DRAMA AS TWO LAWYERS CLASH IN COURT OVER PDP REPRESENTATION IN RIVERS ASSEMBLY CRISIS
DRAMA AS TWO LAWYERS CLASH IN COURT OVER PDP REPRESENTATION IN RIVERS ASSEMBLY CRISIS A mild drama unfolded before the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday, as two senior lawyers clashed over a case seeking to remove the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike. Tension arose after the special panel the appellate court formed to address matters related to the political crisis in Rivers State called the appeals for hearing. The court had set 11 appeals, involving various parties in the state, to be heard. These included an appeal filed by the Rivers State Government, seeking to halt the execution of a judgment that required Governor Siminalaye Fubara to resubmit his 2024 budget proposal to the pro-Wike faction of the State Assembly, led by Hon. Martin Amaewhule. Also included was an appeal from the Action Peoples Party (APP), asking for the seats of the lawmakers to be declared vacant due to their alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The ongoing political struggle in Rivers State has led to deep divisions within the state government, with these appeals seeking to resolve key aspects of the political impasse. Additionally, the court was scheduled to hear an appeal marked CA/1159/2024, filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, when the case was called, two lawyers, Mr. B. F. Folurunsho and Mr. J. Y. Musa, separately announced their appearances for the PDP. Musa, SAN, informed the court that he was instructed by the party to withdraw the appeal, while Folurunsho disagreed, stating that no such directive had come from the PDP. This led to confusion, prompting the three-member special panel, led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, to acknowledge receiving a letter from the PDP indicating that it had not authorized the appeal. The letter, signed by the party’s Acting National Chairman and Secretary, requested to discontinue the case. The development added another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal battle, highlighting the internal divisions within the PDP itself. The panel, in light of the conflicting claims, questioned the two lawyers about their involvement in the matter. Musa, SAN, asserted that he had been briefed by the Alhaji Umar Damagum-led executives of the party, while Folurunsho maintained that he was appointed by the party’s National Legal Adviser, who holds the authority over all legal matters involving the party. Both lawyers confirmed they had received hearing notices to appear for the appeals. Given the situation, the appellate court panel instructed the two lawyers to return to the PDP to resolve the issue and clarify which counsel had been properly briefed. The court ordered that the matter be clarified by the 29th Respondent (PDP) and the court be notified. This incident has raised concerns about the party’s internal governance and its impact on the ongoing legal proceedings, with many anticipating further developments in the case.
EBONYI AIRPORT AS WHITE ELEPHANT PROJECT
EBONYI AIRPORT AS WHITE ELEPHANT PROJECT The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, in Ebonyi State has come under heavy criticism from concerned citizens of the state, alleging that so much money have been expended on the project, which according to them, has the least value to the people of the state. The development has created a wave of disappointment in the people, as the facility is yet to start operations, reports Chinedu Eze Concerned citizens of Ebonyi State are not happy about the slow development of the Chuba Okadigbo Airport, located in Onueke. At first, when the airport was being built, their hopes and expectations were high, with the strong belief that when the airport is completed, it would create jobs, spruce up the image of the state and boost its economy, since investors could easily access the state to establish businesses. But almost one and half years after the airport was unveiled by the former governor of the state who is currently the Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, it is still non-functional and what stirred the angst of many is the fact that after opening the airport, it was closed again for the rebuilding of its runway. Many informed citizens of the state are ached by the fact that the airport gulped a lot of money, estimated to reach N62 billion, yet it is not operational. The few personnel employed there, idle away every day and to make the matter worse, recently a prayer session took off from the departure lounge of the airport, where they invited God to come and make the airport functional, thus fueling the fear that the facility has been converted to a church, which sparked the ire of those who opposed the building of the airport ab initio. The Criticism There has been severe criticism by aviation stakeholders and other Nigerians against the development of airports by state governments. They noted that building airport is capital intensive and most often, it does not bring justifiable returns, even though airports are very important infrastructure that aid development of any nation. In Nigeria, due to the critical need of airports, the federal government built airports in different parts of the country and among the states, some of them at different epochs in history considered the establishment of airports to enhance the development of their states. This was what gave birth to what is today, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, the Uyo Airport in Akwa Ibom State and also the Asaba airport in Delta State. What is strategic about these airports is that they filled a vacuum in the sense that there was existing market for them. Before Anambra built airport at Umueri, the Asaba airport catered to the air movement of Onitsha businessmen and women. Onitsha is a commercial city in South East. The Uyo airport was also strategic because the state is major oil producing state and needed quick movement of oil and gas personnel and easy movement of logistics. There was also a vacuum in Owerri, which makes the airport the busiest after Lagos, Abuja and Kano. All other airports built by the state governments have remained a burden, except Anambra Airport, which became busy and profitable to airlines, from the first time it started operation. But the difference between Ebonyi and Anambra people is that Anambra citizens have higher disposable income compared to that of Ebonyi. Many insiders project that the Ebonyi airport would be like most of the airports built in northern part of the country, which were later given to the federal government, which handed them over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to manage. Umahi, at the opening of the airport last year, announced that it has been taken over…
FINALLY, DANIEL BWALA LANDS BIG JOB IN TINUBU’S GOVT
FINALLY, DANIEL BWALA LANDS BIG JOB IN TINUBU’S GOVT President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications, State House. Others appointed on Thursday include three Nigerians as directors-general of various agencies. The new appointees, as announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, include Mr Olawale Olopade, Director-General, National Sports Commission; Dr Abisoye Fagade, Director-General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism; and Dr Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement. Olopade, the new Director-General of the National Sports Commission, is a sports administrator with many years of experience in the sector. He served as Commissioner of Youth and Sports in Ogun State and was chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the 2024 National Sports Festival. The new Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, is a marketing communication professional. He is the founder and managing director of Sodium Brand Solutions. Adedokun, the new helmsman of the Bureau of Public Procurement, was the director of Research, Training and Strategic Planning at the bureau before his appointment. The Special Adviser on Public Communications and Media, Daniel Bwala, is a lawyer and notable public affairs analyst. The President enjoined the newly appointed officers to discharge their duties with dedication, patriotism, and excellence.
Dons Eze
- Foreign Affairs
- November 14, 2024
- 173 views
TRUMP VOWS TO HELP RESTORE ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA – RESPONSE TO GOODLUCK JONATHAN
TRUMP VOWS TO HELP RESTORE ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA – RESPONSE TO GOODLUCK JONATHAN Following his victory as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump received a congratulatory message from former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The message, which expressed goodwill and hope for global peace, was acknowledged by Trump on his official X account, marking a moment of diplomatic exchange. In his congratulatory note, Jonathan emphasized the significance of Trump’s triumph, describing it as a testament to the trust reposed in him by the American people. “I extend my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47th President of the United States. Your significant victory underscores the trust that the American people have in your leadership and vision for the future,” Jonathan stated. The former Nigerian leader went further to highlight his optimism for Trump’s presidency, urging him to advance not only American interests but also to foster global stability. “I am hopeful that your presidency will go beyond advancing American interests to support global peace, stability, and progress. Once again, please accept my heartfelt congratulations,” Jonathan added. Trump, in response, expressed gratitude for Jonathan’s message and reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering strong ties with African nations. A statement shared by the Donald Trump Campaign Updates account highlighted the President-elect’s vision for strengthening electoral systems in Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria. “Thanks for your goodwill words. Together we will make America great again and restore electoral integrity in Nigeria and across the African continent,” the statement read. This development suggests that Trump’s administration could prioritize collaborations aimed at enhancing democracy and fair elections in Africa, signaling a possible shift in U.S.-Africa relations under his leadership. Observers have noted the potential for such initiatives to bolster democratic values across the continent, aligning with global calls for transparent and credible electoral processes. As Trump prepares to take office, global leaders and observers alike will be watching closely to see how his administration balances domestic priorities with international diplomacy.
OBIDIENT MOVEMENT BIGGER THAN LP, WE’LL CHANGE PARTY IF … YUNUSA
Y OBIDIENT MOVEMENT BIGGER THAN LP, WE CHANGE PARTY IF… YUNUSA The National Coordinator of Nigeria’s “Obidient” Movement, Yunusa Tanko has asserted the movement’s independence and the possibility to pivot to another platform to uphold its values of good governance and accountability. He said, “The Obidient Movement is bigger than the Labour Party… We have them everywhere, academicians, traders, some members of other political parties – When it becomes inevitable that the Labour Party is not ready to assimilate the idea of good governance… we will have to look for another opportunity.” In a recent interview with Arise News on Tuesday, Tanko outlined the group’s ambitions amidst perceived challenges within the Labour Party. He emphasised that the movement is ready to mobilise and expand its reach, especially after the setbacks of the 2023 general elections. Reflecting on the Labour Party’s shortcomings in the last election, Tanko admitted, “It’s clear to us that there are challenges within the Labour Party… During the 2023 general elections, we were accused, rightly so, that we do not have structures in all of the polling units.” He pointed out that 1,760 polling units were not covered by Labour Party, and the Obidient Movement now aims to remedy this by creating a “solid foundation” across all units. “We are getting prepared and we are ready to face the challenges,” he added. Tanko addressed how the Obidient Movement is expanding beyond Peter Obi’s initial influence, noting significant support across Nigeria, including in the northern regions. “Where you thought we don’t have them, we are now having them,” he said, highlighting that even in regions with religious sensitivities, young people are pushing for change. In response to disappointment among Nigerians regarding Labour lawmakers elected with Obi’s influence, Tanko emphasised the need for structure within the movement to address public dissatisfaction. He said, “What we have in position now is that the national coordinator, we are going to have zonal coordinators, state coordinators, local government coordinators and unit commanders. There is going to be a direction with a concept we have already put in place, and I can assure you it will governise everybody into place so that all of these particular issues that you raised will not rear its heads, because if there is no direction, we can’t hold anybody responsible.” He also noted that a formal registration system would soon allow for easy identification of members across Nigeria, stating,“The data will be so coordinated… you can easily identify an Obidient where he resides at the point of his vote.” Asked about potential alliances with other political figures, Tanko confirmed that the movement is open to discussions, highlighting the importance of a robust platform, and added, “That is the reason we are independently building the Obidient Movement to show our strength.”
COMMITTEE ON LG AUTONOMY CONCLUDES ASSIGNMENT
COMMITTEE ON LG AUTONOMY CONCLUDES ASSIGNMENT The Committee on Local Government Autonomy set up by the Federal Government has concluded its meetings and signed the technical document, which is expected to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu soon.The National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, made this known in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday.In May, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a lawsuit to challenge the governors’ authority to receive and withhold federal allocations meant for Local Government Areas.The suit sought to prevent state governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government councils and establishing caretaker committees.The AGF argued that the constitution mandated a democratically elected local government system and did not allow alternative governance structures.On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgment affirming the financial autonomy of the 774 LGs in the country, noting that governors could no longer control funds meant for the councils.The seven-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Garba Lawal, ruled that it was illegal and unconstitutional for governors to manage and withhold LG funds.The apex court also directed the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay LG allocations directly to their accounts, as it declared the non-remittance of funds by the 36 states unconstitutional.Also, on August 20, the Federal Government instituted a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.The committee members include the Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; Accountant-General of the Federation; Oluwatoyin Madein and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.Others are the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Jafiya, the Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation & Fiscal Commission, Mohammed Shehu, and representatives of state governors and the local governments.The committee’s primary goal is to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy, allowing them to function effectively without interference from state governments.Speaking to our correspondent on Tuesday, Ambali said, “The committee has held its final meeting and we have signed the technical document which will be transmitted to Mr President so by November end. It is expected that states will receive their allocations from FAAC. Also, I can tell you that the President is eager to receive that document. The committee worked within the time frame that was provided.FG services foreign debt with $3.5bnMeanwhile, the National Union of Teachers has expressed fears about the capacity of LGs to pay the N70,000 new minimum wage to primary school teachers.The NUT’s apprehension is hinged on the failure of the councils to implement the former N30,000 minimum wage.Findings show that some LG workers in Nasarawa, Enugu, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, and Kogi states, among others, have remained on the N18,000 minimum wage, which was approved in 2011.However, the inability of the councils to implement the minimum wage has been blamed on the failure of the government to fully implement the LG autonomy.Data obtained from the NUT revealed that teachers in LG primary schools were not paid the former minimum wage.In Enugu State, for instance, LG workers were exempted from benefitting from the minimum wage though the state workers enjoyed the minimum wage salaries.Also, Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kogi, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, Imo and Gombe States did not implement the old minimum wage for teachers at both state and local levels.Confirming this, the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Dr. Mike Ene said, “I can tell you that some states didn’t even implement the N18,000 minimum wage for teachers at the local level. Some governors refused to pay stating that the teachers…
NEW EDO GOVERNOR, OKPEBHOLO, HITS GROUND RUNNING, APPOINTS KEY OFFICERS
NEW EDO GOVERNOR, OKPEBHOLO, HITS GROUND RUNNING, APPOINTS KEY OFFICERS Newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SGG).The appointment, alongside others, was the first to be made by the governor hours after assumption of office on Tuesday.Also, a former federal lawmaker, Dr Samson Osagie, has been nominated as the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole was nominated as Health Commissioner.Dr Cyril is the son of the former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who is the incumbent Senator representing Edo North senatorial district of the State in the National Assembly.The appointments were contained in a press statement endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Fred Itua, which said the nomination of Osagie and Oshiomhole will be confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly when their names are forwarded by Governor Okpebholo.Dr. Samson Osagie, the nominee for the office of Attorney-General, is a private legal practitioner having been called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22, 1995.He is also the current vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region).Born on November 11, 1967, Dr. Osagie hails from Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.He was a two-term member of the Edo State House of Assembly and also the House of Representatives where he rose to the position of the Minority Whip.He has been involved in intensive legal practice across Nigeria and the African continent.He holds a First degree in Law from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, a qualifying Certificate for Law practice from the Nigerian Law School, a triple Master’s degrees in Law, Public Administration and International Relations. He also bagged a Doctorate Degree in Political Economy and Development Studies.He has been Legal Adviser, Solicitor, and Consultant to many corporate Organisations and development partners.For his part, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole’s academic journey began at St. Anne’s Primary School, followed by Command Secondary School, where. He later pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).Oshiomhole enrolled at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA. where he obtained a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH, majoring in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management).His academic pursuits continued at Harvard University, Boston ,where he underwent postgraduate training in Clinical Research and at Queen Mary University, London, where he studied Gastroenterology.While Barr. Ikhilor was born on August 6, 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. Barr. Ikhilor attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LL.B in 2008 (Second class Upper Division). In 2009, he obtained a B.L. (Second class Upper Division) at the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In 2017, Barr. Ikhilor proceeded to acquire his Masters degree in Telecommunications Law (LL.M) from same Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.Barr. Ikhilor has over 11 years of experience in Legislative Drafting, Parliamentary Administration, Lawmaking procedure and processes, Constitutional drafting and amendment, and general Legislative Governance issues working in various capacities at the National Assembly.In 2019, he was appointed as a Consultant to the Federal House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he has been closely analysing and reviewing matters on Gender Equity, Human Rights, and strengthening Institutions of Government and creating efficient and transparent processes and systems to deliver Good Governance.Also in 2019, he was appointed as Senior Special Assistant and later Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who also doubled…
- Foreign Affairs
- November 12, 2024
- 145 views
BREAKING: ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, JUSTIN WELBY, RESIGNS
BREAKING. THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, JUSTIN WELBY RESIGNS This comes after the independent Makin review discovered that the Church of England covered up sexual abuse by a barrister. Following calls for his resignation, Welby said the report “exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth”. According to Welby, he believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow” when he was told in 2013 that Smyth had been reported to the police. In a statement, Welby said: ‘Having sought the gracious permission of His Majesty The King, I have decided to resign as Archbishop of Canterbury. “It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatizing period between 2013 and 2024”. The independent Makin review into John Smyth QC’s abuse of children and young men was published last week. John Smyth QC is said to have subjected his victims to traumatic physical, sexual, psychological and spiritual attacks. The report concluded he might have been brought to justice had Mr Welby formally reported it to police a decade ago. Smyth died aged 75 in Cape Town in 2018 while under investigation by Hampshire Police, and so was “never brought to justice for the abuse”, the review said.
- Foreign Affairs
- November 12, 2024
- 59 views
WAR OF FIRST LADIES: MELANIA TRUMP SNUBS JILL BIDEN, SKIPS TRADITIONAL MEETING
WAR OF FIRST LADIES: MELENA TRUMP SNUBS JILL BIDEN, SKIPS TRADITIONAL MEETING Melania Trump will not join Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, despite receiving an invitation from President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden to attend. Traditionally, when the outgoing president hosts the incoming president-elect in the Oval Office, the first lady hosts her successor for tea in the residence. Michelle Obama hosted Melania Trump for tea in the Yellow Room after the 2016 election. However, Melania Trump did not meet with Jill Biden after the contentious 2020 race as Donald Trump falsely and repeatedly claimed he was the true winner. Melania and Jill have yet to speak in the aftermath of Kamala Harris’ humiliating defeat, even though their husbands had a cordial phone call, sources confirm. ‘Mrs. Trump is not going, and they have not spoken,’ a source with knowledge said of the first ladies told DailyMail.com of Wednesday’s presidential sitdown. The last time Jill Biden and Melania Trump would have seen each other would have been at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral in November of last year. All living former first ladies attended. There have been numerous reports Melania Trump intends to be a part time first lady for her second term and may not even live full time at the White House. She has yet to announce an agenda or any staff hires. Four years ago, Donald Trump snubbed Joe Biden after Biden defeated him, refusing to invite him for the traditional Oval Office meeting and delaying the transition process. Melania Trump followed her husband’s lead and didn’t reach out to Jill Biden. The Bidens, however, have promised a peaceful and orderly transition to the upcoming Trump Administration. ‘The Bidens extended congratulations and a joint invite to the Trumps to meet at the White House,’ Jill Biden’s office said. Donald Trump and Joe Biden will meet Wednesday in the Oval Office. The Bidens will attend Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, according to the White House. Traditionally, the outgoing president welcomes the incoming one to the White House on the morning of the inauguration before riding together in the same vehicle to the Capitol building for the swearing in. Trump rode with then-President Barack Obama to his own inauguration. Biden attended that inauguration in his role as outgoing vice president. But, in 2020, Trump became the first president to skip his predecessor’s swearing-in so since Andrew Johnson skipped the 1869 swearing-in of Ulysses S. Grant. Biden simply went to the Capitol from the hotel where he was staying and didn’t go to the White House until he had taken the oath of office. Donald and Melania Trump left the White House about 10 am the morning of Biden’s Inauguration Day. They have not been back since. Melania Trump is working on a transition and showing some signs of building up an East Wing office.
- Foreign Affairs
- November 12, 2024
- 129 views
UNTOLD STORY OF EQUATORIAL GUINEAS SEX TAPE LEAK
THE UNTOLD STORY OF EQUATORIAL GUINEAS SEX TAPE LEAKIn recent weeks, Equatorial Guinea has been rocked by an explosive scandal involving leaked sex tapes of Baltasar Ebang Mr Engonga, a senior civil servant and nephew of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.What began as a salacious scandal may, in fact, be the latest power play in the fight over the country’s presidential succession.Dozens of explicit videos—estimated between 150 to more than 400— surfaced on social media, showing Mr Engonga, known as “Bello” for his good looks, engaging in sexual acts with multiple women in his office and other locations. Some of the women were reported to be the wives and relatives of high-ranking officials, adding fuel to the political firestorm.While the identity of those who leaked the tapes remained unclear, some speculated that the scandal was part of a coordinated effort to discredit Mr Engonga. He was one of several figures thought to be vying to replace President Nguema, the world’s longest-serving president, who has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979.As news of the tapes spread, observers began questioning the timing and purpose of the leaks. Just days before the videos surfaced, Mr Engonga was arrested on charges of embezzling state funds and was held in the notorious Black Beach prison. His phones and computers were confiscated, leading to suspicions that security forces may have been involved in leaking the recordings.Equatoguinean activist Nsang Christia Esimi Cruz, speaking from London on the ‘BBC Focus on Africa’ podcast, suggested that the scandal was part of a larger power struggle. “What we are seeing is the end of an era, the end of the current president, and there is a succession [question] and this is the internal fighting we are seeing,” said Mr Cruz.He believed Vice President Teodoro Obiang Mangue—who also happened to be the president’s son—was using the scandal to eliminate political opponents, including Engonga.The vice president made headlines before for his extravagant lifestyle, which included once owning a $275,000 crystal-encrusted glove worn by Michael Jackson. However, Mr Cruz alleged that the vice-president, along with his mother, was now clearing the path for his ascension to power by sidelining potential challengers.While the leaked videos captivated the public beyond Equatorial Guinea, some activists argued that the real issue was much larger. Equatorial Guinea was plagued by economic decline as its once-booming oil reserves dwindled. Despite vast wealth among a small elite, many of the country’s 1.7 million residents continued to live in poverty. The Nguema administration faced numerous accusations of human rights abuses, including arbitrary killings and torture, according to a United States government report.Activist Cruz expressed frustration that international attention focused on the sex scandal rather than the broader problems facing the country. “Equatorial Guinea has much bigger problems than this sex scandal,” he said, explaining that the leak is “just a symptom of the illness, it’s not the illness itself.”Indeed, palace intrigue has long been a defining feature of Equatorial Guinea’s political landscape. Although the country held regular elections, there was no meaningful opposition. Political rivals and activists were often jailed or exiled, and allegations of coup plotting were common. The scandal appeared to be the latest chapter in this ongoing struggle for power.In response to the scandal, Vice-President Obiang Mangue took swift action. On October 30, he ordered telecom companies to curb the spread of the videos. “We cannot continue to watch families fall apart without taking any action,” he wrote on social media. Despite the efforts, the clips continued to circulate.Engonga faced additional legal troubles. The police encouraged the women involved in the videos to file complaints, and at least one has announced her intention to sue him for non-consensual distribution of the tapes. It remained unclear why Engonga recorded his sexcapades, though some suggested…