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Sri Lankan president flees to Maldives ahead of planned resignation

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Fresh protests are underway in Sri Lanka demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The protest happened hours after Sri Lanka’s embattled President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his wife fled the country to Maldives on a military flight early on Wednesday.

More than 3,000 protesters were outside the prime minister’s office in Colombo, near the premier’s residence, which was burnt down on Saturday, and near the state-run television and radio station.

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The prime minister’s office said he was considering declaring a curfew and a state of emergency, but would not be able to do so until being sworn in as acting president.

However, Police were seen firing tear gas to push the protesters back, but they were resisting.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Air Force confirmed in a statement that they had provided an aircraft for the president’s departure after receiving approval from the Ministry of Defence.

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Airport sources in Maldives have confirmed that Rajapaksa landed in the capital Malé and was transferred to an undisclosed location.

Rajapaksa is expected to step down following months of protests in Sri Lanka over his failure to address an unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation.

He officially notified Sri Lankan Parliamentary Speaker, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena of his intention to resign on Wednesday, but yet his letter of resignation has not been received.

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Rajapaksa began a five-year term in office in November 2019.

Hundreds of protesters in Colombo have continued to occupy the president’s official residence as well as that of the prime minister after both buildings were stormed by protesters on Saturday.

Police said the occupiers have caused damage at both residences and removed items including laptops and cameras.

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The president’s resignation will pave the way for Wickremesinghe to be sworn in as acting president until a vote is held among the 225 members of parliament on July 20 to elect a new head of state.

However, anti-government protesters are opposed to the elevation of Wickremesinghe to the presidency, considering him an ally of Rajapaksa, and have called for his resignation.

If he does not step down, protesters have threatened to call for a general strike and further protests from Thursday.

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Wickremesinghe, earlier announced he was willing to leave his post if a government of national unity including all political parties was formed, but he is now likely to stand as a presidential candidate in the July elections as he retains the support of some ruling party lawmakers in parliament.

Wickremesinghe was chosen by Rajapaksa to become prime minister when his predecessor resigned on May 9.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to face a severe fuel shortage with long queues for petrol and diesel in evidence across the country.

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Sri Lanka has sought a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but the IMF is demanding political stability as a prerequisite to any release of funds.

(dpa/NAN)

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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