Politics
“Modi Govt buckled under US pressure”: Jairam Ramesh questions IMF bailout for Pakistan
New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday criticised the BJP-led central government for abstaining from voting in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board meeting when it considered fresh loans of USD 1.3 billion to Pakistan, saying that the government buckled under US pressure.
In a post on X, Ramesh argued that India abstained from voting on May 9 when there was a provision to vote “No” in the Executive Board meeting.
The Congress MP further pointed out that his party had already appealed to oppose the bailout “forcefully”.
“Where there is a will, there is a way. The Modi Govt simply buckled under US pressure on May 9th at the IMF Executive Board meeting,” he said on X.
“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is now criticising the IMF for approving over $2 billion in loans to Pakistan on May 9th, 2025. On April 29th itself – before the Modi Govt woke up – the INC had said that the IMF Executive Board was meeting on May 9th to consider this issue and that India should oppose it forcefully,” he further said.
“As it turns out, India only abstained on May 9th. Later, the Modi Govt’s drumbeaters, cheerleaders, and apologists argued that this was the only option available to India,” the Congress Rajya Sabha MP added.
He further claimed that Russia and India had earlier voted “No” in the IMF executive board meeting.
“This is a lie. There is indeed a provision to vote No in the Executive Board. Russia had voted No on a loan proposal to Ukraine in September 2016, and India herself had voted No on 11th September, 2005, on the issue of the expulsion of Zimbabwe,” Ramesh said.
This comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday appealed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider funding to Pakistan and said Islamabad will use a large portion of these funds on terror infrastructure in its country.
“I believe Pakistan will spend a large portion of the funds received from the International Monetary Fund on terror infrastructure in its country….India wants the IMF to reconsider funding to Pakistan,” Singh said, addressing Air Warriors at Bhuj Air Force Station.
Earlier, India abstained from voting on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) review of a USD 1 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and consideration of a fresh USD 1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for Pakistan, according to a statement released today by the Ministry of Finance.
In its official statement, India raised significant concerns regarding Pakistan’s track record with previous IMF loans and the potential misuse of funds for “state-sponsored cross-border terrorism”.
The statement highlighted Pakistan’s long history as a “prolonged borrower” from the IMF, noting that the country has received disbursements in 28 of the past 35 years since 1989. More recently, Pakistan has initiated four different IMF programmes in just the last five years. (ANI)
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Politics
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORWARDS NEW AMBASSADORIAL LIST TO SENATE, NOMINATES DAMBAZAU, IBAS, CHIOMA OHAKIM AND OTHERS
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
4-DEC- 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh set of ambassadorial nominations to the Senate, featuring a mix of distinguished public figures and seasoned professionals drawn from across the country.
Among the notable nominees are former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former Chief of Naval Staff and immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The President formally transmitted two comprehensive lists containing 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadorial nominees, bringing the total number of nominees awaiting Senate confirmation to 68.
The newly submitted lists mark another significant step in the administration’s ongoing diplomatic restructuring, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s representation and presence across global missions.
The Senate is expected to commence screening and confirmation proceedings in the coming days.
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