News
Nigeria At A Crossroads: Tinubu’s Call For Calm Amidst #EndBadGovernance Protests
As Nigeria grapples with the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday, urging calm and accusing “a few disgruntled politicians” of sponsoring the demonstrations. The President’s nationwide broadcast came amidst growing concerns about foreign influence, as Russian flags were spotted among protesters in Kano.
Tinubu defended his economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and abolition of multiple foreign exchange systems, as necessary decisions to reverse decades of economic mismanagement. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy, improve infrastructure, and create opportunities for young people.
However, human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the President’s speech, saying it failed to address the key demands of the protesters, including the return of fuel subsidies, improvements in living standards, and cuts in the cost of governance. Falana called on the government to set up commissions of inquiry to investigate the killings of peaceful protesters and bring those responsible to justice.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians are left wondering about the future of their country. Will Tinubu’s call for calm be heeded, or will the protests continue? Can the government address the grievances of the people, or will foreign influences exploit the situation? One thing is certain – Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and the choices made now will shape its destiny for generations to come.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began on August 1, aim to address the country’s economic hardship. Demonstrators have taken to the streets, waving Nigerian flags and chanting slogans against bad governance. However, the appearance of Russian flags has raised concerns about foreign influence.
Security experts have expressed concerns about the potential security implications of foreign influence. Retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi cautioned against conspiring with external forces to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and security. “Our people should be careful; they should not create room for anybody to destroy our country,” he said.
The Nigerian government has yet to comment on the incident involving Russian flags. However, President Tinubu’s address emphasized the need for unity and collective effort to build a brighter future. He announced initiatives to address food security, including the distribution of fertilizers and mechanized farming equipment, and revealed plans to cultivate over 10 million hectares of land to grow essential food crops.
As Nigeria navigates this critical moment, it is essential for all stakeholders to come together and find a way forward. The government must address the grievances of the people, while protesters must be mindful of potential foreign influences. The international community must also watch closely, ensuring that Nigeria’s sovereignty is respected. The future of Nigeria hangs in the balance – will it find a path to peace and prosperity, or will it succumb to the forces of instability? Only time will tell.
News
Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
Court, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
US House Democrats have threatened to begin impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over her handling of the immigration crackdown in Minnesota, unless President Donald Trump removes her from office.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that Democrats could proceed “the easy way or the hard way,” describing the actions of Noem’s department as “disgusting.”
The crisis follows the fatal shooting of US citizen Alex Pretti by a federal agent, which has triggered backlash in Minneapolis and led to the planned departure of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Borvino and some agents from the city.
Trump has deployed his “border tsar,” Tom Homan, to take charge of on-the-ground operations, while a Minnesota judge has ordered acting ICE director Todd Lyons to appear in court over alleged violations of court orders.
Trump has distanced himself from claims by senior adviser Stephen Miller that Pretti was a “would-be assassin,” saying he did not believe the victim was acting as one.
Video footage shows Pretti holding a phone while filming agents, not a gun, although police say he was a legal firearm owner.
News
UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief
UN Raises Alarm Over ‘Spare No-One’ Rhetoric by South Sudan Army Chief
The United Nations has expressed concern after South Sudan’s Deputy Army Chief, Gen. Johnson Oluny, was heard urging troops to “spare no-one,” including children and the elderly, ahead of military operations in opposition-held areas of Jonglei State.
In a video posted on Facebook, Oluny, addressing members of his Agwelek militia, called for total destruction during the deployment.
The UN Mission in South Sudan condemned the remarks, describing them as “utterly abhorrent,” and warned that inflammatory rhetoric targeting civilians must stop immediately.
South Sudan’s government, however, said the statement did not amount to an official order, insisting it remains committed to protecting civilians.
Minister of Information Ateny Wek Ateny said civilians were being warned only to avoid being caught in crossfire.
The development comes amid escalating fighting in Jonglei, where forces loyal to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar have seized several areas.
The military has ordered civilians, UN personnel and aid workers to evacuate three counties—Nyirol, Uror and Akobo—ahead of an imminent operation.
The UN says more than 180,000 people have been displaced by the renewed violence.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high as opposition forces threaten to advance towards the capital, Juba, a claim dismissed by the army.
South Sudan has been unstable since a 2018 peace deal ended a five-year civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people, but lingering political rivalry and ethnic tensions continue to threaten fragile peace.
Diplomacy
Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments
Rwanda sues UK over scrapped migrant deal payments
The Rwandan government has initiated arbitration proceedings against the United Kingdom, seeking payments it says are owed under the now-abandoned asylum partnership agreement between both countries.
Rwanda has filed the case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, arguing that the UK failed to honour financial commitments contained in the deal signed under the former Conservative government.
The agreement, designed to relocate some asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda, was scrapped in 2024 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with the Home Office saying about £220m in future payments would no longer be made.
UK authorities insist the policy was costly and ineffective, pledging to defend the case to protect taxpayers’ funds.
Rwanda, however, says the arbitration concerns unmet treaty obligations and is seeking a legal determination of both parties’ rights under international law.
The PCA lists the case as pending, with no timetable yet announced for hearings or a ruling.
-
Analysis4 days agoThe Agony of a Columnist, by Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
-
Analysis3 days agoNow That Nigeria Has a U.S. Ambassador-Designate, by Boniface Ihiasota
-
Diplomacy3 days agoCARICOM Raises Alarm Over Political Crisis in Haiti
-
News4 days agoTinubu Unhurt After Brief Stumble at Turkey Reception
-
News4 days agoMacron invites Chad’s Déby to Paris amid push to reset ties
-
News4 days agoCourt, Congress Pile Pressure on DHS Over Minnesota Operations
