New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • INEC denies Chairman’s alleged APC-supporting X account, warns against partisan fabrications

    INEC denies Chairman’s alleged APC-supporting X account, warns against partisan fabrications

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, endorsed a partisan post on X (formerly Twitter).

    In a statement signed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, the Commission described the allegation as “baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors.” It stressed that Prof. Amupitan does not own or operate any personal account on X and has never engaged in partisan commentary in either his private or public capacity.

    INEC said the contrived post was a desperate attempt to undermine the integrity and neutrality of the Chairman at a time when the Commission is focused on electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls. The Commission added that the fabrication was a distraction designed to erode public trust in the electoral umpire.

    Beyond partisan mischief, INEC warned that cybercriminals have been exploiting fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. Several fraudulent accounts have previously been identified and reported to security agencies. The Commission said it is working with cyber‑intelligence units to track and prosecute those behind the latest identity theft and misinformation campaign.

    INEC emphasised that identity theft and the dissemination of forged social media interactions are criminal offences under the Cybercrimes Act, and vowed that perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.

    The Commission urged the public to disregard the falsehood and rely only on verified institutional channels and formal press statements for information. It reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections for all Nigerians.

  • Katsina Governor Radda receives Islamic Development Bank delegation, reaffirms state’s agriculture priority

    Katsina Governor Radda receives Islamic Development Bank delegation, reaffirms state’s agriculture priority

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D., CON, has reiterated that agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods in the state and a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda.

    Radda disclosed this after receiving a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank led by Dr Masuda Saidova during their working visit to Katsina, Governor Radda emphasised that the state is not relying solely on external support but is investing its own resources, building strategic partnerships, and implementing practical solutions to strengthen agriculture, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

    He outlined ongoing interventions including subsidised fertiliser for farmers, improved seed distribution, extension services with over 800 trained personnel, irrigation support through tube wells and solar‑powered pumps, livestock programmes targeting women and rural households, and expanded mechanised farming.

    Governor Radda stressed that agriculture is central to food security, economic growth, and tackling unemployment and insecurity by productively engaging youths. 

    He expressed appreciation to the Islamic Development Bank delegation for recognising Katsina’s efforts and for their commitment to support large‑scale agricultural hubs aimed at boosting food production, creating opportunities, and improving livelihoods across the state.

  • General Muhoozi Kainerugaba offers 100,000 Ugandan troops to defend Israel, Holy Land

    General Muhoozi Kainerugaba offers 100,000 Ugandan troops to defend Israel, Holy Land

    KAMPALA, Uganda, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has reiterated his strong support for Israel, openly declaring his readiness to deploy Ugandan forces to assist the Middle Eastern country in its fight against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its allies.

    In March 2026, the military chief had warned that any attempt to “destroy or defeat Israel” would draw Uganda into the conflict on Israel’s side. On 10 April, he went further, offering to personally command 100,000 Ugandan soldiers to deploy to Israel “to protect the Holy Land, the land of Jesus Christ our God.” His stance, he explained, is rooted in Christian faith, biblical references, and Uganda’s historical ties with Israel.

    The declaration comes shortly after the unveiling of a statue in Kampala honouring Yonatan Netanyahu, the late brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was killed during the famous 1976 Entebbe raid. The statue symbolises Uganda’s recognition of Israel’s role in rescuing hostages during the crisis and serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the two nations.

    Uganda and Israel have maintained a complex but resilient diplomatic relationship since the 1960s, marked by periods of cooperation in security, agriculture, and technology. The Entebbe raid remains a defining moment in bilateral ties, and recent gestures such as the Kampala statue underscore efforts to strengthen relations further.

    General Kainerugaba’s remarks highlight Uganda’s willingness to stand firmly with Israel in times of crisis, reflecting both religious conviction and a strategic partnership that has grown over decades.

  • Nigeria secures 386 convictions in mass terrorism trials

    Nigeria secures 386 convictions in mass terrorism trials

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Federal Government has secured 386 convictions out of 508 cases in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects.

    The Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, confirmed the development on Friday, noting that of the 508 defendants brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja, two were acquitted while eight were discharged.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the trial commenced on Tuesday and resulted in sentences ranging from eight years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the charges.

    Mr Fagbemi explained that a further batch of 112 suspects, whose cases could not be heard, will be arraigned alongside others in the next phase of the mass trial scheduled for 15–18 June. He stressed that the convictions send a clear message that Nigeria has zero tolerance for heinous crimes.

    The Minister commended the ten judges who sacrificed their Easter holiday to sit as special courts for the proceedings. He also highlighted the presence of international organisations, including Amnesty International, as well as the Nigerian Bar Association, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society groups, who observed the trials to ensure due process and transparency.

    NAN reports that the exercise forms part of Phase Nine in a series of mass prosecutions aimed at tackling insecurity and bringing terrorism suspects to justice after prolonged detention. The Federal Government reiterated that prosecuting such cases is essential to weakening insurgent operations and restoring stability across the country.

  • President Tinubu commends Bayelsa development, pledges federal government partnership

    President Tinubu commends Bayelsa development, pledges federal government partnership

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the level of development witnessed in Bayelsa State as “more than infrastructure,” during his visit to commission landmark projects executed by Governor Duoye Diri.

    The President said his administration at the federal level is ready to partner with states committed to transforming the fortunes of their people through tangible and measurable development projects.

    Highlighting the significance of the projects, President Tinubu remarked, “The New Yenagoa City Road 1 is about access. The Angiama–Oporoma Bridge is about connection. The Bayelsa Independent Power Project is about opportunity.”

    He stressed that government at all levels must remain focused on initiatives that directly benefit citizens, adding that collaboration with states ensures not only the delivery of projects but also the building of confidence in Nigeria’s collective future.

    Commending Governor Diri for prioritising the welfare of Bayelsans, the President said: “Thank you, Bayelsa. Nigeria will surely succeed.”

  • Interior Minister orders withdrawal of passports from renounced citizens

    Interior Minister orders withdrawal of passports from renounced citizens

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to immediately withdraw and deactivate passports belonging to individuals who have formally renounced Nigerian citizenship but continue to hold the documents.

    According to a statement issued by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, on 10 April 2026, the directive applies to all Nigerians whose requests for renunciation have been officially approved by the President.

    Dr Tunji‑Ojo explained that the Ministry of Interior, charged with safeguarding the integrity of citizenship, derives its authority from Section 29 subsections (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The provisions state that any Nigerian of full age may renounce citizenship through a formal declaration, which, upon registration by the President, results in the cessation of citizenship.

    He emphasised that once a person ceases to be a citizen, they are no longer entitled to carry sovereign documents of Nigeria, including the national passport.

    The Minister noted that the move aligns with ongoing passport and visa reforms undertaken by the Ministry in recent years. “We will continue to strengthen systems that secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent identity fraud, preserve the sanctity of Nigerian citizenship, and facilitate legitimate travel while preventing unauthorised or ineligible access,” he said.

  • US delegation arrives in Islamabad for ceasefire talks with Iran

    US delegation arrives in Islamabad for ceasefire talks with Iran

    INTERNATIONAL, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — A high‑level United States delegation has arrived in Islamabad ahead of the planned ceasefire talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran, known as the Islamabad Talks.

    The delegation is led by US Vice President H.E. J.D. Vance, accompanied by Special Envoy Mr Steve Witkoff and Mr Jared Kushner. Their arrival marks Washington’s formal participation in the negotiations aimed at easing tensions and advancing dialogue between the two countries.

    Upon arrival in the Pakistani capital, the delegation was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

    The talks in Islamabad are expected to focus on de‑escalation measures and frameworks for peace, with Pakistan playing host to facilitate dialogue between the parties.

  • AU Commission congratulates President Guelleh on re‑election

    AU Commission congratulates President Guelleh on re‑election

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 11 April 2026 (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has warmly congratulated H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh on his re‑election as President of the Republic of Djibouti.

    In a statement issued today, the AUC Chairperson noted the official results announced by Djibouti’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), confirming the outcome of the presidential election. He commended the people of Djibouti for their peaceful participation, underscoring their commitment to democratic governance, national cohesion, and stability.

    Youssouf further acknowledged Djibouti’s important role in advancing regional peace, security, and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. He reaffirmed the African Union’s dedication to strengthening and advancing the shared aspirations of Agenda 2063 with member states.

    The Chairperson also praised the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) for its professionalism and expressed appreciation for the leadership of H.E. Bernard Makuza, former Prime Minister of Rwanda, who served as Head of Mission.

    Extending his best wishes to President Guelleh, Youssouf emphasised the AU’s continued support for Djibouti’s progress and stability, wishing the President a successful term in office.

  • Governor Oyebanji inspects ongoing construction of Fajuyi Park  

    Governor Oyebanji inspects ongoing construction of Fajuyi Park  

    ADO‑EKITI, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) on Friday paid a working visit to the site of the ongoing construction of Fajuyi Park in Ado‑Ekiti.  

    The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that the project is advancing as intended. He stressed that the development of the recreational facility is more than just a park, describing it as “tourism, jobs, and community, breathing new life into Ekiti.”  

    Governor Oyebanji said his presence at the site was deliberate, adding: Great outcomes don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone is watching, caring, and pushing. Ekiti deserves nothing less.”

    The Fajuyi Memorial Park, when completed, will serve as both a historical landmark and leisure space, built in honour of Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, the former military governor of the Western Region who was killed alongside General Aguiyi Ironsi during Nigeria’s first military coup in 1966.  

    Located in the heart of Ado‑Ekiti, the park is Fajuyi’s final resting place and is expected to attract visitors interested in Nigeria’s political history. Planned amenities include a fountain, children’s playground, mini‑museum, restaurant/bar, and spaces for social and political gatherings. Beyond its memorial significance, the park is designed as a relaxation and recreational centre, blending heritage with community life for residents and tourists alike. 

  • Peter Obi reacts to killing of Brigadier‑General Braimah and others, calls for reflection on value placed on citizens’ lives

    Peter Obi reacts to killing of Brigadier‑General Braimah and others, calls for reflection on value placed on citizens’ lives

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Mr Peter Obi, a prominent leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has reacted with deep sorrow to the killing of Brigadier‑General O. Braimah and soldiers under his command by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in the Benisheikh axis of Borno State.

    In a statement titled “A Call to Reflect: The Death of Brigadier‑General O. Braimah,” Obi said the tragedy should serve as a clarion call for Nigerians to reflect on the value placed on the lives of citizens, especially those who defend the nation. He stressed the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s resolve in safeguarding its military personnel.

    Obi recalled that upon hearing of Braimah’s death, he was reminded of how other nations commit to rescuing endangered soldiers. He emphasised that Nigeria must show similar commitment to its defenders.

    The presidential aspirant prayed for the families of the fallen heroes: “May God grant his dear wife, the families of all the fallen soldiers, and indeed all those who lost their lives in the incident, the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May their souls rest in peace, in honour of their supreme sacrifice for the nation.”

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the attack, describing it as an act of desperation by insurgents weakened by recent military operations. 

    Another presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, also condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers.