News
President Fires VP, Calls Him ‘a Goat’
North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un has fired his vice president over problems linked to a factory modernization project, a move seen as part of his effort to tighten discipline among senior officials ahead of a major ruling party congress.
The country’s media said Kim blamed Yang Sung Ho, a vice premier overseeing the machine-building industry, for failures in the modernization of the Ryongsong Machine Complex in northeastern North Korea.
The project reportedly suffered setbacks and economic losses due to what Kim described as irresponsible leadership.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the completion of the first phase of the factory’s modernization, Kim said the project caused “not a small amount of economic loss” and accused officials of incompetence. He added that Yang had already been criticized during a party meeting in December but showed no sense of responsibility afterward.
“To speak figuratively in simpler words, he was like a goat yoked to pull an ox cart,” Kim said. “We should see this as an incidental mistake in our practice of personnel appointment. Could we expect a goat to pull a cart for an ox?”
Publicly reprimanding and removing officials has long been a hallmark of Kim’s leadership style. Analysts say such actions are meant to heighten pressure on top officials and force stronger performance ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years and one of the country’s most important political events.
The congress is expected to review past policies, set new political and economic priorities, and reshuffle leadership positions. Observers say Kim is likely using high-profile dismissals to reinforce loyalty and accountability within the ruling elite.
Some experts argue the factory’s problems are rooted in deeper structural issues rather than the failures of a single official. They point to North Korea’s heavy focus on nuclear and missile development, chronic resource shortages, and the impact of international sanctions.
“Kim Jong Un has gone all-in on nuclear and missile programs but he’s mismanaged the economy,” said Moon Seong Mook, a South Korea-based analyst. “He’s just passing the blame for his fault to a subordinate.”
North Korea’s economy suffered severe setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although modest growth has been reported recently, analysts say long-term recovery remains unlikely due to the country’s centralized economic system, sanctions, and prioritization of weapons development. Much of the limited growth, they add, has benefited the ruling elite and the defense sector rather than the general population.
The party congress, expected to open later this winter, is also likely to focus on economic management, nuclear weapons policy, and closer cooperation with Russia and China.
Observers are watching closely for any signal of renewed diplomacy with the United States, especially amid speculation that shifting global dynamics could reopen channels for talks.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
A fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano has destroyed properties worth over N5 billion, affecting over 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed this to newsmen in kano on Sunday.
Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history, with four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses razed.
Goods, equipment, and valuables were completely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The chairman further revealed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Zakari added that investigations were ongoing to determine their whereabouts to confirm whether they were alive or dead.
He said emergency responders and security agencies were working to unravel the cause of the fire.
Zakari described the incident as a tragedy that would never be forgotten in the history of the historic market, stressing the urgent need for support to enable the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.
He, however, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, stating that the Governor’s swift response demonstrated concern and solidarity with the victims.
Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the inferno, as the affected traders continued to salvage what remained of their properties.
Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million, saying, “from God we come, to Him we shall return.
“I am here and it is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of Naira destroyed by fire.”
Abubakar commended Yusuf for visiting the scene, demonstrating concern and solidarity with the victims.
Musa Ibrahim, a market trader, recounted his experience, saying that he lost goods worth over N340 million in the fire.
“The fire had consumed everything we had,” he said, pointing to the remains of his shop
The Units Chairmen’s Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ughelli North chapter led by Coach Charles Tuedor held an interactive session with Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders at the residence of Amb. Thompson O. Akpososo in Afiesere Community on February 14, 2026.
The meeting was marked by a significant donation: Hon Chief George Osikorobia, the first Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman elected under the PDP platform, donated a party secretariat to the PDP. He urged the units chairmen to continue spreading the party’s message across the LGA.
Party leaders, including Hon Pastor Stephen Kesiena Nomuoja and Hon Daniel Emaye, commended the units chairmen for their unwavering efforts and commitments towards the party’s growth. They urged them to remain steadfast and continue working towards the party’s success.
Hon Dr Olotu Akpodiete JP, the Ughelli North, South, and Udu Federal Constituency House of Reps Aspirant, represented by Hon. Ovo Erhabor thanked the units chairmen for their resilience and assured them that the party will overcome its current challenges. He urged the unit chairmen to sensitize the electorates on the importance of getting their voters’ cards, emphasizing that it is crucial for the party’s success in 2027.
The meeting organizers thanked sponsors, including Hon.Dr.Olotu Akpodiete JP,Hon.Oke Umurhohwo,Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja,Madam Rita Agbah, Hon. Daniel Emaye,Hon. Alex Akporute, Amb. Comrade Kpoharor Emmanuel, Chief Scott Udu, Hon. Karo Akpososo among others
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SAD: Seven declared missing as fire destroy goods worth over N5bn in Kano
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