New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Cross River bans VIOs from road operations, slashes daily ticket fees

    Cross River bans VIOs from road operations, slashes daily ticket fees

    POLITICS (Agency Report) — March 8, 2026 —The Cross River Government has banned the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from road operations across the state.

    The governor, who made the announcement in Calabar on Saturday, restricted activities of the VIO to office duties.

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Linus  Obogo, the directive followed protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators over high tickets, excessive fines and alleged harassment by enforcement teams.

    The governor, who made other announcements in the sector, said the measures were approved after a meeting with key transport stakeholders.

    According to the statement, other announcements made was the reduction of daily ticket fee from N850 to N500, while the penalty for failure to purchase the ticket had also been reduced to N10,000.

    “All traffic-related fines be slashed by 50 per cent and must be paid only into designated Cross River Government accounts.

    “Daily ticket for tricycle riders has been reduced from N1,200 to N500,

    however, every activity of commercial tricycle operators ends at 6 p.m. daily, night operations are permanently banned,” Otu asserted.

    He said the review was aimed to ease the burden on drivers and restore order in the state’s transport system.

    Speaking further, the governor said the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA) would now focus on vehicle registration and sale of tickets at approved rates.

    He noted that enforcement officers must operate only in proper uniforms and with verifiable identification.

    He directed the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to restrict its activities to statutory traffic management duties.

    In addition, the governor announced that “commercial bus drivers and tricycle riders will no longer purchase tickets on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.”

    “These directives will take effect from March 9, and I urge all residents and transport operators to cooperate with relevant authorities.

    However, speaking to NAN, some commercial drivers said the statement did not address some activities of TRAMRA such as the illegal “no parking order” for drivers who only pick and drop passengers.

    For Johnson Ade, a commercial driver, he said there should be an official release stating the traffic infractions in the state and the fine for each of them.

    He said slashing the fines by 50 per cent was ambiguous, adding that the amounts to be paid for each crime should be clearly stated to prevent criminal elements who posed as government traffic regulatory officials from abusing the directive.

    On his part, Mr Sunday Dennis, Metropolitan Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), said they would convene a meeting immediately to critically look at the governor’s statement.

    It would be recalled that series of protests by commercial bus drivers and tricycle operators had led to the suspension of all forms of transport tickets in the state by the government. (NAN).

  • International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    International Women’s Day: women hold just 64% of legal rights afforded to men worldwide — UN Women

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 8, 2026 — As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2026, UN Women has raised alarm over the persistent global gap in legal rights between men and women.

    In a statement on Saturday, the agency revealed that women currently hold only 64% of the legal rights afforded to men worldwide. This means that, on average, women are entitled to just two-thirds of the protections and opportunities guaranteed to men under the law.

    UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment, urged global leaders to confront structural barriers to justice, including discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful practices, and entrenched social norms that undermine the rights of women and girls.

    The agency further noted that conflict and instability exacerbate these inequalities, leaving women and girls more vulnerable to violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Reports of violations have emerged from Nigeria’s northeast, northwest, and north-central regions, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, alongside banditry, have displaced communities and subjected women to abuse. The ongoing war in Sudan was also highlighted as a flashpoint for widespread violations of women’s rights in Africa.

    In Nigeria, UN Women continues to push for gender equality by addressing violence against women, promoting women’s political participation, and supporting economic empowerment initiatives. However, progress remains slow, with women holding only 3.9% of parliamentary seats. The agency has warned that democracy itself is at risk if women remain excluded from decision-making processes.

    Nigeria also faces high rates of gender-based violence, with one in three women aged 15–49 experiencing physical or sexual abuse. Harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) persist, further eroding women’s rights.

    Beyond advocacy, UN Women’s programs in Nigeria include initiatives on economic empowerment, health, and social issues, with a particular focus on combating HIV/AIDS and supporting women’s access to education and vocational training.

  • “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    “We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won,” Trump tells UK

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — March 8, 2026— U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from the United Kingdom to deploy two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in support of ongoing American and Israeli military operations against Iran. 

    In a post on his Truth Social account Sunday, Trump dismissed the offer, writing: “The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. That’s OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we don’t need them any longer — but we will remember. We don’t need people that join wars after we’ve already won!”

    The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and London over Britain’s limited role in the conflict. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that the UK’s priority is protecting British citizens in the region and avoiding escalation into a wider Middle East war. 

    Britain has confined its involvement to defensive operations, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles and evacuating nationals. UK officials argue that joining direct strikes against Iran could risk expanding the conflict into a full-scale regional war. Instead, London has pursued a dual-track strategy of military readiness and diplomatic engagement aimed at de-escalation.

  • Middle East War: Netanyahu praises Israeli forces amid ongoing campaign

    Middle East War: Netanyahu praises Israeli forces amid ongoing campaign

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has commended the country’s military forces for their role in the ongoing campaign, conducted in coordination with the United States, against elements of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The operation began last Saturday.

    In a statement released on his verified X account, Netanyahu described the campaign as “a fateful struggle for Israel’s existence.” He emphasised Israel’s resolve, saying: “In the past week, we have acted with strength, initiative, and determination against our enemies—and we will continue to act with all our might until we achieve all our goals.”

    The prime minister extended his praise to the Israel Air Force pilots, ground crews, security personnel, and rescue teams. He also acknowledged the resilience of Israeli citizens, highlighting their “steadfast spirit, responsibility, and courageous stand.”

    Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu declared: “Together, we have changed the face of the Middle East. Together, we will continue to fight. Together, we will roar like a lion. And with God’s help—together, we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

    Reported Achievements in the Iran Campaign

    Since the campaign began, Israel has claimed several military accomplishments:

    • High-intensity strikes: Israeli forces, in coordination with the U.S., have carried out a large number of precision strikes against Iranian military targets at an unprecedented pace.
    • Infrastructure damage: Operations have reportedly degraded Iran’s missile launch facilities, drone bases, and naval assets.
    • Air superiority: The Israeli Air Force has maintained operational tempo, intercepting drones and conducting precision bombardments.
    • Joint coordination: The campaign highlights close U.S.-Israeli military cooperation, with American assets supporting Israel’s strikes.

    Strategic objectives include neutralising Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, suppressing drone warfare, and limiting Tehran’s ability to project power in the Gulf. While Israel has achieved tactical successes, Iran retains retaliatory capacity, and the broader regional consequences remain uncertain.

  • Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    Peter Obi officially picks up ADC membership card— Tanko

    POLITICS (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Interim National Coordinator Obidient Movement World wide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, has announced that former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), solidifying his position within the opposition party.

    In a statement on Saturday, Tanko wrote: “We must demystify this criminality.”

    Referring to a recent Al Jazeera interview with presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala, Tanko noted: “The Al Jazeera interview, with the help of the international media, re-echoed our challenges as a nation. Clearly, we all know these facts. We have them on video, in documents, in audio recordings, and they are stamped in our minds.”

    He continued: “So, what do we do next? Do we keep quiet and pretend that nothing happened, or do we stand up as a people who refuse to be captured? For us, we want our country back, and we shall continue the struggle for good governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.”

    Tanko described Obi’s move as inspirational: “In what seems to be an answer and inspiration, HE Peter Obi has officially picked up his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

    He urged supporters to mobilise: “So let us get up, people. We can win this. We are more than them; we have the population. All we need is to populate all the 176,000 polling units.”

  • Nigeria Police boost counter-terrorism capacity with new training, bases, and deployments

    Nigeria Police boost counter-terrorism capacity with new training, bases, and deployments

    CRIME DIARY (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity through a specialised training programme and the establishment of new Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) bases across the country.

    The training, conducted in collaboration with the British High Commission in Nigeria through the Office of the Counter Terrorism Regional Coordinator for West Africa, is part of efforts to enhance the Force’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other serious crimes threatening national security.

    In a statement issued Saturday, Acting ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, said the expanded capacity includes new CTU bases and additional deployments.

    “The two-week Close Quarter Battle and Intelligence Analysis training programme featured fifty-six (56) participants drawn from the Counter Terrorism Units of the Nigeria Police Force. The officers were exposed to contemporary counter-terrorism tactics, intelligence analysis, and operational best practices aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to emerging security threats,” the statement read.

    At the closing ceremony in Abuja, Lt. Col. Ian Tyler of the British High Commission commended the professionalism of participants and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

    Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by AIG Akoh Gabriel, said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to continually upscale the operational capacity of officers. He expressed appreciation to the British Government for its sustained partnership.

    As part of broader measures, the IGP approved the establishment of new CTU bases in Madagali (Adamawa State), Ikot Odo (Akpabuyo, Cross River State), and Ode-Remo (Ogun State), alongside additional deployments to strategic locations nationwide to enhance rapid response capability.

    “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening partnerships, building operational capacity, and deploying strategic resources to combat terrorism and other emerging security threats across the country,” the statement added.

  • Alex Otti’s big move: Abia’s social contract with senior citizens

    Alex Otti’s big move: Abia’s social contract with senior citizens

    OPINION (NPA) — March 7, 2026 —In most countries, senior citizens — those aged 60 and above — are esteemed and accorded special recognition and care by the state. The United Nations, in acknowledgement of their importance, designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.

    In Nigeria, the National Senior Citizens Act, 2017 established the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) to cater to the needs of the elderly and promote social inclusion. The NSCC has since urged state governments to domesticate the Act to safeguard the welfare of senior citizens.

    In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti is blazing the trail. Recently, he signed the Senior Citizens Welfare Bill into law, providing free medical care and a monthly stipend for residents aged 60 and above. Law No. 4 of 2025 formally established the Abia State Senior Citizens Centre, a landmark initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly, ensuring dignity, security, and social protection.

    The law sets out a framework for registration, identification, and administration of benefits. Key provisions include free medical care, access to public healthcare facilities, social support, and assistance for vulnerable seniors. Eligibility requires being 60 years or older and an indigene of Abia.

    To dispel misconceptions, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu clarified that the Centre is not a “free money distribution scheme” but a structured welfare system. “This legislation is a deliberate and compassionate response by Otti’s administration to the growing population of elderly persons in Abia and the long-standing absence of a structured, government-backed system dedicated to their care, welfare, and social inclusion,” he said.

    Kanu emphasized that the Centre is not a retirement home but a hub for support services, social engagement, recreational activities, and advocacy. It will operate under the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, funded through budgetary allocations, grants, and approved donations. “Law No. 4 of 2025 is a bold and humane policy choice that places Abia among progressive states that recognise ageing as a governance issue and institutionalise care for senior citizens,” he added.

    Senior citizens in Abia have welcomed the initiative. Felix Nwadioha commended the governor, saying: “It is not only when you are in service that you are relevant; you are also relevant when you are out of government.” Obike Ukoh praised the programme, noting that it would alleviate challenges faced by the aged: “It is a human approach to help people live longer; not to live a little longer in suffering but to live long in a very healthy living and in comfort.”

    Mrs. Eunice Offor described the law as a game-changer: “The monthly stipend, free medical care, and other benefits will go a long way in improving our quality of life. The fact that this law is now a statutory entitlement gives us a sense of security and dignity.”

    Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo also applauded Otti, calling the law a landmark initiative that embodies compassion and social responsibility. “I was quite particularly touched by the new law for Senior Citizens in Abia, and I think it is one of those very important issues that we have to address,” he said.

    While the governor and the Abia House of Assembly deserve praise, policy analysts stress that the true test lies in the full implementation of this watershed law.

  • Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Middle East War: Bahrain, UK, U.S. Hold Virtual C-SIPA Defence Working Group Meeting

    Tampa, Fla. (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) convened a virtual meeting of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) Defence Working Group with representatives from Bahrain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

    According to a statement issued by USCENTCOM on March 6, participants included HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council of Bahrain; Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom; and Adm. Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command.

    Discussions focused on the current regional security environment, with emphasis on what officials described as deliberate aggression by the Iranian regime and attacks on civilians across the Middle East. The parties underscored the importance of cooperation to safeguard peace and stability.

    The meeting followed recent developments in the Gulf, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighboring states after Iranian missile and drone strikes. In a televised address, Pezeshkian pledged to halt the attacks and called for diplomacy over escalation, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

  • Nigeria Army dislodged separatists camps in Anambra and Imo, recover exhibits

    Nigeria Army dislodged separatists camps in Anambra and Imo, recover exhibits

    Awka, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — The Nigerian Army says it has dismantled camps allegedly belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during ongoing clearance operations in Anambra and Imo States.

    In a statement issued March 5, the Army said troops under Operation Eastern Sanity are sustaining “aggressive clearance operations” aimed at restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

    On March 3, troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, advanced on Camp Gbadoanya in Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The Army reported that several insurgent camps were identified and destroyed. Items recovered included pump-action rifles, locally made firearms, assorted magazines, ammunition belts, cutting machines, improvised explosive device (IED) materials, and Biafran flags. The Army said Nigerian flags were hoisted after the destruction of separatist symbols.

    Continuing operations on March 4, troops reportedly dismantled additional camps within Camp Gbadoanya and uncovered an IED fabrication site. Equipment recovered included welding and drilling machines, car batteries, locally fabricated guns, rifle components, and other bomb-making materials.

    The Army emphasized that the coordinated operations are part of efforts to neutralize IPOB/ESN activities and ensure security across the South-East.

  • UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action on women’s rights

    UN urges Nigeria to move from policy to action on women’s rights

    Abuja, Nigeria (Agency Report) — March 7, 2026 — UN Women has urged the Nigerian government to move beyond policy commitments toward tangible actions that protect women’s rights, deliver justice for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors, and promote sustainable national development.

    Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call during a news conference ahead of the 2026 International Women’s Day, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women & Girls.”

    Eyong highlighted alarmingly high GBV cases in Nigeria, worsened in digital spaces where technology-facilitated abuse was increasing, compounded by poor access to justice for survivors in courts, communities, and informal dispute mechanisms.

    She also noted that only 3.9 per cent of parliamentary seats were held by women, one of the lowest globally, limiting inclusive decision-making and hindering sustainable national progress and equitable governance.

    Eyong urged Nigeria to confront the reality that gender inequality remained the greatest human rights challenge; yet addressing it was a powerful driver for sustainable development, peace, and social stability across the country.

    “We call on government, civil society, private sector, traditional and religious leaders, and development partners to accelerate reforms and investments dismantling gender barriers at all levels in society and governance.

    “Nigeria does not lack policies; the challenge is financing, enforcing, and sustaining them.

    “We must move from commitments to implementation, and from plans to meaningful impact for women and girls.

    “When we secure justice and rights for women, we secure Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and future. UN Women stands ready, with urgency, partnership, and unwavering resolve, to advance Rights, Justice, and Action,” Eyong emphasised

    According to her, UN Women has advocated for the Special Seats for Women Bill, pushing for constitutional reforms that guarantee women meaningful participation at the decision-making table across all governance levels.

    She said they were supporting the Ministry of Women Affairs to expand and strengthen the National Sexual Offender Database, a vital accountability tool preventing perpetrators from moving undetected across states and communities.

    Eyong explained that UN Women also worked closely with traditional and religious leaders to dismantle harmful norms sustaining impunity, advancing the Secretary-General’s call for zero tolerance and zero excuses for violence against women.

    Beyond policy, she said, UN Women partnered with financial and private sectors to unlock funding for women-led businesses, community-based solutions, and strengthened women’s participation in peace, security, and governance processes across Nigeria.

    “To ensure sustainability, UN Women works with the Ministry of Women Affairs to institutionalise Gender-Responsive Budgeting at federal and state levels, prioritising maternal health, girl-child education, women’s safety, and economic empowerment initiatives,” she stated.

    On the media’s role, Eyong urged journalists to spotlight women’s realities, achievements, and aspirations, expose injustices, challenge discriminatory norms, and keep gender issues central to Nigeria’s public and policy discourse.

    “We call on the media to use its platform to advance women’s rights, expose injustices, and hold institutions accountable.

    “It must amplify survivors’ voices, promote women’s leadership, and keep women and girls central to public discourse.

    “By telling the full story accurately, responsibly, and consistently, the media can help turn Rights, Justice, and Action into lived realities for every woman and girl in Nigeria,” she emphasised. (NAN).