Breaking News
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Confirmed Dead In Helicopter Crash
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead in a horror helicopter crash that took place Sunday.
President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed after their helicopter crashed in the mountainous region of East Azerbaijan province.
The whereabouts of the crash had been unknown until a search party was able to confirm the passing of the president and the helicopter’s crash site. The crash was met with more than 20 rescue teams that scoured the area. Raisi, who was 63 years old, was elected Iran’s president in 2021.
BREAKING: Iran's President and Foreign Minister have died in helicopter crash
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) May 20, 2024
Now, the confirmation has arrived after the helicopter was forced down in East Azerbaijan Province. The situation was met with more than 20 emergency rescue teams and various drones to search the area for his remains. Foggy conditions prolonged the search.
The two Iranian officials were joined by a selection of dignitaries, according to reports. Moreover, the helicopter was transporting the group from the opening ceremony for a new dam on the country’s Azerbaijani border. Reports say that the helicopter “crashed upon landing in the Varzaqan region” on Sunday.
The aircraft’s hard landing issued an immediate response from Iran’s Red Crescent Relief Forces and various law enforcement agencies. Conversley, the crashed helicopter was a part of a three-craft convoy. The reports note that the two other aircraft arrived at their destination safely.
Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries, through his legal representative, has formally submitted a corruption petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
This was disclosed in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Dangote Group media team on Friday.
Recall that Dangote had earlier petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate Ahmed for allegedly spending $5 million on his children’s secondary education in Switzerland. He withdrew the petition a few days ago, even as the ICPC vowed to continue with its investigation.
The statement on Friday said Dangote’s petition to the EFCC followed “The withdrawal of the same petition from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, a strategic decision aimed at accelerating the prosecution process.”
In the petition, signed by Lead Counsel Dr O.J. Onoja, Dangote urged the EFCC to investigate allegations of abuse of office and corrupt enrichment against Ahmed, and to prosecute him if found culpable.
The petition further stated that Dangote would provide evidence to substantiate claims of financial misconduct and impunity.
“We make bold to state that the commission is strategically positioned, along with sister agencies, to prosecute financial crimes and corruption-related offences, and upon establishing a prima facie case, the courts do not hesitate to punish offenders. See Lawan v. F.R.N (2024) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1953) 501 and Shema v. F.R.N. (2018) 9 NWLR (Pt.1624) 337,” the petition read.
Onoja further urged the commission, under the leadership of Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, “To investigate the complaint of abuse of office and corruption against Engr. Farouk Ahmed and to accordingly prosecute him if found wanting.”
The Rivers State House of Assembly formally recommenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
This marks the second time within ten months that the state legislature has initiated such a move.
At a plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader of the House, Major Jack, formally read the notice detailing allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara.
The notice, which was endorsed by 26 lawmakers, accused the governor of actions allegedly in violation of the Nigerian Constitution.
Amaewhule announced that the notice would be served on the governor within the next seven days.
During the same sitting, the Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart, read the notice of allegations and gross misconduct leveled against Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduh.
Breaking News
Supreme Court: President Has Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Remove Elected Officials
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance.
According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy.
The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise.
It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address escalating crises.
More details later…
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