Politics
US Government Shutdown Enters Day 2: Trump Threatens Mass Layoffs, Democrats Dig In
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The US government shutdown has entered its second day, with President Donald Trump warning of imminent permanent layoffs for hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
The shutdown began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a new spending plan, with Republicans and Democrats unable to reach a budget agreement.
Donald Trump signalled Thursday that he plans to follow through on his threat for mass layoffs of US federal workers as he ratcheted pressure on Democrats to back moves to end the government shutdown.
The Republican president announced he would meet budget chief Russell Vought “to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent.”
Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social website came with the government entering the second day of a stoppage that is expected to see 750,000 employees being sent home without pay across a wide range of agencies.
Vought told House Republicans on Wednesday many of those workers would be targeted for permanent layoffs to be announced in the next day or two, echoing Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt’s threat that firings were “imminent.”
Trump has emphasised that he views cutbacks as a way of increasing pain on Democrats, arguing that “we can do things during the shutdown that are irreversible, that are bad for them and irreversible by them. Like cutting vast numbers of people out.”
The administration has also announced that it is pausing $18 million in federal funding for infrastructure projects in heavily Democratic New York City, citing concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
But the messaging on layoffs has been mixed, with Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday portraying workforce reductions as a necessary evil that the administration would rather avoid.
Vance told reporters federal agencies were not being targeted based on politics, but added: “Let’s be honest — if this thing drags on for another few days or, God forbid, another few weeks, we are going to have to lay people off.”
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hakeem Jeffries, have dismissed the threat as an attempt at intimidation and said mass firings would not stand up in court.
Three Senate Democrats have broken with their colleagues but the rest have been voting against a House-passed resolution to keep the government funded at current levels through November 21.
The Senate is not voting on Thursday because of the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, but another vote is expected on Friday and on most days until the standoff is resolved.
For now, Democrats are dug in on their demands for extending health care subsidies before they will agree to a funding deal.
Five additional Democratic votes would be needed to reach the 60-vote threshold in the 100-member Senate to green-light the House-passed bill.
Politics
Osoba Dismisses Godfatherism Claims, Says Relationship with Abiodun Is Built on Mutual Respect
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Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has described his relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun as cordial, respectful, and devoid of political interference.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with journalists in Abeokuta, Osoba said the absence of godfatherism in Ogun State politics stems from the mutual understanding and harmony between himself and the governor.
He noted that since the inception of the current administration in 2019, he has deliberately refrained from interfering in governance.
According to the Akinrogun of Egbaland, he has neither pressured the governor nor made recommendations regarding appointments or placements in government.
“I have never suggested anyone to be appointed into any office, nor have I influenced the running of the government in any form,” he stated.
Osoba, a former national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized that his relationship with the governor is anchored on mutual respect rather than patronage.
He explained that he accords Abiodun the respect due to his position as the state’s Chief Executive, and that respect is reciprocated.
“I respect him as the Chief Executive Officer and the current father of the state, and he returns that respect to me,” Osoba said, adding that this understanding has contributed significantly to the peace and stability being enjoyed across Ogun State.
He maintained that the harmony between them has translated into effective governance and a calm political atmosphere, dismissing insinuations of godfatherism as unfounded.
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The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has disclosed plans to hold an Extended Stakeholders Strategic Meeting on Wednesday, February 11, at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, by 2:00 p.m.
The meeting is expected to convene key party leaders and stakeholders across the state, including former Governors and Deputy Governors, former Speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, serving and former members of the Federal Executive Council from Ogun State, as well as serving and former members of the National and State Assemblies.
Also expected are members of the State Executive Council and other major stakeholders of the party.
According to a statement from the party, the strategic gathering will be presided over by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, MFR, as part of efforts to strengthen party unity and chart future political strategies.
The State APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, urged all invited stakeholders to attend in party attire, stressing that attendance is strictly by invitation.
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The Ogun State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated the good people of Ogun State on the occasion of the state’s anniversary, urging residents to remain united, resilient and committed to the collective progress of the state.
In a statement issued on behalf of IPAC, the Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, described the celebration as a moment of reflection on Ogun State’s rich history, remarkable achievements and the shared sacrifices of its people across generations.
Comrade Sanyaolu commended Ogun indigenes at home and in the diaspora for their resilience, enterprise and contributions to the socio-economic and political development of the state, noting that Ogun’s reputation as a centre of excellence was built on unity of purpose and hard work.
According to him, the diversity of political opinions and party affiliations in the state should not be a source of division, but rather a strength that deepens democracy and good governance.
“As political parties, we may differ in ideology and approach, but we are united by a common destiny as Ogun people. This celebration should remind us that peace, unity and mutual respect are essential for sustainable development,” the IPAC chairman said.
He called on political leaders, party members and citizens to embrace dialogue, tolerance and peaceful engagement, especially as the state continues to pursue development and democratic consolidation.
Comrade Sanyaolu also urged youths and stakeholders to remain hopeful and steadfast, stressing that resilience in the face of challenges has always been a defining attribute of Ogun people.
IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful political processes, issue-based politics and cooperation among political parties in the overall interest of Ogun State.
The council concluded by wishing all Ogun indigenes a joyful celebration and a future marked by peace, progress and shared prosperity.
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