World
Maxwell verdict puts fresh pressure on Prince Andrew
The conviction of British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell for s.e.x trafficking is a further blow for her embattled royal former friend Prince Andrew, British media said Thursday.
The Duke of York, the second son of Elizabeth II and ninth in line to the throne, has long-standing ties to Maxwell, who has been found guilty of recruiting and grooming young girls to be sexually abused by the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The prince has repeatedly and strenuously denied this, saying he does not remember meeting Giuffre and “absolutely and categorically did not have s.e.x with her.
Giuffre tweeted Wednesday that she hoped that “today is not the end but rather another step in justice being served. Maxwell did not act alone. Others must be held accountable. I have faith that they will be. Maxwell’s conviction by a New York court does not affect Andrew’s legal status but further damages his reputation, British commentators said.
“In the legal sense it leaves him in exactly the same place as he was a week ago,” royal correspondent Johnny Dymond told BBC Radio 4.
But “to some degree, everything has changed, certainly in public perception,” Dymond added, since Andrew is now connected to a convicted sex trafficker and also accused by one of her alleged victims.
The photo apparently showing the three together “could now be described as the sex trafficker, the sex slave and the duke,” said Dymond. Giuffre was not a witness at Maxwell’s trial and was not part of the criminal case against her, but the verdict supports her claims over Maxwell’s role.
“Verdict is bad news for Prince Andrew,” The Times said in a headline, adding that Andrew’s chances of defeating Giuffre’s legal action “look even slimmer than they did previously”. The Daily Telegraph said it “could not have come at a worse time” for Andrew.
At the same time, The Guardian said the fact that Andrew was barely mentioned in the US trial “will have been an undoubted relief”. The prince told the BBC he first met Maxwell when she was university and last met her in the summer of 2019 Andrew socialised and stayed with Epstein after she introduced the pair.
The prince visited Epstein’s luxurious mansion in New York and residences in Palm Beach, Florida and his island in the Caribbean, flying in his private jet.
On the prince’s invitation in 2000, Epstein and Maxwell stayed at Windsor Castle and spent a weekend pheasant shooting at Sandringham, the Queen’s private estate. They were also pictured at her Balmoral private estate in Scotland.
Andrew has acknowledged he stayed with Epstein in New York soon after the American’s 2010 release from a jail term for soliciting and procuring a minor for prostitution The prince told the BBC he now regretted this but it was simply “a convenient place to stay”.
Source: News365
In other news – Bonang Matheba returns to SA for the New Year celebrations – Photos
Bonang Matheba announces her return to South Africa, after spending months in US. The media personality relocated to America, almost a year ago, and she was greatly missed by fans.
Her online presence drastically reduced, as she wasn’t consistent in serving photos and videos on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more
Zimbabwe News
United Nations Peace ambassador, Apostle Paul Aigbokhan calls for peaceful protest
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
South Africa News
Godswill Akpabio advocates reduction in cost of governance
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
Zimbabwe News
Chinese national Li Song accused in Cynide scandal in Zimbabwe
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.