Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- May 31, 2024
- 18 views
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS
EX-US PRESIDENT, TRUMP, FOUND GUILTY OF FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS Former US President, Donald Trump, has been found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a criminal hush-money scheme to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. The verdict came after a jury deliberated for less than twelve hours in the unprecedented first criminal trial against a US president. It marks a perilous political moment for Trump, the presumptive nominee for the Republican nomination, whose poll numbers have remained unchanged throughout the trial but could tank at any moment. Trump was convicted by a jury of 12 New Yorkers of felony falsification of business records, which makes it a crime for a person to make or cause false entries in records with the intent to commit a second crime. He will be sentenced on 11 July at 10am ET. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt,” Trump said at the courthouse after the verdict was read. “This was a rigged trial, a disgrace.” In Trump’s case, the Manhattan district attorney’s office alleged Trump falsely recorded the reimbursements he made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who paid the adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about her affair with Trump, as “legal expenses”. The prosecution alleged the falsifications were made to conceal Trump’s violation of New York state election law, which makes it a crime to promote the election of any person to office through unlawful means. Prosecutors argued in part that those unlawful means were the $130,000 payment to Daniels, which was in effect an illegal campaign contribution, because it was done solely for the benefit of his 2016 campaign and exceeded the $2,700 individual contribution cap. The Manhattan district attorney’s office called 20 witnesses who, over the course of four weeks, gave evidence of how Trump plotted with the tabloid mogul David Pecker and Cohen to bury accounts of affairs with Daniels and the Playboy model Karen McDougal. The witnesses – some friendly to Trump, others openly hostile – said Trump’s worry over the Daniels story intensified after the October 2016 release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, in which Trump was caught on a hot mic bragging about sexual assault. The recording featured Trump boasting about being able to grab women “by the pussy” without their consent because he was famous. Trial witnesses testified the Trump campaign worried that his efforts to dismiss the tape as “locker room talk” would fail if more boorish behavior came to light. When the Daniels story threatened to become widely known weeks before the 2016 election, Cohen moved into action and paid Daniels $130,000 to buy the exclusive rights to her story – in order to suppress its publication. After the 2016 election, prosecutors argued, Cohen worked out an illicit repayment plan in which he would be paid $420,000, an inflated sum that “grossed up” for tax reasons the $130,000 and other items Cohen billed. The trial saw prosecutors elicit testimony from Cohen, Daniels and a parade of Trump’s confidants and employees, as they sought to establish that Trump concealed the alleged payoff scheme in an effort to ensure he would not lose support from female voters. Cohen proved to be perhaps the most legally consequential witness for the prosecution, as he recounted how he used a home equity loan to raise the $130,000 he then wired to Daniels’ lawyer through a shell company. Cohen did so in the belief that Trump would reimburse him, he testified. In January 2017, Cohen said, he discussed with Trump and the former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg about being repaid for the $130,000, an overdue bonus and other expenses he incurred doing work that benefited the…
- Foreign Affairs
- May 22, 2024
- 13 views
UK GENERAL ELECTION HOLDS JULY 4
UK GENERAL ELECTION TO HOLD JULY 4 United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday set a general election date for July 4, ending months of speculation but not doom-laden forecasts about the size of the government’s expected defeat. The poll will be the first time Sunak, 44, faces the public while in charge after he was appointed leader of the largest party in parliament by Conservative MPs in October 2022. The vote – the third since the Brexit referendum in 2016 – comes as Sunak seeks to capitalise on better economic data to woo voters hit by cost-of-living rises. Halving inflation within a year from historic highs of above 11 per cent at the end of 2022 was one of the former financier’s five key pledges. That happened last year and on Wednesday rates slowed to a near three-year low at 2.3 per cent in March, prompting finance minister Jeremy Hunt to declare: “This is proof that the plan is working.” Sunak, in a Downing Street statement made in driving rain after he gathered his top ministers, said he had spoken to the head of state King Charles III and requested the dissolution of parliament. “The king has granted this request and we will have a general election on July 4,” he said, adding: “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future.” Political commentators have increasingly suggested that Sunak, trailing badly in the polls to the main opposition Labour Party, could try to seek a bounce from the healthier outlook. However, critics point out that it has more to do with changes in the global economy than government policy. Sunak had previously batted back all efforts to name a date, saying only that he would go to the country in the second half of this year. Speculation mounted again after Sunak and his top officials on Wednesday refused to deny fresh talk that he was about to call an election on the back of the more positive data. Rumours went into overdrive when Foreign Secretary David Cameron was recalled from a trip to Albania and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps delayed a trip to Eastern Europe to attend a cabinet meeting.Hunt also cancelled a scheduled television interview for Wednesday evening, ITV’s political editor said, as journalists, photographers and camera crews flocked to Downing Street.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 22, 2024
- 5 views
UK UNIVERSITY ORDERS NIGERIAN STUDENTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL, COUNTRY OVER UNPAID FEES
UK UNIVERSITY ORDERS NIGERIAN STUDENTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL, COUNTRY OVER UNPAID FEES Nigerian students at Teesside University in the United Kingdom have been told to quit the school and return to Nigeria over unpaid fees. According to BBC, Teesside University said the move was in line with the UK’s immigration regulations. “Teesside University is proud to be a global institution with a diverse student population but is also very aware of its visa issuance and compliance obligations. “These strict external regulations ensure that the university fully supports a robust immigration system and are outside of the university’s control,” BBC said, quoting a university spokesperson. The university said it had “no choice” as failure to pay was a breach of visa sponsorship rules. It said it had made every effort to help the affected students, including with bespoke payment plans. Meanwhile, many students who protested outside the campus on Tuesday accused the university of being “heartless” and unfair. Adenike Ibrahim told the BBC she was close to handing in her dissertation when she was kicked off her course because she could not make a payment. Despite having now paid her fees in full, she will have to leave the UK with her young son and cannot re-enrol. “I did default [on payments], but I’d already paid 90 per cent of my tuition fees, and I went to all my classes,” she told the broadcaster. “I called them and asked to reach an agreement, but they do not care what happens to their students.” Reacting to the development, the Home Office said the decision to offer or withdraw visa sponsorship rested with the sponsoring institution. It said that when a visa was shortened or cancelled, individuals should “take steps to regularise their stay or make arrangements to leave the UK.” In a letter, the Home Office told the students they had no right to appeal. As of the time filing the report, the Nigerian Government under President Bola Tinubu is yet to response to the students’ ordeal in the UK.This development comes amid Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis and soaring inflation, which surged 33.69 per cent in April.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 21, 2024
- 10 views
WE’VE NO HAND IN HELICOPTER CRASH THAT KILLED IRANIAN PRESIDENT – ISRAELI OFFICIAL
WE’VE NO HAND IN HELICOPTER CRASH THAT KILLED IRANIAN PRESIDENT – ISRAELI OFFICIAL In response to the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, an Israeli official has firmly denied any involvement by Israel. According to Sky News, the official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, stated unequivocally, “It wasn’t us.” The crash, believed to be caused by adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear program, which Israel opposes vehemently. Iran’s influence in the Middle East, through support of proxy groups like Hamas, the Houthis, and Hezbollah, has further strained relations with Israel. Despite these tensions, Israel has reiterated its denial of involvement in the tragic incident. The statement underscores the delicate nature of relations between the two nations, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and mistrust that have long characterized their interactions.As investigations into the crash continue, both Israel and Iran are closely monitoring developments, wary of potential escalations in an already tense region.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 21, 2024
- 7 views
IRANIANS MOURN AS PRESIDENT, EBRAHIM RAISI, IS BURIED
IRANIANS MOURN AS PRESIDENT, EBRAHIM RAISI, IS BURIED Iranians are mourning the death of President Ebrahim Raisi who was killed in a helicopter crash along with his foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian in a mountainous and forested area in the country’s East Azerbaijan province amid dense fog. Six other people in the helicopter, including crew members, were also killed. The late president, alongside his entourage, was returning to Tehran from a ceremony to inaugurate a dam on Iran’s border with the Republic of Azerbaijan. Thung Khe Pass, White Stone Slope, Hoa Binh, Flycam – Nếm TV Mr Raisi, 63, was a hardline cleric and his election as president in 2021 consolidated the control of conservatives over every part of the Islamic Republic. On Monday, the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed that the bodies of the president and others who died in the crash had been recovered and search operations had ended. Iranian news outlet Tasnim, which is affiliated with the country’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, reported that President Ebrahim Raisi’s funeral will be held today (Tuesday) 9:30 Iran time in Tabriz. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei declared five days of national mourning following the death of President Raisi. In a message issued on Monday morning, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his great sadness over the death of President Raisi in the incident that took place in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province a day earlier. Iran state TV said the helicopter crashed into a mountain. While there is no official statement on the cause, images of the crash site captured by ISNA, Iran’s state students’ news agency, showed heavy fog lingering over the area. Multiple outlets, including Reuters, said the helicopter was a US-manufactured Bell 212, a model that first entered service in 1968 and stopped being made in 1998. Iran’s former Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the US sanctions — which prohibit Iran from purchasing US-built aircraft — could be partly to blame. In a phone interview with state TV on Monday, Zarif said the sanctions prevent Iran from having good aviation facilities. “One of the main culprits of yesterday’s tragedy is the United States, which … embargoed the sale of aircraft and aviation parts to Iran and does not allow the people of Iran to enjoy good aviation facilities,” Zarif said. The US has imposed various sanctions against Iran since the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran in 1979. Economic sanctions, including those targeting the aviation industry, were reinstated in 2018 after the US withdrew from its nuclear deal. According to the Washington Institute, a US think tank, Iranian airlines are prohibited from purchasing aircraft that contain more than 10% US parts. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Military Chief of Staff, has ordered an investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash, according to the ISNA news agency. Bagheri ordered “A high-ranking committee to launch an investigation into the cause of the president’s helicopter crash”, the report said. Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s first Vice President, has been appointed as Acting President of the Islamic Republic. He is expected to serve as caretaker president for some 50 days before a mandatory presidential election for a new Iranian president. The interim president, in his maiden cabinet meeting, said the country would continue moving forward despite the death of President Ebrahim Raisi. Iran’s veteran nuclear negotiator Ali Bagheri, a harsh critic of the West, was also named acting foreign minister to replace the top diplomat killed in the crash. Bagheri, 56, had served as deputy to the late foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. Tinubu, world leaders react President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and…
- Foreign Affairs
- May 20, 2024
- 8 views
CONGOLESE ARMY FOILS COUP ATTEMPT AGAINST PRESIDENT FELIX TSHISEKEDI
CONGOLESE ARMY FOILS COUPLE ATTEMPT AGAINST PRESIDENT FELIX TSHISEKEDI Congo’s army said it had foiled a coup attempt early Sunday and arrested the perpetrators, including several foreigners, following attacks on the presidential palace and the residence of a close ally of Congo’s president that left three people dead in the capital, Kinshasa. At first, local media identified the armed men as Congolese soldiers, but then reported they were linked to self-exiled opposition figure Christian Malanga, who later posted a video on Facebook threatening President Felix Tshisekedi. Malanga was killed at the presidential palace after he resisted arrest by guards, Congolese army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge told The Associated Press. Tshisekedi was reelected as president in December in a chaotic vote amid calls for a revote from the opposition over what they said was a lack of transparency. The Central African country has witnessed similar trends of disputed elections in the past. Ekenge said on state television Sunday that the attempted coup d’état was “nipped in the bud by Congolese defense and security forces (and) the situation is under control.” Among the perpetrators were three Americans, including the son of Malanga, Ekenge later told the AP. This also came amid a crisis gripping Tshisekedi’s ruling party over an election for the parliament’s leadership, which was supposed to be held Saturday but was postponed. Clashes were reported Sunday between men in military uniform and guards of Vital Kamerhe, a federal legislator and a candidate for speaker of the National Assembly of Congo, at his residence in Kinshasa, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the presidential palace and where some embassies are also located. Kamerhe’s guards stopped the armed men, Michel Moto Muhima, the politician’s spokesperson said on social media platform, adding that two police officers and one of the attackers were killed in the shootout that started around 4:30 a.m. Footage, seemingly from the area, showed military trucks and heavily armed men parading deserted streets in the neighborhood as the army said the situation has been brought under control. Meanwhile, the self-exiled Malanga appeared in the live-streamed video at the presidential palace surrounded by several people in military uniform and said: “Felix, you’re out. We are coming for you.” On his website, the opposition leader’s group — the United Congolese Party (UCP) — is described as “a grassroots platform that unifies the Congolese Diaspora around the world opposing the current Congolese dictatorship.” Tshisekedi hasn’t so far addressed the public about Sunday’s events. On Friday, he met with parliamentarians and leaders of the Sacred Union of the Nation ruling coalition in an attempt to resolve the crisis seizing his party, which dominates the national assembly. He said he would not “hesitate to dissolve the National Assembly and send everyone to new elections if these bad practices persist.”The United States Embassy in Congo issued a security alert Sunday, urging caution after “reports of gunfire.”
- Foreign Affairs
- May 20, 2024
- 9 views
IRANIAN PRESIDENT, FOREIGN MINISTER DIE IN HELICOPTER CRASH
IRANIAN PRESIDENT, FOREIGN MINISTER, DIE IN HELICOPTER CRASH Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister have been declared dead after a helicopter crash in hilly terrain and freezing weather, an Iranian official said on Monday, after search teams discovered the wreckage. “President Raisi’s helicopter was completely burned in the crash … unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead,” the official told Reuters. Rescue teams fought blizzards and difficult terrain through the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province in the early hours of Monday. “We can see the wreckage and the situation does not look good,” the head of Iran’s Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, told state TV. “With the discovery of the crash site, no signs of life have been detected among the helicopter’s passengers.” Iranian state media said images from the site showed the helicopter crashed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word yet on the cause of the crash. Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021 and has since tightened morals rules, oversaw a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters, and pushed hard in nuclear talks with foreign powers. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who wields ultimate power and has the final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, has previously sought to reassure Iranians, stating there would be no disturbance to state business. Search parties and concerted efforts A Turkish drone identified a source of heat suspected to be the helicopter’s wreckage early on Monday and had shared the coordinates of the possible crash site with Iranian authorities, Anadolu news agency said on X. State news agency IRNA said Raisi was flying in a US-made Bell 212 helicopter. The chief of staff of Iran’s army ordered all resources of the army and the elite Revolutionary Guards to be put to use in search and rescue operations. Earlier, the national broadcaster had stopped all regular programming to show prayers being held for Raisi across the country. In the early hours of Monday, it showed a rescue team, wearing bright jackets and head torches, huddled around a GPS device as they searched a pitch-black mountainside on foot in a blizzard.“We are thoroughly searching every inch of the general area of the crash,” state media quoted a regional army commander as saying. “The area has very cold, rainy, and foggy weather conditions. The rain is gradually turning into snow.”
- Foreign Affairs
- May 12, 2024
- 5 views
WHY BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION SHUNNED PRINCE HARRY, WIFE’S VISIT TO NIGERIA
WHY BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION SHUNNED PRINCE HARRY, WIFE VISIT TO NIGERIA The British High Commission in Nigeria has failed to acknowledge the presence of Prince Harry. Harry and his wife, Meghan, arrived in the most populous black nation on earth, on Friday, and there have been different activities to welcome them. The couple was received by military authorities on Friday afternoon in the nation’s seat of power. He, alongside his wife, visited the Defence Headquarters in Abuja as part of their tour of Nigeria. They also proceeded to Kaduna State, where they met with Governor Uba Sani, who gifted the prince a traditional attire. However, as against their tradition of welcoming top dignitaries from the United Kingdom, the social media handles of the commission has been silent on the activities of the Prince in Nigeria. Checks by Daily Trust showed that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, was silent on the visit on social media, while the UK in Nigeria X handle didn’t also acknowledge their presence. In an interview with NAN, Montgomery said: “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. “But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one. So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.” While in Kaduna, Harry identified sports as a useful way for the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers in Nigeria. The prince said the focus of his visit was to meet with the wounded and sick men and women who served in the Nigerian armed forces. “The focus of this trip is the wounded and sick men and women who served in the Nigerian forces to keep the people safe, and having founded the Invictus game over 10 years ago, Nigeria was the first African nation to join in Germany with 10 fantastic human beings.” “When you talk about lifting the spirits, that is what we are here to do, and we will build on that morale and ensure that anyone hooked on the line of fire, despite being injured, is not alone, and sport can be a useful way for rehabilitation,” he had said. Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018. They stepped down as senior royals in January 2020. Angry about media intrusion, they were frustrated that Buckingham Palace stopped them developing their “SussexRoyal” brand. The couple kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, but are no longer addressed as his or her royal highness (HRH). Harry also gave up his military titles. When Harry’s father Charles became King, the couple’s two children became Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Prince Harry allegedly missed the flight that carried Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward up to Scotland where they raced in vain to see Queen Elizabeth II one last time before she passed away. While nobody made it to her bedside in time, except for King Charles III and Princess Anne, William and his uncles were a lot closer to making it than Harry was.Harry was allegedly so persistent about bringing his wife, Meghan Markle, with him to Balmoral where the Queen was dying, that an argument ensued, causing him to miss the flight that carried his brother and uncles.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 8, 2024
- 7 views
OBAMA’S WIFE MAY REPLACE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE IN US ELECTION
OBAMA’S WIFE MAY REPLACE BIDEN AS DEMOCRATS CANDIDATE IN US ELECTION Speculation is swirling within the Democratic Party that President Joe Biden may announce his decision not to seek re-election at the party’s convention in Chicago in August 2024, instead proposing Michelle Obama, the wife of former President Barack Obama, as his preferred candidate. The German publication Der Spiegel has reported on these discussions, which have gained traction amid concerns about the age and popularity of both Biden and his likely Republican opponent, Donald Trump. According to Der Spiegel, the Democratic Party has already included Michelle Obama in its polls of potential candidates, signaling serious consideration of her as a possible nominee. The publication notes that “many Americans dream of a female president,” suggesting that Obama’s candidacy could tap into a strong desire for change and representation within the electorate. The speculation surrounding Biden’s potential withdrawal is fueled in part by the president’s age. At 82 years old, Biden is the oldest person to ever hold the office, and two-thirds of Americans believe he is too old to lead the country for another four years. This sentiment is not limited to Biden, however, as many voters also express reluctance to see Trump, who is only a few years younger, return to the White House. Trump’s legal troubles, including allegations of paying hush money to a porn actress and possible financial fraud, have also raised concerns among voters. Der Spiegel suggests that these factors, combined with the advanced age of both candidates, have led to “deep disappointment” among the American public, with the publication stating, “Never before in the history of the United States have two candidates faced each other who would be so unpopular.” While Michelle Obama has been floated as a potential candidate, she has previously expressed little interest in pursuing a political career. In her memoirs, the former first lady admitted that her experiences over the past decade have not changed her views on entering politics. This stance could potentially impact her popularity among voters, should she decide to run, according to Der Spiegel. The publication also notes that the speculation surrounding Obama’s potential candidacy is a product of the current political climate, with voters seeking fresh faces and new perspectives in the wake of the tumultuous Trump years and the challenges faced by the Biden administration. The Times cannot independently verify this claim. However, Michelle Obama’s office has clarified earlier this year that she has no intention of running for president in 2024, putting an end to rumors circulating in both parties. Former President Barack Obama’s vocal support for President Joe Biden’s re-election has fueled questions about Michelle Obama’s potential involvement in the campaign. While some Democrats expressed a desire to see her play a larger role, Republicans entertained fantasies of her replacing Biden on the 2024 ticket to undermine the president’s political standing. Crystal Carson, director of communications for Michelle Obama’s office, reiterated the former first lady’s stance on the matter, stating, “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president.” Carson emphasized Mrs. Obama’s support for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ re-election campaign.Sources familiar with discussions surrounding Michelle Obama’s involvement in the Biden campaign indicate that while she intends to assist, her engagement will likely be limited, reflecting her other commitments and longstanding reluctance to re-enter full-time politics.
- Foreign Affairs
- May 8, 2024
- 6 views
NO MORE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN TOGO, PARLIAMENT TO CHOOSE PRESIDENT
NO MORE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN TOGO, PARLIAMENT TO CHOOSE PRESIDENT Togo’s President, Faure Gnassingbe, has signed a new constitution eliminating presidential elections, his office said late Monday, a move that opponents say will allow him to extend his family’s six-decade rule. Civil society groups in the West African nation have called for protests. Parliament will now choose the president. The new constitution comes days after the election commission on Saturday announced that President Faure Gnassingbe’s ruling party had won a majority of parliament seats. There was a crackdown on civic and media freedoms ahead of the vote. The government banned protests against the proposed new constitution and arrested opposition figures. The electoral commission banned the Catholic Church from deploying election observers. Togo’s media regulator suspended the accreditation process for foreign journalists. The new constitution also increases presidential terms from five to six years and introduces a single-term limit. But the nearly 20 years that Gnassingbe has served in office would not count, and the political opposition, religious leaders and civil society say it’s likely that Gnassingbe will stay in power when his mandate expires in 2025. Togo has been ruled by the same family for 57 years, first by Eyadema Gnassingbe and then by his son. Faure Gnassingbe took office after elections that the opposition described as a sham. The new constitution also creates a figure similar to a prime minister, to be selected by the ruling party. Critics fear that could become another way for Gnassingbe to extend his grip on power. A group of about 20 civil society organisations in Togo have called for protests to reinstate the previous constitution.”We will never accept this new constitution, even after its promulgation,” David Dosseh, a spokesperson for the civil society groups, told The Associated Press, calling the 2025 election ”absolutely necessary for the people to choose a new president and finally achieve a democratic transition in Togo”.