Connect with us

Trending

Zelensky sacks Ukraine air force commander Oleshchuk

Published

on

Spread the love

Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked the commander of Ukraine’s air force, Lt Gen Mykola Oleshchuk, amid debate over the destruction of one of the country’s valuable new F-16 fighter jets.

Mr Zelensky did not give a reason for the dismissal, but in a post to Telegram he said that it was his responsibility to “take care of all our warriors”.

On Monday, one of the F-16 fighter jets delivered earlier this month from Ukraine’s Western allies went down during a barrage of Russian missiles, killing the pilot.

The cause of the crash was not a direct result of an enemy strike, Ukraine said, and Lt Gen Oleshchuk sparred with some politicians over who was to blame for the loss.

In his post to Telegram, Mr Zelensky said he had decided to replace Lt Gen Oleschuk, noting that “at the command level, we must strengthen ourselves and protect our people”.

“I am immensely grateful to all our military pilots, all engineers, all mobile fire group warriors, and all air defence personnel,” Mr Zelensky said.

“To everyone who is truly fighting for Ukraine, for results. And this is just as necessary at the command level, we must strengthen ourselves and protect our people. Protect the personnel, protect all our warriors.”

Lt Gen Anatolii Kryvonozhko was appointed interim commander of the air force, the army’s general staff said in a statement. The officer previously oversaw Ukraine’s central air command, leading operations in the centre of the country.

He takes charge as officials have clashed over the loss of the F-16 jet, which has ignited fierce debate in Ukraine.

Ukrainian politician Mariana Bezuhla, who sits on a parliamentary defence committee, claimed on Thursday that the jet was downed by Ukraine’s Patriot air defence system.

Mr Oleshchuk responded earlier on Friday that an investigation was underway and no one was hiding anything. He accused Ms Bezuhla of discrediting military leadership and said the time would come for an apology.

After the announcement of his dismissal, Ms Bezuhla posted on social media that truth would prevail.

Around 65 F-16s have been pledged by Nato countries since US President Joe Biden first authorised willing European allies to send them to Ukraine in August 2023.

Mr Zelensky has dismissed multiple military commanders since the war with Russia began in February 2022.

In February this year, he sacked the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

And in June, he dismissed Lt Gen Yuriy Sodol after public criticism about the top general’s excessive casualties and accusations of incompetence.

Lt Gen Oleshchuk came as Ukraine continues its incursion into the Kursk region in Russia, which started with a surprise offensive on 6 August.

The commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on Friday his troops had advanced a further 2 km (1.2 miles) into Kursk over the past day.

Also on Friday, a Ukrainian delegation met US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.

The head of the Ukrainian president’s office, Andriy Yermak, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov spoke about the situation on the battlefield, the need for weapons and equipment, and recent attacks on the energy system, the office said.

The Ukrainians said the country needs to strengthen its air defence in order to protect people and critical infrastructure.

Trending

BREAKING: Court bars Akpabio, Natasha Akpoti, and Senate from granting interviews over alleged misconduct case

Published

on

Spread the love

The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President, God’swill Akpabio and Senate from granting press, TV interviews and social media posts regarding the  pending case on the suspension of the female lawmaker until the matter is decided.

Justice Binta Nyako declared this in her ruling on Friday, while restraining the parties and their lawyers.

Ekwutosblog previously reported that Justice Obiora Egwuatu, had withdrawn from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pending suit, which challenges her suspension by the Senate over allegations of misconduct, based on allegations of bias by one of those sued by her.

The Chief Judge John Tsoho eventually reassigned the matter to Justice Binta Nyako.

Nairametrics previously reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan had filed a motion ex parte, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, suing the Clerk of the National Assembly (NASS), the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The lawmaker sought an “order of interim injunction restraining the Senate’s committee, chaired by Imasuem, from proceeding with the purported investigation against her for alleged misconduct, which stemmed from events that occurred during plenary on February 20 and were referred by the Senate on February 25, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.”  

Ekwutosblog previously reported that amid the pending case, the Nigerian Senate went ahead to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective March 6, 2025, citing violations of Senate rules.

Justice Egwuatu later announced his withdrawal from the case, citing allegations of bias levelled against the court by one of the defendants.

The judge said that justice is rooted in confidence in the court and that once a litigant expresses his belief that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue.

What transpired in court  

At the resumed hearing on Friday, J.S. Okutepa SAN, counsel  for Akpoti, said that his case was urgent given that the suspension of his client which he is complaining of is for six months.

He called for streamlining of all processes and that the matter be resolved expeditiously.

  • The court, Charles Iyoila, counsel for Clerk of National Assembly,  Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN for Senate, Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN, counsel for Godswill Akpabio and Umeh Kalu SAN for fourth defendant, Senate Committee chair, agreed to expedite the proceedings alongside Okutepa.
  • However, Kehinde Ogunwumiju said that motions for injunctions has to be attended to  urgently because, according to him, Natasha has been granting interviews on BBC and CNN and other media houses which he believes are prejudicial to the course of justice.
  • Okutepa faulted the line of submission of Ogunwumiju, saying there is also a  Senator (from the South East) who has been appearing on TV and speaking on the issue.

Okutepa insisted that the court’s orders should include all privies and any member of the Senate.

“They should maintain decorum,” he said.

What the judge said 

Ruling on the application, Justice Binta said there should be “no press interviews by parties and counsel as regards the subject matter of this case.” 

“No streaming or social media posts as regards this case by any of the parties and counsel.  

“No TV interviews analyzing the subject matter of this case while the case is subjudice,” she ruled.

She equally directed the parties to ensure  “total media blockade” on this case until this matter is decided.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to May 12, 2025 for hearing.

Backstory  

The altercation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio became widely publicized after she was asked to change her seat during plenary.

On February 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his home in December 2023.

Her suspension has sparked mixed reactions within the political landscape.

While some lawmakers and analysts view the decision as a necessary enforcement of legislative discipline, others argue that the penalties are excessive and could set a dangerous precedent for stifling dissent within the Senate.

Continue Reading

Trending

Anambra Native Doctors in Court: Akwa Ọkụkọ, Eke Hit, and Onyeze Jesus Face Justice

Published

on

Spread the love

In a significant development, three notorious native doctors from Anambra State, Akwa Ọkụkọ, Eke Hit, and Onyeze Jesus, were spotted in court today, 4/4/2025.

The trio is facing charges related to their alleged involvement in “quick riches” rituals and other illicit activities.

According to Ekwutosblog metro, the Anambra State Government has filed a six-count charge against Akwa Ọkụkọ (Chidozie Nwangwu) and 28 others, including Eke Hit and Onyeze Jesus. If found guilty, they could face up to 20 years in prison.

Onyeze Jesus, the founder of Children of Light Anointing Ministries, had been under scrutiny for his controversial rituals, which involved taking followers to a river for “quick riches” ceremonies. He had also been accused of idol worship and other nefarious activities.

The arrests and subsequent court appearances of these native doctors are part of the Anambra State Government’s efforts to crack down on ritual killings and other crimes in the state.

 

Continue Reading

Trending

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol impeached over martial law order

Published

on

People celebrate after impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. Lee Jin-man/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
Spread the love

President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office as the court upholds impeachment. ‘I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I could not live up to your expectations,’ ousted leader says

The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, resulting in his immediate removal from office. The decision to remove the president from office was unanimous, with all eight Constitutional Court justices voting in favor, 8–0.

The ruling came 111 days after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon, accusing him of treason for declaring martial law on Dec. 3.

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae began reading the reasoning for their ruling at 11 a.m., and the decision to remove Yoon from the presidency was finalized at 11:22 a.m.

“The respondent declared the martial law in question with the intent of overcoming a standoff with the National Assembly, then deployed military and police forces to obstruct the Assembly’s exercise of its constitutional authority, thereby denying the principles of popular sovereignty and democracy,” Moon said, emphasizing that Yoon abandoned his responsibility to safeguard the Constitution and gravely betrayed the trust of the sovereign people of the Republic of Korea.

“Given the significant negative impact and widespread repercussions of his violations of the constitutional order, it is recognized that the benefit of upholding the Constitution by removing the respondent from office far outweighs the national costs associated with dismissing a sitting president. Accordingly, the court issues the following unanimous decision: … Ruling: the respondent, President Yoon Suk Yeol, is hereby removed from office,” the acting chief justice read in the ruling.

There were no dissenting justices, and only a few expressed separate opinions on specific issues. This marks the first dismissal of a sitting president in Korea in eight years, following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in March 2017. Under Article 68 of the Constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of the court’s ruling.

In Park’s impeachment case, the Constitutional Court upheld the decision on March 10, 2017. Exactly 60 days later, on May 9, a presidential election was held, resulting in the victory of Moon Jae-in, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

With the impeachment ruling now issued, the 60-day deadline falls on Tuesday, June 3, making it highly likely that the presidential election will be held on that day or earlier.

Following Yoon’s immediate removal, he and first lady Kim Keon Hee must vacate the presidential residence in central Seoul’s Hannam-dong.

If they return to their previous home in southern Seoul, where they used to live before Yoon’s inauguration, security measures will be provided. Under the current law, an impeached president who fails to complete their term is entitled to up to 10 years of security protection.

Similarly, Park was only able to move to her private residence in southern Seoul two days after her impeachment ruling, due to the time needed to arrange security measures. Following the top court’s decision, acting President Han Duck-soo stated in a national address that he takes the unprecedented impeachment of a sitting head of state — the second in the nation’s constitutional history — with great gravity. He pledged to ensure there would be no gaps in national security and foreign affairs during his tenure as acting president.

He also emphasized his commitment to addressing ongoing economic and trade issues without disruption, maintaining public order, and thoroughly preparing for various disasters.

Yoon also issued a statement about three hours after the court’s ruling, saying, “It has been a great honor to serve the Republic of Korea.”

He continued, “I am deeply grateful to all of you who supported and encouraged me despite my many shortcomings. I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I could not live up to your expectations. I will always pray for our beloved nation, Korea.”

The chief of staff and all senior secretaries at the presidential office tendered their resignations later in the afternoon.Meanwhile, Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), expressed the party’s regret and apologies to the public following the impeachment ruling, saying the party takes the Constitutional Court’s decision seriously and humbly accepts it.

Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Kwon acknowledged that opinions may differ but emphasized, “We firmly believe that respecting this decision is the only way to uphold democracy and the rule of law. We see this as part of our society’s progress toward becoming a more mature democracy. Above all, I extend my deepest apologies to the people.”

He added that the party takes the public’s criticism and reprimands to heart and will accept them fully.

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, stated that his party will do its utmost to ensure that the tragedy of constitutional disruption is never repeated and that politics becomes a source of hope for the people and the nation.

“The court has ruled to remove former President Yoon, who destroyed the Constitution and threatened democracy and the public with the power and military force entrusted to him by the people,” Lee said in an emergency statement at the National Assembly. “The impeachment of a sitting president for the second time in our nation’s history is a tragedy that must never happen again. This is a moment for deep reflection and a profound sense of responsibility for everyone in politics, including myself.”

Lee further stated that Korea holds a unique place in world history as a nation where unarmed citizens peacefully succeeded in toppling authoritarian power, emphasizing that the country’s democracy has been revived by the will of the people.

Continue Reading

Trending