Author: Opalim Lifted

China has declared its firm support for the Nigerian government, urging other countries to respect its sovereignty and refrain from meddling in its internal affairs. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said Nigeria’s leadership was guiding its people “on a development path suited to its national conditions”. “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force,” she said. Her comments came in response to US President…

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has dismissed claims of a religious war in Nigeria’s South East, insisting that the ongoing violence in the region has nothing to do with religion. Soludo was reacting to US President Donald Trump’s threat to launch attacks on Nigeria under the pretext of “protecting Christians” from alleged genocide. Trump’s comments followed widespread claims by U.S. lawmakers, international media, and secessionist groups that Christians were being targeted in the country. Speaking during a media chat, Soludo acknowledged America’s right to express its opinions but urged respect for international law in its actions. “There is a…

From January 1, 2026, the federal government will begin implementing new tax laws that provide 50 exemptions and reliefs targeting low-income earners, average taxpayers, and small businesses. President Bola Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law on June 26. The laws are the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 (NTA), the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 (NTAA), the Nigeria Revenue Service (establishment) Act, 2025 (NRSEA), and the Joint Revenue Board (establishment) Act, 2025 (JRBEA). According to Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, the new tax laws will improve business growth and boost the purchasing power…

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Monday sentenced three men to death by hanging for armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. The convicts were arraigned before Justice M.O. Folorunso for a robbery carried out on March 2, 2024, at the Oko Erin area of Ilorin, where they attacked their victim and stole his Infinix Note 11 phone at gunpoint. Delivering judgment, Justice Folorunso — visibly emotional — declared, “The three of you be hanged by the neck until you die,” as she wept while pronouncing the sentence. In the same court, two women, including a pregnant…

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday declared Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore wanted for allegedly organising a protest aimed at disrupting public peace. Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh made the announcement at Iyana-Oworo on the Third Mainland Bridge, accusing Sowore of instigating unrest during demonstrations against government demolitions in the Oworonshoki area. “As Commissioner of Police, I hereby declare Omoyele Sowore wanted for acts likely to cause public disorder,” Jimoh told reporters. The police deployed armoured vehicles and hundreds of officers across Lagos, sealing access to Oworonshoki and dispersing protesters with tear gas. Sowore, who had earlier arrived at the…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that it has recorded over one million student loan applications since the official launch of the scheme on May 24, 2024. It also said that it had disbursed over N116 billion in student loans, covering both institutional fees and upkeep allowances to students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education since inception. In a statement yesterday, Director of Strategic Communications at NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the remarkable achievement highlights the broad impact of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. According to the statement, this milestone reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to human…

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over failure to probe the allegations that lawmakers pay up to N3 million to sponsor or present bills, motions and petitions at the National Assembly. Akpabio and Abbas were sued for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly. SERAP’s suit followed recent allegations by All Progressives Congress (APC) member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa, Ibrahim Auyo, in a viral video recorded in Hausa that…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi have maintained a conspicuous silence as United States President Donald Trump threatened to launch military action against Nigeria. Trump’s remarks followed his decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” — a move that reignited tensions across diplomatic and political circles. Citing what he called “an existential threat to Christianity” in Nigeria, Trump claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and blamed “radical Islamists” for what he described as a “mass slaughter.” In a fiery post on Truth Social, the Republican leader declared that he had…

Conspiracy theories are swirling across Nigeria after US President Donald Trump threatened military action against the country, citing an alleged “Christian genocide” — a claim Nigeria firmly denies. Trump’s statement, made without evidence, has ignited fierce debates online, dividing opinion and fuelling speculation about the real motive behind the threat. Palestine Connection Some Nigerians believe the warning is linked to Nigeria’s open support for Palestine. At the United Nations General Assembly in September, Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance on a two-state solution, declaring, “The people of Palestine are not collateral damage.” Shortly after his speech, talk of “Christian…

The United States (US) has warned that it is “preparing for action” in Nigeria following reports of mounting attacks on Christian communities across the country. Former US President Donald Trump, in a fiery Truth Social post, ordered the Department of War to “ready itself for possible action,” warning that America’s response would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.” Trump declared that Washington would immediately suspend all aid to Nigeria and could deploy forces “guns-a-blazing” unless the Nigerian government acts to stop the killings. “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will immediately stop all aid…