Author: Opalim Lifted

Nigerian carrier Air Peace has warned passengers to expect flight delays as a worsening aviation fuel shortage disrupts operations across the country. In a statement issued on Saturday, the airline said the limited supply of Jet A1 fuel is already affecting scheduled departures at several terminals, forcing adjustments to its operations. “Fuel availability remains limited, which has impacted scheduled departures,” the airline said, adding that it is working with industry partners to resolve the situation and reduce disruption. The crisis has also hit international routes. Air Peace confirmed a temporary reduction in its Abuja–London service, cutting flights to three times…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), challenging what they describe as unconstitutional provisions in Nigeria’s broadcasting regulations. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, targets the NBC’s recent “Formal Notice” warning broadcasters against expressing personal opinions as facts, intimidating guests, or failing to maintain neutrality. NBC had justified its directive by citing a rise in violations of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across news and political programmes. However, SERAP and NGE argue that the provisions relied…

David Mark, national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democratic institutions and suppressing opposition voices. Speaking at the National Opposition Summit in Ibadan on Saturday, the former Senate President claimed the APC-led administration is working to weaken Nigeria’s democratic system and limit citizens’ ability to freely elect their leaders. Mark alleged that opposition parties are being systematically targeted, warning that key institutions meant to protect democracy are increasingly compromised. According to him, “major attacks” on opposition groups over the past three years are part of a broader strategy to…

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State has invoked the violent legacy of Nigeria’s infamous “Operation Wetie” to warn against growing concerns of one-party dominance in the country. Speaking in Ibadan at a national summit of opposition leaders, the Oyo State governor referenced the mid-1960s political crisis in the Western Region, where widespread violence followed a disputed election. “Operation Wetie”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “wet him” or “soak it” became synonymous with brutal political attacks in which opponents were doused with petrol and set ablaze during the unrest that trailed the 1965 regional elections. Makinde cautioned that current political developments, particularly…

Nigeria’s opposition parties have intensified pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding an extension of the deadline for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. At a national summit held in Ibadan on Saturday, key opposition blocs including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) jointly called for the deadline to be shifted to the end of July 2026. The current timetable fixes May 30, 2026, as the cut-off for primaries. ‘Deadlines designed to disadvantage opposition’ In a communiqué issued after the meeting, party leaders argued that INEC’s guidelines…

Former Anambra State Governor, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has voiced serious concerns over a pattern of repeated last-minute cancellations of his lectures at Nigerian universities, describing it as a threat to academic freedom and open intellectual discourse. In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi disclosed that he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife at 9:00 a.m. today, ahead of an opposition parties’ political summit in Ibadan at noon. The long-planned event was abruptly cancelled by the university authorities. Obi…

Nigeria’s major opposition figures have agreed in principle to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, signalling a coordinated push to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision was reached at a national summit in Ibadan, where political leaders endorsed the “Ibadan Declaration”, a joint statement committing opposition parties to unite against what they described as growing one-party dominance. Among those present were former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi. The meeting was hosted by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, while former president Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly chaired the…

Manchester City, Man City survived a shock by coming from behind to edge past Southampton and reach a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final to keep alive their hopes of claiming a domestic treble. Pep Guardiola’s side have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and will return to the capital on Saturday, 16 May when they will be heavy favourites against either Chelsea or Leeds United. The Spaniard made eight changes to the side that edged past Burnley in midweek and City’s second string were unable to find any rhythm or create clear-cut chances in a scrappy opening period.…

Alexander Isak scored in the Premier League at Anfield for the first time since joining Liverpool as the Reds strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot with victory over Crystal Palace. Sweden forward Isak has endured a bitterly frustrating spell since completing a British record £125m move from Newcastle. But he set Liverpool on their way to a third straight top-flight win when his shot into the ground from 12 yards looped over the head of Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and into the net. Liverpool’s third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman made his first Premier League appearance for the Reds as…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the first-ever malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and infants, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease. The treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, received prequalification status on Friday, confirming it meets global standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. Until now, babies have been treated using medicines developed for older children, a practice that increased the risk of dosing errors, harmful side effects and toxicity. According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the development signals a turning point in global malaria control. “For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents and drained communities…