New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    Peter Obi slams lawmakers for criminalising dual party membership while overlooking forgery and false declarations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Mr Peter Obi, opposition party leader and presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the Nigerian parliament for criminalising dual political party membership while simultaneously removing certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging elections in a tribunal. He warned that Nigeria cannot rise above the integrity of its leaders, stressing that laws must defend truth, character, competence, and accountability, and be intolerant of criminal behaviour.

    Obi described the move as a direct contradiction of the Constitution and a troubling reflection of misplaced priorities in the political system. 

    In a statement on Friday, he noted: “In any serious democracy, the gravest offence in public life is deceiving the people to gain power. Submitting false documents, falsifying one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are among the most serious offences. Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution.”

    He lamented that “today, our electoral system seems more focused on protecting political structures than on upholding the truth.” 

    Obi argued that there is no justification for prioritising punishment for party alignment over punishing forgery and deception in the pursuit of public office. 

    He called for laws that strengthen democracy rather than weaken it, and those that promote ethical leadership instead of lowering standards for those who aspire to govern.

  • President Tinubu pledges tariff review to support Nigerian media industry

    President Tinubu pledges tariff review to support Nigerian media industry

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday promised to address tariffs on newspaper and broadcasting materials to strengthen the media industry’s constitutional role.

    Speaking at the State House while hosting leaders of the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), NPAN, BON, the Guild of Editors, and NUJ, Tinubu commended media owners and journalists for informing citizens and providing livelihoods. He acknowledged the tough decisions his administration has taken to save Nigeria from bankruptcy.

    “Leadership must, as a matter of responsibility, make decisions at the best time. Yes, I accepted my predecessor’s assets and liabilities because I applied for the job and was given the job. But if anybody tells you it’s easy, it’s a lie,” he said. “We had to save the nation and bring it back from the brink. Today, I can stand proudly before you and say that we are back from the brink.”

    On tariffs, Tinubu added, “We discussed issues of tariffs this afternoon. What I cannot report back here is whether I took action in the areas that affect you. But if I missed that, I will go back to rectifying whatever was necessary.” He praised the media’s constructive criticism, noting, “All of us want the best for this nation.”

    Information Minister Mohammed Idris lauded the President’s resilience and urged journalists to hold all tiers of government accountable. NPAN Grand Patron Aremo Olusegun Osoba commended Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the Nigeria Revenue Service and National Single Window policy, while calling on governors to use federal allocations to improve grassroots lives.

    BusinessDay publisher Frank Aigbogun, speaking for the NPO, sought Tinubu’s intervention on import tariffs for newsprint and broadcast equipment, and urged protection of Nigerian media jobs from big tech companies that use local content without compensation.

  • NEMA warns Nigerians on fire risks amid heatwave, encourages residents to monitor weather forecasts

    NEMA warns Nigerians on fire risks amid heatwave, encourages residents to monitor weather forecasts

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has cautioned Nigerians about heightened risks of fire disasters and heat-related health challenges following the recent surge in daily temperatures across parts of the country.

    In a statement signed by Manzo Ezekiel on March 14, quoting Director-General Mrs Zubaida Umar, the agency warned of persistent heat conditions during this period and urged citizens to exercise caution in handling materials and appliances that could easily ignite under extreme heat.

    Umar advised households, businesses, and public institutions to ensure the safe use of electrical appliances, gas cylinders, and other combustible items, stressing that excessive heat increases their vulnerability to ignition. She further emphasised proper storage of flammable substances, avoidance of bush burning, and maintenance of electrical connections to reduce fire risks.

    Beyond fire safety, NEMA urged citizens to guard against heat-related health issues by staying hydrated, limiting direct sun exposure, and paying special attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. The agency also encouraged residents to monitor weather forecasts and safety advisories from NiMet and other emergency bodies, and to promptly report any fire outbreak or emergency.

    Mrs Umar reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to continuous public awareness and proactive disaster risk reduction, in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.

  • NDPC warns Nigerian content creators to respect citizens’ privacy

    NDPC warns Nigerian content creators to respect citizens’ privacy

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned Nigerian content creators against violating citizens’ privacy by filming or photographing unsuspecting members of the public and posting such material on social media.

    The Commission stressed that these acts infringe on the constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and contravene provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). In a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC cited a recent case involving a Lagos-based creator who staged a “reality show” using images of passersby without their consent. The Commission noted that processing personal data in such circumstances requires clear consent or another lawful basis.

    National Commissioner/CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji has directed platform owners, including TikTok, X, and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm caused by unlawful data processing. The statement further warned that failure by platforms to act promptly could attract sanctions under the NDP Act.

    NDPC emphasized that individual creators remain accountable for their actions and may face criminal prosecution for violating citizens’ privacy rights. The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ informational self-determination and ensuring that digital innovation does not come at the expense of fundamental rights.

  • Umo Eno rolls out red carpet for young scholars, vows brighter future through bold education policy

    Umo Eno rolls out red carpet for young scholars, vows brighter future through bold education policy

    UYO, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 —The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday welcomed pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School during a guided tour of the Government House, Uyo.

    In a statement issued Saturday, the governor expressed delight at the visit, noting that he always makes time for children because they represent the future of the state and the nation. He emphasised the responsibility of leaders to provide a peaceful and secure environment where young people can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams.

    The governor encouraged the pupils to study diligently and aspire to become responsible leaders of tomorrow, while commending their teachers for their dedication in shaping young minds. “It was my pleasure to receive the pupils of King’s Kids Christian Montessori School, Uyo, who visited Government House to learn about the workings of government,” the statement read.

    He added, “I encouraged them to study hard and become responsible leaders of tomorrow, and I commend their teachers for their dedication. It was a joy to interact with them and to receive their Award of Leadership Excellence.”

    The governor further noted that Akwa Ibom State’s education policy is anchored on free and compulsory schooling, improved literacy, and human capital development. By investing in teachers, infrastructure, and universal basic education, the state aims to empower children with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive, ensuring that today’s pupils become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.

  • US places $10 million high-stakes bounty on Supreme Leader and other Iranian leaders

    US places $10 million high-stakes bounty on Supreme Leader and other Iranian leaders

    INTERNATIONAL — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The U.S. State Department has offered $10 million and a pathway to resettlement in America for Iranians who can reveal the whereabouts of ten senior figures in the Islamic Republic’s power structure. The move is part of Washington’s campaign against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

    Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei — son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — and Ali Larijani, national security adviser and veteran politician, are the most recognisable names. Not all ten are identified; four positions, including the secretary of the defence council, are listed only by title, reflecting rapid turnover after recent airstrikes and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February.

    The bounty notably excludes some of Iran’s top leadership. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi — who assumed collective leadership after Khamenei’s death — are absent. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who joined Friday’s pro-Palestinian march in Tehran alongside Larijani and Pezeshkian, also escaped inclusion.

    The timing coincided with Quds Day demonstrations, where leaders reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause. Yet beneath the political theatre lies a deeper vulnerability: Iran’s economy has been battered for years by sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption. Inflation and soaring costs have left citizens struggling. Against this backdrop, Washington’s promise of reward and relocation may resonate more strongly, offering not just money but escape from a system many feel has failed them.

    This bounty program continues America’s strategy of targeting the IRGC’s upper ranks — not through battlefield confrontation alone, but by incentivising insider betrayal. Whether Iranians will respond remains uncertain, but the U.S. is betting that economic desperation, coupled with the lure of a new life abroad, could succeed where military strikes and sanctions have struggled.

  • DRC, Angola, and South Africa seal tripartite cooperation pact in Pretoria

    DRC, Angola, and South Africa seal tripartite cooperation pact in Pretoria

    PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA (NPA) — March 14, 2026 — The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Angola, and the Republic of South Africa today signed a Tripartite Mechanism for Dialogue and Cooperation in Pretoria.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) follows extensive consultations and technical work by experts from the three nations. It is designed to strengthen strategic coordination and deepen cooperation across key areas, including political and diplomatic relations, security, trade and investment promotion, and sustainable economic development for the benefit of their populations.

    According to the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agreement was signed by H.E. Ms. Noëlla Ayeganagato Nakwipone, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, and Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations of Angola. The signing ceremony took place at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) headquarters.

    This MoU marks the culmination of a sustained process of dialogue and technical collaboration among the three countries, aimed at reinforcing their collective strategic alignment.

    For the DRC, the agreement carries particular significance as the country continues to confront the M23 rebel group. The insurgency, rooted in political grievances, ethnic tensions, and competition over resource-rich territories in North and South Kivu, has resurged since 2022. Its revival has been fueled by alleged external support, disputes over the reintegration of former fighters, and fierce competition for lucrative gold and coltan mines.

  • Governor Uzodimma welcomes Seyi Tinubu, City Boy Movement ahead of Owerri event

    Governor Uzodimma welcomes Seyi Tinubu, City Boy Movement ahead of Owerri event

    OWERRI, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Friday received Barr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with members of the City Boy Movement, ahead of the group’s Renewed Hope National Youth Tour scheduled to take place in Owerri.

    In a statement, Governor Uzodimma urged the delegation to remain united and harness their collective strength in spreading the message that a new Nigeria is emerging under the Renewed Hope agenda.

    He emphasised President Tinubu’s commitment to building a more prosperous nation through transformative policies across multiple sectors, highlighting initiatives aimed at youth empowerment and economic revitalisation.

    Speaking on the objectives of the City Boy Movement—a sociopolitical group supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027—Uzodimma stressed the importance of rallying continued support for the President as he delivers on his progressive mandate for national growth, stability, and development.

  • Ministry of Health reaffirms commitment to maternal and newborn care

    Ministry of Health reaffirms commitment to maternal and newborn care

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn health services nationwide following the successful delivery of quadruplets at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    In a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information & Public Relations, the ministry said Mrs. Mufiat Olateju was referred to the hospital while in labor, where medical teams promptly managed the high-risk delivery and stabilized both mother and babies. Acting on the directive of Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, FMC Abeokuta ensured comprehensive care and monitoring for the family.

    The ministry commended the professionalism of the medical team, noting that multiple births require specialized care. It emphasized the importance of early and consistent antenatal visits to detect complications, improve outcomes, and ensure safer deliveries. Pregnant women were urged to register early at recognized health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified professionals.

    The ministry also highlighted the role of postpartum counselling and voluntary family planning in promoting family wellbeing. It reiterated its commitment to reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths through stronger health systems, skilled personnel, and expanded access to quality care.

  • ‘Your own scammy existence demarkets Nigeria,’ Mike Arnold blasts Reno Omokri in renewed feud

    ‘Your own scammy existence demarkets Nigeria,’ Mike Arnold blasts Reno Omokri in renewed feud

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — Mike Arnold, former mayor of Blanco City, Texas, and now an activist on religious violence in Nigeria, has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri.

    The clash followed Omokri’s announcement on social media that he had successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, despite predictions from his critics that he would fail. Omokri wrote: “I am back on ground to put the fear of God on any and every person whose desperation to preside over Nigeria pushes them to de-market my country.”

    Responding, Arnold accused Omokri of dishonesty and complicity in Nigeria’s governance failures. “Your own scammy existence demarkets Nigeria,” he wrote, adding: “Nobody respects you. Not your children, not your boss. And certainly not your late father. You are a soulless, demonic jester.”

    The exchange is the latest in a feud dating back to 2025, when Arnold accused Omokri of manipulation and misrepresentation during joint initiatives in Nigeria, Kenya, and the U.S. What began as a dialogue effort quickly devolved into a bitter public dispute, eroding trust and credibility on both sides.