Russia To Hold Presidential Elections In Occupied Ukraine

Russia To Hold Presidential Elections In Occupied Ukraine

The election will be held over a three-day period from March 15 to 17.

Voting for the Russian presidential election, which is likely to see Vladimir Putin re-elected, will be held in four Ukrainian regions the Kremlin claimed to have annexed last year, Moscow said on Monday.

The Central Elections Commission said voting in March would go ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson — regions of Ukraine over which Russia still does not have full military control.

“The decision was adopted unanimously,” commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS.

The election will be held over a three-day period from March 15 to 17, a move that Kremlin critics have argued makes guaranteeing transparency more difficult.

Putin is not expected to face any major challenges in his bid for a fifth term, with most of Russia’s opposition jailed or in exile.

Five parties have been allowed to put forward a candidate for the 2024 vote without collecting signatures. All support the Kremlin and the military offensive in Ukraine.

Ukraine earlier urged the international community to “resolutely condemn Russia’s intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories”.

Kyiv also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible.

Russia has previously held elections in occupied regions of Ukraine, votes denounced by Kyiv and the West as null and void.

Moscow held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions in September.

One year earlier it had held a “referendum” to annex the territories.

Both votes were also condemned by Kyiv and the West.

Russia unilaterally annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and has held ballots there since.

Dangote Refinery Will Champion Nigeria’s Energy Security — Otedola

Dangote Refinery Will Champion Nigeria’s Energy Security — Otedola

Otedola described the refinery as the "8th wonder of the world", saying that it promises economic transformation for Nigerians and generations to come.

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has described the Dangote Refinery as the “8th wonder of the world”, saying it will champion Nigeria’s energy security.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Otedola said the refinery promises economic transformation for Nigerians and generations to come.

“By meeting our requirements for all refined petroleum products, it will champion energy security and independence for our nation and act as a catalyst for a new era of prosperity for the subcontinent. It promises economic transformation for Nigerians today and for generations to come,” he wrote.

The refinery sited in Lagos and owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is said to have commenced operations with 350,000 barrels a day.

The refinery recently received its first one million barrels of Agbami crude grade, which represents the first phase of the six million barrels to be supplied to the refinery by several suppliers.

Congratulating his “bestie”, Otedola described Dangote as a visionary patriot.

He said the refinery is “much more than just an industrial milestone; it’s a testament to the visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence of one of Africa’s finest and most dogged patriots”.

“I had a front-row seat as this vision was conceptualized and took shape. And I am familiar with the sleepless nights you’ve had to work through over the last decade to bring this dream to fruition.

This refinery is a beacon of hope for millions of Nigerians and Africans. It is also at the vanguard of championing environmental sustainability,” Otedola said.

Why More Manufacturers May Leave Nigeria After P&G – MAN

Why More Manufacturers May Leave Nigeria After P&G – MAN

MAN boss, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said until the Federal Government takes clear measures to address challenges facing manufacturers in the country, more exits will happen in the manufacturing sector.

The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has regretted the exit of multinational consumer goods manufacturer, Procter & Gamble from Nigeria, saying that more manufacturers may follow suit.

He said until the Federal Government takes clear redefined measures to address challenges facing manufacturers in the country, more exits will happen in the manufacturing sector.

“Obviously, we received it (P&G exit) with sadness but it is not totally unexpected and more may happen because there is no doubt that we operate in an environment that is challenged,” Ajayi-Kadir said on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.

“Manufacturing in any economy is a strategic choice, the government has to make up its mind whether it wants its country to be an industrialised one. Once that decision is taken, you have to do all that is needed to remove the binding constraints that limits the performance of that sector, Nigeria has not done so and that is why you can see there are closures.

“I think it is news because it is Procter and Gamble, it is news because it is GlaxoSmithKline, it is news because they have been in the country for a very long time, but they are several others that have died quietly and for reasons that are clearly avoidable.”

The MAN director general, however, said that the exit of multinationals from the country should serve as a lesson to the government, adding that it provides opportunity to promote local manufacturers more that foreign investors as that is more enduring.

“I think there is a strong lesson to be learnt there which is the fact that the big ones that are exiting are those multinationals and I think this will send a clear signal to government that regrettable as it is, it should guide future actions, we need to be strategic in what we promote.

“So, what this means is that if you have a challenged local manufacturer, he is not likely to go anywhere. That is why we are saying that foreign direct investment is excellent, it has led to phenomenal improvement in the performance of the manufacturing sector for so many economies but it should come secondary to empowering the local investor, the existing manufacturers because that is what is enduring.

“So, it is regrettable, it is not totally unexpected, and I think except we take clear redefined measures, many more will happen,” he said.

P&G recently announced its decision to shut down production lines in Nigeria and commence the exportation of its products into the country a few months after another manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline toed same line.

Richarlison Stars As Tottenham Inflict Heavy Defeat On Newcastle

Richarlison Stars As Tottenham Inflict Heavy Defeat On Newcastle

Since topping the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace on October 27, Tottenham had lost four of their next five games to squander the momentum from their blistering start to the season.

Tottenham won for the first time in six matches as Richarlison’s double inspired a 4-1 rout of dismal Newcastle on Sunday.

Since topping the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace on October 27, Tottenham had lost four of their next five games to squander the momentum from their blistering start to the season.

Ange Postecoglou’s attacking tactics were branded as naive during that losing run, but the Australia stuck to his guns and was rewarded with a goal-spree at Newcastle’s expense.

Destiny Udogie put Tottenham ahead in the first half in north London and Brazil striker Richarlison doubled the lead before the break.

Richarlison netted again in the second half and Son Heung-min converted a late penalty as fifth-placed Tottenham moved within three points of fourth-placed Manchester City.

Joelinton’s goal in the final seconds was no consolation for outclassed Newcastle.

Following Thursday’s 3-0 drubbing at Everton, this was another dispiriting result for Newcastle, who sit four points behind Tottenham in seventh.

It was the worst possible preparation for Wednesday’s decisive Champions League group stage clash with AC Milan.

Eddie Howe’s team must beat Milan at St James’ Park and hope Paris Saint-Germain drop points against Borussia Dortmund to qualify for the last 16.

They will need to improve massively on this tame performance, with Richarlison setting the tone when he surged onto Dejan Kulusevski’s pass and fired over in the early minutes.

Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes held his head in frustration after smashing narrowly over from the edge of the area.

Ben Davies kept Tottenham level with a superb last-ditch tackle to deny Alexander Isak as the Newcastle striker prepared to shoot.

Those escapes did nothing to quell Tottenham’s commitment to attack and Cristian Romero’s header was cleared off the line by Miguel Almiron moments later.

Throwing players forward with abandon, Tottenham took the lead in the 26th minute with a goal that encapsulated their freedom of movement.

Udogie advanced from left-back into central midfield to take possession and spread the ball out to Son on the left flank.

That would have been enough for most defenders, but Udogie had licence to go even further forward as he raced into the Newcastle area to meet Son’s low cross with a clinical close-range finish.

It was the Italian’s first goal for the club in his 14th appearance since signing from Udinese, maintaining Tottenham’s record of netting in every league game this season.

Tottenham remained wide open at the other end and Almiron should have done better than shoot straight at Guglielmo Vicario.

But Son was proving unplayable for Kieran Trippier and in the 38th minute the South Korean evaded the defender’s weak tackle before whipping over a cross that Richarlison slotted home from four yards.

Brennan Johnson was inches away from making it three with a fierce strike that clipped the post from 20 yards.

With Newcastle in disarray, Richarlison put the result beyond doubt on the hour mark.

Pedro Porro’s long pass caused chaos as Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka and his defenders left it to each other, allowing Richarlison to nip in for a simple finish.

It got even worse for hapless Newcastle in the 85th minute as Son was fouled by Dubravka, earning a penalty that the Spurs captain dispatched with ease.

Joelinton finished off Callum Wilson’s pass in stoppage time, but the damage had already been done.

Resurgent Everton Compound Fumbling Chelsea’s Misery

Resurgent Everton Compound Fumbling Chelsea’s Misery

Without the penalty for breaching financial rules, which Everton are appealing, Sean Dyche's men would be four points above Chelsea in mid-table.

Everton continued to shrug off the impact of a 10-point Premier League deduction as a 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday took the Toffees four points clear of the relegation zone.

Abdoulaye Doucoure opened the scoring before Lewis Dobbin’s first Everton goal imposed another damaging defeat on Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Without the penalty for breaching financial rules, which Everton are appealing, Sean Dyche’s men would be four points above Chelsea in mid-table.

Pochettino shuffled his pack after a dreadful display in losing 2-1 at Manchester United in midweek.

But the Argentine is struggling to solve his side’s lack of a clinical edge up front, despite the club having spent £1 billion ($1.3 billion) on new players in the past three transfer windows.

Chelsea were able to welcome back Conor Gallagher from suspension, while captain Reece James, Benoit Badiashile and Armando Broja came in as Pochettino made four changes.

But James’ injury-hit campaign goes on as he was forced off midway through the first half.

Chelsea dominated the first half but were undone by a familiar lack of punch up front.

Enzo Fernandez tested Jordan Pickford with an effort from outside the box before the England number one produced a spectacular stop to deny Cole Palmer a stunning goal from long range.

Broja was offering far more than Nicolas Jackson as a target for Chelsea to hit, but did not solve Pochettino’s need for a clinical finisher.

The Albanian prodded his best chance over late in the first half from Mykhailo Mudryk’s teasing cross.

Everton Find Groove

Everton blew Newcastle away 3-0 to move out of the relegation zone on Thursday but took time to warm to their task.

It was not until after half-time that the hosts had a shot on target as Dwight McNeil’s sweet strike from the edge of the box was turned behind by Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea did not heed that warning as they were cut wide open with Everton’s next attack.

McNeil’s pass in behind was perfectly weighted for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and when his effort was saved by Sanchez, Doucoure was on hand to fire in the rebound.

The Mali international scored the goal on the final day of last season that saved Everton from relegation and his six goals already this season are going a long way to prolonging their 70-year stay in the English top flight.

Pochettino turned to Jackson and Raheem Sterling off the bench to rescue a result.

However, Everton comfortably held on before adding to their lead in stoppage time.

Chelsea substitute goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic flapped at a corner and Dobbin smashed home to spark wild scenes of celebrations.

A third win in eight days capped a stunning week for Everton, which has nearly wiped out the toughest sporting sanction in Premier League history.

A seventh defeat in 16 league games in charge for Pochettino sees Chelsea slip into the bottom half, behind west London neighbours Fulham.

The former Tottenham boss has pleaded for patience as he tries to mould together an array of expensive young talent.

But Chelsea managers do not tend to get much time to turn things around and the pressure is on for Pochettino to find a quick fix to his side’s problems.

Good Governance Will Address Military Interventions In West Africa – Tinubu

Good Governance Will Address Military Interventions In West Africa – Tinubu

The President identified good 

governance as a key catalyst to secure popular support through the socio-economic transformation and development of West Africa.

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, implored West African leaders to prioritize good governance and collective prosperity as an essential tool to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

The Nigerian leader, who is also the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said this at the 64th ordinary session of the West African bloc at the State House, Abuja.

Addressing the high-powered regional gathering, the President identified good governance as a key catalyst to secure popular support through the socio-economic transformation and development of West Africa.

“The delivery of good governance is not just a fundamental commitment; it is also an avenue to address the concerns of our citizens, to improve their quality of life, and create a stable environment conducive to the achievement of sustainable development.

“By providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people, we would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in our region,” a statement from the Presidency quoted Tinubu to have said.

Recounting decisions taken by West African leaders to further strengthen the region’s democratic achievements and uphold the right of the people to elect the leaders of their choice, the President said the bloc has outlined specific measures to be taken against any member state opting for an unconstitutional change of government.

“While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community’s Citizens must be upheld and respected.

“To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance to the innocent populations in those countries.

“On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals,” he said.

President Tinubu also used the occasion to applaud President George Weah of Liberia for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent during the last presidential election in Liberia.

He invited leaders at the summit and other participants to give a standing ovation to President Weah. He also acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, who in 2015, displayed a similar commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

“I would also like to seize this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Republic of Liberia for the successful conduct of the presidential election, widely adjudged to be free, fair, and credible.

“Let me also commend my brother and colleague, His Excellency George Weah, for his exemplary leadership and conduct throughout the electoral process.

“By accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond,” he said.

President Tinubu also responded to the recent decision by some ECOWAS-member states, under military rule, to float a so-called ‘Alliance of Sahel States’, describing it as distracting and emphasizing the commitment to pursuing ECOWAS integration.

“The phantom pushback Alliance appears intended to divert our attention from our mutual belief in and commitment to democracy and good governance that will impact the lives of our people.

“We refuse to be distracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as it is laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.

“I take this opportunity to also emphasize that despite the numerous challenges faced in our region, ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones for the betterment of our community.

“ECOWAS activities have always been people-oriented, with a future of raising the living standard of our people. We have to do that through a relentless focus on qualitative service delivery and good governance,” he added.

On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Chairman asked fellow leaders to pay attention to protecting democracy, reiterating ECOWAS’ zero tolerance to unconstitutional changes of government.

“I urge all of us to stand strong and be highly committed in the face of any challenge in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. The message must go down clearly that we support a democratically elected government, not an unconstitutional exercise.

“The re-elected president of Sierra Leone is present here. We are saying loud and clear that we are with you.

“Without let or hindrance, democracy will win, if we fight for it, and we will definitely fight for democracy,” the President stated.

Man City’s Haaland Misses Luton Clash With Foot Injury

Man City’s Haaland Misses Luton Clash With Foot Injury

Man City’s Haaland Misses Luton Clash With Foot Injury

The Norway striker's absence from the trip to Kenilworth Road is a big blow as City try to keep pace with leaders Liverpool.

Erling Haaland misses Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Luton on Sunday with a foot injury that could impact his availability for the champions’ hectic Christmas schedule. 

City boss Pep Guardiola said Haaland noticed the injury after Wednesday’s defeat at Aston Villa.

The Norway striker’s absence from the trip to Kenilworth Road is a big blow as City try to keep pace with leaders Liverpool.

Haaland set the Premier League’s single-season goal record last term and has scored 19 times in the current campaign.

Guardiola will be sweating on Haaland’s fitness with City travelling to the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia before returning for the busy festive programme.

“A bone stress reaction in his foot and after the last game he felt it. He cannot play,” Guardiola said just before kick-off at Luton.

“I don’t know (the length of the injury). Week by week, day by day, we will see what happens.

“We play with 11 that’s for sure. Erling has been so important since he’s arrived that’s for sure. But during the season we see this sort of thing. Injuries, suspensions, problems, we have to adapt.”