News
Alleged corruption: Investigators raid South Africa’s Speaker of Parliament’s home
An elite unit of South Africa’s police has raided the Johannesburg home of the speaker of parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, over corruption allegations.
She has been accused of soliciting bribes in return for awarding contracts when she served as defence minister.
“The Speaker steadfastly upholds her strong conviction of innocence,” said a statement from parliament.
The police unit was acting on behalf of state prosecutors who have been carrying out an investigation.
The statement from parliament said that the police “conducted a search and seizure procedure” at Ms Mapisa-Nqakula’s residence, adding that she “welcomed the investigators into her home, co-operating fully” during the five-hour search.
The 67-year-old veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle became speaker in 2021. Before that, she served as defence minister for nine years.
During her time in that post, Ms Mapisa-Nqakula allegedly made several demands for money, amounting to $120,000 (£96,000), from the owner of a company to secure a tender to transport army equipment back to South Africa from elsewhere on the continent, the Business Day newspaper reports.
Cyril Ramaphosa became president in 2018 on a pledge to tackle corruption in the country. His predecessor, Jacob Zuma, was accused of overseeing a huge effort to divert state resources, charges he denies.
Ms Mapisa-Nqakula herself believes that “corruption poses a significant threat to the principles of democracy and good governance”, parliament said.
“Therefore, she is profoundly disturbed by such allegations.”
In a brief statement, the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed the search operation, but gave no other details and did not say when or whether any charges would be brought.
News
Legal Questions Arise Over Elon Musk’s Immigration History Amid Calls for Citizenship Revocation
News
Family Head Regrets Obtaining NDA Form for Late Lt General Lagbaja
News
Tinubu Leaves For Saudi Arabia Tomorrow For Arab-Islamic Summit
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, will be departing the country Abuja on Sunday for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle-East.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday said the Summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.
“It is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and follows last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.
“During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
“Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region,” he said.
He noted that key officials including the minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, would accompany the President.
Other members of the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.
He noted that after the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu would return to Abuja.
It could be recalled that Tinubu had departed Nigeria on Wednesday, October 2, for a two-week working vacation in the UK as part of his annual leave.
-
News16 hours ago
Hunger! Global Food Prices Reach 18-Month High – FAO
-
Entertainment16 hours ago
Call for Wike’s sack: Administration is no child’s play, CRP tells Adeyanju, VDM
-
News15 hours ago
Canadian Police Prepare For Possible Surge Of Asylum Seekers As Trump Set To Regain Office
-
News15 hours ago
400 s3x tapes: Engonga remanded in prison custody
-
News16 hours ago
Obaseki disengages all commissioners, Directors and chairmen
-
News13 hours ago
Engonga tapes: Victim says “he deceived me that camera was for security”
-
News8 hours ago
Canada Introduces Stricter Visa Rules, Ends Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas
-
News15 hours ago
Anambra LG Chairman Reportedly Nabbed In US Faces 20 Years Jail, Deputy Chair May Take Over