Author: Opalim Lifted

Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), says strengthening family values is crucial to addressing insecurity in Nigeria. Musa spoke on Thursday at the closing of the 2025 edition of “Exercise Haske Biyu” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna. He said the exercise focused on family values, civic duty and moral resilience as core elements, given the security challenges facing the country and other participating nations. “The family is the bedrock of every community. Without the family, there can’t be a good community,” Musa said. “What we have realised is that because the…

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has called for judicial and constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 polls. Barry Andrews, who led the EU EOM delegation, spoke during a visit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Thursday. The visit marks a follow-up assessment on the implementation of recommendations made after Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. In his remarks, Andrews said the mission’s task is to assess the progress made in electoral reforms since the last general elections. He commended INEC for its cooperation and dedication to strengthening democracy in Nigeria but said some challenges…

A high military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sentenced former president Joseph Kabila to death in absentia, convicting him of treason, war crimes, and collaborating with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Kabila, who ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019, has not been seen publicly since appearing in a rebel-held city earlier this year. His whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about whether the ruling can ever be enforced. The Kinshasa court accused Kabila of conspiring with M23 leader Corneille Nangaa and Rwanda to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. Testimony from Nangaa’s former chief of staff, Eric Nkuba—already jailed for rebellion—allegedly…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku Abubakar has denied reports that he promised to step down for a “younger candidate” in the 2027 presidential election. Paul Ibe, his spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday that the former vice-president’s statement was misrepresented. “It has become necessary to clarify certain misrepresentations arising from the reportage of an interview granted by His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, to the BBC Hausa Service by some sections of the media,” Ibe said on behalf of his principal.…

Protests in Madagascar have entered its fifth day with demonstrators now demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. Inspired by the youth-led protests in Kenya and Nepal, the rallies have been the largest the Indian Ocean island has seen in years. The demonstration is also the most serious challenge Rajoelina has faced since his re-election in 2023. The protesters had taken to the streets to criticise the prolonged water and power cuts in the country. On Monday, Rajoelina said he “terminated the functions of the prime minister and the government”. “We acknowledge and apologise if members of the government have…

Morocco’s billion-dollar preparations for the 2030 World Cup have ignited a wave of youth-led protests, leaving hundreds injured and over 400 arrested. On Tuesday, demonstrations erupted across 17 cities as young Moroccans marched against government spending on stadiums and mega-projects while schools and hospitals remain in crisis. Chants of “Health care first, we don’t want the World Cup” echoed through the streets, reflecting a growing anger at what protesters call misplaced priorities. Clashes turned violent, with Morocco’s interior ministry reporting 263 security officers and 23 civilians hurt. Officials labelled the movement a “dangerous escalation” and promised tough action against offenders.…

Morocco has been shaken by a wave of rare, youth-led protests that left more than 200 injured and over 400 arrested, exposing deep frustration with government priorities. On Tuesday, thousands of young people poured into the streets across 17 cities, furious at billions being funnelled into preparations for the 2030 World Cup while schools and hospitals remain starved of resources. Chanting “Health care first, we don’t want the World Cup!” demonstrators clashed with security forces in violent confrontations that injured at least 263 officers and 23 civilians, according to Morocco’s Interior Ministry. Officials condemned the unrest as a “dangerous escalation”…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has kicked off a nationwide crackdown on foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas or breached entry conditions, following the expiration of a five-month amnesty window. In a statement, NIS spokesperson Akinsola Akinlabi said the grace period, which ran from May 1 to September 30, allowed foreigners to regularise their stay without penalties. With the deadline now over, enforcement operations have begun across the country. The clampdown targets holders of expired visas on arrival, short-visit and business visas, as well as those with lapsed expatriate residence permits (CERPAC). Sanctions include deportation, daily fines, and future…

President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians in the diaspora to stop speaking negatively about the country. Speaking at the reopening and re-dedication ceremony of the 4,000-capacity Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, in Iganmu, Lagos, on Wednesday, Tinubu said Nigerians abroad and at home should unite to build the country together. “To Nigerians in the diaspora, stop talking about Nigeria in an ill, negative tone. This is a country of very brave, confident and dedicated people,” Tinubu said. He said Nigerians should believe in the nation’s heritage, describing Nigeria as “a nation of brave people” shaped by…

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice-president, has hinted he may not pursue another presidential run if a younger aspirant defeats him in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primaries. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, the 78-year-old politician said he would not only accept defeat but also support and mentor the winner. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” Atiku said. While refusing to confirm if he would contest in 2027, Abubakar stressed that his priority was to build the ADC into a…