Author: Opalim Lifted

Rabiu Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for stronger ties between Nigeria’s northern and south-east regions, saying both zones have a long history of political cooperation that should be rebuilt ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking in an interview with BBC Igbo, published on Wednesday, the former Kano State governor said Nigeria’s leaders demonstrated the importance of reconciliation and inclusion after the civil war by bringing the south-east back into mainstream politics. “We have to forgive ourselves. We have to work together as a family. South-east has been our ally, our friends, over the…

As political tensions rise ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have exchanged accusations over the governor’s call for the United Kingdom to impose visa restrictions and economic sanctions on key opposition figures. Adeleke urged a visiting UK delegation, led by Senior Political Adviser Wale Adebajo, to consider sanctions against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, Senator Francis Fadahunsi and other APC leaders, alleging they were promoting political violence through their supporters. The British delegation was in Osun to engage political stakeholders…

The Senate has approved a N50 million donation to the families of two teachers and three security personnel who lost their lives during the abduction and rescue operation involving pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the donation during Wednesday’s plenary, saying each of the five bereaved families would receive N10 million from the upper legislative chamber. The gesture follows the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after they spent about 56 days in captivity. The rescue operation claimed the lives of three security operatives — Lieutenant F.A. Isaac,…

A high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has granted N100 million bail to Danladi Umar, former chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Peter Kekemeke, the trial judge, granted the bail application moved by Sunday Edward, counsel to Umar, on Wednesday. Kekemeke ruled that the former CCT chairman must produce one surety in the same amount, with proof of property ownership in Abuja. The trial judge said the prosecution did not prove that the defendant would interfere with the proceedings or intimidate witnesses. The former CCT chairman is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the…

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has secured a €60 million credit facility from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to strengthen cocoa value addition in Nigeria, with funding aimed at expanding processing, ingredient manufacturing, packaging and chocolate production. Speaking at the Cocoa Value Addition Summit in Abuja on Tuesday, themed ‘From Bean to Brand’, BOI Managing Director Olasupo Olusi said the facility forms part of the bank’s strategy to mobilise blended and concessional financing for the cocoa industry while addressing the high cost of capital faced by local processors. He said the funding would help Nigerian processors compete more effectively with…

US House Republicans have unveiled a $95 billion spending framework, marking a final legislative push to advance defence, agriculture and election-related measures before the US midterm elections that could determine control of Congress. The proposal allocates $73 billion to the military and intelligence agencies, including funding linked to the conflict with Iran. It also sets aside $12 billion to support American farmers affected by President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Another $10 billion would be directed towards election-related grants as Republicans seek to revive key provisions of Trump’s SAVE America Act. The proposed voting measure would require proof of US citizenship…

US President Donald Trump has reversed his plan to impose a 20 percent “safe passage” fee on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz after intervention from several Gulf countries. Trump announced the levy on Monday while declaring the US “the guardians of the Strait of Hormuz.” He said the payment would help cover the cost of maintaining security in the strategic waterway. The announcement sent oil prices surging, prompting Gulf allies’ leaders to work frantically to get Trump on the phone and persuade him to abandon the proposal. The appeals came from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of more than 40 properties linked to former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, in a major victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the respondents failed to rebut the EFCC’s reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired through unlawful activities. The judge dismissed several applications and motions filed by Malami, members of his family and companies connected to the assets, describing them as lacking merit. She held that the central issue before the court was not…

Troops have arrested a pregnant woman allegedly transporting essential items to Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State. Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Falmata Adamu, was apprehended on July 13 while troops conducted routine checkpoint operations along the Mandaragirau–Biu Road. “According to the sources, the woman was intercepted after troops discovered items concealed in her clothing during a search,” Makama reported. “The recovered items included 17 torchlights and 19 Tiger batteries, which are suspected to have been destined for a terrorist enclave. “The suspect was taken into custody, while preliminary investigations are…

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has said First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment and punctuality during her 12-year tenure in the Senate earned her both the respect of her colleagues and God’s reward. Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Barau backed a proposal by Senator Abdul Ningi to introduce end-of-session attendance records to recognise lawmakers who remain in the chamber until adjournment. The proposal came as fewer than 50 senators were present in the chamber ahead of adjournment. Using Remi Tinubu as an example, Barau said dedication to legislative duties does not go unnoticed. “I will give you a good example. The current…