News

” I Made Obaseki not the other way round – Edo Deputy Gov Philip Shaibu Insists

Published

3 months ago

August 17, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for failing to acknowledge his reinstatement by the court, claiming that he was instrumental in making Obaseki governor.

Shaibu made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s political program, Politics Today, on Friday, August 16.

Shaibu revealed that it took former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole three months to convince him and his supporters to back Obaseki for the governorship position. Shaibu also claimed that Obaseki lacked financial strength at the time, and was only able to ascend to power due to the resources and political capital provided by him and his allies.

He said; “Obaseki was not a politician, even financially, Obaseki was not financially strong to even contest the election.

Oshiomhole brought him and when Oshiomhole brought him, some of us argued that he could not be him. It took Oshiomhole three months to convince me and some of our supporters to support Obaseki.

“And when we decided because of the respect for Oshiomhole to support him, he did not bring money – we brought our resources and our friends to bring money and we brought our political capital to make him governor. So, when you are talking about deputy governors and governors, he is not the one that made me, I made him.”

The relationship between Shaibu and Obaseki has been strained over issues related to the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State. Shaibu, who was chosen as Obaseki’s deputy to add political value to the ticket, has accused the governor of attempting to hinder his political ambitions by cutting off finances due to him as deputy governor. He also claimed that he has not received any payments from the government for the past year.

After being reinstated by a Federal High Court, Shaibu returned to his duties as deputy governor and instructed his staff to do the same.

However, the Edo State Government responded by accusing Shaibu of impersonating the deputy governor, a charge that Shaibu strongly refuted.

“The holder of the office of the governor in Edo State today is lawless, Godwin Obaseki is lawless. If he is not lawless, he will not say Philip Shaibu is impersonating because there is a valid court judgment that he has been served,” Shaibu asserted.

The legal battle began after the Edo State House of Assembly impeached Shaibu in April. However, a July 17 judgment by Justice Omotoso declared the impeachment illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void. The court ordered Shaibu’s reinstatement, the payment of his salaries and allowances from April, and issued an injunction preventing Governor Obaseki and the Edo State House of Assembly from obstructing Shaibu from performing his duties. The court also directed the Inspector General of Police to restore Shaibu’s security details.

Despite the court ruling, the Edo State House of Assembly has appealed the judgment and filed a motion for a stay of execution pending the appeal. The legal and political conflict between Shaibu and Obaseki continues to unfold as both sides seek to assert their positions.

News

Brazilian Wanted For Coup Attempt Arrested

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Argentinian police on Thursday arrested a Brazilian, Joelton Gusmao de Oliveira who was declared wanted over attempted coup last year in support of former far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro.

The police statement also said Brazil had previously issued a warrant for his “arrest and detention” for extradition.

Forty-seven-year-old Oliveira was arrested in Argentina’s La Plata, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Buenos Aires, according to a police statement

A Brazilian court had in February handed Oliveira a 17-year prison sentence in absentia for the attempted coup and armed criminal association.

Thousands of pro-Bolsonaro activists invaded the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court on January 8, 2023, demanding the intervention of the armed forces to depose the newly elected left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazilian news site UOL said Oliveira was a refugee arrested while trying to renew his papers.

In October, the Argentine government amended the law preventing foreigners charged or convicted over “serious crimes” from being granted refugee status.

News

Miss South Africa Pulls Out From Miss Universe Over Health Issues

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Mia Le Roux, who was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has announced her withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition because of health issues.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Miss South Africa Organisation, Le Roux expressed gratitude for the support she has received from South Africans, describing the decision to step back as “incredibly challenging” but necessary to focus on her health.

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.

“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” she said.

The Miss South Africa Organisation also expressed its support, emphasising Le Roux’s resilience and prioritising her health.

“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation stated.

“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health,” it added.

News

London Russian TV Chef Found Dead In Belgrade Hotel

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Russian TV chef who ran a restaurant in central London has been found dead in Serbia.

Alexei Zimin, 52, was an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. He had spent his final years exiled in the UK.

The 52-year-old ran a cookery show on the Russian NTV channel, which was axed after he posted anti-war messages on social media following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Serbian authorities told the BBC there were “no suspicious circumstances” related to his death and that an autopsy and toxicology report were ongoing.

Mr Zimin was found dead in a hotel room in Belgrade, according to reports in Russian media.

He had travelled to the Serbian capital to promote his new book about Britain Anglomania.

[/b]Katerina Ternovskaya, co-owner of the restaurant where Zimin had presented his book and prepared food, said people were “in shock” adding that “the last time we have seen him, he was smiling and in a great mood”[/b].

The diner was wonderful and Alexei was very happy,” she said.

Mr Zimin’s restaurant in London, Zima, confirmed the chef’s death on Instagram.

For us, Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad,” the restaurant said.

Thank you to everyone for the words we [have received] today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.

“The entire Zima team expresses condolences to Alexei’s family and mourns together with them.”

Written in Russian, Anglomania covers how “modern ideas about democracy, freedom of speech, human rights, capitalism with an inhuman face and socialism with a human face, science, literature, Christmas turkey and afternoon tea” originate from the UK, according to Mr Zimin’s website.

In May 2022, he told the BBC his restaurant had been targeted with abuse and arson threats after Russia’s invasion.
“My partners thought about changing the name,” he said.