latest
Myanmar Junta Announces Election Date As Civil War Ravages The Nation
Myanmar’s military junta has officially set December 28, 2025, as the date for the country’s long-delayed general elections, a move that has drawn widespread criticism amid ongoing civil war. Observers have described the upcoming vote as a potential facade aimed at consolidating military power rather than advancing democratic governance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The nation has been in turmoil since the military overthrew democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, citing unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud. Since the coup, Myanmar has been engulfed in armed clashes involving junta forces, pro-democracy guerrillas, and ethnic armed groups, leaving large portions of the country outside government control. Many rebel factions have openly vowed to prevent voting in their territories.
The Union Election Commission announced that the first phase of the multi-party general election will begin on December 28, with dates for subsequent phases to be disclosed later. Despite the announcement, public sentiment remains largely skeptical. Some residents, like a 63-year-old from Rakhine State, dismissed the election as merely reinforcing military dictatorship, while others expressed cautious hope that it might contribute to national stability.
Most opposition lawmakers have pledged to boycott the elections, and Suu Kyi remains imprisoned. A United Nations expert has labeled the vote a “fraud” designed to legitimize military rule under a civilian guise. Analysts predict that junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is likely to retain control regardless of the outcome, either as president, head of the military, or through a newly created office.
Conflict monitors warn that the elections could exacerbate violence, and new laws introduced by the junta last month impose severe penalties—including up to 20 years in prison—for acts seen as undermining the electoral process. A 2024 census also revealed that data from nearly 19 million of Myanmar’s 51 million residents could not be collected due to security concerns, casting further doubt on the inclusivity of the vote.
Despite opposition gains in late 2023, the military has conducted heavy airstrikes and enforced conscription to reclaim territory, with recent reports suggesting some areas have returned to junta control. Analysts suggest that the December elections could deepen divisions among opposition factions, as debates continue over whether to participate.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate across accredited centres.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The exam, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 in multiple daily sessions.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to remain highly committed and professional, noting that the success of the exercise depends largely on their dedication.
He gave the charge during a virtual final briefing for technical officers ahead of the examination, where he also praised staff, ad hoc personnel, service providers, and technical advisers for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock exam.
Oloyede said many of the issues recorded during the mock exercise were due to poor assessment of centres by some technical officials.
He further stated that incentive packages would be awarded to teams that perform exceptionally, particularly in handling exam materials and submitting timely reports.
Reiterating JAMB’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, he warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He also disclosed that biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems have been deployed to protect the integrity of the exercise.
Candidates whose biometrics cannot be verified, he added, will be rescheduled to write the exam at approved centres.
Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent monitoring proceedings at Aduvie International School, Jahi, reported that the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. began slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, on Thursday inspected security deployments at Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the inspection is part of proactive measures to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and hitch-free conduct of the ongoing examinations.
The UTME is scheduled to run nationwide from April 16 to 18, 2026.
During the exercise, CP Sanusi assessed security arrangements put in place to safeguard candidates, examination officials, and CBT facilities.
He also engaged with centre supervisors, assuring them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period.
Adeh added that the CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning that any attempt to disrupt the examinations would be met with decisive action in line with the law.
Over 700 former terrorists who have undergone deradicalisation and rehabilitation are set to be reintegrated into their communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Nigerian military has also dismissed reports alleging that beneficiaries of Operation Safe Corridor are being recruited into military institutions.
According to African Independent Television, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brigadier-General Yusuf Ali, made this known during a media tour of the Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre in Gombe, North-East Nigeria.
He said many Nigerians still misunderstand the Federal Government’s structured counter-terrorism initiative, which is designed to restore peace in communities affected by insurgency.
Brigadier-General Ali explained that the programme focuses on rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration of repentant individuals into society.
During the tour, some of the participants also shared accounts of their involvement in offences that led to their admission into the programme.
The facility inspection was part of preparations for the graduation of over 700 clients who have completed the deradicalisation and rehabilitation process and are set for reintegration.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges