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I’M ACCUSTOMED TO UPND LIES…most Zambians know they’re just a bunch of shameless pathological liars- Edgar Lungu

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I’M ACCUSTOMED TO UPND LIES…most Zambians know they’re just a bunch of shameless pathological liars, says Lungu

By Fanny Kalonda(The Mast )

PERSONALLY I am now accustomed to lies from this regime, says former president Edgar Lungu.

Lungu, the PF president, says he has no property or business in Eswatini.

“Good morning, personally I am now accustomed to lies from this regime. The consolation is that most Zambians now know that they are just a bunch of shameless pathological liars. Lying even when it’s needless…” he said. “In the Eswatin chapter of falsehoods, why can’t they follow up the matter starting with law enforcement agencies here at home, and seek support from international crime busters? They can’t do this because they know that what they are saying about me is all hogwash!”

Lungu, in a statement, explained that he is not surprised about the malicious allegations because the UPND government has gone to great lengths in throwing all manner of baseless accusations at him.


“A report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) titled: ‘Swazi Secrets – a glimpse inside the tiny Kingdom’, has been brought to my attention. Further, and following this report, the minister in charge of housing and infrastructure in Zambia Mr Charles Milupi, is quoted in one of our local tabloids challenging me to explain the source of the money for my investment or properties in Eswatini. A casual read of the ICIJ report shows that the report is based on unverified information, innuendos and in many cases, utter lies. The report, inter alia, alleges that I own a luxurious property in Eswatini. The truth of the matter, however, is that I own no property in Eswatini,” he said in a statement yesterday. “During my official visit to Eswatini as head of state in 2018, the King – His Majesty Mswati III – during exchange of gifts, offered me a plot on which he proposed I could build a house. The empty plot was in a gated golf estate and architectural drawings of the proposed house were prepared. I was extremely grateful for the offer from His Majesty, King Mswati III, but I chose not to take it up particularly after the hullabaloo in Zambia, alleging that the gift was not declared. Therefore, it can clearly be seen that this is not a new allegation. It has been popping up occassionally, especially from malicious people whose fervent desire is to paint me black. I have elected to remain silent all this time out of deep respect for His Majesty, King Mswati III who made that offer in very good faith.”

Lungu said he has now been compelled to respond because “I didn’t expect a senior minister in government to throw such a challenge at me when the government – using the state machinery – can easily establish the truth of the matter”.

“I am not surprised, however, because this government has gone to great lengths in throwing all manner of baseless accusations at me. Similarly, the attack on the Zambian businessman who has settled in Eswatini for decades and has made the Kingdom his home, is clearly malicious. The Zambian government offers business opportunities and construction jobs to many international companies from different nations such as China, Turkey, Japan, South Africans, to name but a few. In this vein, Inyatsi company which is associated with Mr Michelo Shakantu has enjoyed doing business in Zambia even before I became president,” said Lungu. “His company, to my knowledge, has had footprint of business since the days of president Levy Mwanawasa to date.


It is, therefore, malicious and mischievious to suggest or portray that Mr Shakantu conducted business with the Zambian government only during my tenure as president.”

A Helicopter In A Ward By Election, Angers Hon. Given Katuta

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A HELICOPTER IN A WARD BY ELECTION, ANGERS KATUTA

Katuta Condemns UPND’s Use of Helicopter to Visit Chiengi as ‘Mockery’ of Constituents’ Plight

In a scathing statement, the media team of Independent Member of Parliament for Chiengi Constituency, Hon. Given Katuta, has denounced the UPND government’s decision to send Minister Elvis Nkandu to the area via a K320,000 helicopter trip as a “mockery” of the constituents’ pressing needs.

The statement highlights the stark contrast between the UPND’s lavish mode of transport and the dire realities faced by the people of Chiengi, who are grappling with the deplorable state of the Kashikishi Lunchinda Road, crippling poverty, skyrocketing cost of living, and chronic drug shortages in local health facilities.

“The people of Chiengi are struggling to access basic services and infrastructure, yet the UPND government chooses to fly in a minister on a K320,000 helicopter trip. This is a blatant mockery of our constituents’ plight,” the statement reads.

The media team goes on to accuse the UPND of engaging in vote-buying tactics, alleging that Minister Nkandu has boasted about arriving with “enough cash, chitenge, and t-shirts to give every voter.” The statement urges the people of Chiengi to see through these attempts to sway their votes and instead focus on the real issues affecting their community.

“Our constituents are intelligent and cunning. They have organized themselves to receive cash handouts from Hon. Nkandu, who is known for his vote-buying antics. We call on the people of Chiengi to exercise their democratic rights without succumbing to these tactics,” the statement asserts.

Furthermore, the media team criticizes the government’s failure to assist the flood-affected families in the region, contrasting it with the lavish expenditure on the ministerial visit.

“While the government can afford to waste K320,000 on a helicopter trip, they have neglected the urgent needs of the flood-affected families in our constituency. This is a clear indication of the UPND’s misplaced priorities,” the statement declares.

In conclusion, the media team reaffirms Hon. Katuta’s commitment to serving the people of Chiengi and her determination to continue advocating for the resolution of the constituency’s pressing issues, regardless of the political machinations of her opponents.

THE REALITY OF PUBLIC RESOURCE THEFT UNDER ECL’S ADMINISTRATION VS UPND GOVT AMNESTY GRANTED TO CRIMINALS

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THE REALITY OF PUBLIC RESOURCE THEFT UNDER ECL’S ADMINISTRATION VS UPND GOVERNMENT AMNESTY GRANTED TO CRIMINALS

The daily reports of public resource plundering under the previous administration are disheartening. What’s even more concerning is the lack of awareness among citizens about the detrimental effects on our economy.

It’s evident that ECL’s tenure was marred by rampant theft of public resources, facilitated by those in close proximity to power. This exploitation continues to cast a shadow over our nation’s progress. We all want to get rich but getting there using public resources in such an abusive and exploitative way like it happened under my brother Edgar Lungu is disgusting.

Despite the undeniable evidence, some citizens still fail to acknowledge ECL’s detrimental impact on our nation. Instead, they continue to support him blindly, ignoring the stark reality of increased poverty and the sudden wealth accumulation among his associates.

To the UPND government, gaining the people’s trust in the fight against corruption will be challenging if the amnesty law continues to be utilized. This law, seemingly designed to shield thieves, undermines efforts to both recover stolen funds and secure convictions. While ordinary citizens face incarceration for minor theft, granting leniency to those who have plundered with impunity sends the wrong message. One of the gravest impacts of such corruption is the diversion of funds meant for essential services like healthcare, depriving ordinary citizens of much-needed support. Ceasing the practice of granting amnesty to individuals who have callously disregarded the well-being of the populace is essential. Failure to do so risks rendering the anti-corruption efforts futile. Your approach to handling thieves is not sustainable and corruption will never end in Zambia if this trend continues.

To the youths of our nation, I urge you to not fall victim to blind support. It’s crucial to use critical thinking and common sense to recognize those who have contributed to the deterioration of our lives and economy.Young people must redirect their focus from idle chatter about sex and gossip to addressing the pressing issue of poverty. These are national concerns that demand the attention of every sensible youth in our nation. The repercussions of neglecting these critical matters under poor leadership will inevitably be severe. It’s time for young individuals to prioritize national issues and actively contribute to building a better future for our country

It’s time to wake up to the harsh reality of public resource theft under ECL’s administration. By acknowledging the truth and holding those responsible accountable, we can strive for a better future for our nation.

SIKAILE C SIKAILE

We’re giving UPND sleepless nights and nightmares – UKA

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We’re giving UPND sleepless nights and nightmares – Saki

By Fanny Kalonda(The Mast)

UNITED Kwacha Alliance chairperson Sakwiba Sikota says the alliance is giving government sleepless nights as it is constantly on their minds.

Sikota said the alliance is operating the way the UPND alliance is operating, which is acknowledged on official programmes and state events without being registered.

Featuring on Diamond TV’s Breakfast show on Friday, Sikota said if the UPND alliance can go ahead without registration, “why shouldn’t the United Kwacha Alliance also go ahead?”

“It seems like we are constantly on their minds day in and day out. The only thing occupying them is UKA. It’s seems as if we are giving them sleepless nights and nightmares, you know. I wouldn’t be surprised that each morning they are being shaken awake by their spouses because they are chattering and moaning in their sleep having a nightmare and their spouses saying UKA, UKA iwe, UKA,” he said. “And they wake up and hear UKA and it puts them back into that mood. So basically what I’m saying is that there is this obsession by them about UKA and I understand it. It is something which has taken hold countrywide. It has spread to all corners, all sections of society. Everybody is talking about UKA. So in their minds they have got a plan to say we must stop it by all means.”

Sikota explained that UKA does not need to be registered for it to operate.

“First thing is we don’t even need to be registered. We are operating just like the UPND alliance is operating. Nobody says the UPND alliance is legal or anything like that. In fact, if anything, if you look at official programmes on state events they will even put UPND Alliance members. It will be in official state documents,” Sikota explained. “Now, if they are able to operate, why can’t another alliance operate just because it’s an opposition alliance? It shows the fear that they have and it shows also that they are not sincere when they comes up with things like ‘oh, they are not registered’!”

He said the UPND keeps on creating all kinds of roadblocks because of their fear of UKA.

“On the registration part we made the application, reserved the name and everybody knows that they have been putting all kinds of roadblocks to try to stop us from actually concluding the registration. There was that whole circus that they created over the fingerprints, sending us from Woodlands Police Station to Force Headquarters. From Force Headquarters, Lusaka Division. Lusaka Division saying no, go back to Force Headquarters,” said Sikota. “So much so that I had to come and say we have got to bring this to an end. Let me go and see the permanent secretary at home affairs and I went and saw the permanent secretary. And to be quite honest, he had no reason that he could give us as to why they kept on making us going from pillar and post. And so he was forced to say okay I will talk to the police. They keep on creating all kinds of roadblocks, that’s what I’m saying because of this fear they have of UKA. What the state would have to tell us is, if UPND Alliance can go ahead without registration, why shouldn’t United Kwacha Alliance also go ahead? What is good for the goose must be good for the gander.”

WHY THE UNNECESSARY PROPAGANDA AGAINST AN INNOCENT PERSON?

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Patrick Kawewe shares:

WHY THE UNNECESSARY PROPAGANDA AGAINST AN INNOCENT PERSON?

The Drug Enforcement Commission – DEC yesterday announced the arrest of Football Association of Zambia President Andrew Kamanga and three others on charges of money laundering related offences and defrauding Government.

DEC investigations revealed that the suspects while acting together obtained K341, 902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretences. This money was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairos Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The allowances were transferred into their personal accounts with each one (Madalitso and Jairos) getting K170, 951.00. Furthermore, the duo also obtained return tickets valued at K99,980.00.

Unfortunately this news has seen a certain sector of people from the former ruling party pointing fingers at FC MUZA proprietor Keith Mweemba who they accuse of trying to fight Andrew Kamanga by using the ruling Government. Surely how unreasonable can some people be? It would appear this propaganda is being spread bumpy only the former ruling party members who want to gain cheap political mileage but also by the sympathisers of the victims’ camp. This is clear from certain social media postings in various fora.

Let me give you a brief background of Keith Mweemba:

Keith Mweemba who is also popularly known as Bebeto in the football circles is a lawyer by profession and a former football player who played for Mazabuka United and Lusaka Dynamos Football Club apart from his exploits at UNZABOLA in his hey days as a student of law at the University of Zambia (UNZA).

Following his love for football, Keith formed a club which was named Manchester United Zambian Academy (FC MUZA) which later rebranded to Maestro United Zambia (FC MUZA) in the 2019 transition league. In its few years of existence, FC MUZA cemented its place as one of the strongest contenders in the Zambian Super League and have represented the country in continental football straight from being promoted from national division one league, a rare feat of achievement in Zambian football history.

FC MUZA is arguably the best run Football Club which is sponsored by an individual in Zambia. Running football is an expensive venture and such people deserve commendation and not politicking against them. Why even attack a person who has no means of defending himself from lies? Is that really fair? Social media was not meant to be abused and spread propaganda against innocent people whether it is Keith, Kamanga, Kalusha or anyone else for that matter.

So for those who think Keith Mweemba has only come on the scene recently, think again as the man’s love and passion for Zambian Football is simply unmatchable and his administrative and management skills are second to none. As a human being being he may not be perfect and has weaknesses like any other person but to unfairly attack a person with blatant lies is unprofessional, unethical and extremely unfair. Those who make false claims should produce evidence of his wrong doing using the right channels instead of shooting in the dark all with an aim of discrediting an innocent person. The man’s club is preaching peace and reconciliation and why should other people be promoting hatred and divisions?

Fair journalism or blogging calls for giving the person being attacked an opportunity to be heard from any sort of accusation. It is not good to mislead the public and excite public opinion as propaganda spreads so fast like bush fire. What is so sickening is that tribalism is being brought in the picture of football matters. If we go there, what is the tribal hierarchy presently at FAZ and the associates of the leadership there? The president is Andrew Kamanga, his General Secretary is Reuben Kamanga, his Vice General Secretary is John Msimuko, his co-accused are Madalitso Kamanga and Jairos Siame, all of them coming from one region of Zambia. Should we then make this an issue of tribalism or it is just a coincidence? Judge for yourselves and make your own conclusion. But the truth is that there is definitely no tribalism and nothing tribal in the arrest of the FAZ president and three others.

Other than popular public opinion urging and wanting Keith Mweemba to stand for FAZ presidency as we have been reading on social media the past few years, Keith Mweemba himself has not even declared his interest to contest the FAZ Presidency and he doesn’t even seem to be interested in that position anyway. This game is aimed at discouraging him from expressing his intention in future and the attackers are laying a foundation to justify their unfounded criticisms. This is too cheap to say the least and we encourage the man to reconsider his position if he so wishes much as he loves his club passionately because the country’s football needs his passionate and sacrificial services if need arises. Such people need encouragement and not discouragement.

If Keith wishes to contest, we do not see anything wrong with that because he is a Zambian and he has all the rights to contest that position. He qualifies to do so constitutionally if no one tempers with the constitution as politicians are fond of doing in secular politics to block other candidates who are threats to them.

Come to think of it, if he becomes the next FAZ President he would definitely be our Patrice Motsepe especially if we consider his past successful experience with a club where he is the sole sponsor. We know that he also used to make positive contributions at Lusaka Dynamos. Now imagine with all the Government, FIFA and CAF support at his disposal! The sky is the limit if we all work together in our land of work, and joy in love and unity.

We have done very very well, possibly we’re at 80% pass mark – State House

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We have done very very well, possibly we’re at 80% pass mark – State House

By Fanny Kalonda(The Mast)

THE UPND has published its mid-term achievements fact sheet “against its 2021-2026 party manifesto”.

According to Special Assistant to the President for policy compliance, Joseph Lungu, the new dawn administration’s performance must be judged against the party manifesto promises.

“And fulfilling manifesto promises is a process, and not an event. And we have a five year mandate to fulfill the manifesto promises. So far we have done very very well. Possibly we are at 80 per cent (estimate) pass mark. The next two and half years will even be better. We are certain that we shall deliver on the outstanding items,” Lungu told The Mast. “I was chair of UPND policy and research committee responsible for the manifesto. Now I am [in] charge of policy compliance. My job involves the monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the manifesto promises, ensure that we are in course. You may call it internal checks and balances to ensure that what we promised is done. And we stay on course.”

And President Hakainde Hichilema says in the last two and a half years, the country has faced numerous challenges including a significant debt overhang and a drought during the 2023/2024 farming season, which impeded the resources needed for planned reforms, development projects, and programmes.

“However, amidst these challenges, the new dawn government has made significant positive strides,” he says in his forward to the mid-term achievements of the UPND government fact sheet. “The United Party for National Development (UPND)’s new dawn government is committed to working tirelessly to realise the dream of a prosperous Zambia, anchored on mutual understanding, love, and national unity for rapid economic and social development. We aim for a targeted economic growth rate of 10.0 per cent per year to achieve Vision 2030, as outlined in our 2021-2026 party manifesto.”

President Hichilema says Zambia’s vision of economic growth rests on three pillars of peace, security, and economic diplomacy.

“In the two and a half years we have been in power, we have taken many positive and transparent steps toward an ambitious economic and social transformation to move Zambia forward and achieve overall poverty reduction. Our manifesto was designed to unlock the country’s immense prospects across all economic sectors for sustainable, holistic, and inclusive national development, returning the country to its trajectory of becoming a prosperous middle-income nation by 2030. During the first two and a half years of our term, the implementation of the UPND manifesto took into account the available resources and capacities, as well as potential risks. The mid-term review reflects the progress made in implementing both our campaign and UPND manifesto commitments we made to the Zambian voters in the run-up to the 2021 elections,” he explains. “This review comes against the backdrop of renewed hope for economic recovery and stabilisation, based on the UPND government’s resolute policy direction to steer the country back on track after years of accelerated decline and fiscal distress due to rapid debt accumulation and imprudent use of public resources. With fiscal prudence and investment promotion as key strategies, the country is poised to benefit from these efforts on its path to economic transformation and job creation. The government’s resolve to decentralise decision-making has been strongly demonstrated by ensuring robust participation of sub-national structures at zone, ward, constituency, and district levels through the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programme. This expansion has significantly contributed to achieving desired development outputs and outcomes at the community level. In the last two and a half years, the country has faced numerous challenges, including a significant debt overhang from previous administrations and a drought during the 2023/2024 farming season, which impeded the resources needed for planned reforms, development projects, and programmes. However, amidst these challenges, the new dawn government has made significant positive strides. This review highlights the progress made and proposes the way forward. I appeal to all our partners and collaborators in the national development space to support the government, helping the country return to a sustainable economic growth path and secure a prosperous socio-economic future for our people.”

Remarks Attributeed To Charles Milupi Is A Clear Indication That UPND Govt Doesn’t Only Disrespect The Constitution But Is Also A Lawless Govt- Elijah Tembo

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REMARKS ATTRIBUTEED TO CHARLES MILUPI IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT UPND GOVERNMENT DOESN’T ONLY DISRESPECT THE CONSTITUTION BUT IS ALSO A LAWLESS GOVERNMENT

Elijah Temboh

I was quite shocked when I saw an article attributed to Hon Charles Milupi, who is Minister of Infrastructure Development, directing Gilbert Liswaniso the youth chairman for the ruling UPND and Obvious Mwaliteta the Lusaka Ptoovincial chairman to deal with whoever insults President Hakainde Hichilema.

To start with, this is a very careless pronouncement by a minister who should by now understand that we have institutions of government that handle certain issues. The police are charged with the responsibility to maintain law and order in our country. The courts are also there to handle different cases involving aggrieved parties. Everything is enshrined in the constitution. Cadres don’t have any power or right whatsoever to do anything in this land. So under what jurisdiction will Gilbert Liswaniso and Obvious Mwaliteta deal with those insulting?

For Mr Milupi to carelessly issue such a statement, it is a clear indication that UPND is a government that doesn’t only disrespect the Constitution but is also a lawless government. I don’t tolerate anyone insulting either the President or Ministers or any government officials, and if there can be such a person, we should let the law enforcers to bring the culprits to book. Not party cadres. Under what law are cadres going to deal with those insulting? We live in a civilised world. We don’t want ancient politics that Milupi and William Banda used to practice then. We have the police, the courts, and the constitution in the land. Where do cadres fall?

To Liswaniso Gilbert and Obvious Mwaliteta, I believe you have learnt lessons from previous regimes that power is temporary. These ancestors that are pushing you into lawlessness won’t stand with you when government changes. I’m sure by now Gilbert you are aware of what you are doing to those who tortured and tormented you when PF was in power. Would you like the same things to happen to you? Would you also wish to be in exile?

Look at the age of Mr Milupi and your age. You are a young man with some serious potential. You have a family to look after now and after UPND tenure. In politics, don’t create enemies. Let us just differ on opinion. Don’t try to be used by elderly people in a wrong way that will put your life and that of your family in danger forever. If you love your children and family, I think refraining from taking the law into your hands will be the best thing to do ever.

I wouldn’t love to see a young man with potential like you being persecuted in future when there’s change of government. It’s time we as youths open our eyes and say no to old politics. We need to embrace the new way of doing politics. I will give you a simple example, have you ever followed Mr Freedom Sikazwe or it’s the young people you are following who were being used by these old people.

To those in the habit of insulting leaders, let’s us refrain from the vice. It is not only the opposition insulting the ruling but also the ruling party cadres have been insulting the opposition. Assuming even the opposition says we shall go tooth for tooth, do you think there will be peace in the country?

We only have One Zambia. Let’s us all safeguard our peace. To President Hakainde Hichilema its high time you substitute your players. We have been hearing careless statements not only from Mr Milupi but also Cornelius Mweetwa. These ministers should be tamed. We don’t want them to temper with our democracy.

Thank-you

Diddy has fired back at record producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones, who sued him for constant groping and drug-induced rape

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Hip Hop mogul, Diddy has fired back at record producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones, who sued him for constant groping and drug-induced rape.

Jones filed suit in February, accusing Combs of sexual assault and leading a “widespread and dangerous criminal sex trafficking organization,” among other allegations. The suit was filed in federal court in New York’s southern district.

Weeks after the allegations were made, two of Combs’ homes were raided by federal agents amid a sex trafficking probe.

Now, Combs’ legal team is seeking to throw Jones’ credibility into question by unearthing the accuser’s own past interactions with the criminal justice system.

According to Mail Online, Combs’ attorneys pointed out that Jones was convicted of a reckless homicide in 2003, and that he has faced multiple assault charges that were later dismissed.

Shortly after, Jones’ lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn came to his client’s defence, responding to the assault claims by reminding Page Six that ‘a charge is not a conviction.’

He then explained the homicide by saying Jones accidentally ‘totalled’ a car while driving, tragically killing his cousin and ‘best friend,’ who was seated beside him.

Court documents obtained by Page Six indicated that Jones faced a misdemeanour sexual assault charge in 2006, followed by domestic assault charges in 2009 and 2014 – but that in all cases the charges were ultimately dismissed.

Confronted with the information about the assault cases, Blackburn retorted: ‘I am sure you know that a charge is not a conviction.’

With regard to the conviction that did occur, Blackburn said: ‘Mr. Jones’ July 2003 reckless homicide occurred when he was 17 years old.’

Jones’ attorney continued: ‘He was driving a vehicle with his cousin in the passenger seat. The police pulled him over, but he was afraid and drove off. It was pretty typical behaviour for a young black boy in Chicago when pulled over by the police. As a result, he totalled the vehicle, and his cousin, who was his best friend, died.’

Blackburn asserted that Jones pled guilty, being without ‘adequate legal representation,’ and added that his client ‘has to live with the guilt of the death of his best friend and family member for the rest of his life.’

In the lawsuit he filed against Combs in February, Jones claimed he was ordered to recruit prostitutes and have sex with them for the star’s pleasure, and has hundreds of hours of video documenting Combs’s ‘serious illegal activity’.

At that time, the embattled hip-hop star was already facing lawsuits from three women and had lost a host of deals in the wake of the claims.

Jones has named some of the industry’s biggest names as co-defendants in the $30 million suit, claiming record boss Ethiopia Habtemariam dismissed Combs’s groping as ‘friendly horseplay’, and his way of ‘showing that he likes you’.

Combs has denied the existing allegations against him, calling them ‘sickening’, and his lawyer dismissed Jones’s claims as ‘pure fiction’.

‘Lil Rod is nothing more than a liar who filed a $30 billion lawsuit shamelessly looking for an undeserved payday,’ attorney Shawn Holley told TMZ.

‘His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines.

‘We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr Blackburn refuses to return our calls.’

Combs recruited Jones in August 2022 to produce some of the songs on the R&B album ‘The Love Album: Off the Grid’ which was nominated for a Grammy after its release in September 2023.

‘Mr Jones agreed, and his life has been detrimentally impacted ever since,’ the lawsuit claims.

Megan Thee Stallion denies allegations she forced cameraman to watch her have s3x with a woman

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American rapper, Megan Thee Stallion has denied allegations made against her by her former cameraman in a new lawsuit.

In the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Emilio Garcia claims he was inside a moving vehicle with the rapper while she had sex with a woman. He accuses his former employer, real name Megan Pete, of harassment and creating a hostile work environment.

Reacting to the allegation, Megan Thee Stallion’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, said: “This is an employment claim for money – with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her.

We will deal with this in court.”

Garcia further claims in the suit that following the alleged incident he was warned: “Don’t ever discuss what you saw.”

He says he was subsequently treated differently by the 29-year-old Grammy winner, and that she created a “hostile, abusive work environment”, which made his “working conditions intolerable”.

Garcia first worked for Megan as a personal cameraman in 2018 and held a full-time role with the rapper from 2019 until June 2023.

In his lawsuit, Garcia says that he travelled with the star to the Spanish island of Ibiza in June 2022. He claims that while in an SUV with Megan and three other women after a night out, the rapper had sex with one of the women as they drove.

“I felt uncomfortable. I was kind of frozen, and I was shocked. At kind of just the overall audacity to do this right, right beside me,” Garcia told NBC News.

The cameraman also alleges that during the same trip, Megan fat-shamed him by calling him a “fat b****” and telling him to “spit your food out” as “you don’t need to be eating”.

“To hear someone who advocates about loving your body tell me these things,” Garcia told NBC, “I felt degraded.”

He says that he then saw a decrease in the jobs he was being hired to do. The night before a job in June 2023 he says he was notified by Megan’s management company, Roc Nation, that “his services would no longer be required”.

The lawsuit goes on to claim that Garcia was subjected to “a barrage of relentless sexual and fat-shaming comments”, which caused the photographer “profound emotional distress”.

It also states that as Megan failed to provide her employee with medical insurance, he was and remains unable to receive care as he “grapples with mounting anxiety, depression, and physical distress stemming from the toxic work environment”.

In a statement, Garcia’s attorney Ron Zambrano said: “Megan just needs to pay our client what he’s due, own up to her behaviour and quit this sort of sexual harassment and fat-shaming conduct. Emilio should never have been put in a position of having to be in the vehicle with her while she had sex with another woman. ‘Inappropriate’ is putting it lightly. Exposing this behaviour to employees is definitely illegal.”

Zinedine Zidane to Man Utd? – Louis Saha backs Frenchman to ‘save’ sinking squad

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Louis Saha believes Zinedine Zidane could be the catalyst to reignite Manchester United’s struggling players, advocating for the Frenchman to replace Erik ten Hag.

Despite reaching a second consecutive FA Cup final, Ten Hag’s position is reportedly precarious if United fail to secure European qualification for the next season.

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While Ten Hag maintains he extracts the best from his squad, recent performances have been lackluster, notably squandering a 3-0 lead against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Various names, including Bayern Munich’s Thomas Tuchel, have been linked to the managerial role, but Saha favors Zidane’s appointment should Ten Hag depart.

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In an interview with Betfred, Saha said: “For a few years, I’ve said that Zidane would be a fantastic appointment for the club. There’s nothing negative about it. We all know that his dream job is with the French national team, but we don’t know if he may have to wait a while for that position to become available.

“He can speak a bit of English, so that would be helpful. I don’t see anything that goes against him being Manchester United manager. He would definitely inspire the players to be more confident at the highest level and everybody admires him for what he’s done as a player and as a manager, so that’s certainly an advantage he’s got.

It would be a massive achievement for Manchester United to have Zinedine Zidane as their manager.”

Zidane has never managed another club outside of Real Madrid, where he set an incredible record of winning the Champions League in three successive editions.

The World Cup winner had been approached previously by United following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking but he chose to turn them down.

“Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it,” Zidane has previously told L’Equipe.

“I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.”

Ten Hag potentially has seven matches to save his skin at United, including an FA Cup final against eternal rivals Manchester City on May 25. The Dutch tactician must string together a winning run at the business end of the campaign to finish as high as possible in the league table, starting with a fixture against Sheffield United on Wednesday evening.

Pep Guardiola hints of a potential return to Barcelona

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the possibility of returning to Barcelona, but not in a managerial capacity.

Guardiola, who enjoyed immense success at Barcelona, winning numerous titles, including two Champions League trophies, expressed his desire to return to the club in a different role.

While the idea of his comeback may excite Barcelona fans, Guardiola clarified that he envisions himself as the ultimate authority at the club rather than as a manager.

He hinted at appointing Aitana Bonmati, a Spanish World Cup winner and recipient of the ‘Laureus Award’ for Sportswoman of the Year in 2023, as the club’s sporting director, should he make a return to Barcelona.

In the documentary ‘Aitana Bonmati Conca’ on TV-3’s ‘Sense Ficcio’ show, Guardiola said: “I would come for free, do not suffer. It would not be an economic question.

But here there will be a problem that I must tell you: I will be the president and I will be the one who will sign you as sporting director.”

Bonmati responded by saying: “I like to command and it is poor to advance that there are still few women in positions of command. Maybe when you stop coaching at the age of 80…”

Guardiola immediately cut her short and replied: “Don’t worry, I have no intention of coaching until I’m 80. We’ll see who signs who…”

After suffering a setback in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola is resolute about leading Manchester City to a domestic double by securing the FA Cup and Premier League titles once again.

Currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by four points, with two games in hand, City aims to close the gap and reclaim the top spot.

Additionally, they have a chance to clinch the FA Cup when they face Manchester United in the final at Wembley on May 25.

Their immediate focus, however, is on their upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton, scheduled for Thursday, away from home.

https://youtu.be/FRJR9oEW8OI

‘We are trying’ – Gallagher to young fan who asked for a fight from Chelsea

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Conor Gallagher found himself in the hot seat as he addressed a Chelsea fan’s criticism, calling for more “fight” from the players following their dismal performance against Arsenal.

After a crushing 5-0 defeat at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening, the Blues midfielder faced tough questions about the team’s lacklustre display.

This derby debacle marked yet another setback in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, leaving Chelsea stranded in ninth place on the Premier League table, a daunting 19 points behind the top four.

Throughout the season, the club’s supporters have voiced their increasing frustration with the team’s performances and during the second half against the shirt, a young fan held up a banner which read: “I don’t want your shirt I want you to fight for ours.”

When Gallagher was asked to respond to the poster, he said: “We definitely are putting the effort in. I know it’s been said many times; it’s a very young squad with not much experience as a team in the Premier League. As you’ve seen this season, we’ve had a lot of ups and a lot of downs as well. We’re still improving and working together as a team to get to that next level.

“Today is one of those days where we were just nowhere near it. We need to kind of dust ourselves off but also look at the performance and where we can improve, and all the mistakes we made, where we can put it right and just get ready for the next one.”

Chelsea’s defeat against Arsenal marked their second consecutive loss, following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

This defeat dealt a significant blow to their aspirations of securing European qualification for the next season, with the team now trailing three points behind sixth-placed Newcastle United, who have managed to revive their fortunes with three victories in their last four league matches.

The 5-0 thrashing is Arsenal’s biggest victory over Chelsea across all competitions.

This defeat is also the heaviest suffered by the Blues by a fellow London rival since their 6-0 loss to QPR in 1986.

Looking ahead, Chelsea face the daunting task of regrouping swiftly as they prepare for challenging games against Aston Villa on Saturday and London rivals Tottenham next week in their next two fixtures.

They gave up – Disappointed Pochettino admits players posture in Arsenal loss

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Mauricio Pochettino conceded that Chelsea appeared to have surrendered during their 5-0 loss to Arsenal on Tuesday.

However, he defended his players by suggesting that even some of the greatest teams in football history have experienced similar setbacks.

The scoring commenced with Leandro Trossard’s goal in the fourth minute, followed by a barrage of four goals within 18 minutes in the second half.

Ben White and Kai Havertz each netted twice, handing Chelsea their most significant defeat in a London derby since March 1986.

“We talked at half-time about how it is not possible to start the game like this,” Pochettino said. “But we started [the second half] in a bad way again. We conceded two goals and in this moment, the team gave up. We were not in the game.”

Asked whether that capitulation made him question the character of some of his players, Pochettino continued: “No, it is not the character.

“I played football and I was in some similar situations with big, experienced players. I played with [Diego] Maradona, I played with Ronaldinho, and I played with [Gabriel] Batistuta. In some part of the season, these type of things can happen and you say ‘yes, these guys that were at the top, give up.’

“Sometimes, because of the opponent, because of our energy, because nothing is for you in this situation and you cannot find anything positive during the game, this type of thing happens. It will happen for sure with different teams.”

While Arsenal moved four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, having played two more games, with Liverpool sandwiched between them in second place, Chelsea face a scramble to qualify for Europe after suffering their 11th defeat of the season.

“We are capable of having an amazing performance and three days later, we show the extremes,” Pochettino added. “Our standards are not sustained for the bad days. When we have bad days, we are so bad. When we are good, we are capable of everything. It is another thing we need to be aware of that we need to increase for the future.”

Arteta had previously described Pochettino as a “father figure” dating back to their time together as players at Paris Saint-Germain and he said: “[I have] all the sympathy in the world, with everything that he’s been through and everything that he’s been doing. He knows that.

“I’ve been on the other side as well. He’s doing a great job. I think when you look at this team and analyse every second of them, they deserve to win many matches; they deserve to win against big teams.

“He’s doing a really good job so hopefully things will turn around and be as he deserves.”

Chelsea are away to Aston Villa on Saturday, while Arsenal play north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“We have to do our job. Now we have to wait and see [for Liverpool and Manchester City’s results],“ Arteta said. “We have a lot of games coming up. Let’s enjoy tonight and let’s go back to work.”

https://youtu.be/1jWdGLmsVMM

Erik ten Hag admits Amad Diallo is worth more play time at Man Utd

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Erik ten Hag acknowledges that Amad Diallo deserves more playing time at Manchester United but emphasises the need for a gradual approach due to the player’s injury setbacks.

Despite being 21 years old, Diallo has only featured in six matches across all competitions this season and is yet to make a start for the club.

His absence from the pitch was largely due to a knee injury suffered during pre-season, keeping him sidelined from July until December.

Although Diallo showcased his talent with a crucial goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup in March, he has patiently waited for more opportunities.

Ten Hag recognises this but also highlights the intense competition for places within the squad and the importance of easing Diallo back into action given his injury history.

Ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday: “Amad deserves it, but don’t forget he had a long period in the season injured, so we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and (made) a real contribution. (On Sunday) he played in a position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well.

“We have a number of players in that area; there is big competition. He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have (Alejandro) Garnacho, Antony, and Omari Forson. We have a number of players in that position and we have to make choices there. But I am very happy with his performances and his progress; I see that his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game.”

Amad arrived at Manchester United from Atalanta in January 2021 for a fee of £37.2 million ($46.2 million). However, his time at the club has been limited, making only 15 appearances and scoring two goals since his arrival.

Despite a somewhat disappointing loan stint at Rangers in the 2021–22 season, he showed promise during a more successful spell at Sunderland in the Championship last year.

Injuries have hindered his progress this season, adding to the challenge of making an impact at Old Trafford. With his contract set to expire in 2025, time is ticking for Amad to establish himself at United.

He will be eager to seize any opportunities for more playing time in the remaining fixtures of the season. United’s upcoming matches include a home fixture against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, followed by a match against Burnley on Saturday.

Husband speaks after his wife drove to remote location and set herself and two daughters on fire

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A migrant mother-of-two who felt isolated in her new Australian home drove to a remote area and set herself and her two daughters on fire, after telling her husband she was taking the girls to McDonald’s.

James Swan Palakamannil has given the Coroners Court of Victoria a harrowing account of what his life has been like since his wife Jasmine Thomas and daughters Carolyn and Evlyn died in a Melbourne car fire two years ago.

“To see the coffin go down with all of your favourite people in it changes your life,” he told the court on Tuesday, April 23, The Age reported.

“I will never be the same again. Never get to touch, feel or see them again. They will remain pictures on a screen.

“On March 24 (2022), the sky became three stars richer.”

Mr Palakamannil remembers how three-year-old Carolyn would drag a chair to reach the front door handle and open it as he arrived home from work every day. She would always be wearing her favourite colour, pink.

Her older sister, six-year-old Evlyn, “was the boss of the house”.

“She wore the pants,” Mr Palakamannil told the court.

Their mother Jasmine Thomas suffered from postnatal depression and then became paranoid during the pandemic.

On the night of March 24, 2022, Mr Palakamannil had returned to their Lyndhurst home in Melbourne’s south-east to find their daughters playing on a mobile phone and his wife laying in bed. A short time later, Ms Thomas told him she was taking the girls to McDonald’s.

However, CCTV footage showed the mother first went to a service station in nearby suburb Cranbourne West where she bought and filled a jerry can. Ms Thomas then drove herself and her daughters to a McDonald’s car park where they sat until about 7.30pm.

Less than 10 minutes later, she drove to a secluded spot on the Western Port Highway, covered her car in fuel and set it alight with herself and two daughters inside.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after a passer-by reported the fire, which was brought under control in 15 minutes. Ms Thomas, Evlyn and Carolyn all died in the horrific blaze.

“Suddenly, there is no one waiting for me at the door,” Mr Palakamannil told the court through tears.

“[I’m now] living in an empty and silent house.” Mr Palakamannil and Ms Thomas had married in India in 2012 after meeting on an arranged marriage website.

The couple, who were both born in Kuwait, moved to Australia and were granted permanent residency in 2015. Mr Palakamannil recalled how the Gulf War inspired him to teach Evlyn to be a good person.

“I watched her take her first steps, say her first words. I’d give her pep talks before bedtime … about famine and the war and how kids go hungry, about global warming and climate change to put a desire in her heart to … be a force for change,” he said.

Ms Thomas worked in Melbourne hospitals as a nurse but unexpectedly resigned from Mulgrave Private Hospital in 2021.

However, she stayed as a casual employee at Dandenong Hospital. During this time she told her family she was having marriage problems.

Coroner John Cain noted Ms Thomas had contacted a number of professional services, including police, and experienced postnatal depression. He found those services had no opportunity to prevent her murder-suicide.

“Despite child protection and Victoria Police holding concerns about her mental health, as she was not assessed as acutely unwell and did not wish to engage in services, she did not receive any formal assistance or diagnosis,” Cain said.

Instead, the court heard how Ms Thomas was socially isolated with her problems often disregarded by her extended family.

“My late wife, Jasmine, tried her best. I wish she had … sought help. She struggled to connect and engage with people and make friends. When she couldn’t any more … in the process she took out my most prized possessions,” Mr Palakamannil said.

UN calls for investigation into mass graves in Gaza hospitals raided by Israel

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The United Nations wants a thorough investigation of mass graves found at hospitals in Gaza. Israeli troops went into the hospitals.

Reliable detectives need to be able to go to the places, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. He also said that more reporters should be able to work safely in Gaza to tell the truth.

Earlier today, the head of UN human rights, Volker Türk, said he was very upset by the destruction of the Shifa medical center in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. He also heard about mass graves being found near these places after the Israelis left.

He asked for fair and clear investigations into the deaths. He said that because of the current culture of getting away with bad things, the investigations should involve people from other countries.

“Hospitals are given extra special protection under the law of war,” Türk said. “Killing innocent people, prisoners, and those who can’t fight back is a serious crime in war. ”

The US State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, said that the reports of mass graves at the hospitals are really worrying. US officials have asked the Israeli government for more information.

The Israeli army dug up bodies that Palestinians had buried to find the remains of the hostages taken by Hamas during the attack that started the war. The military checked the bodies with respect and gave back the ones that were not from Israeli hostages.

The Israeli military says it attacked and caught many militants who were hiding in two hospital buildings, but this has not been confirmed by others.

The Palestinian civil defense in Gaza found 283 bodies buried in a temporary graveyard at the main hospital in Khan Younis. It was built when Israeli forces surrounded the hospital last month. At that time, people couldn’t bury their dead in a cemetery so they dug graves in the hospital yard instead, according to the group.

The civil defense said that some of the bodies were of people who were killed during the attack on the hospital. Israeli forces went into the hospital and some people were killed.

Palestinian health officials say that the attacks on hospitals have greatly damaged Gaza’s healthcare system, which is already struggling to handle the increasing number of casualties from the six-month long war.

The question of who should do an investigation is still not clear.

Dujarric said that in order for the United Nations to do an investigation, one of its big groups would have to give permission for it.

“I don’t think anyone should judge the results or who did it,” he said. “I believe there should be a thorough investigation with access and credibility. ”

The leader of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, stated that it is very important to investigate possible crimes committed by Hamas and Israeli forces. He visited Israel and the West Bank in December.

“We found the graves, so we really need to stop fighting and find a way to end this conflict. We also need more help for people who need it, like medicine and food, and we need to make sure hospitals are safe. And we need to free the Israeli hostages,” Dujarric said on Monday.

During the war started by the Hamas attack, about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around 250 hostages were taken. Israel says that the militants are still keeping about 100 people as hostages and the bodies of over 30 others.

In reply, Israel attacked Gaza to stop Hamas and has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, most of them being children and women, as reported by local health officials. It has destroyed two big cities in Gaza, causing a crisis for people. About 80% of the population have left to go to other places in the enclave.

Parliament in Tennessee passes bill allowing teachers to carry weapons

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Tennessee House Republicans were confronted by protesters shouting “You are accountable for harm” after passing a bill that would allow select teachers and staff to carry concealed firearms in public schools without disclosing their identities to parents or other teachers.

The bill got 68 votes in favor and 28 votes against it, so it will now go to the Republican governor. Please think about Bill Lee. If he makes it a law, it would be the biggest increase in access to guns in the state since a deadly shooting at a school last year.

The public people who didn’t like the bill yelled at the Republican lawmakers after they voted. The House Speaker, Cameron Sexton, told everyone to leave the galleries.

Four House Republicans and all Democrats didn’t support the bill, even though the state Senate had already passed it. The rule would stop sharing which employees have guns with anyone other than school administrators and police, including students’ parents and other teachers. The school principal, school district and police must all agree for the staff to carry guns.

The proposal offers a very different solution to The Covenant School shooting compared to what Lee suggested last year. Republican lawmakers rejected his proposal to prevent people who are considered a threat to themselves or others from having guns.

It is unlikely that Lee will say no, because it has never happened before and lawmakers can easily disagree with him.

“The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Ryan Williams, said that you are creating something that will stop people from doing something. ” “In our state, we have had problems with shootings. ”

Republicans said no to ideas from the Democrats, like needing parents’ permission, letting people know if someone has a gun, and making the school district responsible if someone gets hurt or killed by staff with guns. Democrat lawmakerJustin Jones tried to change the bill’s name to the “Refusal to Protect Kids in Schools Act. ”

“My Republican friends are keeping our state in a difficult situation to please their gun industry donors,” Jones said. “It is very wrong. ”

It’s not certain if any school districts would use the law if it is approved. For instance, a representative for Metro Nashville Public Schools named Sean Braisted said that the district thinks it’s safest for only approved police officers to have guns on school grounds.

Around half of the US states allow teachers or other employees with concealed carry permits to have guns at school, according to the Giffords Law Center, a group that supports stricter gun laws. The governor of Iowa approved a new law that allows trained school employees to carry a permit to protect themselves from being sued if they need to use force to protect students.

In March 2023, a person shot and killed three children and three adults at The Covenant School, a Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee. The police later killed the shooter.

After the shooting, people tried to convince the Statehouse to make strict gun control rules, but the Republican-led lawmakers mostly said no. They rejected gun control ideas from Democrats and even from Lee during regular yearly meetings and a special meeting, even though parents of Covenant students talked about the shooting and its long-term impacts.

The new bill says that if a worker wants to bring a gun to school, they need to have a permit and permission from the school principal and local police. They also have to pass a background check and complete 40 hours of handgun training. They were not allowed to bring guns to school events in stadiums, gyms, or auditoriums.

Tennessee made a law in 2016 that said school workers in two rural counties could bring guns to school, but they never actually did it.

Tennessee Republicans have worked to make gun laws less strict, and in 2021 they agreed that people can carry handguns without needing a permit. Lee supported the change.

The first law said that people 21 and older could carry guns in public without needing a permit. Two years later, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti made a agreement in a lawsuit that allowed 18- to 20-year-olds to carry handguns in public.

After the shooting last year, Tennessee Republicans made a new law to give more protection to gun and ammo dealers, makers, and sellers from being sued. This year, the governor and lawmakers agreed that private schools with pre-kindergarten classes can have guns at their campus. Private schools that do not have pre-kindergarten classes can choose whether or not to allow people to bring guns onto their property.

They have made some strict rules about who can have a gun. One law needs the governor’s signature to make it so that certain criminal defendants who are ruled unable to stand trial because of their mental illness or intellectual disability will have to go to a hospital for treatment and temporarily lose their right to have a gun. Another proposal needs the Senate’s agreement. It would take away the right to have a gun for young people who have committed serious crimes until they are 25 years old.

Students in US intensify rallies against Gaza War nationwide

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Last week, Columbia University students started a protest against Israel’s war with Hamas. By Tuesday, students from other universities were also joining in by setting up camps, taking over buildings, and not listening to requests to stop.

Protests had been happening for a few months, but got more intense after over 100 people supporting Palestine were arrested at Columbia University’s upper Manhattan campus on Thursday. Many more protesters were arrested at other schools, and now they may be charged with going into a place illegally or behaving in a disruptive way.

Because students are scared to go to Columbia, the school will do a mix of in-person and online classes for the rest of the semester. This will finish by the end of next week.

Police at the nearby New York University arrested 133 protesters on Monday. They were all released with a ticket to go to court for being disruptive. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that police officers were hit with bottles and other things during protests this week.

In Connecticut, the police arrested 60 people who were protesting, including 47 students, at Yale University. They were taken into custody because they didn’t want to leave a area in the middle of the campus.

Yale President Peter Salovey said the protesters did not accept an offer to stop their demonstration and talk with the trustees. School officials gave a lot of warnings, then decided that the situation wasn’t safe. The police then removed the camp and arrested people.

In the Midwest, on Tuesday, there were protests at the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. Nearly 40 tents were set up at the University of Michigan and nine people were arrested at the University of Minnesota. Hundreds of people gathered at the Minnesota campus in the afternoon to ask for their release.

Cal Poly Humboldt on the West Coast of California will be closed until Wednesday because protesters took over a building on Monday night. Three people were taken by the police because they were protesting. The school said on its website that classes will be taught online.

Since the fighting in Gaza started, colleges and universities have had a hard time keeping students safe while also allowing them to express their opinions freely. A lot of protests that used to be allowed are now getting harsher punishments.

Harvard University in Massachusetts has closed most gates to its Harvard Yard and is only allowing people with school ID to enter, in order to avoid protests. The school put up signs that say you need permission to set up tents or tables on campus.

Christian Deleon, a Literature Ph. D student, said he knows why Harvard doesn’t want protests, but students should still be able to share their opinions.

“He said we should all be able to use these places to protest and speak out. ”

Ben Wizner, a lawyer from the American Civil Liberties Union, said that college leaders have to make very difficult choices because they are responsible for making sure that people can share their opinions, even if others don’t like them.

“He said they also need to keep students safe from being harassed, threatened, or intimidated. ” “Sometimes it’s hard to tell where the line is. ”

The New York Civil Liberties Union warned colleges not to rush to involve the police, in a statement on Tuesday.

Donna Lieberman, the head of the group, said that officials should not mix up criticizing Israel with hating Jewish people, or use hate incidents as an excuse to stop people from expressing their political views.

Leo Auerbach, a University of Michigan student, said that the different opinions about the war didn’t make him feel in danger on campus. However, he’s afraid of the “hurtful language and anti-Jewish feelings” that some people are expressing.

“Auerbach said that in order to make everyone feel like they belong on campus, different groups need to talk to each other in a helpful way. ” “And currently, no one is talking. ”

Hannah Didehbani, a senior studying physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said that the protesters were motivated by the ones at Columbia University.

“Currently, some professors at the campus are receiving money directly from Israel’s ministry of defence for their research,” she said. “We have been asking MIT to stop working with that research. ”

Protesters at the University of California, Berkeley, were inspired by the demonstrators at Columbia University. They had about 30 tents set up on Tuesday. Law student Malak Afaneh said the Columbia demonstrators are the leaders of the student movement.

Columbia’s President Minouche Shafik said she felt very sad about what’s happening on campus. Some Jewish students feel that criticism of Israel has turned into antisemitism.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson is going to visit Jewish students at the university on Wednesday. He will also talk about how to stop hate against Jewish people at college campuses during a press conference.

Columbia has a long history of protests. In 1968, many students were mad about racism and the Vietnam War, so they took over five buildings on campus. A thousand police officers came and removed them after a week, taking 700 people into custody. The news said that 100 students and 15 police officers got hurt.

Protests started on the campus after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people, most of them were civilians, and holding around 250 people hostage. In the war, Israel has killed over 34,000 people in the Gaza Strip. The local health ministry says that at least two-thirds of those killed are children and women, but they don’t separate combatants and noncombatants.

Miles Sampa Is Lying, We Are Not Using NHIMA Members’ Contributions To Pay Civil Servants Salaries- NHIMA

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WE ARE NOT PAYING CIVIL SERVANTS SALARIES-NHIMA

Below is their statement;

The National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) wishes to refute allegations going around on some media platforms that NHIMA members monthly contributory funds, are being deposited in the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) Account Control 99 to pay for Civil Servants’ salaries. THIS IS TOTALLY UNTRUE AND A FALSE ALLEGATION.

NHIMA has never at any time deposited its funds in GRZ Account Control 99 or indeed any other Government account. NHIMA is an autonomous statutory body with its own Board of Directors and manages its own bank accounts for pooling funds separate from government.


NHIMA would like to advise members of the public to ignore these non- factual sentiments which have no basis attributed to some media platforms. Being a public organization, NHIMA runs an open-door policy for any Zambian Citizen who wishes to get information about its operations. In this regard, the Authority would further wish to advise politicians and other members of the public to always seek factual, correct, and verified information from the Authority than misinforming the masses.


NHIMA thanks GRZ, Zambian Citizens and established residents for their continued support in its agenda of achieving Universal Health Coverage. Should you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to NHIMA Management.
By

I pray that our country doesn’t slide into total dictatorship soon- Edgar  Lungu

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Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu writes:::

Good morning fellow citizens,

Last Sunday a fellow Zambian named Martin Mbaya, a PF member and known associate of my family was forcefully ejected from a church service at Lusaka’s Bethel Christian Centre in Nyumba Yanga while praying to God.

The unfortunate incident occurred in full view of his wife, children and other congregants that remain shocked today at the action of unruly DEC officers. From the church they drove him to his house where they broke down doors, stormed into his house and commenced a search, which I understand was for money, that could belong to “Edgar Lungu.”
The search ensued from morning to midnight, but alas no money was found.

My point here is that what happened to Martin could easily happen to any Zambian under the current administration of President Hakainde Hichilema where the rule of law is breaking down fast right in front of our eyes.

You have seen good people like mama Edith Nawakwi and Geofrey Mwamba being frustrated at the airport whenever they attempt to travel out of the country for medical attention.

You have seen people like Dr Chris Zimba, Emmanuel Mwamba, Raphael Nakachinda, Chilufya Tayali being arrested on flimsy grounds while others like Hon Given Lubinda have been dragged to court without enough evidence for conviction.

Sadly, all these wanton abuses are occurring at a time President Hichilema is being ranked as a ´top five leader´on the continent, we wonder what criteria is being used in the light of all abuses in Zambia.

All we ask is that the government of President Hakainde Hichilema march their words with action regarding the rule of law and arrest wrong doers only after thorough investigations have been concluded.
That is what President Hichilema has publicly called for repeatedly after all.

Zambia is a democratic state not a DICTATORSHIP where law enforcement become the law unto themselves, its not the wild wild west.

The international community, the European Union group, Britain and the United States and fellow African embassies should take cognisance of these rising abuses under Mr Hichilema.

In a democratic country governed by the rule of law, how can law enforcement agencies disrupt church proceedings with impunity, forcefully pick out a suspect whom you haven’t established a case against and bundle him into a car and break into his house?
If law enforcement officers can break into houses and churches where will citizens seek protection?

I urge peace loving Zambians to speak out against rising abuses and shrinking democratic space because if we remain silent today it won’t be long before police start attacking people at funeral gatherings and hospitals.

Crimes must be probed but let us remember that everyone is presumed innocent in Zambia until tried and found guilty by a competent court of law. I pray with you that our country doesn’t slide into total dictatorship soon.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Sixth Republican President of Zambia.

We socialists are patriots who do not want to defeat Mr Hichilema and the UPND on the back of national failure- Fred M’membe

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THE TRUTH ABOUT LUANSHYA MINE’S SHAFT 28

On April 11, 2024, Mr Hakainde Hichilema led an entourage of Cabinet ministers, senior civil servants, and party officials to commission the lowering of de-watering pumps at CNMC’s Luanshya Copper Mines’ flooded Shaft 28.

At the event, Mr Hichilema and his league bragged that the Copperbelt was back in business now that the UPND administration had fixed Mopani Copper Mines (MCM), Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and CNMC’s Luanshya Copper Mines’ Shaft 28. They further claimed that the de-watering process of the water-logged Shaft 28 was a game changer, which will see the creation of over 3000 jobs and, in turn, recapitalise small businesses and enterprises in Luanshya district.

Like we have always said, we socialists are patriots who do not want to defeat Mr Hichilema and the UPND on the back of national failure. We remain committed to supporting any progressive idea and initiative that is intended to lift our people out of poverty, misery, and squalor. All we demand from Mr Hichilema and the UPND administration is transparency, honesty, and sincerity in dealing with important national issues that affect the lives of our people.

Let them be truthful and not excite or highly raise the people’s expectations unnecessarily, especially when they know very well that the undertaking won’t yield immediate results or is still far from culminating into the rosy picture they have painted for the people. The CNMC’s Luanshya Copper Mines water-logged Shaft 28 is a case in point. Mr Hichilema and the UPND administration have deliberately hidden the scope of work involved and the realistic timelines that will enable Shaft 28 to return to full production.

They’ve showed a picture to the people of Zambia and Luanshya in particular that the presently flooded Shaft 28 will come on line and commence production shortly, with over 3,000 direct mine jobs created, which will then result in an instant boost for businesses and the economy of Luanshya. This is a lie. It is not true that the recovery of Luanshya will unfold too quickly and soon. What do we mean by this?

To manage our people’s hopes and expectations with regards to Shaft 28 project, we will provide specifics and estimated timelines relating to the de-watering process and the actual commencement of copper mining. Below are the brief facts about this project:

– The US$500million de-watering project will result in the pumping out of millions of cubic meters of water from Shaft 14 and 18, which are aligned to Shaft 28.

– The de-watering process that is expected to begin at the end of this month [April 29, 2024] will take between 18 to 21 months to complete.

– CNMC Luanshya Copper Mine plans to start the recruitment of a limited number of workers in June or July this year to help in some tasks related to de-watering.

– Once the de-watering process is complete, an additional number of workers will be required to assist with reinforcement and other works in readiness for actual production or copper mining.

– The publicly announced 3,000 jobs [1,800 direct and 1,200 contractual jobs] will not happen anytime soon. These jobs are estimated to be created at the peak of the project when the mine is operating at the optimum level.

– And this is projected to materialise in about three to four years from today. To be specific, somewhere around the end of 2026 to 2027 or more. The truth is, yes, there is a projection of 3,000 jobs to be created, but this will not materialise today, tomorrow, or the day after but after a long period of time. Most probably when Mr Hichilema and the UPND administration are even out of office.

We have laid bare the specifics and estimated timelines of the Shaft 28 project to help our people understand the scope of work involved and how long it will take before they can see benefits. We believe this will assist in managing hopes and expectations. This is a decent way of dealing with people, especially in times when they’re desperate for survival. It is inhumane to deceive people in the manner Mr Hichilema and the UPND administration have been doing.

We urge this administration to learn to face the truth and guide our people accordingly and not raising their expectations unnecessarily. Governance cannot always be about deceit, lies, overstatements and exaggerations.

We know they’re stuck, and they’re under pressure to impress. But they should tell the people the truth and people will respect them.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

“My heart bleeds. We must end this hypocrisy- Edgar  Lungu

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Ask not whom the bell tolls for – EDGAR LUNGU

24-04-2024

By: Isaac M Nsoneka

Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu wants the current government of President Hakainde Hichilema to march their words with action regarding the rule of law.

Following his visit to Martin Mbaya who was detained at KABWATA Police Station in Lusaka and later released with only a ‘warn and caution’ statement recorded after spending three nights in filthy police cells, President Edgar Lungu, a lawyer by profession, bemoaned Martin Mbaya’s arrest without formal charges and described it as disgrace to a democratic nation like Zambia.

“It is a disgrace” President Lungu repeatedly said.

“At the moment we are busy saying our leader is among the top five Presidents in Africa, we are being told he is governing according to the rule of law, we are perfect on human rights but what is happening? How can you disrupt church proceedings to pick out a suspect whom you haven’t established the criminality against! Break into his house in the manner we are seeing, shows you that we have lost it completely” said Dr Lungu.

While expressing deep concern with the way rights of citizens are being suppressed, Former President Lungu said, “my heart bleeds. We must end this hypocrisy”

We must end this hypocrisy of proclaiming one thing while doing the other which is totally opposite” President Lungu said.

President Lungu said Zambians must remain vigilant, “and not remain silent keep talking.. wake up and speak against abuse.

Today it’s Martin Mbaya, yesterday it was Hon. Lubinda. Tomorrow, it could be any one of you fellow Zambians. I think it’s important that we see what is happening to others and know that the bells tolls for us next time”

Martin Mbaya a PF member, known to be an associate of the former President, was forcefully removed from church in Nyumba Yanga area during Sunday service in the presence of his wife, children and other congregants of Lusaka’s Bethel Christian Centre when they could have easily sent a call out to him.

This incident has sparked widespread concern regarding the state of law enforcement and civil liberties in the country.

As concerns of rising abuses rise, President Edgar Lungu also beseeched the international community to watch Zambia’s shrinking democratic space.

The former Head of State believes Mbaya is not the last victim in the current government quest to quel voices of perceived dissenting voices.

Cry beloved local companies- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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Cry beloved local companies

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

Vedanta bought KCM mine selling for $650m, for $25m. For 20 years, Vedanta engaged in terrible mining methods, cheated on taxes, engaged in transfer pricing, accumulated utility, other supply debts and borrowed against the mine assets.

President Hakainde Hichilema rolled a red carpet for Vedanta’s return to KCM.

He has acted similarly in other circumstances.

First Quantum Minerals stole $2.5billion from Kansanshi Mine as verified by credible audits.

He has dropped the criminal cases against FQM directors and has not provided a path-way on how Zambia will recover its $2.5billion from FQM.

He has proceeded to give FQM unfair tax and other incentives.

But he won’t do the same for local companies. He has refused to pay local contractors and suppliers accusing them of being thieves and supplying “air”.

He has not published the forensic audits launched as an independent fact to establish his allegations,done by PriceWaterHouse and others, on the debt owed to local suppliers and contractors.

He has engaged in monetary and fiscal policies that have seen local enterprise sent to their deathbeds.

Thriving enterprises such as Mikalile and Savenda have been targeted.

But local companies associated with him have been allowed to thrive.

For example African Life Financial Services Zambia Ltd (Aflife) has been awarded a management contract of the Ministry of Mines $40million Environmental Protection Fund.

The Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA), the regulator of the pensions and insurance, exposed in an independent audit what appeared to be collosal theft or irregular externalisation of over $40million at Aflife…but the matter died as soon as President Hichilema became President.

For this, the corruption fight is a fuss, a tool of oppression for we are not respecting the principle that “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands”.

Look at how they have handled the Gold Scandal, saving their own and the foreigners.

If we are serious about asset recovery, we must recover all stolen public resources.

If we are fighting corruption, we must fight all corruption.

If we are fighting thieves, we must fight all thieves.

Mikalile Trading Company named in an audit involving a $402m contract whose interest was overpriced by $60m

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AUDIT REPORT SHOWS ONE SUPPLIER WAS GIVEN $70M FOR SUPPLYING UNIFORMS VALUED AT $4.5M TO MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

An audit of the country’s external debt has revealed significant financial discrepancies and irregularities that include conflicting figures, overpricing and weaknesses in the contraction of debt.
The audit is for the financial years ended 31st December 2006 to 2022.

The audit has revealed weaknesses in the contraction of external debt with the government signing seven contracts in amounts totaling over 958 million dollars to finance various projects from 2014 to 2019.

Other notable discrepancies pertain to the contract for the supply of school requisites between the Ministry of Education and Mikalile Trading Company at a total contract sum of 402 million United States dollars on 27th October 2017.

The audit report states that the contract was over priced by 60 Million United States dollars, with interest that was supposed to be over U$ 78 Million Dollars, pegged at over 138 million dollars.

In the contract for the supply of police uniforms and riot gear amounting to 70 million United States dollars under the Ministry Home Affairs and Internal Security the report revealed that supplier was paid despite not supplying items valued at 4.5 Million dollars as at 31st January 2024.

And, Acting Auditor General RON MWAMBWA, who released the Report said Zambia’s External Public Debt increased from Over One billion United States dollars in 2006 to 14 billion United States Dollars in 2022.

He said from 2014 to 2020 the country recorded a significant increase in external public debt stock from 30 percent to 70 percent of GDP .

Dr MWAMBWA said the debt stock reduced in 2022 from 70 percent to 49 percent of GDP.

He said the long span in the audit period for the audit of external public debt was necessitated by the need to have a verified position of the national external debt amid the various conflicting figures as well as show borrowing patterns over the years.

This is contained in a statement released by the Office of the Auditor General Head of Public Relations ELLEN CHIKALE. See less

If you employ civil servants that is not job creation- political analyst Alex Ng’oma

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If you employ civil servants that is not job creation, says Ng’oma

By Thomas Ngala

PEOPLE are still waiting, when exactly is the promised K50 25kg bag of mealie meal coming, asks political analyst Alex Ng’oma.

Dr Ng’oma told The Mast that there appears to be a lot of discontent across the country that the ruling UPND is not fulfilling many of the promises it made to the people while in opposition.

He also criticised the government over job creation among other things.

“There appears to be a lot of discontent across the country that the party in government is not fulfilling many of the promises it made to the people while in the opposition. For example, the people are still waiting when exactly is the promised K50 25kg (bag) of mealie meal coming? When is it coming? And so there is a lot of frustration. There is a lot of disappointment,” Dr Ng’oma said. “If you employ civil servants that is not job creation. If the government has money and you increase CDF (Constituency Development Fund), that is not a campaign promise. [That is] just doing something anyone else can do anyway. But the actual promises that were made are not being fulfilled and there is a lot of frustration in the country.”

On whether the democratic space is shrinking or not, Dr Ng’oma noted that the opposition political parties continue to be refused permission to hold their rallies to mobilise.

“So what kind of a multiparty system is this? So there are a lot of things that are not going right and people are complaining, believe me. Go to the market, people are complaining. Go to churches, people are complaining. Go to bus stops, people are complaining. On the buses people are complaining. Everywhere you go, that is where the problem is,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ng’oma said it is important for all political parties to own businesses to finance their activities.

He however said in a case where a party forms government, they ought not to use their “businesses” to take advantage of their incumbency to extract money from government.

“In other words, to have their own ways of raising money for their political activities. So much that…two things. One, they are not being manipulated by sponsors who are unknown, who may come and demand a pound of flesh from them should they come and form a government,” said Dr Ng’oma. “Secondly, so that when they form a government they do not depend entirely on the government coffers to sustain themselves. That is why it is very important for political parties to be entrepreneurial. I think if political parties have their own investments, they have to be very careful such that when they form government then they should not begin to take advantage of their incumbency to extract money from the government through dubious means. That is why I say we have to look at this a little bit more carefully. Otherwise, it is really strongly advised that political parties should find ways of raising their own income, independent of government coffers. Whether they are in government or not, they must be more enterprising a bit more to raise money to sustain themselves.”-THE MAST

Time is up – IMF and World Bank must end colonial rule, says ActionAid

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The time is up for the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to continue with perpetuating a colonial rule, says ActionAid as the institutions concluded their Spring meetings in Washington DC this week.

ActionAid says for the 80 years the IMF and World Bank have been in existence, not much has changed. Instead, global South countries have been pushed further into debt and are reeling from the impacts of IMF-imposed austerity measures.

In its 2023 report Fifty Years of Failure, ActionAid found that despite following the IMF’s advice for decades, many African countries are in debt distress or facing a high risk of debt distress. Austerity measures have blocked the recruitment of teachers, doctors and nurses, even in countries with severe shortages, and has squeezed public sector salaries at a time of a rising cost of living.

Roos Saalbrink, Global Lead on Economic Justice and Public Services at ActionAid International, says, “Countries in the global South have since the structural adjustment progammes been in perpetual austerity, eroding public health and education. At a time of unprecedented climate crisis and debt crisis in the global South, the Bretton Woods Institutions continue to oil the wheels of colonial exploitation and extraction. At the same time global South governments have very little say in the policies coming from these institutions at the center of the international financial architecture. 80 years is enough.”

ActionAid is also concerned about a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ which has ensured that the IMF managing director has for 80 years been European and the World Bank president a US national.

Niranjali Amerasinghe, Country Director of ActionAid USA, says, “Kristalina Georgieva’s appointment is a continuation of the colonial era ‘gentleman’s agreement’, where rich western powers have the most say. It is unacceptable that 80 years later we are still having to call this out. The IMF must change its leadership selection process, its decision-making model, and the harmful practices that keep developing countries in a cycle of crisis. As the climate crisis wreaks havoc, global South countries are so deep in debt that they cannot adapt to these impacts. We are calling for debt cancellation and tax justice to help these countries free up the finances needed to build resilience to climate impacts.”

“We need to see an overhaul of the international financial architecture with a proper debt workout mechanism, a UN tax convention, to ensure global South governments have a say over policies impacting them disproportionately.”

MOPANI WORKERS DESERVE BETTER….the agreed 13% percent salary increment for employees may not motivate the work force- ANDD

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MOPANI WORKERS DESERVE BETTER

….the agreed 13% percent salary increment for employees may not motivate the work force

Lusaka… Wednesday April 24, 2024 (SMART EAGLES)

The agreed 13 percent salary increment for Mopani Copper Mines workers may not help them navigate the high cost of living prevailing in the country, says the Advocates For National Development and Democracy (ANDD).

Mine Unions and Mopani Copper Mines have settled for a 13% salary increment for all Mopani workers, days after the proposed 10% was rejected.

But ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says this is considering the fact that workers at Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines Plc have not had salary increment for a long time now.

Mr Banda said this is because the two mines have not been operating optimally due to financial constraints.

“We as the Advocates for National Development and Democracy wish to state that we have taken note of complaints of Mopani Copper Mine workers regarding salary increment by 13 percent by management. It is a sad development and we are of the view that considering the prevailing economic challenges, the rising cost of living, and the increase in prices of commodities everyday, Mopani mine should consider increasing the salary from the current 13 percent as this will motivate its work force,” he said.

“We propose at least 15 percent salary increment across the board. We understand that mines generate a lot of profit and its high time that Zambians benefit from their minerals. Apparently, due to global demand for Copper, the prices of copper is trading around US$10, 000 to US$12, 000 per tonne which is a good price.”

Mr Banda said this means that these mines are making money in terms of profits.

“We understand that the new investor International Resources is a new one and we expect that with the coming of the new investor that the conditions of service for workers will improve,” he added.

“For some time now, working conditions for workers at Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines have remained static because these Mines were not operating at optimum level which has impacted negatively the employee welfare. So with the coming in of the new investor, we expect something better than the agreed 13 percent. The minimum they can give them is 15 percent.”

He further appealed to mine unions to always settle for better working conditions for the workers.

SmartEagles2024

MILINGO’S $24M FORFEITURE PROVES GRAND CORRUPTION IN PF

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MILINGO’S $24M FORFEITURE PROVES GRAND CORRUPTION IN PF

By Isaac Zulu in Kapiri Mposhi

KAPIRI Mposhi UPND chairman for administration Eugene Kamungoma has said that the forfeiture of $24 million from former Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) liquidator Milingo Lungu is testament that there wasgrand corruption in the Patriotic Front.

Last week, Milingo surrendered $24 million to the Drug Enforcement Commission as a bargain plea fro him not to be prosecuted.

The Commission also seized various properties from former president Edgar Lungu’s daughters Tasila and Chiyeso.

Commenting on the turn of events, Kamungoma said the amounts of money and property being recovered by law enforcement agencies proves that “the vice was deep rooted in the previous administration”.

“Just take a deep breath and look at the figures involved and the properties that are being forfeited to the State. There are huge sums of money. The other one said she was given $14 million to a farm in Eastern Province, the other one said $93 million and the other person said he was given $12 million by the father and a number of vehicles, which he decided to hide,” Kamungoma explained. “And now the big one; Milingo Lungu forfeiting $24 million, eesh…! This is tantamount to raping the national treasury. This is also testament that there was grand corruption in the Patriotic Front government.”

He said plunder of national resources was a norm in the previous administration, hence the reason it delivered a collapsed health system.

“Imagine how many maternity wings could have been constructed from those huge sums of money? Those huge sums of money could have been spent on the procurement of drugs and medical supplies so that health facilities are well stocked with medicines. And we would not have been hearing about shortage of drugs in health facilities,” Kamungoma said. ‘’But they were engaging in plunder of national resources, and that’s the more reason why the Patriotic Front delivered a collapsed health system to the Zambian people. That money would have gone a long way in constructing classroom blocks in rural communities. If those associated to the former president can amass such wealth, how much has the grandmaster acquired? I leave it to Zambians.”

And Kamungoma said the construction of flushable toilets in Kwacha Constituency in Kitwe on the Copperbelt is a progressive move.

He said by facilitating for the construction of 1,650 flushable toilets in Kwacha Constituency, President Hakainde Hichilema has restored the dignity of people in the area who have been using pit latrines from the time Kwacha was gazetted as a residential area.

“The true measure of any society can be seen on how it treats the most vulnerable in communities, the underprivileged. Ba Kateka (Mr President) we thank you for giving this gift of 1,650 flushable toilets to the people of Kwacha Constituency. We appreciate your good works and vision for this country. Ba Kateka you have given back some dignity to the people of Kwacha,” said Kamungoma. “Water, sanitation and hygiene are crucial for human life and well-being. Therefore, these measures by President Hakainde Hichilema will go a long way in stopping the outbreak of communicable diseases such as cholera and other diarrheal diseases.”

THE MAST

CHIPATA TOWN CLERK, HEAD PROCUREMENT ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION

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CHIPATA TOWN CLERK, HEAD PROCUREMENT ARRESTED FOR CORRUPTION

Chipata City Council Town Clerk Aaron Kamalondo and the Head of Procurement Harriet Kamuchungu Mwape have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission and charged for corruption involving over K3.5 million.

Mr. Aaron Kamalondo, 56, of house number 470, Luangwa Drive has been charged with one count of Willful Failure to Comply with Applicable Procedures or Guidelines relating to procurement, contrary to Section 34 (2) (b) as read together with Section 41 of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012 of the Laws of Zambia.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Harriet Kamuchungu Mwape, 54, of plot number 1186, Moth in Chipata, has been charged with two (2) counts of the same offences.

It is alleged that Aaron Kamalondo, being a public officer, namely Town Clerk at Chipata City Council, between 12th May 2022 and 11th August 2022, in Chipata District, willfully failed to follow applicable procedure and guidelines in the manner he cancelled the procurement process relating to the supply of a Grader and a Roller Compactor without following cancellation procedures as provided for under the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 and the Public Procurement Regulations of 2022.

It is alleged in count one that Harriet Kamuchungu Mwape, being a public officer, namely Head of Procurement at Chipata City Council, between 5th May 2022 and 20th May 2022, in Chipata, willfully failed to follow applicable procedure and guidelines in the manner she issued invitation for bids dated 5th May 2022 without the appropriate bidding documents and before receiving approved purchase requisitions for the Grader and Roller Compactor as provided for under the Public Procurement Act No. 8 of 2020 and the Public Procurement Regulations of 2022.

In count two, it is alleged that Harriet Kamuchungu Mwape, being a public officer, namely Head of Procurement at Chipata City Council, between 5th May 2022 and 20th May 2022, in Chipata District, willfully failed to follow applicable procedure and guidelines in the manner she issued invitation for bids dated 5th May 2022 for a Grader and a Roller Compactor before the procurement was approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development as provided for in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee Act number 11 of 2018.
Both Mr. Kamalondo and Mrs. Mwape have been released on bond and will appear in Court soon.

TIMOTHY MOONO
HEAD – CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Kelly Khumalo wanted to see a sangoma after Senzo Meyiwa shooting

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Kelly Khumalo, the girlfriend of slain South African football star Senzo Meyiwa, reportedly wanted to see a sangoma following his death from a fatal shooting.

This was revealed by one of the witnesses in the trial on Monday, as prosecutors in the case sought to find out the reasons why a warrant for Khumalo’s arrest was never issued when it came to light that she had been in contact with one of the suspects last year.

Kelly reportedly went to see the traditional healer for a cleansing ceremony, a ritual allegedly undertaken by accused number 1, Muzi Sibiya.

According to a sangoma, Lion Robert Zwane, Sibiya had sought medicine before the shooting but later returned for a cleansing ceremony of his own.

Meanwhile, the investigator, Sergeant Batho Mogola was grilled on why a warrant for Khumalo did not lead to her arrest after the confessions of both Sibiya and accused number two, Bongani Ntanzi implicated the songstress as the mastermind behind Meyiwa’s killing – having ordered and paid for the hit who ordered and paid for the hit.

“There is evidence that was led in this court regarding a warrant of arrest that was issued for Ms Kelly Khumalo,” said Adv Zandile Mshololo for the defence.

“I don’t remember that,” replied witness Sergeant Batho Mogola.

“Are you aware of any warrant that was issued for Ms Kelly Khumalo?” Mshololo asked.

“My lord that is not what was said. He said it was a draft application,” Mogola responded.

“Do you remember that?” Mshololo asked.

“Yes I am aware about it, Brig Ginibda briefed me,” Mogola responded.

“Are you aware as to why that application for a warrant has not been authorised against Ms Kelly Khumalo,” Mshololo questioned.

“My lord I don’t know,” Mogola retorted.

“If for argument’s sake, it can be proved there was communication between Ms Khumalo and Mr Ntuli, is that an offence?” Mshololo quizzed further.

“My lord I have no comment,” Mogola answered.

The trial continues.

Jacob Zuma is proving he still has a winning streak – recently scoring a hat-trick in the courtroom

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South Africa’s battle-scarred former President Jacob Zuma is proving he still has a winning streak – recently scoring a hat-trick in the courtroom.

For the third time in the last month the 82-year-old has thwarted attempts to stop him, or his new party, from contesting the general election at the end of May.

His latest victory came on Monday in the Durban High Court, where the governing African National Congress (ANC) tried to force his party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), to drop its name and logo.

This is because it is named after the now disbanded armed wing of the ANC, which fought against white-minority rule that ended with the election of anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela in 1994.

The ANC argued that trademark law had been breached and that the use of the name, which translates as Spear of the Nation, would lead to voter confusion in the upcoming May polls. The judge disagreed.

“It’s a big victory for MK politically and financially. They would’ve had to start all over again if they lost. It would’ve crippled them completely financially,” Paddy Harper, the South African Mail & Guardian newspaper’s KwaZulu-Natal correspondent, told the BBC.

“They launched the manifesto essentially online this last weekend,” he says, about the two-page document which is big on headlines and thin on detail.

“This tells you that they don’t have the money, so starting the campaign with a different logo would’ve set them back massively.”

The high court ruling is campaign gold for MK, allowing activists to crow about their victory, even if the governing party says it will appeal against the ruling.

But the ruling also shows how much MK relies on the charismatic appeal of Mr Zuma, a former ANC stalwart who once served in its armed wing.

The allegations of corruption he faces, but denies, have not affected his huge popularity in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.

High court judge Mahendra Chetty mainly dismissed the application on the grounds that the ANC had left the legal action too late and should have approached the electoral court, not the high court.

MK was registered as a party in September, but it was only when Mr Zuma came out in support of it in December that the ANC woke up to the threat, said Harper.

“The ANC failed the urgency test with their high court application, they created the urgency for themselves,” he said.

“The judge said this was an electoral matter, not one of trademark and it should have been dealt with by the electoral court.”

This is the second loss for the ANC against MK.

At the end of March the electoral court rejected the ANC’s argument that the party had not met the official registration criteria.

“The ANC’s attempts to delegitimise them using the courts have failed completely,” said Harper.

The electoral court has also overturned the electoral commission’s ban on Mr Zuma’s candidacy for a parliamentary seat.

The constitution bars people from holding public office if convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than 12 months in prison.

The electoral commission had argued that as Mr Zuma was sentenced to 15 months in jail in 2021 for failing to testify in a corruption investigation he did not qualify.

The court has not yet given reasons for its decision, though as Mr Zuma only served three months on health grounds and was given a remission of sentence by the president, his lawyers argue it means his sentence was “cancelled”.

Mr Zuma has a chequered record when it comes to courtrooms – so the recent rulings are a boon for him.

The judiciary seems to want to avoid interfering, and leave the electorate to decide on the fate of the former president and his party.

The ruling will also ease political tensions. When Mr Zuma was arrested in 2021 for contempt of court, it sparked deadly riots – mainly in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The law and God is on the side of the MK party. ANC your days are numbered, you’ve attacked the MK party for too long,” MK’s Visvin Reddy said outside court on Monday.

This prediction may be far-fetched, though the ANC could lose its outright majority in the national parliament – currently 57% – for the first time in 30 years, as well as in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature.

But for those disillusioned with the ANC’s performance, there are plenty of parties to choose from in this election – the ballot paper will be long.

MK may poach some votes from other political parties, not just the ANC – in particular from the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which took 3.38% of the vote nationally in 2019, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which has a young support base and won 10.8% in the last election.

South Africans seem spoiled for choice this time – in addition to the usual national and provincial ballots, voters are expected to cast, for the first time, a third vote that includes independent candidates who are not aligned to established parties.

When announcing that the ANC intended to appeal against the trademark ruling, its secretary-general Fikile Mbalula criticised the media for focusing too much on Mr Zuma given this breadth of opposition.

Cape Town-based political analyst Sanusha Naidu also warned that the media frenzy over Mr Zuma could skew polling data.

Several recent opinion polls predict MK may take 14% nationally – though it could get far less given the performance of other breakaway ANC parties in previous elections.

“The problem with this election is that people want to bottleneck it into a predictable outcome and it’s not going to happen that way,” she told the BBC.

And for Mr Zuma, the court action is likely to continue.

The electoral commission has lodged an urgent appeal with the highest court, the Constitutional Court, in a bid to overturn the electoral court’s verdict.

It was the Constitutional Court that sent the former president to jail in 2021.

Some are concerned that this ping-pong in the courts is distracting from the bigger issues facing South Africa – high unemployment, the cost-of-living crisis, lack of electricity and criminal violence.

Nonetheless the courtroom drama around MK has the electorate gripped.

Drogba shows solidarity with Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson amid racist insults

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Chelsea and Ivorian football icon, Didier Drogba, has publicly voiced his support for Senegalese striker Nicholas Jackson following the severe backlash he endured after Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Jackson faced the brunt of Chelsea fans’ anger due to what many perceived as a dismal performance against Manchester City.

The Senegalese player missed three clear-cut opportunities during the game, contributing to the disappointment.

In response, some Chelsea fans resorted to hurling insults at Jackson on social media, with some comments taking on racist undertones.

Drogba, widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s greatest strikers of all time, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express unwavering support for his fellow African footballer.

The tweet on Monday, April 22, 2024, reads, “Keep your head High UP and never stop working hard, it will pay off.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea has condemned the racist attacks on the former Villarreal striker.

“There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we operate a zero-tolerance approach to any incident of this nature.

“The club will support any criminal prosecutions and take the strongest possible action, including bans, against any individual who is found to be a season ticket-holder or member,” a statement by Chelsea.

The same sentiments were echoed by Chelsea coach, Mauricio Pochettino, who urged the fans to be measured with their expectations of Nicholas Jackson as he is not Drogba’s replacement.

“He’s our main striker, the only striker we have fit. He’s doing fantastic. He’s doing an amazing job for the team; running, scoring goals, giving assists.

“His first season, a young guy, came in from Spain, even with not too much experience there. If we want the player to match the iconic players here, if we compare him with [Didier] Drogba, obviously he’s going to lose.

“But he’s going to have all my support. Even if he doesn’t score, the way that he’s fighting for the club and his team-mates, he’s producing chances. He needs time to improve. He’ll be better next season for sure, no doubt about that,” he said.

Jackson, who has scored 13 Premier League goals, is expected to lead the line for Chelsea when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

https://youtu.be/vJBtfGT2Hpw

Dwight Yorke accuses Mikel Arteta of dying his “grey hair” everyday

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Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke has accused Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta of regularly dyeing his hair, suggesting that the club’s recent struggles are indicative of a “psychological collapse.”

Despite the pressures of leading a Premier League team, Arteta maintains a seemingly flawless jet-black hairstyle, which has sparked speculation about his grooming habits.

Yorke’s comments have raised eyebrows, with some questioning whether Arteta’s haircare routine is an attempt to conceal signs of ageing.

Speaking to TVSportGuide, Yorke said: “Will Arteta start getting grey hairs? You can’t see grey hairs if you dye your hair every day. Arteta won’t allow that to show. Your hair can’t be that black at that age.”

However, Arteta may find himself grappling with a few more grey hairs by the end of the season if Arsenal’s current shaky form persists.

Their recent defeats to Aston Villa in the Premier League and Bayer Munich in the Champions League have raised doubts about their ability to cope with pressure during the crucial stages of the season.

“Arsenal’s annual collapse in April is concerning for the club,” said Yorke.

“Every time they come to the business end of the season, we’ve seen them lose some important games. It’s a psychological reason, because they were playing some of the best football in the league weeks ago, managing to score at least four goals a game, so it’s an unbelievable change. It’s pressure getting to the players and Mikel Arteta.

“We usually see the manager run up and down the touchline, but now it looks like he’s running out of energy. Arteta has to be careful, he looks like he’s become cautious and defensive, and his body language is not what it was a month ago.

Compare his body language in interviews and on the side of the pitch, and tell me you don’t see a difference. The pressure is likely to blow up in his face again, and that will be a disaster for Arsenal. The intensity in his interviews is not what it used to be.”

‘He was provoked!’ – Ten Hag defends Antony’s taunting beaten Coventry players

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended Antony’s celebratory actions against Coventry, stating that the player was provoked.

Antony faced criticism for his exuberant celebration, including cupping his ears towards Coventry’s players and fans, after United’s FA Cup semi-final win.

This behaviour came in contrast to Harry Maguire’s consoling gestures towards the Coventry players, who had staged an impressive comeback from 3-0 down.

“Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire? He [Antony] was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction,” Ten Hag told a press conference. “But he should not do it.

I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and other; we should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and the comeback. We are 70 mins totally dominating the game by far and 3-0 must have been the game is closed but the return from their side was very good.”

Erik ten Hag expressed his discontent with the penalty decision given to Coventry in added time due to a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, he clarified that he would not resort to the approach taken by Nottingham Forest, who questioned the referees’ integrity following their Premier League loss to Everton.

He added: “You can’t do that. You can agree, or you can disagree. The handball for Wan-Bissaka is totally wrong, a mistake but you can’t question it. So it’s not good for the game and the refereeing; we should respect them and there is no respect.”

Antony, United’s second most expensive signing at £85 million ($105m) in 2022, has only managed two goals and two assists across all competitions this season.

As they prepare to face Premier League strugglers Sheffield United on Wednesday, United are seeking their first win in regulation time since defeating Everton on March 9.

With slim chances of Champions League qualification, the Red Devils are now prioritising ending a disappointing season positively and securing a spot in next season’s Europa League.

Ten Hag added: “We have to win every game. That’s what United stands for, that is our approach, go from game to game but we have to qualify for Europe and we have two opportunities in the league and the FA Cup final.”

Laureus honours Spain’s WWC champions, Jude Bellingham

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Spain’s historic victory in the Women’s World Cup last year received further recognition at the Laureus World Sports Awards held on Monday.

The Spanish national team was honoured as the world team of the year for 2023, while midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named the best sportswoman.

Novak Djokovic was awarded the sportsman of the year title at the ceremony in Madrid, with American gymnast Simone Biles receiving the comeback of the year award.

Real Madrid forward Jude Bellingham was recognised with the breakthrough prize, and Rafael Nadal was honoured with the sport for good award for his foundation’s work.

Despite the triumph on the field, the Spanish women’s World Cup victory was marred by controversy due to an incident involving forward Jenni Hermoso and then-federation president Luis Rubiales.

Laureus acknowledged Spain as the first all-female team to win the team award.

Before her success in the World Cup, Bonmatí played a crucial role in Barcelona’s second Women’s Champions League victory.

She became the first female soccer player to win the Laureus Award, adding to her Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Player accolades.

“I want to thank all my teammates and the staff of my club and national team who have helped me a lot, and because of them, I am here today,” Bonmati said.

Djokovic secured his fifth Laureus Sportsman Award, matching Roger Federer’s record, following his remarkable performances at the Australian Open, French Open, and U.S. Open, where he clinched his 24th Grand Slam singles title.

NFL legend Tom Brady had the honour of presenting Djokovic with the prestigious award.

Biles made an extraordinary comeback to competition, winning four gold medals at the world championships, including her unprecedented sixth all-around title.

Nadal’s foundation received recognition for its significant impact, particularly in assisting over 1,000 vulnerable young people in Spain and India, as acknowledged by Laureus.

Arisa Trew, a teenage skateboarder, was honoured with the Action Sportsperson Award for her groundbreaking achievement as the first female to successfully land a 720 in competition.

Diede de Groot, a Dutch wheelchair tennis player, was named the sportsperson of the year with a disability for her exceptional performance, securing her third consecutive calendar Grand Slam title.

Rihanna says she regrets publicly showing nudity in the past

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Rihanna has said she regrets her nude displays in the past.

The billionaire singer said whenever she looks back at her bikini fashion, she wonders if she “really did that”.

She said being a mother has influenced her new fashion sense.

The 36-year-old singer, who shares two sons, RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, with her partner A$AP Rocky, opened up during an interview with British Vogue at the Tobacco Dock launch of Fenty X Puma’s new brown creeper shoe.

She admitted to feeling regretful about instances where she went topless in public and allowed her “panties to be out” at red carpet events.

“It’s going to sound hypocritical because I did so much s**t in my life, I had my nipples out, I had my panties out.

“But now those are the things, I guess as a mom, and an evolved young lady, emphasis on young, it’s just things that I feel I would never do, or I’m just like ‘oh my god, I really did that? Nips out?’” she said.

In a recent cover story for Interview Magazine, Rihanna shared insights into her relationship journey with A$AP Rocky, her partner and the father of her children. Rihanna revealed that although she first met Rocky, 35, in 2012, their romantic relationship began to blossom in 2019.

“We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot.

“And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time.

“We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships.

“We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts.

“And so, we started dating with a lot of caution … I just let whatever was supposed to happen, happen. It was just, ‘This is a flower. It’s either going to die or blossom. But I’m going to let it decide itself,’” she recalled.

Black Stars coach Milan Zivadinovic quit after 4 months in position over interference

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Once upon a time, the Ghana Football Association made an intriguing decision by appointing Milan Zivadinovic, a Yugoslavian coach, to lead the Black Stars.

His tenure became one of the most memorable chapters in Ghanaian football history.

Zivadinovic, affectionately known as Ziva, took charge in May 2002 on a two-year contract, overseeing both the Black Stars and Black Meteors teams.

His appointment came after Fred Osam Duodu’s dismissal following Ghana’s exit from the Nations Cup in Mali.

Reports from Graphic Sports indicate that Ziva received a $15,000 signing-on fee and a monthly salary of $10,000, with accommodation provided at the upscale Wangara Hotel.

However, just four months into his tenure, Ziva abruptly left his position without authorization from the Ghana Football Association, then led by Ben Koufie.

His departure coincided with the cancellation of a scheduled Black Meteors match against Liberia, leading to his classification as Absent Without Leave (AWOL), as reported by Graphic Sports on September 19, 2002.

The BBC report captures events as “Ghana’s Yugoslav coach Milan Zivadinovic has left his job after he was refused leave by the country’s football association to return home.

The GFA denied Zivadinovic permission to travel to attend to family matters after a meeting with the chairman, Ben Koufie, on Tuesday.

“An infuriated GFA executive body immediately summoned an emergency meeting on Wednesday in which the future of the coach was discussed. In a statement issued late in the evening, the GFA said a decision would be reached in the next few days over what to do about the situation.”

In an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, the then vice president of the Ghana Football Association, Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah, revealed that the FA denied the Yugoslavian coach a request for leave.

“When Ziva met the chairman, he was told that there are important assignments ahead in the next few weeks and that it is inappropriate for him to travel now. We have a match against Rwanda in the Nations Cup qualifiers next month after the Black Stars lost 1-0 in the first match against Uganda, so he has to stay and prepare the team.”

Ziva resigns

On September 24, 2002, Ziva sent a letter to the Ghana Football Association, announcing his resignation as head coach of the Black Stars and Black Meteors.

According to the Graphic report, Ziva, at the time of his resignation, had pocketed the $15,000 signing-on fee plus three months salary, which summed up to $45,000.

In a subsequent interview with the BBC, Ziva cited interference and unfavourable weather conditions, which caused him illness, as reasons for his departure.

“I was never given a free hand to do my work. My contract stated that if I was not satisfied with conditions in the first six months, I could leave.”

Chinese supermarket in Abuja shut for allegedly barring Nigerians

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A Chinese-owned supermarket in Nigeria’s capital has been shut by the authorities over allegations that it denies entry to African shoppers.

The supermarket in Abuja allegedly “exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter”, Nigeria’s consumer protection watchdog said on X.

It has summoned the supermarket’s owner.

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has denied the racism allegations.

The supermarket is a tenant in a building run by the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC).

Boladale Adeyinka, an official at Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said that the watchdog had launched an investigation into the allegations.

This follows widespread outrage on social media after some Nigerians shared their experiences of allegedly being turned away by security when they attempted to go to the supermarket.

In one of the videos, a man said he had discovered the supermarket online but was blocked from entering the complex where it is located.

“At the gate, the security people told me that the supermarket is strictly for Chinese people. If you are a Nigerian, you can’t go inside or buy anything,” he said in the clip posted on X, formerly Twitter.

In another video on X, a group of Nigerians are seen visiting a building to verify the reports that non-Chinese shoppers were being turned away.

A security guard outside the entrance appears to tell them that the supermarket had cut off access to Nigerians since January.

Several Nigerians have demanded the closure of the supermarket, including former senator Shehu Sani, who said that any store in Nigeria that was not accessible to citizens “should be forcibly opened or be pulled down”.

In a statement quoted by local media, the CGCC said it stood for “equality and inclusiveness”.

“Our principles are to enhance friendship between the people of both countries and promote economic development,” it added.

The FCCPC quoted an administrator at the building, Sanusi Shuabiu, as saying that the supermarket mainly sold Chinese groceries and that while it was initially opened to serve the building’s tenants, it permitted entry to outside shoppers, including non-Chinese visitors.

The supermarket’s owner has not yet commented.

She has been summoned to appear before the consumer protection agency by Wednesday.

The watchdog says that the supermarket will remain closed until she complies with the summons.

Nigeria has a Chinese population of less than 10,000, according to the Statista website.

Graeme Souness slams Garnacho for wearing ‘two earrings’ in Man Utd warm-up

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Alejandro Garnacho faced criticism for wearing “two earrings” during his warm-up at Manchester United, while Antony’s celebrations in the FA Cup were labelled as “naff.”

United faced Coventry in the semi-finals at Wembley on Sunday, where they struggled despite initially holding a three-goal lead.

Erik ten Hag’s side eventually secured victory on penalties, but Graeme Souness and others were unimpressed by the demeanour of some United players.

The Liverpool legend has taken aim at Garnacho in particular, telling talkSPORT of the Argentina international winger: “Garnacho, for me, is an exceptionally talented young man. But I worry about it. It’s just an observation—call me old-fashioned, call me a dinosaur—but he’s got two earrings in the warm-up on the pitch.

He’s a young boy just learning the game. Coming back to the point that Joe Cole would have made about good senior pros, pointing out to younger guys how you live your life, how you act, how you train, and your attitude towards life.

And I just worry—it’s an age-old thing; it’s not a new thing at Manchester United—they have always been the most glamorous club in this country, and just like Bayern Munich in Germany is called FC Hollywood, I think you can use the same term to talk about Manchester United.

They get too much too soon at Manchester United. They get so much attention, Manchester United players, and I think it’s to their detriment.

Especially in the modern game, when the kind of rewards these boys get, they get far too much far too soon. I think Marcus Rashford is a case in point. He’s 26; he should just be approaching his best years, but it looks like his best years have gone.”

Souness has also blasted Brazilian forward Antony for his penalty shootout celebrations, which saw him cup his ears in the direction of devastated Coventry players.

The Scot added: “For a player to act like that, it’s naff. You just don’t do that as a Manchester United player. It wasn’t Real Madrid you’d just knocked out. It was Coventry, a team from the Championship. It’s not the first time I’ve seen it from him, doing daft stuff.”

While questions continue to be asked of United in what has been another inconsistent campaign, with speculation suggesting that Ten Hag may not be in a job at Old Trafford for much longer, the Red Devils are now looking forward to another FA Cup final derby date with arch-rivals Manchester City on May 25.

Tom Brady shares details of his talk with Bellingham after his switch to Real Madrid

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Tom Brady praises Jude Bellingham for his latest individual accolade and shares that they had a conversation when Bellingham joined Real Madrid.

Bellingham, aged 20, clinched the Breakthrough of the Year award at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid. This recognition follows his earlier achievements of winning the 2023 Golden Boy and Ballon d’Or Kopa trophies this season.

“When he actually transferred from Dortmund to Real Madrid, we struck up a conversation. I was really impressed by his maturity and how talented he is, although of course everyone can see that,” Brady told ESPN Deportes.

“He’s got a great future because of what’s in his brain and what he’s really focused on.”

Brady, a minority investor in Birmingham City, joined others in praising Bellingham at the award ceremony. Tennis star Novak Djokovic, who secured his record-equalling fifth Laureus Sportsman Award, commended Bellingham, noting that he possesses all the qualities of a “great champion.”

“What I was impressed with is that he was always trying to make these runs, and he was not getting the right balls, and he was getting a little bit frustrated, but then he was waiting for the right opportunity,” Djokovic told a news conference.

“He was serious, professional, dedicated, patient and believed that the chance would come. It came at the right moment and he decided the game. He’s only 20, so that’s a feature or characteristic of a great champion.”

Following his award win on Monday, Bellingham expressed his ambition to secure a trio of team accolades this season, aiming for a successful culmination to his debut campaign with Madrid.

With Madrid leading La Liga by 11 points and progressing to the Champions League semifinals, Bellingham’s role becomes pivotal in Gareth Southgate’s pursuit of the European Championship title with England.

Having scored in Sunday’s victory over Barcelona in the Clásico, Bellingham’s contributions are instrumental as Madrid inches closer to clinching the La Liga title.

Additionally, they are set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals after prevailing over Manchester City in the quarterfinals.

“It’s been an amazing 24 hours, a great week really for myself and the club,” Bellingham said, speaking at the Laureus ceremony held at Madrid City Hall. “To be here with so many amazing athletes and so many inspirational people is a real pleasure.

“We’ve still got a few more games to wrap up La Liga; we’ve got two very difficult games against Munich and then against the Euros. Hopefully we can take [England’s] form from the last few tournaments into that and push on and do one better.”

At just 17 years old, Bellingham contributed to the England squad during Euro 2020, making three substitute appearances en route to the final, where Italy clinched victory over England on penalties at Wembley.

In his debut season with Real Madrid, Bellingham has netted 21 goals, with 17 of them achieved in La Liga. His most recent goal, a 91st-minute winner against Barca at the Bernabéu, effectively sealed the title race with six games remaining.

“[Scoring in Clásico] is a really special feeling; you kind of lose all control of your body and the normal senses that go through your head,” Bellingham said. “It’s something I really enjoy doing.”

Bellingham said he is aware of his responsibility as an inspiration to young people.

“It’s important that I try to be a good role model,” he said. “I’m not perfect, but I want to have a good and lasting impact.”

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