'Focus on facts and not fiction' - President Buhari tells Transparency International over report Nigeria is corrupt

The Presidency has reacted to the recent report by Transparency International that places Nigeria on its list of most corrupt countries.

According to a statement from the presidency signed by Garba Shehu, 'while it welcomes constructive criticisms from the anti-corruption watchdog, Transparency International (TI), the organization has a responsibility to reflect the larger picture of the concrete and verifiable achievements of the Buhari administration since it came into office in May 2015'.

Read the rest of the statement below..

The government is still wondering the criteria or facts used by the anti-corruption watchdog to arrive at its very misleading and unfair conclusions in its assessment of the Federal government's efforts in this anti-corruption crusade.

Political will is the first major component of fighting corruption in any country and President Buhari has made a huge difference by demonstrating not only the political will but also the extraordinary courage to go after high profile looters, including former military service chiefs and Judges. It was once unthinkable to touch or prosecute the ‘‘big men’’ for corruption in Nigeria but President Buhari has ended impunity for corruption.

Today, the Buhari administration has made accountability the bedrock of governance and corruption is no longer fashionable because it attracts consequences. Blocking leakages for corruption through the rigid enforcement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) had made life tougher for corrupt officials. He regretted that these efforts were not acknowledged by the Corruption Watchdog.

Figures published by the EFCC, the anti-corruption agency, reveal that N738.9 billion was recovered in just two years of the Buhari administration and this impressive and unprecedented record is worthy of mention and acknowledgement by anybody genuinely looking at the larger picture of the country's progress in the war against corruption.

During the 7th session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in Vienna, Austria, the Chairman of the Agency Ibrahim Magu noted that the figure represents $2.9 billion dollars. Besides these impressive recoveries of looted funds, the EFCC has recorded more than 140 successful prosecutions.

The Federal government has also signed international agreements to recover the proceeds of corruption and to block the laundering of stolen assets abroad by public officials. Anybody who knows where Nigeria was coming from would not believe that corruption is worse under the Buhari administration.

We wonder where they got their facts from. At a time, they are alleging increase in the incidence of corruption under this government, the whole of Africa is applauding by choosing President Buhari as the continental Champion to lead the fight against it. Nothing can be more eloquent than this.

In the end, this whole episode may turn out to be just a political distraction, given the strong views some of TI’s patrons have expressed against the Buhari Administration. This notwithstanding, facts are facts, and those facts won't cease to be facts even if you don't care to pay attention to them.

Nigerian Youths Can't Run A Political Office Due To Their Poor Quality Education- Kaduna Lecturer

A Political Science lecturer with Kaduna State University (KASU),  Mallam Aliyu Yero, says Nigerian youths are not yet ready to take up the mantle of leadership of the country.

Yero made the assertion in an interview with the News men on Monday in Kaduna while reacting to the Not too young to run Bill passed by the National Assembly.

According to him, Nigerian youths lack the required skills to run a political office effectively due to their poor quality education.

“There is no doubt that the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the youth, but young people of today are not like that of yesterday, the literacy rate is low compared to other developed nations.


“In as much as there is a need for new ideas as the world is gradually turning to a global village, the youth must have qualitative education first before running for political office”.

The lecturer added that young people aspiring to run for any political office must first seek guidance and mentorship from experienced hands vast in Nigerian history and politics for effective leadership.

He called on government to restructure the education system for the youth to have access to qualitative education that would make them better citizens.

“Education plays a vital role in the development of any nation; therefore, government should give priority to qualitative education that will be accessible and affordable.

“It is the only tool that will reshape and reorient the youths towards developing their nation,’’ he said.

The news men reports,  the Not too young to run bill passed by the National Assembly in July 2017, cut down the age requirement for president from 40 to 30 years; Governors from 35 to 30 and Senate from 35 to 30 years.

President Buhari To Visit Yola Tomorrow

Yola was on Monday wearing a new look ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state tomorrow.

The President will inaugurate various projects and present an address at the opening of the state maiden Anti-Corruption Summit.

Majo streets in the capital city were decorated with new paint and bill boards welcoming the president.

Deputy Governor Martins Babale who is the Chairman, Organising Committee for the visit, said all necessary arrangement had been concluded to receive the President.


Meanwhile, the Adamawa Police Command has announced restriction of movement by motorists on some streets during the President’s visit.

A statement by the command spokesman, Othman Abubakar said the measure was to allow for free flow of traffic for the presidential convoy.

Paddy Adenuga Denies Having A Political Ambition After Masterpiece

Paddy Adenuga has denied having a political ambition, saying those spreading the rumours are far from the truth. Ever since Paddy released his 'blockbuster' revealing how he almost bought Netherlands Chevron at 29, mixed reactions followed the article. Some certain people are however of the opinion that, Paddy is eyeing a political office in 2019, hence the need for all he said. The son of billionaire Mike Adenuga has now denied the allegation.

Paddy says he's about moving the human race forward in the areas of science, astronomy - astrophysics, space travel, and other positive things and also being a brother and good example to his fellow Nigerians and nothing more. His tweet...

Caption this photo from President Buhari's meeting with APC governors

What are they pointing at?

''It will be foolish of me to say there is no corruption in this government'' Rotimi Amaechi says

The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, said this when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja yesterday February 15th.
''I will nearly be a foolish man to say that there is no corruption in this government, but compare the magnitude if there is any. Before it was with impunity. Now there are consequences for stealing” he said

I’ll Take Nigeria To The Next Level, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday promised to take Nigeria to the next level despite the nation’s challenges.

Buhari made the promise in his remark at the induction of the Nigerian Air Force’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Tsaigumi, in Kaduna.

A copy of his speech was made available to journalists by the Presidency’s media office.

The President said his administration was determined to overcome all the challenges militating against the country’s security and development.


He appealed to Nigerians to support his administration to achieve its objectives.

Buhari said, “Let me again reiterate our commitment and firm resolve to take this nation to the next level.

“We remain determined to overcome all challenges to our security and development as a nation.

“I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us to make our collective dreams of greatness a reality.”

The President said his government was committed to delivering the much-needed change that would make the difference in the nation.

“The Government remains determined despite numerous challenges to bring about the much-needed change that will lift our beloved nation to its rightful place as a major economic and political force on the world stage,” he added.

Buhari disclosed that part of government’s drive to achieve the goal is to enable enterprise and improve the quality of life by improving national infrastructure.

He reiterated his New Year’s Day broadcast to the nation that his administration had designed projects that would overhaul national infrastructure and overcome the deficit in the area.

“The role of the military as an enabler of national development cannot be overemphasised, as efforts would be futile if national security is not first guaranteed.

“In this regard, let me once more commend the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their tireless efforts towards defeating Boko Haram and all other threats to our nation’s security, thus ensuring that the government can proceed with its developmental activity without hindrance,” he added.

Buhari commended the NAF for the innovation, saying the significance of the accomplishment could not be overestimated.

He noted that the world was resorting to the use of unmanned vehicles in military operations because while the standard air weapons such as missiles, fighters and bombers work against well-defined targets like conventional enemy forces or installations, they are not as useful in today’s complex wars that are fought against adversaries who are often hidden amongst innocent populations or in locations similarly sensitive or difficult to strike by normal conventional means.

He said the employment of unmanned vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and strike operations significantly increased the chance of success while minimising unwanted collateral damage.

The President said it was most gratifying that the Nigerian Air Force had gone a step further by developing unmanned vehicles with indigenous technology.

The accomplishment, which he described as outstanding, according to him, held promise of both military and economic benefit to the nation.

“From the military perspective, the added capacity for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance provided by the Tsaigumi will boost the ongoing and future security operations.

“As this project moves into the next stage, which is mass production, it would create employment and possibly generate revenue as Nigeria’s first military export product.

He added, “The attainment of this technological feat is an indication that there is indeed potential to similarly apply the same innovative mindset to addressing other areas of indigenous technological need.

“While I commend the Nigerian Air Force for this accomplishment, I enjoin you not to rest on this achievement but to strive harder in your research and development efforts for greater innovation.

“Be assured of this administration’s support towards the attainment of greater technological milestones for our nation.”.
What do you think about him recontesting?

#FuelScarcity: Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo turns petrol station attendant in Lagos

Yesterday in Lagos, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo turned to a petrol station attendant in other to get a first hand feel of the state of the hardship Nigeirans are currently experiencing.

According to his official photographer Novo Isioro, who shared photos from the visits, 'this evening, the Vice President made a stop at Oando Petrol Station by Elegushi where he engaged with citizens in queues. He went pump by pump to get insight on people's experience, especially the wait time. Thereafter he made similar stop at Heyden Petroleum by VGC. He was able to uplift people who has already been stressed from their wait and promised to critically address the situation'.

''I wish Nigerians know President Buhari’s softer side'' Abike Dabiri

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Matters, Abike Dabiri-Erewa says she wished Nigerians know the softer and accommodating side of President Buhari. In a documentary, “Buhari: Beyond the Iron and Steel” put together by the President’s media team, Dabiri-Erewa said she wished many Nigerians know that the president is not all about the firm approach but he is also a soft man who is jocular as well.
“How I wish Nigerians know his softer and accommodating side. Very jocular. But it is our duty to tell them,” she said
Femi Adesina who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, earlier today released teasers from the documentary on Buhari: Beyond the Iron and Steel, saying the documentary is aimed to spice up the holiday season.
In the documentary, the Vice Presidnet described President Buhari as a boss that gives you an assignment and allows you to work without any interference
“He gives you things to do and leaves you strictly to do those things. No interference at all, once he has confidence in you… And he cracks those jokes and manages to still keep a straight face.”
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola in the interview, said, “He gave me some priority projects: Mokwa/Jebba road, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, and Second Niger Bridge… He never appends his signature to anything, unless you’ve explained, and he understands it.
The documentary will be aired at 8:00 p.m on December 24 and 25 on Channels Television and NTA to show the documentary on the unknown side of President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari’s 2017 Christmas message to the nation full message

Dear Compatriots,
I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas day celebration.
The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is an important opportunity for us to show love to one another and encourage unity by spending quality time with our friends, families and the less-privileged.
It is also an occasion to draw inspiration from the exemplary lifestyle and teachings of Jesus Christ, who constantly stood for what is right, true and honest.
The Holy Book describes Christmas as a festival of peace, joy, healing, hope and fulfilment. It kindles great expectations in the heart, irrespective of the challenges of the moment.
As we celebrate this Yuletide season, let us devote some time to pray and appreciate the sacrifices of members of our armed services to keep our nation safe and secure.
By the same token, and keeping with the spirit of the season, our gallant troops serving in the frontlines in the fight against insurgency; those wounded, lying in the hospital, as well as civilians who have suffered the brunt of evil and wicked elements these past years, deserve our fervent goodwill and sustained prayers.
The personal fortitude of these individuals will continue to inspire us to victory as we turn the tide against the enemy and annihilate those who work against the unity of our nation.
In this season of hope, let us remember to provide refuge to those who cannot enjoy Christmas at home with their families, or have been driven from their homes by insurgency or violence, particularly the Internally Displaced Persons.
Lately, we have witnessed an upsurge in the activities of trans-border syndicates who lure our youths to modern slavery through irregular migration. While we have stepped up our efforts to halt this wickedness against the upwardly mobile generation, and have evacuated some of our compatriots stranded abroad, we appeal to them to shun the allure of embarking on such perilous journeys.
I am deeply convinced that better days lie ahead for us as a nation as we make progress on all the major fronts where we have set our energies to surmount the challenges.
I wish you all Happy Christmas celebrations.
Muhammadu Buhari

Dear Compatriots, I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas day celebration.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/president-buharis-2017-christmas-message-nation/

Dear Compatriots,

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/president-buharis-2017-christmas-message-nation/

I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas day celebration.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/president-buharis-2017-christmas-message-nation/

Dear Compatriots, I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly our Christian brothers and sisters, on the occasion of this year’s Christmas day celebration.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/president-buharis-2017-christmas-message-nation/

The Lie From The Nigeria Customs Service on Generating Their Highest Revenue Ever By Reno Omokri

Recently, the Nigeria Customs Service released a statement claiming that the N1,012,259,006,779.74 it has generated this year is the highest ever revenue generated by the Nigerian Customs Service in its history.

 

This is a lie and is part of the characteristic propaganda that the Buhari administration has become known for.

 

Part of the Customs’ statement reads as follows:

 

“NCS has recorded the highest revenue collection ever of N1,012,259,006,779.74 with five more working days to the end of 2017.

 

“The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), retired Col. Hameed Ali, undertook some strategic measures in terms of restructuring and repositioning the service for efficient service delivery which resulted in this historic revenue figure from the service this year.”

 

What the Nigerian Customs failed to tell Nigerians is that this amount is less than half what the Nigerian Customs Service generates in 2014 when you factor in the devaluation of the Naira.

 

In 2014, the Nigerian Customs Service generated ?978 billion. When you factor in the official exchange rate in 2014 of 150 Naira to a dollar, that ?978 billion was equivalent to $6.5 billion.

 

However, when you convert the ?1 trillion the Nigerian Customs Service generated in 2017 using the official interbank exchange rate of 365 Naira to one dollar, that ?1 trillion is equivalent to $2.7 billion!

 

In other words, the Nigerian Customs Service generated less than half of what it generated in 2014 and this fact cannot be hidden with their infantile propaganda.

U.N. votes 128 to 9 to condemn U.S. decision on Jerusalem

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, rejected the Trump administration's decision to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's new capital, by a 128-9 votes.
Despite threats by US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, threatening to stop funding countries who vote against the decision, diplomats gathered in New York City and approved a nonbinding resolution calling on countries to avoid moving their embassies to Jerusalem.
Nikki Haley had said:

"The United States will remember this day in which it was singled out for attack in the General Assembly for the very act of exercising our right as a sovereign nation".

"We will remember it when we are called upon to once again make the world's largest contribution to the United Nations. And we will remember it when so many countries come calling on us, as they so often do, to pay even more and to use our influence for their benefit."

Among the countries that voted in favor of the resolution are many traditional U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and France. Israel, which celebrated Trump's decision earlier this month, joined the U.S. in voting against the measure. Thirty-five countries abstained, including U.S. allies Canada and Australia. Mexico, Togo and a host of other countries, stayed away from voting as well. Nigeria, Russia and China voted against the US, in favor of the resolution not to move embassies from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem.
Even though they voted against the resolution, it still won't change the fact that Jerusalem is still the capital of Isreal. This is more of a political statement than anything else.
These are the countries who voted for, against and stayed away from the decision:
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, rejected the Trump administration's decision to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's new capital, by a 128-9 votes.
Despite threats by US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, threatening to stop funding countries who vote against the decision, diplomats gathered in New York City and approved a nonbinding resolution calling on countries to avoid moving their embassies to Jerusalem.
Nikki Haley had said:

"The United States will remember this day in which it was singled out for attack in the General Assembly for the very act of exercising our right as a sovereign nation".

"We will remember it when we are called upon to once again make the world's largest contribution to the United Nations. And we will remember it when so many countries come calling on us, as they so often do, to pay even more and to use our influence for their benefit."

Among the countries that voted in favor of the resolution are many traditional U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom and France. Israel, which celebrated Trump's decision earlier this month, joined the U.S. in voting against the measure. Thirty-five countries abstained, including U.S. allies Canada and Australia. Mexico, Togo and a host of other countries, stayed away from voting as well. Nigeria, Russia and China voted against the US, in favor of the resolution not to move embassies from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem.
Even though they voted against the resolution, it still won't change the fact that Jerusalem is still the capital of Isreal. This is more of a political statement than anything else.

These are the countries who voted for, against and stayed away from the decision:Below is the list of the top countries who receive the most aids from the US but still voted against them.

'Federal Government will increase investment in the health sector' - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that the Federal Government will increase investment in the health sector, so that the country can halt the loss of well trained professionals to other lands,

Receiving the executive members of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at State House, Abuja, Thursday, the President appreciated the concern expressed by the association on the state of the health sector in the country, noting: "We will do our best to work on your recommendations, and increase investment in the health sector."

Professor Ngim E. Ngim, President of MDCAN, said the association consists of trainers, researchers, leaders and major stakeholders in health care, who are concerned about the well-being of the sector.

He appealed for action on the resolution of inter-professional rivalry in health care in the country, noting that a panel had been convened in 2014 to look into the issues, headed by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, "but no White Paper has been issued till date."

Among other requests brought before the President by MDCAN were better health financing, reconstitution of the Governing Board of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, need for a single term of five years for Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals, and the establishment of medical universities in each geo-political zone of the country.

The association also hoped that the constitution of a Minimum Wage Committee by the Federal Government would help curb brain drain, if medical professionals were better remunerated.

PDP alleges the government is building new prisons in preparation for a planned clampdown on opposition members in 2018

PDP chairman, Uche Secondus has accused the Buhari-led federal government of plans to imprison its members in a massive intimidation campaign come 2018. He also alleged that new prisons are being built to this end. Secondus made the allegations at the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the newly elected National Working Committee of the party.
He said,

“We learnt that they are building more prisons. Let them go ahead and build more. They will be the one to stay there. We learnt that they are coming after our members in January.  Let them continue.  How many people will they put in jail? They should stop intimidating people. They should remember that almost everybody they had put in jail wrongly came back to become President. This is because they were jailed unjustifiably.  So, if they are persecuting us, let them continue. But we will not withdraw the ultimatum we gave them to quit Aso Rock in 2019.”

Secondus also countered the claim that PDP can't fight corruption, he pointed to former president Olusegun Obasanjo who he said established anti corruption bodies and prosecuted corrupt elements regardless of party affiliations. He claimed that by contrast, APC members are immune from the government's anti corruption campaign. He said:

“We stabilised the structure to fight corruption. Obasanjo, a PDP President, started the fight against corruption. He fought our members. But unlike now, no matter how corrupt you are, if you don’t want to be arrested, just defect to the APC.

" The newly elected party chairman called on the APC to focus on delivering campaign promises rather than intimidate members of the opposition. He said: “APC should stop intimidating our leaders. We will no longer take it; enough is enough. They don’t need to attack us; they should fulfil what they promised us. Enough of this; we are not in a military era. What I am telling them is that God is not sleeping. When the time comes, the people will speak through their votes. We handed over freely in 2015 and they should be prepared to hand over to us. No amount of intimidation will distract Nigerians.”

EFCC releases Innoson chairman, Innocent Chukwuma, on bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has released Nnewi, Anambra-State born Industrialist, Chief Innocent Chukwuma on bail. A statement by the agency says the business man who runs a local auto assembly plant was arrested on Tuesday December 19, 2017 at his Enugu residence, following his refusal to respond to invitations by the Commission, after initially being granted administrative bail by the Commission, while his surety could also not be found. The statement in part reads
''Unfortunately the industrialist resisted arrest and stirred controversy by bringing six truck-loads of thugs to block the entrance to his Plot W1, Industrial Layout, Abakaliki Road, Emeni, Enugu, home. This was after he initially misled the Police Command by informing them that his home had been invaded by armed robbers and kidnappers despite the fact that operatives of the Commission duly identified themselves to policemen guarding his home.
His unruly thugs encircled and manhandled operatives of the Commission who had gone to effect the arrest. Consequently, a distress call was sent to the Commission’s Enugu Office for reinforcement.
In all of this, the Commission’s operatives acted with decorum and civility. No one was manhandled or assaulted by the EFCC team, and not a single shot was fired, despite the provocation.
Chief Chukwuma and his brother, Charles Chukwuma (who is still at large), are being investigated by the Insurance and Capital Market Fraud Section of the Commission’s office in Lagos over matters bordering on N1, 478, 366, 859.66 fraud and forgery. The industrialist, among other infractions, allegedly used forged documents to secure tax waivers.''.

'Ekiti state is suffering from ‘Hunger Haram’ – Governor Ayo Fayose says

Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, says that his state is currently suffering from Huger Haram. Fayose who has a Commissioner for Stomach Infrastructure, said this after attending the Governors Forum meeting in Abuja last night. At the meeting, the governors focused on the $1 billion they approved to be withdrawn from the Excess Crude Account to tackle the issue of insurgency and insecurity in all parts of the country
Fayose who has been opposed to withdrawing the funds from the ECA, yesterday said the money can be withdrawn but it must be shared among all the governors so they can use it to tackle their challenges effectively adding that Ekiti State is confronted by numerous challenges including hunger and kidnapping.
“Every state has its own peculiarities in terms of security. Ekiti has hunger haram where hunger is catching people everywhere. A lot of people are being kidnapped daily. They (the FG) either vote money for me from the $1billion or we share the money for everyone to go and solve their problem. I have challenges and I have to be left to handle my challenges. They should give me Ekiti money” he told newsmen after the meeting.

Fresh crisis in PDP

Another faction of PDP has emerged. They call themselves Fresh PDP. They had a press conference this morning in Asokoro, Abuja. The FRESH PDP group led by Emmanuel Nwosu said it is emerging due to imposition of a unity list on members during the party's National Convention two week ago, December 9th.

Egyptian security forces kill 11 suspected militants

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior confirms that security forces have killed 11 suspected militants in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia as part of a campaign aimed at “foiling terrorist attempts to destabilise northern Sinai”. 

“Security forces monitored movements by some leaders in northern Sinai who planned to carry out a series of attacks against vital institutions and Christian places of worship,’’ the ministry added.

The campaign came after Friday’s assault on a mosque in northern Sinai which killed 305 people, the deadliest attack in Egypt’s modern history.  “A shoot-out erupted when security forces targeted a suspected militant hideout in Ismailia, around 115 kilometres north-east of Cairo, which led to the killing of 11 suspects, who are yet to be identified,’’ the ministry said.

The forces also confiscated weapons and home-made explosive devices, while another nine suspects were arrested for “providing logistical support” for insurgents in northern Sinai. Prosecutors have said between 25 and 30 militants attacked the al-Rawdah mosque in the village of the same name, shortly after Friday’s noon prayers.

However, no group has yet claimed responsibility. Militants affiliated with Islamic State have claimed previous attacks in Egypt.  Those earlier attacks mainly targeted security forces and the country’s minority Christian community.  Report says assaults on mosques are rare in mostly Muslim Egypt.

Zimbabwean President issues 3-months ultimatum to looters to return stolen funds

Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s new President has opened a three-month amnesty window for the return of public funds illegally stashed abroad by individuals and companies.
Mnangagwa in a statement Tuesday said that upon the expiration of the amnesty at end of February 2018, the government will arrest and prosecute those who would have failed to comply.
The country's former finance minister Ignatius Chombo, was on Monday charged with three counts of corruption in offences that allegedly took place two decades ago. He was denied bail on Monday and will remain in custody until his case is heard on December 8.  Chombo, who faces charges including trying to defraud the central bank, was detained after the military seized power in “Operation Restore Legacy”, which it said was meant to remove “criminals” around former president Robert Mugabe.
His lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, told reporters that he would appeal the magistrate’s ruling in the High Court on Tuesday.  “We are hopeful that the High Court will show independence,” Madhuku said.  The magistrate who detained Chombo said the former minister could abscond, influence state witnesses or be the target of a mob attack over the allegations that he abused his position.
Chombo, who was appointed finance minister in October, was among members of the G40 political faction allied to Mugabe and his wife, Grace, who were also expelled from the ruling ZANU-PF party.
Two ousted ZANU-PF Youth League leaders, Kudzanai Chipanga and Innocent Hamandishe, who were both allied to G-40, were also ordered to be detained until Dec. 8.  Some supporters of new president Emmerson Mnangagwa have called for unspecified action against G40 but Mnangagwa has urged citizens not to undertake any form of “vengeful retribution”.

President Trump Takes A Swipe At CNN Again

This fight will come own oo