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Trump Tariff Will Destabilise Nigeria’s $6bn Export To The US – FG

April 7, 2025

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, says the recent trade tariff policy of the United State Government will seriously affect the competitiveness of Nigerian exports to the country, particularly the non-oil sector.

The minister made the remark in a statement at the weekend, a major response by the federal government to the newly imposed trade tariff by the US President Donald Trump.

Two weeks ago, President Trump imposed wide-ranging tariffs on the countries trading with the US, including Nigeria which the leader of the biggest economy in the world, imposed 14 percent on all of its products coming to his country.

The action has been met with wide spread condemnation, as some affected countries have, in a counter measure, imposed higher tariffs on US exports.

Business experts have lamented that Nigeria will serious feel the brunt of the new US trade war against its trading countries globally, saying a full-blown global trade spat has been set by President Trump.

According to Oduwole, the new US trade regime will seriously affect all the exports from Nigeria, essentially in the non-oil sector, adding that to be mostly hit are sectors reliant on market access and price competitiveness.

Oduwole said, “A significant portion (of Nigeria’s exports) — over 90 per cent — comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1 per cent of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).

“Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.

“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.

“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”

Checks indicate that Nigeria’s exports to the United States have hit over $6 billion annually since 2023.

SDP Gives Conditions For Atiku, Obi To Join Party

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 7, 2025

A chieftain of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Adewole Adebayo says politicians planning to join the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi must be ready to abide by the rules if they eventually become member of the party.

Adebayo, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the SDP made the assertion amidst suggestions that the two former presidential candidates and top opposition leaders in the country are currently in talks with the party’s leadership to join SDP.

The SDP former presidential candidate spoke on Channels Television ‘Politics Today’ on Sunday.

Abubakar and Obi were presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Labour Party, LP, respectively during the 2023 presidential elections.

The duo has been rumoured to be planning to dump their respective political parties in other to move to the SDP.

Their rumoured defections came after a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufai dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for the SDP last month.

The former Kaduna governor, following his defection, had called on top opposition leadesr to join him in his new party to wrestle power from the APC.

Speaking, Adebayo disclosed that both Abubakar and Obi are currently in talks with the leadership of the party, on their plan to become members of the party, saying that they will however need to abide by the rules because “the only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture,”, adding that they will be welcome if they decided to leave their current parties for SDP.

Apart from Abubakar and Obi, the SDP chieftain said “lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them” into the fold of the party.

“People are joining my party, and we are welcoming them. You can see how active I am in welcoming them. The only little issue we have with some of them is to change the culture where if you have not been in an environment where rules are taken seriously,” he said.

“Some of them are doing some Boy Scouts, black market operations, we are dealing with that. But we welcome them into the party. All these people you have mentioned, El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and even former Governor Peter Obi, are coming. A lot of people are coming, and we will welcome them.

When he was asked to clarify if Obi, a former Anambra State governor, is joining the SDP, Adebayo said, “Supposedly, until somebody joins, we don’t know. But people have told me, and the Financial Secretary (SDP) has also informed me, that they are talking. So we will welcome everybody.

“Surely, when we come in, and we don’t become a tower of Babel; if we come in, follow the rules and allow one person to emerge transparently, clearly, without cheating, without criminality the way we did our convention in 2022, people applauded us transparently, no court case, no crisis, no allegations.

“If they can stick to our culture and follow the way we do in the SDP and produce a good alternative to Nigerians, we are going to manifestly defeat the APC and retire President Tinubu to Lagos or wherever he chooses in Nigeria.”

Since El Rufai joined the SDP in March, a slew of politicians have indicated their interests to come into its fold, in their quest to form a common platform to wrestle power from the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections.

Death On The Plateau: NSA Says FG Doing “Whatever It Takes’ To End Crisis After 50 Persons Killed

Tosin Olatokunbo

April 7, 2025

Amidst the wanton killings in Plateau state, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has assured that the government is on top of the situation and will soon end the crisis.

The NSA gave the assurance at the weekend while speaking to stakeholders at the headquarters of Operation Safe Haven, during his visit to the restive state.

No fewer than 50 villagers, mostly farmers have been killed during the latest crisis, by suspected Fulani criminals, who invaded the Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, as prominent Nigerians called for firm intervention on the part of the security agencies to end the killings.

Apart from the loss of lives, the attacks have led to the displacement in many communities in the state, including across Ruwi, Mangor Tamiso, Daffo, Tadai Manguna, and Hurti.

The NSA said the federal government would no longer allow a situation where innocent persons are being killed, saying the government will do ‘whatever it takes’ to end the attacks.

The latest attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen was sequel to the attackm on January 24, 2025, when the attackers killed no fewer than 30 persons and sacked many communities, as residents fled their villages in fear of further attacks.

“This incident that we witnessed last January, hopefully we will not see it again. And that is why I come with this message,” the NSA said.

According to him “We say that enough is enough. It has to stop—whatever it takes,” warning the people not to take laws into their hands which could “spark things that will get out of place.”

He explained that the problems in the state is complicated, that the government has learnt valuable lessons from which is now using to address the perennial attacks in the state.

The NSA assured that “things have improved. And it will even be better as we continue to move across the country and in the Plateau as well, adding that peace is required for development to take place across the country, adding that some arrests have already been made, noting that the federal government is serious this time around to end the killings.

“This is going to be a continuation. We will not relent. We are serious, we are honest about what we are doing,” he declared.

“This progress we are making, this continuous improvement will continue. We’ll get to a point where we say, yes, we have crossed—and be grateful to God,’ Ribadu said.

IMSG Recognizes Prof Iheanacho As Umuakalukwu Emekukwu Autonomous Community Traditional Ruler

The Source

April 7, 2025

The Imo State Government on Saturday, April 5, 2025 recognised Prof. Eugene Iheanacho as the Traditional Ruler of Umuakalukwu Emekukwu community.

Handing over the symbolic Staff of Office at the Government House Owerri, Governor Hope Uzodimma congratulated Prof Iheanacho for the confidence reposed on him by his people; and the Town Union for the orderly and peaceful conduct that helped in his emergence.

The Governor explained that the delay in recognising Prof. Iheanacho when other Monarchs were given Staff of Office recently was to allow Government to thoroughly investigate all allegations and petitions arising from the Community.

Uzodimma reiterated that Government does not appoint Traditional Rulers, but only recognises the person so chosen by the Community.

He advised Prof Iheanacho to show loyalty and commitment to his community and ensure that all aggrieved parties are reconciled and united.

“In this case, your community has chosen you to be their traditional ruler. Your loyalty and commitment is to your community. Government will work with you to provide and serve members of your community better with the fear of God,” the Governor concluded.

HRH Eze Prof. Eugene Iheanacho expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government and the people of Umuakalukwu for the honour done him.

He extolled Governor Uzodimma for his simplicity and humility, and pledged to rebuild the village market as a mark of honour to his community and to portray the beauty of the modesty exhibited by the Governor.

“When I go home, what I’m going to do is speedily rebuild the rural market where the market women stay, and will be able to imitate you for all to see the beauty in your governance,” he remarked.

Present at the occasion were the Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Ruby Emele, Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sir C. O. C Akolisa, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Chima, among other members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.

Police Withdraws Invitation To Emir Sanusi, Operatives To Question Him In Kano

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 7, 2025

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Kayode Egbetodkun

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Sunday, April 6, 2025 withdrew an earlier invitation to the factional Emir of Kano ,Sanusi Lamido, to appear for questioning in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Force Headquarters had, on Friday, April 4, invited Sanusi ,who is embroiled in a bitter tussle with Emir Aminu Ado Bayero for the Kano Emirate throne, to appear before the Force Criminal Investigation Department to answer questions arising from the Sallah day violence that led to the death of one person, and the injuring of many others.

The Kano State Police Command, based on some unfavourable security reports, had banned the camps of Sanusi and Bayero from holding any Sallah Durbar or procession during and after the festivities.

The Police authorities said that the move was to avert any possible breakdown of law and order which may be occasioned if the two contending Emirs went ahead with the holding of the traditional durbar ceremony simultaneously.

Since the start of the struggle between the two for the Kano throne in 2024 ,the Police had banned the glamorous Sallah Durbar to avert violence.

However, reports had indicated that the camp of Sanusi observed the ban in breach, as he was said to have, apart from conducting the Sallah prayers at the Eid ground, also mounted a horse in procession to and from his City palace.

The violation of the Police ban on procession was said to have led to the violence that almost marred the Sallah celebrated in Kano.

The invitation to Sanusi was received by mixed feelings and raised quite some tension in the State. Not a few felt it was rude to invite the Emir to Force Headquarters for questioning.

But in a statement issued on Sunday by Force Public Relation Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed operatives assigned the investigation to proceed to Kano and obtain Sanusi’s statement in the Palace.

“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano on March 30, 2025.

“The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the State.

However, following advice from respected stakeholders, and in line with the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn.

Instead, Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, FID, have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement, ” the Police noted.

According to the Police, despite the agreement reached by all the parties in the Emirship tussle ,Sanusi decided to mount a horse in a procession after the Eid Prayers on Wallah day.

“This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagir, and leaving others injured.

“A situation which the Force had earlier warned against, and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji.Ado Bayero” the police stated.

Following, is the full text of the withdrawal statement by the Police.

Why We Are Interviewing Sanusi – FHQ

“The Nigeria Police Force has withdrawn its earlier invitation extended to Alhaji Sanusi in connection with the unfortunate incident that occurred in Kano State during the Sallah celebration on March 30, 2025. The invitation was initially issued to enable Alhaji Sanusi to provide his account of the events that led to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

“However, following advice from respected stakeholders and in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted, the IGP has directed that the invitation be withdrawn. Instead, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department (FID) have been mandated on the instructions of the IGP to proceed to Kano to obtain Alhaji Sanusi’s statement.

“Prior to the Sallah Day celebration, credible intelligence at the disposal of the Police indicated that the two (2) disputed Emirs in Kano State -Alh Ado Bayero and Alh Lamido Sanusi were planning to hold separate Durbar Festivals. The Durbar Festival is a long held tradition which involves a recognized Emir riding on horses around the city in company of his people.

“To forestall possible violence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, deployed the Coordinating DIG for the North West who also serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Abubakar Sadiq, mni , to engage in dialogue with the two disputed Emirs in kano and the Kano State Government. It was mutually agreed that no Durbar Festival would be held to preserve peace and public safety and none of the disputed emirs will ride on horse on Sallah day.

“Despite this agreement, Alhaji Sanusi who had attended the Eid Prayers in his car, decided to mount a horse in a procession after Eid Prayers on Sallah Day, accompanied by local vigilantes. This triggered a confrontation by youths in the community, leading to the tragic death of one Usman Sagiru, and leaving several others injured. A situation which the Force had earlier warned against and intended to avert by the emissaries sent earlier to both Alhaji Sanusi and Alhaji Ado Bayero

“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, remains resolute in its commitment to conducting its criminal investigation duties with the highest level of professionalism including the investigation of this incident. All individuals found culpable will at the end be brought to justice. To this effect, some arrests have been made prompting invitation to Alhaji Sanusi. The Force also wishes to reiterate that its actions are guided solely by the principles of justice, neutrality, and professionalism.

“ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja.”

“Fmr. Senator Abbo Is A Certificated Liar” – Nnamani, Fmr Senate President

The Source

April 7, 2025

By Charles Igbo

“I don’t know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened”

A scandalized and shocked former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has threatened to take legal action against controversial-prone former Adamawa North District Senator, Elisha Abbo.

Nnamani’s anger stems from what he described as a libellous interview against him granted Arise Television by Abbo.

In the interview Abbo, still whining over losing the Senate seat in the 2023 Elections dragged Nnamani’s name over his loss at the Court of Appeal.

He had been sworn-in for a second term as a Senator, but the Court, after a thorough interrogation of the process and results, and after listening to his Counsel and that of his opponent, Amos Yohanna, in a unanimous judgement by the three-member Panel, said the declaration of Abbo as the winner was, at once, unjust and unfair. The Panel of the Court of Appeal Judges said Abbo won no election. The Court then ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the Certificate of Return from Abbo, and give same to Yohanna.

Since then, Abbo has been blaming one person or the other for his loss at the polls. He had, initially, held members of the Court of Appeal Panel, especially, its Chairman, responsible for his loss, insinuating it was a compromised judgement.

When that laughable allegation failed to gell, he held Senate President Godswill Akpabio responsible. He said Akpabio was the one who influenced his loss at the Court of Appeal.

Two days later, he apologized profusely to Senator Akpabio and said his political mentor, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar asked him to go and apologise.

However, suddenly, a couple of days ago, Abbo appeared on Arise Television, and while speaking on current national issues, he not only dragged in Akpabio’s name (after he had apologized) as being the one who sacked him from the Senate, he, in a most disturbing manner, dragged in Nnamani’s name.

Nobody knows why he dragged in the respected former Senate President’s name in. But he said the Judge who delivered the judgement had apologized to him; that the Judge sent former Senate President Nnamani to his house to apologize to him, Abbo.

However, a shocked Nnamani said nothing could be further from the truth. He dismissed Abbo as a pathological liar, and the current lie as one from the pit of hell; a blatant lie.

Senator Nnamani said he had never been to Abbo’s house before; had never had any discussions with him on his case or any other case before; and had never discussed any Judge or judgement with him.

Nnamani, who was Senate President from 2005 – 2007, has threatened to institute a legal action against Abbo, just as Akpabio, too, has threatened.

Said Nnamani in a statement on Saturday: “I don’t know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him.

“I have never visited him at his house or anywhere. I don’t know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case decided by a court of law in Nigeria. The only time we met was when he visited me at my house, and it was more of a social visit.

“While I contemplate private legal action for Senator Abbo’s libelous statements, I want the public to completely disregard his falsehood.”

For now, unless Abbo apologises, publicly, to Senator Nnamani, he would have two cases hanging on his neck in the Court – one from Akpabio, the other from Nnamani. Only irrefutable evidences will save him.

Imo NBA Lauds Uzodimma On Appointment Of Acting Chief Judge

The Source

April 6, 2025

Justice Theresa Chikeka and Hope Uzodimma

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Imo State, have welcomed the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of the State, Hon Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu. They rose in unison on Sunday to endorse the recent appointment of Justice Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the State.

They also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for adhering to the provision of the law in making the appointment, saying that Justice Nzeukwu still remains the most senior Judge in the State judiciary.

Addressing a news conference in Owerri, Chairmen of four of the five branches of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in the State declared the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu as well informed and in accordance with the law.

“Consequently, we hereby state categorically that the decision (appointment of Justice Nzeukwu by Governor Uzodimma) is acceptable to the majority of the members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Imo State.”

Those who signed the text of the news conference are: Prince B .O . Amukamara, Chairman NBA, Orlu branch; I. I Iheonu, Chairman, NBA, Okigwe branch; Ndubuisi Uhuegbu,Chairman, NBA Mbano/Etiti branch, and Chief Eze Ihekoronye, Chairman, NBA, Mbaise branch.

They averred that Justice Nzeukwu who by records, both statutorily and constitutionally, “is the most senior and qualified amongst the four most senior judges of the Imo State judiciary for appointment as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.”

According to them, Governor Uzodimma was in order by “lawfully and carefully performing his constitutional duty under Section 271(4) of the 1999 constitution as amended by appointing Hon Justice T.N . Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.”

They further declared, “the decision of His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Hope Uzodimma, CON, in appointing Justice T N Nzeukwu is well informed, legal and constitutional.”

They congratulated the new Acting Chief Judge, Hon Justice Nzeukwu for his appointment, saying it was merited as the most senior of the four senior justices in the State judiciary, and wished him God’s guidance and protection.

They also commended Governor Uzodimma for his courage and firmness in appointing the most senior of the judges as the Acting Chief Judge of the State.

Call For State Police Intensifies, As Groups Lament Spate Of Kidnapping In SW

Akinwale Kasali

April 6, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The spate of insecurity in the South West of Nigeria, has, again, pushed to the front burner, the clamour for State Police by Self Determination Groups in the Region.

The Groups have thrown their weight behind the setting up of State Police, saying it is the only panacea to cases of kidnappings.

The Groups lamented the approach of South West Governors in achieving this goal, and cappealed to them to support the cause for the establishment of State Police.

The call was made at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme; ‘Western Nigeria Global Summit on Security and Livelihood.’

They said it was time for Governors and Local Government Chairmen to be mandated to secure their citizens “because they are the Chief Security officers of their territories, and everyone of them should be held accountable for insecurity in their areas.”

Adewale Adeoye, the Chairman of the Planning Committee said that Nigerians had always wanted to live on their own terms and not on the terms of others.

“But now many Nigerians are confronted with the challenges of living under the threats of attack, and many people are dying in their own land, and they need hope instead of despair,” he said.

He lamented that their means of survival were being threatened, and that most Yoruba lands had become terrorist havens.

In the same vein, Convener of the Summit, Comrade Wale Oshun said the South-west had a lot of work to do in securing their people, maintaining that one of the reasons for convening the meeting was to seek an end to the senseless killings in the region.

It added that people of the region are ready to protect themselves legitimately if the Government cam allow them to do so, as the Insecurity and kidnapping in the region is no more acceptable, urging Governors of the Region to back the call for State Police.

BUK Denies Lowering Admission Standards

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Bayero University, Kano, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment towards upholding quality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of all of its academic activities.

The Institution’s position is coming against the trending publications both on the social media and a section of the convention news outfits alleging the lowering of standards by the BUK management ,especially, in its admission processes.

In a statement on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Lamara Garba, its spokespersons urged the general public to disregard the publications as the issues being raised therein are false and misleading.

According to Garba, the incident happened as far back as 2020/2021 during the Direct Entry Admission, noting that the authorities equally addressed the matter in line with the institution’s strict adherence to openness and due process.

“The attention of the Beyero University, Kano, BUK, has been drawn to a misleading narrative by several online newspapers and other platforms regarding our admission process.

“We wish to categorically state that the claims are false and distort the facts. The incident being referenced occurred during the 2020/2021 Direct Entry admission over two years ago.

“During that period, BUK’s rigorous screening process uncovered a number of applications supported by fake results.

“In line with our zero-tolerance policy on academic fraud, all such applicants were denied admission.

“Rather than being a scandal, this development earned BUK commendation from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board JAMB, which applauded our vigilance and commitment to due process.

“In fact, BUK was honoured with an Award of Excellence and Due Diligence by JAMB in 2023, making us the first University in Nigeria to receive such recognition” part of the statement reads.

Boko Haram Invades Military Base, Kills Captain, Others

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 6, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Captain was among casualties recorded on Sunday April, 6 2025, following an audacious attack on a Military Formation in Izge Community, Gworza Local Council of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

According to some locals, troops and Boko Haram insurgents were on early Sunday morning engaged in hours of grueling exchange of gun fire, following the invasion of the Platoon Formation of the Operation Hadin Kai stationed in Izge, within the volatile Gworza area.

The terrorists were said to have launched the surprise attack, deploying Rocket Propelled Grenades, assault trucks and other sophisticated weapons at about 1.00am.

The attack resulted in a serious gun duel between the invading terrorists and soldiers for several hours, forcing the locals to hurriedly mobilize vigilantes and local hunters to join the fray in support of troops.

However, by the time the attack was repelled, an Army Captain and a Corporal were said to have been killed on the side of the Military, while the invading terrorists suffered heavy casualties.

“We the people of Izge came under Boko Haram invasion at about 1.00am when most of us were asleep .

“Unfortunately, a Captain and Corporal were among the people that lost their lives.

“Although many of the terrorists were also neutralized, their surviving members quickly evacuated their dead colleagues from scene of the attack.

“Presently, many of our resilient people are still in the bush trying to hunt down the fleeing terrorists”, one local source volunteered.

At the time of reporting, military authorities were yet to officially react to the situation.

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