As impeachment axe dangles on Trump, Pence rules out 25th Amendment - Newstrends
Connect with us

Politics

As impeachment axe dangles on Trump, Pence rules out 25th Amendment

Published

on

United States Vice-President Mike Pence has ruled out using the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office following the US Capitol riot.

But Democrats are moving relentlessly towards making him the first president to be impeached twice after he incited a mob assault on Congress.

With the House of Representatives on the cusp of impeaching President Trump, Pence encouraged Congress to avoid actions to “further divide and inflame the passions of the moment”.

Trump earlier refused to take any responsibility for the US Capitol riot, in which  his supporters smashed into the building, and said his speech for the mob was “totally appropriate”.

In a letter to House speaker Nancy Pelosi, Mr Pence said the mechanism should not be used “as a means of punishment or usurpation” and reserved for cases of medical or mental incapacitation.

The focus instead should be on smoothing the transition to President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, he said.

Ms Pelosi has called on Mr Pence to secure the majority of the Cabinet and vote to declare Mr Trump unfit to serve.

This came less than a week after the president fomented the violent insurrection at the Capitol.

Ms Pelosi has said if Mr Pence rejects use of the 25th Amendment, the House will move to impeach him.

Already, at least three Republicans have said they would vote for that.

The president’s comments appeared to encourage the protesters to march on the Capitol building, and he praised them while they were still carrying out the assault.

“People thought that what I said was totally appropriate,” Mr Trump said during his first appearance in public since the Capitol siege last week.

Trump brushed off Democratic calls on his Cabinet to declare him unfit from office and remove him from power using the 25th Amendment.

“The 25th Amendment is of zero risk to me, but will come back to haunt Joe Biden and the Biden administration,” President Trump said, adding, “As the expression goes, be careful of what you wish for.”

His remarks came during a visit to the site of the 450th mile of the border wall his administration is building.

The rampage through the halls of Congress sent lawmakers of both parties and President Trump’s own vice president into hiding, as crowds called for Mike Pence’s lynching for his role overseeing the vote count.

The scene also undermined the hallmark of the republic — the peaceful transition of power. At least five people died, including one Capitol Police officer.

Speaking on Tuesday, President Trump said the “real problem” was not his rhetoric, but the rhetoric that Democrats used to describe Black Lives Matter protests and violence in Seattle and Portland this summer, “Everybody to the ‘T’ thought it was totally appropriate,” President Trump said of his own comments.

He angrily lashed out at lawmakers’ push for his second impeachment this week, claiming: “It’s causing tremendous anger and division and pain far greater than most people will ever understand, which is very dangerous for the USA, especially at this very tender time.”

Politics

Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”

Published

on

Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola

Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”

Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a fierce political attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda as a “classic scam” and calling for his resignation over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Aregbesola made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention in Abuja, where he currently serves as National Secretary of the party. His speech was sharply critical of the ruling administration, the electoral system, and Nigeria’s economic direction.

He accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians, insisting that the country is experiencing worsening hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening poverty under the current leadership.

According to him, the situation in the country reflects a “collapse of governance priorities,” arguing that the promises of economic recovery in Nigeria, energy stability, and improved living conditions have not been fulfilled.

Aregbesola also called for President Tinubu’s resignation, arguing that a leader who fails to meet campaign promises—especially on security and welfare—should step aside rather than seek re-election.

He said the ADC is positioning itself as a “rescue mission” aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding public trust in governance, adding that Nigerians are tired of what he described as deception and mismanagement in leadership.

READ ALSO:

During his address, he also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of normalising electoral misconduct and undermining democratic standards. He further alleged that the political environment has been weakened by what he called poor governance practices.

Aregbesola claimed that economic indicators have worsened under the current administration, pointing to sharp increases in the exchange rate and fuel prices. He argued that the naira has significantly depreciated compared to its value at the start of the Tinubu administration in 2023, while fuel prices have surged, increasing the cost of living.

He said these developments have placed severe pressure on households and businesses, especially in an import-dependent economy, worsening inflation and reducing purchasing power across the country.

On security, Aregbesola expressed concern over continued attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence across several regions, saying the government has not demonstrated enough capacity to address the crisis. He described the situation as evidence of “state failure in critical areas of governance.”

He also raised concerns about the education sector, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has increased significantly, and warned that Nigeria risks long-term socio-economic consequences if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Aregbesola further criticised the power sector, saying electricity supply remains unstable despite repeated government promises. He argued that many parts of the country still experience prolonged blackouts, undermining productivity and economic growth.

He maintained that the ADC is committed to political reform and national rebuilding, urging Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current system to support the party’s “rescue agenda.”

Aregbesola concluded his remarks by warning against what he described as continued national decline, insisting that urgent leadership change is necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and living standards.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding the comments.

Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”

Continue Reading

Politics

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

Published

on

Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde
Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.

The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.

Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.

“I, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.

READ ALSO:

He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he “cannot and will not be disloyal” to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.

“I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,” he added.

Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.

He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.

The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.

However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.

Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.

For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the state’s political environment.

Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde

Continue Reading

Politics

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Published

on

Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi
Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders, and political heavyweights to deliberate on succession planning and the party’s roadmap for the next election cycle.

Governor Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and reflected a collective agreement on the individual deemed most capable of sustaining APC’s political dominance in the state.

“But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” the governor stated during the meeting, signalling the formal adoption of Adeola as the party’s preferred candidate.

The announcement was followed by a show of excitement as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement, with supporters cheering, chanting, and celebrating what many described as a major political breakthrough within the party.

READ ALSO:

Party leaders at the meeting reportedly emphasised the need for continuity, unity, and stability within the APC, noting that early consensus would help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen preparations ahead of 2027.

Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate, has long been considered a front-runner in Ogun State politics due to his influence, political structure, and federal legislative experience.

Political observers say the endorsement marks a significant turning point in the APC’s succession strategy, potentially narrowing the field of aspirants and consolidating support around a single candidate within the party hierarchy.

The development is also expected to reshape early political calculations in Ogun State, as attention now shifts to opposition parties and other potential contenders ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship race.

Analysts note that the APC’s early consensus move could give the ruling party a strategic advantage by reducing internal divisions and allowing it to focus on broader campaign strategy well ahead of the election season.

As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the endorsement of Adeola signals the beginning of intensified political realignments across Ogun State’s political landscape.

APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending