Author: David Great

The United States has initiated a new phase in its immigration policy by starting the scrutiny of social media activity of foreigners within its borders, in a bid to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on antisemitism. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will now consider antisemitic posts or behavior on social media, as well as physical harassment of Jewish individuals, as valid grounds to deny immigration benefits. This measure applies to individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, international students, and those linked to educational institutions accused of antisemitic activity. This move aligns with executive orders issued during former…

Civil society organizations and regional groups have strongly criticized Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, over the recent appointment of local government administrators. The groups described the move as illegal and in violation of a Supreme Court ruling that upholds local government autonomy. The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), and the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) voiced their opposition to the appointments, warning that the development threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundations and may be part of a broader political strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking with Vanguard, Karl Chinedu,…

Nearly 40 international students in the United States have had their visas revoked, reportedly due to minor traffic offenses. Experts and advocates believe the move is part of a broader immigration clampdown by the Donald Trump administration, targeting how universities handle international students. One of the affected students, Lisa from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, was just weeks away from graduation when she received a shocking email. “ISS is writing to inform you that your SEVIS record was terminated,” it read. Initially thinking it was spam, Lisa later confirmed online that she had been placed “out of status” — a…

The Federal Government has confirmed that the naira-for-crude oil arrangement involving Dangote Refinery and other local refineries will continue indefinitely. The announcement came after a meeting of the Technical Sub-Committee on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira Initiative, which held on Tuesday. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the committee emphasized that the deal is not a temporary measure but a strategic policy direction. “The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives,” the committee stated. According to the statement shared via the official…

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has announced that it will begin paying the first tranche of liquidation dividends to depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank within April 2025. The announcement was made by NDIC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Bello Hassan, during the corporation’s Special Day at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair. Hassan revealed that significant progress had been made in selling off the bank’s assets and recovering outstanding debts. “We have commenced preparations to pay the first tranche of liquidation dividends this month – April, 2025,” he said. The NDIC boss, represented at the event by the South-East Zonal…

In a significant cultural shift, Niger’s military-led government has officially designated Hausa as the country’s national language, marking a break from the nation’s colonial legacy where French held prominence. The announcement was made in a new national charter released on March 31, as published in a special edition of the government’s official journal. According to the document, “The national language is Hausa,” and “the working languages are English and French.” Hausa is already widely spoken across Niger, especially in the regions of Zinder, Maradi, and Tahoua. With an estimated population of 26 million, the majority of Nigeriens speak Hausa, while…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a relaxation of the 17-hour curfew previously imposed on the communities of Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun, reducing it to 12 hours daily. The decision, effective from Tuesday, April 8, 2025, comes as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) approaches on April 24, ensuring that students in the affected areas can participate without disruption. The three communities have recently experienced deadly communal clashes, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction of property by hoodlums. In response to signs of restoring calm, Governor Adeleke adjusted the curfew, a move detailed in a…

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has approved the appointment of administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. This development comes less than 24 hours after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt reportedly issued an order restraining him from making such appointments. The interim order was given on Tuesday by Justice Adam Muhammed in suit number FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, against Ibas in his official capacity. In spite of the court’s directive, Ibas proceeded to make the appointments and also…

Davide Frattesi fired home an 88th-minute winner to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Inter Milan over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, snapping Bayern’s remarkable 22-match unbeaten home run in the competition. Despite a growing injury list, Bayern started brightly, with Michael Olise threatening early and setting up Harry Kane for a near miss that clipped the outside of the post. Inter, though slow to find their rhythm, managed to keep Bayern at bay before turning the tide just before halftime. Carlos Augusto’s low cross caught Bayern’s defense off-guard, allowing Marcus Thuram to…

Arsenal delivered a sensational performance under the lights at the Emirates Stadium, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Declan Rice was the star of the show, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks as Mikel Arteta’s side made a bold statement on Europe’s biggest stage. From the opening whistle, the Gunners showed intensity and purpose. William Saliba was heavily involved early on, making a crucial block on Vinícius Júnior but also taking a blow from Thomas Partey’s deflected header on the goal line. Arsenal pressed forward with intent, but…