The Indian government has sent a team of geologists to Zambia to prospect for cobalt and copper. The Indian government considers this move essential for is the future of its just energy transition.

Cobalt is vial in the production of electric batteries, while copper is essential in the production of eclectic wiring. Both minerals are key to ensuring he success of India’s industrial goals.

Mos of the soil and rock analyses would be done in Indian labs. Multiple visits are planned o Zambia. The Zambian government has allocated 9,000 hectares of land for his project. If successful, India may apply for mining rights and invite private investors.

What do you think of this project?

Which country would benefit in the future?

Tell us in the comments.

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Published: 01/07/2025

Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, Peter Obi has announced that he would be contesting in Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential elections. He ruled out the possibility of contesting under a joint ticket with Atiku Abubakar.

Obi said he is willing to serve only one term in office. He stressed that any coalition he joins must be willing to focus on addressing Nigeria’s insecurity problem and poverty reduction.

The presidential hopeful also took a swipe a President Bola Tinubu’s frequent foreign trips, saying that they contradicted with the current levels of poverty in Nigeria. He said as a president, he would prioritize education, security and cost-cutting in government. Obi also reaffirmed his support for the Nenadi Usman led fraction of the Labour Party.

Netizens have praised Obi for his bold decision to stand resolute on his principles. Tell us what you think.

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Published: 01/07/2025

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Iran’s supreme leader has vowed to inflict “severe punishment" Israel for attacking his country’s nuclear facilities and scientists. He described Israel’s actions as a crime.

He said, "The evil and bloody hand of the Zionist regime committed a crime in our beloved country at dawn today, once again revealing its wicked nature by targeting residential areas. This regime must await severe punishment…By God’s will, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will not let it go unpunished.”

He confirmed that, “In the enemy’s attacks, a number of commanders and scientists were martyred. Their successors and colleagues will immediately continue their duties, God willing,” he said. “With this crime, the Zionist regime has brought a bitter and painful fate upon itself, and it will certainly face it.”

The world is holding its breath on how Iran would respond.

Tell us what you think in the comments.

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Published: 13/06/2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in a video this morning, announced that Israel has begun an armed offensive against Iran. According to Netanyahu, the operation is tagged “Operation Rising Lion” and is targeted directly at Iran’s nuclear sites.

He said: “This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat. For decades, the tyrants in Tehran have brazenly called for Israel’s destruction.” He added that in recent months, Iran has enriched its uranium to produce 9 atomic bombs which puts Israel and its allies in grave danger.

He made reference to the Holocaust that killed millions of Jews. He likened Iran’s recent actions as preparing for a nuclear holocaust against the Jewish people.

He specified that “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program. We targeted Iran’s main enrichment facilities. We targeted Iran’s leading nuclear scientist working on the uranium bomb.”

He described Iran’s government as the “world’s most dangerous regime” that plans to annihilate Israel. He said Israel will never allow those who call for our annihilation to develop the means to achieve that goal.  

He appealed to Western governments and other allies for their support to remove the “Iranian threat.”

What do you think of Israel’s bold attack on Iran?

How would Iran respond?

Share your thought in the comments.

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Published: 13/06/2025

In a recent public address, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has responded to the biting criticism levied against him by Kenneth Okonkwo on Arise News. In his speech, the governor described Okonkwo as still “living in bondage”, in reference to one of the early movies Okonkwo starred in.

Speaking further, the governor said, “He should go to his state and fight…he tried in Labour party and failed. He tried acting, he was living in bondage. He is an attempted lawyer. He has never moved one motion before. Such people, don’t listen to them.

The governor concluded saying, “This is within my rights”, referring to his recent political defection from the PDP to the APC.

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Published: 13/06/2025

In a recent interview on Arise News, Nigerian politician and former Nollywood star Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo described Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State as a transgender politician who appears physically to be a man, but is inwardly a cowardly woman. He also alluded to the governor's genitalia.

He mocked the Governor via mimicry saying: “I can’t fight like Wike o. In 2027, I want a smooth sail. I still love PDP.”

Okonkwo was referring to the Governor Eno’s recent defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Alliance (APC) 2027 ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections. He said the governor was weak and could not stand his ground and and fight  against the APC.

What do you think of Kenneth Okonkwo's statements?

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Published: 13/06/2025

Lee Jae-myung has been sworn in as South Korea’s new President. The 61-year-old democrat won a snap election by 49.4% - a clear rejection of his rival, Kim Moon-soo, who came from the same party as impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol.

In his inaugural address, he pledged to "unite the people".

As the new President, Lee now faces the daunting task of not only uniting the country, but also balancing ties with its most important ally, the US, under President Trump.

Referring to his predecessor, said that he would "never again" allow democratic institutions to be threatened, adding that he would "become a president who ends the politics of division".

He also pledged to build a "flexible, pragmatic government" and announced that an emergency economic task force would be "activated immediately".

Speaking to a crowd in front of parliament - where just over six months ago he jumped over the perimeter wall to vote down Yoon's martial law declaration - Lee blamed the country's political turmoil on "political factions with no desire to work for the lives of the people".

Former President Yoon triggered months of political chaos after he attempted to impose martial law, which eventually resulted in his impeachment.

Critics have described Lee’s victory as a remarkable comeback for a man who has been caught in several political scandals, from investigations over alleged corruption to family feuds - though analysts and officials say his win was a clear reflection of public anger.

What do you think of South Korea’s new President?

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Published: 04/06/2025

Elon Musk has expressed his true thoughts on President Trump’s new tax and spending bill in a post on X. He described it as a "disgusting abomination". Musk stated, "Shame on those who voted for it." Musk’s comments reflect a widening rift between him and Trump.  

Last week, the tech billionaire left the Trump administration after serving 129 days working to cut costs with his team, known as Doge. In his farewell response to Musk, President Trump said "he will, always, be with us, helping all the way".

Trump’s new bill includes multi-trillion-dollar tax breaks and more defense spending while also allowing the US government to borrow more money. - was passed by the House of Representatives last month. It is estimated to increase the budget deficit - the difference between what the government spends and the revenue it receives - by about $600bn (£444bn) in the next fiscal year.

Musk posted that the "outrageous, pork-filled" spending bill will "massively increase the already gigantic budget deficit to $2.5 trillion (!!!) and burden America [sic] citizens with crushingly unsustainable debt".

In American politics "pork" refers to spending on projects in lawmakers' constituencies.

Musk’s comments reflect wider tensions among Republicans over the plan, which faced stiff opposition from different wings of the party as it worked its way through the House.

What do you think of Elon Musk’s position on the new bill?

Could he be right?

Share your thoughts.

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Published: 04/06/2025

Elon Musk has announced that he is leaving the Trump administration. He announced this via a post on his X handle. In the post, the world's richest man thanked Trump for the opportunity to help run the Department of Government Efficiency, known as Doge.

He posted,

"As my scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President @realDonaldTrump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending.”

"The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government."

Musk’s role as the head of Doge was viewed as tumultuous as he led a drive to shrink the size of US government that saw thousands of federal jobs axed. Musk’s role was temporary and his exit is not unexpected, but it comes a day after Musk criticised the legislative centrepiece of Trump's agenda.

The White House began "offboarding" Musk as a special government employee. The South African-born tech tycoon had been designated as a "special government employee" - allowing him to work a federal job for 130 days each year.

What do you think of Elon Musk’s performance during his time with Trump?

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Published: 29/05/2025

The Trump administration has announced that it will be aggressively. revoking the visas of Chinese students studying in the US. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the new move is targeted at Chinese students with “connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields".

Rubio stated, "Under President Trump's leadership, the US State Department will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.”

"We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong."

As part of the plan, criteria will also be revised to "enhance scrutiny" of future visa applicants from China and Hong Kong” Rubio added.

Note that the Trump administration has already moved to deport a number of foreign students, while revoking thousands of visas for others. Many of these actions have been blocked by the courts.

In the past months, relations between Beijing and Washington have plummeted, resulting in a  tit-for-tat trade war between the two superpowers sparked by Trump's tariffs.

Chinese nationals used to account for the bulk of international students enrolled at American universities, though that has recently changed. There were an estimated 280,000 Chinese students studying in the US last year. It is not clear how many of them could be affected by the latest move.

In reaction, China said it "firmly opposes" the move, and urged the US to pursue more constructive relations”.

Do you think Chinese students in the US are a critical risk?

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Published: 29/05/2025

Today marks two years of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in Nigeria. Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and notable opposition leader Atiku Abubakar took to his X handle to share his thoughts on the Tinubu administration.

His post reads in part:

In just two years, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has proven to be one of the most incompetent, disconnected, and anti-people governments in Nigeria’s democratic history. No previous administration has inflicted this level of hardship on the masses while showing such disregard for transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership.

This government has not only deepened poverty across the country, but it has also set new records in wasteful public spending. At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to survive, government officials are living in excess and approving budgets that benefit the elite at the expense of the common man. It is sad that apart from being the poverty capital of the world, Nigeria has under this administration emerged as the unenviable position as the capital of malnourished children in Africa having beaten Sudan, a nation that is at war. According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, our country is one of the most affected by hunger and malnutrition, occupying the 18th position…

Even more troubling is the scale of borrowing under this government. When President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at approximately N49 trillion. In just two years, that figure has skyrocketed to N144 trillion — a 150% increase — with more foreign loans now being requested, which could push the debt to N183 trillion.

While the federal government racks up debt, state governments have shown more discipline, reducing their debt levels from N5.86 trillion to N3.97 trillion. The implication is clear: the federal government, under Tinubu, is the primary driver of Nigeria’s current debt crisis.

President Tinubu’s justification — that new borrowing is needed to fund the 2025 budget and soften the impact of fuel subsidy removal — is both weak and dishonest. It was the reckless and insensitive way his government removed the subsidy that created much of today’s economic hardship in the first place.

Today, Nigeria is a nation where the rich get richer, and the poor are punished for trying to survive. This reality cannot and will not be ignored…We are here to rescue Nigeria. And we will not stop until that goal is achieved. -AA

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Published: 29/05/2025

Kenyan author and revolutionary thinker Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has passed on at the age 87. His words shaped and reshaped the understanding African resistance and decolonization both under colonialism and the postcolonial era.

Born James Thiong’o Ngũgĩ in 1938, when Kenya was under British colonial rule, his work spanned roughly six decades, primarily documenting the transformation of his country - Kenya - from a colonial subject to a democracy. He grew up in the town of Limuru among a large family of low-income agricultural workers.

Ngũgĩ was tipped to win the Nobel Prize for Literature countless times, leaving fans dismayed each time the medal slipped through his fingers. He will be remembered not only as a Nobel-worthy writer, but also as a fierce proponent of literature written in native African languages.

Africa has truly lost a giant. May he rest  in power.

Have you been influenced by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works?

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Published: 29/05/2025

French President Emmanuel Macron has denied rumors circulating that he is having a domestic dispute with his wife Brigitte. Rumors began to circulate following a viral video showing the President being shoved in the face as they arrived in Vietnam for a diplomatic visit.

President Macron said that they were “joking as we often do”. He added that “None of these are true…everyone needs to calm down”.

Footage shot by the Associated Press news agency in Hanoi on Sunday evening shows Macron’s plane door opening to reveal him. His wife Brigitte’s arms emerge from the left of the open doorway, she places both hands on her husband’s face and gives it a shove.

The president appears startled but quickly recovers and turns to wave through the open door. She remains concealed by the aircraft body, making it impossible to see her facial expression or body language.

The couple proceed down the staircase for the official welcome by Vietnamese officials. However, Brigitte Macron does not take her husband’s offered arm.

What do you think of the incident with the Macrons?

Could they be trying to conceal a domestic dispute?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 27/05/2025

 Speaking with journalists today at the National Assembly complex, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu representing Abia North, said that most Nigerians are criticizing the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu because the policies prevent them from making easy money fraudulently.

Giving an appraisal of the current administration, he said,

“Let me be honest with you. I’m a businessman, not a politician. There are only a few things that are not happening. The indices of Mr. President’s policies might not be working down the line. People are still suffering — yes, I agree with that. But it has started trickling in at the macro level — that is, at the upper level, not the lower level. So, I’m hoping that in the next 2–3 years, the President’s policies will trickle down, and Nigerians will appreciate what he’s doing.”

“Since 1960, this is the first President — and I have the facts — who stopped the fuel subsidy. This is the first President who merged the dollar rates. That is why we are suffering — because Nigerians are not used to working hard. We’re used to getting easy money. People used to sit in their houses, use their phones, get dollars, and sell at very high rates.

“People sit at home, use their tank farms, collect papers, and make money. This is one President who has said: if you are ready to make money, do it the right way. If you’re not ready, then leave it.”
Speaking on the endorsement of President Tinubu for the presidential ticket of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Kalu said it is “in the interest of everyone, both in the North and the South, for Tinubu to return.”

He said:
“We don’t want this country to break. We want it to remain our country. I love Nigeria. I’m a product of this country, and I’m very proud to be a Nigerian. Many people are not proud. You see people abroad cursing Nigeria, speaking badly about the country — it’s not good. Whether you are in the opposition or the ruling party, it’s wrong to curse your President or the country. Tinubu is not the owner of Nigeria. Is he the owner?... No. We are the owners of the country.”

What do you think of Kalu’s comments?

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Published: 27/05/2025

Controversial Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has spoken on his recent ban and deportation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was recently escorted back on a return flight to Nigeria on arrival in Saudi Arabia for Umrah on May 24. Saudi authorities cited reasons relating to his controversial political views. The cleric was part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Speaking to reporters Gumi said, “Yes, the Nigerian government is on top of it. Nigeria should stand by her principles as a free nation. Every Nigerian has the freedom of speech as long as you do not call for violence, discrimination, and ethnic cleansing. Your expressed views should not be used against somebody intending to go for worship.”

He stated, “The Minister of External Affairs has already contacted me, and the Director General of the DSS, we have spoken. I think the government is doing the right thing to see that citizens are not molested.”

Sheikh Gumi expressed defiance on the actions of the Saudi government saying, “This is a lesson we should teach all authoritarian governments — that ‘Look, you don’t play with the rights of Nigeria.’”

He stressed that the recent unfortunate incident would not discourage him from making future pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia.

What do you think of the Sheikh’s deportation?

What could have been Saudi Arabia’s motive?

Do you think Gumi would be allowed on future pilgrimages?

Share your thoughts.

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Published: 27/05/2025

The inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV is ongoing at  St Peter's Square in the Vatican. Earlier, Pope Leo greeted crowds from the Popemobile - marking the first time he has travelled in the vehicle.

At the mass are world leaders including US Vice-President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was also invited to the event, amidst wide public criticsim of his globe troting during Nigeria’s current troubles.

The new Pope held his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel on 9 May, shortly after his election by the Conclave. He used the service to call for the Catholic Church to "desperately" counter a lack of faith and called for Church unity from his cardinals. He also expressed his strong desire to see the end of wars in Ukraine, Gaza and other troubled regions worldwide.

Leo is the 267th Pope and the first to hail from the US.

Share your thought on the new Pope.

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Published: 18/05/2025

The southeast group of senators in the Nigerian National Assembly have described the recent poor results by students from the southeast as published by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) as curious and highly suspicious. They said, students of southeastern extraction living in Lagos were also affected.

Leader of the group Senator Enyi Abaribe said it will be terrible if the rumors that JAMB was deliberately targeting Ibos from the southeast in a bid to harm their academic dreams holds true. Senator Abaribe commended JAMB for efforts to reschedule the exam, providing candidates an opportunity to retake the university entrance exam. He however warned that any future recurrence of this so-called ‘glitch’ would be severely dealt with.

JAMB recently blamed a technical glitch in its systems as the cause for dismal performance of candidates in 2025, mostly candidates from Nigeria’s southeast region.

Do you think JAMB targeted the Ibos?

What do you think of the senators’ decision on JAMB?

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Published: 18/05/2025

The north central caucus of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has said that it will not allow new entrants to take over its structure. These comments were made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Nasarawa State. The party stressed that while new entrants are welcome, no critical office will be given to them.

Speaking on the issue, the national vice chairman north central zone Abubakar Dogara said strategic meetings are ongoing to increase the party’s membership. He emphasized that the SDP has now become “the pride of the people.”

Speaking further, Dogara said. “We will not hand over our party to new people or ‘de-campees’…those joining the party are welcome, but major positions in the party will not be tampered with.”

The leadership of the SDP has said that the party is poised to take over leadership of government from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and will defeat other opposition parties in Nigeria’s the next presidential elections in 2027.

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Published: 18/05/2025

49 South African refugees have departed Johannesburg for the United States under President Trump’s new refugee program. According to Trump, South Africa is racially discriminating against Afrikaners, that there is a new apartheid against white people.

The refugees comprising mostly families, left on a chartered flight hired by a US contractor. They are scheduled to land at the Dulles Airport in Virginia where the group will be received by US officials.

However, the South African government has strongly denied the allegations of discrimination. They have described the claims as baseless.  Critics have questioned why this group of refugees are being prioritized over others fleeing conflicts in Afghanistan, Yemen, Sudan, etc.

Some have described President Trump’s attitude towards the Afrikaner refugees as racist, that he prefers to have rich white people in the US, not other races.

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#afrikaner #southafrican #refugees #PresidentTrump

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Published: 12/05/2025

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the UK has unveiled a new plan to control immigration into the UK. The new plan will require immigrants to wait for longer periods before they can enjoy benefits from the UK government.

The wait period for those applying for UK citizenship has been increased from 5 to 10 years. In the new plan, work visas will only be issued to graduate level applicants. Also, all adult dependents will need to satisfy higher level English requirements.

The reforms come as Starmer’s  government is under heavy pressure form Nigel Farage’s Reform Party which has severely criticised him for allowing indiscriminate migration into the UK.

Note that net migration increased to over 900K persons in 2023 compared to 184K in 2019.

Some employers have expressed opposition to the new rules saying that it would negatively impact the labor force across the UK.  According to Starmer, settlement is a privilege that is only achieved through integration.

He blamed previous conservative governments for failing to control migration into the UK. He said while they were complaining about migrants, the migrant population grew to almost a million under their watch, comparable to the size of the UK’s second largest city, Birmingham.  He said, “That’s not control. It’s chaos”.

What do you think of the UK’s new migration rules?

Would you still be interested in migrating to the UK?

Share your thoughts.

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#UK #ukvisa #immigration #KeirStarmer

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Published: 12/05/2025

Russia released a wave of missiles on Ukraine overnight totalling 108. Ukrainian defence systems intercepted 55 of them. The Russian missiles struck multiple regions. In Eastern Donetsk, a missile hit a freight train, injuring the driver and passengers.

Ukraine is describing these attacks as a brazen violation of their recent peace agreement. Note that the Ukrainian President and other EU leaders had demanded a 30 day ceasefire.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia has dismissed all calls for ceasefire. He described the calls as ultimatums from the EU which he would not obey.

President Trump has expressed support for Putin’s stance, arguing that the EU should enter direct talks with Russia and refrain from issuing ultimatums.

Share your thoughts on this situation.

#russia #ukrainian #ukraine #Eu

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Published: 12/05/2025

The United States and China have agreed to a 90 day truce which will see the suspension of recent trade tariffs. The tariff pause is announced as a framework for renewed negotiation between the two economic superpowers. Both countries agree that the trade war will negatively impact global trade flows.

US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the US will be reducing tariffs imposed on China from 135 percent to 30 percent. Beijing will inturn lower its tariffs to 10 percent.

News of the truce have witnessed gains in the market across the Americas and Asia.

Addressing reporters today Greer said,

“We had very robust discussions. Both sides showed great respect. Throughout the trade process, we had a plan. We had a process in place, and now with the chinese over the weekend, we have a mechanism for continuing the talks… the United States will continue a strategic rebalancing in many areas that were exposed as supply chain weaknesses during COVID… we will continue moving towards United States’ independence.”

What do you think of the US-China Trade truce?

How will the truce affect trade in your country?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

#usa #China #TradeTariffs #Truce See less

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Published: 12/05/2025

Human rights activists and publisher of Sahara Reporters Omoyele Sowore has expressed severe criticism of Peter Obi the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections.

In a tweet on May 8, he wrote,

I have repeatedly stated that @PeterObi's stance is questionably and patently dishonest if not outrightly DUMB.

He seems to imply that protests against @GEJonathan’s economic policies were unnecessary, given his role as an Economic Adviser in that administration, they were all supporting themselves by looting Nigeria dry including the role of his Fidelity Bank assisting Diezani to move hard cold cash.

However, this raises concerns about his perspective on the current wicked Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT regime. If he believes protests are unwarranted under @GEJonathan why should Tinubu’s handlers not hold the same view, after all, they claim that their economic policies are for the good of Nigerians even though our people are dying in droves and they too have looted Nigeria dry in less than two years.

Moreover, if protesters against @GEJonathan’s policies have lost steam, or the former protesters sold out, what prevents his Obidient movement from initiating new protests?

Notably, his Obidient movement did not protest the presidential election results which they've repeatedly claimed he won, nor did they participate in the #EndBadGovernance protests in 2024 claiming it was set up by “controlled opposition”

Furthermore, they did not oppose the Naira redesign policy because the corrupt Formee Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Godwin Emeriele was their ally, even with the fuel price hikes he is speaking about here, there was not a time he ever led or encouraged Nigerians to oppose it.

Since the establishment of his GBAJUE movt, not once has anything been done other than inaction or gaslighting other Nigerians, especially those who rightly didn't support his political agenda, which was to replace a corrupt set of politicians with his anointed set of corrupt opportunists, they are all now back in @OfficialAPCNg including his closest lieutenants, these events have exposed their false claim about their commitment to driving change.

Like #EndSARS, he is hoping to benefit from the sweat and blood of others without a finger raised to challenge injustice even against his own “obidient” members.

What do you think of Sowore's biting comments on Obi?

Is he being honest or trying to score political points?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 09/05/2025

Barely a day in office, the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV has been slammed with an allegation. Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) are accusing the new pontiff of looking away while children were being abused by priests in his parishes in Chicago and in different South American churches.

Robert Prevost, who became the first North American pontiff on Thursday, is being accused by a survivors' group of ignoring strong allegations of abuse in the U.S. and in Peru - concerns they relayed to the cardinals who selected him.

Making a bold allegation, Lopez de Casas, a victim of clergy abuse and the national vice president of the network said, 'You can't cover up sexual abuse and be a good priest.”

What do you think of this allegation?

Do you think it’s too early?

How would the new Pope respond?

Share your thoughts.

Boost post

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Published: 09/05/2025

Robert Francis Prevost was elected by the conclave as the first ever North American and US Pope on Thursday May 8. It is said that he was viewed as the 'least American of the Americans' who were in the running at the Conclave. He also holds Peruvian citizenship having spent several years in South America.

Prevost aged 69 was born in Chicago, Illinois and began studying to become a priest with the Catholic Church at the age of 18. He studied mathematics at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

A popular figure in the church who served as the head of Pope Francis' vetting process for new bishop nominations, he has been notably quiet about his views on topics such as women in the clergy and same sex unions.

He waded into gender ideology while serving as a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru in 2012, saying that 'the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist.'

Following his graduation in Pennsylvania, Prevost first went to Peru in 1985 as a missionary before becoming the Roman Catholic Diocese for the Chulucanas region that same year.

Prevost - also known as Father Bob - returned to work as a pastor in Chicago in 1987 for one year before becoming the head of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, Peru - a role he kept for a decade.

In 1998, he was elected as the head of the Augustinian Province of Chicago, making him one of the leading religious figures in the United States.

In 2000, he came under scrutiny for allowing Father James Ray, an Augustinian priest who had been suspended from the ministry nine years before due to allegations of sexual abuse of minors, to reside at his St John Stone Friary in Chicago.

He would go on to take a public stance against the way that the Catholic Church handled the pedophilia scandal, telling La Republica in 2019 that it must move away from its culture of cover-ups.

Share your thoughts about the new Pope.

#pope #PopeLeo #Trump #Catholic

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Published: 09/05/2025

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pledged to donate 99 per cent of his remaining wealth — estimated at over $100 billion — to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The billionaire also announced that he would be shutting down the famous foundation by December  2045. 

Speaking to the Associated Press, Gates said, “It’s kind of thrilling to have that much to be able to put into these causes."

He explained that  the foundation has already spent more than $100 billion and is now poised to spend an additional $200 billion over the next 20 years. The goal is to frontload funding into critical issues such as global health, disease eradication, child and maternal mortality, and poverty alleviation.

In his blog, Gates outlined three major priorities for the foundation’s final phase: eliminating preventable deaths among mothers and children, eradicating infectious diseases like malaria and measles, and ending poverty for hundreds of millions.

“The Gates Foundation’s mission remains rooted in the idea that where you are born should not determine your opportunities,” he wrote. “…With the input from our board, I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners,” he wrote.

In a recent blog post, Gates wrote, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people. That is why I have decided to give my money back to society much faster than I had originally planned.” Despite these challenges, Gates remains optimistic about the foundation's ability to catalyse long-term change. “Somebody should try and save more lives than I did, and give more money than I did,” he said.

He concluded saying, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.”

Gates' pledge marks one of the largest philanthropic commitments in modern history, likely second only to Warren Buffett’s plan to donate his $160 billion fortune, depending on market conditions.

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Published: 09/05/2025

The Nigerian Senate has set up a twenty-member ad hoc committee to oversee the activities of the sole administrator in Rivers State  Ibokette Ibas following president’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The committee is led by Senator  Opeymi Michael Bamidele representing Ekiti Central and is tasked with monitoring the implementation of  federal government directives and ensuring legal compliance by the caretaker administration.

The committee also has the responsibly of safeguarding public interest while working towards the restoration of democratic governance in the state. It would focus on reconciliation efforts with the aim of focusing of root caused of unrests and promoting national unity.

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Published: 06/05/2025

The Nigerian National Assembly has announced that it has resolved to host a national summit to tackle once and for all, the insecurity situation in the country. Resuming from a month of recess  today, the senate held a minute of silence for the 16 northern ‘hunters’ who were gruesomely killed in Edo State in March and for 6 Christian worshippers in Gombe state who were crushed by a truck driver. Some argue that the incident in Gombe was a deliberate act, while others blamed it on brake failure.

Speaking on the Gombe situation, the Senator representing Gombe Central, Danjuma Goje said,  “Apart from reckless driving and failures of brakes, we believe the security agents should have done better. They should have learned from the Christmas incident to ensure that this thing does not happen again.”

Goje’s stance was immediately debunked by Senate President Godswill Akapbio who said that the mover of the motion had presented evidence that the driver intentionally ploughed into the group of Christian worshippers in Gombe.

The  motion to host a national security summit was introduced by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South. He said, “we have been discussing insecurity everyday…it is very important now that we converge.” Responding to Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South argued that security summits were not new to the national assembly, that several security summits had taken place over the past years with no tangible results.

Despite conflicting opinions, the Senate President approved that a national security summit would hold in Abuja for two days.

Do you think the planned security summit will yield any tangible results?

Or Is it another avenue to waste the country’s resources?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 06/05/2025

Six people have been murdered in fresh attacks by killer herdsmen in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in  Plateau State. Responding to the situation, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven,  Major General Folusho Oyinlola described the recent killings as worrisome and pointed to the need to fashion out modalities for peaceful coexistence among communities. He highlighted the importance of community-based conflict resolution mechanisms led by traditional and religious leaders to ensure that citizens co-exist peacefully with the herdsmen.

Speaking on the situation, he said,

“All stakeholders should jointly develop and enforce a community driven code of conduct for peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in Barkin Ladi LGA. Furthermore, stakeholder must improve early warning mechanisms to alert security agents in a timely manner to enable swift response to security threats”.

He added that a mobile police station would soon be established in the area. He warned citizens not to take laws into their hands. He advised citizens to report all security situations to the security agents.

Communities in Plateau State have suffered series of attacks leading to the deaths and displacements of thousands of people. Many citizens of Plateau have had to flee to neighboring states of Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger.

Do you think that communities should be allowed to arm against killer herders?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 06/05/2025

President Donald Trump has announced a bold move to encourage the production of movies in the USA. Speaking to reporters on May 4, he said he was going to place a 100% tariff on movies produced outside of the United States. He argued that the U.S. movie industry was dying a "very fast death" due to the incentives that other countries were offering to draw American filmmakers. He described the current situation as a National Security threat, in addition to messaging and propaganda conveyed in these foreign produced movies.

Trump said he was authorizing the relevant U.S. government agencies such as the Department of Commerce to immediately begin the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all films produced abroad that are then sent into the United States.

According to Trump,  "WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"

However, Trump did not clarify how the tariffs would be implemented. Will the move target production companies, foreign or American, producing films overseas?

According to FilmLA,  film and television production in Los Angeles has fallen by nearly 40% over the last decade. Meanwhile, governments around the world have offered more generous tax credits and cash rebates to lure productions and capture a greater share of the $248 billion that Ampere Analysis predicts will be spent globally in 2025 to produce content.

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Published: 05/05/2025

Human rights lawyer and council for VeryDarkman Deji Adeyanju has taken to social media to call out Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana on his silence over the recent arrest of his client. In his post, he compared his reaction over a previous case to how Falana was reacting towards VeryDarkman, hinting that Falana bears a grudge, is petty and unprofessional.

 He wrote,

“Our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN yet to condemn the arrest of VDM. Interesting times indeed! When the boy that led people to attack me under Buhari became a victim under the same Buhari and was arrested, I was the first person to condemn it”.

Recall that in 2024, VDM had insulted the revered SAN and his family members via several social media posts. VDM accused the SAN and his family of trying to take bribes to silence the case of crossdresser Bobrisky who had be convicted for money laundering.

Do you think Femi Falana should speak up in defense of VDM?

Share your thoughts.

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Published: 05/05/2025

An anonymous source from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed reasons why social media activist VeryDarkMan was arrested on May 2. They source disclosed that he was picked up for several crimes related to cyber harassment that contravene Cybercrimes Act of 2015, that there are several petitions.

VDM’s outspoken commentary on issues has led to several run-ins with the law. In May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.

In November 2024, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court. Prosecutors accused him of unlawfully dressing as a police officer and presenting himself as one. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million.

In September 2024, VDM was sued for ₦1 billion by popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, for defamation. The suit followed the circulation of a voice recording by VDM alleging that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials to silence money laundering charges. Bobrisky denied the claim, alleging the recording was generated using AI technology.

By April 2025, legal troubles deepened with a court order for his arrest over alleged defamatory remarks made against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court directed him to delete the content and publicly apologize.

VDM followed his recent public complaint at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja regarding unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account.

The EFCC is yet to make an official statement on this issue.  

 
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Published: 05/05/2025

Former Nigeria Minister of Solid Minerals Dr Oby Ezekwesili has responded to accusations of receiving bribes to defend Senator Natasha Akpoti. In a live video, Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist popularly known as Professor Mgbeke accused Dr Ezekwesili as being among the “useful idiots” who were bribed to join in bringing down Senate President Godswill Akapabio. Ezekwesili’s response was issued via a strongly worded memo on her verified X handle.

Her memo reads:

Memo to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and All Truly Honorable Citizens of Nigeria* Once again, Senator @NatashaAkpoti

You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone. I see how my unwavering support for your cry for justice has sent your adversaries into a frenzy—resorting to desperate, laughable falsehoods. Rest assured, @abiolaak , the distinguished women of FIDA and I will continue to stand with you wholeheartedly. Our commitment to justice is unshaken, and we will not relent until justice is served. We simply despise injustice and the abuse of power. Period. No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers. They know—without a doubt — that no amount of money, not even all the wealth in every Central Bank in the world, can buy my convictions, voice, and stance on any matter I choose to support. So, worry not, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight against a brigade of irresponsible politicians, led by @NGRSenate

President @Senator_Akpabio The world sees how they have captured our public institutions for their selfish benefit—corruptly abusing their positions to silence, intimidate, and endanger you. But they will fail. Do not be discouraged by this latest onslaught. We will continue to stand with you—demanding a fair hearing and an independent investigation into your petition against Senator Akpabio for sexual harassment. The Senate President cannot dodge the inevitable forever. To my Fellow Honorable Citizens, we all know that sacrifice is foreign to most of Nigeria’s so-called political “leaders” (or should I say ruiners?) They cannot fathom the concept of service because money and their belly are their gods. In contrast to their corruption and greed, I—like many of you—will continue, eternally, to live a purpose-driven life of sacrifice in the unrelenting fight for a decent and just Nigeria, where leaders are held accountable for good governance. Every decent, reasonable Nigerian knows that my unshakable values, convictions, voice, and stance on public interest issues cannot be tarnished—no matter how hard they try. Ignore their lies. Dismiss, with contempt, their desperate theatrics— a feeble attempt to divert attention from the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Akpabio by the distinguished Senator @NatashaAkpoti

Demand for justice for her because “injustice to one is injustice to all”. Madam Senator, as you so powerfully declared: “This injustice shall not be sustained.” We—along with every truly honorable and reasonable Nigerian— stand with you. Unwavering. Freely. All the way. So, fight on, until justice is served!

What do you think of her response?

Tell us in the comments.

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Published: 05/05/2025

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu said that he established  Radio Biafra to “promote truth, peace, and the fight for fundamental human rights”.

Kanu made the remarks in a video recording of his interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS), which was played in open court on Tuesday during his trial for alleged terrorism and treasonable felony.

He argued that  it was “illegal” to broadcast in Nigeria since he had not registered with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). He added that radio was funded by supporters from different parts of the world and that he makes his account public to the UK government.

In another statement made by the separatist leader and read in court, Kanu said he was interrogated by the DSS “without legal representation” as required by law.

Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21 before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja. At the resumed session on Tuesday, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, told the court that he filed an ex parte application dated April 10 seeking to protect the identities of the witnesses.

“The essence is for the safety and security of state officers who would be part of the witnesses,” he said. Omotsho granted the application after Kanu Agabi, counsel to the defendant, said he had no objection.

The first prosecution witness, who was codenamed “AAA” to protect his identity, was then called.

AAA, a DSS staff, said he was part of the team which arrested Kanu on October 15, 2015, at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Lagos.   The witness said Kanu was arrested and several items, including broadcasting devices which were set up in the room, were confiscated.

Do you agree that Radio Biafra was established to promote truth, peace, and human rights?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 29/04/2025

King Sunny Ade has debunked widespread rumors that he had been kidnaped, speculations ignited by his daughter Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.

The legendary juju music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye.  

King Sunny Ade reassured fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events. He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.

He said, “Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I must thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos. I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well. So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you.”

Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs. She called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.

Netizens have received the music icon’s statement as a welcome relief considering rising cases of kidnap among other insecurity issues in Nigeria.

Share your thoughts on this situation.

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Published: 29/04/2025

Spain is not taking lightly the recent power blackout that left the country in a blackout for an entire day. The government is launching an investigation to determine if the blackout was a terrorist cyber-attack on critical power infrastructure. Preliminary assessments by the national power grid company ruled out the possibility of a cyber-attack, however it said the blackout could be linked to malicious activity targeting Spain’s critical infrastructure.

Speaking to the reporters, the Spanish prime Minister Pedro Sanchez,  said,

“The responsibility of the Spanish government is to carry out an independent analysis of what happened, and therefore to use all the mechanisms… once these records have all been examined, we won’t rule out any hypothesis until we have the results of these analysis that will be made public.”

Spanish operators are on high alert over the increasing dangers posed by cyber-attacks on critical sectors of the economy including energy and communications.

What do you think caused the massive power cut in Spain and across Europe?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 29/04/2025

Through his press secretary, the Governor of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, issued an official statement to debunk rumors that he along with four other governors were planning to defect from the All-Progressives Congress.

Over the past weeks, rumors had circulated that Governor Idris was considering joining a coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor described these rumors as “ridiculously malicious” and the handiwork of “uninteresting political comedians.”

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, declaring that he is “made in APC, by APC, and for APC.”

 The statement reads in part,

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a political prostitute. I will be the last person to leave my formidable and reliable party for any coalition, no matter who the architects are.”

“If they tell you again that Kaura is likely to leave his APC, tell them I will be the last man standing.”

Idris emphasized his commitment to the people of Kebbi State and the vision of President Bola Tinubu, noting that his focus remains on delivering good governance and consolidating on the successes of the APC. He stressed that Kebbi State remains a stronghold of the APC and dismissed any notion of disloyalty as a “dance of mad fellows in the marketplace.”

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Published: 28/04/2025

The All-Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered social influencer Martins Vincent Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan, to apologize for what it described as disparaging comments against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The statement was issued by Blessing Agbomhere, the Zonal Organizing Secretary of the South-South APC in Abuja. The social media influencer was given one week to tender an apology to the Senate President.

The statement reads in part,  “VeryDarkMan is becoming notorious for blackmail, slander, and character assassination while pretending to be an advocate for the masses and a social crusader.”

“Upon his return from France and the UK, Tinubu met with the security chiefs, and during the meeting, he gave them marching orders to ensure that a different approach is deployed in the fight against insecurity. Does this sound like a man who is not serious about protecting the lives and property of Nigerians?”

According to the South-South APC, the “complex security problems in the country cannot be wished away with a wave of the hand”.

“The unwarranted verbal attack on the number three citizen of Nigeria, who did not send himself to Rome but was duly nominated by the President to lead a delegation to represent Nigeria — what exactly is wrong with that?”

The APC’s anger is fueled by a recent video in which VeryDarkMan criticized the Senate President for neglecting the security situation in the country to have travel to Rome just for photo ops. He noted that Akpabio should have been paying condolence visits to Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, Enugu, and other states currently plagued by killings.

According to him, the Senate President lacked the moral standing to attend the Pope’s funeral when he ought to be consoling communities affected by violence across the country.

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Published: 28/04/2025

Suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has issued an ‘apology’ to senate President Godswill Akapbio via a post on Facebook.

The post reads,

“Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence.

“I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.

“How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.

“I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.

“Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections. I remain Yours in eternal resistance, Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken.”

Senator Natasha’s apology could be understood as sarcasm, a means of expressing her resilience in the face of huge challenges.

The apology comes just two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican for the burial of Pope Francis while ignoring killings and violent attacks in Nigeria.

Some Netizens have described Senator Natasha’s post as unnecessary, mere content creation to attract attention.

Tell us what you think in the comments.

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Published: 28/04/2025

The political tide has changed in Delta State, as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all executive members of the People’s Democratic Party defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress today.

The defection was announced after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba. The discussions were led by Senator James Manager a PDP chieftain and past senator.

Manager said,

“You cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing because I am a riverine man. Members of the BOT of the PDP they were there in their numbers. National executives of the PDP, they were there, …all major stakeholders were there, so this is a collective stand by the PDP family in Delta…everybody agreed to leave the PDP and join the APC”.

Speaking on the defection, Okowa explained that the move reflects a deeper commitment to unity and long-term progress. That the decision was in the best interest of the people. He assured the people that they are were headed in the wrong direction.

Defected members will be formally accepted in Abuja on Monday by Vice President Shettima.

What do you think of this mass defection?

How will this shape the political dynamics of the Nigeria’s south-south region?

Is this healthy for democracy?

Share your thoughts.

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Published: 23/04/2025

President Bola Tinubu has issued new directives to security chiefs on rising insecurity in Nigeria’s north-central region.  The President insists that enough is enough. This strong stance was declared during a  presidential briefing today by heads of security and intelligence agencies at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Briefing the press after the meeting, national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said the president expresses deep concern on the current situation and has demanded the immediate scaling up of operations in Kwara and Benue States. He said “Mr. President is working so hard to see that we have peace and stability in our country . We gave him what is going on and assured him that work is ongoing and continuous. We went round Plateau state, Benue state even Bornu”.

Ribadu stressed the importance of working with local communities saying, “You need to work with the communities, you need to work with the local governments, you need to work with the governors, especially the governors”.  

He concluded saying that “the president insists that enough is enough  and we working to ensure that we restore peace and security. The armed forces are there…they are working 24 hours…they are people wo do not sleep, who don’t go on any break to ensure that we have peace.”

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Published: 23/04/2025

Nigeria’s Chief of Army staff Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede today issued marching orders to the army to flush out armed bandits attacking people Baruten and Kaiama Local government areas of Kwara State within one month. These attacks have led to the loss of several lives.

General Oluyede issued the command while inspecting a guard of honor at the 22 Armored Brigade in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin Kwara State. He said Nigeria cannot afford to have another terrorist situation in the north-west similar to the situation in the country’s north-east.

He told his men,

“You must push them out, so we do not have another set of Boko Haram. disturbing us here. Do you promise me that?”

Speaking to reporters, Oluyede said,

“I am here to charge these soldiers here because they are out for a very important assignment. To charge them to perform to the best of their ability and to ensure that they bring peace and sanity to where we are sending them to. We are addressing these challenges. What is happening in Kwara cannot be threatening the sanity in Nigeria generally. It is just an isolated case, and we will deal with it directly.”

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Published: 23/04/2025

President Trump today in a post on Truth Social warned President Zelensky of Ukraine to accept the peace deal with Russia or risk fighting and losing the war within the next three years. He advised Zelensky to stop making inflammatory remarks. He reminded him that Crimea was lost to Russia during the Obama led administration.

President Trump wrote,

“Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, "Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There's nothing to talk about here." This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion.

Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired? The area also houses, for many years before "the Obama handover," major Russian submarine bases. It's inflammatory statements like Zelenskyy's that makes it so difficult to settle this War. He has nothing to boast about! The situation for Ukraine is dire - He can have Peace or, he can fight for another three years before losing the whole Country.

I have nothing to do with Russia, but have much to do with wanting to save, on average, five thousand Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, who are dying for no reason whatsoever.

The statement made by Zelenskyy today will do nothing but prolong the "killing field," and nobody wants that! We are very close to a Deal, but the man with "no cards to play" should now, finally, GET IT DONE. I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this Complete and Total MESS, that would have never started if I were President!

What do you think of President Trump’s stance?

Do you think President Zelensky will take his advice?

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Published: 23/04/2025

The body of late Pope Francis has been put on public viewing. The body has been placed in a coffin made of wood and zinc. Currently, the Pope’s body is at  the Chapel of Santa Marta in the Vatican. His funeral service will take place on Saturday April 27 at 9am GMT.

According to his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas of Christendom in Rome, situated on the Esquiline Hill.  The last pope buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903.

The Pope's body will be on display at St Peter's Basilica for public viewing from Wednesday April 23.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Argentinian, who made history as the Vatican's first Latin American pontiff, had been hospitalized for 38-days after suffering a double bout pneumonia that damaged his lungs.

Despite being discharged on March 23, Pope Francis continued to participate in public activities, blessing crowds  and even receiving the US Vice President JD Vance.

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Published: 22/04/2025

Following the end of the Easter holiday, protests advocating for the  reinstatement of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have resumed.

Hundreds of protestors have flocked the streets, dressed in black and carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Together we stand for Governor Sim Fubara”,  “We want back our Governor, we all voted for”, Governor Fubara is the pride of Rivers People.”

The protesters kicked off the march from Aggrey road, Old Port Harcourt Township.

Philco News is following this development.

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Published: 22/04/2025

President Bola Tinubu returned to Nigeria on April 21 after a 19-day private visit to France and the UK amidst rising killings in Nigeria. The president’s absence from the country at a very critical time attracted widespread criticism. Many accused him of being selfish and insensitive to the plights of ordinary citizens.

However, the Presidency still argues that President Tinubu was closely monitoring the situation on ground and maintained  active communication channels.

Over the past days, there have been several incidents of violent killings by herdsmen in Plateau and Benue States resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and destruction of property.

What do you think of the President’s return?

Are you impressed?

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Published: 22/04/2025

The US government has threatened to withdraw from the Russia-Ukraine peace deal within days unless there are clear signs a truce can be reached. This surprising stance was expressed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio said,

"We're not going to continue with this endeavor for weeks and months on end," Rubio said, adding that the US had "other priorities to focus on".

"We need to determine very quickly now - and I'm talking about a matter of days - whether or not this is doable."

"If it's not going to happen, then we're just going to move on," he said about truce talks.

He said it was clear that a peace deal would be difficult to strike but there needed to be signs it could be done soon.

The US’s frustration is in reaction to continued attacks from both Ukraine and Russia. Both countries are yet to cease attacks and create a climate for peaceful negotiations. Washington is blaming both sides.

Rubio’s comments come as Russian strikes on Ukraine continue. On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X that Russia had launched a volley of missile attacks that killed two people.

During a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday, US Vice President JD Vance said he was "optimistic" about ending the Ukraine war, a more positive stance than Rubio’s.

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Published: 18/04/2025

Popular stand-up comedian, Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, aka Seyi Law, has expressed his deep resentment for former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement, Obi’s political support community.

He explained that his resentment stems from Peter Obi’s refusal to reprimand his supporters from trolling and making disparaging comments at their opponents. He recounted how he and his family were  severely trolled online by obidients over their refusal to support Obi.

Speaking in an interview on Tejubabyface show, Seyi Law said, 

  “I don’t feel down at all because when you talk too much, I swear for you. One of the good things that God has done for me is that my anger doesn’t last long. Personal anger for me doesn’t last long. The only place it lasts long is when you leave me to attack my children, mother, and wife.

“The moment you cross that boundary from me to my children, mother, and wife — there is no forgiveness.

“That is why there is nothing on earth that Peter Obi can do that will make me support him. They (Obidients) attacked my children and my wife. “As long as Peter Obi will not call them to order and he keeps denying that they are doing that, he will never get my support.

“Let Peter Obi wear the garment of Jesus Christ today — he will never get my support. Hate or love me, my personal way of life is between me and God.

He added,

“Any organization that does not support free thinking is a cult.”

What do you think of Seyi Law’s stance against Obi and the obidients?

Is his hatred of them justified?

Share your thought in the comments.

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Published: 18/04/2025

During a media parley today, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike expressed his displeasure on the recent presidential decision of suspending Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. He said he  wanted the governor to be outrightly kicked out of office.

He said,

“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the Governor. But for the interest of the state, the President did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state.

He added,

“The matter is in court, but people must say the truth. The governor was gone. It is not on my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable and that is why there is power play.”

Note that in March,  President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing persistent political instability and recent security threats, including pipeline explosions. The President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months. He described the move as “inevitably compelling” based on security reports.

In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs pending resolution of the crisis — a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the country.

Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads over control of the state’s political and structural resources.

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Published: 18/04/2025

The Cross River State government has threatened to revoke the title of deed and take over Ningsong M-House Palm Oil Ltd owned by former senate president Bukola Saraki. Formerly Ayi Eku Oil Palm, the estate sits on 12,400 hectares of land in Akamkpa LGA .  

Cross River State government is reacting to complaints of neglect of the vast estate by residents of the area. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, said the state has received numerous petitions from the host communities against owners of the estate, all calling for new investors to take over.

Petitions included that the firm are that the firm failed to implement terms of reference, including lack of corporate social responsibility and veering into illegal timber logging in the Cross River National Park. Ebokpo added that the state had to step in to resolve the issue between five communities, Iku, Abung, Akor, New Ndebiji, Okarara and the firm.

The government has given the investors one month to submit detailed plans for regenerating and developing the plantation for full-fledged business, or the state House of Assembly will begin processes of revoking the license.

In response, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Moyi Ladoja denied veering into lumbering, disclosing that they recently resumed actions in the estate. He appealed for two months to enable them to implement their development plans.

Ayi Eku Oil Palm Estate was privatised in 2007 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Saraki’s firm allegedly got the title to the estate.

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Published: 18/04/2025

A high-power investigative committee recently established by the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has departed for Uromi in Edo State on a fact-finding mission to investigate recent killings of individuals from Nigeria’s north and to restore peaceful relations.

The committee is led by the Kano State Deputy Governor, includes the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammed Isa Umar, state commissioners for religious, chieftaincy, and special duties, and women affairs, among other key state officials.

The committee will hold consultations with the Edo State Governor, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers ,and civil society organization. The committee will work for a week in Edo state.

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Published: 11/04/2025

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has ordered an apology from Folasade Adebayo (a senior engineer and former director of works) over sexual harassment allegations she levied against the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina. Despite the hard evidence of an audio recording, the council dismissed Adebayo’s case, blaming her recording the VC without due consent. They demanded that she apologize for  tarnishing the image of the university.

This decision was disclosed in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Mufutau A. Ibrahim, after the Council’s 8th Extraordinary Meeting held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

According to the statement, the  Council described the audio recordings, allegedly made by Engr. Adebayo, as “tools for blackmail” used in a bid to pressure the university into confirming her as substantive Director of Works, a power the Vice-Chancellor does not possess.

The statement read, "On the alleged case of sexual harassment levelled against the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi S. Fasina; Council asked the Vice Chancellor to recuse himself from the meeting to ensure free and open deliberation on the report. The audio recordings were listened to by all council members with the assistance of a translator. 

"Thereafter, Council discussed the Report exhaustively though the audio recordings were not subjected to any forensic evaluation and arrived at the following: There was no case of sexual harassment thus confirming the earlier investigation by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during which investigation Engr. Adebayo had made a statement that she was not sexually harassed. 

The council condemned the recording of the Vice Chancellor without his knowledge and consent. All members of Council agreed that the recordings were tools for blackmail to confirm Engr. Adebayo as substantive Director of Works which the Vice Chancellor has no authority to do.

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Published: 11/04/2025

US President Donald Trump has compared current tariffs imposed on trade partner countries to the unpleasant, but beneficial effects of medicine. He said, "sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something".

President Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday. He argued that the tariffs would cause jobs and investment to return to the US to make it "wealthy like never before". He added that, contrary to widespread fears,  European and Asian countries were "dying to make a deal". Trump and his offcials stressed that the tariffs - announced last week - would be implemented as planned, playing down recession fears.

Trump's latest comments have seen stock markets plunged in Asia early on Monday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 dropping by 7.8%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng losing more than 12%. On Friday, all three major stock indexes in the US fell more than 5%, while the S&P 500 dropped almost 6%. Saudi Arabia’s exchange - which trades on Sundays - ended nearly 7% lower, its biggest daily loss since the pandemic, state-owned media said. US banking giant JP Morgan has predicted a 60% chance of a US and global recession following Trump's tariffs announcement.

In a TV interviews earlier on Sunday, Trump's  Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent played down the effects of the tariffs saying there was “no reason" to expect a recession as a result. "This is an adjustment process," he added. Bessent argued that Trump had "created maximum leverage for himself, and more than 50 countries have approached the administration about lowering their non-tariff trade barriers, lowering their tariffs, and stopping currency manipulation".

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Do you think there is an impending global recession?

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Published: 07/04/2025

The leadership of the Nigeria House of Representatives has cautioned the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retired) against any plan to make laws or take up the responsibility of the Assembly in the state.

The warning was expressed via Philip Agbese, the deputy spokesperson for the House of Representatives. Agbese was reacting to information reaching him, that Ibas plans to make new laws and develop a new budget for the state.

He said, “The Sole Administrator does not have the authority to carry out the National Assembly’s function of making laws under the current circumstances. The Speaker of the House is consulting with the leadership to establish a committee to oversee the administrator’s activities and ensure that the interests of Rivers State are represented.”

He added,

“We assume that the President has been informed of our resolution regarding the administrator’s appointment and mandate. Should the administrator exceed his authority, the House will take necessary actions, including the possibility of a vote of no confidence, to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law.”

He noted that the House of Representatives will ensure that necessary steps are taken should Ibas exceed his authority as the Sole Administrator of the state.
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Is he doing too much?

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Published: 07/04/2025

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disclosed the possible defection of  Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party flagbearer, Peter Obi to the SDP. This disclosure was made by Prince Adewale Adebayo a chieftain of the SDP. Adebayo noted that there was a new wave of prominent political figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai gravitating towards the SDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said:

“All these people you have mentioned — El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi — are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them…You can see how active I am in welcoming them. The only little issue we have with some of them is changing the culture, especially if they have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously.”

He added that he is aware that some of the politicians will be joining the SDP from unruly political backgrounds. He said they will need to change their political attitudes and mindsets in the SDP, to a culture that focuses on discipline and order.

He advised:
“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do things in the SDP, and produce a good alternative for Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria.”

Although no formal defections have occurred yet, Adebayo said that he has received confirmation from multiple sources within the party, including the Financial Secretary, that serious conversations are ongoing.

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Published: 07/04/2025

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has described the planned protest for today April 7, by the Take it Back movement (TIB) as ill-timed and mischievous.  This stance was expressed in an official statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

 According to Adejobi, April 7 had been earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, “to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force”.

The statements reads:

"While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that and other organizers to shelve the planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7.”

The statement added that the Police Day celebrations would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats, hence they need to cancel the protest.

However, TIB and other civil society organizations and other groups have concluded plans to stage a nationwide protest on April 7. According to the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, the protest is aimed at addressing issues surrounding the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
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Published: 07/04/2025

Senior Hamas spokesperson Sami Zuhri has called on supporters worldwide to pick up weapons and fight US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate more than two million Gazans out  to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. He said, “In the face of this sinister plan — one that combines massacres with starvation — anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action.” He added, “Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence.”

Abu Zuhri’s call comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded that the Palestinian militant group disarm in the final stages of the war in Gaza. Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish Gaza’s administration but has warned its weapons are a “red line”.

For Palestinians, any attempts to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the “Nakba”, or catastrophe — the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948.

President Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is working towards a plan proposed by Trump to displace Gazans to other countries. He said that after the war, Israel would ensure overall security in Gaza and “enable the implementation of the Trump plan” — which had initially called for the mass displacement of all 2.4 million people living in the Palestinian territory — calling it a “voluntary migration plan”.

President Trump announced his relocation plan just days  after taking office in January. Trump floated a proposal to move Gaza’s population out of the war-battered territory, suggesting that Egypt or Jordan could take them in.

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Published: 01/04/2025

Speaking at a rally in Kogi State today, Senator Natasha Akpoti brought up new accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She alleged that  her removal was due to the five LNG projects she allegedly facilitated in Kogi State, rather than the earlier allegations of sexual harassment.  She added that Akpabio is also conspiring to have her eliminated in Kogi.

She said “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello to make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here”.

Note that the Ministry of Petroleum had earlier denied Senator Natasha’s involvement in the facilitation of LNG projects. According to the ministry, the LNG plants were sited due to existing plants and pipeline projects in Ajaokuta.

Senator Akpoti’s statements today have attracted widespread skepticism. Netizens have accused her of being inconsistent in her narratives. Others have accused her of trying to generate public sympathy to blackmail Akpabio.

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Published: 01/04/2025

Citizens of Benue State have taken to the streets in angry protests on the rising cases of killings and kidnappings by herdsmen. The protesters chanted “We no go gree!” and blocked major roads. The protesters are demanding that the government and security forces take immediate action to address the worsening insecurity situation. Some of the protesters described the attacks as a “constant recurrence,” that electricity is always cut off in the community before each attack.

Attacks on communities in Benue State have escalated in the past months. Citizens of Olena community in Asa, Otukpo Local Government Area have fled their homes following days of sustained attacks by suspected herdsmen. The community has been under siege for the past four days, with several persons killed and many others abducted.

A recent report by Think Tank SBM Intelligence titled ‘A National Emergency: The Escalating Crisis of Pastoral Violence in Nigeria’ warns that criminal herders were shifting their focus to the southern part of the country, creating a national dimension for the pastoral crisis in Nigeria.

According to the report:

"The geographical pattern of pastoral violence in Nigeria paints a troubling picture of relentless expansion. Between 2019 and 2025, the North-Central zone remained the most severely affected region, with Benue State enduring over 200 documented attacks, cementing its grim reputation as the epicenter of the crisis."

"Neighboring Plateau State followed closely with 150 incidents. Their shared border has transformed into a deadly conflict zone, exemplified by the May 2023 massacre in Mangu, which left 80 people dead, followed seven months later by the Christmas Eve atrocity in Bokkos, which claimed 140 lives."

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Published: 01/04/2025

The United States has facilitated separate deals with Ukraine and Russia to end naval attacks on the Black Sea. The US also promised to lift some sanctions against Russia on agriculture and fertiliser exports. However, it is not clear when or how the Black Sea maritime security deals would begin.

Shortly after the U.S. announcements, Russia issued a statement that the Black Sea agreements would not come into effect unless links between some Russian banks and the international financial system were restored.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said the truce agreements did not require sanctions relief to come into force and would should take effect immediately. He described the Kremlin's statement an attempt to "manipulate" the deals.

Zelensky said, "They are already trying to distort agreements and, in fact, deceive both our intermediaries and the entire world.” He requested that if Russia violated the agreement, the US should impose further sanctions on them and give more weapons to Ukraine. "We have no faith in the Russians, but we will be constructive," he said.

These agreements are the first formal commitments by the two warring sides since President Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump is pushing for an end to the war in Ukraine and a rapid rapprochement with Moscow that has shocked Kyiv and European countries.

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Published: 26/03/2025

Organized Labor in Rivers State have threatened to embark on disruptive industrial actions if the President Tinubu does not call off the emergency rule in the state. Rivers State.

In a joint statement signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the labour unions strongly condemned the declaration of emergency rule.

They described the move as unjustified, unconstitutional, and a threat to democracy. The unions argued that the suspension of elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was not only premature but also politically motivated. According to them, these officials were freely elected by the people, and their removal outside constitutional provisions undermines the democratic process.

The unions warned that they would mobilize workers for nationwide industrial action if their demands were not met. They also called on all workers in Rivers State to remain calm but vigilant, assuring them that they would take decisive steps to protect their rights.

Should the Federal Government fail to act within a reasonable timeframe, the labour leaders say they will be left with no choice but to embark on a series of actions that will have far-reaching consequences on national economic activities.

President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast last week, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of escalating political unrest and violence. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator.

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Published: 26/03/2025

Speaking to journalist Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, presenter of ‘Untold Stories’,  former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has disclosed why he did not choose former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike as his running mate during the 2023 Presidential nominations for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Atiku, party leaders had accused him of not consulting widely before picking former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi as his running mate in 2019.

“They said I did not consult with the party enough. So, in 2023, I threw the whole thing to the party. I said, ‘Okay, set up a committee and recommend three people for me to pick as a running mate”, he said.

The former VP noted that the committee submitted three names with Ifeanyi Okowa as the first choice, Wike as the second, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel as the third.

“So I picked number one,” he said, adding that his decision not to pick Wike was simply because he was the second choice on the list. Many party stakeholders believe that the decision birthed the present face-off between Atiku and Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

On whether he would run for the 2027 Presidential elections, Atiku said he is still undecided.

Note that Atiku has ran unsuccessfully for Nigeria’s presidency for six times.

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Published: 26/03/2025

Speaking on the program ‘Prime Time’ on Arise News former Minister of Solid Minerals Dr Oby Ezekwesili confessed that she told Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to shut his mouth. She said, “I told him can you please shut up.”

She argued that her statement was in response to the senator’s obnoxious behavior of trying to speak in defense of the senate President Godswill Akpabio, when she and her colleagues were denied the opportunity to speak by members of the senate investigative committee.

She argued that she did not provoke the senator. She said, “He was already provoked by the fact that he felt we were not serious… already he was charged… I said to him, we’re talking, so just hold your peace.”

She added that the whole incident showed the level of indecorous personalities we have in our public space. That it also shows what happens to women in Nigeria behind the cameras, many men do not allow them to speak. They are often silenced.

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Did she deserve the torrents of insults that followed?

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Published: 26/03/2025

The 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Zimbabwe ended in a 1 – 1 draw today. The match was played in Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.

Nigeria’s goal was scored by Victor Osimhen in the 74th minute, while Zimbabwe’s equalizer goal was scored by Tawanda Chirewa in the 90th minute. Netizens have complained of the Super Eagles poor performance, especially their weak defense, that they had good players, but no team. Others comment that Nigeria grossly underestimated Zimbabwe. This draw dampens Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.

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Published: 25/03/2025

Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for peace and calm following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state yesterday. Fubara expressed his feelings in a public statement on Tuesday. He stressed his commitment to constitutional governance and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.

He said:

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.”

He accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating his efforts to achieve lasting peace, emphasizing that despite political tensions, his government continued to prioritize security, infrastructure development, and prompt salary payments for civil servants.

He added, “The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”

His statement reads:

“My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State. Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State. Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong, and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process”.

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Published: 19/03/2025

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nigeria. The President announced this decision on March 18 in a public TV broadcast. He said:

“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.”

“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.”

According to Tinubu, the decision was based on Section 305 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution that allows for calling a state of emergency in the face of war and rampant violence in any region in the country.

Both the Governor and his deputy have been suspended for six months.

The President’s decision was reaction to ongoing the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike over the control of power in Rivers State. The conflict led to the destruction of the state’s house of assembly in 2023, among numerous other violent clashes.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd)  been appointed as Administrator to ensure the restoration of peace and order.

President Tinubu’s decision has attracted both praise and criticism from different quarters.

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Published: 19/03/2025

Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, has made an official statement on behalf of the Nigerian Assembly in response to the recent appearance of Senator Natasha Akpoti before the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and influencing her subsequent suspension for six months.  

According to Ogbara, Senator Natasha Akpoti was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behavior, disregard of the senate’s standing orders and indiscipline, and not because of allegations of s*xual har@ssment or assault.  She said, “Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

“If she had strictly followed her guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit, but she never obeyed the established practices where she was serving.”

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Published: 13/03/2025

West African countries of Burkina Faso 🇧🇫, Mali 🇲🇱, and Niger 🇳🇪 are taking bold steps towards introducing a new currency called the SIRA. This move is to assert their economic independence from France and other Western powers.

They plan to ditch the CFA franc and break free from colonial economic control and boost regional cooperation. They want to introduce a new money system that works in Africa’s favor and not France’s.  They will keep and manage their own wealth. They are saying enough is enough.

Captain Ibrahim Traore, the Military Leader of Burkina Faso is chairing this move.

This move is expected to bring a significant change in West Africa’s economy.

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Published: 13/03/2025

Daniel Bwala the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has bragged about his party’s (All Progressives Congress - APC) expanding membership in view of Nigeria’s 2027 Presidential Elections. He was speaking during a breakfast show on TVC News.

Bwala was responding to questions on the defection former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

He stated, “Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? Not because we are asking them to come, they are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us, Balami has joined us, even Peter Obi will join us.”

He labelled ongoing political realignments, including a planned coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections and El-Rufai’s move to the SDP as selfish political moves which are driven by personal ambitions rather than for good governance.

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Published: 12/03/2025

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted the public alert regarding the activities of 58 companies allegedly operating illegal Ponzi schemes across Nigeria. The EFCC issued its alert via a statement on today on its verified Facebook account. It warned that these companies pose as investment entities but are defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money.

The EFCC noted that the firms are neither registered with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) nor the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). According to the EFCC, both regulatory bodies confirmed in separate correspondences that the companies lack the required registration to operate as legitimate investment firms.

According to the statement, “The Commission has charged many of these companies to court. Five have already been convicted, another five have pleaded guilty but are awaiting a review of facts, while the rest are pending arraignment.”

The EFCC named the following companies engaging in illegal financial activities:

Wales Kingdom Capital

Bethseida Group of Companies

AQM Capital Limited

Titan Multibusiness Investment Limited

Brickwall Global Investment Limited

Farmforte Limited & Agro Partnership Tech

Green Eagles Agribusiness Solution Limited

Richfield Multiconcepts Limited

Forte Asset Management Limited

Letsfarm Integrated Services

Bara Finance & Investment Limited

Vicampro Farms Limited

Brooks Network Limited

Gas Station Supply Services Limited

Brass & Books Limited

Crowdyvest Limited

Jadek Agro Connect Limited

Adeeva Capital Limited

Oxford International Group and Oxford Gold Integrated

MBA Trading & Capital Investment Limited

TRJ Company Limited

Farm4Me Agriculture Limited

Quintessential Investment Company

Rockstar Establishment Limited

SU Global Investment

Citi Trust Funding PLC

Farm Buddy

Eatrich 369 Farms & Food

Farm Sponsors Limited

Cititrust Credit Limited

Farmfunded Agroservices Limited

Chinmark Homes & Shelters Limited

Ovaioza Farm Produce Storage Limited

Requid Technologies Limited

Crowd One Investment

Farmkart Foods Limited

Holibiz Finance Limited

Ifeanyi Okpe Oil & Gas Services

Barrick Gold Mining Company

360 Agric Partners Limited

The EFCC urged Nigerians to exercise caution before investing in any financial schemes and to verify the legitimacy of investment firms through appropriate regulatory bodies.

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Published: 12/03/2025

The 2024 State of the Nation Health Report from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, indicates that life expectancy in Nigeria remains below the global average. According to the report, life expectancy for women in Nigeria is 54.9 years, while for men is 54.3 years. Globally, life expectancy stands at 73.3 years for both genders, with women projected to live up to 76 years and men 70.7 years.

According to the report, these low figures stem from ongoing health challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. “Communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis contribute significantly to the disease burden, negatively impacting overall health outcomes and life expectancy,” the report noted.

Citing the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023/2024), it highlighted that the fertility rate, at 4.8 children per woman, though gradually declining, remained among the highest in the world. It said the rate was higher in rural areas (5.6) compared to urban areas (3.9), reflecting disparities in access to education and healthcare.

The report said urbanization continued at a rapid pace, with 54 per cent of Nigerians now living in urban areas, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and access to essential services. However, it said the shift had brought challenges, including infrastructure strain, pollution, and the growth of informal settlements, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Abuja.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines life expectancy as “the average number of years that a newborn could expect to live if they were to pass through life exposed to the sex and age-specific death rates prevailing at the time of their birth, for a specific year, in a given country, territory, or geographical area.”

What could be done to improve the standard of living of ordinary Nigerians?

What roles could the government, organizations, and individuals play?

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Published: 12/03/2025

The US Department of Education has announced that it will be downsizing its workforce in line with the demands of President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk. This decision was announced today by Education Secretary Linda McMahon. According to McMahon,  "As part of the Department of Education's final mission, the department today initiated a reduction in force impacting nearly 50% of the department's workforce.” She added that, the cuts would impact all divisions in the department and were made to "better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers".

The mass layoffs will impact nearly 2,100 staff will be impacted by the mass layoff. They will be placed on leave from 21 March. The notice to employees said that all of those who are laid off would continue to receive their normal pay and benefits until 9 June, as well as a severance package or retirement pay based on how long they had worked at the department.

President Trump has long sought to eliminate the department, a long-cherished goal of some conservatives, but such an action would require approval by Congress. Trump has severally accused the agency of "indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material".

The Department of Education was established in 1979. It has annual budget of around $238bn and employs more than 4,000 people. The department oversees funding for public schools, administers student loans and runs programs that help low-income students. The agency also plays a prominent role in administering and overseeing the federal student loans used by millions of Americans to pay for higher education.

What do you think of this planned mass layoff of education staff?

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Published: 12/03/2025

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 6 to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. The reserve will be capitalized with bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. This development was disclosed in a post on X by David O. Sacks the Whitehouse’s AI and Crypto Czar.

A meeting with executives from the cryptocurrency industry is scheduled to hold today. In today’s meeting, it is expected that President Trump will formally announce his plans to build a strategic reserve containing bitcoin and four other US based cryptocurrencies.

Earlier this week, Trump announced the names of digital assets he expects to include in this reserve, spiking the market value of each. These include, bitcoin, ether, XRP, Solana and Cardano.

According to Sacks:

"The U.S. will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called 'digital gold'."

Trump's executive order directed the secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to develop "budget-neutral strategies" for acquiring additional bitcoin that have no "incremental costs" on taxpayers.

Sacks added that, there will  also be a "U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile", consisting of tokens other than bitcoin, but the government will not add to the stockpile "beyond those obtained through forfeiture proceedings."

Sacks comments are indicative of President Trump being bullish on Bitcoin and a bit bearish on alts.

As of the time of this report, Bitcoin stands at $88,954.   

Will the BTC price rise or fall after the today’s meeting?

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Published: 07/03/2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to her recent suspension by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public petitions, saying that her colleagues’ actions do not diminish her legitimacy as a senator.

She expressed her feelings via a Facebook post.

The post reads:

“Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.”

“The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027… and beyond.”

Despite a court order restraining the committee from proceeding with the seating arrangement disciplinary hearing, the senate went ahead with suspending the senator over a spat with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha later accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

Her petition before the senate committee was pronounced dead on arrival due to procedural violations.

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Published: 07/03/2025

In response to the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti by Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani, has disclosed that he narrowly escaped a six-month suspension from the Senate in 2018 for disclosing the salaries and allowances of federal lawmakers. He made these revelations in a post on X on March 6.

According to Sani, “When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the senators, it nearly earned me a six months suspension if not for divine intervention, Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue.”

In March 2018, Sani disclosed that senators received N13.5 million monthly as running costs, in addition to N200 million allocated for constituency projects. His revelation was met with backlash from his colleagues, as lawmakers’ salaries are typically kept confidential.

Sani’s disclosures are indicative of the senate’s unfriendly attitude towards members who stand for the right or hold contrary opinions to the general house.

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Published: 07/03/2025

News has broken of the passing of former presidential spokesperson and prominent political strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe. He passed on this morning. He was aged 72.   

Doyin Okupe served in the Obasanjo led administration as Special Assistant on Media and in the Jonathan led administration as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs.

He was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. However, his political journey was marked by controversies, due to his unstable poilitical stance. In December 2022, he was convicted for money laundering. He later resigned from the Labour Party  and switched sides to President Bola Tinubu and became a critique of Obi.

The Okupe family is yet to make an official statement to confim this issue.

Our thoughts and prayers for the family.

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Published: 07/03/2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has restated its decision to launch a unified regional currency by 2027. This assertion was made at the 11th Convergence Council meeting in Abuja. The meeting comprises Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from across West Africa. The primary objective of the meeting is to map out strategies for accelerating the implementation of the Eco currency.  

The proposed Eco currency aims to drive economic growth and financial integration by:
Facilitating seamless cross-border trade and transactions,
Enhancing price stability and reducing inflationary pressures,
Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by presenting a more stable economic environment, and
Strengthening financial cooperation among ECOWAS nations.

Key challenges which might hinder the successful rollout of the Eco currency include:

Diverging fiscal policies among member states,
Persistently high inflation and currency fluctuations, structural weaknesses in certain economies, and

the need for strong regulatory institutions to manage monetary policy effectively.

At the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who presides over the session, stressed the importance of fiscal and monetary discipline in achieving the Eco currency.

He identified inflation, security concerns, and global economic instability as major obstacles to full monetary convergence among ECOWAS member states. Edun outlined Nigeria’s recent economic measures aimed at stabilizing its economy and setting an example for the region. According to Edun, these reforms contribute to a 3.4% GDP growth in 2024, reinforcing Nigeria’s economic resilience and paving the way for a stronger regional economy.

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Published: 05/03/2025

CIA Director John Ratcliffe announced today that  the US has paused intelligence support and weapons shipments to Ukraine. This decision came from President Trump, in reaction to the adamant attitude of President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine on signing a peace deal and ending the conflict with Russia. According to Ratcliffe, President Trump had doubts on Zelensky’s true intentions in the conflict. President Trump said, “Let’s pause”.  

Ratcliffe expressed positivity that the pause will be short-lived. 

He said, 

“I want to give a chance to think about that and you saw the response that President Zelensky put out. So, I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away.”

“I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.”

Already, the US has curtailed some intelligence sharing, including carrying out fewer intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance flights that could impact both offensive and defensive operations including air defense, since Ukraine depends on US intelligence for overwatch. US intelligence sharing with Ukraine is considered a hallmark of their achievements on the battlefield.

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Published: 05/03/2025

Dr Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State and Nigeria’s ex minister for solid minerals, has issued a public clarification debunking claims made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District.

During the senate sitting today, Fasuyi told the house that Senator  Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had in the past, accused Dr Fayemi of selling the Ajaokuta Steel whilst he (Fayemi) was Minister, but it all turned out to be false.

The clarification reads:

“We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s Senate plenary, in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, of sexual harassment.”

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—or anyone else, for that matter—ever accused Dr. Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the Distinguished Senator from Ekiti inadvertently misrepresented the facts, as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr. Fayemi.”

The letter concludes by urging Senator Fasuyi to “exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.”

Netizens have mocked Senator Fasuyi on his overzealousness in trying to discredit Senator Natasha in relations to accusations of sexual harassment she has brought against Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President.

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Published: 05/03/2025

Speaking at a meeting with Mr. Sunil Mittal, Chairman of Airtel and  members of the executive of the company with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy,  said that the recent 50 per cent tariff increase by telecom companies will guarantee meaningful access to telecoms services for Nigerians.

The minister explained that the telecoms sector in Nigeria employs close to half a million people, that it was important to ensure that the companies could stay in business, given the current economic climate.

On the tariff hike, the Minister said, “It was quite a difficult decision, balancing the need to allow these businesses to be sustainable, to stay afloat, but at the same time ensuring that each and every citizen can have access to telecommunication services.”

He stated that the Federal Government engaged KPMG to conduct a study to determine the optimal tariff allowance which led to the 50 per cent increase.

“If we chose not to allow the increase in tariff, we also were at risk of losing jobs, and some of the companies packing up…When you weigh that, it’s also not the best thing for the economy…we don’t want our people to just have access to telecommunication services. ” We want it to be meaningful; the quality that you get is extremely important.”

On his part, the Airtel boss said that Nigeria was the soul of Airtel’s operations in Africa, with the potential to match India’s advancements in digital innovation, connectivity and financial inclusion. He added that Airtel’s success in Nigeria was crucial to its overall success in Africa. “In fact, the entire Africa rests on the back of Nigeria for Airtel,” he said.

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Published: 28/02/2025

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has announced a new National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s power industry and ensure the return of over 60 percent of manufacturing firms, which had exited the national grid.

Minster Adelabu explained, “This is the only way it can drive the kind of economic growth and national development that we had in mind at the beginning of this process. Today, more than 60 per cent of our manufacturing industry is completely off-grid.

“They engage in self-generation, not because they are in rural areas or they are in semi-urban areas, they are in locations where there is access to electricity. But how reliable is this access? We all know that there are a lot of sensitive manufacturing processes that cannot tolerate a one-minute dip in the electricity supply.”

The minister explained that the execution of the Band ‘A’ policy, revenue generated from the power sector grew by 70 per cent, from N1.05 trillion to about N1.7 trillion in 2024. He added that Nigeria’s power supply grew by 35 per cent in the last one year. An investment of $32.8 billion was needed in the sector between now and 2030 to enable the country achieve universal electricity access.

Nigeria’s power sector has long been plagued by numerous challenges, creating a significant challeges to economic growth and industrialisation. Despite its vast energy resources, including abundant fossil fuels and renewable energy potential, the country struggles with unreliable electricity supply, leading to frequent blackouts. Many companies and homes rely on solar, generators, and other alternative power sources.

How could Nigeria improve on power generation and supply?

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Published: 28/02/2025

Senator Natasha Akpoti has today on national TV, made allegations of sexual harassment against Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akapbio. The senator was explaining on Arise News, issues leading to the current conflict between her and the Senate President which led to her suspension. Earlier this week, Senator Natasha had filed a lawsuit against Akpabio for defamation.

When asked why she accused the Senate President of maligning and silencing her, and why she said she wasn’t afraid of him, Senator Natasha replied, “A lot has been going on, many people do not know what I am about to say… I am going to speak my own truth, and the Senate President is allowed to counter.”

She went on to narrate two incidents.

She said on December 8, 2023, while on a house tour during the Senate President’s birthday celebrations in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he took her hands and led her to one of the rooms and said, “Now that you are a senator, I am going to create time for us to spend quality moments here, you will enjoy it.”

She said the second incident happened in February 2025, while she was trying to raise a motion for the investigation of corrupt practices by staff of the Ajaokuta Steel Company. She said her motion was repeatedly ignored on the floor, that she was  advised to go talk to the Senate President privately. She narrated that during the meeting, the Senate President told her,  

“I am the chief presiding officer of this senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me… the ball is your court.”

Senator Natasha likened her situation to those of female students suffering victimization from lecturers who fail them repeatedly for refusing their sexual advances. She referenced other incidents of financial corruption in the senate and threats to life by the Senate President.

Senator Natasha said that she stands firmly on her allegations and dares the Senate President to refute them.

The drama has only begun.

What do you think will be the next direction in this conflict between Senator Natasha and Senate President Godswill Akpabio?

How will Akpabio respond?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Published: 28/02/2025

The Vatican has disclosed that Pope Francis is in a critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.   The Pope has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection. He received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anemia. Earlier, doctors said the Pope was battling pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection that will keep him hospitalized for at least another week.

In a brief earlier update today, the Vatican said, Pope Francis slept well overnight. However, doctors have warned the main threat he faces would be the onset of sepsis - a serious infection of the blood that can occur as a complication of pneumonia.

So far, there has been no evidence of sepsis, and the Pope has responded positively to his medicines.

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Published: 23/02/2025

Ukraine’s President Zelensky has said that he is ready to resign, if it would bring peace to Ukraine. He said, “If [it guarantees] peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to resign, I am ready. I can exchange it for NATO.”

Zelensky’s comments follow an escalating spat between him and President Donald Trump.  Trump has called Zelensky a “dictator” and blamed him for starting the conflict. Trump’s comments were in response to accusations by Zelensky that he was being misled in Russia’s “disinformation space.”

 US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia last week for “exploratory” talks about how to end the war but left Kyiv to watch from afar, sparking panic from European allies.

 The Ukrainian president previously said his country’s army will need to double in size if NATO denies it membership to the alliance. Earlier this month, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that Kyiv joining NATO was unrealistic.

Speaking on the current situation of the conflict, Zelensky said:

“Every day, our people are resisting aerial terror…We need to do our best to bring a lasting and just peace to Ukraine. This is possible in the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who wants a lasting peace.”

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Published: 23/02/2025

Apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded an apology and N10 trillion in compensation from the Nigerian government for the Igbo people. These demands follow recent revelations by former military President General Ibrahim Babangida during the launch of his book “A Journey in Service”. Babangida stated that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo coup as alleged.

According to Ohanaeze, the coup unleashed disastrous repercussions on the Igbo people, among other factors, which ultimately led to the cataclysmic horrors of the Biafra War.

In an official statement, Ohanaeze explained that the apology and compensation had become necessary due to the staggering loss of life, with approximately three million Igbo—predominantly innocent women and children—slaughtered during the conflict, an event that continues to reverberate through the collective consciousness of the Igbo people.

The revelations would compel Nigerians to confront the stark injustices perpetrated against the Igbo people, insisting that President Tinubu must recognize this moment as an opportunity to extend a public and unequivocal apology on behalf of previous military regimes, particularly General Yakubu Gowon’s administration.

They noted that the demand for ten trillion naira in reparations remained steadfast, stressing that the figure was not arbitrary but a symbolic recognition of the indelible losses the Igbo people had endured.

The statement reads in part:

“The mislabeling of the January 1966 coup has unleashed disastrous repercussions upon the Igbo people, most tragically culminating in the July 1966 countercoup, which decimated a military Head of State of Igbo descent. “The staggering loss of life, with approximately three million Igbos—predominantly innocent women and children—slaughtered during this conflict, continues to reverberate through our collective consciousness.”

“The present Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, must recognize this moment as an opportunity to extend a public and unequivocal apology on behalf of previous military regimes. Our demand for ten trillion naira in reparations remains steadfast.

“This figure is not arbitrary but a symbolic recognition of the indelible losses the Igbo people have endured. The time has come for true acknowledgement of these historical wrongs, which can only be rectified through both reparations and sincere apologies.”

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Published: 23/02/2025

Nearly 50,000 foreign students failed to enroll in their designated institutions after arriving in Canada in 2024. This figure is based on recent data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Data shows that 19,582 Indian students, 4,279 Chinese students, 3,902 Nigerian students, and 2,712 Ghanaian students did not enroll into their various programs.

The missing students, who arrived between March and April last year, represent 6.9% of the 717,539 international students monitored at the time. While 89.8% were confirmed to be compliant, the status of 23,514 students remained unrecorded.

Canadian authorities have expressed their displeasure over this development. They consider it as visa fraud. While foreign some students were allegedly misled by fraudulent institutions, others may have deliberately exploited Canada’s lenient reporting system to enter the country for work.

Unlike the U.S. and Australia, Canada does not require international students to pay tuition before arrival, making it easier for individuals to obtain study permits but never attend school. In response, the Canadian government has tightened immigration policies, including capping study permits and limiting post-graduation work opportunities.

This issue comes as Canada is reassesses its immigration policies amid growing concerns of pressure in housing, healthcare, and public services.

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Published: 23/02/2025

In response to an announcement by the town crier in Abagana, Njikoka LGA, stating that ladies who move about without underwear (bra and pants) would be arrested, the Anambra State Government has issued an official statement.

In a statement signed by Mazi Ejimofor Opara, Senior Special assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo,  the government stated that the announcement was  neither from the State government nor the Agunechemba Security Outfit.

The statement reads:

“Such trivial matters do not have any legal support and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies at this time it is focused on ridding the State of every form of criminality. While this is not to encourage indecent dressing in our communities, it is important to make this clarification so as not to derail the focus of our law enforcement under any pretext.”

“Kindly disregard any such distracting announcement and remember to continue supporting the Security Agencies with credible information on criminals around our communities — if you see something, say something!”

How may indecent dressing be best managed?

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Published: 17/02/2025