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‘World ‘ll hold Russia accountable’ over Ukraine attack – Says US President Biden

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US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the “world will hold Russia accountable” over a military onslaught against Ukraine that he warned will cause “catastrophic loss of life.”

In a statement issued shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of military operations in Ukraine, Biden said he would address the US public Thursday to outline the “consequences” for Russia, calling the attack “unprovoked and unjustified.”

Biden also held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky soon after explosions were heard in multiple parts of the country, which is sandwiched between Russia and NATO member Poland, the White House said.

The US president was due to join a virtual, closed-door meeting of G7 leaders — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States — at 9:00 am (1400 GMT) Thursday. The White House said his remarks to the nation would come in the early afternoon in Washington.

The G7 meeting is likely to result in more sanctions against Russia, which has long claimed it would not invade Ukraine, despite putting a huge force of tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry on the country’s borders, while insisting that the Ukrainian government abandon its pro-Western ambitions.

Putin’s speech delivered in the early hours of Thursday announced a “special military operation.” Shortly after, explosions were reported across Ukraine, including in the capital Kyiv.

On Tuesday, the US government joined European allies in imposing sanctions on two Russian banks, Moscow’s sovereign debt, several oligarchs and other measures.

And on Wednesday, Biden announced he was imposing sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany — one of energy-rich Moscow’s highest-profile energy and geopolitical projects. Germany had earlier announced it would block the pipeline from opening for deliveries.

US officials have repeatedly warned that any escalation by Russia in Ukraine — which has now occurred — will be met with even tougher sanctions, targeting bigger banks, more oligarchs and a halt to exports of high-tech equipment.

A White House spokesman said “President Biden will deliver remarks announcing the further consequences the United States and our allies and partners will impose on Russia.”

‘Death and destruction’

In reactions soon after the Russian attacks began, US senators from both parties indicated support for a tough response.

“Tonight, the entire post-World War international order sits on a knife edge. If Putin does not pay a devastating price for this transgression, then our own security will soon be at risk,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said.

Another Democrat, Senator Mark Warner, said “President Biden has already imposed an initial tranche of sanctions, and it is now time for us to up the pain level for the Russian government.”

Russians “will pay a steep cost for Putin’s reckless ambition, in blood and in economic harm,” he said.

Republican Senator Mitt Romney warned against “the peril of again looking away from Putin’s tyranny” and urging “the harshest economic penalties” and “expelling them from global institutions.”

In his statement, Biden said “the prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.”

“Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden said.

 

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Oyo APC Senate Candidate, Oseni, Gifts Cars to Party Leaders, Sarkin Hausawa {Photos}

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has presented three Toyota Camry cars to two party leaders and the Sarkin Hausawa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Muhammad Shuaibu Dikko, in recognition of their loyalty, support and contributions to his political journey.

The beneficiaries are Alhaji Muftau Adisa Gbayawu of Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, Pa Dayo Adeola of Ibarapa East Local Government Area and Alhaji Dikko. The presentations were made on Tuesday and Thursday at the lawmaker’s residence in Ibadan.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the gesture reflected his belief that leadership should be anchored on gratitude and recognition of those who contribute to collective progress.

 

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, the lawmaker described the presentations as a personal expression of gratitude to individuals whose commitment and encouragement had remained invaluable over the years.

The statement also explained that the latest gesture was part of Oseni’s longstanding personal tradition of expressing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people who had contributed to his journey.  It further stressed that the gesture was not an isolated one, but complemented several other ways through which he had consistently recognised and rewarded loyalty, commitment and support.

“This is not just a gesture; it is part of my personal commitment to showing gratitude to God Almighty and appreciating people whose support, loyalty and encouragement I never take for granted,” Oseni said.

He noted that the beneficiaries had remained steadfast in their support for his political vision, stressing that their contributions and sacrifices deserved recognition.

The APC candidate also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive representation, maintaining that his vision for Oyo South transcended religious, ethnic and gender differences.

“My vision for Oyo South is bigger than religion, ethnicity or gender. It is about bringing people together, respecting our diversity and building a representation in which every community and every constituent matters,” he said.

Oseni assured party leaders, supporters and constituents that he would continue to acknowledge their trust, sacrifices and dedication, describing their contributions as vital to the collective effort to advance the senatorial district. He added that more party leaders would receive similar gestures in the coming days.

The beneficiaries, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to the lawmaker for what they described as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture. They commended his thoughtfulness and regard for those who had stood by him, offered prayers for God’s continued guidance and protection, and reaffirmed their support for his political journey.

Describing Oseni as a rare breed of politician with a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people and grassroots development, they pledged to continue supporting him as he discharges his legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly.

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Oyo South APC Candidate, Oseni, Takes Delivery of 20 New Transformers for Distribution

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Oseni, has taken delivery of 20 additional transformers for distribution to communities across the district as part of efforts to address electricity challenges and strengthen local infrastructure.

The latest consignment is expected to provide relief to communities grappling with inadequate power supply, particularly households, traders, artisans and small-scale business owners whose economic activities are often hampered by unreliable electricity.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday, Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), described electricity as a critical driver of economic growth, community development and improved living standards.

He said the intervention was informed by the need to respond to the everyday challenges confronting residents, noting that access to reliable electricity remained essential to both domestic and commercial activities.

“We recognise the difficulties our people face as a result of inadequate electricity supply. For traders, artisans, small business owners and families, reliable power is not a luxury but an important part of their daily lives. The arrival of these 20 additional transformers is another practical step towards responding to those concerns and supporting our communities,” he said.

The lawmaker explained that the transformers would be distributed to identified communities based on their electricity needs, adding that care would be taken to ensure the equipment served its intended purpose and delivered tangible benefits to residents.

He further stressed that effective representation should go beyond political promises and public pronouncements, noting that elected leaders must demonstrate their commitment through practical interventions that address the needs of their constituents.

“Our people deserve more than promises. They deserve leadership that pays attention to their challenges and is committed to finding practical ways to address them. We will continue to support initiatives that improve living conditions, strengthen local businesses and bring development closer to our communities,” he added.

The latest delivery adds to Oseni’s infrastructure support efforts across Oyo South, with electricity supply remaining a major concern for many communities in the senatorial district.

The intervention is also expected to complement his earlier efforts to improve electricity distribution and service delivery across the affected communities.

Oseni reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents and promoting sustainable development across Oyo South.

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‎Oseni Hails Folarin’s Political Experience, Contributions at 63

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 63rd birthday, acknowledging his years of political experience and contributions to public service.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, conveyed his felicitations in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He described Folarin’s birthday as an occasion to reflect on a career marked by years of involvement in legislative affairs and the political development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Folarin had established himself as a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, having served in different legislative and political capacities, particularly as Senate Leader.

He said the former Senate leader’s experience in the legislature had given him valuable insight into governance, public service and the responsibilities of political leadership.

The APC chieftain added that Oyo State needed the collective wisdom and contributions of its political leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, to sustain peace, stability and development.

He said, “Senator Teslim Folarin is a man whose years in public service have given him considerable experience in the political and legislative affairs of our country. His contributions to Oyo State and his commitment to public life are worthy of acknowledgement.

“On this special occasion, I celebrate him and wish him many more years of good health, wisdom and fulfilment.”

Oseni further wished the former Senate Leader renewed strength and greater opportunities to contribute to the development of his community, Oyo State and the country.

‎He also prayed for God’s continued protection, sound health and guidance for Folarin, expressing hope that his new year would bring him peace, happiness and greater accomplishments.

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