PRESIDENT's LIFE IN DANGER?

President Boni Yayi narrowly escaped death yesterday when his helicopter nearly caught fire. This incident happened in Dassa north of Benin republic where the Head of State was attending some state functions. When the initial hiccup was noticed with the helicopter, the Pilot thought it was a fuel problem. After dropping off the Head of State and some members of his entourage, the Pilot quickly attempted to fly off to procure additional fuel that can sufficiently fly them back to Cotonou. It was then that some curious observers noticed some apparent misbehaviour of the helicopter; and it had to be promptly grounded for safety.
Given some unfolding antagonism within the political fronts against Dr. Boni Yayi, one cannot but conclude that the life of the Head of State could be in some danger.

It will be recalled that President Boni Yayi has gone down in history of Benin Republic as the first to acquire a presidential jet which was a gesture from President Muomar Khadaffi of Lybia which was meant to consolidate the strong economic and political bond between the two countries. Albeit, the said aircraft is also said to be grounded for reasons of needing some servicing that Benin could hardly afford in terms of cost.

MIXED FEELING AT CHURCH

With the overwhelming child abuse scandal that has dominated airwaves on issues affecting the Roman Catholic Church worldwide, the Catholic commuity is always held in suspense when an unusual or infrequent clergy mounts the altar in some irregular manner.
Such was the atmosphere last Sunday in Cotonou when Monsignor Marcel Honorat Agboton mounted the pulpit. But the tension was soon eased off when all he had to say was that he had submitted his letter of resignation both as Arch-Bishop of Cotoou and from active service to the Vatican. His reason for pulling off the red cap which symbolically distinguishes a priest of his rank and calling from other clergies, was on account of a long standing ill health.
Even though Monsignor Agboton is highly cherished as one that ignited spiritual fire among Catholics in Cotonou, he is not badly missed as someone equally ebulient and charismatic in the person of Monsignor Antoine Ganye the substantive Bishop of Dassa-Zoume is immediately stepping into his shoes.
What a big relief it was to the tensed congregation to know that none of their shepherds was being linked to the global sex scandal that has thrown the Papal Church into untold shame and scandal.