CSO Praises Amupitan's Stand Against Ballot Theft and Vote Manipulation

The Institute for Reliable Elections and the Program for Transparent Leadership have praised the Head of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, for his clear statement indicating that the time of stealing ballots and altering outcomes has ended.

In a press release published on Wednesday from its spokesperson, Dr. Augustus Maduka Obum, the organization referred to the Chairman's declaration, delivered during a meeting between the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and INEC offices in Abuja, as a courageous, appropriate, and comforting confirmation of his commitment to ensure fair elections in 2027.

The statement said, 'Professor Amupitan has told Nigerians that the technology currently used by the Commission is robust enough to safeguard each vote in the 2027 general election.'

This is more than just empty talk; it serves as an unmistakable indication that the troubling era of election-related violence has come to an end.

The team, which has been carefully observing the INEC Chairperson's activities since taking up position, showed approval for his intentional measures to shield opposing political groups from the arbitrary decisions, mood swings, and intimidation tactics of the dominant party.

The team highlighted that Amupitan has shown extraordinary bravery and autonomy within institutions in protecting the election procedure from excessive political influence.

As a result, it urged opposing political parties, non-governmental organizations, the press, and every relevant party to stand united with the INEC Chairperson and provide him with the required backing to achieve success.

The group emphasized that many preventable challenges INEC has faced over the years were engineered by political figures who intentionally cause disorder and later accuse the Commission.

The statement further noted, 'If political actors strictly followed the regulations and ceased employing the courts to manipulate elections for personal gain, many of the issues faced by INEC would never occur in the first place.'

The Foundation particularly commended Amupitan for making sure that opposition parties encountering legal issues were still provided with the required codes and the chance to submit their candidates via the INEC website.

"This one act of justice and managerial bravery highlights an individual committed to doing what is correct, despite the political challenges," the organization noted.

Additionally, it was highlighted that Amupitan, an esteemed attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the inaugural chairman of INEC who has contributed to the commission a remarkable blend of extensive organizational understanding and strong legal background.

"This marks a turning point. We believe that with his guidance, INEC will always act appropriately in every situation," the statement mentioned.

The team called on Nigerians to back the INEC head for success instead of criticizing him or making accusations that might erode trust in the voting system.

It urged political figures from every faction to promptly stop behaviors that create unnecessary challenges for INEC staff, or that aim to compromise the fairness and trustworthiness of the voting procedure.

"Nigeria's democracy can't withstand another round of rigged or contested elections. It's now time for all political players to adhere to the regulations, honor the autonomy of INEC, and let the voice of the citizens be heard freely," the declaration ended.

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Singapore Confirms Arrest Warrants for 1MDB's Jho Low Remain Active Despite U.S. Clemency Effort

A number of assets connected to 1MDB continue to be held in Singapore, including properties valued at approximately $78 million linked to Low and his relatives.

Singapore police stated that arrest orders for the wanted financial figure Jho Low are still valid, despite the fact that the Malaysian keeps trying to request mercy from the US President Donald Trump .

"Warrants of arrest and Interpol "Red Notices remain active for both Tan Kim Loong and Low Taek Jho," stated the police in a release on Wednesday. Tan is recognized as an associate of Low and is also involved in Malaysia's multi-billion dollar case. 1MDB scandal .

The U.S. and Malaysian officials accuse Low of orchestrating the 1MDB controversy, where billions are said to have been illegally taken from the state-owned investment firm 1Malaysia Development Berhad. Funds were reportedly redirected via a network of dummy corporations, with Low — who has remained hidden since 2015 — denying any involvement in improper activities.

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim He stated that his administration would not entertain any petition for clemency regarding Low, as reported by the state news agency Bernama. Legal processes concerning Low—who faced charges in his absence in 2018—continue to be pursued.

Singapore officials mentioned that multiple properties linked to 1MDB are still under seizure in the country, including those associated with Low and his relatives. By July 2024, approximately S$164 million (US$127 million) in assets had been frozen or restricted from being sold, with S$101 million related directly to Low and his family.

Malaysia has retrieved 29.75 billion ringgit (US$7.3 billion) worth of assets linked to 1MDB, representing roughly 70 percent of the 42 billion ringgit reportedly misappropriated from the fund, as reported by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission .

In 2018, Low faced charges from U.S. officials but managed to avoid capture. Recently, he filed a request for clemency with the U.S. Department of Justice, as mentioned in an announcement on the DOJ’s official site.

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Editorial: Why Male-Line Emperors Are Harming Japan’s Imperial Future

Efforts have progressed towards amending Japan's Imperial Household Law for the first time since the adoption of the present constitution, aiming to ensure the continued operations of the imperial family. However, the core issue—establishing a clear route for secure imperial succession—has remained unresolved.

A suggestion for dietary improvements aimed at ensuring sufficient members within the Imperial Family has been developed. The majority of political parties have endorsed a strategy allowing female descendants of the Imperial Family, such as Princess Aiko, who is 24 years old and the child of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, to maintain their titles following marriage. Additionally, this approach includes provisions enabling males from previous branches of the imperial family to be adopted into the Imperial Family. However, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, which serves as the primary opposition group in the House of Councillors, rejected the idea of adoptions.

According to the Imperial Household Act, a woman within the royal family who weds someone not part of the dynasty forfeits her imperial title. Among the six single individuals in the Royal Family belonging to generations below the current emperor, five are females. The only male among them is Prince Hisahito, the 19-year-old firstborn son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. Without intervention, this trend will continue unchecked, leading to further reduction in their ranks.

It is appropriate to honor the desires of the women within the Imperial Family and let them decide if they wish to stay part of the family. Both the governing and opposition parties largely concur on this matter. As this issue significantly impacts the personal lives of female members of the imperial household, it must be implemented as soon as possible.

The question of whether the husbands and children of women in the imperial family should also be included in the imperial lineage was central to discussions, but an agreement remains postponed at this time. This is due to concerns from the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and others that granting membership to these individuals might result in an emperor descending through the maternal line.

However, some argue that if spouses and offspring continue to be regular citizens, enjoying constitutional rights to participate in politics and economics, there is a possibility the Imperial Family might be taken advantage of. The present-day Imperial Family performs its official responsibilities as a unified family, making it reasonable for husbands and children to also be part of this familial structure.

At the same time, it raises concerns that the proposal to include adoptive individuals who have a paternal lineage tracing back to an emperor as part of the imperial family was approved.

The people in question would be descendants of the 11 former branch houses that left the Imperial Family about 80 years ago. It is doubtful that the public would accept, as objects of respect, people who were born and raised as ordinary citizens. Some also argue that this would amount to discrimination based on family lineage, which is prohibited by Article 14 of the Constitution. Tracing the male line, their blood relationship to the current Imperial Family is distant, and one would have to go back as far as the Muromachi period (approx. 1336-1573).

According to an opinion survey conducted by Mainichi Shimbun in May, 63% favored permitting women from the Imperial Family to keep their titles, whereas backing for the adoption proposal stood at just 36%.

Article 1 of the Constitution indicates that the Emperor's role comes from "the will of the people." The LDP along with its allied party Nippon Ishin (known as the Japan Innovation Party, or JIP), clearly mentioned in their joint agreement that implementing this plan was their main focus; however, this does not truly reflect the will of the general population.

Firstly, the proposal to include males from previous branch families into the imperial family was not included in the 2005 report prepared by an expert committee during the Junichiro Koizumi government. This decision was made due to concerns regarding public comprehension and acceptance, as well as issues related to stability and traditional practices. In order to maintain the current structure, the committee supported the possibility of having female and maternal-line emperors.

Approximately half of Japan's former emperors had mothers who were consorts, yet this practice does not align with modern societal values. So long as there remains a strong commitment to preserving the paternal lineage, women joining the imperial family will face significant expectations to bear a son. Maintaining such a structure would prove very challenging.

With the progress of women within society and increasing examination of gender-based roles, societal values have evolved. The Emperor’s position as a symbolic figure is upheld not solely through tradition and lineage, but also due to the public's comprehension and empathy.

Following World War II, the imperial family has adapted well to changing societal circumstances, such as accepting wives from common people.

According to a Mainichi survey, 72% of people support having a female emperor. If the issue of permitting female rulers and those from the maternal line isn't addressed, the system could face an impasse, both structurally and regarding societal perception.

Nevertheless, House of Representatives Speaker Eisuke Mori stated during a press briefing on June 8 that if a boy was born to an adoptive family member, he would be eligible to inherit the throne. This statement contrasted with the Diet's proposed plan, which sought widespread consensus, revealing the LDP's genuine commitment to maintaining the male lineage.

After the specific legislation for amending the Imperial Household Act and enabling the resignation of current Emperor Emeritus Akihito came into effect in 2017, a joint resolution approved by both the governing party and the main opposition urged the administration to explore methods for securing consistent imperial succession and establishing branches headed by women within the royal family. However, the 2021 report from the government’s advisory committee suddenly introduced an adoption proposal without addressing the core issue of succession.

The present Diet plan is merely an improvised solution aimed at maintaining the size of the Imperial Family, and it fails to address the key problem directly. A fresh group of specialists needs to be formed, and the discussion should begin anew with greater depth.

The present imperial household has aimed to remain "close to the people," which has garnered backing. However, should the family move excessively away from public awareness due to intense endeavors to preserve the custom of male-only inheritance, it would lose its legitimacy as the "emblem of the nation and the representation of national unity."

Supreme Court: Cosmetic Tattoos Not Considered Unlicensed Medical Practice

The highest judicial authority has decided that individuals without medical training cannot face penalties for conducting aesthetic tattooing services like eyeliner and forehead line tattoos. This represents the initial instance where the court implemented its updated ruling, set by the Supreme Court as a whole body just last month following 34 years of previous guidelines, stating, "Aesthetic tattoo procedures carried out by those without medical qualifications do not qualify as unauthorized medical activity."

The Third Division of the Supreme Court (presided over by Justice No Kyung-pil) concluded the case of aesthetician A, resulting in an acquittal for alleged violations of the Health Crime Control Act as an unlicensed medical professional on the 11th.

Person A faced charges for conducting semi-permanent eyebrow and hairline tattoos on 14 customers between March and June 2019 at a beauty clinic located in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, earning more than two million South Korean won. The prosecutors claimed that tattooing, which includes puncturing the skin using needles to insert color, qualifies as a medical procedure under the Medical Services Act, asserting that A, who lacks medical qualifications, performed unauthorized medical activities.

Nevertheless, both the initial and subsequent trials found A. Not guilty. In the first trial held in 2022, it was determined that the phrase "medical act" within the Medical Services Act should be understood narrowly, referring exclusively to activities connected with illness prevention, identification, therapy, or comparable functions. The court decided that eyebrows and hairline tattooing have no connection to treatment and can be carried out by individuals without medical qualifications provided they receive appropriate instruction and maintain proper sanitation standards, therefore not falling under the category of medical acts. The second trial confirmed the verdict of innocence.

Last month on the 21st, the full bench of the Supreme Court updated its previous ruling, noting, "Although tattooing may sometimes be done by healthcare practitioners, it is usually conducted by individuals without medical training. Standard cosmetic tattoo services provided by those without medical licenses do not qualify as practicing medicine without authorization." This represented the initial modification in legal guidance after 34 years.

After the en banc ruling, the Supreme Court rejected the prosecutor's appeal and concluded with A's innocence. The court remarked, "The lower court's verdict stating that the tattooing process was not considered a medical procedure and therefore led to A's acquittal is justified."

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Democratic Party infighting: Song Young-gil urges unity

Under continuous scrutiny from supporters of Cheong regarding Democratic Party of Korea Representative Song Young-gil's support for Kim Kwan-young, an independent contender in the June 3 local election race for governor of North Jeollanam-do, Song remarked on the 11th, "We should prioritize unity rather than discord."

Previously, on the 30th day of the previous month, Song stated during a YouTube stream, "It's inconsistent for the Democratic Party to remove Kim Kwan-young and concentrate their efforts on North Jeolla," noting, "As Kim was also selected by President Lee Jae Myung, this choice should be made based on the opinions of local voters." This occurred as Kim, who had contested the party's move to banish him and subsequently campaigned independently, competed against the Democratic Party's candidate Lee Won-taek.

As a reply, Lee Sung-yoon, a member of the Pro-Cheong Faction's Supreme Council, shared on Facebook on the 7th, "Are you attempting to weaken the party's leadership?" and expressed criticism, saying, "The statements and behavior of former Representative Song are reckless and represent significant damage to the party." The next day, Representative Yoon Joon-byeong remarked, "Song Young-gil, who publicly backed the independent candidate Kim Kwan-young and engaged in acts of disloyalty—shouldn’t he be considered responsible?" and continued, "It feels awkward just to think of him as a possible leader within the Democratic Party."

Lee Won-taek, who won against Kim in the election, shared on Facebook the day before, "Song Young-gil's actions detrimental to the party should face disciplinary measures." The newly elected representative stated, "Song's comments violated those within the party who tirelessly fought to safeguard Democratic Party candidates throughout North Jeolla, constituting an intolerable breach of loyalty."

The song didn't explicitly respond to these critiques. Rather, he shared a post on Facebook on the 11th, mentioning an interview with President Lee Jae Myung featured in *The Economist* the day before. The piece stated, "Since the country became democratic, over half of South Korea's presidents have faced impeachment or imprisonment," and also mentioned, "President Lee admitted that the chance of him falling into this harmful pattern is 'very likely.'"

Song said, "I was shocked when the president talked about the history of impeachment and detention of previous presidents and acknowledged, 'There's a good chance I could become a victim.'” He added, "My recollection of saying goodbye to President Roh Moo-hyun in May 2009 remains clear," and questioned, "What have we understood, what should we remain cautious about, and what do we need to safeguard amidst this sorrow?"

Song stated, "We've already experienced the painful reality of how severe the divisions within the Democratic Party can become." He further noted, "These splits haven't strengthened us; too much harsh critique and blame between each other, once they go beyond bounds, eventually block progress towards bigger objectives."

Song stated, "People who look in the same direction don’t have to blind each other," and emphasized, "We should prioritize the common good rather than feelings, embrace inclusivity instead of separation, and promote solidarity over conflict." He ended with, "Let’s support the Lee Jae Myung administration using the strength of unity and strive to improve citizens' lives."

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Sudan Cabinet Passes Law for Darfur's Regional Governance

June 10, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – On Wednesday, the Sudanese cabinet gave approval to the Darfur regional administration law, which is a key condition outlined in the 2020 Juba Peace Accord concluded between the interim government and various armed groups.

A temporary administration established following the removal of ex-President Omer al-Bashir incorporated the Darfur regional draft legislation into the Juba Peace Accord. Nevertheless, the military takeover in October 2021 hindered the necessary legal processes for its enactment.

Although the legislation has not been enacted in recent years, a local administrative body was formed under Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi, who took up his position according to the provisions of the peace accord.

In a declaration, the cabinet mentioned that during its routine session held in Khartoum on Wednesday afternoon, led by Prime Minister Kamil Idriss, they endorsed the 2026 Darfur regional administration bill submitted by Justice Minister Abdullah Mohamed Durf.

The leader emphasized the importance of promoting national cohesion and societal integration throughout every segment of Sudanese community and areas. He mentioned that Darfur continues to be a valued component of the country, noting that the collective determination is strong to regain control over it by backing the military and the Sudanese population in their conflict with the "rebel terrorist Rapid Support Forces" group.

In his view, Darfur Governor Minni Arko Minawi commended the council for approving the 2026 Darfur regional administration bill through agreement following many years when it was only an unfinished proposal.

According to the Juba Peace Accord, legislation outlines frameworks for sharing authority and resources, managing assets, and overseeing local administration. Additionally, it provides the regional authorities with extensive capabilities to handle administrative, developmental, and public service issues.

From the initial months of the conflict between the armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) starting in April 2023, the RSF has maintained control over much of the Darfur area. The organization transformed it into a center for both politics and warfare, setting up an alternative administration to oversee local matters.

In the meantime, the Sudan Liberation Movement, headed by Abdel Wahid Nur, has control over sections of North, Central, and Southern Darfur provinces. The military along with its partners in the Unified Forces have a foothold in three areas located in the extreme northwest of North Darfur Province: Tine, Ambara, and Karnoi.

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Sudan's Somoud Coalition Rejects Islamist Involvement; Minawi Opposes Exclusion

June 9, 2026 (NAIROBI) - On Tuesday, the Civil Democratic Coalition of Revolutionary Forces (Somoud) reaffirmed its complete refusal to permit the disbanded National Congress Party (NCP) to take part in any upcoming political activities, even as leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Minni Minawi, expressed resistance against being excluded from politics.

The alliance ended a three-day physical session of its leadership body in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. Led by Abdalla Hamdok, the concluding statement highlighted the importance of keeping out the Islamic Group, the abolished NCP, and their affiliated groups, along with eradicating their impact within armed forces, law enforcement, and public administration sectors.

Nevertheless, efforts to remove the NCP encounter opposition from certain political groups and military organizations. Minni Minawi, head of a Sudan Liberation Movement group and governor of Darfur, said on Tuesday that he opposes excluding any political entity from the Sudanese discussion.

Minawi emphasized that the political process should involve every group throughout the spectrum, particularly highlighting the NCP and groups within the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC).

Call for Humanitarian Truce

Somoud encouraged the Sudanese Army and the RSF to embrace a humanitarian ceasefire proposed by the Quartet group. The alliance advocated for unhindered distribution of assistance to create conditions for a political dialogue aimed at restoring civil governance and merging the nation's various groups into one proficient national military force.

The leadership office voiced significant worry about the worsening living and medical situations faced by Sudanese people within their own country as well as in nations where they have sought refuge, calling for global action and asking receiving countries to stop mandatory returns.

The alliance recognized continued initiatives aimed at forming an extensive civilian opposition to the conflict, supporting recent statements issued in Nairobi, Cairo, and Addis Ababa. It additionally acknowledged a U.S. move to classify the Islamic Movement and the Al-Baraa bin Malik group as terror organizations.

In addition, the Sudan Liberation Movement group headed by Abdel Wahid al-Nur declined to endorse the shared outlook with the Democratic Bloc at the latest talks in Addis Ababa, stating differences regarding the clear removal of the NCP, the Islamic Group, and their associated entities.

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US Senators Push Bill to Label Sudan's Warring Factions as Terrorists

June 10, 2026 (WASHINGTON) – A coalition of U.S. senators from both major political parties has proposed fresh legislation seeking to bring an end to the fighting in Sudan, with a provision requiring the Biden government to assess if the conflicting groups meet the criteria for being designated as international terror entities.

A bill named the "Preventing External Aggression and Conflict Escalation in Sudan Act of 2026," also known as the "PEACE in Sudan Act," mandates the Secretary of State, along with input from the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, to carry out a legal review of Sudanese military groups. They have to "assess if any armed group in Sudan fulfills the requirements for being classified as a specially designated global terrorist" according to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The government is required to present a confidential report detailing its conclusions and specify its intended measures to the Congressional Committee on Foreign Relations and the Judiciary within 90 days following the law's implementation. . Although the proposed text does not directly identify any particular group for instant classification, it places all combatant groups under review.

The political initiative follows previous efforts led by Republican Senator Jim Risch, the top-ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who proposed the legislation. Risch has consistently urged the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to be classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) or a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), describing their activities in Darfur as genocidal. He revived these calls at the beginning of 2026 after the United States labeled the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist.

The SDGT label enables the U.S. government to seize all assets and interests within U.S. control and prevent financial activities. The FTO designation adds further legal consequences, classifying the provision of "material support" — like money, instruction, or supply chains — as illegal under American legislation, along with subjecting overseas organizations interacting with the group to indirect punishments.

The Department of State would also have to submit periodic updates regarding human rights abuses that occurred after the conflict began on April 15, 2023. These evaluations should record the involvement of underage fighters, the employment of hunger and sexual assault as tools of conflict, assaults on medical centers, and violence driven by ethnic motives.

The executive branch has 180 days to present a plan aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and a political resolution. This necessitates strong collaboration with global diplomatic organizations, particularly the Quad made up of the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Quintet consisting of the African Union, IGAD, the Arab League, the European Union, and the United Nations.

The legislation grants the president authority to enact property seizures and travel restrictions against any foreign individual who hinders peace initiatives, destabilizes the shift toward civil rule, or provides arms to those involved in hostilities. .

The legislative measures involve extending the term of the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan by five years. It also halts non-humanitarian assistance and directs U.S. representatives at global financial organizations to reject debt forgiveness or rebuilding loans for the Sudanese administration until a confirmed peace accord is established and abuses stop.

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Breaking: Police Investigate Election Commissions Amid Ballot Shortage

Law enforcement officials looking into the "shortage of ballots" event from the June 3 municipal elections carried out a raid and took items from the National Election Commission and additional sites early on the 11th.

On the morning of the 11th, the Metro Investigation Division of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Authority stated that they will conduct searches and seizures at seven sites—including the National Election Commission, the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission, and the electoral offices for Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts—due to allegations of breaching the Public Officials Election Act and negligence in their duties.

More than 100 staff members, including detectives from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's major investigative unit, officials from the National Investigative Bureau, and cyber forensic experts from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Department, took part in this action. Additionally, prosecutors were involved, with three legal representatives and more than ten investigators from the combined investigation center participating in the inspection and confiscation activities at the National Election Committee, the Seoul Metropolitan Election Committee, and the Songpa District Election Committee.

The authorities said, "With this search and seizure operation, our focus is on determining the reason behind the ballot shortage that affected voters' rights and gathering evidence needed to reveal the actual facts of the case," and they further mentioned, "The Seoul Metropolitan Police Department intends to conduct the inquiry quickly following legal protocols until the combined investigative center between the prosecutors and police is completely established."

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Leaders of Major Parties Suffer Big Losses in Local Elections

During the June 3 local elections for leadership positions in metropolitan autonomous entities, the Democratic Party of Korea won 12 seats, while the People Power Party captured 4. Nonetheless, a public poll indicated that 40.3% of respondents believed the People Power Party was actually victorious, surpassing the 34.3% who saw the Democratic Party as the winning side, with an accuracy range of ±3.0 percentage points. Still, most voters from both the governing and opposing parties felt their respective party leaders were the main losers in the contest.

A study carried out by Media Tomato for News Tomato between the 8th and 9th showed that 40.3% of participants considered the People Power Party the actual victor of the June 3 local elections. 34.3% opted for the Democratic Party, 15.9% said "none," 6.7% picked different parties, and 2.9% were unsure.

Within the base of Democratic Party voters, 61.3% considered the Democratic Party to be the actual victor, whereas only 17.9% saw the People Power Party as such. In contrast, 74.2% of People Power Party backers felt their party had emerged victorious, with merely 6.8% acknowledging the Democratic Party’s win. For independents, 37.1% leaned toward the People Power Party being the winner, while 31.5% backed the Democratic Party, with these figures lying within the range of statistical uncertainty.

When questioned about which political figure suffered the most significant defeat, 30.3% mentioned Jang Dong-hyeok of the People Power Party, 25.6% opted for Jung Chung-rae from the Democratic Party, and 19.6% said "no one." Eleven point eight percent pointed to Cho Kuk, the previous leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, who stepped down following his loss in a local election in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Eight point four percent expressed uncertainty, while 4.4% picked Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party.

Among followers of the Democratic Party, 34.7% considered their party head Jung Chung-rae as the main failure, with 24.4% naming Jang Dong-hyeok and 11.0% selecting Cho Kuk. For supporters of the People Power Party, 41.2% blamed their leader Jang Dong-hyeok, 18.8% targeted Jung Chung-rae, and 9.8% chose Cho Kuk. Independents were divided nearly evenly: 26.5% selected Jang Dong-hyeok, 24.4% opted for Jung Chung-rae, and 11.8% supported Cho Kuk.

Before the Democratic Party's national convention in August aimed at selecting a new leader, a simulated three-candidate race showed 24.0% support for Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, 18.4% backing current leader Jung Chung-rae, and 15.8% endorsing Representative Song Young-gil. Within the ranks of Democratic Party voters, Kim Min-seok was ahead with 40.1%, followed by Song Young-gil with 24.0% and Jung Chung-rae at 22.9%.

In terms of public support, the Democratic Party received 42.9%, marking a decrease of 1.4 percentage points compared to three weeks earlier. Meanwhile, the People Power Party increased to 34.7%, gaining 4.4 percentage points, which reduced the difference between the two major parties from 14.0 to 8.2 percentage points. Additional political groups included the Rebuilding Korea Party with 3.5%, the Reform Party at 2.7%, the Progressive Party with 2.0%, and other smaller factions accounting for 3.7%. A total of 9.6% of respondents did not have a favored party, while 0.7% remained uncertain.

The president's approval rate regarding national matters dropped to 54.0%, decreasing by 5.2 percentage points, whereas dissatisfaction increased to 40.9%, rising by 5.3 percentage points.

The study took place using a wireless automatic response system between the 8th and 9th, focusing on 1,036 adults across the country. The participation rate stood at 2.7%, with a margin of error of ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence interval. Additional information can be found on the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission's official site.

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Hong Summoned Again in Martial Law Investigation

A second thorough inquiry led by Special Counsel Kwon Chang-yeong questioned former National Intelligence Service (NIS) Chief Deputy Hong Jang-won on the 11th regarding claims that he conveyed justifications for martial law to foreign allies such as the United States, as part of his responsibilities related to an attempted coup.

Hong reached the special counsel's office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, around 9:46 a.m. that day. Upon speaking with journalists, Hong said, "I will fully support the special counsel's inquiry," and mentioned, "There's a lot I want to share, but I'll provide all details within."

The special prosecutor considers the NIS's justification for its actions following the imposition of martial law, presented to the CIA and other entities on December 3, as an element of the coup attempt. As per the special prosecutor, the NIS was asked by the Office of National Security on December 4, 2024, to "provide information about the circumstances leading to the emergency martial law" for foreign allies, alongside a Korean-language document entitled 'External Explanatory Documents.'

Under former NIS Director Cho Tae-yong’s instructions, Hong’s overseas division reportedly translated the document into English and briefed the CIA station chief in South Korea. The special counsel believes Hong oversaw and approved the entire process.

Hong rejects all accusations. His lawyer stated to journalists, "The document related to the CIA was revealed after martial law ceased on December 4, yet the NIS's political affairs meeting and director-level gathering took place the day before, on December 3. It is unreasonable to connect the CIA communication, which arrived following the end of martial law, with the uprising."

As for where Hong was on the day martial law was imposed, the spokesperson stated, "Hong departed from work approximately at 1:30 a.m. on December 4, following the National Assembly's decision calling for an end to martial law. There were no references to CIA-related matters or conversations during the meeting held by department heads near midnight on December 3."

The special prosecutor had previously interviewed Hong for about nine hours on the 22nd of last month. Following this, Hong stated, "As I once served in an important role at the NIS, the special prosecutor may have misinterpreted the circumstances, but I think I adequately explained those misconceptions." Nevertheless, the special prosecutor considered further inquiry essential and called him back for another session.

At the same time, the special prosecutor is also looking into Jeon Moo-gon, who previously served as head of the Planning and Coordination Bureau at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office. Jeon supported former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung during the imposition of martial law. The special prosecutor intends to review the actions taken by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office and scrutinize Shim's instructions on the day martial law was declared. Furthermore, they will assess if the office unlawfully interfered with ongoing investigations and court cases related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol and others following the declaration of martial law.

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Leadership Clash: PPF Council Members Divided Over Resignation

Woo Jae-jun, a senior member of the People Power Party's Supreme Council, expressed during the party's recent Supreme Council meeting on the 11th, "I hope every one of our leaders steps down." This statement was met with a public rebuttal from fellow Supreme Council member Cho Kwang-han, who criticized, "That's childish rhetoric," leading to an intense debate. Although Jeong Jeom-sig, the newly appointed floor leader, called for cohesion in his inaugural speech at the Supreme Council—"There's no time to focus on groups or splits; we must come together"—the ongoing turmoil within the party continued to be evident.

During the morning session at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Woo mentioned the outcomes of the local elections, suggesting, "I think our leaders should create opportunities for future generations." He also noted, "Many within the party back People Power Party head Jang Dong-hyeok," yet emphasized, "In that case, we ought to organize an additional nationwide conference. Allow them to compete once more through a new vote and undergo fresh assessment. This would enable those who feel discontented to acknowledge the result, allowing us to come together again."

After taking the microphone, Cho commented, "Making childish statements publicly indicates considerable political naivety." Woo responded, "Inexperienced?" and Cho reiterated, "We can talk about this privately later."

Leader of the People Power Party, Jang Dong-hyeok, spoke at the meeting afterward, saying, "The leadership chosen by members is consistently prepared to take the most effective actions for the party," yet he also mentioned, "Prior to asking the leadership to make decisions, the 110 legislators should first address the problem with insufficient ballots." This essentially rejected the call for resignation, pointing to the continuing emergency.

Kim Min-su, a member of the Supreme Council, made an indirect comment: "Some individuals do not participate in secret meetings yet focus more on their own groups. I hope the leadership acts in the interest of all members."

The new floor leader, Jeong, emphasized solidarity during his first address at the central committee meeting: "This is the moment to come together exclusively for the party, the country, and the citizens. There is no space for factionalism or splits. I will take the initiative toward a united and revitalized People Power Party."

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National Assembly Faces Ballot Shortage Investigation Request

The National Assembly conducted a full meeting in the afternoon of the 11th to hear an update regarding the call for a legislative investigation into the voting material shortfall that occurred during the June 3 municipal elections.

Previously, on the 8th, all 161 legislators from the Democratic Party of Korea and all 110 members from the People Power Party independently filed inquiry proposals with National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik.

Under the National Assembly Audit and Investigation Act, when a parliamentary inquiry request is filed, the Speaker is required to immediately present it before the full assembly and form a committee to carry out the examination following discussions with every negotiating faction. The investigation commences once the committee presents and gains authorization for an investigative proposal detailing the range, procedures, timeframe, and additional specifics.

As such, the governing and opposition parties are anticipated to begin thorough discussions regarding the extent and procedures of the legislative inquiry from the afternoon of the same day.

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Tuvalu PM: Climate-Stricken Islands Deserve Compensation from Polluters

TOKYO - Prime Minister Feleti Teo from Tuvalu, a small island country in the Pacific threatened by rising seas caused by climate change, stated during an exclusive conversation with the Mainichi Shimbun on June 5 that the ICJ's advisory ruling in July 2025 confirming each country’s duty to tackle climate change was “a significant accomplishment.”

He emphasized that island nations, which emit very little greenhouse gases but face severe impacts from climate change, "must receive compensation for the losses we have incurred."

Teo went to Japan to participate in the Island Nations Ocean Conference taking place in Tokyo from June 3rd to 4th.

The ICJ view describes climate change as an "urgent global issue threatening every form of life," suggesting that countries not taking steps might face legal consequences. The UN General Assembly, which includes 193 members, also passed a resolution in May 2026 backing this perspective with significant approval.

Teo stated, "The discussion seems to have moved from ethical responsibilities to a legal obligation." He contended that nations which contribute to global warming should offer assistance or "face consequences for their role in triggering climate change."

Even though the ICJ advisory opinion and the UN resolution do not have legal force, Teo stated that they may "serve as the foundation for a future agreement" aimed at creating enforceable global actions.

Concerning the U.S. government under President Donald Trump's choice to exit the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, Teo stated, "This represents a significant step backward." He mentioned that "nations such as Tuvalu have consistently turned to the U.S. for guidance," and further noted, "I trust that leading nations like Japan and various European countries can persuade the U.S. to... reconsider their present approaches toward climate change."

Describing the adoption of renewable energy as "a major priority," Teo stated, "We hope that Japan will assist us in achieving greater energy security."

The government of Tuvalu has been elevating coastal areas and implementing additional measures to address climate change, alongside developing strategies to transfer the country’s administrative operations, cultural aspects, and national identity into an online virtual environment called the metaverse. Teo referred to this approach as “preparing for the worst possible situation,” noting that one aim is to maintain Tuvalu's independence as a digital state should its actual landmass be lost.

(By Kosuke Hatta, Japanese version, Editorial Department)

Heir Fights Dentist Over Beach Walk Near Medic’s Boathouse

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A minor legal conflict involving a dentist and an inheritor of a multimillion-dollar footwear business might change the regulations governing public access to beaches around the Great Lakes. Wisconsin .

When Paul Florsheim, the great-great grandson of the original owner of Florsheim Shoes, received a trespassing ticket and was charged $313 for taking his dogs for a walk near dentist Daniel Domagala's seaside home in Shorewood, he didn’t just accept the penalty like most individuals might have done.

Rather, he decided to challenge the decision in order for his case to be reviewed by the Wisconsin court. Supreme Court the top judicial authority in the state.

"My character is such that when faced with it, I do not retreat," Florsheim said to the. Wall Street Journal .

Domagala is recognized within Shorewood—a wealthy community situated along the lake's coastline—by locals. Michigan - for keeping an eye on the shoreline near his dock and employing alerts and notices to deter people from approaching too closely.

Florsheim, aged 66, has recently stepped down from his position as a university lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and resides in a single-story home located only three houses away from Domagala.

A former teacher is passionate about walking dogs and loves going for walks on the shoreline with his two-year-old German Shepherd named Leo and his six-year-old Border Collie crossbreed, Rosie.

While taking his strolls, Florsheim frequently overlooked Domagala's notices stating, "PRIVATE PROPERTY BEYOND THIS SIGN" and "ONLY WATER ACCESS BEYOND THIS POINT," leading the local doctor to repeatedly contact law enforcement about his neighbor.

The community of Shorewood ultimately decided to issue Florsheim a trespass notice because of the regularity of the incidents.

Under Wisconsin regulations, individuals are permitted to wade, swim, or navigate boats in the Great Lakes’ waters; however, a definitive state Supreme Court decision from the early 1900s safeguards shoreline property owners against unauthorized entry onto their private lands.

Florsheim, who defended himself during his trial over the trespassing charge, claimed it was unreasonable that he could swim in the water near Domagala's home but wasn't permitted to stroll a short distance along the sandy beach.

The former professor failed in court and received a fairly small penalty, yet Judge Margo S Kirchner suggested that this might not mark the conclusion of the matter.

Kirchner stated that her decision against Florsheim was based on a 1923 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling, where a property owner received preferential access to the shoreline of Lake Winnebago for watering his livestock.

The judge stated that she felt the over-100-year-old decision appeared relevant to this case, yet she pointed out that the precedent did not align with procedures used in other states.

"Maybe Doemel needs to be set aside," Kirchner stated, referring to the 1923 decision.

Florsheim stated to the Wall Street Journal that his initial aim was not to challenge a state Supreme Court decision or establish a new legal standard. It was simply his determined personality that led events to unfold this way, according to him.

From his perspective, Domagala stated in court that individuals regularly overlook his signals and carelessly relax on his land frequently, causing him significant annoyance.

"They act as though they own this place," he stated, confirming that he had to report people walking where they shouldn't approximately 50 times last summer.

The dentist further stated that he had never allowed Florsheim to set foot on his land, comparing the former professor's behavior to an act of trespassing. "Picture someone entering your home and claiming it isn’t yours," Domagala remarked.

It is yet uncertain whether the Wisconsin Supreme Court will accept the case, let alone if it will support the lower court's verdict and its own 1923 determination about priority shoreline access for landowners.

However, should the state's top court decide to take up Florsheim's case, the former professor will be significantly more ready, since he is currently being assisted by attorneys from the non-profit organization Midwest Environmental Advocates.

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Gloves Off: Albo's Ruthless Attack on Pauline Hanson

• Condemns Hanson following 'Fire the Liar' fundraising campaign

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made one of his strongest criticisms so far against Pauline Hanson And One Nation, blaming the party for abandoning working Australians while profiting from affluent supporters.

Commenting on Thursday during the inauguration of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney Albanese faced questions about Hanson's "Fire the Liar" fund-raising initiative aimed at him, which has collected over $1.8 million.

He drew a comparison between the campaign and Hanson's association with mining tycoon Gina Rinehart, Australia's wealthiest individual, pointing out that the One Nation leader had once been provided with a private jet worth over $2 million.

"This is an individual who received an aircraft valued higher than what was provided to her by Australia's wealthiest person," Albanese stated.

So that becomes insignificant when compared to the amount of a single contribution received.

Albanese questioned the fundraising assertions, viewing them as sensationalized statements.

Did she really? Did she actually?" he asked. "What proof do you have?

It serves as an illustration of rhetoric being presented, rather than actual content.

He mentioned that Hanson prioritized news coverage over actual results.

"Individuals can express all these opinions, and they receive coverage in the press," he stated.

There was essentially a complimentary advertisement for their donation drive featured in a major publication yesterday.

Albanese also supported his administration's legislative priorities, setting them apart from those of Hanson and her political group.

"Pauline Hanson and One Nation have opposed every enhancement that has taken place regarding quality of life," he stated.

They have labeled initiatives like free TAFE as unnecessary. They have resisted actions such as equal pay for equivalent work.

Albanese stated that his administration prioritizes achieving tangible results over indulging in verbal expressions.

"You must manage a nation by addressing all aspects of policy areas, offering resolutions rather than merely highlighting issues, and most significantly, developing effective solutions," he stated.

He referenced several health and affordability initiatives as proof, such as increased financial support for medical studies, a $25 billion increase for healthcare facilities, establishing emergency care centers permanently, tripling subsidies for general practitioners' bulk billing, and providing more affordable drugs.

"Everything here focuses on impacting individuals' lives," he stated.

The Premier additionally criticized the Coalition, specifically targeting Liberal member Tony Pasin for comments indicating the party might contemplate withdrawing from certain constituencies as part of an agreement with One Nation.

"Tony Pasin, a shadow minister, made an exceptional comment suggesting that the Liberal Party should stop attempting to secure seats, instead stepping back to allow One Nation to be the sole right-wing party moving ahead," Albanese stated.

It highlights how the former mainstream Liberal Party has now turned into a minor political group, nearly abandoning its efforts two years ahead of an election.

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Supreme Court Backs Suspended Fine for Lee Kyu-won

On the 11th, the Supreme Court confirmed a lower court decision that put on hold the imposition of a penalty against Lee Kyu-won, head of the Wonju branch of the Rebuilding Korea Party, who was accused of falsifying documents during an inquiry concerning claims of improper benefits at a villa linked to ex-Vice Justice Minister Kim Hak-eui. The suspension of enforcement refers to a process wherein, should the defendant admit guilt for relatively light offenses, their sentence is delayed and automatically dropped after two years, thereby terminating legal proceedings.

The Third Division of the Supreme Court (led by Judge Lee Sook-yeon) confirmed the lower court's ruling to delay the announcement of a 2 million South Korean won penalty, rejecting Lee's appeal. Lee worked as part of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's Historical Truth Investigation Unit between November 2018 and May 2019. He faced prosecution for reportedly falsifying interviews with significant individuals involved in claims about sexual favoritism, such as construction entrepreneur Yoon Jung-cheon and ex-Chungnam Palace official Park Gwan-cheon, by adding quotes that were never actually said.

The initial court ruling admitted responsibility for one offense — fabricating official records by recreating the third meeting with Yoon in the absence of a recorded conversation — but cleared him of charges related to disclosing classified information, breaching the Personal Information Protection Act, obstructing operations, slander under the Information and Communications Network Act, and violating the Criminal Electronic Procedures Act. The judgment postponed announcing a penalty of 500,000 South Korean won.

The second trial reversed the previous not-guilty verdicts related to violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and the Criminal Electronic Procedures Act, increasing the suspended penalty to 2 million South Korean won. It determined that Lee was responsible for disclosing personal details gathered during interviews and improperly distributing data from the Korea Information System of Criminal Justice Services (KICS). The court noted, "Although the unlawful actions can’t be excused, the seriousness of the offense and damage to legal rights were limited, and the defendant acknowledged the main points."

The Supreme Court supported this decision and rejected Lee's appeal. Following the appellate verdict, the prosecution withdrew its appeal, yet Lee remained determined, stating, "Even the suspended fine of two million South Korean won needs to be addressed, so I will strive to convince the Supreme Court."

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Adebayo Warns: Nigeria's Crisis Lies in Governance, Not Leadership Duration

Leader of the Social Democratic Party and candidate for president, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has rejected the increasing discussion about plans for a single six-year term as an unnecessary focus away from Nigeria's more significant issues related to governance and democracy. He emphasized that election integrity, economic skills, and reforms in security must be central topics in the country's conversation before 2027.

Recently, during an interview, Adebayo stated that the nation's true issue is not how long leaders stay in power, but whether elections truly represent the desires of the electorate.

He stated that Nigeria needs to address what he referred to as the ongoing issue of election integrity and work towards restoring public trust in democratic systems.

"The problem isn't about how long leaders stay in power, either four or six years. The real question is whether the system functions properly and if citizens truly choose those who lead," he stated.

Referring to the method used for commemorating June 12, Adebayo advocated for what he described as the ultimate victory over election fraud, emphasizing that political rivalry should focus on concepts and capability instead of conflicts within parties or issues related to identity.

Commenting on issues related to internal changes inside the SDP and rumors about opposing factions within the group, Adebayo minimized worries and emphasized that the party continues to concentrate on offering a different national perspective.

He stated that his objective was to offer Nigerians what he referred to as a constitutionally grounded and policy-driven option centered on economic revival, security improvements, and social well-being.

Adebayo claimed that focus in past elections moved away from discussions about policies and instead centered more on identity issues, which he stated hindered voters from examining the effects of governmental plans.

Regarding his party's chances in the election, the SDP leader dismissed claims that the party continues to be politically insignificant, stating that rising public frustration has led to greater interest in different options.

He stated that the nation's present political environment promotes financial influence and undermines campaign efforts centered around specific issues, whereas parties that enforce tighter internal rules frequently encounter challenges.

He argued that his political group opposes buying votes, using ethnicity for mobilization, and relying on religious rhetoric, portraying moral politics as essential for long-term leadership.

His statement was: 'We believe that sound politics is the sole path to effective governance, and strong governance is the only long-term answer to Nigeria's challenges.'

Regarding the economy, Adebayo reiterated his critique of the elimination of fuel subsidies, contending that governmental policies overlooked broader economic impacts.

Although emphasizing that he wouldn't merely reinstate the previous subsidy system, he noted that the choice to eliminate it was made without tackling underlying problems within local refining capabilities and distribution networks.

He suggested a step-by-step plan focused on restoring Nigeria's oil refining facilities, enhancing public transportation networks, and decreasing reliance on gasoline for people with lower incomes.

He stated that fuel pricing carries wide-ranging effects since it influences production expenses, inflation, and family well-being at the same time.

In terms of security, Adebayo expressed some of his most severe critiques so far regarding the government's approach to instability, contending that Nigeria has adequate organizational capability to overcome armed factions provided that intelligence gathering and police work are effectively synchronized.

He attributed frequent abductions and instability to inadequate enforcement, low priority allocation, and what he referred to as a highly centralised security system.

He maintained that criminal organizations must not be engaged in negotiations and dismissed any chance of reaching an agreement with armed individuals.

"No terrorist or abductor has the power to surpass the Nigerian government. The question remains whether the administration decides to take action," he stated.

Adebayo also supported changes in police practices, urging more autonomy for law enforcement agencies and less involvement from politics.

He contended that cybersecurity experts ought to function according to intelligence assessments and constitutional duties instead of following political instructions.

In response to claims that opposition figures frequently downplay the challenges of running a government, Adebayo argued that discussing policies is an essential part of effective leadership.

Speech is not inexpensive," he stated. "Mindless conversation is free. Genuine policies demand thought, information, and an awareness of how governance functions.

As discussions about politics in 2027 start gaining traction, Adebayo stated that his campaign will remain centered on constitutional governance, economic reform, election fairness, and public security as the key issues facing Nigeria.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Lagos APC Candidates Condemn "Mischievous" Link Between Speaker Obasa and Protest

A group of candidates from the just-ended All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections have criticized what they called a "slanderous and diverting effort" to associate the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, with the recent non-violent demonstrations held during the party's nomination process.

A forceful declaration, authored by notable members of the party and made public through the media on Wednesday, June 10, stated that the protest represented an unorganized display of frustration from candidates and their backers throughout Lagos State.

The declaration was endorsed by, among others, Hon. Seye Oladejo (Mushin), Hon. Kolawole Taiwo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun), Hon. Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa), Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi), Hon. Apata Samuel (Somolu), Hon. David Doherty (Amuwo-Odofin), Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi (Agege), and Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba (Alimosho).

Candidates emphasized that the demonstration stemmed from real concerns and was not supported by any external funding.

The statement asserted that implying thousands of dedicated APC members and advocates needed backing to express their grievances is offensive to their intellect and overlooks their valid issues.

As per the group, the demonstrators highlighted claims of interference, misrepresentation of outcomes, fraud, and neglect of party rules throughout the primary elections. They contended that these worries are not singular or baseless, but rather express the dissatisfaction of committed party members who dedicated their time, money, and political influence to the electoral system.

The signatories blamed unknown people for trying to blame Speaker Obasa in an effort to minimize the concerns and shift focus away from the importance of justice, healing, and solidarity inside the APC.

"Instead of tackling the core problems behind the demonstration, certain people have opted for an easy way out through blame-shifting. These ineffective efforts are evidently aimed at diverting public focus from the importance of justice and group solidarity," they stated.

As they look toward the upcoming general election, candidates called on party officials to address unresolved matters from the primary process. They highlighted that the APC's power comes from its capacity to welcome varied viewpoints, fix internal problems, and become more resilient through discussion and integrity.

"The worries of disappointed candidates and their backers warrant focus, rather than being ignored. Tackling these issues genuinely and promptly can enhance trust in the party's internal democracy and allow us to face the upcoming elections as a cohesive and powerful team," the statement ended.

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Traditional Rulers of Nsukka Call on Obi and Okonkwo to Reconcile Amid Conflict

CHIDI UGWU

The Enugu North Traditional Rulers Council for Peace, Justice and Social Harmony (ENTRC) has urged calmness, respect, and healing in the current conflict involving ex-Labour Party presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, and actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo.

A declaration issued by its Chairman, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu, Eze Ogbozarra III from the Opi Ancient Kingdom, stated that the group has raised worries about increasing conflicts and open disputes between two well-known Igbo individuals, cautioning against speech that could worsen splits within the community.

Traditional leaders stated they knew about reports of legal actions taken concerning the conflict and emphasized their support for the court system and adherence to the law. They mentioned that, out of consideration for the judicial process, they would avoid discussing the details of the claims and responses made by each side.

The committee stated that differences in opinion are a normal part of a democratic system but cautioned that the growing use of personal insults and provocative speech within Nigeria's political arena endangers community unity and the principles of democracy.

Speaking to Okonkwo, referred to as an esteemed member of Nsukka, the committee encouraged him to maintain dignity and composure in his political activities, highlighting that disputes should be centered around policies, values, and concepts instead of personal attacks.

Traditional leaders asserted that principles such as fairness, reciprocal respect, accountable governance, and harmonious living have historically shaped the Nsukka area and must remain influential in shaping community behavior.

Although recognizing Obi's role in shaping national discussions and progress, the committee encouraged both individuals to seek opportunities for conversation, healing, and shared comprehension.

"True leadership is shown not just through the bravery to stand firm in one's beliefs, but also through the insight to seek harmony during times of conflict," the statement noted.

The committee also called on both sides to stay receptive to legal and respectful methods for reaching a peaceful settlement, while encouraging their followers and the general population to refrain from provocative speech and let the court proceedings take place undisturbed.

It renewed its dedication to peace, justice, reconciliation, and national harmony, emphasizing that the Igbo people have traditionally flourished through vigorous discussion while maintaining unity and mutual respect amid differing viewpoints.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).