Bayo Wahab

<h2>The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has apologised for saying some Christians won’t make heaven because they don’t pay tithe.</h2>

Adeboye had previously preached that paying tithe was one of the prerequisites for going to heaven.

However, in a video trending on social media, Adeboye while addressing his congregation tendered an apology, saying his earlier claim was a mistake.

The 82-year-old cleric, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/dont-mock-my-god-pastor-adeboye-warns-critics/9j6g9d8">who warned critics not to mock God</a> earlier in the year, admitted that his claim was wrong because it was not stated in the Bible.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I made a mistake saying if you don&#39;t pay your tithe, you won&#39;t make heaven, I&#39;m sorry, that&#39;s not in the Bible&quot; - Pastor Adeboye. <a href="https://t.co/kyOYjZUOGX">pic.twitter.com/kyOYjZUOGX</a>&mdash; Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) <a href="https://twitter.com/PulseNigeria247/status/1842152220537577886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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“I apologise for saying ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible. What the Bible says is ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God’,” he said.

In the same breath, Adeboye said it is wrong to limit some of his church members to 10% when they should be paying 20% or 30% as tithe. He said 10% should be for beginners.

He continues, “It is possible to be right and wrong at the same time. I will proof it to you. I’m a scientist so I know that for years we thought that light travels straight

“Later on we discovered light travels in waves. It is wrong to limit you to 10 percent when someone is talking of 20, 30, 40 percent. 10 percent should be for beginners I believe God will give me an opportunity very soon to give you the details.”

ALSO READ:<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/i-will-die-on-a-sunday-after-a-good-meal-of-pounded-yam-pastor-adeboye/qeh2vj9"> Adeboye says he'll die on Sunday after eating pounded yam</a>

<h3>Reactions trail Adeboye’s apology</h3>

Adeboye’s apology has become a subject of conversation on social media as many praised him for admitting his mistake and apologising, while others chose to drag him, saying he should not be asking his congregation to commit over 10% of their earnings to tithe at a time the country struggles with an economic downturn.

Here are some of the reactions to his apology on X.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I want to congratulate everyone who dragged Pastor Adeboye for his unbiblical, cynical, &amp; greedy teaching that you must pay tithes to make heaven. That it took so long for him to repent suggests that he doesn&#39;t have a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. Think about it. 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/56MEkGKNBo">https://t.co/56MEkGKNBo</a>&mdash; Seun Osewa 🇳🇬 (@seunosewa) <a href="https://twitter.com/seunosewa/status/1842120011558568073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pastor Adeboye apologizes for an error, you are still dragging him. God will deliver you from the spirit of Pharisees.&mdash; THE ENLIGHTENED ONE (@realdongabriel) <a href="https://twitter.com/realdongabriel/status/1842122141732372607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Economy is biting hard, so it’s understandable why Pastor Adeboye wants to jack up tithe from 10% to 40%. You will hate to hear it but many of you will continue to tell you that tithes are fraudulent and not mandated for Christians. It was law for the Israelites, not you!&mdash; Máfejópamí (@VillageParrot) <a href="https://twitter.com/VillageParrot/status/1842141642427429127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m a big fan of Pastor Adeboye. However, I feel he should maybe have read the room OR maybe he did as he didn&#39;t expect the video to reach this audience. Asking for as high as 40% in an economy where people can barely eat. If they do give more, it should be at their discretion. <a href="https://t.co/ff1ip5nagC">https://t.co/ff1ip5nagC</a>&mdash; Uchiha Raʏʍօռɖ 👑 (@Oluwaraymz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Oluwaraymz/status/1842143652404928847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pastor Adeboye first said if you don’t pay tithe you won’t make heaven/be financially stable .. God then whispered to him to apologize, he realized his mistakes, and did as instructed. To err is human, to forgive is divine.. Praise master Jesus . — Ecclesiastes 7:20 <a href="https://t.co/M5eiuJxQuT">pic.twitter.com/M5eiuJxQuT</a>&mdash; TONEE C (@toneecofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/toneecofficial/status/1842132375909646658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He admitted that his claim was wrong because it was not stated in the Bible.

Adeboye apologises for saying Christians who don’t pay tithe may not make heaven

<h2>A mother-of-five, Alice Webb has become the first person to die from a Brazilian Bum Lift procedure (BBL) in the United Kingdom.</h2>

The 34-year-old woman died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Monday, September 23, 2024, after the surgery.

According to Daily Mail, two people including one of the surgeons who <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-questions-to-ask-your-doctor-before-getting-a-bbl/s6t6tw4">carried out the surgery</a> have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The deceased was an advanced aesthetic practitioner at Crystal Clear in Wotton-under-Edge, a market town in Gloucestershire, Daily Mail reports.

In an interview with the BBC, Ashton Collins, the Co-Founder and Director of Save Face, a national register of accredited practitioners who offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, confirmed Webb’s death was the “first case of a death caused by a non-surgical BBL in the UK.”

In seeking support for the bereaved, Webb’s friend, Abigail Irwin has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise £3,000 for her family.

Alice Webb died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after falling unwell. [Metro/Facebook]

In a statement announcing the campaign, Irwin said she’s seeking financial support for the deceased’s partner, Dane, and their five children whose names were given as ‘Delsie 15, Preete 13, Gracie 12, Nylie 10, Clarie 7.

“I am hoping to raise as many funds as we can to support Dane, the partner of Alice and their five beautiful children at this very difficult sad time.

“Alice passed away Monday evening after having the BBL treatment which has gone wrong.

“Alice joined the beauty &amp; Aesthetics industry two years ago and she has been smashing it, doing amazing.

“She cared about her clients, she would always check in to see if they were OK, Alice was a beautiful person inside and out and I feel very lucky to have known her and to have spent time with her in our salon.

“Alice would ask for advice all the time and ask to check if there was anything more she could do to improve her skills but she was just a pure natural and never needed my help but always wanting to be the best at her job and that she was,” the campaign statement reads.

ALSO READ:<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/bbl-what-to-consider-before-a-brazilian-butt-lift-surgery/ddx7xsf">10 things you must consider before undergoing BBL surgery</a>

The police said specially trained officers are currently taking care of Webbs’ family and that an investigation, led by the Major Crime Investigation Team has already commenced.

Alice Webb 34, died on Monday just hours after having the procedure. [Daily Mail]

A Gofundme campaign has been set up for the deceased’s partner, Dane, and their five children.

34-yr-old mother-of-five becomes first person to die from BBL procedure in UK

<h2>Rishi Sunak has congratulated Prime Minister-elect Keir Starmer after the United Kingdom’s Labour Party won the general election on Friday, July 5, 2024.</h2>

The party <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/labour-heading-for-landslide-victory-in-uk-election-exit-poll-shows/nvcb6c7">crossed the 325-seat threshold</a> for a working majority in the House of Commons.

Moments after the results of the election were announced, Starmer while speaking in Central London and celebrating his victory with supporters said, "It feels good, I have to be honest," adding, “A mandate like this comes with a great responsibility.”

The Prime Minister-elect also pledged to start a period of “national renewal,” in the United Kingdom.

“Today we start the next chapter — begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal, and start to rebuild our country,” Starmer said in his victory speech in London.

According to the BBC, with more than 500 out of 650 seats declared, the Labour Party is projected to form the next government, with a majority of 166.

<h3>'I am sorry - Rishi Sunak apologises</h3>

After congratulating his opponent, Sunak tendered an apology to his party members and supporters and also took responsibility for the defeat.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.Richard Pohle/WPA Pool via Getty Images

Sunak said, “The Labour Party has won this general election. The British people have delivered a sobering verdict tonight. There is much to learn and reflect on, and I take responsibility for the loss.”

The general election handed the Conservative Party the worst result in its history as it lost more than 170 seats and is projected to be left with just 136 parliament members.

Starmer will take over from Sunak as the UK's prime minister.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister-elect has pledged to start a period of “national renewal” in the UK.

Rishi Sunak accepts defeat as UK’s Labour Party wins general elections

<h2>Protest is an intrinsic component of a vibrant democracy, providing citizens with a voice to express discontent and demand accountability from their government.</h2>

However, the decision to protest is not one to be taken lightly, as it involves a delicate balance between the rights of citizens and the stability of governance.

The question arises: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/how-the-endsars-movement-influenced-digital-activism-in-nigeria/yxk7kgr">when should citizens protest against their government</a>?

<h3>Violation of rights and freedoms</h3>

Citizens have a legitimate reason to protest when their fundamental rights and freedoms are violated. Governments are entrusted with the responsibility to protect the rights of their citizens, and any infringement upon these rights warrants a strong response. This could include curtailment of freedom of speech, assembly, or unfair limitations on civil liberties.

<h3>Corruption and lack of accountability</h3>

Corruption erodes the foundations of a functioning society. When a government is perceived as corrupt and lacks accountability, citizens may find it necessary to take to the streets to demand transparency, investigations, and a commitment to rooting out corruption within the system. Accountability is essential for fostering public trust in governance.

<h3>Ineffective governance and policy failures</h3>

Governments are elected to address the needs and concerns of their citizens. Persistent failures in policy implementation, economic mismanagement, or inadequate responses to pressing issues can be valid reasons for citizens to protest. When voices are not heard through traditional channels, peaceful protests can serve as a powerful means of communication.

<h3>Social injustice and discrimination</h3>

Instances of social injustice, discrimination, or systematic marginalization demand a response from citizens. Protests can be a catalyst for change when they draw attention to inequalities and demand that the government take meaningful steps to rectify systemic issues, promoting a fair and just society for all.

<h3>Environmental concerns</h3>

As environmental issues become increasingly urgent, citizens may find it necessary to protest against government policies that neglect environmental conservation, exacerbate climate change, or endanger public health. Protests can act as a force to push for sustainable practices and responsible policies.

<h3>Erosion of democratic institutions</h3>

When there are signs of a weakening democratic framework, citizens may protest to safeguard democratic institutions. Attacks on the judiciary, the media, and electoral processes can undermine the very essence of democracy, prompting citizens to act as guardians of the democratic principles they hold dear.

This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.

Citizens protesting against bad governance. [This image was created by Stable Diffusion]

While the right to protest is fundamental to a democratic society, it should be exercised responsibly and with consideration for the potential consequences.

When should citizens protest against their government?

<h2>Three black men have filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against American Airlines, claiming they were briefly removed from a flight after a complaint about body odour.</h2>

Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph, and Xavier Veal allege that on January 5, they were singled out and humiliated by the airline on a flight from Phoenix to New York.

The men, who did not know each other and were not seated together, were approached individually by a flight attendant and asked to exit the plane. According to the federal lawsuit filed by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, they realized upon leaving that all the black men on the flight were being removed.

"American Airlines singled us out for being Black, embarrassed us, and humiliated us," the men said in a joint statement.

The Texas-based airline responded by stating it is investigating the matter as the allegations do not align with its values. "We take all claims of discrimination very seriously and want our customers to have a positive experience when they choose to fly with us," American Airlines said in a statement.

The lawsuit details that at the gate, an airline agent informed the men, along with five others, that they had been removed due to a white male flight attendant's complaint about an unidentified passenger's body odour. The men insist the odour claim was false and that the removal was racially motivated.

"There is no explanation other than the color of our skin," the men asserted. They were eventually allowed back on the flight after no other flights to New York were available that night.

While waiting outside the plane, the pilot reportedly announced a delay due to a "body odour" issue, further embarrassing the men. "Throughout the flight—from the moment of their reboarding, in each interaction with the white male flight attendant, and continuing until landing—Plaintiffs experienced profound feelings of embarrassment, humiliation, anxiety, anger, and distress," the lawsuit states.

The men are seeking unspecified damages for the trauma endured. Emmanuel Jean Joseph likened the experience to Civil Rights hero Rosa Parks being forced to move due to racial discrimination, saying, "It's a strange, crazy story that in 2024 we are still going through stuff like this."

The lawsuit aims to ensure American Airlines faces more than a "slap on the wrist" for the incident.

From left: Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal (Source: BBC)

The Texas-based airline responded by stating it is investigating the matter as the allegations do not align with its values.

3 black men removed from plane over 'body odour' complaint sue American airline

<h2>Nigeria’s switch from its second national anthem adopted in 1978 to the first one adopted in October 1960 has dominated public discourse with the younger generation questioning the rationale behind the change.</h2>

President Bola Tinubu on Monday, May 29, 2024, signed <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/tinubu-approves-bill-restoring-old-national-anthem/qfclp7c">the National Anthem Bill 2024</a>, which reintroduced the old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” and discarded the “Arise, O Compatriots,” the younger generation can relate with.

The development sparked criticism as many Nigerians including a former minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ezekwesili-vows-to-continue-singing-abandoned-national-anthem/wfp6rg0" title="7 African countries that have changed their national anthems">vowed to disregard the reinstated anthem</a> and continue singing the “Arise, O Compatriots” anthem.

While Nigerians are divided on the controversial subject, it is worth noting that countries can change their national anthems for different reasons. The change may be motivated by factors such as political, cultural, or social shifts within a country.

Generally, when a country changes its national anthem, the aim is to encourage and promote a sense of unity, independence, and national pride.

Here is a list of some African countries that have changed their national anthems

<h3>1. South Africa</h3>

In 1997, South Africa changed its anthem to reflect the new democratic era post-apartheid.

The anthem combined parts of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” and “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika,” representing unity and reconciliation among diverse cultures.

Following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the country’s previous anthem was considered divisive and was dropped.

In 2001, a new anthem, “Rwanda Nziza,” was adopted to promote national unity and reconciliation.

In 1994, Zimbabwe abandoned its “Ishe Komborera Africa” anthem and adopted “Simudzai Mureza wedu WeZimbabwe”.

The new anthem was inspired by the country’s aspiration to have a distinct national identity different from the pan-Africanist anthem adopted by many other countries.

<h3>4. Democratic Republic of Congo</h3>

“Arise Congolese” was adopted as a national anthem in 1960 after the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence from Belgium.

In 1971, the anthem was changed to “La Zaïroise” when the country changed its name to Zaire. 26 years later, the country reverted to its first anthem following the overthrow of Mobutu Sese Seko’s government in 1997.

Ghana’s first national anthem, “God Bless Our Homeland” was adopted in 1957 during colonial administration. However, when the country became a Republic on July 1, 1960, it changed the anthem to “Lift High the Flag of Ghana.”

The four-stanza anthem was composed by Philip Gbeho, a Ghanaian musician and teacher.

Before gaining independence from South Africa, “Die Stem van Suid-Afrika” South Africa’s anthem was Namibia’s official national anthem.

However, “Namibia, Land of the Brave” was adopted after gaining independence to reflect national sovereignty and pride.

In his bid to unite Arab countries in Africa and Asia, Muammar Gaddafi replaced the country’s anthem “Libya Libya Libya” with “Allahu Akbar” in 1969.

However, in October 2011, following the Libyan civil war and Gaddafi’s death, “Libya, Libya, Libya” was re-adopted as the country’s new national anthem by the National Transitional Council.

Many African countries have changed their national anthems.

When a country changes its national anthem, the aim is to encourage and promote a sense of unity, independence, and national pride.

7 African countries that have changed their national anthems

<h2>ByteDance, the Chinese owner of the popular video-sharing app TikTok, would rather shut down its US operations than sell it if all legal avenues to counter a new US law fail.</h2>

Four sources familiar with the matter revealed the development according to Reuters.

The new legislation could potentially ban the app from US app stores. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, underscored that the algorithms essential to TikTok’s functionality are integral to ByteDance’s global operations, making their sale highly improbable.

Despite TikTok’s massive popularity, it contributes minimally to ByteDance’s total revenue and daily active users.

The company, according to the sources, prefers a shutdown over relinquishing its core technology to a potential American buyer.

They emphasized that such a move would have a limited impact on ByteDance’s broader business while preserving its proprietary algorithm.

The company openly refuted claims of any intention to sell TikTok, particularly without its pivotal algorithm, through a statement on Toutiao, another media platform owned by ByteDance.

This was in response to speculative reporting by The Information about possible sale scenarios for TikTok’s U.S. operations.

In a bid to confront the new US legislation, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/president-biden-signs-law-to-potentially-ban-tiktok-if-not-sold/k70jkzq">which was signed into law</a> by President Joe Biden and sets a January 19 deadline for the sale, TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew expressed confidence in overcoming the legal challenges.

Chew assured that the popular app, which boasts 170 million American users, would not face immediate disruptions. The legislation stems from ongoing concerns among US lawmakers regarding potential Chinese surveillance and data access through the app.

ByteDance, which does not publicly share its financial details or those of its subsidiaries, continues to generate the majority of its revenue from its other applications in China, such as Douyin, the Chinese counterpart to TikTok. The US market accounted for approximately 25% of TikTok’s total revenues last year, according to a source with direct knowledge.

Financial analysts find it challenging to assess TikTok’s valuation due to the lack of public financial data, especially when compared to competitors like Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Snap. Nevertheless, ByteDance reported a significant increase in revenue, reaching nearly $120 billion in 2023, up from $80 billion in 2022.

The discussions about TikTok’s future come amid broader tensions and previous attempts by the US to restrict Chinese technology companies, such as the unsuccessful bans proposed by the Trump administration against TikTok and WeChat.

The Chinese government has indicated its likely opposition to any forced sale of TikTok, citing stringent laws that regulate the export of technology like algorithms.

ByteDance prefers to shut down TikTok instead of selling it to a US buyer [BBC]

The US market accounted for approximately 25% of TikTok’s total revenues last year

ByteDance prefers to shut down TikTok in US instead of selling it to American buyer

<h2>On Wednesday, President Joe Biden enacted a new law that puts the future of TikTok, a popular video-streaming application, under threat in the United States.</h2>

The law mandates that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, must divest its interest in the app within one year or face a ban. This legislation represents the most significant action taken by the US in its ongoing technology dispute with China.

Despite the potential implications for TikTok, immediate disruptions to the app's operations are unlikely. Legal challenges and logistical difficulties in selling the app are expected to delay any immediate effects. The law was incorporated into a broader bill that also includes foreign aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

ByteDance, a Chinese tech giant, acquired the then-popular karaoke app Musical.ly in 2017 and relaunched it as TikTok. Since its rebranding, the app has been scrutinized by U.S. national security officials over concerns of potential influence by the Chinese government.

Nevertheless, TikTok has become a significant force in the realm of short-form video, boasting a user base of 170 million in the U.S., and is a primary news source for one-third of the country's young people, according to Pew Research Center.

Addressing concerns about foreign influence, Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell, chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, stated, "Congress is not acting to punish ByteDance, TikTok, or any other individual company. Congress is acting to prevent foreign adversaries from conducting espionage, surveillance, maligned operations, harming vulnerable Americans, our servicemen and women, and our U.S. government personnel."

Following the signing of the bill, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew reassured users in a video message, expressing confidence in overcoming the legal challenges and advising that users should not expect any disruption to the app's services.

TikTok has become a significant force in the realm of short-form video, boasting a user base of 170 million in the US.

President Biden signs law to potentially ban TikTok if not sold

<h2>A devastating mid-air collision involving two Malaysian military helicopters during a training exercise resulted in the deaths of all ten crew members.</h2>

The incident occurred on Tuesday. April 23, 2024, as the helicopters were participating in a flypast rehearsal at the Lumut naval stadium, in preparation for the upcoming navy fleet's open day in May.

Senior operations commander from the fire and rescue department, Suhaimy Mohamad Suhail, confirmed the fatalities, stating, "The two helicopters collided during flight training. All 10 victims on board have been confirmed dead by the medical officers."

Footage from the scene showed the helicopters flying in formation before one clipped the rear rotor of the other, leading to a fatal crash.

The helicopters involved were identified as a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec and an AgustaWestland AW139. The wreckage of the Eurocopter was heavily mangled, lying across the stadium's track, surrounded by emergency personnel and scattered debris. Meanwhile, the AgustaWestland met a similar fate, crashing near the naval base's swimming pool area.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, reflecting on the severity of the incident. "The nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy," he said. He also announced, "I was informed that an immediate investigation will be carried out by the Ministry of Defense, especially TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to find the cause of the crash."

This tragic event underscores the risks associated with military training exercises. Incidents involving military helicopters have occurred before in the region, including a non-fatal crash last month involving a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter in the Strait of Malacca and a fatal crash in 2016 that killed a deputy minister and others in Sarawak.

The nation now awaits the results of the investigation, hoping for answers to prevent future tragedies.

Malaysia military helicopters crash.  [The Social Being, X]

Footage from the scene showed the helicopters flying in formation before one clipped the rear rotor of the other, leading to a fatal crash.

10 killed as 2 Malaysia military helicopters collide during training

<h2>In a bid to tackle the rampant issue of engagement farming plaguing social media platforms, tech titan Elon Musk took to Twitter on Friday, April 19, to issue a stern warning.</h2>

Musk’s tweet, which stated, “Any accounts doing engagement farming will be suspended and traced to source,” sent shockwaves through the online community.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Any accounts doing engagement farming will be suspended and traced to source&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1781183251731677264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Engagement farming, a practice wherein accounts artificially inflate their engagement metrics through the use of automated bots or other deceptive tactics, has long been a thorn in the side of platforms striving for authentic interactions.

The announcement by Musk, who boasts a massive following of millions on Twitter alone, underscores the growing concern over the integrity of online discourse and the manipulation of social media algorithms.

With his influential status and wide-reaching impact, Musk’s stance against engagement farming is expected to reverberate across various platforms, potentially prompting other tech leaders to take similar actions.

The threat of suspension and tracing accounts to their source adds a layer of accountability to combat the proliferation of fake engagement.

Social media platforms have been grappling with the challenge of maintaining a trustworthy environment amidst the proliferation of fake accounts and fraudulent activities.

Musk’s tweet serves as a wake-up call to those attempting to game the system for personal gain or malicious purposes.

By vowing to suspend accounts engaged in such practices and to trace them back to their origin, Musk sends a clear message that there will be consequences for those attempting to manipulate online engagement metrics.

Musk’s tweet serves as a wake-up call to those attempting to game the system for personal gain or malicious purposes.

Elon Musk threatens to suspend Twitter accounts involved in engagement farming

<h2>Imprisonment can feel like the end of the world for many people, but it has turned out to become an inspiring origin story for many leaders.</h2>

From Nelson Mandela of South Africa to Bassirou Faye of Senegal, Africa has produced many presidents who rose to power from prison.

Incarceration paved the way for these leaders to become the number-one citizens of their countries — it’s more like prison even boosted their chances.

Pulse provides you with the list of all African leaders who became president after their imprisonment.

<h3>1. Nelson Mandela — South Africa</h3>

Nelson Mandela is a unifying figure of peace [time]

Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment is a popular story of the struggle for independence in Africa. The iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary leader was imprisoned for 27 years under the apartheid regime before becoming the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

<h3>2. Jacob Zuma — South Africa</h3>

Years before becoming the President of South Africa in 2009, Jacob Zuma was imprisoned on Robben Island alongside Mandela for his involvement in anti-apartheid activities. He spent 10 years in prison after which he became the Vice-President of South Africa, deputising Thabo Mbeki, Mandela’s successor. In 2009, he was elected as the president of the country and left office in 2018.

<h3>3. Olusegun Obasanjo — Nigeria</h3>

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. [Twitter:@seyiamakinde]

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former military head of state, was imprisoned by the military regime of General Sani Abacha for his alleged involvement in a coup plot. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, later reduced to 15 years. Upon his release from prison in 1998 following Abacha’s mysterious death, Obasanjo became the president of the most populated country in Africa, serving the country from 1999 to 2007.

After the 1998 presidential election in Congo, Alpha Condé, who contested the poll, was arrested and charged with attempting to organise forces to destabilise the government of Lansana Conté, a military official-turned-president. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment but later got a presidential pardon. In December 2010, he became the 4th president of Guinea.

Due to the protests that followed the 1988 general election, Abdoulaye Wade, who contested the election against the incumbent president, Abdou Diouf, was imprisoned but was subsequently pardoned.

Despite his incarceration, he continued to contest against Diouf, and in the 2000 presidential election, Wade defeated his political arch-rival after a runoff election. He became the first opposition leader to become president in Senegal, serving the country from 2000 to 2012.

<h3>6. Muhammadu Buhari — Nigeria</h3>

Muhammadu Buhari's tenure will end on May 29, 2023. [Presidency]

In 1985, General Muhammadu Buhari ended up in jail after leading the country as a military leader. His successor, General Ibrahim Babangida, who came to power through a coup — the same way Buhari did — detained him in Benin prison for over two years on allegations of economic crimes.

However, 14 years after Nigeria ushered in the return of democracy, Buhari became Nigeria’s civilian president after several attempts.

Former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe ruled for 37 years until he was ousted in 2017

In 1964, Robert Mugabe was arrested for “subversive speech” and sent to prison for 10 years. While serving his prison term, he acquired a law degree and also led a coup, deposing Ndabaningi Sithole, the leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU).

In late 1974, Mugabe was freed and became Zimbabwe’s first executive president in 1987.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the incoming President of Senegal. [France 24]

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, was sworn in as the President of Senegal on April 2, 2024, becoming the country’s youngest president.

The 44-year-old defeated the candidate of the ruling party 10 days after his release from prison, where he was held for 11 months over defamation allegations.

Senegal’s Faye and 7 other African leaders who became president after imprisonment.

Pulse provides you with the list of all African leaders who became president after their imprisonment.

Senegal’s Faye and 7 other African leaders who became president after imprisonment

<h2>Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, took the oath of office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, becoming Senegal's youngest president following a landslide victory in the first round of elections.</h2>

Faye, aged 44, made a triumphant return to the political arena just 10 days after his release from prison, where he had been held alongside other political detainees.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by several African leaders, including those from the new town of Diamniadio near the capital Dakar, witnessed Faye's solemn pledge before God and the Senegalese nation to faithfully execute his duties as President.

He vowed to uphold the Constitution, defend the nation's integrity, and spare no effort in pursuing African unity.

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/meet-bassirou-diomaye-faye-africas-youngest-elected-president/bcpxwc2">Faye's ascent to the presidency</a> marks a significant milestone in Senegal's political landscape.

He emerged as a prominent figure among a group of political opponents released from prison ahead of the March 24 presidential ballot under an amnesty granted by President Macky Sall.

Despite campaigning from detention, Faye's promises of combating corruption and better managing natural resources resonated with voters, particularly the youth, who are grappling with widespread unemployment and challenges associated with former colonial influences.

His victory underscores Senegal's commitment to democracy in West Africa, a region historically plagued by political instability.

Faye's presidency follows months of social unrest triggered by the arrests of <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/world/opposition-leader-bassirou-diomaye-faye-takes-early-lead-in-senegal-poll/eppbct3">opposition figures</a> and concerns over potential constitutional amendments to extend presidential term limits.

In his inaugural address, Faye reiterated his pledge to fight corruption and implement economic reforms. He emphasized transparency by publicly disclosing his assets and called on fellow candidates to follow suit.

The composition of Faye's government is eagerly anticipated, with analysts scrutinizing its size, diversity, and profiles as an indicator of the new administration's commitment to change.

The role of popular opposition figure Sonko, who played a key role in Faye's candidacy, remains uncertain but is expected to be significant.

Faye's journey to the presidency was marked by legal battles and political manoeuvres.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye sworn in as Senegal's youngest President. [AFP]

Bayo Wahab

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