Headlines
Meghan Alleges Royal Racism, Says She Contemplated Suicide
Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle on Sunday said she contemplated taking her own life after joining the royal family, and raised allegations of racism in the monarchy during an explosive television interview.
Explaining the couple’s dramatic exit from royal life, Meghan said she was denied help during her mental health crisis, was targeted by lies, and that there was official concern about the skin color of her unborn son.
Meghan, whose father is white and mother is Black, spoke out in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that immediately became one of the most extraordinary chapters in recent royal history and was set to rock the British institution.
“I… just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought,” she told Winfrey, describing the impact of a torrent of vitriol from hostile tabloids and social media.
Asked if she had had suicidal thoughts while pregnant, Meghan replied “Yes. This was very, very clear.”
Recalling how she felt at the time, she said that “I’m scared, because this is very real.”
Meghan, 39, also told of royal “concerns” about “how dark” her son’s skin would be, saying Harry revealed to her official conversations over Archie’s appearance, as well as the security he would be entitled to, ahead of his birth on May 6, 2019.
– ‘How dark his skin might be’ –
“In those months when I was pregnant… we have in tandem the conversation of ‘he won’t be given security, he’s not going to be given a title’ and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born,” Meghan said.
“That was relayed to me from Harry, those were conversations the family had with him,” she said.
After the couple’s surprise decision to move to North America, the former television actress has been portrayed in some British newspapers as headstrong, calculating and spoiled, and the couple reckless and selfish for quitting royal life.
The two-hour interview with the queen of US television was the biggest royal tell-all since Harry’s mother princess Diana detailed her crumbling marriage to his father Prince Charles in 1995.
Harry, 36, revealed the deep divisions within his family, saying he felt “really let down” by how his father had handled the situation.
But he also said Charles — the heir to the throne — and Harry’s older brother William were “trapped” by the conventions of the monarchy.
“They don’t get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that,” he said.
Winfrey reportedly sold the interview to US broadcaster CBS for $7-9 million, and retained international rights to the footage, which will feed an appetite of interest about Britain’s centuries-old monarchy — and their troubles — across the globe.
Royal fans were offered a treat when the couple revealed the gender of their second child. “It’s a girl!” Harry and Meghan chimed in tandem.
But it was a rare light-hearted moment in the drawn-out interview — and viewers who tuned in to see if the pair had scores to settle with Buckingham Palace were likely left shocked at how far they went.
– Knives out –
Taking aim squarely at senior royals, Markle flatly denied reports — feasted on by the gossip press — that she made Prince William’s wife Kate cry before her wedding to Harry, saying the reality was the opposite.
“Everyone in the institution knew it wasn’t true,” Meghan told Winfrey.
“The reverse happened,” Meghan added, saying that Kate “was upset about something, but she owned it, and she apologized.”
“A few days before the wedding, she was upset about something pertaining — yes, the issue was correct — about flower girl dresses, and it made me cry, and it really hurt my feelings.”
Meghan called the claims “the beginning of a real character assassination” and “a turning point” in her relations with the royal family.
“I came to understand that not only was I not being protected but that they were willing to lie to protect other members of the family,” she said.
Ahead of Sunday’s broadcast, it emerged Meghan was facing an investigation into claims that she bullied royal household staff — a revelation seen as a counter-offensive in a bitter battle for public support.
Last month, when Buckingham Palace confirmed the couple would not return to their senior roles, it said they would not “continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
Harry said the pair, who have secured lucrative deals with Netflix and other streaming services, had to find a way to make money as “my family literally cut me off financially.”
“I’m sad that what’s happened has happened, but… we did everything that we could to make it work,” he said as the interview wrapped up.
Afterwards, tennis star Serena Williams hailed her “selfless” friend Meghan and said on Instagram that “her words illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.”
The Sunday Times reported Queen Elizabeth II, 94, would not be watching the program and quoted unnamed courtiers as calling the situation a “circus.”
AFP
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
