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Venezuelans flown home as US deportation flights resume

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Venezuela on Monday received nearly 200 citizens deported from the United States via Honduras, as President Donald Trump cracks down on undocumented foreigners.

A plane carrying the deportees touched down early Monday at Maiquetia International Airport outside the capital Caracas.

“Today we are receiving 199 compatriots,” said Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello at the airport.

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Live footage showed young men in sweatsuits walking off the plane. Some of them were seen smiling and clapping as officials looked on.

The flight comes after Venezuela on Saturday announced it had reached an agreement with Washington to resume repatriation flights from the United States.

It was the latest in a string of repatriations of Venezuelan migrants since US President Donald Trump took office in January.

Flights are resuming,” Cabello said at the airport. “Trips have had little regularity, not because of Venezuela.”

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“We are ready to receive Venezuelans wherever they are,” he added.

The deportation pipeline was suspended last month when Trump claimed Venezuela had not lived up to a deal to quickly receive deported migrants, and Caracas subsequently said it would no longer accept the flights.

But then Washington deported 238 Venezuelans accused of belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, which Trump has designated a foreign terrorist organization, to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, a move deeply criticized by Caracas.

Broken ties –

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The migrants were deported via Honduras, the US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said.

“We expect to see a consistent flow of deportation flights to Venezuela going forward,” it posted on X.

Last month, Trump revoked permission for oil giant Chevron to operate in Venezuela — a blow to Caracas’s wobbly economy.

The Republican president said Maduro had failed to accept deported migrants “at the rapid pace” they agreed to.

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The countries broke off diplomatic relations in 2019, during Trump’s first term, after Washington recognized then-opposition leader Juan Guaido as “interim president” following 2018 elections widely rejected as neither free nor fair.

Maduro nevertheless maintained his grip on power, and Joe Biden’s administration relaxed sanctions on Venezuelan oil as part of a deal for American prisoners and a promise to hold free elections. Those promised reforms never came.

Washington did not recognize Maduro’s reelection last year to a third six-year term in a vote he is widely accused of stealing.

There had been glimmers of hope for the relationship at the start of Trump’s new term, with US envoys in Caracas for talks.

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Then Trump invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to target Tren de Aragua, and sparked anger by reaching a deal with Salvadoran leader Nayib Bukele to use his Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) outside San Salvador.

AFP

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ARH Chairperson, Kemi Ayelabola Hails President Tinubu’s Virtues At 73*

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairperson and Conve­ner of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelab­ola has paid glowing tributes to the President of Nigeria, National Leader of All Progressives Congress APC and former Governor of Lagos State, Senator (Asiwaju) Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as he celebrate his 73rd birthday.

Olokode-Ayelabola, a resident of the Republic of Ireland who mobilised and campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the February 2023 presidential poll is a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional, in a congratulatory massage to the septuagenarian described him as a visionary and transformative president.

She said the Nigerian leader who is also the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, has remained a Colossus and a phenomenon in the annals of the ruling party and the nation’s political history.

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Kemi also noted that the exceptional political career and service of Tinubu, has inspired so many people and has produced many successful leaders in the country.

She continued to disclose further that the APC National Leader is an icon, bridge builder and a patriotic elder statesman who believes in the development, unity and corporate existence of Nigeria.

“Your Excellency, I feel so elated and fulfilled to join other well meaning Nigerians across the globe to felicitate with you on your 73rd birthday. You are indeed an incredible leader with a large heart who has continued to be a major player in the Nigerian politics through your broad-minded and examplary leadership style.

“So many people owe their successes to your magnanimity and accommodating nature. You are truly a legend, an astute politician with uncommon intellect. It is my prayer that your tireless commitment to addressing governance challenges, fortifying national security, and mitigating economic hardships continue to inspire vista of hope and resilience among Nigerians”, she said.

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Kemi prayed for more years in good health and wisdom for the president, to continue to serve Nigeria and humanity by extention.

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Tinubu @73: Deputy Speaker, Kalu Hails President Tinubu’s Bold Economic Reforms

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, praising his courageous decisions that have saved Nigeria from economic collapse.

Kalu specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s removal of the fuel subsidy, which he described as a “whited sepulchre” that had deceptively appeared economical on the surface but was, in reality, draining the country’s resources.

He emphasized that this bold move served as the crucial catalyst that jump-started Nigeria’s economy.

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The Deputy Speaker noted that the President’s courageous decision has crystalized Nigeria’s economic prospects, paving the way for sustainable growth and development.

Kalu also commended President Tinubu’s efforts to develop the geopolitical zones in Nigeria through the creation of regional development commissions.

He believes that the initiative will meet the infrastructure needs of the people and foster economic prosperity and social cohesion.

While acknowledging the current hardship in the country however, Kalu urged Nigerians to be patient, assuring that better days lie ahead as President Tinubu’s economic policies mature.

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He emphasized that Tinubu’s administration could not have come at a better time, stressing that the President is diligently working to reposition the nation for greatness.

“President Tinubu’s leadership has been a game-changer for Nigeria. His commitment to economic reforms and development is unwavering, and we are confident that his policies will yield positive results in the long run”, he said.

Wishing President Tinubu well, Kalu also prayed for many more years in good health, saying, “We celebrate not just your birthday, Mr. President, but also your tireless efforts to build a better Nigeria for all.”

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Why I Failed To Pay My Wife’s Bride Price, Man Tells Court

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The president of Grade A Customary Court, Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Mrs S.M Akintayo, has adjourned a divorce suit brought before it by a man, Kasali, against his wife, Ajoke, on the account of irreconcilable differences.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke never had a traditional wedding, but that she moved into his house shortly after they met.

Kasali added that he refused to pay Ajoke’s bride price because she was no longer a virgin by the time they met

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The plaintiff insisted on divorce because according to him, no meaningful communication ever held between him and his wife.

Kasali stated that he and Ajoke did not understand each other which was the reason for their regular fight.
Kasali further stated that Ajoke was already dating another man which made it imperative that the relationship between him and her be brought to an end.

Ajoke was not in court, although she was served court summonses.

Kasali, in his evidence, said, “My wife moved into my house shortly after we met.

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“We never held any marital rites.

“I refused to pay her bride price when her parents insisted on having it because she is not a virgin.

My lord, living with my wife was an error.

“We never understood each other and hardly agreed on any issue.

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“We lived like cat and dog; shouting at each other and nagging.

“There was communication breakdown in our relationship.

I heaved a sigh of relief the day she moved out of my house.

“I came to court to end our marriage. This I believe is necessary because she has started dating another man.”

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(TRIBUNE)

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