New Post Africa

Category: Politics

  • Shettima hails Soludo’s nation‑building as Obasanjo, Jonathan attend historic second‑term inauguration in Awka

    Shettima hails Soludo’s nation‑building as Obasanjo, Jonathan attend historic second‑term inauguration in Awka

    ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has applauded Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, for his immense contributions to nation‑building and fostering unity. Shettima made the remarks today during the swearing‑in of Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for a second term in Awka.

    Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the well‑attended event, Shettima noted that the APC‑led government has benefited greatly from Soludo’s constructive advice. He described the governor as a man of ideas and honour who, despite entering office at a time when many politicians compromised integrity for relevance and sowed discord, remained committed to national growth and development.

    The Vice President hailed Soludo as a specialist of insight, a restless thinker, and a public intellectual of uncommon range. He said, “That is what it means to be in the business of nation‑building. It means placing the welfare of the federation above the vanity of partisan fences. It means understanding that Nigeria is too precious a vessel to be abandoned to the storms simply because the rowers wear different colours.”

    The inauguration was graced by dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

    Soludo’s first tenure recorded landmark milestones, including Nigeria’s largest state budget, urban renewal in Okpoko, infrastructure expansion, improved security, healthcare and education reforms, economic diversification, and environmental management — achievements the Professor of Economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor described as Anambra’s “return to winning ways.”

  • Netanyahu confirms killing of Ali Larijani and other commanders, vows “Strength of a Lion” against Iran

    Netanyahu confirms killing of Ali Larijani and other commanders, vows “Strength of a Lion” against Iran

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a broadcast monitored by Newpost Africa, today, confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, whom he described as a leader of the Revolutionary Guards, along with the commander of the Basij. Netanyahu referred to them as “henchmen of the gangsters who spread terror in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities against the population.”

    Netanyahu asserted that Israel is working to undermine the Iranian regime in hopes of giving the Iranian people a chance to overthrow it. While acknowledging that change will not come overnight, he urged persistence.

    He noted that Israel is cooperating with American allies in the Gulf, adding that he discussed the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump as both countries’ militaries coordinate in the war against Iran.

    The Prime Minister vowed to continue pressuring Iran with direct operations, warning of “plenty of surprises.” He declared: “With stratagems shall we wage war. We won’t reveal all the stratagems here, but I told you: there are many of them.”

    Netanyahu called for determination from Israel’s leaders, commanders, and citizens, urging them to ignore what he termed “channels of gloom,” and insisted Israel is achieving historic accomplishments in the war.

    He also sought to reassure citizens whose properties were destroyed by missile and rocket attacks from Iran and Hezbollah, saying: “With the strength of a lion, just as we did during the coronavirus pandemic, we will prevail even more this time.”

  • Oborevwori commissions Ohoro–Bomadi Road, hails Tinubu’s increased state allocation

    Oborevwori commissions Ohoro–Bomadi Road, hails Tinubu’s increased state allocation

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 17, 2026 — Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday commissioned the rehabilitated 31-kilometre Ohoro–Bomadi Road, in a colourful ceremony attended by community leaders, residents, and party supporters.

    In a statement on March 17, 2026, Oborevwori described the road as “very strategic,” noting that it cuts across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi, and Burutu Local Government Areas. He emphasised that his administration views road infrastructure as a catalyst for development and is committed to delivering key projects that improve the lives of the people.

    “The inauguration of this road will boost socio-economic activities and change the development narrative of our riverine communities,” the governor said.

    Oborevwori also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments, enabling states to execute capital projects more effectively.

    “At the event, I acknowledged the invaluable contributions of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the success of my administration through the various reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments,” he added.

    Other landmark road projects currently being executed by the Delta State Government include the massive ₦78 billion Warri/Effurun Flyovers and Road Expansion Project, by Julius Berger, which features three iconic flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction, alongside cloverleaf interchanges and sweeping road upgrades. In addition, the government has rolled out ₦80 billion coastal communities road projects, designed to open up riverine areas and transform access to long‑neglected communities.

  • “Tinubu sent ‘marching orders,’ terrorists sent suicide bombers,” Atiku slams Tinubu over Maiduguri killings

    “Tinubu sent ‘marching orders,’ terrorists sent suicide bombers,” Atiku slams Tinubu over Maiduguri killings

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 17, 2026 —Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for jetting off to England on a state visit in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, Borno State, where suicide bombers killed at least 23 people on Monday.

    In a statement issued Tuesday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over what he described as “the resurfacing of suicide bombing that were hitherto defeated,” warning that the resurgence of terrorism risks eroding public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

    Acknowledging the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces, Atiku urged the Tinubu-led administration to urgently review its counterterrorism strategies. He noted that Nigerians are weary of repeated condemnations without tangible results.

    “The Tinubu government appears to be more obsessed with crushing opposition politicians than it is with fixing the worsening security challenges. And it is obvious that despite the marching orders, the terrorists are still on the offensive.”

    Atiku further stressed that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation: “Terrorists don’t know the difference between APC supporters and opposition sympathisers… A mother in Maiduguri is not asking for press releases. She is asking why her child was blown apart in a place the government claimed was ‘liberated.’”

    He criticised the government’s priorities, pointing to the President’s state visit abroad while soldiers face the use of alleged outdated equipment at home to confront terrorists: “Our soldiers are dying with outdated equipment while the President is on a state visit to Britain, while body parts are being gathered in Borno. We urge His Majesty the King to know that his guest left behind fresh graves and weeping widows to come and smile for the cameras.”

    Atiku’s statement concluded with a scathing remark: “Bola Tinubu claims he sent ‘marching orders.’ The terrorists sent suicide bombers. Nigerians can see who is winning. You cannot campaign for 2027 on the graves of the people you failed to protect in 2026.”

  • BREAKING: Israeli attacks kill Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council 

    BREAKING: Israeli attacks kill Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council 

    MIDDLE EAST — (NPA) March 17, 2026 — The Israel Defence Force (IDF) said it conducted an airstrike last night in Iran’s capital, Tehran, targeting the outspoken Iranian Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Ali Larijani.

    Initial reports suggested uncertainty about the outcome, but a later statement from the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed the mission achieved its objective.

    Last week, Newpost Africa reported that Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), accused the United States and Israel of attempting to destabilise Iran amid the ongoing conflict. In a televised interview marking the war’s eighth day, Larijani argued that the “problem is Iran itself… not a minor change but the total breakdown of the country.”

    He alleged that the initial attacks by the US and Israel were intended to provoke collapse, referencing what he described as the “martyrdom of Imam Khamenei and other children of the revolution.” According to Larijani, Washington’s strategy relied on “shock” tactics aimed at overthrowing the government and dividing Iranian territory. He further noted that “even today, Mr Trump’s published message claimed Iran is being torn apart.”

  • Arewa community seeks Tinubu’s intervention over alleged marginalisation in Lagos APC

    Arewa community seeks Tinubu’s intervention over alleged marginalisation in Lagos APC

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — The Arewa community in Lagos State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in an alleged attempt to undermine its structure within the APC ahead of 2027 elections.

    Community leaders, alongside over 200 members, on Monday stormed the Lagos APC secretariat in Ikeja, submitting a petition detailing grievances against the party’s state leadership.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the petition titled: ‘S.O.S to Our Grand Patron, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Against Attempts to Undermine the Arewa Community Structure.’

    The letter was signed by the community secretary, Alhaji Musa Saleh, and addressed to Tinubu through Lagos APC Chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi.

    It was received by the party’s secretary, Dr Adeola Jokomba, on behalf of Ojelabi, alongside other state executives including Deputy Chairman, Chief Moshood Mayegun.

    The petition stated: “The Arewa Community in Lagos was formally inaugurated in 2021 at Alausa Secretariat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “It has remained a critical stakeholder in the evolution of our party from AD to AC, ACN and eventually the APC.”

    The community said it had consistently worked for the party’s success under the leadership of its apex leader, Mr Ahmed Kabir Abdullahi.

    “Our members remain dedicated and loyal, ensuring electoral victories for the APC at all levels,” the letter read.

    It noted that the community had produced commissioners, special advisers and councillors across several Lagos councils with significant Arewa populations.

    Such councils include Agege, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Ajeromi, Yaba, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mainland and Epe, among others.

    Other areas listed include Surulere, Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Shomolu, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Badagry and Seme Border.

    The community stated: “Mr President, you sponsored the election of many of our candidates in the past.

    “Today, we fear losing everything despite our commitment and sacrifices for the party.”

    The group alleged that the current party leadership under Ojelabi had failed to uphold the structure built by the community.

    “Rather, what we built together is being sabotaged,” the petition claimed.

    It further alleged that some individuals linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political circle were behind attempts to weaken the community’s influence.

    The group said it had built a formidable structure that made APC electoral victories in Lagos easier.

    It recalled that ahead of the 2023 governorship election, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu intervened after noticing attempts to undermine the Arewa structure.

     According to the letter, the governor invited community leaders to the State House, Marina, where the matter was discussed.

    “That engagement improved our performance and strengthened our contributions in subsequent elections,” the petition stated.

    The group urged Tinubu to address the issues ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.

    It demanded supervisory or special adviser positions in local governments and LCDAs in line with established party arrangements.

    The community also said its members played key roles in securing APC victories during the July 12, 2025 local government elections.

    “In some councils, it is difficult for our party to win without the Arewa Community. 

    “We will not allow anyone to jeopardise the party’s electoral chances through acts of sabotage,” it stated.

    The community reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and the APC.

    “We appreciate your consistent support and seek your intervention to resolve the issues affecting the Arewa Community in Lagos,” it added.

    Speaking after receiving the petition, Abdullahi said Arewa elders had been urged to intervene in resolving the grievances.

    He said stakeholders acknowledged that the structure established by Tinubu was being undermined.

    “Some individuals have been compromised to scatter this winning structure.

    “So, we have listened to them and assured them that their concerns will be addressed,” Abdullahi told journalists.

    He said consultations with party elders and leaders had already begun to resolve the matter.

    “We will also reach out to the President and deliver the letter to him. The grievances will certainly be examined and addressed,” he said.

    He described the Arewa Community as vital to Lagos politics and electoral success.

    According to him, the community also serves as a bridge between Lagos and northern Nigeria.

    “A group as important as the Arewa Community must be carried along in appointments and distribution of relief materials.

    “We stand with them and believe these issues should be properly addressed,” he said. (NAN).

  • ADC inaugurates LGA coordinators, begins membership revalidation in Sokoto

    ADC inaugurates LGA coordinators, begins membership revalidation in Sokoto

    SOKOTO, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sokoto state chapter, has inaugurated 23 local government coordinators to commence membership revalidation across the state.

    Inaugurating the coordinators on Monday in Sokoto, the State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bello Keegan, said the party registration was a significant step in the effort to strengthen the party tentacles.

    He said the exercise would also reshape its structure and grow its grassroots base for the upcoming general elections.

    Keegan said the party had conducted statewide stakeholders meeting on Sunday and met with some chieftains ahead of the mass rally to be organised as a mark of strength.

    Also, speaking at the event, the National Financial Secretary, Alhaji Akibu Dalhatu, said the exercise would be conducted in all the 244 political wards of the state.

    Dalhatu further said the exercise would run concurrently with both e-registration and physical exercise.

    “The ADC introduced e-registration exercise with the aim to make it easier for the people willing to join the party

    “The ADC is well prepared to dislodge the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration at all levels because Nigerians are yearning for an alternative platform to send the APC government parking

    “ADC is the perfect platform to serve as an alternative to the ruling APC which plunged the country into untold hardship courtesy of its bad economic policies,” he said.

    Dalhatu called on youth and women and all Nigerians to embrace the ADC for the desired change(NAN).

  • Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, thanks President Tinubu after swearing-in

    Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, thanks President Tinubu after swearing-in

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his swearing-in today.

    In a statement on Monday, Oyedele said his appointment is not merely a personal milestone but a call to greater service at a time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges alongside immense opportunities. He pledged to make sound decisions in public finance that will shape the nation’s prosperity, stability, and well-being.

    He noted that in his new role, he will focus on strengthening revenue mobilisation, promoting fiscal discipline, and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.

    Oyedele said: “I look forward to working more closely with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, colleagues across government, the National Assembly, private sector, and development partners to advance the mission of financing Nigeria for sustainable development. Public service demands integrity, humility, and dedication. I step into this responsibility with a deep sense of duty and commitment to Nigeria and the Nigerian people.”

  • Governor Radda condoles Bindawa Community over passing of Dan Yusufan Katsina 

    Governor Radda condoles Bindawa Community over passing of Dan Yusufan Katsina 

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State in Nigeria’s northwest, has condoled with the family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state over the passing of Alhaji Muhammad Bello, Dan Yusufan Katsina and District Head of Bindawa, who died last night.

    The governor described the late traditional ruler as a respected leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. He noted that his passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, is a reminder of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah.

    Governor Radda prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

    A part of the statement issued by the governor on March 16, 2026, reads: “He was a respected traditional leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. His passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, reminds us of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”

  • Effium–Ezza conflict claimed NELAN Engineers, Umahi denies allegations

    Effium–Ezza conflict claimed NELAN Engineers, Umahi denies allegations

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has denied any involvement in the disappearance of NELAN Consulting engineers who went missing during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State.

    Families of the deceased engineers have recently suggested that Umahi has questions to answer. However, in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Francis Nwaze, on March 16, Umahi stressed that he treated the incident of November 3, 2021, with utmost seriousness. He explained that the disappearance was linked to the Effium–Ezza Effium communal conflict, which claimed lives and properties, noting that the engineers were victims of the wider violence rather than being singled out.

    Umahi said his administration worked closely with security agencies, launched intensive search and investigative efforts, visited the site of the incident, and directly participated in recovery operations. “These efforts led to the arrest of individuals involved in the dastardly act. Those arrested confessed to committing the crime, and they have remained in custody since then. The matter is still before the court, and the judicial process continues even after Senator Umahi left office as Governor,” the statement read.

    He added: “It must therefore be clearly understood that the government under Senator Umahi did not abandon the matter, suppress it, or fail to act. Swift investigative actions were taken, arrests were made, and the suspects were handed over to the justice system, where the case continues to be prosecuted.” Umahi reiterated that he never wished for such tragedy, describing the communal violence as a devastating conflict that claimed many innocent lives, including the engineers.

    The Effium–Ezza crisis, though formally addressed by the current Ebonyi State Government by the creation of Alaoma Community, remains largely unresolved. Effium, once a bustling agrarian and trading hub, is still desolate, scarred by perennial land disputes, battles over motor park control, and competition for economic resources such as forests and mineral deposits. Hundreds have died, many remain missing, and arms proliferation continues to fuel sporadic attacks. Analysts warn that disarmament may be the next critical step toward lasting peace after the government’s peace plan implementation.  

    Recall that the ring road running through Effium to Iziogo, Nwofe, Iboko, Nwezenyi, and eventually connecting to Abakaliki was constructed in the heat of the crisis, as the then-governor vowed to press ahead with his electoral promises despite the war. It remains unclear whether the engineers were victims of mistaken identity, caught in the crossfire of a conflict that has shown little signs of abating.