IBB: Nigerians now waiting for your own book, Abaribe tells Yakubu Gowon
The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has advised former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to write a book chronicling his experiences as a former leader of the country and revealing the truth about the 1966 coup, as former President Ibrahim Babangida has done. This is even as
IBB: Nigerians now waiting for your own book, Abaribe tells Yakubu Gowon
The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone in the National Assembly, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has advised former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, to write a book chronicling his experiences as a former leader of the country and revealing the truth about the 1966 coup, as former President Ibrahim Babangida has done.
This is even as he expressed surprise that Justice Binta Nyako still presided over the case brought against IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, after the judge’s earlier recusal.
Abaribe, who said this at Aba on Thursday during a press conference to herald his 70th birthday coming up this weekend, stated that the former Head of State owes Nigerians a duty to give an account of what happened before and during his time in power, especially regarding claims that the January 1966 coup was an Igbo coup.
The Senator, reacting to the trending IBB book, said that the ex-President’s statement has dismissed the decades-long view in which some persons wrongly tagged the first military intervention as “The Igbo Coup.”
“We are still waiting for that book by General Gowon because he was a dramatic personnel and part of the missteps and mistakes that were made at that time,” Senator Abaribe said.
He, however, faulted the section in the IBB book where Babangida claimed that some actions taken during his regime were not decided by him.
The Senator, who called for national peace, urged the Federal Government to free IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, using political mechanisms, lamenting that many criminal elements are now using the excuse of his continued detention to commit crimes in the South East.
He also urged the Igbo people to unite and develop their region and commended Governor Alex Otti, Chukwuma Soludo, and Peter Mbah for their achievements so far.
The veteran lawmaker, noting that mortality rates are very high in the country, appreciated God for preserving his life, adding that he would be presenting a book on his birthday.
IBB: Nigerians now waiting for your own book, Abaribe tells Yakubu Gowon
Putin warns Europe against sabotaging US-Russia rapprochement
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned Western elites against trying to sabotage a potential rapprochement between Russia and the United States. Putin gave the warning at the Federal Security Service, saying Moscow would use its diplomats and intelligence services to thwart such efforts. He expressed satisfaction with the way an attempted reboot in ties
Putin warns Europe against sabotaging US-Russia rapprochement
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned Western elites against trying to sabotage a potential rapprochement between Russia and the United States.
Putin gave the warning at the Federal Security Service, saying Moscow would use its diplomats and intelligence services to thwart such efforts.
He expressed satisfaction with the way an attempted reboot in ties between Moscow and Washington was progressing, even though it was still early days.
“I note that the first contacts with the new American administration inspire certain hopes. There is a reciprocal mood to work to restore intergovernmental ties and to gradually resolve the huge number of systemic and strategic problems that have built up in the world’s security architecture,” said Putin.
The Russian leader applauded the fact that his country’s current partners were demonstrating what he called pragmatism and realism, in an apparent reference to Joe Biden’s administration abandoning the ideological clichés of their predecessors, which he said had caused a crisis in international relations.
According to him, it was clear that not all countries were in favor of the idea of warmer ties between the world’s two biggest nuclear powers.
Putin warns Europe against sabotaging US-Russia rapprochement
Zelenskiy meets Irish PM on way to Trump visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a brief stop in Ireland on Thursday on his way to a key meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. DAILY POST reports that Trump has said Zelenskiy would visit Washington on Friday to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals, while the
Zelenskiy meets Irish PM on way to Trump visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during a brief stop in Ireland on Thursday on his way to a key meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
DAILY POST reports that Trump has said Zelenskiy would visit Washington on Friday to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals, while the Ukrainian leader said the success of the deal would hinge on those talks and continued U.S. aid.
Zelenskiy thanked both the Irish prime minister for his support and the Irish people for the shelter they have provided to Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion in 2022 in brief remarks while the pair met at Shannon Airport.
According to the Irish prime minister, they had a warm meeting during which they discussed French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington this week and the need for Europe to be centrally involved in any peace settlement.
“I think he has a very clear focus, he’s very clear in his own head in terms of where he wants to take this, and he wants to engage, obviously, particularly with President Trump. He values very much the support he has received from the United States, a very strong partner to Ukraine.
“Suffice it to say that President Zelenskiy is very focused on the need for Europe to be centrally involved in the wider potential peace settlement that could unfold in the time ahead,” Martin said.
Zelenskiy meets Irish PM on way to Trump visit
Russia vs Ukraine: First contact with US inspires hope – Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the first contact with the U.S. gives some hope that the Ukraine war will be resolved. Putin stated this on Thursday at the Federal Security Service meeting. “The first contacts with the new U.S. administration give some hope. There is a mutual desire to work on restoring relations.”
Russia vs Ukraine: First contact with US inspires hope – Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the first contact with the U.S. gives some hope that the Ukraine war will be resolved.
Putin stated this on Thursday at the Federal Security Service meeting.
“The first contacts with the new U.S. administration give some hope. There is a mutual desire to work on restoring relations.”
It was gathered that Russia and the U.S. are cosying up, bonding over the Ukraine war, holding meetings to find ways to end the conflict amicably, and teaming up in the United Nations.
The two countries have also hailed each other over the war and hinted at signing a new economic deal that could potentially change the world order.
DAILY POST reports that Russian and U.S. diplomats met on Thursday in Turkey for talks to resolve disputes over their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow—a first test of their ability to reset wider relations and work towards ending the war in Ukraine.
Until last year, the Kremlin had described Russia’s relations with the U.S. as below zero under the former Joe Biden administration.
However, his successor, President Donald Trump, has upended that policy and moved swiftly since taking office last month to open talks with Moscow, pledging to fulfill his repeated promise to bring a quick end to the war.
The two leaders have reportedly also interacted over the phone to discuss the war.
On Thursday, Putin warned that while Russia and the U.S. are ready to cooperate, some Western elites may try to undermine dialogue between them.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has ruled out any negotiation over the status of five Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed, despite not fully controlling four of them.
“The territories which have become subjects of the Russian Federation, which are inscribed in our country’s constitution, are an inseparable part of our country,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Russia vs Ukraine: First contact with US inspires hope – Putin
Manufacturers back tax reforms, urge crackdown on illegal levies
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has commended the Federal Government for introducing four executive bills aimed at reforming tax administration in the country while calling for an end to the unlawful activities of non-state actors. MAN made the call on Thursday during the second day of the public hearing on the tax bills in Abuja,
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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has commended the Federal Government for introducing four executive bills aimed at reforming tax administration in the country while calling for an end to the unlawful activities of non-state actors. MAN made the call on Thursday during the second day of the public hearing on the tax bills in Abuja,
Badenoch searching for relevance, appointed self ‘saviour of western civilisation’ – UK PM Starmer
United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has described Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, as a “self-appointed saviour of Western civilisation.” The UK leader also dismissed Badenoch’s assertion that he had followed her advice on cutting the aid budget. Badenoch had stated that Starmer had acted on her recommendation to reduce aid spending while questioning inconsistencies in
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United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has described Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, as a “self-appointed saviour of Western civilisation.” The UK leader also dismissed Badenoch’s assertion that he had followed her advice on cutting the aid budget. Badenoch had stated that Starmer had acted on her recommendation to reduce aid spending while questioning inconsistencies in
Lagos: Drama as Obasa insists he was never removed as Speaker, lawmakers back Meranda
There is confusion in the Lagos State House of Assembly as embattled Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Thursday declared that he was never removed. Obasa said lawmakers must follow due process and constitutional means to impeach or remove him, but that was not done. In January, lawmakers had impeached Obasa, who was in the United States
Lagos: Drama as Obasa insists he was never removed as Speaker, lawmakers back Meranda
There is confusion in the Lagos State House of Assembly as embattled Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Thursday declared that he was never removed.
Obasa said lawmakers must follow due process and constitutional means to impeach or remove him, but that was not done.
In January, lawmakers had impeached Obasa, who was in the United States (US), over alleged misappropriation and other allegations.
Obasa’s deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was sworn in to replace him as the new Speaker, and she received the endorsement of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Upon his return to Nigeria, Obasa declared his impeachment null and void because it failed to stand the test of due process.
On Thursday, Obasa stormed the Assembly Complex with a retinue of armed, stern-looking uniformed security operatives as he walked into the hallowed chambers, saying he is the Speaker and has resumed his duties.
Obasa’s appearance was his first in the Assembly since his removal as Lagos Speaker on Monday, January 13, 2025.
In a show of solidarity, his supporters gathered at the entrance gate of the Assembly Complex, chanting and cheering for the lawmaker, who represents Agege Constituency I in the 40-member House.
However, speaking to journalists in the Assembly Complex on whether he was reinstated as Speaker, Obasa said, “I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic.”
Meanwhile, a group of lawmakers loyal to Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, rejected Obasa, insisting that Meranda remained the Speaker.
Back in January, Obasa was removed as Lagos Speaker when more than two-thirds of the House voted him out over alleged misconduct and sundry offences.
Obasa’s then deputy, Meranda, was immediately elected as the new Speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-West state.
Lagos: Drama as Obasa insists he was never removed as Speaker, lawmakers back Meranda
Proposed state creation: Ohanaeze faults exclusion of Anioma, tasks Delta govt
The Chief Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faulted the non-inclusion of Anioma state in the proposed 31 state submitted by the House of Reps Committee on Constitution Review. It could be recalled that the list excluded Anioma state being projected by Senator Ned Nwoko. In a statement issued on Thursday by Chief Thompson Chinenye Ohia,
Proposed state creation: Ohanaeze faults exclusion of Anioma, tasks Delta govt
The Chief Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo has faulted the non-inclusion of Anioma state in the proposed 31 state submitted by the House of Reps Committee on Constitution Review.
It could be recalled that the list excluded Anioma state being projected by Senator Ned Nwoko.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Chief Thompson Chinenye Ohia, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, he said the omission was not merely an oversight but a calculated act rooted in a historical narrative that seeks to undermine the aspirations and rights of the Igbo people, particularly those of the Anioma clan in Delta State.
While condemning the stance of the Delta State government, Ohanaeze said, “It is both disheartening and troubling that agents of the Delta State Government appear indifferent to this laudable agenda that will propel Delta State to the forefront of development.”
The Igbo group asserted that “the drive for the establishment of Anioma State is a paramount aspiration supported unanimously by approximately 2,365 Igbo communities across the seven Igbo-speaking states.
“This movement reflects not only the collective will of our people but also a legitimate quest for self-determination and justice. The continuous disregard for our rightful claims will no longer be tolerated, and we will employ every resource at our disposal to ensure that Anioma State is recognized and created.
“In light of this pressing issue, we extend our unwavering support for the recent political maneuver of the Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, the acknowledged leader of the Anioma people.
“His strategic defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) marks a pivotal step in galvanizing support for the actualization of Anioma State. We believe it is crucial that all political forces converge in solidarity to advance our cause, thereby reinforcing our collective strength as a people.
“To this end, Ohanaeze Ndigbo formally addresses the Presidency and the Chairman of the 10th National Assembly, the President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Godswill Akpabio, and the Rt Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives. We urge these authorities to recognize the creation of Anioma State as an urgent priority, aligned with the core interests of the Igbo Nation.
“Furthermore, we call upon the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, to rise above political adversities and support the creation of Anioma State.
“By doing so, he will demonstrate to the entire nation that he is a true servant of his people, committed to their aspirations.
“We urge him to focus on legitimate governance and to empower figures like Senator Ned Nwoko, who embody the dignity and aspirations of the Igbo Nation, without undue interference.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo reiterates that the establishment of Anioma State is a non-negotiable objective and will remain a forefront demand of our organization. In this light, we also wish to reaffirm our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid.
“Our backing and endorsement, however, hinge upon his administration’s commitment to realizing the creation of more states in the country, including Anioma State. Our desires and hopes must be treated with the urgency, respect, and seriousness they deserve.
“We stand resolute in our commitment to reviving and reclaiming our historical narrative—a narrative that encapsulates the essence of our identity, our rights, and our future.
“The time has come for our voices to be acknowledged and for our aspirations to be realized. We shall not relent until our demand for Anioma State is met, for this is not merely a regional request; it is a fundamental call for justice and equity within the Nigerian federation.”
Proposed state creation: Ohanaeze faults exclusion of Anioma, tasks Delta govt
Marseille president Longoria gets 15-match ban over ‘corruption’ remark
Olympique Marseille president, Pablo Longoria, has been handed a 15-match suspension, ruling him out of his club’s push for next season’s Champions League. This was after he launched a post-match tirade in which he called the officiating referee “corrupt” and demeaned the status of France’s top division, Rfi reports on Thursday. An official statement on
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Olympique Marseille president, Pablo Longoria, has been handed a 15-match suspension, ruling him out of his club’s push for next season’s Champions League. This was after he launched a post-match tirade in which he called the officiating referee “corrupt” and demeaned the status of France’s top division, Rfi reports on Thursday. An official statement on
NAFDAC educates students on dangers of drug abuse
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has taken the fight against illicit drug abuse to secondary schools. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration of the project, tagged “NAFDAC-Catch Them Young Consumer Safety Club,” was held at Ajibode High School, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday. The project was flagged
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has taken the fight against illicit drug abuse to secondary schools. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the inauguration of the project, tagged “NAFDAC-Catch Them Young Consumer Safety Club,” was held at Ajibode High School, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday. The project was flagged