The Edo State Government and the immediate past administration are at loggerheads over revelations by former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka regarding the state governorship election on September 21. Chidoka, during a programme on Channels Television on Friday, criticised the conduct of the election, alleging that it was rigged. In response, Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, in a statement released Saturday, said Chidoka’s Athena Centre did not cover substantial parts of the state during the election. He stated further that representatives of the Athena Centre were stationed at the Edo State Government House under the supervision of former Governor Godwin Obaseki to manipulate figures. He said, “On Friday, 29th of November, 2024, Osita Chidoka decided to throw his toys around on behalf of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, as bad losers do. In a well-orchestrated plot hatched by the PDP, in connivance with a serial defector featherweight politician from Anambra State, Osita Chidoka, they tried to bully and blackmail the judiciary into circumventing the will of Edo people. The shameful display, which was unfortunately aired on a once-respected national television, Channels TV, reeled out numbers purchased from ‘Oluwole Market,’ and impetuously concluded that the 21st September governorship election in Edo State was rigged. “Unfortunately, Osita Chidoka’s Athena Centre did not cover the election in substantial parts of the state. They sat in Edo State Government House under the supervision of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki to concoct and orchestrate figures and numbers to suit their mindset. “First, the factional chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party in Edo State is blind to the glaring reality that the party was spurned by Edo people in the last governorship election because of their weakness as their own enemies. “Overlooking its messy and divided house, the party is shopping for non-existent evidence to upturn the popular will of the people at the Tribunal. What exactly is the intention or benefit of orchestrating a media trial, as Mr. Chidoka has done? It amounts to deliberate ambush. “Even though the PDP and its hatchet man understand that discussing an issue that is sub-judicial is wrong, they are unremitting in their shambolic plot to supplant facts with concoctions, hoping to arrive at their premeditated end. “This case is already in the tribunal; it should be allowed to run its full course without inhibitions. Thankfully, courts do not pander to concoctions, prevarication, sentiments, red herrings, contradictions, and orchestrations but rely on evidence and facts. “We are hopeful that the judiciary will remain firm in the face of this blackmail, intimidation, and orchestrated media attacks. “The recent attempt by the PDP and their serial defector, Osita Chidoka, to arm-twist logic and employ demagoguery to whip up sentiments amounts to the last cry of a bull as the butcher’s knife serrates its chord; and nothing more. Related News Traffic offenders to do community service in Edo Cheers and jeers: Mixed reactions as Okpebholo begins reforms in Edo Inauguration of Stella Obasanjo Hospital by Obaseki disgraceful - Okpebholo “We are aware that former Governor Godwin Obaseki and some PDP leaders in Edo State, along with their supporters, held a meeting during the week with online merchants and editors of leading newspapers, where it was decided that media trial would be their pattern to discredit the credible Edo election of 21st September. “The truth of the matter is that INEC conducted a very free, fair, and violence-free election acknowledged by domestic observers in their reports. Even the PDP leadership in Edo State, in its review and report, acknowledged that the APC won the election. The latest drama by Osita Chidoka amounts to merely beating about the bush, trying to rake up mud against the election. The PDP should allow the tribunal to do its job in line with established procedures. “We can see that they have recourse to social media, national newspapers, and pliable television stations to push their ugly narratives that Governor Okpehbolo did not win the 21st September governorship election in Edo State. “By this, we make them aware that Governor Monday Okpehbolo is making good progress in office as the duly elected governor with an irrevocable mandate for the next four years.” However, media aide to Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, said the revelation clearly threw the Edo State governor and his allies into a frenzy. He said, “The independent analysis by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a non-partisan research institute, of the sham election that installed Monday Okpehbolo as governor of Edo State clearly threw the governor and his godfathers into a frenzy. “Channels TV, in their show, Politics Today, laid bare the mindless and unprecedented transgressions of the Independent National Electoral Commission and their conspirators, the Edo All Progressives Congress. The show must have been a difficult 30 minutes even for the most vile criminal. “Taunted by overwhelming evidence and data exposing the systemic rigging and brazen subversion of the people’s will during the September 21 governorship election, the APC, rather than covering their faces in shame, resorted to a smear campaign, lies, and propaganda to distract from the daylight robbery and undermine the integrity of institutions advocating for the judiciary to right the wrong of the electoral umpire and their conspirators. “The independent analysis broadcast yesterday is the outcome of a forensic examination of data and documents made available to the research institute by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It revealed widespread manipulation and substantial interference in the electoral process by the umpire. But the APC, a party to the robbery, would rather have the findings dismissed, distorted, or buried under a barrage of propaganda and baseless accusations. “Among other things, the centre uncovered shocking discrepancies in the election results, showing that INEC inflated the number of accredited voters by over 100,000 in 798 polling units. They also discovered that polling officers recorded 580,000 accredited voters, yet INEC’s backend mysteriously produced 687,000, further buttressing evidence of deliberate tampering with the election. “There were glaring inconsistencies between INEC’s certified results and the data uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Specifically, the forensic analysis revealed that PDP’s results were slashed by 11,665 votes during collation, while 32,284 votes were illegally added to APC’s tally, demonstrating the brazen manipulation and fraud perpetrated against the people of Edo State during the last governorship election. “While we sympathise with the APC over their trauma from the public exposure of their electoral fraud in Edo State by the Athena Centre, we restate our resolve to reclaim the mandate duly given by the good people of Edo State. “We trust in the impartiality of the judiciary and are confident they will rise above the distractions and intimidation tactics of the APC, ensuring justice is served and the will of the people prevails.”
Gong Li's dedication to staying active and healthy is truly inspiring. Despite her busy schedule as an actress and her age, she manages to find time for sports, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Playing badminton, a sport that requires agility, quick reflexes, and stamina, demonstrates her commitment to physical fitness and well-being.
One night can change everything in Syria. A peaceful neighborhood can be transformed into a battlefield, a bustling market into a scene of destruction, and a family's home into rubble. The conflict in Syria has been marked by brutality, with both government forces and rebel groups committing atrocities that have shocked the world. Civilians have borne the brunt of this violence, facing death, displacement, and untold suffering.Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday for talks with North Korean military and political leaders as the countries deepen their cooperation over Russia’s war in Ukraine. In announcing the visit, Russia’s Defense Ministry didn’t say whom Belousov would meet or the purpose of the talks. North Korean state media didn’t immediately confirm the visit. Belousov, a former economist, replaced Sergei Shoigu as defense minister in May after Russian President Vladimir Putin started a fifth term in power. Photos released by the Defense Ministry showed Belousov walking alongside North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol on a red carpet at a Pyongyang airport. North Korean military officials were seen clapping under a banner that read, “Complete support and solidarity with the fighting Russian army and people.” Belousov noted after his arrival that military cooperation between the countries is expanding. He applauded a strategic partnership agreement signed by Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following their June meeting in Pyongyang, which he said is aimed at reducing tensions by maintaining a “balance of power” in the region and lowering the risk of war, including with nuclear weapons. The June meeting demonstrated the “highest level of mutual trust” between the leaders, Belousov said, and “also the mutual desire of our countries to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in a complex international environment.” North Korean Defense Minister No also praised the expanding cooperation between the countries’ militaries and reiterated North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine, describing it as a “just struggle to protect the country’s sovereign rights and security interests.” The visit comes days after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the South Korean capital, Seoul, and called for the two countries to formulate countermeasures in response to North Korea’s dispatch of thousands of troops to Russia to help its fight against Ukraine. Kim in recent months has prioritized relations with Russia as he tries to break out of isolation and strengthen his international footing, embracing the idea of a “new Cold War.” The United States and its allies have said North Korea has sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in recent weeks and that some of those troops were engaging in combat. North Korea has also been accused of supplying artillery systems, missiles and other military equipment to Russia that may help Putin further extend an almost three-year war. There are also concerns in Seoul that North Korea, in exchange for its troops and arms supplies, could receive Russian technology transfers that could improve its nuclear weapons and missile programs. “The Russian defense minister doesn’t visit North Korea just to celebrate bilateral ties,” said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. “This visit indicates Putin and Kim’s military cooperation in violation of international law is about to increase further.” Yoon’s national security adviser, Shin Wonsik, said in a TV interview last week that Seoul believes that Russia has provided air defense missile systems to North Korea in exchange for sending its troops. Shin said Russia also appears to have given economic assistance to North Korea and various military technologies, including those needed for the North’s efforts to build a reliable space-based surveillance system, which Kim has stressed is crucial for enhancing the threat of nuclear-capable missiles targeting South Korea. Shin didn’t say whether Russia has already transferred sensitive nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technologies to North Korea. Yoon’s office hasn’t said whether the two governments discussed the possibility of South Korea supplying weapons to Ukraine in his talks with Umerov. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, South Korea has joined U.S.-led sanctions against Moscow and provided humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv. But it has avoided directly supplying arms, citing a longstanding policy of not giving lethal weapons to countries actively engaged in conflicts. Yoon has said his government will take phased countermeasures, linking the level of its response to the degree of Russian-North Korean cooperation. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Belousov will meet with Kim, the North Korean leader. Last year, Kim hosted a Russian delegation led by then-Defense Minister Shoigu and gave him a personal tour of a North Korean arms exhibition, in what outside critics likened to a sales pitch. That event came weeks before Kim traveled to Russia for talks with Putin which sped up military cooperation between the countries. During another meeting in Pyongyang in June this year, Kim and Putin signed a pact stipulating mutual military assistance if either country is attacked, in what was considered the two countries’ biggest defense deal since the end of the Cold War. The Russian report about Belousov’s visit came as South Korea scrambled fighter jets to repel six Russian and five Chinese warplanes that temporarily entered the country’s air defense identification zone around its eastern and southern seas, according to the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. It said the Russian and Chinese planes did not breach South Korea’s territorial airspace. South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it held telephone calls with Chinese and Russian defense attaches based in Seoul to protest the flights and urge the countries to prevent recurrences.MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote . The closing of polls started a countdown to the announcement of official results as independent polling firms were preparing to release so-called quick counts. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front. Uruguay's staid election has turned into a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the first round. But other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Congress ended up evenly split in the October vote. Most polls have shown a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, with nearly 10% of Uruguayan voters undecided even at this late stage. Many said they believed turnout would be low if voting weren't compulsory in the country. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation," said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates' lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power elsewhere . “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over a surge in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, campaigned on a vow to continue the legacy of current President Lacalle Pou — in some ways making the election into a referendum on his leadership. He campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." While a string of corruption scandals rattled Lacalle Pou's government last year, the president — who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term — now enjoys high approval ratings and a strong economy expected to grow 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Inflation has also eased in recent months, boosting his coalition. Delgado served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor's pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to iconic former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who raised Uruguay's international profile as one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations during his 2010-2015 term. His Broad Front coalition oversaw the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation of 3.4 million people. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , was among the first to cast his ballot after polls opened. “Uruguay is a small country, but it has earned recognition for being stable, for having a citizenry that respects institutional formalities,” he told reporters from his local polling station. “This is no small feat.” While promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay, Orsi plans no dramatic changes. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi similarly pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power, describing Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.
In a move that has stirred controversy and raised concerns among NATO member states, U.S. President Donald Trump has once again threatened to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization unless member countries increase their financial contributions and share the burden of costs more evenly. Trump, known for his tough stance on defense spending by allies, made the remarks during a recent press conference, reiterating his long-standing belief that the United States has been shouldering a disproportionate share of the alliance's financial commitments.Cruz Beckham is not letting online trolls get to him as he promotes his music. The youngest son of David and Victoria Beckham shared a teaser for his new track For Ya Love on his social media platforms over Christmas, which sparked all sorts of reactions—including nepotism taunts. The 19-year-old Cruz hit back timely with his two cents on nepotism, saying, "Jesus is also a nepo baby." This didn't end there as Cruz responded to another comment that said "Bet he had mega money and training," to which the aspiring musician replied, "Not at all. Just a guitar." It's reported that Cruz deleted his controversial comment about Jesus 12 hours later on Boxing Day, per Mirror . A post shared by CRUZ (@cruzbeckham) Besides Cruz, his older brother Brooklyn has also been at the centre of criticism for fluctuating career aspirations and lack of a steady full-time job. Brooklyn is now apparently a wine buff after ditching football and photography. The 25-year-old Brooklyn was also dubbed "Nepo Spice" in January 2023 when he chatted about his passion for fashion in a Vogue feature with his wife, Nicola Peltz, where the lovebirds gave fans a glimpse into their closet. Vogue captioned the footage: "You could say that @brooklynbeckham loves @nicolapeltzbeckham's style. Like, really loves it. As seen on the latest episode of #vogue7days7looks." Critics took charge immediately, "Is this Brooklyn Beckham... the Brooklyn Beckham, chef, photographer, stylist extraordinaire," one TikTok user teased. "Dude is cosplaying a different career every other week," another commented, while a third joked, "He's doing a free trial of everything." Spencer Pratt, the reality TV star known from The Hills and Celebrity Big Brother , threw some shade with a sarcastic quip, "Not just a chef and photographer he also celeb stylist." Another critic chimed in with a dig at Brooklyn's indecisiveness, "Another career choice, make up your mind Nepo Spice," while a TikTok user cheekily suggested: "I hope the next episode will be Brooklyn cosplaying as plumber or surgeon!" Brooklyn, despite his various career attempts, hasn't quite found his niche yet. The eldest child of football legend David Beckham once dropped out from Arsenal's youth team in 2015 for not securing a scholarship to stay on at the academy. He then tried his luck with modelling and appeared in a music video for The Vamps in 2015, and bagged an incredible gig working under fashion photographer Rankin. His stint at Parsons School of Design ended prematurely when he dropped out. His foray into the world of photography with the 2017 book What I See lacked stellar reviews, leading to disappointing sales. Brooklyn has now turned his attention to the kitchen.
CHICAGO, Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) , a leading global supplier of custom-engineered solutions for user interface, LED lighting system and power distribution applications, announced it will release its second quarter fiscal 2025 results for the period ended November 2, 2024, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, before the market opens. Following the release, the company will conduct a conference call and webcast to review financial and operational highlights led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Jon DeGaynor, and Chief Financial Officer, Laura Kowalchik, at 10:00 a.m. CST. To participate in the conference call, please dial 888-506-0062 (domestic) or 973-528-0011 (international) at least five minutes prior to the start of the event. A simultaneous webcast can be accessed through the company’s website, www.methode.com, on the Investors page. A replay of the teleconference will be available shortly after the call through December 19, 2024, by dialing 877-481-4010 and providing passcode 51622. A webcast replay will also be available on the company’s website, www.methode.com, on the Investors page. About Methode Electronics, Inc. Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: MEI) is a leading global supplier of custom-engineered solutions with sales, engineering and manufacturing locations in North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We design, engineer, and produce mechatronic products for OEMs utilizing our broad range of technologies for user interface, LED lighting system, power distribution and sensor applications. Our solutions are found in the end markets of transportation (including automotive, commercial vehicle, e-bike, aerospace, bus, and rail), cloud computing infrastructure, construction equipment, and consumer appliance. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Industrial, and Interface. For Methode Electronics, Inc. Robert K. Cherry Vice President Investor Relations rcherry@methode.com 708-457-4030
No. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streakIn conclusion, the takedown of Manson Market represents a major victory for European law enforcement in their efforts to combat cybercrime. By dismantling such underground platforms, authorities are sending a clear message that illegal activities on the dark web will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
From Poco, iQOO, Redmi, and OnePlus to Motorola, check out the best smartphones under Rs 20,000 with AMOLED display to have better viewing experience. Before buying a new smartphone, you need to have constant research and analysis of the essential benefits. With the advancement in technology, it is not difficult to find a good display phone in the budget segment. All you need is a good AMOLED display phone to let you have a good viewing experience for binge-watching the content. If you are looking for a new smartphone, then here are a few options for you to find the best AMOLED display phones under Rs 20,000. Phones Under 20000 With AMOLED Display Moto Edge 50 Neo The Moto Edge 50 Neo offers a 6.4-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a good option. The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset powers it and provides a clean stock Android experience. The phone comes with three rear cameras: a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto camera. On Flipkart, it’s listed at Rs 21,999, but with a Rs 2,000 card discount, you can grab it for Rs 19,999. OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, it delivers performance for everyday tasks. The phone has a 50MP main camera, a 2MP secondary sensor, and a 16MP front camera for selfies. The 5110mAh battery supports 80W fast charging, and it’s priced at Rs 17,999. iQOO Z9 The iQOO Z9 features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a brightness level that works well in different lighting conditions. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chipset, it features a 50MP Sony IMX882 OIS camera which supports 4K video recording. It’s priced at Rs 18,498 on Amazon. Redmi Note 13 Pro The Redmi Note 13 Pro, available for Rs 18,250 on Amazon, is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. Its display features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision support. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus adds a layer of durability to the screen too. Poco M7 Pro The Poco M7 Pro is priced at Rs 13,999 and comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 chipset. It features a display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera for photos. The phone has a 5110mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging, making it a good option for users who want longer usage without frequent charging. Click for more latest Mobile Phone news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Divya is a Senior Sub-Editor with about 3 years of experience in journalism and content writing. Before joining News9live, she had contributed to Times Now and Hindustan Times, where she focused on tech reporting and reviewing gadgets. When she's not working, you can find her indulging in Netflix, expressing her creativity through painting, and dancing.Premier League Club Sacks Referee Who Insulted Liverpool Official, Terminates Contract Immediately