political associates, leaders, they resolved: “That the Ijaws in Warri North local government area have unanimously resolved to consult all critical stakeholders, political associates, youths for the three Warri local areas to produce the next House of Rep member.

He stressed further that FEG will mobilise massively to produce the next House of Rep member in Warri Federal Constituency so as to sustain the continue unity and peace in Warri. FEG charged all sons and daughters of Egbema Kingdom to warm up for the forthcoming general election in Warri Federal House of Representative seat.

Comrade Mingo remarked that the oil rich Egbema kingdom in Warri North had been sideline for decades, noting that since the fourth Republic, Egbema indigenes never produce any law maker in Federal and State House of Assembly. Egbema indigenes have not produce meaningful appointment in Federal and State cabinets of Delta State and Nigeria.

The kingdom suffering in terms of development, over 25 years Egbema indigenes never represent Delta State House of Assembly and Federal House of Representative and senate, giving the opportunity to Egbema indigenes to produce Warri Rep member will strengthen the unity of Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiris. It will also attract even development to the region. The clamoring for unity and peace in the Warri need power rotation, equity and fairness, absence of unbiased rotation of power,

However, He appealed to Federal and Delta State Government and the three Warri Ethnic nationality's to consider Egbema Ijaws for Rep member in 2023. Support Egbema Ijaw reguest to produce the next Rep member in warri Federal House of Representative, Mingo stated.

Why Oil Companies Are Leaving Nigeria-Kyari

Why Oil Companies Are Leaving Nigeria-Kyari

International oil companies are leaving Nigeria and shifting their portfolios to where they can add value to the journey towards carbon net-zero commitment, the group managing director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has said.

Mr Kyari said this in a speech at the 2022 Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES2022) in Abuja on Monday.

Last year, Royal Dutch Shell announced its plan to offload onshore Nigerian oil assets in a bid to move to cleaner energy.

It said it was discussing with the federal government to sell its onshore oil assets in the country.

Also, Seplat Energy last week announced it has entered into a contract with Exxon Mobil, to buy Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s entire oil assets in Nigeria. That includes all of Exxon’s entire shallow water assets in the Niger Delta.

“Companies are divesting. They are leaving our country. That is the best way to put it,” Mr Kyari said.

“They are not leaving because opportunities are not here but because companies are shifting their portfolios where they can add value and not just that, but where they can also add to the journey towards carbon net-zero commitment.”

He said that transition must have sanity, and there must be justice in the energy transition.

He said the country must have “the most friendly fuel” in place in the next five to 10 years, while building its ability to use renewables.

Nigeria is getting “there” sooner than we think. Niger Delta will soon become an Enugu with coal but no mining activity. Revenues will fall. Foreign loans service will become a challenge. Most civil servants, not only ASUU, will go on strike at Federal and State levels as federal allocation will deplete. Unemployment and criminality will increase. We must task our governments to think and produce contingent post-oil plans. Smell the coffee!

Just-ln: Russian businessman puts $1m bounty for Putin's head

Just-ln: Russian businessman puts $1m bounty for Putin's head

Russian investor and TV personality Alex Konanykhin is offering a $1 million bounty to anyone who captures Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A Russian investor has put a $1 million bounty on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s head, asking for Russian military officers to arrest Putin as a war criminal.

“I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws,” said crypto investor and California-based businessman Alex Konanykhinin a Facebook post on Wednesday.

Konanykhin claimed that Putin had violated the Russian constitution by “eliminating free elections” and “murdering his opponents.”

“As an ethnic Russian and a Russia citizen, I see it as my moral duty to facilitate the denazification of Russia. I will continue my assistance to Ukraine in its heroic efforts to withstand the onslaught of Putin’s Orda,” Konanykhin said, using the Russian word for “horde.”

Konanykhin told Insider that he had put up the bounty which will come from his funds to show that the military assault on Ukraine is not being conducted in his name.

“If enough other people make similar statements, it may increase the chances of Putin getting arrested and brought to justice,” he added.

Konanykhin said has not visited Russia since 1992. When asked about whether he feared reprisal from Putin, the businessman said: “Putin is known to murder his opponents. He has millions of them now.”

According to Vice, Konanykhin was at one point worth $300 million. He is now a member of the “Circle of Money” on the television series “Unicorn Hunters”, along with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and former ‘NSync singer Lance Bass.

Konanykhin was granted political asylum in the US in 1999 but ran the risk of being deported when his status was revoked four years later. His asylum status was reinstated in 2007.

Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted a backlash from Russian oligarchs and lawmakers. In a rare moment of dissent, three Russian lawmakers also spoke out this week about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Featured Article: The Nigeria Political Market, By Enekorogha T. Godbless

Featured Article: The Nigeria Political Market, By Enekorogha T. Godbless

The Nigeria political market is one of  the most biggest and largest political market in Africa. It comes up in every four years, where all adults citizens who registered with the Market Officials are allowed to trade in the market.

The Nigeria political Market is traded across the 36 states of the country with the market officials ( INEC) overseeing all the activities of the market. It is pivotal to note that PVC is the only medium used in the transaction of good and services in the Nigeria political Market.

Unlike other markets, the Nigeria political Market is where citizens choose and select those who will be accountable and reliable to them in every four years and the chosen or selected products in the Market are responsible for providing social amenities, security and employment to improve the standard of living of lives of the people in the country.

However it is dishearten though pathetic that for several decades that citizens who trade in the Nigeria political market don't know what to buy with their PVC. Some buy product of other peoples desire they may not want, having known that the PVC is used once in every four years to demand what one wants in the Market.

There is also another category of persons I found in the Nigeria political Market those who goes  to the market neither to buy or sell but to steal and disturb those who are selecting and choosing products that will be accountable to them for the four years. However these categories of persons are most times sent by leaders to jeopardize the Market especially when they know nobody will buy from them.

I also noticed in the Nigeria political Market that most sellers used money to bribe the buyers from using their PVC to buy from other sellers of their choice. It is however pathetic that most buyers ignorantly fall for them.

There is also these set of persons that does not have PVC to select good products but blame others for selecting their choice.

The Nigeria political Market is here again and it will be traded in 2023. But what category do you fall into in the Nigeria political Market. 

1. Are you among those who does not have PVC but blame others for selecting their choice ? 

2. What kind of product do you want to buy in the Nigeria Political Market ?

 3. And remember you can only buy a product once in every four years in the Nigeria Political Market. Will it last you ?

4. Are you among those who buy product because others desire it ?

Brace up Nigerian Adult youths and trade wisely in the forthcoming Nigeria Political Market 2023.

Unusual As Man Marries Three Sisters (Triplets) At Once In Congo

Unusual As Man Marries Three Sisters (Triplets) At Once In Congo

 

A Congolese man, identified simply as Luwizo, has tied the knot with three sisters said to be triplets at once.

The 32-year-old groom said he met one of the triplets called Natalie via Facebook, chatted a while, fell in love with her, and decided to meet her in person, Afrimax English reported.

He said that after Natalie introduced him to her sisters, Nadege and Natasha, the duo soon fell in love with him too.

Wizo, as he is fondly called, said he was shocked to meet three identical women after visiting Natalie’s house to formalise their marriage.

“I was very much surprised that I almost fainted. It seems like I was dreaming!” Wizo exclaimed.

Since the triplets were so close and inseparable, they chose to marry the same man.

Asked about how they handled the situation, one of the triplets said, “When we told him he had to marry all of us, he was shocked. But because he had already fallen in love with all of us, nothing could stop our plans since we were also in love with him.

“Even though people considered it impossible for three women to share one husband, to us, sharing everything has been our life since childhood.”

Luwizo said although his parents never approved of his unpopular decision and decided to not grace his wedding, he had no regret whatsoever going forward with it.

“You have to lose something in order to gain another. In addition, one has their preferences and their own way of doing things. So I’m happy to marry the triplets no matter what others think. My parents despised my decision and that’s why they didn’t attend my wedding. But all I can say is love has no limits,” the groom surmised.

Sen. Aguariavwodo consults Burutu PDP Excos, solicits for vote Ahead party primaries

Sen. Aguariavwodo consults Burutu PDP Excos, solicits for vote Ahead party primaries

Oyinbi Onduku

Ahead of the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party, PDP primaries across the country, a top contendant in 2023 Delta State Governorship election, distinguished Senator Emmanuel Edesiri Aguariavwodo, on Tuesday 1st March, 2022 stormed Burutu in a consultative visit to the PDP executives as well as other potential ad-hoc delegates in other to solicit for their votes.

Senator Aguariavwodo and his entourage was overwhelmed by the unconditional love shown upon him by the Chairman PDP Burutu LGA, Hon. Victor Ebike Oromoni, the various party ward chairmen, youth leaders, Secretaries, women leaders as well as all the statutory ad-hoc delegates with their massive turnout in the meeting.

Speaking during the meeting at Warri Club, the former NDDC Managing Director  said the ljaw people are his own brothers and are special breeds. Senator Aguariavwodo noted that he visited his second home because he is partly from ljaw, Ayakoromo in particular, and late. Chief. T.O. Onduku's family, whose mother Aligboro is from Okpare Olomu, his big Aunty in Ughelli South LGA, of the state.

He stressed that while he was MD in NDDC, he initiated the master plan and design for the development of the Niger Delta region. The shoreline protection, pilling, contruction of landing jetty, bridge building in the riverine areas was among the master plan he initiated.

According to Sen. Aguariavwodo, said:

" As MD NDDC then, l fought for the development of ljaw nation. It was me that suggested the headquarters of NDDC to be sited at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital because it was the ljaw people's agitation that gave birth to the establishment of the commission by former president Olusegun Obasanjo. But after much deliberation, the leaders from the region decided the capital of NDDC should be situated in Portharcourt, and that was how it came to stay".

Speaking further, Senator Aguariavwodo maintained that through NDDC, he masterminded the construction of Gberegolor/Esyanma bridge, road from Esyanma to Ayakoromo, road from Bomadi to Tuomo down to Ojobo among others. 

" Let me not take too much of your time because you all will went back to your various communities in the river. The purpose of my meeting with you today is to consult, appeal and solicit for your support and votes in the forthcoming PDP primary elections. I am among the founding fathers of our dear great party in Delta State, entrust me with your votes and l will not disappoint the people of the riverine communities when elected Governor of Delta State through PDP platform. I strongly believe that with God and your help, l can make it to Government House, Asaba come 2023". 

However, Senator Aguariavwodo commended the inccubent Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, for his unprecedented developmental strides across the state, stressing that he will continue from where he stop when he becomes the next governor. 

Finally, Senator Aguariavwodo attested to the fact that he received the best reception from Burutu PDP family so far during his consultation campaign, praying God to replenish them for their kind gesture, the statement adds.

In his reaction, the Chairman PDP Burutu LGA, Hon. Victor Ebike Oromoni, asserted that distinguished Senator Emmanuel Aguariawodo has done well for ljaw people and the Niger Delta at large, describing him as a man with humility whose character has catapulted him to his present status in life. Oromoni noted that Burutu PDP delegates speaks in one voice, assuring him of their total support when the time comes.

He however, appealed to distinguished Senator Aguariavwodo to remember them when he becomes the governor of Delta State, in carrying along all the ward chairmen in terms of appointment as well as empowerment, Oromoni remarked.

Responding on behalf of the delegates, the chairman of all chairmen PDP Burutu LGA, Mr. Akpoebide Ebimienkumo, thanked distinguished Senator Aguariavwodo for the timely visit, saying the coast is clear for his victory in the forthcoming PDP primaries. He concluded by appealing to His Excellency, distinguished Senator Aguariavwodo not to disappoint them when he becomes the governor of Delta State come 2023, Akpoebide stated.

The root causes, and what you need to know about Russia, Ukraine War

The root causes, and what you need to know about Russia, Ukraine War 

Francis Tayor

The tension and geopolitical strife between Russia and Ukraine assumed a terrifying dimension after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday with explosions heard across the country.

Reuters reports that many countries have called for a diplomatic way out of the current crisis between the two countries, but Putin has intensified further military action.

While there had been tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, for a long time, the situation began getting out of control in early 2021.

Here are points to know about the conflict between the two countries:

1. In January last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO.

2. This angered Russia, which started sending troops near its Ukraine border for “training exercises” in spring last year and increased it during autumn.

3. Russia does not want Ukraine in NATO – and has said as much in its list of security demands which were sent to the US last December. The demands included a halt to any NATO drills near Russia’s border.

 

4. Ukraine is not a NATO member but it wants to be. NATO, which the United States, the arch-rival of Russia, is a part of, is the subject of heightened tension. Meanwhile, NATO too, is open to make Ukraine its member because it is considered a partner of alliance.

5. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.

 

6. NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance whose purpose is “to guarantee the freedom and security of its members through political and military means”.

 

7. Ukraine’s growing links with the EU and the West has also been vehemently opposed by Putin.

 

8. By December last year, the US began to lament about the deployment of the Russian troops and President Biden warned of severe sanctions if Russia invaded Ukraine.

 

9. This is not the first time tensions between Russia and Ukraine has reached a boiling point.

10. Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014 when rebels backed by President Putin had seized large swathes of easterrn Ukraine and have fought Ukraine’s army since then. At that time, Russia had annexed Crimea.

11. As a former Soviet republic Ukraine has deep social and cultural ties with Russia, and Russian is widely spoken there, but ever since Russia invaded in 2014 those relations have frayed.

 

12. Russia attacked Ukraine when its pro-Russian president was deposed in early 2014. The war in the east has since claimed more than 14,000 lives.

13. Russia and Ukraine had signed the Minsk peace accord to halt the armed conflict in east Ukraine, including the Donbas region.

14. But as the conflict has continued, Russia explained that it is sending “peacekeepers” to the region where the conflict is brewing. The West calls it a smokescreen by Moscow to occupy sovereign territory.

 

15. The new tension between Russia and Ukraine, which also borders the European Union, has repurcussions for the EU. And that’s why the EU, most of who are NATO signatories have joined the US in announcing sanctions, against Russian entities.

 

16. Ukraine, which was part of the Russian empire for centuries before becoming a Soviet republic, won independence as the USSR broke up in 1991. It moved to shed its Russian imperial legacy and forge increasingly close ties with the West.

17. A decision by Kremlin-leaning Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to reject an association agreement with the European Union in favour of closer ties with Moscow led to mass protests that saw him removed as leader in 2014.

18. Russia responded by annexing Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and throwing its weight behind a separatist rebellion that broke out in Ukraine’s east.

 

19. Ukraine and the West accused Russia of sending its troops and weapons to back the rebels. Moscow denied that, saying the Russians who joined the separatists were volunteers.

20. Furthermore, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO are a red line, and expressed concern about plans by some NATO members to set up military training centres in Ukraine. This, he has said, would give them a military foothold in the region even without Ukraine joining NATO.

Edo Govt. Warns sea pirates terrorising it's waterways to stay clear

Edo Govt. Warns sea pirates terrorising it's waterways to stay clear

Edo State government through the Senior Special Assistant, SSA to the Governor on Waterways Security and Surveillance, Mr. Amokachi Perete, has send a strong warning to sea pirates terrorising the waterways to desist from their wicked act or prepare to face government forces to contend with.

In a statement released over the weekend in Benin and signed by himself, Amokachi said those criminal elements sabotaging the economic activities in Benin riverine Communities would be apprehended if they refuse to repent. 

He stressed that Edo State government will not tolerate any act of illegality or diversion of the natural resources meant for the over all interest of the general public. He therefore, advised those criminal elements to desist from their nefarious activities in the state waterways or ready to contend with government forces.

According to the Press Statement, read:

Press Statement 

26th February, 2023

The attention of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Edo State on Waterways Security and Surveillance, Mr Amokachi Perete and his Deputy Mr Godstime Ogidigba, has been drawn to criminal activities happening on the waterways of Edo State.

In a Statement signed by Mr Amokachi Perete, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Waterways Security and Surveillance, revealed that there are some economic saboteurs on the waterways and in the creeks who are deliberately twarting the efforts of state and federal government in its quest to generate the required internally generated revenue to all the arms of Government.

Mr Perete, said the mandate given to him is to ensure sanity, safety on the waterways in collaboration with all security agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives, Property and including critical infrastructures.

He said with this announcement all those perpetrating havoc on the waterways are advised to desist from it and face their lawful business as Edo State Government will not tolerate any act of illegality or divert of the natural resources meant for the interest of the general public.

The statement further said a mass action will soon commence on the waterways and creeks as those found wanting will be prosecuted inline with the existing laws of the land.

Let's try Ganagana for 2023, Gen. Buggy Appeals to Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituents

Let's try Ganagana for 2023, Gen. Buggy Appeals to Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituents

As the 2023 general elections draws closer, a Toru-Angiama and Azebiri born active youth leader in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Patani/Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, Gen. Raymond Nanaere popularly known as Buggy, has appealed to the good people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to try Rt. Hon. Okolobaowei Basil Ganagana in the House of Reps come 2023.

Raymond make the appeal over the weekend at Azebiri Community in Bomadi LGA of the state, while addressing some grassroot youths and women of the PDP faithfuls, stated that Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency needs fresh candidate who can project and protect the interest of the masses. 

He stressed that Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana is a grassroot politician and a true son of the soil whose leadership sagacity is very glaring to the common man to see. He is well informed and has the experience in the legislative business. When given the mandate, he will attract meaningful infrastructural development to the grassroot people.

According to him, said:

"The people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in Delta State has expressed confidence in Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobawei Ganagana leadership sagacity based on past and current track records.

They are tired of the monarchical retrogressive style of representation by the inccubent law maker whose election into office since 1999 to date had not make any drastic change or impact to alleviate the suffering of the people.

The Community's in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency cannot boast of portable drinking water, primary health care center, electricity, road network and the presence of any higher institution being influenced by the current representative over the past 22years.

The seat of Bomadi/Patani Federal House of Representative is not a traditional stool made for a single individual or one family to occupy till thy kingdom come. We need a change of leadership in order to usher in fresh ideas for accelerated development in our community's".

It is based on that premises, a youth leader of Ward 7 Toru-Angiama, in Patani LGA of Delta State, Gen. Raymond Nanaere aka Buggy Man, has come out to appeal to the good people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to vote Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobawei Ganagana, as member House of Representative come 2023.

Gen. Raymond said the era of bad leadership and unproductive representation is over, stressing that Basil Ganagana is the chosen one to liberate the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency from underdevelopement.

He noted that Ganagana is tested with proven integrity, capacity and has the political will to attract federal projects to the grassroot. He appeal to the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to be rest assured that Okolobawei Ganagana will attract meaningful infrastructural development lacking in our community's when given the mandate to serve, he stated.

Defend Ukraine, and Face Great Consequences, Putin Warns US, Britain, Others

Defend Ukraine, and Face Great Consequences, Putin Warns US, Britain, Others

Francis Tayor

In a bid to justify the attack, Putin claimed “A hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned other world leaders against interfering with the hostile position on Ukraine.

Russian forces on Thursday unleashed an attack of Ukraine on the orders of Putin, who announced a “special military operation” at dawn, amid warnings from world leaders that it could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

Within minutes of Putin’s short televised address, at about 5 am Ukrainian time, explosions were heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, The Guardian UK reports.

 

In a bid to justify the attack, Putin claimed “A hostile anti-Russia is being created on our historic lands.”

“We have taken the decision to conduct a special military operation,” he said, in what amounted to a declaration of war. He claimed it was for the “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine, echoing a theme of Kremlin propaganda, the false claim that the Kyiv government is controlled by the far right.

“We do not intend to occupy Ukraine,” he said, and he had a chilling warning for other nations.

 

“To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside: if you do, you will face consequences greater than any of you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,” he said.

As Putin was speaking and the first detonations were being reported, the UN security council was holding an emergency session, chaired by Russia itself, which holds the rotating presidency.

 

It was begun by the UN secretary general, António Guterres, who made a direct appeal: “President Putin – stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.”

Joe Biden issued a written statement saying:

 “The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.

“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said.

 

“Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

Other world leaders also condemned the invasion.

 “I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively,” said Boris Johnson.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, which had announced new sanctions against Moscow just hours before the attack.

Oromoni Urges Deltans on Regular Environmental Sanitation

Oromoni Urges Deltans on Regular Environmental Sanitation

......As mobile court prosecuted over 100 offenders,  go one for violating delta monthly environmental sanitation exercise

The Mobile Sanitation Court on Saturday 26th February, 2022 has prosecuted over one hundred (100) offenders and imprisoned One (1) environmental offender in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Chief Magistrate, Tunde .V. Smooth (Mrs), who presided over the Mobile Court sitting at Warri South Local Government Council Secretariat prosecuted the offenders for flouting sanitation orders during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the State.

The defaulters were apprehended by the Delta State Taskforce On Environment and Warri South Local Government Officials with other Security Agencies.

The exercise is a monthly routine which compels residents to stay indoors and clean their environments except those on essential duties between the hours of 7am-10am.

Speaking with newsmen  while monitoring the compliance of the monthly sanitation exercise by residents, the chairman of the Delta State Taskforce On Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni commended the Mobile Sanitation Court, the State Taskforce Team, Warri South Local Government Officials and Security Agencies for the huge success recorded during the exercise.

Also, he condemned the actions of the defaulters who were arrested while roaming about and others transacting their private businesses when they should be engaged in the monthly sanitation exercise.

He explained that the need to arrest the violators became necessary in order to put an end to environmental nuisance in the state.

“It is disheartening that despite efforts of this administration at providing an enabling and sustainable environment to residents, people still went ahead violating the environmental laws of the state, not minding the fact that a filthy environment poses threats to our lives.

According to him' the mobile sanitation court has been given the necessary support to deal with anyone found violating the sanitation orders and it will continue till the people understand the need to take care of their environment and start observing the monthly environmental Sanitation exercise of the state

In his speech ' the purpose of Sanitation is not to roam about but  to keep the environment clean, clear the over grown weeds, sweep your houses and shops and clear your drainages

He emphasized further ' that Cities across the world that attract investors are those that have  clean environment

He warned that the current dispensation has zero tolerance for environmental pollution and would stop at nothing to keep the state clean

Oromoni further hinted; that the next environmental Sanitation will be a very tough one that his team (the state taskforce) will be stationed in the various local government area to enforce environmental sanitation complaince.  Do not fall a victim 'he warned.

He therefore sends a note of caution to the residents, landlords and business owners to  adhere to the norms guiding the exercise and observe the state monthly environmental sanitation and always keep the environment clean at all times.