New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Botswana President Boko to embark on state visit to Zimbabwe

    Botswana President Boko to embark on state visit to Zimbabwe

    GABORONE, Botswana (NPA) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has announced a State Visit by the President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Duma Gideon Boko, to Zimbabwe from 21–23 April 2026, aimed at deepening economic cooperation between the two countries.

    According to a statement issued by the ministry, a State Banquet will be hosted in honour of President Boko as part of activities marking the visit.

    During the State Visit, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and President Duma Boko will jointly preside over the 5th Session of the Zimbabwe–Botswana Bi-National Commission (BNC), focusing on strengthening collaboration in key transformative sectors.

    The BNC will be preceded by Senior Officials’ Meetings on 19–20 April 2026 and a Ministerial segment on 21 April 2026, setting the stage for high-level discussions.

    President Boko will also serve as Guest of Honour at the official opening of the 66th Edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, scheduled for 23 April 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

    “H.E. President Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe welcome President Boko to the Republic of Zimbabwe,” the statement concluded.

  • SERAP urges Tinubu to withdraw NBC directive to broadcaster, warns of threat to press freedom

    SERAP urges Tinubu to withdraw NBC directive to broadcaster, warns of threat to press freedom

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate withdrawal of a recent directive issued by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), warning that it poses a threat to press freedom and democratic discourse.

    SERAP, a nonpartisan advocacy organisation, said the NBC’s “Formal Notice” to broadcasters, issued on April 17, 2026, imposes vague and unjustified restrictions on journalists and media houses, including sanctions over the expression of personal opinions, alleged intimidation of guests and failure to maintain neutrality.

    In a letter dated April 18 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation called on the president to direct the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the NBC to withdraw the notice and refrain from imposing what it described as prior censorship on the media.

    The group also urged the government to review and amend sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code cited in the directive to ensure compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

    SERAP argued that the NBC’s directive represents an attempt to suppress legitimate journalistic expression, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could undermine Nigerians’ right to access diverse information and engage in open debate.

    According to the organisation, the provisions relied upon by the NBC are vague, overly broad and open to arbitrary interpretation, failing to meet the legal standards of necessity, proportionality and legitimacy required in a democratic society.

    It noted that the Nigerian Constitution, alongside international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, guarantees the right to receive and impart information without interference, including the expression of opinions.

    SERAP maintained that journalistic opinion, commentary and analysis are essential elements of media practice and democratic engagement, stressing that a blanket restriction on presenters expressing personal views amounts to prior restraint.

    The organisation also raised concerns over provisions relating to “bullying” or “intimidation,” arguing that the lack of clear definitions could criminalise legitimate and critical questioning, a core feature of investigative journalism.

    It warned that the threat of sanctions for broadly defined infractions could create a chilling effect on journalists, encourage self-censorship and weaken the media’s role as a public watchdog.

    SERAP gave the Federal Government 48 hours to act on its recommendations or risk legal action, reiterating that any regulatory framework must balance accountability with the protection of fundamental rights and freedom of expression.

  • ADC faults planned reintegration of ‘repentant terrorists’

    ADC faults planned reintegration of ‘repentant terrorists’

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s major opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised the reported plan by the Federal Government to reintegrate repentant terrorists into society, warning that terrorism should not be treated as a “family affair” or a moral metaphor. The party said the move by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suggests a troubling lack of understanding of the nature and scale of the security threat facing the country.

    In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said terrorism remains a sustained and organised campaign of violence against the Nigerian state and its citizens.

    “It has taken lives, destroyed communities, displaced millions and undermined the foundation of security and economic stability in our country. To respond to such a threat with language that softens its meaning, and policies that prioritise rehabilitation ahead of accountability, is not compassion. It is weakness,” the party said.

    The ADC argued that the government’s approach reflects inconsistency, noting that while it claims to be prosecuting a war against terror, it is also seeking to reintroduce former insurgents into society without clear processes for justice or safeguards for affected communities.

    According to the party, there is no transparency on how individuals are assessed for reintegration, monitored after release, or how host communities are protected. It warned that reintegration without accountability sends the wrong signal to victims and could embolden others to take up violence.

    “Reintegration without justice is not reconciliation; it is injustice. It sends the wrong signal to victims who are still waiting for closure and may encourage others to believe that the consequences of terror can be negotiated,” the statement added.

    The ADC maintained that terrorism must be treated as an existential threat, insisting that those responsible for violent crimes must face the full weight of the law, stressing that the safety of communities and the rights of victims must remain central to any national response.

    The party called for a clear, accountable and firm approach to national security, warning that Nigeria cannot afford mixed signals in the fight against terrorism.

  • Taraba signs MoU with Federal Government to develop tourism village

    Taraba signs MoU with Federal Government to develop tourism village

    TARABA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, has announced that the state has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy to develop a tourism village.

    The agreement was formalised on Saturday at Harmony Hotel in Takum, marking a step towards boosting tourism and economic growth in the state.

    The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, led the Federal Government delegation to the event.

    Musawa said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, with a focus on the creative sector as part of ongoing economic reforms.

    Kefas described tourism as a vital non-kinetic tool for addressing insecurity, which has affected Taraba State and other parts of the North-East region, noting that it can promote peace, unity and economic stability.

    He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the initiative and partnership, adding that the state would continue to align with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

  • Finance Ministry denies revenue diversion, faults misreading of world bank report

    Finance Ministry denies revenue diversion, faults misreading of world bank report

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Finance has denied claims of hidden spending and diversion of federation revenue, describing recent reports based on a World Bank publication as a misrepresentation of facts.

    In a statement signed by the Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, on April 19, 2026, the ministry said media reports and commentaries alleging “huge leakages” in Nigeria’s revenue misunderstood the findings of the latest Nigeria Development Update by the World Bank.

    The ministry said claims suggesting that a significant portion of federation earnings is being diverted or classified as “hidden spending” reflect a poor understanding of the country’s fiscal system.

    It clarified that deductions by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which were cited in the report, do not constitute waste or missing funds.

    According to the ministry, such deductions include statutory transfers, savings and investments, security-related expenditures, cost-of-collection charges, refunds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as transfers and interventions benefiting subnational governments.

    It stressed that refunds and transfers to states and other tiers of government are legitimate fiscal transactions, including repayments of obligations and allocations backed by law.

    The ministry also faulted what it described as the selective use of outdated data in some commentaries, noting that recent reforms highlighted in the World Bank report were largely ignored.

    It said the World Bank acknowledged that reforms introduced in early 2026, including an executive order to safeguard the remittance of petroleum revenues, are already addressing concerns around deductions.

    The reforms, it added, are expected to improve transparency and increase revenues available to all tiers of government by about 0.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product annually.

    Highlighting the broader findings of the report, the ministry said Nigeria’s economic outlook remains positive, with growth becoming more broad-based across sectors.

    It noted that inflation, though still high, is on a downward trend due to policy measures, while the country’s external position has strengthened with improved reserves and a current account surplus.

    The ministry added that debt indicators have also improved, including a decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio for the first time in over a decade.

    According to the statement, the World Bank did not conclude that Nigeria’s fiscal system is collapsing but rather emphasised that ongoing reforms are yielding results and should be sustained.

    The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening fiscal transparency, improving revenue mobilisation and ensuring efficient public spending.

    It also urged stakeholders, media organisations and the public to engage responsibly with fiscal information to avoid misinterpretations that could undermine confidence in the country’s economic reforms. 

  • Soludo declares end to ‘trade-by-barter’ politics in APGA, calls for party rebuilding

    Soludo declares end to ‘trade-by-barter’ politics in APGA, calls for party rebuilding

    AWKA, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has declared that the era of “trade-by-barter” politics in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is over, stressing that the party will no longer serve as a platform for personal ambition or the issuance of “gift tickets.”

    Soludo made the declaration at APGA’s South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ Meeting held on April 18, 2026, describing it as the first of its kind in over two decades.

    “Something significant has happened. We did not just gather to talk; we gathered to rebuild,” he said.

    The governor emphasised the need for discipline and loyalty within the party, noting that tickets would no longer be handed out arbitrarily but earned through due process.

    “This party will no longer be a rented platform for personal ambition. The era of the ‘gift ticket’ must end. We are building a proper movement where loyalty matters and tickets are not for sale,” he said.

    In a statement today, Soludo disclosed that APGA had, in 2024, become the first political party in Nigeria to fully digitise its membership register, ensuring that all registered members have the right to vote and be voted for.

    “We have also adopted Option A-4 for our primaries — open, transparent and fair to all. No more shadows,” he added.

    He, however, noted that party structures must be backed by sustainable funding, announcing a return to a dues-based model to reduce dependence on external interests.

    “A structure without funding is fantasy. Members must own this party through dues. A committee will soon unveil a sustainable funding framework,” he said.

    Soludo also highlighted new guidelines introduced by the party’s National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, including a phased process of expression of interest, screening and nomination, as well as a directive requiring party executives to remain neutral or resign before supporting any aspirant.

    “These are tough rules, but serious parties make tough decisions,” he said.

    The governor commended the National and State Working Committees of the party for their commitment to the reforms and urged members to prioritise the long-term survival of APGA.

    “My charge is simple: commit to the party’s future. Aspire with integrity, stop holding briefs and avoid jumping platforms. Let us build a disciplined national movement anchored on transparency, equity and justice,” he said.

  • Shettima extols legacy of Sir Ogbue, conveys Tinubu’s condolences at funeral

    Shettima extols legacy of Sir Ogbue, conveys Tinubu’s condolences at funeral

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Vice President Kashim Shettima has extolled the legacy of the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, father-in-law of Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Tony Elumelu, describing him as a man who lived a fulfilled life and instilled enduring values in his children.

    Shettima said the late Ogbue was the only surviving child of his parents, a circumstance he noted reflected uncommon strength and resilience.

    According to him, to bear such a burden and still live with gratitude and grace underscores a deep understanding of life.

    The Vice President, who led the Federal Government delegation, was among dignitaries who attended the funeral ceremony held on Saturday in Onicha-Olona community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    He conveyed the condolences of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the immediate family of the deceased, the community, as well as the government and people of Delta State.

    “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend our condolences and our respect to the family, the people of Onicha-Olona, and the government and people of Delta State. We honour the life he lived and the example he set,” he said.

    Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026.

  • Atiku criticises NBC directive on Broadcast Code ahead of 2027 elections, warns of media clampdown

    Atiku criticises NBC directive on Broadcast Code ahead of 2027 elections, warns of media clampdown

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent directive issued to broadcasters by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The commission had raised concerns over what it described as growing violations in news, current affairs and political programmes, noting that broadcast platforms are increasingly deviating from their core responsibility of informing the public with accuracy, balance and professionalism.

    It vowed to enforce strict compliance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Code, particularly on fairness, accuracy, balance, hate speech, incitement and respect for constitutional institutions.

    However, in a sharp reaction, Atiku described the NBC’s advisory as a troubling attempt to muzzle the media and shrink the space for free expression in the country.

    He noted that Nigeria’s media industry has evolved into a formidable institution, respected globally for its resilience and professionalism.

    Atiku expressed concern that the NBC often resorts to what he termed heavy-handed directives whenever elections approach, arguing that such actions tend to silence dissent rather than promote ethical journalism.

    He said he would stand firmly with Nigeria’s broadcast industry and other media platforms to resist what he described as “creeping censorship,” stressing that ethical standards should not be selectively enforced during election periods.

    “The timing and tone of these regulations expose a deeper agenda. It signals a government more interested in controlling narratives than permitting a free, fair and transparent electoral process,” he said.

  • Uzodimma hosts ANPA for dinner, seeks stronger healthcare partnership in Imo

    Uzodimma hosts ANPA for dinner, seeks stronger healthcare partnership in Imo

    OWERRI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, on Saturday hosted members of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to a dinner at the Banquet Hall of Government House in appreciation of their free medical intervention programme in the state.

    In a statement, the governor said his administration places a high value on the lives of citizens, stressing that the state must go beyond social commitment to building purposeful partnerships with global organisations such as ANPA and dedicated volunteers to ensure free access to quality healthcare services.

    Uzodimma praised members of ANPA for their strong commitment, demonstrated through sustained medical outreach that has positively impacted many lives.

    He also urged the association to go beyond service delivery by supporting capacity building and deliberate knowledge transfer to resident healthcare personnel, particularly in strengthening their proficiency in operating modern medical equipment procured by the state to enhance healthcare delivery across its facilities.

    The Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) is an educational, scientific and charitable organisation representing the professional interests of more than 4,000 physicians, dentists and allied health professionals of Nigerian origin or affiliation in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It provides a platform for medical and scientific dialogue on health issues affecting populations of Nigerian descent across North America, the Caribbean and Africa.

    The organisation has, over the years, conducted free medical missions in various communities, with its latest outreach held in Abia and Imo states in southeastern Nigeria.

    The climax of the four-day Imo–ANPA Medical Mission 2026, which covered the three geopolitical zones of the state, was a dinner hosted by the governor. The event served as a token of appreciation by the state government for the group’s selfless service, the hope they restored, the faith they renewed among the people, and the improved well-being of the many beneficiaries reached through the intervention.

  • U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    U.S. envoy meets Libyan PM at Antalya Forum, pushes for unity and elections

    ANTALYA, Turkey (NPA) — The United States Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, has met with Libyan Prime Minister, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

    The meeting, held at the NEST Congress and Fair Center in Belek, focused on ongoing efforts to stabilise and unify Libya following years of political division. Boulos noted that both parties underscored the significance of the recent signing of a unified national budget on 11 April, as well as the launch of Exercise Flintlock on 14 April, which involved joint participation by eastern and western Libyan special forces.

    According to the U.S. envoy, the developments represent key steps toward national reconciliation and institutional unity after prolonged tensions among rival political factions and armed groups. He said both sides explored ways to build on the progress made through economic and military integration.

    Discussions also centred on how the United States can support Libya’s path toward the unification of state institutions, culminating in the conduct of credible national elections aimed at restoring stability and governance in the country.

    Boulos reiterated Washington’s position in favour of a peaceful, stable, and unified Libya, capable of driving economic growth and expanding opportunities for its citizens and international partners.