News
South Korea president declares emergency martial law
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Tuesday, declared emergency martial law, accusing the opposition of being “anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime” amid parliamentary wrangling over a budget bill.
“To safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness, I hereby declare emergency martial law,” Yoon said in a live televised address to the nation.
“With no regard for the livelihoods of the people, the opposition party has paralysed governance solely for the sake of impeachments, special investigations, and shielding their leader from justice,” he added.
The surprise move comes as Yoon’s People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party continue to bicker over next year’s budget bill. Opposition MPs last week approved a significantly downsized budget plan through a parliamentary committee.
The opposition has slashed approximately 4.1 trillion won ($2.8 billion) from Yoon’s proposed 677 trillion won budget plan, cutting the government’s reserve fund and activity budgets for Yoon’s office, the prosecution, police and the state audit agency.
“Our National Assembly has become a haven for criminals, a den of legislative dictatorship that seeks to paralyse the judicial and administrative systems and overturn our liberal democratic order,” Yoon said.
Yoon, a former prosecutor, accused opposition lawmakers of cutting “all key budgets essential to the nation’s core functions, such as combatting drug crimes and maintaining public security… turning the country into a drug haven and a state of public safety chaos.”
The president went on to label the opposition, which holds a majority in the 300-member parliament, as “anti-state forces intent on overthrowing the regime”.
Yoon described the imposition of martial law as “inevitable to guarantee the continuity of a liberal South Korea,” adding that it would not impact the country’s foreign policy.
“I will restore the country to normalcy by getting rid of anti-state forces as soon as possible,” he said, without elaborating further other than the martial law in place.
He described the current situation as South Korea “on the verge of collapse, with the National Assembly acting as a monster intent on bringing down liberal democracy”.
With martial law imposed, all military units in the South, which remains technically at war with the nuclear-armed North, have been ordered to strengthen their emergency alert and readiness postures, Yonhap news agency reported.
The entrance to the National Assembly has been sealed, and MPs have been barred from entering the building, according to Yonhap.
The imposition of emergency martial law comes as Yoon’s approval rating dropped to 19 percent in the latest Gallup poll last week, with many expressing dissatisfaction over his handling of the economy and controversies involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
The Nigerian Army has achieved a significant milestone in gender inclusivity by promoting Hajara Egbunu, a soldier from the elite Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command, to the prestigious rank of Warrant Officer.
The promotion ceremony, held on Friday at the Command Conference Room in Abuja, marked a groundbreaking moment as Egbunu became the first female soldier from the Infantry Corps and the Nigerian Army Women Command to attain this rank.
Brigadier General Mathias Amatso, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command, presided over the event and decorated Warrant Officer Egbunu. Speaking at the ceremony, Amatso commended her for an exceptional career defined by professionalism, dedication, and discipline. He emphasized that the promotion was not merely a recognition of her past achievements but also a testament to her unwavering commitment to the values and standards of the Nigerian Army.
According to a statement released by Lieutenant Maureen Ogbuka, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Nigerian Army Women Command, Amatso urged Egbunu to continue leading by example. He remarked, “Her promotion reflects her hard work. I encourage her to maintain discipline and inspire younger soldiers, in alignment with the core values of the Nigerian Army.”
In her acceptance speech, Army Warrant Officer Egbunu expressed profound gratitude for the support and guidance she received throughout her career. She thanked God for His blessings and acknowledged the instrumental role of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, whose visionary leadership she credited for facilitating her advancement.
Egbunu also extended heartfelt appreciation to Brigadier General Amatso, whose mentorship had been pivotal during her tenure as the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Nigerian Army Women Command. Her remarks reflected a deep sense of pride and responsibility as she embraced her new rank.
The promotion ceremony concluded with a group photograph and a reception featuring light refreshments. The event was not just a celebration of Egbunu’s personal achievement but also a significant step toward enhancing gender inclusion and representation within the Nigerian Army.
This milestone highlights the progress being made in recognizing the contributions of women in the military and setting the stage for future advancements. By breaking barriers, Warrant Officer Egbunu serves as an inspiration to female soldiers across the country, encouraging them to strive for excellence and leadership in their respective careers.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Mr Zacch Adedeji, said that he was not part of those contesting the Oyo state governorship election in 2027.
Adedeji, who had previously held cabinet position in Oyo State (Commissioner for Finance 2011-2015), has been touted as one of the personalities likely to jostle for the position.
He, however, in a recent outing, dispelled the rumour doing this round, saying he only wanted to focus on the task before him at the moment.
“I want to use this to respond to a lot of requests, that I, Zacch Adedeji, will not contest for governorship election in 2027.
“I know a lot of people would not be happy about this, but everybody knows the responsibility and grace that God has given to us. I was a commissioner of finance 14 years ago. And by that time, with the grace of God, we’ve done all of what God wants us to do in the state.
“He has given us that platform. So the only thing I need from you is your prayers for strength to end well with what I’m doing now. So I would not want to be distracted,” he said in the clip
Adedeji was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in September 2023 to head the FIRS.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate in the Black Market (Parallel Market)?
Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
Here’s the latest information on the Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate for January 4, 2025. Check below for the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for Naira.
How Much is a Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market?
According to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC), the exchange rate for a dollar to Naira at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) is as follows:
Buying Rate: ₦1,665
Selling Rate: ₦1,670
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market and advises individuals to approach their banks for foreign exchange transactions.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today:
Buying Rate: ₦1,665
Selling Rate: ₦1,670
Dollar to Naira CBN
Rate Today:
Highest Rate: ₦1,540
Lowest Rate: ₦1,531
Note: Actual rates may vary depending on the transaction and location.
Hajara Egbunu Becomes First Female Soldier In Infantry Corps To Attain Warrant Officer
Oyo Guber race: I’m not part of it — FIRS boss’ Zacch Adedeji
SEE Today’s Black Market Exchange Rate: Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) – January 5, 2025
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