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Category: Politics

  • Ebonyi Governor Nwifuru mourns passing of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu

    Ebonyi Governor Nwifuru mourns passing of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu

    ABAKALIKI, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

    In a statement on Sunday, Governor Nwifuru described Bishop Chukwu as a “spiritual colossus” whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and devotion to God and humanity. He said the Bishop’s passing marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond.

    Born in Ededeagu Umuezeokoha, Ezza North LGA, Nwifuru praised Bishop Chukwu as an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love. Through his pastoral mission, he touched countless lives, strengthened families, and nurtured the spiritual growth of the people.

    Quoting 2 Timothy 4:7, the Governor noted that Bishop Chukwu “fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith,” adding that his life was a testimony of grace and service.

    On behalf of the government and people of Ebonyi State, Nwifuru extended condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, lay faithful, and the Bishop’s family.

    He emphasized that Bishop Chukwu’s passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and nation. The Governor prayed for God’s mercy to grant the Bishop eternal rest and for fortitude to all who mourn him.

    “Adieu, faithful servant of God. Rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement concluded.

  • ADC Convention faces venue uncertainty ahead of Abuja gathering tomorrow

    ADC Convention faces venue uncertainty ahead of Abuja gathering tomorrow

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan has raised concerns that, just 24 hours to the ADC National Convention scheduled for Abuja, the party has yet to secure a venue.

    Ologbondiyan, who serves as Media Adviser to the embattled ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, said the party had formally requested approval from the Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, to use Eagle Square. While the letter was acknowledged, no response has been issued.

    He added that repeated visits to the Ministry of Sports to secure the MKO Abiola Stadium Velodrome also proved unsuccessful, with the party denied access. To compound matters, privately owned event centers in Abuja have reportedly declined ADC’s requests, citing fears of government harassment.

    Despite these setbacks, Ologbondiyan assured party members, supporters, and Nigerians that the convention will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in line with the notice already issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “As contained in the notice to INEC, the ADC National Convention will hold in Abuja as scheduled,” he said.

    As of press time, no venue has been confirmed. However, analysts note that in politics, 24 hours can be a long time, leaving room for last-minute developments.

  • UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely damaging global trade, stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is vital to easing cost-of-living pressures worldwide.

    Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the United Kingdom has convened more than 40 nations committed to restoring safe passage through the strait, which has become the epicenter of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that securing international shipping lanes is critical to stabilizing global markets.

    Looking ahead, Starmer revealed that the UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict subsides. “Getting global shipping moving again is essential to protect households and economies from further shocks,” he said.

    As of press time, it remains unclear whether the United States is among the 40 nations convened, given Washington’s unilateral actions in the strait. President Donald Trump recently announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran.

  • Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on high‑income countries to use the upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Sudan in Berlin on 15 April to commit increased funding and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year.

    The organization warned that declining aid has worsened the crisis, leaving more than 33 million people in need of assistance. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has devastated health services, disrupted livelihoods, and forced over 4.5 million people to flee to neighboring countries. Amnesty said cuts to foreign aid are undermining efforts to tackle malnutrition, cholera, trauma, and sexual violence.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stressed that “behind these numbers are real lives, real people who have lost their homes, loved ones and livelihoods, who are fighting to survive the war and the disease and hunger it brings.” He urged donors to move beyond rhetoric and provide concrete support to frontline NGOs delivering lifesaving services.

    Amnesty’s findings show that NGOs in Sudan face severe shortages of medicines, therapeutic food, and basic supplies. One international NGO reported being able to meet only half of the needs of malnourished children due to limited stocks of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food. CARE International estimates that up to 80% of community kitchens have closed, worsening hunger.

    Women and children are disproportionately affected. Grassroots groups providing post‑rape care and reproductive health services have been left without funding, leaving survivors of sexual violence abandoned. Amnesty also documented the struggles of displaced persons with disabilities, including children unable to access schools or medical care in camps in Chad.

    The organization emphasized that donor commitments must translate into sustained funding and diplomatic pressure to protect civilians, health workers, and aid providers. It urged high‑income countries to honor their pledge to allocate at least 0.7% of Gross National Income to overseas aid and consider debt relief measures to enable Sudan to invest in essential public services.

    “Sudan, like other highly aid‑dependent countries in protracted conflicts, needs the international community to act,” Amnesty concluded.

  • Peter Obi criticizes Tinubu’s fuel price Comparison with Kenya, says Nigerians face deeper hardship

    Peter Obi criticizes Tinubu’s fuel price Comparison with Kenya, says Nigerians face deeper hardship

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Mr. Peter Obi, a leader of Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a frontline presidential aspirant, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent comparison of Nigeria’s fuel prices with Kenya, suggesting Nigeria is doing better than the East African nation and others. Obi described the remark as dismissive, likening it to the biblical Pharisee who boasted of superiority to mask deeper shortcomings.

    In a statement issued today, Obi argued that the comparison was baseless, noting that Kenya outperforms Nigeria across several economic and social indicators. He referenced Tinubu’s comment in Yenagoa suggesting Nigerians should take solace in being “better off than Kenya and other African countries,” warning that such rhetoric risks trivializing the severity of Nigeria’s economic crisis. Obi emphasized that credible comparisons must be grounded in verifiable data, not used as a refuge from accountability.

    Obi highlighted Kenya’s stronger performance in key development metrics: security, the Human Development Index, GDP per capita, literacy levels, electricity access, and life expectancy. For example, Kenya’s HDI ranking is 143 with a coefficient of 0.630, compared to Nigeria’s 164 with 0.530. Kenya’s GDP per capita stands at about $2,200, while Nigeria’s is below $850. Poverty affects 43% of Kenyans compared to 63% of Nigerians, and Kenya’s literacy rate is above 80%, compared to Nigeria’s 62–65%. He also noted that Kenya’s inflation has remained around 4.5% in recent years, while Nigeria’s has consistently exceeded 15%.

    Obi concluded that if Kenyans are considered to be suffering despite stronger figures, Nigerians are in a far more difficult situation. He urged President Tinubu to refrain from self-consolation and instead embrace humility, accountability, and a determined effort to address the structural challenges slowing Nigeria’s development.

  • Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, over incumbent Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule. Obama described the outcome as “a victory for democracy.” 

    Early results on Sunday showed Tisza securing a majority in the 199-seat parliament, with projections giving the party 138 seats compared to Fidesz’s 55. Orbán has since conceded defeat, marking a dramatic shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.” 

    Magyar’s campaign focused on rebuilding ties with the European Union, restoring democratic checks and balances, and reducing Hungary’s dependence on Moscow. He pledged to strengthen judicial independence, protect media freedom, and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure transparent governance. 

    The victory signals a new era in Hungarian politics, with voters backing a platform centered on democratic renewal, international cooperation, and economic accountability.

  • ADC releases updated committee lists ahead of convention

    ADC releases updated committee lists ahead of convention

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released updated lists of its Convention Committee and Subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming national convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

    In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the update was aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention. Abdullahi urged all committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and called on stakeholders to support the process.

    National Convention Central Coordination Committee

    Terms of Reference: To serve as the official coordinating secretariat for the leadership of the National Convention Central Planning and Coordination Committee.

    Members:

    1. H.E. Senator Liyel Imoke — Chairman
    2. H.E. Senator Aminu Tambuwal — Deputy Chairman
    3. Dr. Ajuji Ahmed — Secretary
    4. Princess Ada Ogbu-Aguocha — Deputy Secretary
    5. H.E. Atiku Abubakar — Member
    6. H.E. Peter Obi — Member
    7. H.E. Rotimi Amaechi — Member
    8. H.E. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso — Member
    9. Mallam Nasir El-Rufai — Member
    10. Abubakar Malami, SAN — Member
    11. Mal Adamu Maina Waziri — Member
    12. Chief Ralph Nwosu — Member
    13. Alhaji Sai’d Baba Abdullahi — Member
    14. H.E. Emeka Ihedioha — Member
    15. Sen. Suleiman Adokwe — Member
    16. Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe — Member
    17. H.E. Sam Egwu — Member
    18. H.E. Achike Udenwa — Member
    19. Chief John Oyegun — Member
    20. Prof. Pat Utomi — Member
    21. Kashim Ibrahim Imam — Member
    22. Hon. Shehu Muhammad Koko — Member
    23. Hon. Kasimu Bello Maigari — Member
    24. H.E. Ahmed Mahmud Gumel — Member
    25. Sen. Tony Nwoye — Member
    26. Sen. Aisha Dahiru Binani — Member
    27. Sen. Dino Melaye — Member
    28. Hon. Emeka Nwajuba — Member
    29. Chief Dipo Anisulowo — Member
    30. Sen. Nurudeen Abatemi — Member
    31. Herman Hembe — Member
    32. Dr. Ose Oyakata Saleh — Member
    33. Hajia Hafsat Baba — Member
    34. Barr. Ken Imasuagbon — Member
    35. Niyi Akingunola — Member
    36. Jude Dakur — Member
    37. Bar Maurice Ebam — Member
    38. Dr. Akilu Sani Indabawa — Member
    39. Hon. Aminu Bala Bodinga — Member
    40. Hon. Abubakar Kanike — Member
    41. Hon. Linus Okorie — Member
    42. Dr. Fatima Abubakar — Member
    43. Sen. Gilbert Nnaji — Member

    The ADC emphasized that the updated committee structure reflects its commitment to inclusivity and transparency as preparations intensify for the national convention.

  • Elon Musk accuses South Africa of blocking Starlink license

    Elon Musk accuses South Africa of blocking Starlink license

    INTERNATIONAL, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has accused his country of birth, South Africa, of denying Starlink a license to operate, alleging corruption and racial discrimination in the process.

    In a post on his X account, the word’s richest man claimed that South African regulators refused to grant Starlink approval “simply because I am not Black.” He alleged that officials repeatedly offered Starlink the chance to secure a license by bribing or misrepresenting its ownership structure to appear Black‑run, but said he refused to comply “on principle.” 

    Musk added: “Racism should not be rewarded, no matter to which race it is applied. Shame on the racist politicians in South Africa. They should be shown no respect whatsoever anywhere in the world.”

    The South African government has defended its position, citing the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) framework, which requires local participation in telecommunications licensing. Officials argue that the rules are designed to ensure equity and inclusion in the economy. The confrontation escalated after Musk publicly attacked Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy, accusing him of racism for defending the regulatory framework.

    The dispute carries wider implications: without approval, Starlink cannot legally operate in South Africa, limiting its expansion in a market where rural connectivity is urgently needed. Musk’s accusations have sparked debate over whether South Africa’s equity policies discourage foreign investment, while his public attacks risk straining diplomatic relations. The government insists its rules are necessary for fairness, but Musk’s claims have turned the issue into a global controversy over governance, inclusion, and the balance between attracting technology investment and enforcing local participation laws.

  • Jigawa Governor at Sule Lamido University convocation, reaffirms commitment to education

    Jigawa Governor at Sule Lamido University convocation, reaffirms commitment to education

    DUTSE, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — The Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, has attended the combined convocation ceremony of Sule Lamido University, describing the occasion as a significant moment shared with students, families, and members of the university community.

    In a statement on Saturday, Namadi said: “Earlier today, I was at Sule Lamido University in Kafin Hausa for the combined convocation ceremony, sharing the moment with students, families, and members of the university community. I felt delighted seeing graduates from different sessions all gathered at once. It speaks to the steady progress the university has made over time.”

    The governor emphasised the importance of education in Jigawa, noting that consistent investment in schools and tertiary institutions is vital for the state’s future. “We believe the future of our state depends on the strength, knowledge, and capacity of our people. From our basic education schools to our tertiary institutions, we are working to improve access, quality, and the overall learning environment,” he said.

    Namadi highlighted ongoing efforts at Sule Lamido University, including advancing key projects, expanding facilities, and strengthening academic programmes to ensure the institution grows and competes at higher levels. “Our goal is clear: to build a university that can stand confidently anywhere while serving the needs of our people,” he added.

  • ADC congratulates newly elected state executives

    ADC congratulates newly elected state executives

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 12 April 2026 (NPA) — Nigeria’s major opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has congratulated all newly elected State Executives and State Chairmen across the federation on the successful and peaceful conduct of their congresses.

    The ADC, on Sunday, noted that the elections, carried out in line with the provisions of the law and the party’s constitution, reflect its enduring commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and the rule of law. The party commended members and stakeholders for exercising their democratic rights with maturity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.

    In a statement signed by Bolaji Abdullahi, Spokesperson for the ADC, the party announced that the formal inauguration of the newly elected State Executives is scheduled to take place on 12 May 2026, or on a later date to be communicated by the National Working Committee.

    “As you prepare to assume office, we urge all elected officials to remain steadfast in their dedication to the ideals and vision of the party. The task ahead requires unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to building a strong, credible alternative for the Nigerian people,” the statement read.

    The ADC expressed confidence that under the leadership of the newly elected officials at the state level, the party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country.

    “The ADC remains confident that under your leadership at the state level, the party will continue to grow, deepen its structures, and strengthen its connection with citizens across the country,” the statement concluded.