Mr Chinedu Nwokeoma, an energy expert with several years of industry experience has proffered solutions to global energy challenges.
Leveraging on his high-level experience in the Oil & Gas industry, Chinedu in an interview with journalists said the prosperity and the growth of the industry will depend entirely on addressing the lingering problems of Net-zero upstream operations, aging equipment, skill shortages, price volatility, strict environmental regulations, and negative industry perception.
He said reviving the industry means tackling the problems of “Net-zero upstream operations, aging equipment, skill shortages, price volatility, strict environmental regulations, and negative industry perception.”
He went further to state that technological innovation, strategic planning, and investment in talent development and sustainable practices will help tackle the aforementioned problems.
Speaking on his career journey so far, he said, “I currently serve as the Business Unit Manager at SPIE OGS, focusing on maintenance contract management in the Oil & Gas sector. My expertise lies in overseeing interdisciplinary projects and ensuring the optimal performance and safety of critical assets.
“As a young project manager, I was captivated by the potential of the energy sector to enhance global energy provision sustainably. The high-stakes engineering challenges and operational intricacies of Oil & Gas fascinated me, propelling me to become deeply involved in this dynamic industry.
“My approach is grounded in comprehensive management skills honed over years in the energy sector. I emphasize proactive strategies like predictive maintenance and innovative technologies to optimize asset performance and longevity.”
Giving other perspectives and solutions, he said: “Clean energy demand is paramount, alongside the push for renewables and the need to provide energy to a growing global population sustainably. Additionally, leveraging data for enhanced production efficiency is becoming increasingly critical.”
Highlighting some of his projects, Chinedu said, “Currently, I’m leading initiatives like the de-carbonization of FPSO infrastructure, monitoring gas flares closely through KPIs, and implementing lean and remote maintenance strategies using predictive analytics.
“I’m particularly excited about advancements in clean energy generation, de-carbonization technologies for recovering flared gases, and the ongoing evolution of maintenance strategies that optimize equipment performance and reliability,” he said.
It has been observed that in the bustling world of energy sector maintenance, a few names stand out. Chinedu Nwokeoma is said to be one of them. With over 14 years of experience in managing complex projects within the Oil & Gas industry, Chinedu has not only witnessed but actively shaped the evolution of maintenance contract management.
Industry expert, Chinedu Nwokeoma proffers solutions to global energy challenges
Industry expert, Chinedu Nwokeoma proffers solutions to global energy challenges
Ndi Nne pair wins first custodian of house challenge
Ndinne pair of the Big Brother Naija Season Nine show has emerged winner of the first custodian challenge.
The duo won the challenge held on Sunday night when 14 pairs of 28 housemates got into the house.
With this, the pair are automatically exempted from possible eviction in the first week of the “No Loose Guard” edition
The Ndinne pair has also been empowered to influence nominations for possible eviction in the first week as well.
The duo was decorated with the custodian badge and given the custodian box, while they await further instruction from Biggie.
The challenge involved the 28 housemates picking a representative from each of the pairs, while the 14 representatives picked were made to pick plastic bottles hidden inside a pool of water.
Nneamaka, who represented the Ndinne duo, was able to pick the desired bottle with the custodian badge.
The housemates include an interesting line-up of a couple, two sets of identical twins, an aunt and a niece, and close-knit friends.
The housemates are in the house battling it out for the N100m winning prize.
The show is expected to run for 10 weeks.
NAN
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Kenneth Okonkwo my brother, a trusted ally – Obi
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has refused to criticise the former spokesman of the presidential campaign council, Kenneth Okonkwo, despite the latter”s exit from the party.
Obi, who reacted to Okonkwo’s decision to leave the party, also cautioned his supporters popularly called ‘Obidients’ against attacking the actor over his personal opinions.
Okonkwo announced his resignation from LP on Sunday.
He also called out Obi for lacking the leadership capacity to resolve the lingering crisis in the party.
In a series of posts on his X account on Monday morning, he described Okonkwo as a trusted ally.
He said Okonkwo was entitled to his opinion and that does not make him an enemy but rather a strong voice and friend.
Obi wrote: “Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
READ ALSO:‘You are a traitor,’ Netizens tackle Kenneth Okonkwo for dumping Obi
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks.
“Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree.
“Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient, and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies, or tactics. My message is clear and simple: unity, respect, and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”
Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo's open letter in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today I saw various responses to the letter.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 28, 2024
The post Kenneth Okonkwo my brother, a trusted ally – Obi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Victim under pressure to drop police station rape case — Family
A relative of the 17-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by a police officer at the Ogudu Area H Command, identified only as Anderson, has accused the suspect’s family of pressuring the survivor’s mother, Aramida Olupona, to forgive the accused officer.
Anderson revealed this information to our correspondent during a phone interview on Saturday.
Recall that during a telephone interview with City Round on Friday, the mother of the teenager, Olupona, said, “Officer Owolabi is supposed to have been charged to court by now, what are they waiting for? What are they covering up?
“Now, it’s more than a week and there has been silence from the police. We have not heard from them since then. We want more than a query given to this officer, the police need to be transparent and hold one of their own accountable for his actions.
“They said they are conducting an investigation, what has come out of it? They are trying to shield the officer, but Nigerians are waiting. In fact, the whole of Africa and the rest of the world are waiting for the next step that the police will take.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, on Friday, also said the command was awaiting the medical report of the test conducted on the minor.
“The accused policeman is currently under detention. We are waiting for the medical report; a medical report in an alleged case of rape is very vital; it is a determinant factor and that is what we are waiting for. But the policeman has been issued a query,” Fayoade said.
This, however, contradicts a text message received by our correspondent after inquiring about the progress of the police investigation.
In response to our correspondent’s inquiry on Thursday, the spokesperson for the command shared a link to a publication by The According, revealing that the police had received the medical report.
According to the report, Hundeyin said the medical examination had been concluded and handed over to the police for onward investigation.
“The test result. It has been handed over to the police and the investigation has continued,” Hundeyin had said.
Though the findings of the medical reports were not disclosed, Hundeyin added, “There will be another update in no distant time.”
While lamenting that the police were trying to sweep the matter under the rug, Anderson, a close family relative of the victim, said Olupona, the minor’s mother, had been subjected to intense pressure from the family members of the accused police officer.
According to him, Olupona’s son (name withheld), who revealed the incident on social media, had been advised to stay away from the area due to fears of being harmed after the alleged crime went viral.
“The police officer and his colleague frequented the minor’s mother’s shop. We never knew that he had such an intention against our daughter. The officer lives inside the police barracks in the area while the survivor, her brother and mother have a shop just outside the police barracks.
“We have begged her (survivor’s mother) to stay away from the shop for the time being. But she insisted that she would not leave her means of livelihood for anything. The brother who made the incident go viral has also been instructed to leave the town for his security.
“Now, the family members of the police officer have been going to her shop to beg. I already told her that she should leave the shop if she can no longer handle the pressure.”
The accused officer allegedly raped the teenager when she went to the station to report a stolen phone. To this day, the command has failed to officially reveal the officer’s identity.
Wike mobilises youths against hunger protest
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is mobilising Abuja youths and other stakeholders against joining the planned August 1 to 10 nationwide protests over hunger and hardship.
Speaking during a ministerial engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Sunday, Wike said, ”Youths and other stakeholders in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils will also be engaged on the same issue in the coming days.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a similar interaction was held with stakeholders in Abuja Municipal Area Council, in Abuja on Saturday.
The minister explained that the interaction was to enlighten them on the ills of protest and why they should not be part of it.
He thanked the traditional rulers and the area council chairmen for mobilising FCT youths for the interaction to enlighten them against joining a protest they do not have a stake in.
“There is no need for the protest. The current administration is barely one year in office and not enough to assess its performance.
“You can’t judge leadership within one year. I have not been in office for up to a year, but I have done so much that should be appreciated and convince people that FCT is working,” he said.
The minister said that so much has been achieved in education, health and other sectors, particularly security.
He urged residents to commend and encourage the security agencies to do more, adding that it would be unfair not to do so.
“It is not fair to say we have not done anything on insecurity when we have improved security in FCT,” he said.
He said that in view of the current development in the FCT, what was desired was peace and not protest.
“We want peace in FCT and so, we cannot fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed in the guise of protest,” Wike said.
On the proposed Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji, the minister said that efforts were on top gear to ensure that the university was one of the best in the country.
“I don’t want to set up a glorified university. I want to put up a university that we will all be proud to have and gladly tell the world that this is the university I attended.
“We are currently on procurement to build classrooms; to build lecture theatres and laboratories for the university,” he said.
Speaking on land matters, the minister said, “The problem of Abuja is land. Once you’re made a minister, it is as if you are coming to share land.
“Nobody talks about development. Everybody is land, land, land, land, land. I feel so bad. Each time I am in my office, when 20 people come to see me,18 will talk about land.
“Nobody will talk about infrastructure; nobody will talk about no hospitals; nobody will talk about no schools, everything is, I need 20 hectares of land and I say, ‘if you carry all this land, where will the indigenous people stay?”
Wike urged youths to cooperate with the current government and stay away from the planned protests organised by people whose agenda was not so clear.
NAN
Bangladesh protests to resume after ultimatum
Bangladeshi students called new street protests for Monday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government ignored an ultimatum to release their leaders and apologise for those killed in deadly unrest.
Student rallies against civil service job quotas this month sparked days of violence that killed at least 205 people including several police officers, according to an AFP count of police and hospital data.
The clashes were some of the worst of Hasina’s 15-year tenure but her government has since largely restored order by deploying troops, imposing a curfew and shutting down the internet nationwide.
At least half a dozen leaders of Students Against Discrimination, the group that organised the initial protests, are among thousands since taken into police custody.
“The government is continuing to show complete and utter insensitivity to our movement,” Abdul Kader, one of the group’s coordinators, said in a statement.
“We are calling for a protest rally across the country,” he added. “We are requesting all citizens of Bangladesh to show solidarity with our demands and join in our movement.”
Students Against Discrimination leaders had vowed to end a week-long moratorium on new demonstrations if police failed to release their leaders by Sunday evening.
The group’s demands also include a public apology from Hasina for the violence, the dismissal of several of her ministers, and the reopening of schools and universities around the country that were shuttered at the height of the unrest.
At least 9,000 people have been arrested nationwide since the unrest began, according to Prothom Alo, Bangladesh’s largest daily newspaper.
Troops are still patrolling urban areas and a nationwide curfew remains in force but it has been progressively eased since the start of last week.
Bangladesh’s mobile internet network was restored on Sunday, 11 days after a nationwide blackout imposed at the height of the unrest, in another sign of the government’s confidence that it was in control of the situation.
Protests began this month over the reintroduction of a quota scheme reserving more than half of all government jobs for certain groups.
With around 18 million young Bangladeshis out of work, according to government figures, the move deeply upset graduates facing an acute jobs crisis.
Critics say the quota is used to stack public jobs with loyalists to the ruling Awami League.
The Supreme Court cut the number of reserved jobs last week but fell short of protesters’ demands to scrap the quotas entirely.
Hasina, 76, has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.
Her government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.
AFP
Lagos task force arrests 124 suspects in black spot raids
The Lagos State Task Force said its officials arrested 124 suspects during multiple raids of criminal hideouts across the state as part of its efforts to restore sanity across the state.
The raid, according to a statement made available to According Metro on Sunday by the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the agency, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, was carried out on Saturday midnight and was led by the agency’s chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele.
Abdulraheem noted that the raided spots which were notorious for drug peddling, hooliganism, and street trading among others included Aminkanle market and NerdC Street by African Shrine in the Agidingbi area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
He added that the arrested suspects were screened and those with genuine businesses were released while others who appeared suspicious would be made to face trial.
He stated, “In the interest of environmental serenity, safety, sanity and maintenance of Lagos State’s Mega City status, the Lagos State Task Force has raided several notorious black spots known for illegal drug peddling, hooliganism, miscreants, street trading around Aminkanle Market, and NerdC Street by African Shrine in the Agidingbi area of Ikeja which had been converted to a trading pavilion on hard drug, restaurants, beer parlour on the road thereby causing serious human and vehicular traffic obstructions and serious environmental nuisance.
“Consequently, a total of 124 suspects arrested were carefully screened and those with genuine business were allowed to go while others will be charged to court.”
According to the spokesperson, Akerele, while reacting to the exercise, noted that it would be a continuous effort to rid the state of criminal elements.
Akerele was quoted thus, “The activities of these suspected criminals at Aminkanle area of Agbado, Jobi Fele Road by African Shrine and NerdC Street, especially at night are dangerous to humanity at all levels.
“They sell drugs indiscriminately which is counter-productive to society and they also contribute immensely to traffic build-up on adjoining roads at night when workers who have spent all day at work still have to spend hours to get home. It is unfair to residents of this area and we will ensure that it is completely stamped out.”
The chairman however, urged the public to provide the agency with useful information about black spots in the state in the interest of the public.
“He urged residents who have useful tips concerning black spots, illicit trading on hard drugs, or any other useful information on environmental infractions to contact the agency through the social media handles or come forth with them to the headquarters at Bolade,” the statement concluded.
According Metro reported on July 16 that motorists in Lagos State were thrown into a panicky mood over fears of enforcement of the ban on commercial yellow vehicles popularly called Danfo and Korope after some officials of the Lagos Task Force seized some commercial vehicles in the Ikeja area of the state.
While reacting to the concern of the motorists, the agency said the exercise was a routine activity to curb the excesses of commercial drivers causing traffic on Lagos roads.
Our correspondent, who monitored activities around the Ikeja Under Bridge area, had observed that the task force officials dislodged traders who were trading close to the bus stop while vehicles alleged to be obstructing traffic were seized.
The operation however led to a scarcity of vehicles in the area, leaving commuters stranded.
‘You are a traitor,’ Netizens tackle Kenneth Okonkwo for dumping Obi
Nigerian social media users have descended heavily on former spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kenneth Okonkwo, after he dumped the party and criticised the party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, on his approach to party matters.
The popular Nollywood actor who announced his decision to leave the LP on Sunday, accused Obi of lacking the leadership capability to resolve the internal crisis rocking the party.
According to the actor-turned-politician, Obi did not do enough to build the party and resolve the party’s leadership crisis because he is weak and lacks what it takes to be a leader.
He said: “I was like, does it mean Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading to nowhere politically?”
“However, I continued in his defence believing he will still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems but to no avail.
“PO also publicly demanded that the Abure-led National Working Committee must organise an all-inclusive convention that will guarantee the participation of all members of the Labour Party in the choice of their leaders.
“This didn’t happen, and surprisingly, PO refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities of the former NWC as their time had expired.
“Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself.
“I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.
“I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that PO is now the problem of LP.
“The Labour Unions now have the unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from PO would have brought the solution. I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever.”
However, Okonkwo’s decision to leave the LP has been seen by many as a betrayal of his former principal.
READ ALSO:Kenneth Okonkwo leaves Labour Party, splits with Peter Obi
While some berated him for the way and manner he left the party, others feel he could have done so without denigrating Obi and speaking ill of him.
Read some of the comments below:
“A leopard can never change its spots. Thank God!
I have been waiting for ds day. Kenneth Okonkwo was a die hard Buharist. How he suddenly became obidient, worried me. He was never genuine!
“PO knew it all along
Wish him good luck as he continues to chase clout
Finally!”
A leopard can never change its spots.
Thank God!I have been waiting for ds day.Kenneth Okonkwo was a die hard Buharist.How he suddenly became obidient, worried me – 180*. He was never genuine!PO knew it all along Wish him good luck as he continues to chase cloutFinally!
— Chuka Umenne (@chukaumenne) July 28, 2024
“Trust Kenneth Okonkwo at ur own peril. Daniel Bwala in my mind. Govt can capture anyone anytime.
“It takes a very clean hand like PO, Dele Farotimi, Rufai Oseni and some others to beat them. Being loquacious does not signify strength!”
Trust Kenneth Okonkwo at ur own peril.Daniel Bwala in my mind.Govt can capture anyone anytime.
It takes a very clean hand like PO, Dele Farotimi, Rufai Oseni and some others to beat them.
Being loquacious does not signify strength!
— Chuka Umenne (@chukaumenne) July 28, 2024
“Kenneth Okonkwo really went hard on Peter Obi, that is a big indictment, saying that Peter Obi doesn’t have the capacity to lead or defend the votes of the Labour Party votes. Anyway, I believe he will eventually go back to APC.”
Kenneth Okonkwo really went hard on Peter Obi, that is a big indictment, saying that Peter Obi doesn't have the capacity to lead or defend the votes of the Labour Party votes. Anyway, I believe he will eventually go back to APC.
— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee ) (@emmaikumeh) July 28, 2024
“People left Jesus despite evident signs and wonders on full display while he was yet on earth. Who then is @PeterObi that Kenneth Okonkwo or others cannot leave?
“Abeg, if you wan leave, leave quickly so that we can know how many of us that believe in a new Nigeria.”
People left Jesus despite evident signs and wonders on full display while he was yet on earth. Who then is @PeterObi that Kenneth Okonkwo or others cannot leave?Abeg, if you wan leave, leave quickly so that we can know how many of us that believe in a new Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/QT7t5KuY41
— Ayodele_Moses★★★ (@Ayodeleaim_CFC) July 28, 2024
“Even Peter the apostle denied Jesus 3times before the day broke. Who then is Peter Obi that Kenneth Okonkwo can not deny?”
Even Peter the apostle denied Jesus 3times before the day broke. Who then is Peter Obi that Kenneth Okonkwo can not deny
— Roland (@Rolandollars) July 28, 2024
“I’m not surprised. Even his “rightest” hand person, apostle Peter denied him three times o, not once. Yet, Jesus is still King and will be King forever. Where PO, goes, I will go, where he leads, I will follow. He’s my principal for life
I'm not surprised. Even his "rightest" hand person, apostle Peter denied him three times o, not once. Yet, Jesus is still King and will be King forever. Where PO, goes, I will go, where he leads, I will follow. He's my principal for life
— Chancellor (@triandex) July 28, 2024
“It wasn’t enough for Kenneth Okonkwo to abandon Peter Obi, he also had to try to discredit him and tarnish his image.
“I look forward to finding that strong and brave politician he wants to align with in 2027, and the values that one espouses. Gosh!”
It wasn't enough for Kenneth Okonkwo to abandon Peter Obi, he also had to try to discredit him and tarnish his image.
I look forward to finding that strong and brave politician he wants to align with in 2027, and the values that one espouses.
Gosh!
— Spotlight Abby (@Spotlight_Abby) July 28, 2024
“Discrediting PO is part of the “release clause” for all of them. Check their modus operandi even Doyin Okupe.”
Discrediting PO is part of the “release clause” for all of them. Check their modus operandi even Doyin Okupe
— (@Ollawaski2) July 28, 2024
“It is quite unfortunate that they all have to discredit Peter Obi on their way out. I think they are jealous that none of them has the integrity Mr Peter Obi has…
“Yeah. Peter Obi knew all these and allowed them to redeem themselves or tell Nigerians who they really are – Wolves… Peter Obi has really exposed a lot of corrupt people more than DSS and ICPC or even that yeye EFCC… You heard me right.
It is quite unfortunate that they all have to discredit Peter Obi on their way out. I think they are jealous that none of them has the integrity Mr Peter Obi has…
— Dede Onyenmachi (ACO) (@DedeOnyenmachi1) July 28, 2024
The post ‘You are a traitor,’ Netizens tackle Kenneth Okonkwo for dumping Obi appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Sexual violence rife in war-torn Sudan capital
Sudan’s warring parties have committed widespread sexual violence against women and girls aged between nine and 60, and prevented survivors from accessing healthcare in the capital, Human Rights Watch said on Monday.
In a new report titled ‘Khartoum is Not Safe for Women’, the rights watchdog recorded testimonies from 42 healthcare workers and first responders on sexual violence and forced and child marriage since war erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Between April and February 2024, 18 healthcare providers alone treated a total of 262 survivors of sexual violence in greater Khartoum, which includes the city of Omdurman just across the Nile River.
But according to first responders, the number of reported cases is only a fraction of the real figure, with most survivors unable or unwilling to seek emergency care.
The RSF “have raped, gang raped, and forced into marriage countless women and girls in residential areas in Sudan’s capital,” said Laetitia Bader, HRW’s deputy Africa director.
“The armed group has terrorised women and girls and both warring parties have blocked them from getting aid and support services, compounding the harm they face and leaving them to feel that nowhere is safe.”
The 88-page report also details “conditions that could amount to sexual slavery”.
Though sexual violence has been primarily identified as a systematic weapon used by the RSF, there have also been reports of sexual violence at the hands of army soldiers.
HRW says there has been “an uptick in cases” reported since the army “took control of Omdurman in early 2024”.
– No access to care –
Across Sudan, survivors have reported debilitating physical injuries as a result of sexual assault, including by several fighters at once.
Among those treated by healthcare workers HRW spoke to, “at least four of the women died as a result” of their injuries.
Women whose assault results in pregnancy have little to no access to abortion care and are at risk of further violence and social repercussions. Some have been abandoned by their families, HRW said.
With the army imposing an effective siege on RSF-controlled areas — restricting even medical and humanitarian relief supplies for over a year — local volunteers in emergency response rooms have played “the leading role in responding to sexual violence”.
Volunteers themselves have been routinely targeted by both sides, with RSF fighters even committing “sexual violence against the service providers”, HRW reported.
The rights group said the RSF’s widespread sexual violence constitutes “war crimes and crimes against humanity”, while both sides’ attacks on healthcare are considered “war crimes”.
They called on the African Union and the United Nations to “urgently deploy a civilian protection force” in the northeast African country.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people across the country, with some estimating the toll to be as high as 150,000.
It has also caused the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people displaced within Sudan — currently on the brink of famine — while over 2 million more have fled across borders.
AFP.
Maduro declared winner of Venezuela presidential election
President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election.
He is thus set to return as president for the third time.
According to the electoral body of the country, Maduro won the election conducted Sunday, July 28, with 51 percent of the vote.
The result contradicted multiple exit polls which suggested an opposition win after the Maduro administration was blamed for wrongdoings that evidently turned most citizens against him.
The result of the poll indicated that opposition candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, who was widely acclaimed to be heading for victory as the election progressed late on Sunday, actually won just 44 percent of the vote.
Maduro has responded to his controversial victory, proclaiming that his reelection is a triumph of peace and stability.
Apparently sensing public suspicion and possible mass dissent, however, he was quick to announce that he would sign a document later in the day, Monday, to hold a national dialogue.
Already, criticism is rife within the opposition that the country’s National Electoral Council acted like an arm of the government rather than an impartial independent body.
The opposition had earlier said voters had chosen a change.
Edmundo Gonzalez said in a post on X not long before the results were announced, “The results cannot be hidden. The country has peacefully chosen a change.”
Maduro declared winner of Venezuela presidential election