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South Africa Defends Xenophobic Attacks, Blames Installation Of ‘Igbo King’, Arrest Of 500 ‘Criminal’ Nigerians

By
Ayodele Oni
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South Africa in Taks with Nigeria - Xenophobic Attacks

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria and South Africa have opened what looks like diplomatic engagement to end the strained relationship between the two countries occasioned by xenophobic attacks.

 

This is just as South Africa put up a defence adducing reasons for the renewed xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African migrants in the country.

 

According to a report on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) website, the Special Envoy to Nigeria revealed that the purported crowning of Solomon Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo Na East London in KuGompo (formerly East London) in March caused widespread public concern across South Africa.

 

The Special Envoy revealed that as of July 7, more than 500 Nigerians had been arrested for offenses, including organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, and financial fraud.

 

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola

cited instances where law enforcement officers faced violent resistance or obstruction during criminal investigations.

 

He said: “Regrettably, these incidents have fuelled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years.

 

Diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the Rainbow Nation is deeply fragile, following the xenophobic sentiments, which have led to the death of at least five Nigerians since citizen-led anti-immigrant groups organised demonstrations in Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, and other major cities in April, asking undocumented migrants to leave the country by June 30.

 

The death of Ibeh Simon in Bellville, Cape Town, during a South African Police Service (SAPS) operation last Thursday, deepened the diplomatic tensions between both countries, with Nigeria demanding an immediate, transparent probe into the latest killing, insisting that those responsible must be punished.

 

After delivering an official message from President Cyril Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, in a move to strengthen cooperation on migration between the countries, the Minister  outlined specific areas of concern that have heightened recent tensions between the two nations in the message.

 

“Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law is vital for the well-being of both our nations.”

 

According to him, the law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, lawabiding Nigerian diaspora.

 

Both countries then agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric in public discourse and prevent hostile actions, per DIRCO.

 

The two governments reaffirmed that bilateral diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity remain the essential frameworks to ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard human rights, and deepen historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria.

Uzodimma Congratulates New NAWOJ Chairperson, Okere

By
The Source
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NAWOJ President

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has congratulated Mrs. Bibian Oluchi Okere on her election as the new Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter.

 

Mrs. Okere was, Wednesday, elected unopposed by her colleagues during a bye-election  to fill the vacuum which the appointment of Dr. (Mrs.) Dorathy Nnaji, former NAWOJ Chairperson of Imo State

as a Permanent Secretary created.

 

A congratulatory message signed by

Chief Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor, Uzodimma noted that Mrs Okere’s election via a voice vote of “unopposed” has a lot to show about her capacity to deliver on the mandate his colleagues had given to her.

 

The Governor lauded the peaceful exercise that threw the new Chairperson up, saying her victory is the victory of all female journalists practicing in Nigeria, and with particular reference to Imo State.

 

Uzodimma advised Mrs Okere to sustain the tempo of unity, peace and joy among her colleagues that resulted to her being elected unopposed by ensuring inclusiveness in the manner she goes about piloting the affairs of the association.

 

He promised that his administration will continue to support and partner with all journalists, including the women folk, in the interest of the public that both the media and government serve.

 

The Governor also urged all members of the NAWOJ in Imo State under the watch of a new leadership to support the executive members to enable them serve the body well.

 

Before her new role, Mrs. Okere was the Secretary of the Information Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Chapter.

Alhaji Alhaji, Fmr. Minister For Finance & National Planning, Dies

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Alhaji Alhaji Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A former Nigerian Minister for Finance and National Planning, Alhaji Alhaji Abubakar, is dead.

 

He, reportedly, passed away in Abuja, on Thursday, July 30 at the Alliance Hospital where he had been for some weeks. Before the transfer to Alliance Hospital, he was receiving  treatment at the  Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

 

Aged 88 years, he was, also, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the  United Kingdom, and held the revered Traditional title of the Sarduanan of Sokoto.

 

He joined the Civil Service in 1964, rose through the ranks, and had a distinguished public service career. Among other high profile positions, served under the President Ibrahim Babangida’s Regime as Minister of State and Budget, and later, Minister of Finance between 1990 and 1991.

Gadzama Rejects Suspension From Legal Practice By LPDC, Heads To Court

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Senior Lawyer, Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN, has faulted his three-year suspension by the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee, LPDC.

 

The LPDC had, on Wednesday, July 29, barred Gadzama from practising as a lawyer anywhere in the country for a period of three years, citing illegal client solicitation and cornering of  briefs belonging to fellow legal practitioners as major reasons for its action.

 

However, in a swift statement, Gadzama, while rejecting the said suspension order, described the action of the LPDC as running foul of extant rules and regulations.

 

He maintained that the documentary evidence made available to the Committee does not, in any way, support the findings made against him.

 

While reassuring his clients and associates, Gadzama noted that the decision of the Committee will not stop him from practising as a lawyer, as he has already instructed his legal team to file an appeal.

 

“My attention has been drawn to the direction delivered today, July 29 ,2026 ,by the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee LPDC in compliant No BB/LPDC/1314/2024 instituted by Mr Chris Alashi against Ocha P Ulegede and myself.

 

“I have been informed that Committee found against me and directed that I be suspended from legal practice for a period of three years.

 

“While I am yet to receive or review the certified true copy, CTC, of the direction, I have instructed my legal team to file an immediate appeal. Pursuant to Section 11(8) (a) of the Legal Practitioners’ Act ,the filing of an appeal within the prescribed time prevents the direction from taking effect pending the determination of the appeal.

 

“I hold the institutions established to regulate the legal profession in the highest regard and remain firmly committed to the rule of law.

 

“However, I respectfully disagree with the Committee’s decision and firmly believe that it is not supported by the evidence or applicable law.

 

“I wish to reassure my clients, colleagues, friends and the general public that upon the filing of the appeal within the time prescribed by law ,my right to practice as a legal practitioner remains unaffected pending the final determination of the appeal in accordance with the provisions of the Legal Practitioners’ Act”, Gadzama stated in his statement.

 

This is as he expressed sincere appreciations to friends , colleagues , clients and members of the public for their overwhelming show of solidarity, support and prayers.

Osun Arrests: Gov Adeleke Says People Solidly Behind Him

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

 

“Osun people are reticent, do not succumb to intimidation, blackmail or injustice” – Adeleke

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has maintained that despite intimidation and external interference, people of the state will not succumb as the August 15 governorship election draws near.

 

The governor stated this in a post on Thursday morning as reactions trailed the detention of Teslim Igbalaye, secretary to the state government (SSG), by operatives of the police command over alleged vote buying.

 

Igbalaye was detained on Wednesday night alongside others after the police raided his private residence in Osogbo.

 

In a statement, Abiodun Ojelabi, police spokesperson in Osun, said N4.8 million and other electoral materials were recovered from a residence linked to the SSG.

 

Ojelabi said other exhibits recovered included one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

 

The police spokesperson said the recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

 

The development comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.

 

In recent weeks, the political atmosphere in the state has become increasingly charged, with supporters of Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of Accord,Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) trading accusations and verbal attacks.

 

In a statement issued earlier, Kolapo Alimi, Osun commissioner for information and public enlightenment, accused operatives of the state police command, led by the deputy commissioner of police (operations), of carrying out the “systematic invasion, attacks and bursting” of the residences of the SSG and six commissioners.

 

Alimi condemned what he described as “gestapo operations” on the homes of the SSG and other government officials.

 

He described the alleged raids on the residences of the SSG and the commissioners as “an aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun State” and “a grave danger” to the country’s democracy.

 

Although Adeleke did not directly address the detention in his post, he maintained that no amount of intimidation or harassment would make the people of the state succumb to fear ahead of the election.

 

“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights,” he wrote.

 

“As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State.”

 

The governor maintained that the verdict of the people would prevail, adding that “independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for Accord Party, because the people can see and feel the impact” of his administration.

 

“From infrastructure and education to healthcare, workers’ welfare, and pension reforms, our record speaks for itself,” he said.

 

“By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead.”

 

He urged his supporters to remain united and vigilant, vote for the party, and be prepared to defend their votes in the forthcoming election.

Katsina Judge Escapes Through Window As Bandits Storm Court Room

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Gunmen

By Adesina Soyooye

 

But for a combination of his alertness and physical fitness, a Katsina State Judge could either, by now, been in the den of bandits or dead.

 

The Shariah Court Judge, Mohammed Muktar, was sitting in his Court located at Gwajor village  of Matazu Local Government Area, when bandits stormed at about 12.00 noon.

 

Heavily armed, they started shooting sporadically and asking for the whereabouts of the Judge for whom they, specifically, apparently, came for.

 

However, having spotted them from afar, before they entered the Court room, he made for the nearest window to him, jumped through it, and escaped, according to reports.

 

An eyewitness narrated: “The bandits entered the Courtroom, shooting indiscriminately and repeatedly asking where the Judge was. Fortunately, he had already escaped through the window, and a commercial motorcyclist helped him flee before they arrived.”

 

On realising that the Judge had escaped, the bandit, outraged, swore to kill him if he dared come  back to the Court to sit.

 

The Katsina State Police Command was yet to comment on the frightening incident at the time of this report.

 

Katsina State is an epicentre of banditry in  Northern Nigeria.

Obasanjo Declares January 15, July 29, June 12, As Black Days In Nigeria’s History

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Olusegun Obasanjo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the January 15, 1966 coup ,the July 29, 1966 counter coup ,and the military annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election as some of the darkest moments in the evolution of Nigeria.

 

This is as he urged authorities to re-introduce history as a subject in the country’s educational curriculum.

 

Obasanjo who spoke on the occasion of the 60th memorial service in honour of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, late General Thomas Ummunnkwe Aguiyi  Ironsi on Wednesday in Umuahia ,the Abia state capital, also, blamed exclusion, destruction and divisive rhetorics for most of the problems besetting the country.

 

The former President who described the late Aguiyi Ironsi as one with an image of a father-figure in the military, recalled with nostalgia how he treated everyone, including junior and younger officers, with generous courtesy and care.

 

He noted that the late Head of State showed remarkable leadership qualities throughout his military career and service, including a very outstanding performance during the United Nations peacekeeping mission to Congo

 

Obasanjo appealed to Nigerians to draw valuable lessons from the experiences of January 15,1966 July 29,1966 coups ,and the June 12,1993 election, which he insisted remain  very dark spots in the history of Nigeria.

 

“July 29 is one black day in the history of Nigeria. January 15 is another black day . The annulment of June 12 election is also a black day. But the question is: what lessons do we learn from them ?”

 

“Most of these black days excluded, destroyed ,and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusiveness, construction , cooperation and bringing our people together” Obasanjo stated .

 

The former President emphasized the urgent need for the re-introduction of history in the educational curriculum for the purpose of exposing future generations to the mistakes of the past generations.

 

He expressed serious concern that future generations risk repeating past mistakes of previous generation if not exposed to those avoidable errors.

 

“Nigeria has many black days ,and because of these black days ,we must  remember history to learn the right lessons” he added.

INEC: 14 Parties To Contest Osun Gov Election

By
James Orji
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says all is now set to conduct the Osun state Governorship election slated for August 13, 2026.

The Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan made this known in Osogbo, the state’s capital while speaking at the Osun State governorship election stakeholders forum, saying the commission in fully prepared logistically, technologically and operationally to organise a free, fair and credible election next month in line with the nation’s extant laws.

Amupitan stated that 14 political parties are now set to take part in the election, saying over 60 percent of electorate in the state who will participate in the election, have collected their Permanent Voters Card, PVC.

According him “In line with our statutory mandate, the commission has finalised and certified the comprehensive Register of Voters for this off-cycle election. For this election, the Total Registered Voters are 2,339,233, spread across 30 Local Government Areas, 332 Registration Areas (Wards), and 3,763 Polling Units in the state.

“Fourteen political parties will participate in the contest. As at the close of PVC collection yesterday, a total of 322,822, representing 62% of the newly registered voters, had collected their PVCs.

“The Commission has reviewed this development and, in the interest of inclusivity, decided to extend the collection till Friday, 31st July 2026 to enable those who have been unable to collect their PVCs to do so. This is to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.

“We have contacted security agencies and will request the ICEES to ensure massive deployment of patrol vehicles around the venue of the collection centres. Those concerned should take advantage of this window and collect their PVCs.

“Through the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), double registrations and invalid entries were systematically purged. This clean, legally verified electorate of 2,339,233 citizens holds the exclusive authority to choose the leadership of Osun State.

“To eliminate early-morning deployment bottlenecks, we have decentralised our distribution network into 97 Super Registration Area Centres (Super RACs) and 105 Registration Area Centres (RACs) across the state. We will not compromise our transport logistics frameworks with the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).

“Agreements will be fully ratified ahead of the election. Sensitive materials will be moved under strict security escorts, ad-hoc staff training has been concluded, and field teams will activate all 3,763 polling units simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. on Election Day.”

The magazine reports that Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent is seeking a re-election  under the Accord Party.

Gov. Aiyedatiwa Approves Release Of N1.1 Billion To Offset Salary Arrears Of Ondo Varsity Workers

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

All is set fot the workers of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, ( AAUA) to call off weeks of work boycott over non payment of their outstanding salary.

 

Already, Ondo state Governor, Lucky  Aiyedatiwa, has approved the release of N1.1 billion as a special intervention fund to the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), to offset outstanding salary arrears owed to members of staff of the institution.

 

The intervention, according to the state government, is aimed at addressing the financial challenges confronting the university and resolving the ongoing industrial dispute that has disrupted academic activities at the institution.

 

The approval is part of the Aiyedatiwa administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, promoting the welfare of workers and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching, learning and research in the state-owned university.

 

The Governor has consequently directed the state Ministry of Finance and the management of AAUA to ensure the prompt release and disbursement of the approved funds for the settlement of the outstanding salary obligations.

 

The intervention is also expected to pave the way for the resolution of the issues that led to the industrial action and facilitate the immediate restoration of normal academic activities on the university campus.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa, while appealing to the relevant workers’ unions to consider the intervention as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to resolving the salary crisis, urged them to suspend the strike and return to work in the interest of the students and the overall development of the institution.

 

The Governor reiterated his administration’s belief that the welfare and motivation of workers remain critical to the success of any educational institution, stressing that a well-motivated workforce is indispensable to the development of a world-class university capable of competing favourably with institutions globally.

 

He further reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to creating the necessary conditions for the sustainable growth and development of AAUA, while ensuring that students receive quality education without unnecessary disruptions to the academic calendar.

 

“The N1.1 billion intervention is therefore expected to provide significant relief to staff affected by the salary arrears, restore confidence among the university community and contribute to the speedy resolution of the lingering industrial dispute.

State Of the Nation: Tinubu Lied To Catholic Bishops-APM

By
James Orji
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

The Allied People’s Movement, APM has tackled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent admonition to catholic bishops that the security and economic situation in the country has improved under him.

APM’s the National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf stated this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the president was only trying to paint a different picture of what’s happening in the country.

Tinubu had told the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso  who visited him in Aso Villa, Nigeria’s Presidency that things are gradually picking up in the country, particularly in the areas of economy and security, saying the economy has ‘improved” as the country has recovered from the “dark tunnel of uncertainty” it was before he came to office.

“I have listened to you carefully, and most importantly, your key areas are security and education. I can tell you categorically with sincerity that the country has been placed on a sound footing. The economy has recovered. The alarm for bankruptcy and dark tunnel of uncertainty that we had when I came in has been changed,”  Tinubu told the Bishop on Wednesday.

Reacting, APM said the situation in the country has not changed, that it’s wrong for the president to lie to the bishops when millions of Nigerians are sinking deeper into abject poverty and terrorists are having a field day killing, and maiming Nigerians across the country.

According to the opposition party, independent data from credible institutions indicate that the poverty level in the country has risen sharply, to over 63 percent as more than half of the nation’s 280 million people are affected.

The party wondered why the president thought he could deceive Nigerians, more so the catholic bishops who are constantly in close touch with the masses, saying the administrations policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy has triggered off various problems in the country, including high food prices, high transportation cost, unaffordable school fees, house rent hike, among others.

“Since President Tinubu claims that Nigeria is better under his administration, the APM challenges him not to travel abroad for medical treatment, but rather to stay in the country for the remainder of his term and benefit from the ‘wonderful’ healthcare his administration has provided,” the party said.

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