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  • 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.

  • Threat of military rule looms in Africa – CDD

    Threat of military rule looms in Africa – CDD

    A Civil Society Organisation, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has expressed concern over the looming threat and normalisation of military rule in West and Central Africa.

    The organisation warned that the trend posed a major threat to democracy, stability and regional integration, especially with the rise of ‘military populism’ in Francophone Africa.

    Dr Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while releasing the organisation’s background paper titled “Militarism Reloaded: The Rise of Military Populism in Francophone West Africa”.

    According to him, recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea are not simply reversions to old authoritarian patterns but expressions of a more sophisticated, ideologically packaged form of militarism.

    “Far from being isolated disruptions, these military interventions present themselves as national corrections, cloaked in the language of sovereignty, anti-imperial resistance, and Pan-African revivalism.

    “But beneath the surface of patriotic slogans and digital virality lies a strategic attempt to consolidate power, silence dissent, delay transitions, and reconfigure what legitimacy means in postcolonial Africa,” Garuba said.

    He explained that the appeal of military populism is rooted in public frustration with democratic failures, insecurity and inequality.

    However, he warned that its allure was deceptive as regimes increasingly postponed elections, suspended constitutions, and curtailed civil society under the guise of national security.

    Read Also: Contextualizing the lovefest between Presidents Lula of Brazil and Tinubu

    Garuba added that in the Sahelian states of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, military juntas were now manipulating digital platforms to spread disinformation and mobilise support.

    He said the regimes also cultivate parallel narratives in which the army is portrayed as the “saviour of the state”.

    He stressed that this evolving phenomenon carries serious regional implications.

    “ECOWAS, once a bulwark of democratic norms, now struggles to enforce its own red lines.

    “The weakening of regional institutions, coupled with a geopolitical pivot away from traditional allies, threatens to undermine decades of democratic progress across West Africa,” he said.

    According to him, CDD-West Africa, in partnership with regional organisations, will over the next eight months conduct in-depth research on how military populism spreads and is sustained.

    He said the centre would monitor digital propaganda, analyse ideological framing, and assess the threats posed to elections, civic space and regional cohesion.

    “The goal is to generate evidence-based insights and practical recommendations to safeguard West Africa’s information environment and strengthen democratic resilience,” he added.

    Garuba urged African governments, civil society, regional bodies and citizens not to mistake military populism for genuine reform.

    “Coups are not answers to civilian failures; they are only accelerators of fragility. The time to act is now.

    “It is essential to underscore this before narratives harden, institutions crumble, and another generation of citizens grow up believing that the gun, not the vote, is the legitimate path to power in Africa,” he said.

  • It’s World Hausa Day: Daura Emirate celebrates

    Daura Emirate Council in Katsina State on Tuesday hosted the maiden grand celebration of the 2025 World Hausa Day.

    The day is dedicated to promote the language, history and traditions of the Hausa people globally.

    The event with the theme: “Our Culture yesterday, today and tomorrow,” attracted mammoth gathering of traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts, youths and women, who thronged to the Emir of Daura’s palace in colourful attires to honour Hausa culture.

    The Acting Governor of the state, Faruk Lawal-Jobe, commended the Emir of Daura for hosting the event.

    Represented by Usman Abba-Jaye, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lawal-Jobe underscored the role of Hausa culture in promoting peace and unity.

    “Hausa culture is not just a heritage, it is a unifying factor that binds millions of people across borders.

    “The government will continue to support efforts that promote our traditions, language, and values as part of our collective identity,” he said.

    The Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ali Lamine-Zain, thanked the emir for inviting him to attend the event.

    Lamine-Zain was represented by the Governor of Zinder, Col. Muhammad Umar.

    “Whenever a Nigerien visits Nigeria, he knows he has come home. Likewise, whenever a Nigerian travels to Niger, he also feels at home.

    “We are one family, united by love, friendship, and shared heritage.

    “The President of Niger cherishes this kind of unity and cultural revival, as it strengthens Hausa Language and preserves our traditions for generations to come,” he said.

    Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the Sardaunan-Kasar Hausa, who spoke on behalf of the seven Hausa states, expressed joy for the opportunity to be part of the celebration.

    Ado-Doguwa, is a member representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency from Kano State in the House of Representatives.

    He said the National Assembly would enhance the role of the traditional institutions in the constitution, to further strengthen the campaign against insecurity bedeviling parts of the country.

    Also, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, the Wazin-Katsina, said there are about 200 million Hausa speakers globally.

    He, however, decried infiltration of some bad things into Hausa culture, and called on those concerned to remove them to preserve the good rich cultural heritage.

    The event featured colourful display of traditional crafts like durbar, blacksmith, sculpture, barbing, and traditional wrestling/boxing, with the aim of showcasing the richness of the Hausa culture and traditions. 

  • Another ASUU strike gathers storm, UNN branch threatens

    As Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), threatens nationwide strike, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) branch, says members are ready to join.

    The impending strike, the union threatens, shall be nationwide and indefinite, if the Federal Government fails to meet their demands.

    Comrade Oyibo Eze, the Chairman of ASUU-UNN said this while briefing newsmen in Nsukka on Tuesday shortly after the union’s congress, followed by protest rally by members.

    Eze said Nigerians should hold government responsible in case of any nationwide indefinite strike by ASUU as government had failed to do the needful.

    “Government inability to implement agreement reached with the union since 2009 is very unfortunate and an indication that education is not the priority of government,” he said.

    The chairman said that the rally/protest was in compliance with the directive of the national leadership on branches of the union to carry out protest rally so as to appeal to government to do the needful.

    “We held congress earlier before carrying out this rally.

    ”Our members expressed their readiness to join any nationwide indefinite strike that may be directed by ASUU national leadership, if government fails to meet their demands.

    “The congress urged government to implement all agreements reached with the union as well as pay members three and half months salary owed them by the government.

    “That is why you see members in their numbers participating in this protest directed by ASUU national leadership because enough is enough of government failures to fulfill agreements entered with ASUU,” he said.

    He said that ASUU National Executive Council (NEC) would meet on Sept. 2, after meeting with the Federal Government on Aug. 28 to determine the next line of action.

    The protesters marched through some major roads in UNN and ended at the administrative building of the university.

    Addressing ASUU protesting members, the Vice-chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration, commended ASUU for the peaceful protest in seeking their demands.

    Ortuanya urged the union to take the option of nationwide strike as the last resort after exploring all available avenues to resolve the issue with the government.

    The VC promised to forward the union’s demands to the Federal Ministry of Education.

    Some placards carried by the protesting ASUU members include “Federal Government honour the 2009 agreement with ASUU”.

    “Our wives and children are hungry; pay our three and half months salaries owed members, “Nigeria lecturers are the least paid globally”.

    Others are “FG please, pay lecturers wage awards of 25 per cent and 35 per cent”.

    NAN reports that ASUU National leadership recently directed its various branches to stage protest rallies on campus as well as conduct a referendum in congress to give backing to their proposed strike. 

  • Nigeria a killing field: APC disagrees with Peter Obi

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State chapter, has dismissed the statement attributed to Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of Labour in 2023, that Nigeria is now a killing field.

    Mr Obi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, said that more than 10,000 lives have been lost to terrorists, bandits and other criminal gangs in just two years.

    According to Obi, the figure was released by the Amnesty International.

    But in a swift reaction, APC Lagos State Spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, said that there were evidential proofs that Tinubu’s administration had made significant progress in securing Nigeria.

    Oladejo said: “APC utterly rejects and condemns the allegation by Mr Peter Obi that Nigeria is now a killing field with more than 10,000 deaths under Tinubu’s watch.

    “These sensationalist claims are not only baseless they are a disgraceful distortion of reality made in bad faith to score political points.

    “Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s Armed Forces have delivered extraordinary successes, dismantling terror infrastructure and restoring stability to previously threatened communities.”

    According to him, from the hard data, (not hype) the defence ministry midterm report (Aug. 2023–April 2025) revealed that 9,415 terrorists neutralised, more than 3,159 suspects arrested while 5,449 hostages rescued.

    He added that the data from the defence headquarters’ two-year summarised that 6,260 terrorists killed, 14,138 terrorists and criminals apprehended while 5,365 civilians rescued.

    He said that the data showed that N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered.

    On military operations across the zones, Oladejo said that in the North-East (Operation Hadin Kai), no fewer than 1,246 terrorists killed, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued.

    According to him, in the North-west (Operation Fasan Yamma), data showed that 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 surrendered or arrested, while 3,288 hostages rescued.

    “These are not statistics they are lives saved, communities secured and terrorists dismantled.

    “Just recently, the military air strikes in Katsina freed 76 hostages, including children some kidnapped during a mosque attack that claimed at least 50 lives.

    “One child, tragically, died during the rescue, illustrating both the danger and the bravery involved.

    Additionally, air strikes eliminated 35 militants in the same region.

    “In Borno, precision air strikes killed 35 militants, restoring critical ground communications and stabilising the area.

    “A week-long operation in Borno earlier this year neutralised 76 extremists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages,” he added.

    On the technological and structural strengthening of the military, Oladejo said that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian Air Force had been transformed with modern acquisitions.

    He listed these to include purchase of 24 M 346 attack jets, 10 AW 109 Trekker helicopters, among others.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army and Navy have also received cutting-edge hardware from tactical vehicles to patrol vessels strengthening ground and maritime security effectiveness.

    “Local defense manufacturing is booming: DICON has produced more than 4.6 million rounds of ammunition, 53 MRAPs, 14,040 PPE units and even drones, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers,” he said.

    He said that the administration had also received credible recognition for the remarkable progress Tinubu’s administration had made in the fight against banditry and terrorism.

    According to him, the Coalition for Human Rights and Freedom (CHRF), has commended the armed forces’ performance, citing that more than 13,500 terrorists and criminals were neutralised and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued under coordinated operations.

    “These are tangible, verifiable successes, adding that nothing like the exaggerated sensationalism offered by Mr Obi.

    “The Nigerian Armed Forces, under this administration, are not only standing tall, but they are also striking back aggressively, saving lives and securing our nation.

    “The Lagos APC stands firmly behind the leadership of President Tinubu and our military heroes on the frontline.

    “We invite Mr Obi and others to acknowledge the progress made or risk being left behind in baseless political dramatics.”

  • Stability beckons as PDP confirms Damagum as chairman

    Nigeria’s own Grand Old Party (GOP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) triumphed its adversity this Monday as it confirmed Umar Damagum as its substantive National Chairman until an elective convention scheduled for November.

    The party which had been managing a debilitating internal strife since its last presidential primary in 2023, took the decision at its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national headquarters, the Wadata House, Abuja.

    The confirmation was one of the key resolutions reached during the ongoing NEC meeting held severally postponed due to wrangling orchestrated by stalwarts who felt cheated shortchanged during the 2023 presidential primary.

    Damagum was administered an oath of office during the meeting by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, in accordance with Article 65 of the PDP Constitution.

    The decision came less than three months before the PDP’s national convention, slated to hold from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    In his acceptance speech, Damagum expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership for the confidence reposed in him and the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “Before now, I thought all we were doing was not being appreciated.

    “This gesture is not just for me, but for the entire NWC. I owe it to them.

    “To have navigated this party this far, we came in at a time when things were very hard, but to the glory of God, we are still intact as one indivisible party,” he added.

    Damagum had assumed the role of acting national chairman on March 28, 2023, following a Benue State High Court order that confirmed the removal of former Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu.

    At the time, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced Damagum’s appointment, citing Section 45 (2) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

    Prior to his appointment, Damagum served as the PDP Deputy National Chairman (North).

  • Court Orders Freeze of Four Bank Accounts Linked to Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four accounts at Jaiz Bank, allegedly linked to Mele Kyari, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Tuesday after hearing an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency told the court that Kyari is under investigation for alleged conspiracy, abuse of office, and money laundering.

    According to an affidavit presented by EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi, the four accounts — two in Kyari’s name and two belonging to the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief — were discovered to contain ₦661.4 million suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC alleged that the funds were disguised as payments for a book launch and NGO projects but were in fact linked to suspicious inflows from the NNPCL and oil companies. It further claimed that the accounts were being controlled by Kyari through family members acting as fronts.

    Justice Nwite, while granting the order, said the application had merit and adjourned the matter to September 23 for a report on the investigation.

    The Commission said the freeze order was necessary to preserve the funds while investigations continue, with a view to possible prosecution.

  • By-Elections: Mark urges INEC to conduct free, fair, credible Polls

    The  National Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Sen. David Mark, has reminded INEC to uphold the principles of impartiality and transparency in the by-elections on Saturday across the country.

    This is contained in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Mumeh, in a goodwill message to ADC Senatorial, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly candidates.

    Mark urged INEC to conduct a process that will restore public trust in the country`s electoral system.

    The ADC will field candidates in Senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly by-elections in Anambra, Edo, Oyo, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Ogun.

    He described the ADC as a “child of necessity” born out of the genuine desire to offer Nigerians an alternative and better governance.

    Mark appealed to the electorate to allow the party to prove its worth.

    He reminded INEC that “all eyes are on the commission” to correct past errors that have tarnished its public image.

    The former President of the Senate said that a truly free, fair, and credible election on Saturday could help redeem its reputation.

    He commended ADC candidates for their courage and dedication, urging them and their supporters to comply with electoral laws while remaining vigilant against manipulation or intimidation.

    Mark called on security agencies to guarantee a level playing field for all participants, ensuring that the will of the people is allowed to prevail without interference.

  • Pastor flogging, dehumanising toddlers in viral video arrested

    The Police Command in Rivers State has arrested Mr Ifediorah Onyeibor, 41, seen in a viral video flogging and dehumanising minors has been arrested.

    Sources disclosed that Mr. Onyeibor is the Head Pastor of an undisclosed Pentecostal church based in Port Harcourt.

    Onyeibor was detained following the circulation of a viral video on social media purportedly showing him dehumanising several minors during a church programme organised for children.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the command, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday that the suspect was apprehended after public outcry over the degrading footage.

    According to her, police officers, acting on coordinated intelligence, arrested the pastor along with several members of the church.

    “Onyeibor was seen in a video dehumanising some minors in what appears to be a  church environment.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that the pastor allegedly organised a three-day programme for children in his church, purportedly for ‘spiritual cleansing.’

    “During interrogation, Onyeibor claimed that he had been inspired by the Holy Spirit to carry out the spiritual cleansing of the children,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko stated that investigations were ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    She pledged to provide further updates on the matter and urged the public to supply law enforcement with credible information.

    “The Police Command is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as minors,” she assured. 

  • NAF confirms killing scores of armed men in coordinated air raid

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says several armed bandits were killed in series of coordinated air strikes by the Air Component of Operation FASAN YAMMA, on Makakkari Forest in Zamfara.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday in Abuja.
    According to him, Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) had confirmed movements of over 400 bandits, planning to invade a farming community.

    He said the operation involved precision airstrikes and ground assaults, resulting in the deaths of several notorious kingpins and scores of their foot soldiers.

    “The synergy between air and land components made the operation exceptional,” he said.