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Ousted Gabonese President Ali Bongo Quits Politics, Demands Release Of Family Members
Former Gabonese President Ali Bongo has officially announced his retirement from partisan politics, a year after being ousted in a military coup.
In a letter to the Gabonese people, Bongo expressed his intention to step back from political life and renounce any future political ambitions. “I wish to reaffirm my withdrawal from political life and the definitive renunciation of any national ambition,” he stated, marking the end of his political involvement.
At 65, Bongo also called for the release of his wife, Sylvia Bongo, and their son, Noureddin, who are currently detained on corruption charges following the coup that removed him from power. His request raises questions about whether he is negotiating with the military for their release in exchange for his political exit.
Bongo’s health has been a significant topic in Gabonese politics since he suffered a stroke in 2018, a condition that influenced the 2023 presidential election, which he won amid accusations of fraud. Shortly after that disputed election, the military, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, seized control of the country.
The coup was met with condemnation from regional organizations and France—Gabon’s former colonial ruler—but was celebrated domestically as many citizens were frustrated with the Bongo family’s long rule. Ali Bongo had been in power since 2009, succeeding his father, Omar Bongo, who ruled for over 40 years.
Since his release from house arrest, Bongo has remained in Libreville but noted in his letter that his movements are still restricted by the military. “My visits depend on the authorisation of the military. I am isolated from the outside world, without communication or news of my family,” he wrote, expressing frustration over the ongoing surveillance.
He emphasized the dire situation of his wife and son, who face serious allegations. Sylvia Bongo is accused of money laundering, forgery, and document falsification, charges she has not publicly addressed. Her lawyer, Francois Zimeray, has previously described her detention as arbitrary and illegal.
Bongo referred to his family as “helpless scapegoats” and urged the junta to end the “violence and torture” against them, suggesting that their release would be a step toward national healing. He reiterated that his decision to withdraw from active politics also applies to them, expressing his belief that their detention is unjust.
His presidency has been marred by allegations of corruption, with claims that his family enriched themselves while many Gabonese lived in poverty. Despite Gabon’s oil wealth, the UN estimates that one-third of its 2.4 million citizens live below the poverty line. Bongo acknowledged the failures of his presidency, expressing regret that he could not improve the lives of many citizens. “I understand that despite my achievements, too many Gabonese are still suffering, and that is my greatest regret,” he said, hoping the military regime would alleviate the country’s hardships.
General Nguema has maintained a relatively conciliatory stance towards Bongo, stating he is free to travel abroad if he chooses. However, Bongo emphasized in his letter that he would never “pose any threat or trouble during the country’s transition.”
Since the coup, General Nguema has promised free and fair elections and plans to return to a civilian government, though it remains unclear if he will run in the upcoming polls expected next year.
Bongo called for peace and reconciliation, urging leaders and citizens to renounce vengeance. “I call on my country, its leaders, and my fellow citizens to write the next chapter of our history with harmony and humanity,” he stated.
It remains to be seen whether Bongo’s withdrawal from politics will lead to his family’s release, as military authorities have yet to respond to his plea. They have previously denied allegations of torture against his detained family members. In the meantime, Gabon is navigating this transitional period under military leadership.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.
The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.
Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.
Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.
“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.
“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.
She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.
A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.
According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.
He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.
Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”
The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.
He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.
Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.
He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.
The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.
“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.
The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.
Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.
The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.
This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.
The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000
Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway
FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon
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