Heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa seek repatriation of stolen assets from Europe and US

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Heads of anti-corruption agencies in Africa seek repatriation of stolen assets from Europe and US

 

Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies have requested Heads of Government in Europe, the United States and other jurisdictions to work towards speedy and unfettered repatriation of recovered assets to African countries.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 9th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Kampala, Uganda.

The event took place between May 6 and 10, 2019 and was attended by most of the Heads of anti-graft agencies in Africa with a theme titled: “Time to act: Prevent corruption for sustainable development.”

President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni declared the conference open on Monday, May 6, 2019 while the Commonwealth Secretary General, Hon Patricia Scotland, spoke on remarkable achievements of anti-graft Agencies in Africa.

The Acting Chairman of the EFCC and the immediate Chairman of Association of Anti- Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa, Ibrahim Magu, spoke during the conference and highlighted major achievements of the commission under his watch. Experts from different walks of life further gave illuminating experiences and solutions on how to tackle the menace of corruption.

The communique further urged Anti-Corruption Agencies to emulate the EFCC and acquire polygraph technology as part of their investigative and integrity testing process. The EFCC is the only agency in Commonwealth Africa using the technology for corruption cases in courts. An investigator with the commission had demonstrated the use of the Polygraph just as other agencies made enquiries from the EFCC on how to acquire the technology for positive development in anti-graft war.

The conference also expressed concerns over the heavy losses that Africa suffers as a result of illegal transfers of proceeds of corruption and crime out of Africa. It added that there was the need to strengthen cooperation and collaboration among the Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa for purposes of facilitating asset recovery and return.

The conference further acknowledged the benefits of a platform for discussing emerging issues and sharing good practices and country innovations in the fight against corruption. It noted that delegates made presentations on the theme of the Conference, discussed innovative measures employed by Anti-Corruption Agencies and explored other aspects of the programme of the Conference.

The Conference urged Anti-Corruption Agencies to pursue both preventive and enforcement measures in the fight against corruption within the unique context of each country.

The communique further reads in part:

“CALL upon the Commonwealth Secretary General and the Government of Rwanda to include Anti-Corruption as a side event of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Rwanda in 2020;

“FURTHER CALL upon Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to include the issue of Anti-Corruption as part of the communique for its meeting to be held in Rwanda in 2020;

“APPEAL to the Heads of Government in Commonwealth Africa to consider ways of providing adequate resources to Anti-Corruption Agencies;

“ENCOURAGE Commonwealth African countries to pursue the enactment of legislation on civil asset forfeiture;

“CALL upon Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa to strengthen co-operation and partnership with local, regional and international Civil Society and media;

“WELCOME the initiatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat to establish Commonwealth benchmarks package on Anti-Corruption and integrity standards;

“ENCOURAGE Anti-Corruption Agencies to convey to their respective governments the importance of having Integrity Officers within government ministries, departments and agencies;

“FURTHER ENCOURAGE Anti-Corruption Agencies to consider the Multi-Agency Team approach in the implementation of Anti-Corruption strategies;

“URGE the Commonwealth Secretariat through the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre in Botswana to develop a training calendar based on the training needs of the Anti-Corruption Agencies;

“CALL upon the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies to adopt a strategy of engagement with their political elites based on their country context;

“FURTHER CALL upon Heads of Government and Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Agencies to engage and empower the citizens to demand transparency, accountability and effective service delivery;

“REQUEST Heads of Government in Europe, America and other jurisdictions to work towards speedy and unfettered repatriation of recovered assets to African countries;

“EXPRESS appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda and the Inspectorate of Government for the hospitality extended to the delegates during their stay in Uganda;

“FURTHER EXPRESS profound appreciation to the Commonwealth Secretariat for the continued efforts in supporting the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa and co-sponsoring and co-organizing the ninth conference in succession;

“AGREE that the next Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa in 2020 will be hosted by Rwanda in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat;

“ELECT Uganda (Inspector General of Government) as the Chair and Rwanda (Chief Ombudsman) as the Vice-Chair of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa.”

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IMF Bemoans The Infrastructural Growth In Africa

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IMF Bemoans The Infrastructural Growth In Africa

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said the leadership of Africa nations must take responsibility of the infrastructural growth of their respective countries.

IMF also urged the people of the continent to demand better and more infrastructure from their leaders.

Miss Ha Vu, a Public Financial Management Specialist of the IMF stated this on Wednesday at the institution’s headquarters in Washington DC, United States.

Ms Vu and and Mr Karim Barhoumi, IMF Resident Representative in Benin and Togo, jointly spoke on the theme ‘Public Investment Efficiency in Sub-Saharan African Countries: What Lies Ahead?’ on the sidelines of the IMF Spring Meetings 2018.

In response to our correspondent’s question on why Africa was still battling economic issues despite suggestions by the IMF and the World Bank, she said the bodies only provide framework and have no powers to implement.

She said: “Your question is very good. We try to help African counties to improve infrastructural governance. Now, who do you think should be the key actor?

“It is you, Africa. We are here to support, to guide. Infrastructural governance won’t improve if the framework we provide is not applied.

“The role of the framework is to guide you, to find the issues, to know where to look at. So what the IMF do is provide the technical assistance to implement reforms.”

Also speaking, Mr Barhoumi said: “You are right. There are political issues. It depends on the commitment you have at the political level.

“The Fund is always ready to help. Other developmental partners are ready to help. But more importantly, you, in Africa, must help too because we would like to see more and better infrastructure for the people.”

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Buhari Speaks On The Death Of Winnie Mandela

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Buhari Speaks On The Death  Of Winnie Mandela

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the passing away of South-African anti-apartheid icon, Mrs Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a huge loss to Africa.

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that Winnie Mandela was “a woman of uncommon determination, steadfastness and perseverance who held aloft the torch of the struggle against institutionalised discrimination even while her ex-husband, the late Madiba, President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

“President Buhari, on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, commiserated with the family of the deceased, the government and people of South Africa.”

He urged the South Africans to be consoled by the knowledge that the late Winnie Mandela’s contributions to ending apartheid will not be forgotten.

According to him, she remained a pride not only to the African woman, but indeed all Africans.

The President prayed that God Almighty will comfort all those who mourn the departed and grant her soul eternal rest.

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Graphic Photos Of A Soldier Allegedly Stabbed To Death By His Wife For Cheating On Her

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Graphic Photos Of A Soldier Allegedly Stabbed To Death By His Wife For Cheating On Her

 

A woman has been arrested for allegedly killing her husband while he was fast asleep following an accusation of infidelity. The woman was said to have stabbed her husband to death in his sleep for having a baby with another woman.

According to reports, the incident reportedly happened in Gabon. The deceased who is reported to be a sergeant in the Gabonese army died immediately after the knife attack by his jealous wife in their room. He wasn’t even taken to the hospital.  

During interrogation, the woman allegedly confessed that she killed him for cheating on her and having a baby behind her back. Taking advantage that he was asleep on Wednesday night, the scorned woman inflicted several stab wounds on the man which led to his death.  

Ibe Caleb shared photos of the incident on Facebook and wrote;

Now she will spend the rest of her life in a military prison without a child of her own. The man though dead, has a child to carry on his name. Stupid actions degat dare consequences  You would have asked yourself what is really important and then have the courage to build your life around your answer instead of killing him  there are better ways of getting back to people than killing them…now you’ll cool off in prison.

That wasn’t the best thing to do but y will a married man keep a secret child in the first place.. If he had the child before the wedlock what prevented him from telling his wife. if he had it after wedlock then he brought the stabbing upon himself

See the graphic pictures below:

 

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Obasanjo Slams Buhari Over AfCFTA

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Obasanjo Slams Buhari Over AfCFTA

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has again slammed President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to sign the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

The former President, however, expressed hope that the President will change his mind before it is too late.

Obasanjo spoke his mind on the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, during a presidential panel, titled: ‘When Leaders Make History’ at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on Tuesday.

The former Head of State was joined by the President of Zimbabwe, Emerson Mnangagwa.

Obasanjo said, “That President Buhari didn’t sign the free trade agreement in Kigali is disappointing; I hope he signs it before it is too late.

“Egypt started the discussion on the formation of the Organisation of African Unity but didn’t conclude it and Nigeria took over.

“Nigeria was also central to the discussion of the free trade agreement, but I am surprised that the country withdrew from signing.”

The AfCFTA treaty is one of the flagship projects of the African Union Agenda 2063.

It is targeted at creating a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons, investments and a single currency.

Also, the agreement commits countries to removing tariffs on 90 per cent of goods and to liberalise services.

Also items identified as sensitive, which make up the balance 10 per cent, will also be phased out later as tariff-free.

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SA Former President, Jacob Zuma Bad Behaviour Damaged His Image, ANC

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SA Former President, Jacob Zuma Bad Behaviour Damaged His Image, ANC

Former South African President Jacob Zuma's bad behaviour damaged his image and that of the ANC.

© AFP FILE: Former President Jacob Zuma dances at the ANC's party rally at the Dan Qeqe stadium in Port Elizabeth on 23 July 2016 ahead of the municipal elections.

Opinion polls in South Africa have clearly shown the sharp decline in citizens’ approval of Jacob Zuma’s performance as president over the past three years. What has been less clear is the impact on the governing African National Congress (ANC). He was also the president of the ANC, until his term ended in December and he was replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa.

For many years, Zuma was considered a 'Teflon' president. He seemed to maintain public support even in the face of controversial decisions and scandals because of his personal appeal as an affable populist. Several surveys placed his approval ratings in the 60% to 70% range throughout his first term in office. Once that image was finally pierced, one might have logically expected his downfall to be equally personal, and not take the party down with him.

But new results from the December 2017 South African Citizen Survey demonstrate just the opposite. Asking a widely used measure of party support called partisan identification, a strong predictor of both voter turnout and vote choice, only 32% of those surveyed said they “felt close” to the ANC. This is the worst result recorded in the past 17 years, and statistically tied as the lowest level since 1994.

Zuma, it seems, pulled the ANC down with him. But this question is not asked very frequently by South African polling organisations. Fortunately, it’s possible to turn to an alternative indicator to get a more fine-grained take on recent trends in ANC support.

The South African Citizen Survey also asks respondents to rate how much they “like or dislike” each major political party on a scale of 0 to 10. In mid-2015, 61% of South Africans held a positive view of the ANC. Two and a half years later, only 43% feel this way. More importantly, the proportion who give the ANC a higher score than any other party has shrunk from over one half of the electorate in mid-2015 (55%), to just over one third (37%) in the most recent survey as shown below.

PRESIDING OVER ELECTORAL DECLINE

To be sure, it was already clear from the ANC’s loss of seats in the National Assembly and provincial legislatures in the 2009 and 2014 national elections that Zuma was presiding over an electoral decline, however small. This should have become even clearer in 2016, when large numbers of ANC members lost their seats as municipal councillors, positions in executive councils, and mayorships of major metropolitan councils.

Yet many of these losses could have been pinned to the poor performance of the post-2008 economy. Indeed, ever since 1994, the degree of economic optimism (as measured by the proportion of South Africans who expect the economy to improve in the next year) has been a strong predictor of popular support for the ANC.

But the evidence suggests that over the past year, voter support for the ANC became tied to their views of Jacob Zuma, rather than the economy. While Zuma’s popularity has fallen steadily since at least the end of 2015, the biggest single drop took place in April 2017 when his support levels plummeted by 12 percentage points on the heels of the public firestorm that followed the March Cabinet reshuffle and sacking of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Yet, even with the resultant damage to the currency and the markets, South Africans began to sense an economic turnaround. By year’s end, 48% expected the economy to get better in the next 12 months, and 59% expected their household living conditions to improve. But peoples’ evaluations of Zuma’s job performance continued to plummet (to just 22%), and the public image of the ANC remained at historically low levels.

Thus, voters finally turned on Zuma, but only after a long string of personal scandals, bad political decisions, and public outrage over the use of public money on his private homestead Nkandla, the “capture” of key state institutions by Gupta-friendly ministers and directors, and cabinet reshuffles.

Yet the ANC continued to shield him from the courts, the Public Protector, and from successive votes of no confidence in parliament. Indeed, the party came very close to electing his hand-chosen successor, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, as its new leader and presumptive national president.

But at some point in the past few months, a sufficient number of party members finally seemed to grasp the fact that Zuma’s continued presence threatened the electoral interests of the party as well as their own political futures, particularly those who appeared downwind on the party list. But it took them a very long time to reach this conclusion, and the party has paid dearly in terms of its connection with the electorate.

Zuma dragged the ANC down with him. Yet many might justifiably argue that it has been a mutual waltz to the bottom: while his behaviour and decisions damaged his own image, the ANC’s tolerance of his sins of governance has tarnished theirs.

President Cyril Ramaphosa therefore faces a double challenge. Not only must he reestablish a positive connection between the residency and the people, but he must also transform the battered image of the ANC.

The South African Citizens Survey is based on face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,300 respondents a month. Results are reported quarterly on a total of 3,900 respondents, which produces results with a margin of error margin of error of ±1.5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Sampling sites are chosen at random across all provinces, and metro, urban and rural areas, with probability proportionate to population size, based on the latest StatsSA estimates of the population aged 18 and older. Interviews are conducted in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Sepedi, and Setswana. Weights are applied to ensure the sample represents the most recent national population with respect to province, race, gender, age and area type.

Robert Mattes is a professor in the Department of Political Studies, University of Cape Town.

Jacob Zuma in pictures and scandals (Supplied by International Business Times)

 Source MSN News

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BREAKING NEWS Lightening Hits Seventh-Day Adventist, Leaving 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

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Lightening Hits Seventh-Day Adventist, Leaving 16 Dead, Dozens Injured 

At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured after lightning struck a Seventh-Day Adventist church in Rwanda, a local official said on Sunday.

It was gathered that fourteen victims were killed on the spot as lightning hit the church, Local mayor Habitegeko Francois confirmed.

The incident, which happened in the Nyaruguru district in the Southern Province region near the border with Burundi took place around midday on Saturday while parishioners of the town of Gihemvu were at a church service.

Mayor Habitegeko giving update on casualty rate said “Two others died later from their injuries.

“140 people involved in the incident had been rushed to hospital and district health centres, many had already been discharged.

“Doctors say that only three of them are in critical condition but they are getting better.”

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Women's Day: NAWOJ Calls For Total Eradication Of Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

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Women's Day: NAWOJ Calls For Total Eradication Of Harmful Traditional Practice Against Women

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the International Women’s Day, the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, South-East Zone has called for a continuous effort towards total eradication of all forms of harmful traditional practices against women.

In a press statement issued by the National Vice President of NAWOJ, South-East zone, Comrade Chibota Edozie, she acknowledged that progress had been made by the relevant stakeholders but said more work still needed to be done to completely end the harmful practices.

The statement read: “As we celebrate the international Women day today, I urge all women journalists in the South-east to continue to promote the cause for gender parity in our society.

“Over the years, our society especially the Igbo tradition has not given the female folk the deserved right and room to exercise their potentials.

“It is, however, encouraging to note that various campaigns by different groups including NAWOJ are yielding positive results

“The hitherto harmful traditional practices against women are gradually being eroded.

“On this occasion, we shall not relent until gender parity is enthroned in our society.

“We, therefore, call on women in the South-East, especially journalists to use the occasion of International Women’s Day to advance this cause.

“On our part, the leadership of NAWOJ in the South-east is planning a special program that will involve major stakeholders in furtherance of this cause.”

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American-Kenya Born Singer Victoria Kimani Glitz In A New Photo Shoots (Photos)

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American-Kenya Born Singer Victoria Kimani Glitz In A New Photo Shoots (Photos)

American-born Kenyan singer, Victoria Kimani is a beautiful woman and she definitely loves to show it off.

The popular dancehall star posed in a sheer gown that gives a perfect view of her denim undies in a recent recent shoot with ace photographer Kruz.

Hot isn’t it? See more pictures below

Source – 36NG

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Summary Of Major Headlines In Nigerian Newspapers Today 28th February, 2018

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Summary Of Major Headlines In Nigerian Newspapers Today 28th February, 2018

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers

1. Suspected herdsmen have rendered no fewer than 5,000 residents of Mbatoho Chile community, an Island close to Benue State Government House, of Makurdi local government homeless following a fresh attack.

The attack took place despite the commencement of Exercise Ayem A’ Kpatuma by the military to check the incursion of herdsmen into parts of Benue‎ State

2. The seeming frosty relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly is slowing down governance, President Muhammadu Buhari has said. 

The President, who spoke at the National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), however, said the government was working hard to resolve the differences between the Executive and the National Assembly so that the country can move forward.

3. A summit convened by the Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, in Enugu ‎was on Tuesday disrupted by pro-Biafra agitators.

It was gathered that the agitators made up of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, the Biafra Zionists Federation, BZF, among several others, forced the event to an abrupt end.

4. Barrister Aisha Alkali Wakil, a North-East human rights activist, popularly called Mama Boko Haram, has revealed that Abu Musab Al-Barnawi-led faction of Boko Haram might be responsible for the abduction of Dapchi School Girls.

Aisha Wakil, a former member of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the northern region of Nigeria under the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan, had, in previous efforts, brought military officers and Boko Haram Commanders together during negotiations.

5. Suspected herdsmen Tuesday invaded Gwamba community in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

An eyewitness told said the attackers stormed two villages in the community and opened fire on Tuesday morning, razing several houses, while the residents fled in different directions for safety.

6. President Muhammadu Buhari has explained why he rejected the bill establishing Peace Corps of Nigeria.

Buhari’s explanation, which was contained in a letter read during plenary on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara cited security concerns and financial burden of funding the organisation by the government as his reasons for rejecting the bill.

7. The All Progressives Congress, APC, national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Executive Committee has been given one year extension to be in office.

This decision was arrived at during the national executive committee, NEC, meeting of the party holding in Abuja.

8. No fewer than four persons were critically battered on Tuesday in Akaeze community, Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State following a clash between herdsmen and farmers.

Report says three herdsmen were left with head injuries, while one of the farmers received machete cuts on various parts of his body.

9. The Senate has explained the reason behind its move to amend Investment and Security Act (ISA) 2007 and enactment of Unclaimed Funds Bill 2018, saying there was so much benefit locked up in the sector, capable of boosting the economy.

President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said it had been found that as much as N104 billion was locked up as unclaimed dividends in the capital market.

10. The Senator representing Benue North East in the National Assembly, Barnabas Gemade has faulted the reports in some quarters that the federal legislature gets larger chunk of the nation’s income.

The Senator, who revealed that the National Assembly gets only but 0.06 per cent of the national budget, wondered why those whose interest they were protecting through effective legislations were ones worried about their take home.

Source DailyPost

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SA Ngcobo Killings: Sixth Suspect Arrested

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SA Ngcobo Killings: Sixth Suspect Arrested 

© Gallo / Michael Pinyana On Wednesday, a group of armed men stormed the police station in the Eastern Cape and killed five police officers and a retired soldier.

JOHANNESBURG – Police have confirmed the arrest of another suspect in connection with the killing of five police officers and a retired soldier in eNgcobo in the Eastern Cape.

This brings to six the number of suspects set to go on trial after a brazen robbery at the local police station.

On Tuesday, Police Minister Bheki Cele urged officials to fight fire with fire.

He was speaking at the memorial service of the slain officers.

The men in blue will be buried next week.

Source MSN News

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AfriForum's Domestic Abuse Case Designed To Embarrass Me: Alexis Bizos

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AfriForum's Domestic Abuse Case Designed To Embarrass Me: Alexis Bizos

© www.afriforum.co.za AfriForum prosecutor Gerrie Nel, flanked by Alexis Bizos’ wife Monique van Oosterhout announced that AfriForum would be pursuing Bizos for domestic abuse on Tuesday 27 February 2018 in Centurion.

PRETORIA - Alexis Bizos, the son of renowned human rights advocate George Bizos, says that the private prosecution announced by AfriForum is designed to embarrass him.

Advocate Gerrie Nel announced on Tuesday that his unit has taken up a case of assault and domestic abuse on behalf of Bizos’s wife, Monique van Oosterhout.

Bizos allegedly assaulted Van Oosterhout in March 2015 but the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute.

He denies AfriForum’s claim that he was not prosecuted because of his family name, saying that Van Oosterhout was pursuing this matter to gain an advantage in divorce proceedings.

"Well I think it's unfortunate and I do carry the surname Bizos, which is well known in the country, and as my attorney said, it's for their own vested interests to pursue this."

Bizos confirmed the incident in March 2015 but says it was his wife who was the aggressor, which led to him obtaining a protection order against her.

Source MSN News

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