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  • AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation

    AU, Nigeria sign MoU on counterterrorism cooperation

    The African Union (AU) Commission and Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration against terrorism and violent extremism across Africa.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Paschal Chem-Langhee, Communication Coordinator, PAPS, African Union Commission and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    The MoU was endorsed by Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC.

    In his remarks, Adeoye commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and the Sahel.

    He noted that the country’s advanced facilities and expertise at the NCTC had “greatly contributed to regional and continental security.

    “The AU is proud to formalise this partnership with Nigeria, a key anchor state in the fight against terrorism.

    “The NCTC’s leadership and state-of-the-art technology have set a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts in Africa,” he said.

    On his part, Laka said the MoU reflected Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the Abuja Process Declaration of April 2024 and deepening regional collaboration.

    According to him, by working with the African Union, we intend to strengthen regional capacities, harmonise strategies and demonstrate Nigeria’s resolve in ensuring peace and security across the continent,” he said.

    The MoU will be jointly implemented by the AU Counterterrorism Centre (AUCTC) and Nigeria’s NCTC.

    “Areas of cooperation include real-time intelligence sharing, secondment of experts, joint research, support for victims of terrorism, and programmes on deradicalisation and reintegration.

    “It will also reinforce AU-backed initiatives such as the Nouakchott Process, the Accra Initiative, the UFL-Sahel Joint Force, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

    “A Joint Working Group will monitor implementation,” it added.

  • APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    APC stages a protest march in Ibadan

    Reminiscent of its classic opposition antics, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, on Monday, embarked on a protest over the alleged victimisation of  its lawmaker in the state assembly.

    The protests march was staged across major roads in Ibadan over in respect of Mr Ibraheem Shittu whom it alleged was being victimised by the state government.

    Shittu (APC- Saki West State Constituency), the party claimed, had a fortnight ago raised alarm over an approval granted to Gov. Seyi Makinde by the legislature to secure a loan of of N300 billion.

    The protest, which began at the party’s secretariat in Oke Ado, drew large turnout of APC members and supporters, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas.

    The protesters, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, marched from the party’s  secretariat at Oke Ado to Dugbe, Mokola and back to Oke-Ado , demanding immediate protection for Shittu.

    The APC chairman said that the lawmaker had since raising the alarm had received several threat messages, prompting fears for his safety, thus sparking the protest.

    Abas insisted that the protest was to express solidarity with Shittu, describing him as courageous for standing against what the party termed “reckless borrowing.”

    “We are here to tell the governor not to send Oyo into perpetual debt. What happened to earlier loans?” Abas asked while addressing journalists at the secretariat.

    He said the APC would not fold its arms while its member is allegedly harassed, stressing that the party was fully behind Shittu’s stance against the loan deal.

    “I have the protest letter here, he should not be victimised.”

    The APC chairman vowed to resist any attempt to silence opposition voices, declaring that “the process to take over Oyo has started.”

    The protest was monitored by security operatives including the police to prevent its hijack by hoodlums. 

  • Police clear gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge as residents protest Oworonshoki demolition

    Police clear gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge as residents protest Oworonshoki demolition

    Says CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd

    Residents of Oworo turned out in large numbers, early on Monday to protest the decision of the state government to carry out massive demolition of their houses without adequate notice or compensation, leaving many families displaced.

    The Police Command in Lagos State says normalcy has been restored on the 3rd Mainland Bridge following a protest staged by residents of Oworo over demolitions in their area.

    The command Deputy spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    He said that the protesters had blocked the section of the bridge near Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, obstructing movement from the Island to the Mainland.

    Oluseyi said that upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Mr Olohundare Jimoh, swiftly moved to the scene alongside detachments of the Mobile Police Force, Tactical Units, and Police Mobile Force personnel.

    “His presence was to ensure immediate engagement, de-escalation, and the protection of lives and property.

    “CP Jimoh personally interfaced with the protesters in a bid to understand their grievances and persuade them to vacate the bridge, ” he said.

    The image maker said that when the commissioner appeal failed and the road remained blocked, he ordered the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd.

    “Despite his appeals, the protesters remained adamant, resulting in continued blockage of the busy route and worsening the distress of commuters, including reports of sick individuals trapped in traffic who required urgent medical attention.

    “In the interest of public safety and to avert further breakdown of law and order, CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd.

    “Barricades erected by the protesters were dismantled, traffic obstructions were cleared, and the free flow of vehicles was restored without any loss of life, ” the spokesperson said.

    According to Oluseyi, the command reassures the public of its neutrality and unwavering commitment to maintaining law, order, and peace across the state.

    He called on residents to always channel their grievances through lawful means while assuring that the police remained dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens.

  • NUPENG strike suffers setback as key associate withdraws

    NUPENG strike suffers setback as key associate withdraws

    The Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products (ADITOP) has dissociated itself from the intended strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and its cohorts.

    The National President of ADITOP, Alhaji Lawan Dan-Zaki, said this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    Nigerian Anchor reports that NUPENG had announced that its members would commence a nationwide strike from Monday, and warned of an imminent nationwide fuel scarcity.

    The strike is in protest against what it described as anti-labour practices linked to the deployment of newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks by the Dangote Refinery, for direct distribution of petroleum products.

    Dangote’s programme on direct distribution of petroleum products to end users is aimed at eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

    Dan-Zaki, while stating that the purported strike was uncalled for, added that ADITOP was in support of Dangote’s new petroleum products distribution scheme.

    He said that Dangote’s transformational efforts would not only sanitise the industry, but would further stabilise both supply and distribution, while providing jobs and new skills to millions of unemployed Nigerians.

    “We, members of ADITOP, hereby inform the General Public and the Federal Government that we dissociate ourselves from any intended strike or disruption by NUPENG and its cohorts.

    “We intend to continue moving petroleum products across the country without fear of molestation.

    ADITOP is in support of any petroleum products distribution scheme aimed at distributing products to the end users seamlessly and promoting economic development,’’ he said.

  • Chelle hails Super Eagles victory over Rwanda

    Chelle hails Super Eagles victory over Rwanda

    Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed delight over his team’s victory against Rwanda’s Amavubi in their World Cup qualifying match in Uyo.

    Chelle made the remarks during a post-match briefing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday.

    He said he was pleased with the first-half performance, noting the Eagles’ 70 per cent possession, which he attributed to the Rwandan players’ fatigue.

    “This is why, in the second half, they did not press us. After our goal, we had two wingers, more professionals, and it was the plan.

    “We are happy because we won by one, but we cannot face South Africa with that formation. I am happy only because of Tuesday’s game,” he said.

    Chelle said it was his decision not to feature skipper William Troost-Ekong in the first half, insisting his priority was securing three points.

    “This is my choice. I do not need to explain. My job is to make decisions. Winning proves the decision was good,” he explained.

    He added: “If I fix something, it is based on my heart and analysis. My technical staff and I evaluate players carefully before deciding.”

    Chelle noted his tactical preference for a 4-4-2 diamond or flat formation, stressing his need for a strong defence, which was why he used five defenders.

    He, however, lamented that the Super Eagles wasted several scoring opportunities in spite of dominating the Amavubi.

    Earlier, Captain William Troost-Ekong admitted he took responsibility for not starting the match against Rwanda.

    He praised Benjamin Fredrick for an “amazing performance” against Rwanda, though he noted the youngster had faced significant pressure in previous matches.

    Troost-Ekong thanked fans and supporters in Uyo, saying it was good to reconnect with them. “We never stopped believing. Welcome back to the family,” he said.

    He stressed that Tuesday’s match against South Africa would be decisive, calling for focus and consistency.

    “We really believe in what we are doing. We must take it step by step. The next step is South Africa,” Troost-Ekong added. 

  • LG Autonomy Must Become Nigeria’s 1964 Civil Rights Fight

    LG Autonomy Must Become Nigeria’s 1964 Civil Rights Fight

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will be remembered—for good or ill—for its bold systemic reforms: the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira. But perhaps the most consequential, destiny-shaping, and legacy-defining reform is the pursuit of local government autonomy.


    Sadly, its importance is largely unappreciated. We live in survival mode. Nigerians worry about what to eat today, not about distant reforms whose benefits may not be seen tomorrow. Fuel subsidy removal and naira floating shook people at the existential level; hence they dominate the headlines. But local government autonomy—though quieter—has the potential to change Nigeria’s governance forever.


    The Bold Supreme Court Route


    Unlike subsidy removal, which Tinubu casually announced in his inaugural speech, he knew local government autonomy could not pass through the legislature. As a former governor, he understood the enormous grip governors hold over senators and representatives. Any such bill would have been dead on arrival. He therefore chose the unconventional but brilliant route—through the Supreme Court. That singular move reveals how monumental the reform is.


    Governors Will Not Give Up Without a Fight


    Across Nigeria today, governors are doing everything possible to frustrate implementation. They will not give up their honeypot fiefdoms without a titanic fight. Local government allocations are their oxygen, their war chest, their piggy bank.
    Osun State shows us how consequential this struggle is: the government and opposition are locked in a fight-to-the-finish over who controls local government funds. Neither side can afford to lose. Only the suffering masses lose.
    Governors in Nigeria are among the most powerful people on the continent. They are political Santa Clauses, distributing patronage to the loyal and punishment to dissenters. Even powerful cultural organizations such as Afenifere and Ohaneze tread carefully—they too want their share of the goodies. Nobody dares to fall into the bad books of a governor.
    This is why only a handful of so-called “crazies” and “knuckleheads” dare to take them on. But truth be told, the battle for local government autonomy is not a fringe struggle—it is our collective struggle.


    Nigeria’s Civil Rights Moment


    Just as Black Americans in 1964 rose to demand their civil rights against systemic denial, Nigerians must rise to demand true local government autonomy. This is our civil rights moment.
    Why? Because local government is the only tier of government closest to the people. It is where the school roofs collapse, where rural roads decay, where health centers go without medicine, and where farmers are either empowered or abandoned. Without local government autonomy, development remains centralized in the hands of governors who dictate winners and losers.


    Community Efforts Are Not Enough


    In Ijesaland, we have set up a Local Government Monitoring Committee. It is a commendable step, but let us be honest: such committees are like trying to stop a raging elephant with needles. They lack constitutional power to enforce accountability. Governors and their parties control who contests local elections, and unsurprisingly, they always win in landslides. Community monitoring is better than nothing, but it cannot uproot entrenched abuse.


    Freedom Is Never Given Freely


    Let us be clear: governors will never willingly surrender control of local government allocations. Asking them to do so is like asking a pig to abandon its muddy pond. It will not happen voluntarily.
    To wrestle power away requires nothing less than a civil rights–style movement. Freedom is never handed down. It must be fought for, demanded, and seized.
    If Nigerians are serious about grassroots development, accountability, and true democracy, then we must treat local government autonomy as our 1964. Afenifere, COYN, and other activist communities can help mobilize, but the power must come from ordinary Nigerians who refuse to be shut out of their own governance.


    Conclusion


    Tinubu may have taken the boldest step by going through the Supreme Court. But without citizen action, governors will suffocate the reform. This fight is not about Tinubu, APC, or PDP—it is about the people versus the political elite.
    Local government autonomy is not just another policy tweak—it is the foundation of genuine democracy and development in Nigeria.
    The governors will not give it up.
The people must rise up and take it.
This must become Nigeria’s 1964.

    Adewale Alonge, PhD, Founder & President, Africa Diaspora Partnership for Empowerment and Development. www.adped.org

  • Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Marafa’ll bury himself in shame – Zamfara APC Chairman

    Alhaji Tukur Danfulani, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara, has described recent political comments against President Bola Tinubu by Sen. Kabiru Marafa as unfortunate.

    Danfulani, in a statement he issued in Gusau on Thursday, described the comments by Marafa as an action of selfish motives.

    He said: “We, therefore, call on Marafa to come to Zamfara and reassess his popularity among the electorate, I believe he will bury himself in shame.

    “Marafa’s unguarded utterances are just out of frustration of loosing election and his inability to secure appointments in President Bola Tinubu administration.

    “Ordinarily, if not because Marafa touched Mr President in his uncivilised manner, we would not have responded to a lower and rejected politician like him.”

    According to Danfulani, the State APC leadership had listened to the recent interview granted by Marafa, threatening to reduce one million votes from Tinubu’s 2023 votes.

    “I would like to address that by telling the Nigerian public that apart from being disgraced from the Senate by his constituents in 2019,  he has not recovered from his dementia.

    “Even in the 2023 polls where he made uncorroborated  calls on the 2023 elections, it should be noted that Marafa could not even win his constituency in the same elections.

    “Talk less of securing the votes which largely came through the faith the electorate have in the party and in Matawalle, Yari and other respected party leaders in the state,”the chairman said.

    Danfulani recalled that Matawalle, the present Minister of State for Defence now, served as the Coordinator of Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council for the whole of North-West and initially to doubled as the Zamfara Coordinator.

    “Matawalle honourably suggested that the Zamfara coordination should be given to Marafa but unfortunately, he, Marafa did not merit it.

    “Having lost everywhere, Marafa who insisted he be given a high ranking position in the government, began to create one problem or the other.

    “He sometimes used alliances with other trouble makers who would also leave him immediately they discovered his selfish motives,” he added.

    Danfulani said that the APC supporters in Zamfara had grown wiser and more loyal to political leaders like Matawalle, Yari and many others who were carrying them along.

    “That was why the party won the just- concluded Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly by-election with a wide margin against the runner up (PDP).

    “This was without any input from the likes of Marafa who tried to sabotage APC’s chances of winning through anti-party maneuvers that didn’t work for them.

    “It’s laughable that Marafa who couldn’t win even his ward of Yandoton Daji or his local government of Tsafe or his central constituency, could boast of reducing one million votes out of President Bola Ahmed’s votes of 2023.”

    “The question is, from where Marafa will get these votes, because the entire Zamfara votes in 2023 were not close to one million votes, except if he is going to use his bragging nature.

    “So, I want the public to consider Marafa as just a l@me dog that can only bark but without any tooth to bite,”Danfulani added.

    He said that what was expected from Marafa during the interview was to tell the world how many votes he secured himself and that of his opponent in the last election.

    “He should have done this before talking about reducing President Bola Tinubu’s votes while peddling lies and propaganda that are dead on arrival,” Danfulani further said.

  • Putin gives conditions for meeting Zelensky

    Putin gives conditions for meeting Zelensky

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is willing to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but only if the meeting is adequately prepared and has the potential for meaningful outcomes.

    Putin made the remarks during a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, at the conclusion of his four-day state visit to China.

    The event was broadcast live on Russian state television.

    “Zelensky can come to Moscow if he is ready. If there is proper preparation and a favourable outcome is possible, such a meeting will take place,” Putin said.

    His comments come amid continued efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and had resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and massive displacement.

    Zelensky had long called for direct talks with Putin to negotiate a ceasefire and a potential path to peace, but Russia has maintained pressure on the battlefield while offering limited diplomatic engagement.

    Putin reiterated that he was opened to dialogue only if negotiations were thoroughly prepared and dismissed symbolic meetings without concrete plans or agreements in place.

    He also revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump had raised the idea of a possible meeting between the two leaders.

    “Donald asked me if it was possible to organise such a meeting. I said yes, it is possible,” Putin told reporters, referencing his recent summit with Trump in Alaska a month earlier.

    However, Putin again cast doubt on Zelensky’s legitimacy, claiming the Ukrainian leader’s term had expired in 2024 and questioning his authority to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.

    Zelensky continues to govern under martial law, which under the Ukrainian constitution allows the president to remain in office beyond the official term during wartime.

    Putin has remained in power since 2012, after a series of constitutional amendments enabled him to extend his presidency beyond the original term limits.

  • President Trump’s visa revocation policy against Nigerians

    President Trump’s visa revocation policy against Nigerians

    … A bullying tactic in an incoherent geopolitical game of Throne

    Wale Alonge

    It is beyond ludicrous, the reason purportedly given by the US consular office for the recent revocation of visas already issued to Nigerians. When did Nigeria and Nigerians become a national security threat from which America and Americans must be protected?

    In term of contribution to America’s economy as measured by GDP, number of patents, contribution to technological innovations, to academia as measured by number of published articles in reputable academic journals and numbers of leading professionals in critical areas to American economy from medicine and health care delivery, to the finance and fintech sector, to academia and many others, Nigerians rank among probably the top three of all immigrant community in the USA.

    Like his Tariff policy, President Trump is weaponizing immigration and visa issuance as retaliatory tools in pursuit of his incoherent foreign policy agenda and enemy list.

    With the warm embrace between Presidents Lula of Brazil and Tinubu during his recent state visit, Nigeria and Nigerians should be prepared for more visa revocation and other retaliatory policy measures. Brazil has become enemy number one for Trump and he Trump seeks to interfere in Brazil’s domestic policy in the court case against its erstwhile dictator wannabe Trumpian Bosenario.

    Additionally Brazil is one of the arrowheads of BRICS which Nigeria has signified interest in its membership.

    What President Trump is underestimating in his blunt and bullish use of American power, is the power of national power and pride. It was on full display in his now iconic Oval Office verbal brawl with seemingly weak, outmatched and cornered Ukrainian President Zelensky who stood up boldly to Trump and his tag team refusing to subject Ukraine national pride to bullying by Trump.

    Read Also: Visa War: FG explains stances as US slams tighter measures

    Trumps’s Visa crackdown linked to Nigeria’s refusal to house asylum seekers

    Nation states have almost inexhaustible elastic pain tolerance when it comes to defending their national pride and sovereignty. It is the only logical reason Ukraine is still standing against all odd from Russian bombardment just like Great Britain did against Nazi German bombardment during world war 2.

    Trump will soon learn like other bullies that the game is over once you stand up to them. President Trump needs to know that diplomacy is a very nauced delicate game of carrot and stick, overuse either of the two, you lose.

    In the words of incomparable Maya Angelou

    You can revoke Nigerian visas. You may even impose punitive tariff. You may trod us in the very dirt
    But still, like dust, Nigeria Will rise.

    Sadly for America, a country that I love and to whom I have pledged my loyalty as a naturalized citizen for decades, while not forgetting or abandoning my Nigerian roots, Trump’s policy is not advancing American wider foreign policy objective. Rather it is weakening and dissipating the deep well of friendship, goodwill and loyalty from its many allies across the globe and pushing them into the waiting embrace of its most potent competitor for global dominance, China. We are seeing that on display as India, Russia and China are engaged in full romantic embrace for the whole world to see.

    Our collective hope is that this mind numbing season of anomie in US global reputation would not do so much damage that it is becomes almost unrecoverable.

    Adewale Alonge, PhD, Founder & President, Africa Diaspora Partnership for Empowerment and Development. www.adped.org

  • Andy Odeh is the Spokesman of NNPCL

    Andy Odeh is the Spokesman of NNPCL

    … Morenike Adewunmi is Chief Relations Officer

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the appointment of Andy Odeh as Chief Corporate Communications Officer and Morenike Adewunmi as Chief Relations Officer.

    Odeh’s appointment follows the resignation of Femi Soneye two months ago.

    With over three decades of experience spanning communications, advertising, broadcasting, and oil and gas, he joins NNPCL after a 26-year career at Nigeria LNG (NLNG).

    At NLNG, Odeh held senior roles in community relations, business logistics, government engagement, and corporate communications.

    He also spearheaded the company’s rebranding, developed a micro-credit scheme for host communities, and established the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting.

    Odeh is an alumnus of the University of Jos, University of Lagos, INSEAD Business School, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

    Meanwhile, Morenike Adewunmi, a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years in the oil and gas industry, takes up the role of Chief Relations Officer.

    She previously worked with Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), where she specialized in stakeholder management, advocacy, and regulatory compliance.

    According to NNPCL, Adewunmi is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex external landscapes and safeguard the company’s license to operate.