News
Ex-South Korean PM Han Duck-soo Enters Presidential Race
Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister of South Korea, has officially declared his intention to run for president in the upcoming snap election set for June 3.
The election follows the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose December declaration of martial law sparked a prolonged political crisis.
Han’s candidacy comes amid rising political uncertainty. Just a day earlier, a court ordered a retrial for a leading presidential hopeful over alleged election law violations, and two top officials, including Han, stepped down from their positions.
Having served as acting president since Yoon’s impeachment, Han confirmed his presidential ambitions during a televised address on Friday, stating, “For the future of the Republic of Korea, a country I deeply love, and for all of us, I have decided to do what I can. I will do my utmost to earn the trust and votes of our people.”
The 75-year-old veteran bureaucrat is expected to align with the conservative People Power Party to challenge liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung. Han’s long career in public service includes key roles under both conservative and liberal administrations, such as finance minister, trade minister, and ambassador to the United States.
“I have devoted my life to advancing economic development as a dedicated public servant of Korea,” Han said. He pledged to confront ongoing trade challenges with Washington and vowed to push for constitutional reforms, including reducing the length of the presidential term.
South Korea’s current five-year, single-term presidency has been criticized for concentrating excessive power in one office, with limited oversight or accountability.
Han’s announcement came just one day after the Supreme Court overturned a not-guilty verdict involving Lee Jae-myung, throwing his candidacy into question.
Also on Thursday, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok—who was set to step in as acting president following Han’s resignation—also stepped down. Lawmakers had initiated impeachment proceedings against Choi over alleged involvement in the martial law episode. His resignation halted the impeachment process.
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Resident Doctors Issue 21-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Unpaid Allowances, Salary Arrears
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent resolution of unpaid allowances, salary arrears, delayed training funds, and other welfare-related concerns affecting medical practitioners across the country. The ultimatum was contained in a communique issued after the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano…
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Senate Advances Bill to Regulate Cryptocurrency, Strengthen Investor Protection in Nigeria
The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to regulate cryptocurrency operations, protect investors, and strengthen the country’s growing digital economy. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, was approved during Tuesday’s plenary session following majority support from senators through a voice vote. After its passage, the proposed legislation was…
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Dangote Refinery Increases Processing Capacity To 700,000 Bpd
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has increased its crude oil processing capacity to 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), surpassing its official nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd. The achievement was confirmed during a performance test conducted by the refinery’s process licensors, marking a major milestone in the facility’s operational growth. The development further strengthens the refinery’s…