馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
African Action Congress reaffirms Omoyele Sowore as 2027 presidential candidate, condemns arrest order
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The African Action Congress AAC has reaffirmed Omoyele Sowore as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The party condemned the court-ordered arrest against Sowore and directed its members nationwide to prepare for mass protests and political mobilization. This decision was made in a communiqu茅 issued after an emergency meeting of its National Executive Committee, party candidates, and the leadership of the Take It Back Movement. The statement, signed by Acting National Chairman Samuel Ajeigbe and Take It Back Movement National Coordinator Sanyaolu Juwon, was released on Friday. The Federal High Court in Abuja had revoked Sowore's bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court. Sowore is facing prosecution for allegedly making false claims against President Bola Tinubu. The AAC views the arrest order as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition figures, activists, journalists, and labor leaders. The party stated that democracy cannot thrive where opposition voices are subjected to harassment or where state institutions serve partisan interests. The AAC declared full solidarity with Sowore and pledged to defend his constitutional rights. It also condemned attempts to use state institutions to suppress political opposition and shrink civic space. The party directed its structures to prepare for nationwide protests, rallies, and mobilization activities ahead of the 2027 elections, and to intensify the prod
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva humorously remarked that Brazilian star Neymar is "the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely." This comment came as Neymar, Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals, only recently returned to training with the squad at the World Cup in the United States after recovering from a calf injury. The 34-year-old missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and was also omitted from the squad for their second group game against Haiti. Lula, 80, made the joke during a ceremony in Belo Horizonte, further quipping that Neymar "is not even playing!" Neymar, who has not played for his country since October 2023, trained with teammates for the first time on Wednesday. He was diagnosed with a right calf injury in late May and has played in only half of his club Santos's games this year due to various fitness issues. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff are reportedly cautious about rushing his return to ensure his availability for later tournament matches. Neymar's inclusion in the squad was a surprise to some given his recent injury history. Brazil's final group stage game is against Scotland in Miami on June 24.
Igbo youth leaders and stakeholders from seven Igbo-speaking states have expressed support for the South East Development Commission SEDC and called on President Bola Tinubu to increase federal appointments for young people from the South-East. This position was articulated during the 'Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Convention' in Awka. The Convener, Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, commended President Tinubu for establishing the SEDC and for ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, viewing these as steps towards addressing developmental challenges. The group appealed for greater inclusion of Igbo youths in federal agencies, emphasizing their talent and entrepreneurial spirit. A communiqu茅 from the convention stressed the importance of transparency and accountability for the SEDC to achieve its mandate, proposing an Integrated Youth Development Master Plan for the South-East focused on employment, entrepreneurship, education, and productivity. The delegates rejected calls for the removal of SEDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Okoye, citing the need for leadership stability. They also reviewed the security situation, urging South-East governors to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property, stating that sustainable development requires safety and stability. The communiqu茅 was endorsed by representatives of various youth and socio-cultural organizations.
President Bola Tinubu has approved a final six-month extension for Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027. This extension, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to enable Adeniyi to complete key reforms. The initial extension was set to expire on August 1, 2026. The additional six months are intended to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession within the service. During this transition, Adeniyi will collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to manage personnel matters, including promoting eligible officers to Comptroller of Customs and ensuring the compulsory retirement of officers who have reached 60 years of age or completed 35 years of service. Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s and was appointed Comptroller-General of Customs by President Tinubu in June 2023. The extension is expected to provide continuity for ongoing reforms and facilitate a smooth leadership transition.