General
“I’m Young Enough to Become Governor in the Future” — Shaibu
Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, has stated that he has temporarily shelved his ambitions of becoming governor to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in the upcoming September 21 governorship election in the state.
In a recent address at the Afemai World Congress in Detroit, Michigan, USA, Shaibu, who has been vocal about his political aspirations, criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for allegedly thwarting his governorship ambitions. Despite this setback, Shaibu expressed optimism about his future prospects, highlighting his youth and the potential for future opportunities.
Shaibu’s Current Political Stance
In a video clip shared by the Afemai World Congress organizers, Shaibu detailed his shift in political allegiance, stating, “I have moved from the PDP back to the APC. I moved to the PDP because of the governor (Obaseki) and I am back in the APC because of the governor.” He emphasized that his decision to support Okpebholo stems from his belief that Okpebholo is a more suitable candidate for governor compared to the PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who is endorsed by Obaseki.
Shaibu described the challenges he has faced, including his impeachment, which he claims was part of a broader effort to undermine his political aspirations. “I wanted to become the governor and they said they would destroy me if I continued to nurse that ambition,” he said. “They have done everything but God has kept me alive.”
Despite these challenges, Shaibu remains hopeful about his future in politics, asserting, “I am supporting the APC candidate because he is a breath of fresh air. He doesn’t speak too much English. He talks less and does more.” He continued, “If God says I will be governor, then I will be. I have left my ambition to God.”
Call for Diaspora Involvement
The acting Chairman of the Edo APC, Jarret Tenebe, echoed Shaibu’s call for increased diaspora involvement in Edo State’s political landscape. He urged members of the diaspora to take an active interest in the election, stating, “If you fail to be interested you will allow idiots to rule you.”
Tenebe underscored the significance of diaspora support in shaping the outcome of elections, asserting, “Today, it is impossible to win the election at home without the support of the diaspora.” He further encouraged diaspora members to engage with and support political initiatives aimed at improving governance in Edo State.
A Vision for the Future
Both Shaibu and Tenebe highlighted the critical role of the diaspora in influencing positive change and building a better future for Edo State. Shaibu’s emphasis on his future aspirations and Tenebe’s call to action reflect a broader push for proactive involvement in Nigeria’s political and developmental processes. As the governorship election approaches, the focus will be on how these dynamics unfold and impact the political landscape of Edo State.
General
Bodycam Footage Reveals Final Moments Before Arrested Man Became Unresponsive
Bodycam footage played during proceedings has revealed the interaction between police officers and a man identified as Henry Nowak in the moments before he became unresponsive while being detained.
In the video, an officer is heard asking Nowak where he had allegedly been stabbed. The officer then adds: “Don’t think you have, mate.”
As officers move to place him in handcuffs, Nowak repeatedly tells them, “I can’t breathe,” making the statement three more times during the arrest.
One officer is then heard saying: “He says he’s been stabbed, so let’s just check him.” The footage appears to show the officer briefly lifting Nowak’s shirt near his waistline before he is left lying on his side.
A female officer subsequently asks: “Where do you think he’s been stabbed? In the face?”
Another officer responds: “He hasn’t been stabbed.”
Shortly afterwards, Nowak, who appears to be unresponsive in the footage, is informed that he is under arrest on suspicion of assault.
The footage forms part of the evidence being examined as investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
General
Stephen Fry Seeks Damages After Serious Fall at London Tech Conference
Stephen Fry has launched legal action against the organisers of a technology conference after suffering serious injuries when he fell off a stage following a keynote speech in London.
The broadcaster, actor and author is seeking up to £100,000 in damages after the accident at the CogX Festival, which took place at The O2 Arena in September 2023.
Sir Stephen, 68, said he sustained multiple injuries in the fall, including fractures to his leg, hip, pelvis and several ribs. He had been speaking at the event after being invited to deliver a keynote address focused on artificial intelligence.
Describing the incident at the time, he said: “So I broke my right leg in a couple of places and my hip and pelvis in four places and a bunch of ribs.”
He added that he felt fortunate the injuries were not even more severe, saying he had “praised my lucky stars” that he did not damage his spine or suffer a skull injury.
According to court documents filed on his behalf, Fry is bringing a personal injury claim against CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events Ltd.
The filing states that after finishing his presentation and while leaving the stage through the backstage area, he fell approximately two metres from the stage onto the concrete floor below.
“The Claimant brings a claim for damages for personal injuries sustained on 14 September 2023 at the O2 Arena, London, whilst attending the CogX Festival where he had been engaged to deliver a talk on Artificial Intelligence,” the court documents state.
The legal action is focused on the circumstances surrounding the fall and whether sufficient safety measures were in place backstage at the venue.
Neither CogX Festival Ltd nor Blonstein Events Ltd has publicly responded to the claim so far.
General
Israeli Soldiers Punished Over Vandalism of Jesus Statue in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has disciplined soldiers involved in the vandalism of a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon, following widespread condemnation of the incident.
According to the IDF, the soldier who struck the statue with a sledgehammer, along with another who photographed the act, will each serve 30 days of military detention and be removed from combat duties. The military added that six additional soldiers present at the scene, who failed to intervene or report the incident, will face separate disciplinary action.
The incident occurred in the village of Debel, where an image of the damaged statue circulated widely online, sparking outrage both locally and internationally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “stunned and saddened” by the act, as criticism mounted over the conduct of the troops.
In a statement, the IDF said its internal inquiry found the soldiers’ actions “completely deviated from IDF orders and values” and expressed “deep regret” over what happened. It added that the damaged statue had since been replaced in coordination with the local community.
The military emphasised that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely against militant groups, including Hezbollah, and not against civilians or religious sites.
Local leaders strongly condemned the act. Father Fadi Flaifel, head of the village’s congregation, described it as a desecration of a sacred symbol, saying it violated principles of respect and human rights.
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