Leading Reporters

By:Maiva Maryamu Joshua The Supreme Court has set aside an earlier status quo ante bellum order in the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress, directing all parties to return to the Federal High Court for an expedited hearing. The ruling follows ongoing internal disagreements over the party’s leadership, including the emergence of a faction reportedly led by Mark. The case was filed by a party chieftain, Nafi’u Bala Gombe, who is challenging the legitimacy of the current executives. In its decision, the apex court stressed the importance of due process and ordered the lower court to hear the matter promptly to prevent further escalation within the party. The crisis has raised concerns among party members and political observers, as it threatens unity ahead of future political activities. Analysts say the court’s directive could help fast-track a legal resolution. The Federal High Court is expected to take up the case without delay as stakeholders await a final determ...

By: Maryam yakubu usman Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in Jeddah on Tuesday for their first in-person summit in months, focusing on regional security concerns and ongoing tensions involving Iran. The 19th consultative meeting was chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and attended by key regional figures, including Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Kuwait’s crown prince, and the United Arab Emirates’ foreign minister. Discussions centered on security challenges following recent escalations linked to Iran, including missile and drone attacks targeting energy and civilian infrastructure across parts of the Gulf. Although a ceasefire reached in early April has reduced the frequency of such incidents, concerns remain over stability in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. GCC leaders emphasized the importance of a unified regional approach, calling for stronger diplomatic co...

By Jane Ephraim  U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says Democrats will force another vote on a war powers resolution regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, marking the sixth such attempt in Congress. Speaking on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Schumer said Democrats will continue bringing the resolution forward weekly, arguing that Congress must reassert its authority over military engagement. “This week, Democrats will force a vote on our war powers resolution for the sixth time. We’ll continue to force votes every week as this war continues,” he said, urging Republican senators to support the measure. He called on Republicans to join Democrats in backing the resolution, framing it as a way for Congress to limit President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict. “I urge my Republican friends… vote with us to end this war,” Schumer said, adding that Republicans would face growing public pressure if they refused to act. The push comes ahead of a key 60-day deadline under ...

By Isaac weine The U.S. Supreme Court appeared inclined to support President Donald Trump’s effort to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from countries affected by war and natural disasters. TPS allows the U.S. government to designate countries in crisis, enabling their nationals to live and work temporarily in the United States. The current case centers on whether courts can review the administration’s decision to terminate such protections. During arguments, the court’s conservative justices focused less on whether the policy violated federal law or equal protection, and more on whether such executive decisions are subject to judicial review. The law grants the administration broad authority to determine when TPS designations begin or end. Lawyers representing affected migrants argued that while the final decision may not be reviewable, the process leading to it should be. They claimed the decision was influenced by what they described as discriminatory intent toward g...

  By Charity Ishaya Wudiri  The Nigerian government has expressed concern over renewed xenophobic attacks targeting its citizens in South Africa, calling for urgent action to address the situation. In a statement issued on April 29, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said incidents involving violence against Black immigrants—particularly Nigerians—have increased in recent weeks. The commission urged the South African authorities to strengthen security in affected areas, ensure that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted, and promote cooperation between both countries through a joint safety framework. It also called for a clear public stance against xenophobia and the stereotyping of foreign nationals. NIDCOM stressed that criminal activities should not be linked to nationality and reminded South Africa of its responsibility to protect all residents in line with international human rights standards and African Union principles. Nigerians living i...

By Joy Christopher A former Commissioner for Works and Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RRR) in Borno State, Mustapha Gubio, has obtained the governorship nomination form of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 election. Gubio’s move signals the possible emergence of a competitive race within the party, as indications suggest the APC may opt for primary elections rather than adopting a consensus candidate for the governorship ticket. Sources in Maiduguri revealed that the aspirant has also formally presented his ambition to Governor Babagana Zulum at the Government House. He was accompanied during the visit by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno. Political observers note that Gubio may be the first among several aspirants expected to join the race. Party stakeholders have indicated that more than a dozen contenders could obtain expression of interest and nomination forms in the lead-up to the election. Governor Zulum has repeatedly stated tha...

  By Charity Ishaya Wudiri  U.S. President Donald Trump offered an unclear response when asked which conflict Ukraine or Iran might end first, during an Oval Office event intended to honor the Artemis II mission crew. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he had recently held discussions with Vladimir Putin, noting that much of their conversation focused on the war in Ukraine. He expressed optimism that a resolution could come soon and added that Putin had also shown interest in discussions surrounding Iran’s enriched uranium. However, when asked directly which conflict would end first, Trump said he did not know, suggesting both situations could follow a similar timeline. In his response, he appeared to mix references to Ukraine and Iran, leading to some confusion about his position. Trump also addressed a separate issue involving former FBI Director James Comey, who recently faced criticism over a social media post containing the phrase “86 47.” Trump suggested the phrase could ...

Asghar Besharati | Getty Images By Lydia Ibrahim gasi  Global oil prices climbed sharply on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would continue its naval blockade of Iran until a nuclear agreement is reached. International benchmark Brent crude rose by more than 6 percent to settle at $118.03 per barrel, moving closer to the $120 mark. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also recorded gains, rising nearly 7 percent to close at $106.88 per barrel. The surge follows renewed concerns over prolonged disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supply. Speaking on Wednesday, Trump defended the blockade, describing it as a more effective strategy than military action. “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing,” he said, adding that Iran was under increasing pressure. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon.” Efforts to resume negotiations between Washington and Tehran have stalled in recent days. Iran ...

  By: Maiva Maryamu Joshua  The National Assembly of Nigeria has in recent weeks focused on key national issues, including budget implementation, security funding and economic reforms. Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives have been engaged in discussions on the execution of the national budget, including possible amendments to reflect current economic realities. A significant area of deliberation has also been funding for security agencies, as the country continues to face challenges in different regions. The discussions are aimed at ensuring that the military and other institutions receive adequate resources to maintain stability. In addition, the National Assembly has been considering tax policies and economic reform bills designed to improve government revenue and strengthen the economy. Some of these proposals, however, have generated mixed reactions among citizens, particularly regarding their potential impact on living costs and businesses. Conce...

  By: Danladi Na' Allah  Trump says US to resume Pakistan talks amid tensions with Iran United States President Donald Trump has said American representatives, led by Vice President JD Vance, will return to Pakistan for further negotiations, as tensions persist with Iran. Trump said the renewed diplomatic effort comes amid ongoing disagreements, although Iranian authorities have yet to confirm their participation in the proposed talks. The US president also warned that Washington could target Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if an agreement is not reached. He further accused Iran of violating a ceasefire agreement following reports of shots fired at vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Iran, however, has accused the United States of breaching the same truce through its naval blockade in the region. Trump stated that the strait had already been closed by US actions, though conflicting accounts remain over control of the waterw...

By: Juliet Bitrus Julius  Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has paid tribute to the late Sir Israel S. Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of Tony Elumelu, describing him as a man whose legacy will endure across generations. Shettima spoke while leading a Federal Government delegation to Ogbue’s funeral in Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, where he also conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the family, the community, and the state. “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend our deepest condolences and respect to the family and the people of Delta State. We honour the life he lived and the example he set,” Shettima said in a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha. The Vice President described the late Ogbue, who died on February 18, 2026, as a man of resilience, dignity and gratitude, noting that his life reflected strength and wisdom. He said the occasion should not only be a period of mourning but also a...

By: Jane Ephraim  The Take-It-Back Movement has announced plans to mobilise Nigerians in the diaspora for a mass protest in London to coincide with the ongoing corruption trial of former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The trial centres on allegations of bribery and financial misconduct during Alison-Madueke’s time in office, a case that has drawn renewed attention both within legal circles and among advocacy groups. While the former minister has previously denied wrongdoing, the proceedings have become a focal point for broader debates around corruption, governance and inequality in Nigeria. Organisers said the planned demonstration is intended to encourage public scrutiny and ensure that the case remains in the global spotlight. They added that the protest would involve attending court sessions alongside peaceful demonstrations in London. According to the group, the mobilisation is not solely about one individual, but about demanding accountability from poli...

By: Danladi  Na' Allah Bauchi governor, PDP faction, APC talks collapse. Negotiations involving Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with Tanimu Turaki, and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have ended without agreement. The development was confirmed on Saturday in Bauchi by Samaila Adamu Burga, chairman of the Turaki-backed PDP faction, during a media briefing. Burga explained that the APC had initiated discussions aimed at persuading the governor to defect. The move reportedly involved outreach through the party’s national leadership, including Prof. Yiltwada Netanwe, as well as a visit by Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who met with Bala Mohammed in Bauchi. According to Burga, the proposed arrangement followed a pattern previously used in securing defections of other governors. However, he said the terms presented were not acceptable to the PDP faction in Bauchi. He emphasised that the group could not a...

  By: Joy Christopher  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Nigeria should not be described as a poor country, but acknowledged that inequality remains a major economic challenge requiring urgent attention. Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasua, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where he called for a shift in focus from poverty narratives to long-term structural reforms. Fasua said while poverty exists, national discourse should prioritise practical solutions rather than sustained emphasis on the problem itself. He noted that continued focus on poverty could limit efforts aimed at addressing underlying economic issues. Highlighting indicators within the economy, he pointed to recent banking sector recapitalisation, where trillions of naira were raised largely from domestic sources. He also referenced the operations of MTN Nigeria, noting that a significant share of its profits is generated within the country. According to him, ...

  The Federal Government has announced the reintegration of over 700 former terrorist into society following their completion  of a deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme. By: Charity Ishaya Wudiri  Officials say the individuals participated in a government-backed initiative aimed at addressing insurgency through rehabilitation and peaceful reintegration into civilian life. The programme forms part of wider efforts to curb insecurity by encouraging defections and reducing the number of active fighters involved in violent groups. However, the development has generated widespread public concern, with many Nigerians questioning the implications for justice, accountability and national security. Some members of the public argue that the move may overlook the suffering of victims and families affected by insurgent violence, while others have raised fears about the risk of relapse among those being reintegrated. There are also concerns about the absence of detailed infor...

 (Photo: AFP) Israel and Lebanon set for direct talks as US pushes for de-escalation By: Lydia Ibrahim Gasi Donald Trump has announced that senior officials from Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold discussions on Thursday, in what appears to be a renewed diplomatic effort by Washington to reduce tensions between the two sides. Speaking via his Truth Social platform, Trump said the planned engagement follows recent meetings in Washington, which he described as the first direct contact between high-level representatives of both countries in decades. The development comes amid ongoing conflict linked to the Israel-Hezbollah confrontation, which escalated after Lebanon was drawn into wider regional hostilities earlier this year following attacks by Hezbollah. Since the escalation began, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have reportedly resulted in heavy casualties and large-scale displacement, with international actors repeatedly calling for restraint and a ceasefire. A senio...

Why the Eurozone's fragile recovery is now at risk of stalling By Maryam Yakubu Musa.  The energy shock unleashed by the Middle East conflict is delivering a classic stagflationary blow to the Eurozone: surging input costs and supply disruptions are choking growth while reigniting inflation, just as the bloc's private sector expansion had begun to show tentative signs of life. The S&P Global Eurozone Composite PMI slumped to a nine-month low of 50.7 in March, down sharply from 51.9 in February. Services activity barely rose at 50.2, while new orders contracted for the first time since last July amid weaker demand and higher living costs. Although manufacturing output held firmer with the sector PMI climbing to a 45-month high of 51.6  this partly reflected firms clearing backlogs before supply chains tightened further. Input cost inflation accelerated to its highest rate in over three years, driven by soaring energy and commodity prices, with supplier delivery times length...

 Vance Visit to Budapest Delivers Strong US Backing for Orbán Ahead of Pivotal Hungarian Election By Juliet Julius Bitrus. Vance and Viktor Orbán shake hands during their meeting in Budapest. (Photo: Courthouse News Service / Pool) BUDAPEST — On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Hungary’s capital for a high-profile two-day visit, openly campaigning for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s re-election just five days before Hungarians head to the polls on April 12 in what many describe as the most consequential parliamentary election in the country’s modern history. Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha, met with Orbán at the Carmelite Monastery and later addressed a large “Hungarian-American Friendship Day” rally at MTK Sports Park in Budapest. He declared he was “here to help” Orbán “as much as I possibly can” and urged voters to re-elect the long-serving leader, describing him as a defender of Western civilization, national sovereignty, and conservative values....

 Iran Ceasefire Deal Gives Trump a Way Out of War. But at a High Strategic Cost By Joy Christopher. WASHINGTON.  Late Tuesday evening, just hours before his self-imposed 8 p.m. EDT deadline, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States had agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire with Iran. At 18:32 Washington time, Trump posted that the US and Iran were “very far along” with a “definitive” peace agreement. He stated that Washington would suspend bombing and attacks on Iranian energy and transportation infrastructure for two weeks, provided Iran halted hostilities and allowed the complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping traffic. Iran quickly accepted the terms. Its Foreign Minister confirmed that Tehran would cease defensive operations and coordinate safe passage through the critical maritime chokepoint  which carries roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade for the duration of the pause, while...

  Trump and Xi Delay Summit Amid Rising U.S.-China Tensions By Lydia Gasi Ibrahim. The planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping has been postponed until mid-May, as tensions between the two powers continue to grow without high-level dialogue. In recent weeks, Chinese authorities initiated retaliatory trade barrier investigations into U.S. practices, widely interpreted as a direct countermeasure to Washington’s recent economic policies. Concurrently, a bipartisan congressional delegation of U.S. senators traveled to Taiwan, where they pressed Taipei to accelerate defense spending in order to bolster deterrence against a potential cross-Strait contingency or invasion by the People’s Republic of China. President Trump continues to oversee the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has severely disrupted global maritime trade routes and energy supplies. The conflict has imposed significant economic strain on Beijing, prompt...

Israeli Airstrike Kills Lebanese Forces Official and at Least Three Others in Ain Saadeh Residential Building By Maryam Yakubu Usman  | April 6, 2026 On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, an Israeli airstrike struck a residential apartment building in the hills of Ain Saadeh (Tallet Ain Saadeh), a suburban town in Lebanon’s Matn District east-northeast of Beirut, killing at least four civilians and triggering urgent overnight rescue operations amid reports of people still trapped under rubble. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health initially confirmed three deaths, including two women, and three injuries all women from the strike, which hit the third floor of the multi-story building with what appeared to be an air-delivered bomb. Local media and later accounts raised the toll to four killed as rescue teams from the Lebanese Civil Defense continued searching the debris late into the night. Among the victims was Pierre Mouawad, a prominent local official with the Christian Lebanese Forces p...

Global Politics Update: Rising Tensions, Strategic Alliances, and Shifting Power in 2026 By, Maryamu Joshua Maiva A tense mix of intense rivalry and reluctant cooperation is shaping global politics in 2026, as major powers test each other's limits while still collaborating on shared challenges. The most critical dynamic remains the deepening strategic competition between the United States and China  spanning technology, trade, military capabilities, and regional influence, especially across the Indo-Pacific. Yet both sides continue selective high-level dialogue, acknowledging that full decoupling remains impractical in today's interconnected world. At the same time, the Russia–Ukraine conflict continues to shape global security and diplomacy. Western countries are still offering political, military, and economic support to Ukraine, while Russia maintains its position despite growing pressure. The war has not only affected the countries directly involved but has also contributed...

 US Forces Rescue Second Airman from Downed F-15E in Treacherous Iranian Mountains After Daring Operation By Joshua Japhet Nnaemeka. Wreckage and Debris at the crash site. The US special operations forces have successfully rescued the second crew member of a downed F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet from deep inside Iranian territory, extracting the injured airman after he evaded capture for more than 24 hours in rugged mountain terrain, President Donald Trump announced Sunday. Trump described the mission as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” hailing the airman  reported to be a colonel and weapons systems officer  as a “brave warrior” who hid in a mountain crevice while being hunted by Iranian forces. “WE GOT HIM! … This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He confirmed the officer is “SAFE ...

  Trump Issues Expletive-Laden 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Oil Shock Deepens By Joshua Japhet Nnaemeka. Strait of Hormuz Shipping Disruptions  US President Donald Trump has given Iran a fresh 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz  the narrow chokepoint carrying about 20% of global oil shipments or face devastating US strikes on Iranian power plants, bridges, and energy infrastructure, warning that Tehran will be “living in Hell” if it fails to comply. In a strongly worded Truth Social post on Easter Sunday, Trump declared: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F------ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” He signed off with the ironic phrase “Praise be to Allah.” The ultimatum comes amid a near-total collapse of commercial shipping through the strait, which Iran has effectively blockaded since the start of the US-Israel mi...

  2.47 Million Palestinian Children Face Growing Risks Amid Continued Israeli Aggression By, Juliet Julius Bitrus Occupied Jerusalem, April 5, 2026 (SANA) – Approximately 2.47 million Palestinian children in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, representing 43 percent of the Palestinian population, are confronting escalating risks and severe humanitarian challenges under ongoing Israeli occupation and aggression, according to a new report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). The statistics were released to mark Palestinian Children’s Day and were cited by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. They break down as follows: 1.38 million children reside in the West Bank and 1.09 million in the Gaza Strip. Rising Casualties   By the end of 2025, at least 72,289 Palestinians had been killed in Gaza, including 21,283 children — accounting for about 30 percent of the total fatalities. The impact has extended beyond direct military operations, with 157 children rep...

  Nigeria's Bold Step Against Hunger: Over ₦66 Billion Pledged for the National Community Food Bank Programme By Ishaya Charity Wudiri In a significant move to tackle the growing challenge of hunger and food insecurity across Nigeria, the Federal Government has successfully mobilised over ₦66 billion in pledges for the newly launched National Community Food Bank Programme in Abuja. The initiative, which enjoys the strong backing of President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represents a key component of the administration’s renewed commitment to improving nutrition, public health, and the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians. Speaking at the high-profile launch event, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, revealed that the substantial pledges were drawn from both public and private sector stakeholders. He described the programme as a strategic and timely intervention that aligns perfectly with the Tinubu administration’s focus...