AFCON 2025: FG Intervenes Over Super Eagles Unpaid Allowances Disburses Outstanding AFCON Bonuses

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January 8, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the threat of boycotting its Quarter Finals match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria following the failure of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to pay the outstanding allowances and winning bonuses of the Super Eagles, the Federal Government has swiftly intervened to avoid a national embarrassment.

The FG has began the disbursement of the funds which was confirmed by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, who made the disclosure via a statement posted on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday morning.

Uzoka-Anite said the Government, working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, had resolved earlier bottlenecks surrounding foreign exchange processing to ensure timely payment to the players.

“I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding the match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025,” she said. “The Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria have successfully streamlined the foreign exchange processing to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay.”

She further stated that all Group-Stage bonuses have been fully released and have cleared the necessary regulatory stages, while the final transfers to players’ accounts were already underway.

The Super Eagles players had protested that they wouldn’t travel to Marrakech for their Quarter Finals encounter against Algeria if their bonuses and allowances were not paid.

She explained that the government introduced a fast-track conversion process to meet the players’ preferences for foreign currency payments. “We have implemented a fast-track conversion process to move funds into foreign currency, honouring the players’ preferences,” the minister said.

She however added that the final disbursements to the players’ domiciliary accounts were in progress and expected to reflect shortly.

“The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight. Players can expect these funds to reflect starting today or tomorrow,” she stated.

The players threat of boycotting their Saturday fixture at the ongoing AFCON Tournament led to widespread criticism from different quarters with the NFF fingered and lambasted for the failure of the players been paid as at when due.

Author, Chimamanda Loses Son

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Ayodele Oni

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January 8, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Writers’ world is in mourning mood as American based Nigerian famous author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her Medical Doctor-husband, Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.

Nnamdi and his twin brother were born in 2024 and he passed at the age of 21 months.

Nnamdi passed on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family, the 21-month-old passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The statement said the family is devastated by the loss, and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The statement reads: “We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.

“We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private.

“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief.”

The couple, also, has a daughter born in 2016.

NIMASA Enforcement: To Arrest, Detain Unregistered Ships

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 8, 2026

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As part of efforts to ensure full compliance with existing maritime laws and regulations, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has commenced special operational enforcement code named “Operation Zero Tolerance for Non-Compliance” in the Nigerian maritime domain.

The directive was issued through a Marine Notice, pursuant to the Agency’s statutory mandate under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, and other applicable regulations.

Under this operation, all Ship/Vessel Owners, Operators, Managers, International and National Oil Companies, Masters and Officers of Merchant Ships, Shipping Companies, Shipping Agents, Charterers, Offshore Installations and Platforms Operators, Vessel Operators at the Free Trade Zones (FTZ), and Maritime Stakeholders operating or intending to operate within Nigerian waters are required to ensure full compliance with statutory requirements.

These include proper vessel registration, valid certifications, updated ownership documentation, adherence to Cabotage provisions relating to vessel ownership, registration, manning, and build.

The notice also emphasized the importance of timely payment and remittance of all statutory levies and fees as prescribed by law.

As part of the enforcement process, NIMASA will conduct random and targeted vessel inspections, verify documentation against its databases, and carry out physical and documentary compliance assessments at ports, terminals, and offshore locations. Operators will also be required to present proof of payment of all applicable levies and fees upon request.

To allow stakeholders the opportunity to regularize their operations, NIMASA has granted a thirty (30) day window from January 5, 2026 for a self-audit and voluntary compliance.

The Agency warned that failure to comply after the expiration of the grace period will attract enforcement actions, including vessel detention, monetary penalties, withdrawal of waivers or operational licences, and denial of port clearance until full compliance is achieved.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola has assured all stakeholders of the Agency’s commitment to promoting indigenous shipping development, enhancing maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring strict compliance with Nigeria’s maritime laws.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders to do their part so that together, we can build on the gains of previous regulatory achievements, which is enhanced safety, a secure maritime environment and sustainable utilization of our marine resources”, the DG added.

Again, Rivers Assembly Begins Impeachment Against Gov. Fubara, Deputy, Odu

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Ayodele Oni

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January 8, 2026

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Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu — Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

By Akwinwale Kasali and Ayodele Oni

Rivers state House of Assembly on Thursday began impeachment proceedings against Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

The members present, all of whom are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are accusing Fubara and Odu of gross misconduct.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Fubara.

Relying on Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Jack reeled out seven points of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara.

Some of the accusations include the demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, refusal to obey the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy of the House.

Twenty-six members of the Assembly signed the notice.

After Jack laid his notice before the Speaker who said the notice will be served on the Governor within seven days, the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, also brought forward a notice of gross misconduct against Odu.

Some of the gross misconduct allegations included reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties as outlined by the 1999 Constitution, conniving to allow unauthorized persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly.

Other allegations were that she approached another group of people for budgetary approval instead of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, seizure of salaries and allowances accruing to the RSHA and the Assembly Service Commission.

The first impeachment procedure against the governor in 2023 led to the declaration of a state of emergency following conflicting court’s pronouncement on the political crisis in the state

Fubara, Odu and members of the assembly had recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), last year.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has just completed a tour of local governments in the state during which he accused Fubara of breaching agreement facilitated between them by President Bola Tinubu. Wike swore that Fubara will never get a second term in office in 2027. Not a few people agree that the Assembly began the impeachment on Wike’s instruction.

The Assembly has adjourned proceedings to next week, January 16.

Malami Prosecution: We Warned Buhari- Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 8, 2026

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Abubakar Malami in Court — Abubakar Malami

Laolu Akande, a former spokesman under the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s says he’s not surprised over the ongoing prosecution, for alleged corruption, of Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The former presidential aide said some officials in that government warned the former president of what was going on in the Ministry of Justice under Malami, but Buhari chose not to listen. Akande, was Senior Special Assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo under the Buhari’s administration.

His remark comes barely a day after Justice Emeke Nwite granted Malami, his wife, and son bail to the tune of N1.5 billion.

The magazine had earlier reported that the former AGF and his alleged accomplices have been detained by the agency on the order of the court since last year.

While ruling on Malami bail application yesterday ,the judge said Malami and other accused persons must be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre till they perfected their bail conditions.

Reacting to Malami’s case with the EFCC, Akande who spoke on Channels Television programme on Thursday, stated that some officials in the Buhari’s administration “saw” what is now happening to Malami ahead of time, and warned the late president about it.

Malami is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly enriching himself while he served for eight years under that administration as AGF. He has been charged by the anti-graft agency for alleged money laundering to the tune of over N8 billion.

Other allegations the EFCC brought against the former AGF include that he corruptly acquired choice properties worth over N200 billion in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Kano, Kebbi and other parts of the country while he served under the Buhari’s administration. The properties have been confiscated by the EFCC acting on curt order pending the hearing of the case of corruption against him.

The former AGF however insisted on his innocence, saying his prosecution by the anti-graft agency has political undercurrents.

He has also accused EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede of sponsoring a campaign of calumny against him, citing the alleged indictment of the EFCC boss by the Justice Salami Panel, details of which he’s privy to due to his position as AGF then under the Buhari’s government.

He insist that he’s clean as a whistle of all the allegations brought against him by the EFCC, saying he will soon be declared innocent by the court of law. He also demanded the EFCC boss to recuse himself from his case, saying he ‘s witch-hunting him and biased.

In a statement released by Mohammed Bello Doka, his media aide last month, Malami said his detention, investigation and prosecution was politically motivated, particularly following his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Sources said the former AGF who defected to the ADC late year is gearing up to contest the Kebbi state governorship election in 2o27.

Malami claimed that the EFCC’s actions were driven by “historical animosity” and a “personal vendetta” rather than genuine law enforcement concerns.

He explained that while serving as attorney-general, the federal government constituted the Ayo Salami judicial commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.

He noted that Olukoyede served as secretary to the commission, whose report, contains serious findings implicating the EFCC chairman, particularly in chapter nine.

Malami said the circumstances surrounding the current investigation showed that he had been pre-judged and could not receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under Olukoyede’s leadership.

He asked that the matter be transferred to another appropriate enforcement agency to restore credibility and public confidence.

He called on Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, to prevail on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself to prevent further institutional damage.

The former AGF demanded his immediate prosecution or release, insisting that he be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction within 24 hours in line with sections 35(3), (4) and (5) of the constitution.

Malami accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and serving criminal sentences abroad as witnesses against him.

He described the alleged move as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system”.

The ex-AGF stated that his legal team had requested certified true copies of petitions forming the basis of the investigation, including one by Human and Environmental Agenda dated September 11, 2023, and another by Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance.

He also demanded certified true copies of the EFCC’s investigation report, which he said, were necessary to prepare his defence.

Malami said he was not seeking any political settlement or inducement, adding that his sole objective was to clear his name before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Nigeria must not degenerate into a republic where anti-corruption agencies are converted into tools of political intimidation,” he said.

Ugochinyere Imo Warns Wike To Stop Insulting The Igbo, Tells Him “You Are Not In His Class”

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 8, 2026

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Hom. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

The member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo, has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to stop insulting the Igbo.

Speaking from his home town, Akokwa, while announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the Action Peoples Party, APP.

Ugochinyere’s warning stemmed from Wike’s verbal attack on the President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azu Mbata.

Ugochinyere pointed out that any insult on Mbata is an insult on the Igbo Nation. He urged Wike to refrain from any further insult on the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Ugochinyere, also, called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and stop him from insulting the Igbo.

He told Wike: “I want to warn you that your decision to attack the Igbo nation by insulting the President General of the Igbo nation should be the last. Igbo all over the world can tolerate all these things you did, but you see, to look at Ohaneze Ndigbo President General and talk down on a man that the whole Igbo Nation find fit to lead the race worldwide is a red line.

“He’s President General of Igbo Nation Worldwide from Antarctica to the last bottom of the earth. That’s why today at the meeting of the Ime Obi of the Igbo youth, they have issued a stern warning to you. Do not attack our tribe again.

“Limit your politics to those who allow you to be doing all those things. But do not attack the president of the Igbo nation. Sen. Azuta Mbata is not in your class.

“The whole Ndigbo find him fit to lead our tribe. He told you a simple truth. That he helped you, gave you your lifeline. That does not warrant an insult.”

2027: EFCC Watching Corrupt Politicians; Will Not Bow To Pressure

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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January 8, 2026

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned politicians sponsoring media attacks against the commission to desist from the act, as they are being closely watched, and the agency will not be blackmailed to silence.

The agency also noted that the frequency of the campaign is likely to increase as the 2027 general election is getting closer, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyedele made the revelation in a statement he signed on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He explained that such politicians have recruited some paid hack writers to write against the agency, particularity on the prosecution of high profile government officials who are alleged to have soiled their hands while in government.

The revelation is coming on the heels of the bail granted a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami by Justice Emeka Nwite of the federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

Malami, his wife and son have been dragged to court by the EFCC over alleged fraud running into several billions of naira. Instructively, the former AGF was alleged to have fraudulently acquired choice proprieties worth over N200 billion in Abuja and other states in the country while he served under President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The accused were yesterday granted bail to the tune of N1.5 billion by the judge, after they have spent weeks in detention. .

According to the EFCC, accused politicians are not happy with what the commission is doing, and are now trying to force the it into “a timid mode” but said the agency will not buckle to pressure, even when such attacks are targeted at its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, saying the “motley crowd of paid jobbers” and their sponsors are under close watch.

Oyedele said the agency is a non-partisan body and will not hesitate to prosecute corrupt persons whether in the government or opposition, as there’s “no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the commission.”

“Their objective is to befuddle the work of the commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate the commission into a timid mode,” the agency said.

“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch.

“The EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria. It reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the commission.

“Nigerians need to appreciate the fact that the commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Commentaries about the presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as defence of any individual or group,” EFCC noted.

Ikenga Ugochinyere Dumps PDP For APP, Tells Fmr Party ”The monster you created has consumed you’’

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 8, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The member representing Ideato North/ Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Action Peoples Party, APP.

Until he dumped the Party, Hon. Ugochinyere Imo was one of the most active and vocal voices in the PDP and one of those who gave the ruling party in the State hell.

He declared for the APP, a little known Party in the State, at his home town Akokwa, in the presence of thousands of his Constituents and officials of the APP. The ceremony was aired live on Arise Television. But even though APP is not quite known in the State, not a few people believe that the Lawmaker’s popularity in his Constituency and charisma and performance will see him through in the State which, for now, is clearly an APC State, 100 per cent, almost.

While declaring for the APP, he said the monster the PDP created has consumed it. There has been an unprecedented run in the Party which from the 13 Governors it had in 2023, now parades only a paltry four.

He pilloried the leadership of the PDP for the prolonged internal crisis which began since 2015, and worsened in 2022.

It is Ugochinyere’s opinion that those who watered the crisis are now being consumed by what it nurtured.

He described the PDP situation as self-inflicted. He recalled the obstacles he personally faced in the Party as soon as he was cleared to contest for the House of Representatives election.

“From the day we declared to contest under the PDP, we began to face problems, internal opposition and sabotage trailed mu ambition throughout the process.”

He criticised the party’s silence during the political crisis in Rivers State, and accused its leaders of failing to defend the party’s integrity at a critical moment.

He recalled how a prominent party member of the PDP from the South-east fully supported the actions that weakened the PDP for personal gain, and described it as a betrayal of the party.

He said: “Today, the monster you enabled is after all of you.

“As a lawyer and a defender of justice, should I join people who are directionless and only interested in accessing the vault of their state?” he asked. He was answered by a thunderous no!

“From the day we started with PDP to this afternoon, we are still in court with our party in a bid to retain the seat that for over fifteen years they never won until we brought victory to them. Now that we survived all these ordeals in the last three, four years, should we try it again? No. Should we test God to see whether we survive? Not to talk of the fact that some of them testified against us in tribunal, our own party men.

“I found it very insulting as the only federal lawmaker that the party has in the State. But they preferred that the party died while they washed dishes in Port Harcourt.

“We want to build. We want to earn every vote. And that’s why we took a political party that we want to build from scratch, filled with energy of young people, we went to a political party that didn’t have any governor so we can build because we are sure of what we want to do. It’s on that gound that I have decided to depart from the PDP”.

With his exit from the Party the PDP Imo now has zero presence in the House of Representatives.

Ondo Sports Council New GM: Commissioner Plead With Workers For Peace To Reign

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Ayodele Oni

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January 7, 2026

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Mrs Evelyn Lebi, General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council.

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state commissioner for youths and sports development, Henry Omoyofunmi and the newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, have appealed to aggrieved coaches and athletes to embrace peace, unity and dialogue in the collective interest of sports development in the state.

They made the appeal following a protest by some sports union leaders, athletes and stakeholders over the appointment of Lebi, which resulted in the temporary closure of the main gate of the sports complex in Akure on Tuesday.

The new General Manager, who spoke in Akure, urged coaches and athletes to see her as one of their own, stressing that she has spent over a decade serving meritoriously within the Ondo State Sports Council and remains deeply committed to its progress.

“I understand the concerns being expressed, but I appeal for calm and cooperation. Sports can only grow in an atmosphere of unity. I am ready to work with everyone for the advancement of sports in Ondo State,” she said.

Mrs Lebi assured stakeholders of her readiness to prioritise athletes’ welfare and work closely with dedicated coaches to revive sporting activities across the state, noting that her leadership style would be inclusive, collaborative and focused on sustainable development.

A seasoned sports administrator and former national athlete, Mrs Lebi hails from Ondo West Local Government Area.

Mrs Evelyn Lebi succeeds Mr Sunday Fagite, who recently retired from the civil service.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, has also met with the management of the Ondo State Sports Council to brief them on recent developments and urged staff to cooperate fully with the new General Manager.

Describing her as a qualified and seasoned sports administrator, the commissioner expressed confidence in her ability to reposition sports in the state.

Niger 2027: Information Minister Sacks Aide, Debunks Gov Ambition

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 7, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has debunked claims he is nursing an ambition to run for the Governorship Seat of Niger State come 2027.

Idris stated that his aide who circulated the false Information has been relieved of his job.

A statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, said Idris has suspended the Aide that authored the article.

It would be recalled

that Idris vied for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship ticket alongside Governor Umaru Bago in 2023.

The statement read: “The office of the Minister wishes to bring to the attention of the general public a write-up, written by an aide, Sa’idu Enagi, titled ‘Malagi 2027,’ in which permutations for the 2027 Niger State gubernatorial elections were discussed.

“The write-up and all its contexts are hereby vehemently disclaimed.

“The Honourable Minister is fully focused on his responsibility superintending the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and has no room for political distractions.

“Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication.

“The Honourable Minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect.

“It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger state, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives”, the statement reads.