%26%238216%3BIt+was+not+time+for+greetings%26%238217%3B%3A+Aide+defends+viral+video+of+Ramaphosa+%26%238216%3Bignoring%26%238217%3B+Tinubu
‘It Was Not Time for Greetings’: Aide Defends Viral Video of Ramaphosa ‘Ignoring’ Tinubu A spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the President’s actions in a viral video that has raised questions about his diplomatic conduct. In the video, Ramaphosa is seen seemingly ignoring Nigerian Presidential candidate Bola Tinubu during a reception at the Buckingham Palace. Tinubu is seen approaching Ramaphosa, but the South African President appears to turn away. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has since released a statement stating that the President was not intentionally ignoring Tinubu but was preoccupied with other matters. “The President was not ignoring Mr. Tinubu,” Magwenya said. “He was engaged in a number of discussions and interactions with other heads of state and government. It was not an opportune time for greetings.” Magwenya added that Ramaphosa respects Tinubu and values the relationship between the two countries. “The President has a great deal of respect for Mr. Tinubu and the people of Nigeria,” Magwenya said. “He is committed to strengthening the already strong ties between our two nations.” The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users have criticized Ramaphosa for what they perceive as a lack of respect, while others have defended his actions, arguing that he was simply busy. The diplomatic implications of the incident remain to be seen. Tinubu is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, and his relationship with Ramaphosa could potentially affect relations between the two countries.Five men and two women, aged between 17 and 69, are under investigation for their suspected involvement in illegal online gambling activities, the police said in a statement on June 18.Five men and two women, aged between 17 and 69, are under investigation for their suspected involvement in illegal online gambling activities, the police said in a statement on June 18. During an operation conducted by officers from the Bedok Police Division and the Checkpoints and Immigration Authority at Ubi Avenue 3 on June 10, cash worth more than S$4,480 and other gambling-related paraphernalia were seized. Investigations against the seven individuals are ongoing. Under Singapore law, gambling with another person at or from an illegal gambling venue is an offense and carries a penalty of a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Illegally carrying out betting, gaming, or lottery operations is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.Aide Defends Viral Video of Ramaphosa ‘Ignoring’ Tinubu A presidential aide has defended a viral video that appears to show President Cyril Ramaphosa ‘ignoring’ former Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at a recent event in South Africa. In the video, Tinubu is seen approaching Ramaphosa and extending his hand for a handshake, but Ramaphosa appears to ignore him and continues walking. The incident has sparked criticism on social media, with some accusing Ramaphosa of being disrespectful. However, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has explained that the president was simply following protocol, which dictates that he should not greet attendees while the national anthem is playing. “It was not time for greetings,” Magwenya said in a statement. “The national anthem was playing, and the president was focused on showing respect to the anthem and the occasion.” Magwenya added that Ramaphosa had later apologized to Tinubu for any perceived snub, and the two leaders had a “cordial” conversation. Tinubu’s spokesperson has declined to comment on the incident. The video has reignited discussions about the importance of diplomatic etiquette and the potential consequences of perceived slights between heads of state.