World
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned amid allegations that he sexually harassed eleven women while in office, including former aides.
One week after an investigation found evidence of sexual harassment against 11 women, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has resigned. Cuomo, 63, announced the decision in an August 10 press conference, telling his constituents that his resignation would be effective in two weeks. During his apology, the governor apologized both to his accusers and his daughters. “Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let the government get back to governing, and that’s what I’ll do because I work for you,” he said.
The governor expressed his commitment to making the best decision for New Yorkers. “Doing the right thing is doing the right thing for you, because as we say, ‘it’s not about me; it’s about us.’ Kathy Hochul, my lieutenant governor, is smart and competent. This transition must be seamless. We have a lot going on. I’m very worried about the Delta variant and so should you be, but she will come up to speak quickly, and my resignation will be effective in 14 days,” he announced.
Prior to resigning, Cuomo reiterated his past statements that he never “intentionally” harassed any of the women who have accused him. “In my mind, I’ve never crossed the line with anyone, but I didn’t realize the extent to which the line has been redrawn,” he said. Still, the governor also “deeply apologized” to the women who have accused him of sexual harassment.
Cuomo also expressed his regret to his three daughters. “In many ways, I see the world through the eyes of my daughters,” he explained. The governor continued and hoped his daughters would feel his sincere atonement. “I never did and I never would, intentionally disrespect a woman or treat any woman differently than I would want them treated,” he said. “Your dad made mistakes, and he apologized and he learned for it and that’s what life is all about.”
Cuomo’s resignation comes after an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations was called for by New York Attorney General Letitia James. James announced the inquiry’s findings in an August 3 press conference. “The independent investigation has concluded that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, and in doing so violated federal and state law. Specifically, the investigation found that Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed current and former New York state employees by engaging in unwelcome and nonconsensual touching and making numerous offensive comments of a suggestive and sexual nature that created a hostile work environment for women,” she said.
James was joined by former federal prosecutor Joon Kim and employment lawyer Anne Clark, who were key investigators into the inquiry. The findings were also detailed in a 168-page report, which was published by the AG.
“We find that such conduct was part of a pattern of behaviour that extended to his interactions with others outside of State government,” the report said.
On Mar. 12, New York’s two U.S. senators, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand jointly called for Cuomo to resign. They released a statement that read: “Confronting and overcoming the Covid crisis requires sure and steady leadership. We commend the brave actions of the individuals who have come forward with serious allegations of abuse and misconduct. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York. Governor Cuomo should resign.”
Earlier in the day, New York Representatives Jerry Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined 12 other New York Congressional Democrats who have demanded that Cuomo turn in his resignation. During a conference call the same day, Cuomo defiantly told reporters, “I am not going to resign. I was not elected by the politicians. I was elected by the people – part of this is that I am not part of the political club and you know what, I’m proud of it.”
Seven women to date gave come forward with different allegations of sexual harassment against the governor. The first was former aide Lindsey Boylan, who claimed in a Medium essay that Cuomo “created a culture within his administration where sexual harassment and bullying is so pervasive that it is not only condoned but expected.” She said she was told that Cuomo “had a crush on her,” and that she was “worried that I would be left alone with the Governor.”
Charlotte Bennett, 25, claimed that while working as an aide for Cuomo in early 2020, he asked her a series of inappropriate questions, including if her prior sexual assault made her “sensitive to intimacy.” He also asked her if she’d considered ever sleeping with an older man, and that he’d be “open to” sleeping with someone over 22. “I understood that the governor wanted to sleep with me. And was wondering how I was going to get out of it,” Bennett told The New York Times.
Anna Ruch alleges that Cuomo tried to kiss her when they met at a wedding of one of his top aides, Gareth Rhodes. Rhodes’ wife, Alexa Kissinger, expressed support for Ruch on social media on March 1, tweeting, “I am so proud of Anna for sharing her story. This pattern of behaviour is completely unacceptable.” Karen Hinton said Cuomo made her feel uncomfortable when he hugged her, then an aide, at a hotel in California 21 years ago. “It was inappropriate. We both were married. I worked for him and it was too much to make it so personal and intimate,” she told NBC News 4.
Ana Liss, another former aide to Cuomo, said that she felt reduced to “a skirt” around the governor and experienced “inappropriate” flirtations. Governor Cuomo has denied the claims from all five women and apologized for making them “uncomfortable” in a March 3 press conference. “I feel terrible these people felt uncomfortable, felt hurt, felt pain from the interactions,” Cuomo said. “I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable. It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it. I feel awful about it and, frankly, I am embarrassed by it.”
At the same press conference, Cuomo stated that he would not be resigning despite the allegations, and was willing to cooperate with the NY attorney general’s investigation. “I’ve learned an important lesson. I’m sorry for whatever pain I caused anyone. I never intended it. And I will be the better for this experience.”
Source – Hollywood
Nigeria was once hailed as one of Africa’s strongest and greatest nations, but recent years have seen a troubling decline marked by economic downturn, rising insecurity, and deteriorating international standing. The hardships faced by citizens have become unbearable, with many struggling to survive. It is in this context that the youth, the backbone of our nation, are stepping forward to demand change.
To the vibrant and passionate youths of Nigeria, your right to protest is enshrined in our constitution. It is a powerful tool for expressing dissent and demanding accountability. However, it is crucial to remember that the effectiveness of your message is amplified when delivered peacefully. Vandalizing property and engaging in violence not only undermines the legitimacy of your cause but also puts innocent lives at risk.
Peaceful protest is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your strength and maturity. It shows that you are capable of demanding change without resorting to destruction. Let us honor the legacy of past leaders who fought for our rights with dignity and respect for human life.
A Call to the Government and Political Leaders
To our government and political leaders, the voices of the people are crying out for change. It is your duty to listen and act. The grievances being expressed are not new; they reflect years of neglect and mismanagement. The time for empty promises is over. Concrete actions are needed to address the economic challenges, improve security, and restore Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
The youths of Nigeria are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They deserve a government that listens to their concerns and works tirelessly to create a better future for all. Engaging in open dialogue and taking decisive steps to address the issues at hand will not only alleviate the current crisis but also rebuild the trust between the government and the people.
As the protests is on, let us all remember that our common goal is to build a better Nigeria. This can only be achieved through peaceful and constructive actions. To the youths, march with purpose and resolve, knowing that your peaceful stance speaks volumes. To the government and political leaders, hear the cries of your people and take meaningful steps to make things right.
Source: vanguardngr
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called for transparency, accountability and the elimination of unnecessary expenditures to cut down on the cost of governance in the country. Akpabio made the call on Monday at a one-day dialogue on the cost of governance in Nigeria organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, in Abuja.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers) highlighted the possible factors contributing to the high cost of governance in the country.He said the size of the country’s bureaucracy, the escalating public service wage bills, the overhead costs of appointed public officials, and the salaries and allowances of elected officials are major factors.
According to him, the running of government institutions among other substantial components contributed to weighing down the economy and hindering development efforts. Let us hold ourselves accountable and take responsibility for the betterment of our nation. We have to ensure that our government operates efficiently and effectively, serving the needs of the people and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
The president of the senate emphasized the need to streamline bureaucracy, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and ensured transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. We must invest in our human capital, empowering our public officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive progress.
“And we must foster a culture of innovation and creativity, where new ideas can flourish and transform our nation,” he said.Akpabio urged all Nigerians to remain united, become agents of change and be committed to making sacrifices for the nation. He said that the 10th Assembly was ready to partner with all stakeholders to do everything within its constitutional powers to make Nigeria for all citizens.
Source: pmnewsnigeria
In other news – Bad leaders making the life of Nigerians miserable – Pastor Giwa
The senior pastor of Awaiting The Second Coming Of Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, on Sunday, lamented that the economic situation in Nigeria has gone from bad to worse under President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman noted that bad leaders were intentionally making life miserable for Nigerians. Read more
A Chinese national who was arrested yesterday at the Harare magistrate court on allegations of smuggling more than 100 tonnes of Cynide has claimed to be a diplomat.
Li Song who is facing several allegations that include money laundering, extenalisation, theft and attempted murder has been released by the National Prosecuting Authority to the amusement of the complainants who have a solid evidence against her.
According to the source who attended the vetting process Li Song claimed to be a diplomat who is immune from arrest in the country and the members of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission went to the Chinese embassy to verify her claim..
According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers Somg was taken to Avondale police station cells for verification.
The notorious Chinese national has been implicated in various offences in the country and is also suspected to be one of the suspect in the poisoning of elephants with Cynide in the country.
Song is accused of externalizing more than US$11 million to an offshore bank account and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is a complainant in the case.
Song was arrested at the Harare magistrates court by members of Zacc and is expected to appear in court today.
According to the source Li improtedd more than 100 tonnes of Cynide but was later found with 40 tonnes which was stores at different places in a bid to use it in court to obstruct the course of justice.
Li was recently summons to appear in court on May 21 on allegations of externalization and moneylaundering which Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is the complainant.
She is accused of externalizing US$11 million through the central bank after manufacturing invoices to get forex at the bank’s auction system.
The Chinese national who is also referred as a defacto ambassador of China is also facing allegations of attempting to kill her business partner Franesco Marconati who is the owner of Eagle Italian Leather and Shoes.