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Category: International News

  • Alleged Rape: Centre calls Tinubu to intervene over Egbaji’s release from Benin Republic prison

    Alleged Rape: Centre calls Tinubu to intervene over Egbaji’s release from Benin Republic prison

    By Daniel Okejeme

    A civil society organization, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, has called on
    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the case of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who is languishing in Benin Republic.

    Egbaji, a Nigerian citizen from Cross River state, was falsely accused of rape by Pede Victoire, a citizen of the Republic of Benin.

    Victoir claimed that he had raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old.

    However, it is important to note that this claim was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.

    The Centre, in collaboration with a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria, revealed that Benjamin Egbaji who was arrested May last year has been languishing behind bar without trial ever since then, even after Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape.

    As a hypertensive patient, his blood pressure has shot up to 254/136, prompting the medical director in Central National Hospital Universitare Hubert K. Maga to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within a fortnight, something more tragic might happen to his patient.

    Due to lack of intervention from the Nigeria government, all attempts to secure bail for Benjamin Egbaji have hit the bricks.

    Although the Head of Nigerian Consular, Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the pastor where he is been held in custody and has sent a note verbal to the Nigerian government to authorize them to engage with the government of Benin to secure his immediate release, but the
    requisite response is yet to be activated by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    Consequently, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, urgently calls for immediate action to ensure justice is served and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji is released from unjust and harrowing detention in the Republic of Benin.

    The group is appealing to the Nigerian government, in the strongest possible terms, to utilize all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is crucial for the government to recognize the urgency of this matter and take swift action to prevent further violation of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom.

    “We demand an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations made against Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. The lack of evidence, coupled with Sarah’s own account refuting the claims, clearly demonstrates that the allegations are false and baseless. An impartial investigation will ensure that justice prevails and the truth is revealed.

    “We urgently request that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay. His deteriorating health condition, particularly as a hypertensive patient with a dangerously high blood pressure reading, necessitates immediate diagnosis
    and appropriate treatment. Failure to do so within the next fourteen days could lead to tragic consequences.

    “We sincerely hope that our plea for urgent intervention will be met with the seriousness and urgency it deserves, ensuring that justice is not delayed, and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji’s rights and well-being are restored”.

  • Preparations in Full Swing for Korea-Africa Summit 2024

    Preparations in Full Swing for Korea-Africa Summit 2024

    Officials from African Diplomatic Missions and South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Engage in Consultative Meetings Ahead of June, 2024 Summit in Seoul, Korea.

    As the summit draws near, officials from African diplomatic missions stationed in Korea and the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs have intensified their collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming summit.

    Scheduled to take place in Seoul in June 2024, the summit aims to foster closer ties and explore avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and African nations.

    South Korea, known for its robust trading relationships with countries such as the US, China, Japan, Vietnam, Turkey, India, New Zealand, Peru, and the European Union, is now eyeing expansion into the African market.

    The Korea-Africa Summit presents a unique opportunity to solidify trade alliances with African countries, with both sides anticipating significant economic gains.

    Ambassador Dong-han Yang, representing South Korea, emphasized the summit’s goal of forging future-oriented partnerships with African counterparts. He underscored the importance of sharing development experiences to invigorate growth in participating countries, leveraging the dynamism of African economies.

    With the theme “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity,” the summit will delve into strategic collaborations between South Korea and African nations. Key areas of focus include addressing global challenges, sustainable energy, infrastructure development, human resource development (including Technical and Vocational Education and Training), science, technology, digital transformation, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and security initiatives.

    One of the significant announcements expected during the summit is South Korea’s intention to initiate Official Negotiations for the first-ever Free Trade Association (FTA) with African countries. Currently, South Korea boasts 21 FTAs with 27 countries, none of which are with African nations. This move aims to rectify the imbalance and facilitate direct trade between South Korea and Africa, potentially unlocking substantial economic opportunities for both sides.

    The summit also holds the promise of reversing the current trade imbalance, where Africa constitutes only one percent of Korean trade with the rest of the world. African countries stand to benefit from increased access to the Korean market, bypassing intermediaries such as Vietnam, China, and India.

    President Tinubu-led Federal Government is among the countries eagerly anticipating the economic windfall from the Korea-Africa Summit.

    The summit’s sideline meetings present a platform for high-level engagements, akin to the G20 summit held in Delhi, where the African Union was conferred with a permanent member title. President Tinubu had the opportunity to engage with leaders from the US, Germany, and South Korea, signaling the potential for significant diplomatic and economic gains.

    The Korea-Africa Summit in June 2024 is poised to be a landmark event, heralding a new chapter of cooperation and economic prosperity between South Korea and the African continent.

  • El Salvador Launches Innovative Passport Scheme to Attract Global Talent

    El Salvador Launches Innovative Passport Scheme to Attract Global Talent

    In a bid to bolster its intellectual capital and foster a diverse community of experts, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has unveiled a pioneering initiative.

    Under this program, the country will offer 5,000 free passports to highly skilled professionals across various fields including science, engineering, medicine, art, and philosophy.

    Valued at an impressive $5 billion, this initiative represents a significant investment in attracting global talent to the Central American nation.

    President Bukele, known for his bold policies and efforts to combat corruption and crime, views this move as a strategic step towards enhancing El Salvador’s societal development and future trajectory.

    The program promises a welcoming environment for talented individuals and their families, offering incentives such as zero percent taxes and duties on relocation, including assets and commercial items.

    This initiative aligns with recent reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and underscores El Salvador’s commitment to becoming a hub for talent and innovation.

  • Former South African president Jacob Zuma survives auto crash 

    Former South African president Jacob Zuma survives auto crash 

    Former South African President Jacob Zuma has survived a ghastly car accident, South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Friday, March 29th.

    The politician narrowly escaped a car accident following a collision with a drunk driver’s vehicle.

    The collision involving Zuma’s official armoured state vehicle and the perpetrator’s car resulted in the arrest of the 51-year-old driver on charges of drunken driving and reckless driving in KwaZulu Natal province.

    Despite the crash, Zuma emerged unscathed, along with his security detail, and was safely escorted to his residence.

    The driver responsible for the collision is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, while Zuma, reportedly in good spirits, remains resolute in his political bid.

    The incident is happening shortly after electoral authorities barred Zuma from contesting in the upcoming general election on May 29, escalating tensions in the political arena.

    The 81-year-old, who was forced out of office in 2018 amidst corruption allegations but still holds political influence, has been actively involved in campaigning for the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, further straining his relationship with the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

    Amidst the incident, conspiracy theories have emerged, with MK’s spokesman alleging foul play, suggesting that the collision was targeted at Zuma’s motorcade.

    Political tensions are intensifying ahead of the upcoming elections, as the ANC faces dwindling support amidst economic challenges and allegations of corruption.

  • Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye

    Tinubu congratulates Senegal’s president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the president of the Republic of Senegal, wishing him success as he takes on the important job of leading the good people of Senegal.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Wednesday, March 27.

    Part of the statement reads: “President Bola Tinubu extends his congratulations to Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal.

    “President Tinubu notes that President-elect Faye comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on this important job of leading the good people of Senegal.

    “The President also congratulates His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for overseeing an election that has been widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent.

    “President Tinubu states that the success of the presidential election in Senegal and the successful conduct of the general election in Liberia a few months ago have affirmed his long-held conviction that the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa and will only grow stronger as it is watered by good governance, justice, and fairness to all.”

  • Nigerian Government Mourns Victims Of Moscow City Hall Mass Shooting

    Nigerian Government Mourns Victims Of Moscow City Hall Mass Shooting

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt condolences to the Russian Federation in the light of a devastating attack in Moscow, which led to significant loss of life and injuries.

    In an official statement on Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar voiced Nigeria’s deep sympathy over the incident that tragically claimed 60 lives at the Crocus Concert Hall.

    Tuggar stated, “We convey our deepest condolences to the people and government of the Russian Federation on the tragic attack carried out at the Crocus Concert Hall in Moscow. The attack resulted in the deaths of innocent people and injuries to more than a hundred others.”

    He further wished those injured during the incident a swift recovery, affirming Nigeria’s support during this difficult period.

    “We also pray for the quick recovery of those injured. At this challenging time, we stand in brotherhood with the government and the Russian Federation,” he added.

    The statement concluded with a direct message of condolence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the bond of sympathy from the Nigerian government and its people towards Russia amidst this tragedy.

  • UK-based Nigerian YouTuber Emdee Tiamiyu Arrested Over Alleged Fraud  

    UK-based Nigerian YouTuber Emdee Tiamiyu Arrested Over Alleged Fraud  

    A Nigerian YouTuber based in the United Kingdom, Emdee Tiamiyu, has been arrested on allegations of fraud.

    In a video making the rounds on social media, Tiamiyu, who made headlines few months ago following a controversial interview with the BBC over Nigerian immigrants, is now facing scrutiny over a financial dispute involving the UK government.

    The incident traces back to a recent BBC interview in which Tiamiyu made remarks about Nigerian students in the UK, suggesting that many use the student visa system not for academic pursuits but to work and bring their families to the country.

    The interview reportedly influenced the UK government’s decision to impose restrictions on Nigerian students, specifically barring them from bringing family members to the UK unless they are enrolled in PhD programmes.

    Following the controversial interview, Tiamiyu is alleged to have defrauded the UK government of £160. 

    Reports suggest that the funds, intended for resettlement purposes, were instead used by Tiamiyu to construct a house in his native Ogun State in Nigeria.

    The allocation of the resettlement funds by the UK government was presumably to aid Tiamiyu’s integration and financial stability within the country, particularly after his asylum claim post-interview.

  • Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria is dead

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria is dead

    Ghana’s high commissioner to Nigeria, Rashid Bawa, has passed away.

    He died in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

    Bawa, who was appointed to the position in 2017 by President Nana Akufo-Addo, was reported to have died on Thursday.

    A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a distinguished diplomat, Bawa previously served as Ghana’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2008.

    He also represented the Akan constituency in the Ghanaian parliament as an independent candidate from 2001 to January 2005.

    Bawa’s death comes shortly after the passing of John Kumah, Ghana’s deputy minister for finance and member of parliament for Ejisu constituency.

    President Akufo-Addo praised Kumah for his dedication to serving the country and his commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians.

    “His unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of our nation, and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the president said.

  • Biden’s Blunder Fuels Criticism from Russian Officials

    Biden’s Blunder Fuels Criticism from Russian Officials

    In a recent interview with MSNBC, US President Joe Biden stumbled over his words, mistakenly conflating Ukraine with the Middle East while discussing international affairs. 

    Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev seized on the blunder, claiming it reflects Biden’s deteriorating mental state.

    During the interview, Biden discussed the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, stating, “We shouldn’t have gone into Ukraine.” He quickly corrected himself, referring to the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

    This confusion is not isolated, as Biden has faced criticism for similar slips in the past.

    Medvedev, currently serving as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, posted a clip of the gaffe on social media, accompanied by a scathing remark, labeling Biden a “rare kind of idiot.”

    Some Russian officials suggest Biden’s mistake was Freudian, implying underlying sentiments about US involvement in Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine is viewed by Moscow as a US-led proxy war against Russia.

    In the interview, Biden also criticized former President Donald Trump’s skepticism towards NATO, highlighting the organization’s importance for national defense. However, Moscow perceives NATO’s expansion in Europe as a contributing factor to tensions with Ukraine.

    The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Biden’s mental acuity and his ability to effectively navigate international relations.

  • Breaking! UK Bans Nigerian Health Workers, Others From Bringing Family Members

    Breaking! UK Bans Nigerian Health Workers, Others From Bringing Family Members

    In a move aimed at reducing net migration and addressing visa abuse, the UK Home Office has announced a ban on health workers bringing dependants to the country. 

    The decision, part of a broader plan to control legal migration, seeks to cut down on unsustainable levels of immigration.

    Last year, 120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 workers to the UK, prompting the government to take action. 

    Care providers sponsoring migrants will now need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to curb exploitation and abuse in the sector.

    Home Secretary James Cleverly MP stated, “Our plan is robust but fair – protecting British workers while ensuring the very best international talent can work and study here.” The government aims to prevent the undercutting of British workers by raising the salary threshold for skilled workers and removing the 20% ‘going-rate’ discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations.

    Minister for Social Care Helen Whately MP emphasized the need for an ethical and sustainable approach, stating, “International recruitment and more immigration are not long-term solutions to our social care needs.” 

    The government is simultaneously investing in the domestic workforce through social care career reforms and qualifications.

    In addition to these measures, the Home Secretary announced a review of the graduate route for international students to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of UK higher education. 

    The upcoming rules, set to be laid in Parliament on March 14, signify a determined effort to fulfill the government’s commitment to substantially reduce migration numbers.