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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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