Category: Politics

Iran apologises for attacks on neighbours, sets tough conditions

Tehran, Iran (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an apology to Gulf nations following Iranian missile and drone strikes on neighbouring states amid ongoing military operations in the Persian Gulf involving the United States and Israel.

In a televised address, Pezeshkian acknowledged the attacks, pledged to halt them, and called for diplomacy over escalation. “I should apologise to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran, on my own behalf,” he said, attributing the strikes to miscommunication within Iran’s military ranks.

The president clarified that the response came after heavy assaults on Iran and the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the strikes as unintended escalations. He warned, however, that Iran would retaliate against any future attacks launched from external territories.

Analysts note uncertainty over whether the apology reflects a weakened military position, as both the U.S. and Israel have claimed to have destroyed more than 80 per cent of Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender, dismissing it as “a dream they should take to their grave.”

March 7, 2026
U.S. lawmaker condemns Taraba church burning, says Washington will act

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress tasked by President Donald Trump to investigate the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, has condemned the reported burning of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Wukari, Taraba State, on March 4, 2026.

The attack, attributed to Islamist militants, drew widespread attention after images of the destroyed church circulated on social media. In a statement on March 6, Moore offered condolences to parishioners and cited scripture: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Moore stressed that Christians in Nigeria continue to face targeted violence, adding: “The United States has declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, and we won’t stand idly by as Christians continue to face this violence.”

Last week, the congressional committee chaired by Moore submitted recommendations to the U.S. President on measures to address what it described as systematic attacks on Christian communities in Africa’s most populous nation.

According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety Nigeria), Islamist extremist groups in Nigeria—most notably Boko Haram and allied militants—have systematically targeted churches as part of a campaign to intimidate Christian communities, diminish their presence, and advance their goal of establishing a religiously homogenous state. Since 2009, an estimated 19,100 churches have been attacked, burned, or destroyed, averaging about 1,200 per year (roughly 100 per month).

The primary driver behind these attacks is ideological motivation. Groups such as Boko Haram seek to impose a strict Islamist order, viewing Christian institutions as symbols of resistance to their ideology and as strategic targets for undermining community cohesion and morale.

The Nigerian government has introduced several measures to address the violence, including military operations such as targeted airstrikes against Islamist extremist groups. However, analysts caution that these efforts remain insufficient, noting that the attacks have continued to escalate in both frequency and scale.

March 7, 2026
Reno Omokri Thanks President Tinubu for Mexico Ambassador Posting

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ambassador-designate Reno Omokri has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his approval as Nigeria’s envoy to Mexico.

In a statement released Friday, Omokri described President Tinubu as “a man with a heart of gold” and pledged his loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Head of State. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, family, and National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, whom he praised for his integrity.

Omokri noted that his posting coincides with his symbolic six-day climb to Mount Kilimanjaro, where he intends to hoist Nigeria’s flag at the summit. He linked the gesture to Nigeria’s rising global profile, citing reports from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund that ranked Nigeria among the top contributors to global GDP in 2025.

He further highlighted Nigeria’s growing reputation as a safe and stable destination, pointing to the success of “Detty December 2025,” which attracted 1.2 million tourists without major incidents.

“I devote my life again and afresh to Nigeria — to be faithful, loyal, and honest, and to serve and market Nigeria to the best of my ability. So help me God,” Omokri stated.

March 6, 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu approves posting of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners
Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the nominees last December.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Reno Omokri was assigned to Mexico, while Femi Fani-Kayode will serve in Germany.

Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners
1. Senator Grace Bent — Lome, Togo
2. Sen. Ita Enang — South Africa
3. Ikpeazu Victor — Spain
4. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu — Tel Aviv, Israel
5. Mahmud Yakubu — Qatar
6. Paul Oga Adikwu — Vatican City, Holy See
7. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas — Philippines
8. Reno Omokri — Mexico City, Mexico
9. Hon. Abasi Braimah — Budapest, Hungary
10. Erelu Angela Adebayo — Portugal
11. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa — Tokyo, Japan
12. Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi Lawrence — Athens, Greece
13. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim — Warsaw, Poland
14. Aminu Dalhatu — United Kingdom
15. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau — Beijing, China
16. Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari — Gambia
17. Olufemi Pedro — Australia
18. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu — Argentina
19. Lateef Kayode Are — United States
20. Amb. Joseph Sola Iji — Russia
21. Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim — UN Permanent Representative
22. Femi Fani-Kayode — Germany
23. Prof. Isaak Folorunso Adewole — Ottawa, Canada
24. Ajimobi Fatima Florence — Austria
25. Lola Akande — Sweden
26. Ayo Oke — France
27. Yakubu N. Gambo — Saudi Arabia
28. Sen. Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut — Seoul, South Korea
29. Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha SAN — Dublin, Ireland
30. Dr Kulu Haruna Abubakar — Tunis, Tunisia
31. Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe — Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners
1. Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka — Côte d’Ivoire
2. Besto Maimuna Ibrahim — Niamey, Niger
3. Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi — São Tomé, STP
4. Mohammed Mahmud Lele — Algiers, Algeria
5. Endoni Syndoph Paebi — Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
6. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno — Cairo, Egypt
7. Jane Adams (née Okon) Michael — Kingston, Jamaica
8. Clark-Omeru Alexandra — Lusaka, Zambia
9. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David — Bamako, Mali
10. Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen — Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
11. Wasa Segun Ige — Beirut, Lebanon
12. Ruben Abimbola Samuel — Rome, Italy
13. Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley — Maputo, Mozambique
14. Magaji Umar — Kinshasa, DR Congo
15. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru — New Delhi, India
16. Abdussalam Habu Zayyad — Dakar, Senegal
17. Shehu Ilu Barde — Accra, Ghana
18. Aminu Nasir — Ethiopia
19. Abubakar Musa Musa — N’Djamena, Chad
20. Haidara Mohammed Idris — The Hague, Netherlands
21. Bako Adamu Umar — Rabat, Morocco
22. Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed — Malaysia
23. Romata Mohammed Omobolanle — Tanzania
24. Shaga John Shamah — Botswana
25. Salau Hamza Mohammed — Tehran, Iran
26. Ibrahim Danlami — Kenya
27. Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola — Cotonou, Benin
28. Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel — Brussels, Belgium
29. Akande Wahab Adekola — Berne, Switzerland
30. Arewa (née Adedokun) Esther — Windhoek, Namibia
31. Gergadi Joseph John — Libreville, Gabon
32. Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata — Sierra Leone
33. Danladi Yakubu Nyaku — Khartoum, Sudan
34. Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru — Bangkok, Thailand
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu (UK) and Ambassador Ayo Oke (France). Requests for agrément have been sent to other host countries in line with diplomatic protocol.

President Tinubu has directed the Ministry to immediately commence induction programmes for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners ahead of their formal assumption of duty.
March 6, 2026
Hope Uzodimma highlights road infrastructure achievements, Praises Owerri–Onitsha road project

Owerri, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has commended his administration’s ongoing upgrades to public infrastructure, emphasising that the projects are designed to ease mobility, boost commerce, and strengthen economic activities across the state.

One of the flagship projects is the reconstruction of the Owerri–Onitsha Road, which the governor described as a “major gateway” into Imo. The 33.1-kilometre stretch, cutting across five local government areas—Owerri Municipal, Owerri West, Mbaitoli, Oru East, and Oru West—has been rebuilt to withstand heavy traffic and ensure safer, faster travel. The project also resolved long-standing structural failures at the Mgbidi–Oguta intersection.

“Our deliberate approach to infrastructure development is guided by the understanding that good roads are critical to mobility, trade, and overall development,” Uzodimma said in a statement Friday. “From zone to zone, we have continued to improve the road network across Imo State, making life easier for our people and promoting commerce.”

He described the Owerri–Onitsha project as more than reconstruction, calling it “a reconnection of our dear State,” and pledged continued work on other critical roads.

Newpost Africa earlier reported that Uzodimma’s administration has also intensified work on the Orlu–Mgbe–Akokwa–Uga Road. Though classified as a federal road, the state government undertook the project to restore access to communities long cut off by ecological challenges that disrupted livelihoods, restricted movement, and slowed regional growth.

March 6, 2026
Father of former Ebonyi deputy governor murdered after abduction

Abakaliki, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — His Royal Highness, Ezeogo Francis Igwe, father of former Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe and traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, has been killed by kidnappers. The monarch was abducted on his way to church on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Police confirmed that he was murdered by his abductors on the day, March 2, following confessional statements by suspects connected to the crime.

In a statement issued Friday, the Ebonyi State Police Command said its operatives immediately launched a manhunt after the abduction was reported. According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Joshua Ukandu, two suspects were arrested and confessed to the killing. They also offered to lead investigators to the gang’s hideout.

Ukandu explained that as officers approached the location, they came under fire from other gang members. A shootout ensued, during which one suspect was killed while others escaped.

Seven more suspects were later apprehended, bringing the total number of arrests to nine. A locally made pistol was recovered during the operation.

The remains of the slain monarch have been recovered and placed in a morgue for autopsy. Police say investigations are ongoing, and the suspects in custody will face prosecution once inquiries are complete.

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru strongly condemned the abduction, calling it “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable.” He emphasised that criminal attacks on innocent citizens—especially respected traditional leaders—will not be tolerated in the state. The governor also directed security agencies to intensify collaboration to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face justice.

March 6, 2026
Nigeria congratulates Ghana on 69th independence, reaffirms commitment to peace, prosperity, and African unity

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Nigeria has congratulated the Republic of Ghana on the occasion of its 69th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement and a testament to Ghana’s enduring contributions to democracy and regional stability.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, extended warm congratulations to Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

“This historic milestone commemorates Ghana’s independence on the 6th of March in 1957, when it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve freedom from colonial rule,” the statement read. “Ghana’s independence represented a defining moment in Africa’s liberation movement, inspiring generations of African nations, including Nigeria, to pursue sovereignty, dignity, and self-determination.”

Nigeria underscored the unique and deeply rooted relationship between the two countries, founded on “common historical experiences, cultural affinity, and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and African unity.” Both nations, the statement noted, “have remained pillars of stability and democratic progress in West Africa and have consistently worked together in advancing the goals of regional cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.”

Highlighting decades of collaboration, the ministry pointed to strong diplomatic ties characterized by “frequent high-level engagements, strategic dialogue, and cooperation in areas including trade and investment, education, energy, defence cooperation, migration management, and cultural exchange.” The free movement of people between both countries has further strengthened “people-to-people diplomacy and fostered vibrant economic and cultural connections that reflect the spirit of African brotherhood.”

As Ghana celebrates its independence under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” Nigeria commended the resilience and creativity of the Ghanaian people in advancing national development and strengthening democratic institutions. It also recognised Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ongoing Heritage Month celebrations, which showcase “the country’s vibrant traditions, creative industries, and cultural identity.”

Reaffirming its commitment to deepening bilateral relations, Nigeria pledged to expand economic cooperation, enhance diplomatic consultation, and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges. “Nigeria remains confident that the longstanding partnership between Abuja and Accra will continue to grow, contributing to regional prosperity, economic integration, and the shared vision of a peaceful and united Africa,” the statement concluded.

March 6, 2026
Ukraine welcomes 300 soldiers home after prisoner swap with Russia

Kyiv, Ukraine (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Ukraine has secured the release of 300 soldiers and two civilians from Russian captivity following a prisoner exchange under the “500-for-500” deal negotiated in Geneva. In return, Russia received 200 of its servicemen held by Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Friday titled “Another 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity,” expressed joy over the development. He confirmed that the freed Ukrainians include members of the Armed Forces, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service, ranging from privates to officers.

“These are warriors who defended Ukraine in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for more than a year, some since 2022,” Zelenskyy noted.

The President extended gratitude to all parties involved in facilitating the exchange, particularly the United States for its mediation role. “I thank all our warriors who ensure this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine. I thank the entire team that worked to achieve this result. I am grateful to the United States for their mediation. It is important that the agreements have worked. We remember everyone, and we must bring all our people home,” he said.

March 6, 2026
Anambra State reclaims 10 oil wells amid boundary disputes with Delta

Awka, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The Anambra State Government has announced the recovery of 10 oil wells located around the Anambra River Basin, which had previously been credited to Delta State due to long-standing boundary disputes.

Charles Ofoegbu, Managing Director of the Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company and Chairman of Anambra State Petroleum Energy Resources Limited, disclosed the development to journalists in Awka on Thursday. He explained that once the Revenue Mobilisation Commission verifies the reclaimed wells, Anambra will begin receiving additional revenue from them. “However, about 10 oil wells located around the Anambra River Basin, belonging to the state but initially seeded to Delta State, have been recovered,” he said.

Ofoegbu noted that Anambra, officially recognised as an oil-producing state in 2025 with an initial output of 3,000 barrels per day, is also working with foreign investors to establish a modular refinery in Ossamala, Ogbaru Local Government Area. “This modular refinery will produce petroleum and diesel to serve Anambra State and its neighbouring states, which will generate huge revenue for the state,” he added.

Beyond oil, the state is expanding its mineral sector, with a kaolin mining site opening in Ukpor, Nnewi South, and plans for a bentonite processing plant in Achalagu, Nteje. Ofoegbu emphasised that these projects, alongside the reclaimed oil wells, will increase Anambra’s share of the 13 per cent oil derivation fund from the federal government and strengthen the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

March 6, 2026
Borno killings: Obi condemns Boko Haram/ISWAP attack, blames poor leadership

Abuja, Nigeria (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and presidential aspirant, has condemned Thursday’s attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Ngoshe community in Borno State, northeast Nigeria.

The assault, which destroyed a military base and struck an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, left at least nine Nigerian soldiers and several civilians dead, while an unspecified number of people were abducted, according to local reports.

In a statement issued Friday, Obi expressed deep concern over the tragedy: “I watched several videos of this tragedy with deep horror. Once again, we are confronted with the painful reality of the daily suffering that far too many Nigerians are forced to endure. This is unacceptable.”

He questioned the government’s response to ongoing insecurity: “How long will Nigerians continue to bear the consequences of poor leadership and mismanagement? How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken to secure our communities, protect the vulnerable, and dismantle the structures of these insurgents?”

Obi criticised political leaders for prioritising electoral gains over national security, saying: “While Nigerians are slaughtered daily by terrorists, what is more troubling is that amid these killings, our political leaders are preoccupied with selfish schemings on how to steal, grab and run away with the next election cycle, keeping us in insecurity, poverty, and underdevelopment.”

Offering condolences to victims, he added: “To the families who have lost loved ones, to the children now displaced, and to the communities living in fear, I stand with you in grief and in resolve. Your pain is Nigeria’s pain. Your safety and dignity must be the priority of any government that claims to serve the people.”

Obi emphasised that Nigeria requires leadership that values human life above all else: “Our nation is stronger than the terror that threatens it. But we cannot remain silent, and we cannot accept inaction. We must act now—for today’s victims, for tomorrow’s children, and for the Nigeria we all deserve.”

March 6, 2026