Category: Politics

  • Oborevwori hosts Dr John Nwabueze, Nigeria’s first tax Ombudsman

    Oborevwori hosts Dr John Nwabueze, Nigeria’s first tax Ombudsman

    ASABA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — The Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday received Dr John Nwabueze, Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, along with his team, at Government House, Asaba.

    Dr Nwabueze, Nigeria’s pioneer Tax Ombudsman and a native of Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, was appointed in November 2025 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen fairness and accountability in the nation’s revenue system.

    Governor Oborevwori noted that the visit underscores a shared commitment to transparency and equity in tax administration. “As a government, we fully support the mission of the Office of the Tax Ombudsman to promote transparency and build public confidence in our tax system. I assured Dr Nwabueze and his team of our readiness to partner with his office to achieve a more equitable tax environment that benefits our citizens and the economy. I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing one of our own as the pioneer CEO of this important office,” he said.

    The Governor further commended President Tinubu for establishing the national tax regulation body and for appointing a citizen of Delta State as the country’s first Tax Ombudsman. He congratulated Dr Nwabueze on his appointment and welcomed the establishment of a zonal office of the Tax Ombudsman in Delta State, describing it as a significant step toward improving tax governance and ensuring fairness for the people.

  • UAE Defence Intercepts 22 projectiles as Iranian missiles and drones rain on Gulf

    UAE Defence Intercepts 22 projectiles as Iranian missiles and drones rain on Gulf

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry announced today that its air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed seven ballistic missiles and 15 armed drones launched from Iran. 

    According to the ministry, the coordinated attack was detected early, and defence units acted swiftly to neutralise the incoming threats before they could reach populated areas or critical infrastructure. Officials described the operation as a demonstration of the UAE’s growing defence capability and readiness to respond to regional security challenges. 

    The ministry emphasised that the interceptions were carried out in close coordination with allied monitoring systems, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in countering evolving threats. While no casualties or damage were reported, authorities noted that the attempted strikes highlight ongoing tensions in the Gulf and the need for vigilance. 

    Earlier today, Qatar expelled Iranian diplomatic attaches following missile strikes on the Ras Laffan energy hub. The move came amid a wave of coordinated assaults across the Gulf, where Iranian projectiles and drones also targeted the UAE’s Habshan gas plants and Saudi Arabia’s refineries in Riyadh.

    Regional authorities confirmed that defence systems intercepted several of the incoming threats, but the attacks underscored escalating tensions and the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in the Gulf. The incidents have prompted heightened security alerts and renewed calls for international cooperation to safeguard the region’s strategic assets.

  • Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    Tinubu Urges UK to boost investment, security, and energy cooperation as King Charles III bids farewell

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — At Windsor Castle this morning, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla bid farewell to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the conclusion of Tinubu’s landmark state visit to England.

    During the State Banquet held in his honour, King Charles described the friendship between England and Nigeria as a “partnership of equals” that has strengthened shared security, boosted prosperity, and inspired hope for the future. He emphasised the deep cultural and spiritual ties between both nations, praising the contributions of Nigerians in Britain and stressing the importance of moving forward together with respect, trust, and shared purpose.

    On his part, President Tinubu called for stronger economic cooperation, greater investment in Nigeria’s energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors, and deeper collaboration on security. He urged enhanced defence and intelligence partnerships to combat terrorism, stressed the need for balanced migration policies, and sought UK support in skills development and renewable energy projects to drive Nigeria’s transition to sustainable power.

    Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership framework, emphasising shared humanity, cultural ties, and the importance of unity. He positioned Nigeria as a key partner for the UK in Africa, underlining that stronger bilateral ties would contribute to regional stability and prosperity. He also urged Nigerians abroad to be ambassadors of peace and progress, reminding them that their conduct reflects the nation’s values on the global stage.

  • Governor Otu calls for unity and compassion as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr

    Governor Otu calls for unity and compassion as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr

    CALABAR, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful in the state, across Nigeria, and around the world on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

    The governor described the successful completion of Ramadan as a powerful testament to faith, discipline, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah, noting that Eid offers an opportunity to strengthen compassion, generosity, and selflessness.

    In a statement on Thursday, Otu emphasised that Eid is not just a celebration but a reminder of shared humanity, urging citizens to uphold love, kindness, tolerance, and unity — virtues he said are most needed in society today.

    “Let us use this moment to reach out to one another, support the less privileged, and continue to build bridges across religious and ethnic lines. Our diversity remains our strength, and together, we can build a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Cross River State,” the statement read.

    Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, thrives in an environment of justice, equity, and mutual respect. He further urged the faithful to celebrate with moderation, gratitude, and a renewed dedication to peace and service to humanity.

  • Ebonyi EXCO wields the big stick: Rogue contractors, greedy house agents, scrap vandals face crackdown

    Ebonyi EXCO wields the big stick: Rogue contractors, greedy house agents, scrap vandals face crackdown

    ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — The Ebonyi State Executive Council, in decisive sessions on March 4 and March 17, 2026, unleashed a wave of tough decisions to accelerate projects and clamp down on corruption, targeting education, agriculture, housing, rent regulation, and more.

    In a release by Barrister Chief Ikeuwa Omebeh, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, the council, chaired by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, ordered the immediate termination of abandoned 2-kilometre rural road projects where contractors either fled after payment or delivered disgracefully poor work.

    The EXCO also approved the release of Ebonyi State’s 10% counterpart funding of N300 million for RAAMP 2026.

    To smash skyrocketing rent costs driven by fraudulent agents, the council proposed a groundbreaking bill regulating landlord-tenant agreements and criminalising agent fees above 2% of total rent.

    In a bid to stop scrap dealers from vandalising public infrastructure, EXCO proposed a bill to regulate the buying, selling, possession, transportation, and disposal of metal and electrical scraps across the state.

    Agriculture received a thunderous boost with N500 million approved for 250 Agricultural Power Tillers, set for distribution to farmers ahead of the 2026 farming season.

    The EXCO was firm on the implmentyation of education reforms with a directive that contractors paid for 22 model secondary schools, but failing to reach parapet level must be arrested until funds are recovered.

    The council cheered the success of its foreign scholarship programme of 204, of which 202 beneficiaries have completed their Master’s degrees and secured PhD admissions, most with distinctions. An additional 84 students recently departed, raising the total to 298, with 12 more set to leave between May and September 2026.

    On energy, EXCO welcomed a Build-Operate-Donate proposal from the Chinese Municipal Council and partners to establish Waste-to-Energy and Solar-to-Energy projects at the Industrial City in Ezzamgbo, Ohaukwu Local Governmenty Area.

    Health and infrastructure also gained momentum with N1.3 billion allocated for an ultra-modern clinic at Government House and remodeling of the Ebonyi Trade Centre.

    Finally, in culture and tourism, EXCO approved the rebuilding of the palace of Eze Dr. Akanu Ibiam, the first indigenous Governor of the Eastern Region, to honour his legacy and inspire future generations.

  • Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    Ruto and Museveni to launch Naivasha–Malaba railway extension project

    AFRICA (Chris Mahandara/Agency Report) — March 19, 2026 — President William Ruto and Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni will be in Kisumu on Saturday to preside over the groundbreaking of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba.

    The ceremony, a major milestone in regional infrastructure, is expected to draw over 20,000 people, including residents, leaders, and stakeholders. It marks the next phase of Kenya’s railway expansion aimed at boosting trade and transport links across East Africa.

    Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir toured the Kibos SGR site on Monday to assess preparations. He assured that logistical, security, and organizational arrangements were firmly in place. “This is a big day we will celebrate with our President and President Museveni when they come to launch this very significant project,” he said.

    The proposed line will stretch about 369 kilometres, forming a critical segment of the regional corridor linking Mombasa to western Kenya and onward to neighbouring countries. Chirchir noted it will transform cargo and passenger movement by offering a more efficient alternative to road transport along the busy Northern Corridor.

    He emphasized that the project will enhance regional integration by connecting Kenya’s railway network with Uganda and the wider East African system. Once completed, it is expected to lower transport costs, improve efficiency, and spur economic growth in western Kenya by opening new opportunities for investment and commerce.

  • President Trump honours fallen service members at solemn dignified transfer ceremony

    President Trump honours fallen service members at solemn dignified transfer ceremony

    NORTH AMERICA (NPA) — March 19, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump, on Wednesday, attended the dignified transfer ceremony for six American heroes who lost their lives in a refuelling plane crash in the war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The solemn event took place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

    The six servicemen honoured were Major John A. Klinner, Capt. Ariana G. Savino, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Seth R. Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons.

    The dignified transfer ceremony paid tribute to their ultimate sacrifice and underscored the nation’s gratitude for their service. 

    The solemn military tradition in which the remains of U.S. service members killed in action are returned to American soil is conducted with full honours, symbolising respect and national appreciation. The ceremony typically takes place at Dover Air Force Base, where fallen troops are received by military personnel, family members, and sometimes national leaders before being prepared for burial.

  • BREAKING: Sweden confirms Execution of citizen in Iran amid war tensions

    BREAKING: Sweden confirms Execution of citizen in Iran amid war tensions

    Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Maria Malmer Stenergard, announced on Wednesday that Iran has executed a Swedish citizen. The announcement follows confirmation from Iranian officials that this marks the first execution of a man convicted of spying since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war.

    Stenergard described the development as deeply troubling, noting that it underscores the heightened risks faced by foreign nationals in Iran during the ongoing conflict. The execution is expected to further strain diplomatic relations between Tehran and Stockholm, while adding to international concerns over Iran’s use of capital punishment in politically sensitive cases.

  • Israeli President Herzog visits Ramat Gan after deadly missile strike

    Israeli President Herzog visits Ramat Gan after deadly missile strike

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has visited the site of last night’s Iranian missile impact in Ramat Gan, where two elderly civilians were killed in a cluster missile attack.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Herzog said he embarked on the visit to embrace and comfort the affected family and residents of the city over the heavy losses. He sympathised with them over what he described as “precious lives cut short in an instant, with unimaginable cruelty, leaving a great fracture and deep pain in the family’s heart and in the heart of the entire people of Israel.”

    The president warned that the danger from missile attacks is real, urging vigilance and responsibility. He stressed that the nation’s spirit will not be broken, calling on Israelis to stand together to prevail over the current situation.

    Since the outbreak of war between Israel, the United States, and Iran on February 28, there have been repeated exchanges of attacks. Israel and its allies have targeted Iranian military facilities and infrastructure, while Iran has launched barrages of missiles and drones at Israel and several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

    In the past forty-eight hours, Israel announced it had targeted three prominent Iranian officials for elimination, with the escalation showing no sign of abating.

  • Nigeria’s Information Minister meets Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries in the UK, hails Tinubu

    Nigeria’s Information Minister meets Presidential Amnesty Programme Beneficiaries in the UK, hails Tinubu

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 18, 2026 — Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, on Wednesday, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, met with beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) studying in the United Kingdom.

    The minister described the occasion as “very heartwarming to witness the impact of the program first-hand and interact with beneficiaries.” He emphasised that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring all Nigerians, especially the youth, are given opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

    Reflecting on the Niger Delta’s past, Idris noted that its story was once marked by deprivation and disorder, but initiatives like PAP have helped transform the region.

    According to the minister, Programme Administrator Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro reported that over 8,000 students are currently studying in Nigeria under PAP, while more than 220 are pursuing various studies in the United Kingdom.

    Idris gave a pass mark to the amnesty programme and praised the Tinubu-led administration for repositioning and strengthening it to deliver greater impact.