Chris Infotainment

A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy Nigerian chess champion and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya, has shared a deeply personal reflection on how his early education shaped his life choices. His story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of second chances. Onakoya, who is 31 years old, recounted how secondary school teachers in Nigeria discouraged him from pursuing his love for law and the arts. In a post shared on X.com, he revealed that despite excelling in debates and having a strong affinity for words, he was steered away from the Arts class by educators who believed it was only for “dullards,” while Science was reserved for the “brightest” students. He expressed regret over how this mindset influenced his path. “One of my greatest regrets in life was letting the teachers in my secondary school convince us that Art class was for dullards and science class for the smartest students. I was excellent at debates, loved words and really wanted to be a lawyer but th...

Ethiopia's Vision for a Unified African Space Program Addis Ababa, December 11, 2025 — Ethiopia is making significant strides in the realm of space development, emphasizing the importance of peaceful and cooperative continental space initiatives. Yeshurun Alemayehu, Deputy Director-General of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute, highlighted this commitment during the Addis Space Forum 2025, an inaugural African space diplomacy forum held in Addis Ababa. During his address, Yeshurun underscored Ethiopia's readiness to enhance partnerships, foster innovation, and lead in space governance. He stated, "Together, we can ensure that space uplifts humanity rather than divides it." The forum aims to pave the way for a future where Africa's role in the global space community is defined not just by aspirations but by tangible capabilities and contributions. "Africa is no longer a passive observer; we are the architects of our orbital infrastructure and contri...

Senator Barau Jibrin Explains Tax Reform and National Development Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, has provided detailed insights into the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tax reform by the National Assembly. He emphasized that the reform aims to expand national revenue, strengthen the economy, and improve funding for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This explanation came during a distinguished personality lecture organized by the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin. The event featured a Q&A session with students, who inquired about the benefits of the tax policy for young Nigerians and the steps lawmakers are taking to reduce inequality. Senator Jibrin, who joined the session virtually due to technical issues with his flight, explained that the new tax policy is designed to shift the country's focus from reliance on petroleum to exploring untapped sectors. He noted that these sectors w...

President Tinubu Swears in New Permanent Secretaries and NPC Chairman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step in reshaping Nigeria’s administrative framework by swearing in five new permanent secretaries and the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf. The ceremony took place just before the start of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of these appointments in the country's governance structure. The five permanent secretaries who were sworn in include: Dr John Chidiebere Ezeamama from Imo State Ibrahim Abdulkarim Ozi from Nasarawa State Dr Abdul Sule Usman Garba from the North Central region Dr Ishiyaku Musa Mohammed from the North East Dr Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire from the South East In addition to the permanent secretaries, Dr Aminu Yusuf, the Chairman of the NPC, was also sworn in alongside two other members of the Board: Dr Joseph Haruna Kigbu and Tonga Betara Bulatafa. Pr...

A New Era for Education in Karamoja A significant milestone has been achieved in the realm of higher education in Karamoja with the official unveiling of the Karamoja Peace and Technology University (KAPATU) in Losilang, Kotido District. This event marked a turning point for the Ateker community, drawing attention from various stakeholders including local residents, regional leaders, religious figures, and international diplomats. The university was established through the collaboration of several key partners, such as the Catholic Diocese of Moroto, the Catholic Diocese of Kotido, the Catholic Lawyers Society International (CLASI), and the Government of Uganda. Its mission is to foster peace, technology, innovation, and human development within the sub-region. John Baptist Lokii, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, emphasized that the creation of this institution is a direct result of the ruling party's long-term commitment to transforming the region. He urged everyone to pr...

The Launch of ADR Week: Embracing Innovation for a Modern Justice System The Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, recently launched the nationwide Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week for the first term of the 2025/2026 Legal Year. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing the justice system by emphasizing the adoption of technology and innovation to improve access to justice. This year’s ADR Week is centered around the theme: “Adoption of Innovation and Technology to Enhance Access to Justice Delivery through Alternative Dispute Resolution.” The theme was described as timely and forward-looking by Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who highlighted the need for the justice system to evolve alongside global technological advancements. He pointed out that traditional litigation often remains slow, expensive, and adversarial for many Ghanaians. In contrast, ADR methods such as mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation offer faster, less confrontational, a...

Key Legal Ruling on Unfair Dismissal in the IT Industry A recent ruling by a lower court has set an important precedent regarding the dismissal of regular employees in the IT industry. The Seoul Administrative Court’s Administrative Division 12, presided over by Judge Kang Jae-won, ruled that dismissing an employee under the pretext of project-based work practices constitutes unfair dismissal. This decision marks a significant moment in labor law, particularly for those working in industries where project-based employment is common. The case involved Mr. A, who joined an IT company in November 2023 and was assigned to a software development project. In February of the following year, he was informed that the company would withdraw from the current project and discuss assigning him to another one. Mr. A remained unpaid for approximately a month while in a suspended status. In March, the company notified him that his suspension would be treated as a resignation. Mr. A filed an applic...

Concerns Over Stability of Special Judicial Police System The Supreme Prosecutors' Office and special judicial police operating agencies have raised concerns about the potential instability of the special judicial police system. This concern arises from the ruling party and government's push to abolish the prosecution service, which could significantly impact the operations of these specialized agencies. Key Meeting on Special Judicial Police Operations On the 20th, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division held the “2025 Special Judicial Police Operating Responsibles’ Meeting.” The event brought together 65 participants, including 33 central administrative agencies and local government special judicial police operating heads. The special judicial police system allows certain public officials in specialized fields to conduct limited investigative and enforcement activities independently of prosecutors and police. These officials often work closely with prosecuto...

Democratic Party of Korea Leader Condemns Ongoing Insurrection and Calls for Accountability Democratic Party of Korea leader Jung Chung-rae made a strong statement on the 24th, addressing what he described as “suspicious forces advocating insurrection” that are still active. He emphasized that the Democratic Party would take a firm stance against any remnants of the illegal martial law that took place on December 3, stating that they will follow a zero-tolerance principle. During a meeting of the party’s Supreme Council at the National Assembly, Representative Jung highlighted concerns about the ongoing perception of Yoon Suk-yeol’s illegal martial law among citizens. He pointed out that even though it has been one year since the incident, many people still believe that the situation is continuing. Jung stressed that the insurrection is not over and criticized the judicial system for its handling of the case. He specifically mentioned the Jee Kui-youn judiciary, accusing them of us...

Internal Debate Over Party Constitution Amendment A significant internal debate has emerged within the Democratic Party of Korea, centered around a proposed amendment to the party constitution. The initiative, led by party leader Jung Chung-rae, aims to implement a “one-person, one-vote” system for both delegates and general members. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism from within the party, with some opponents accusing it of being a rushed effort to secure Jung’s re-election. In response to these concerns, Park Soo-hyun, the chief spokesperson of the party, dismissed the allegations as “conspiracy theories.” On the 24th, Park made a public statement on Facebook, emphasizing his support for the concept of “one-person, one-vote,” while also advocating for additional measures to complement the system. Park stated, “I actively agree with the argument that ‘while we sympathize with one-person, one-vote, we should supplement it.’ As my constituency is a ‘strategic region’ where...

A Historic Election in Korean Politics Chin Jung-kwon, a special-appointment professor at Kwangwoon University, has highlighted the significance of Cho Kuk’s election as leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party. According to Professor Chin, Cho Kuk’s 98.6% approval rating is a rare occurrence, reminiscent of events that have not been seen in over four decades. On the 23rd, Professor Chin shared his observations on Facebook, drawing a comparison between Cho Kuk’s recent election and an event from 1978. During that time, Park Chung-hee received an overwhelming 99.996% of the vote as the sole candidate in the National Unification Constitutional Convention. This was during an indirect election system where delegates voted, and Park Chung-hee ran unopposed, securing 2,577 votes out of 2,578 (with just one invalid vote). Cho Kuk, who previously served as the emergency response committee chairman of the Rebuilding Korea Party, was elected party leader on the same day with an impressive 98.6% ...

Court Reopens Detention Trial for Former Defense Minister's Attorneys The Seoul Central District Court has decided to reopen the detention trial for the defense attorneys of former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. These attorneys were released on the day their detention was scheduled to be executed, following a detention order related to court disruption. On the 24th, during the trial of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s insurrection aiding charges at the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 33 (Presiding Judge Lee Jin-kwan), Judge Lee stated, “Regarding the detention trial held on the previous date, the detention decision will be executed as planned. We will confirm the attorneys’ personal information in accordance with legal procedures and execute it in line with the conditions required by the detention center.” Earlier, on the 19th, during the former prime minister’s trial, Lee Ha-sang and Kwon Woo-hyun, attorneys for former Minister Kim, requested permission f...

Key Developments in Kenyan Politics Ahead of By-Elections On Monday, November 24, national dailies covered the ongoing campaigns leading up to the November 27 by-elections. The newspapers also highlighted President William Ruto’s response to recent remarks made by his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni. President Ruto Dismisses Reports of Tensions with Uganda The Standard reported that President William Ruto dismissed claims that war might break out between Kenya and Uganda over access to the Indian Ocean. Speaking in Tororo on Sunday, November 23, Ruto downplayed the controversial remarks made by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni regarding future conflicts over ocean access. Ruto accused the media of misinterpreting Museveni’s comments. He emphasized that Kenya and Uganda are brothers and sisters, and the two countries have no time for negative engagement. "I know people in the journalist space, and it is good I speak about it here, tried to create an impression that Ugan...

Former DCID Commander Testifies About Kneeling Before Ex-President Former commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCID), Yeo In-hyung, provided testimony in court regarding his actions during a meeting with former President Yoon Suk-yeol last year. Yeo stated that he knelt before the president to explain that the military was not trained for martial law, making it impossible to implement. The testimony took place in the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 25, where Yoon is on trial for insurrection charges. During a previous prosecution investigation, Yeo had mentioned kneeling before the president when the topic of martial law arose. At a later trial for insurrection-related charges at the Central Regional Military Court, he described the act as “a spontaneous action due to excessive alcohol.” He elaborated on the context of that day. Belief That the Military Commander-in-Chief Was Unaware of Readiness The meeting occurred at a private residence in Samc...

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Questioned Over Constitutional Court Appointments On the 21st, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was summoned by the insurrection special counsel for questioning. Han, who served as acting president in December of last year, is under investigation for not appointing constitutional court justices recommended by the National Assembly. This incident has sparked significant public and legal scrutiny. During a regular briefing, Assistant Special Counsel Park Ji-young confirmed that Han appeared at 11 a.m. and is currently being investigated. The charges against him include dereliction of duty and abuse of authority related to the appointment of constitutional court justices. The National Assembly had recommended three candidates—Ma Eun-hyuk, Jeong Gye-seon, and Jo Han-chang—as constitutional court justices on December 26 of last year. At that time, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who had been impeached, was suspended from his duties, and Han was servi...

Key Appointments to the Constitutional Respect Government Innovation Task Force The Lee Jae-myung administration has appointed four advisors to the "Constitutional Respect Government Innovation Task Force (TF)"—a newly established body tasked with investigating whether 750,000 public officials were involved in or supported an "insurrection." The advisors include Lim Tae-hoon, director of the Center for Military Human Rights; Kim Jeong-min, representative lawyer at the Open People Law Firm; Yoon Tae-beom, professor of public administration at Korea National Open University; and Choi Jong-moon, former chief of the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency. They were officially commissioned on the 20th. Background of the Advisors Lim Tae-hoon, known for his advocacy on military violence and LGBTQ+ issues, revealed in March of the following year a document prepared by the Defense Security Command in February–March 2017. This document outlined emergency plans and legal proced...

A Legacy of Democracy and Reform President Lee Jae-myung marked the 10th anniversary of the passing of former President Kim Young-sam on the 21st, honoring his significant contributions to South Korea's democratic development. During his trip to Africa and the Middle East, President Lee conveyed a memorial message through Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik at the ceremony held at the Seoul National Cemetery. The message highlighted the enduring impact of Kim Young-sam's leadership. Honoring a Democratic Pioneer In his address, President Lee expressed deep respect for Kim Young-sam, referring to him as "a towering peak in the mountain range of democracy." He emphasized that Kim Young-sam was not only a "fighter for democracy" who ended the long period of military dictatorship but also a "reformer of the era" who challenged outdated systems to pave the way for progress. His unwavering stance against injustice and humility before justice le...

Corruption Case Involving Former National Assembly Member A former member of the National Assembly, Ooh Che-chang, has been sentenced to a prison term following a corruption case related to the construction of highway soundproof walls. The 11th Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court, presided over by Judge Song Byung-hoon, handed down a sentence of three years and six months in prison along with the confiscation of approximately 888 million Korean won. Ooh was indicted on multiple charges, including violations of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (specifically, brokerage bribery) and the Attorney-at-Law Act. However, the court acquitted him of some allegations, such as the receipt of approximately 98 million won and a promise to receive 2.3 billion won in exchange for brokerage activities linked to the duties of Korea Expressway Corporation employees. The acquittal was based on insufficient evidence, citing issues with the credibility of statements from ...

Establishment of the Interagency Narcotics Joint Investigation Headquarters On the 21st, the Interagency Narcotics Joint Investigation Headquarters (JIH) was officially launched at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office. This new entity marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat narcotics-related crimes through enhanced collaboration among various law enforcement and investigative agencies. The JIH was introduced by the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, bringing together a wide range of organizations such as prosecutors, police forces, the Korea Coast Guard, the Financial Supervisory Service, the National Tax Service, and the Immigration and Foreign Policy Headquarters. These agencies work collectively to address all stages of narcotics-related activities, from importation to distribution and supply. The headquarters comprises a total of 86 members, with 42 being prosecutors and 33 being police officers. The Supreme Prosecutors' O...

Human Rights Concerns Over North Korean Soldiers in Russia-Ukraine Conflict The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson, Ahn Chang-ho, has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of two North Korean soldiers captured during the Russia-Ukraine war. In a statement issued on the 21st, Ahn emphasized that the repatriation of these individuals is not just a diplomatic or security issue but a critical human rights matter. Ahn stated, “The issue of repatriating North Korean soldiers is not merely a diplomatic or security matter but a significant human rights issue directly tied to individuals’ lives.” He further highlighted the need for humanitarian protection and urged the prohibition of forced repatriation. According to international law, specifically the Geneva Third Convention and the principle of non-refoulement, it is unlawful to return individuals to countries where they may face persecution, torture, or other serious harm. International Law and Humanitarian...