China criticizes US blockade of Iranian ports as dangerous and irresponsible
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
China has accused the United States of "dangerous and irresponsible" behavior following the US blockade of Iranian ports. President Xi Jinping stated that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace in the Middle East. The blockade, which began on Monday, followed failed peace talks between Washington and Tehran and came despite a recent two-week ceasefire agreement. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun warned that the US action would escalate tensions, undermine the ceasefire, and jeopardize safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has since restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz to only vessels from countries it considers friendly, such as China. Analysts suggest the blockade aims to cut off Iran's funding and pressure Beijing, a major buyer of Iranian oil, to encourage Tehran to reopen the strait. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations called the blockade a "grave violation" of Iran's sovereignty. President Xi, meeting with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasized the need to respect the national sovereignty of Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. China also opposed US threats of tariffs on Chinese products if Beijing supplied weapons to Iran, with Guo calling such reports "completely fabricated" and vowing "resolute countermeasures" if tariffs are imposed. China is hosting leaders from countries affected by the Middle East conflict this week, including Vietnam's To Lam, Russia's Foreign Minister Ser
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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stated that he relies on his wife's prayers for continued support from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting its importance for ministers to fulfill their mandates. Speaking at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town, Wike mentioned that his administration has officially commissioned 50 projects and plans to commission 10 more before January. He stressed that presidential backing is crucial for performance, drawing from his experience as a former governor and minister. Wike revealed he asks his wife to pray for the President's continued support for the FCT Administration, acknowledging the support received has enabled positive changes. He added that governance aims to improve citizens' lives, a goal he believes the Tinubu administration is working towards.
Must ReadThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA of Nigeria and its Egyptian counterpart are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding MoU to enhance cooperation in fighting substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This agreement aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations, and training between the two nations. NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa retd., announced this during a visit from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Marwa emphasized the global nature of the drug problem and the need for international collaboration, citing existing partnerships with various international law enforcement agencies. He noted that drug cartels are seeking alternative routes in Africa due to pressure elsewhere and highlighted NDLEA's success in dismantling drug manufacturing operations, including methamphetamine labs run by Mexican cartels in Nigeria. Ambassador Fouad underscored the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria, as prominent African countries, to address narcotics trafficking from a continental perspective. The proposed MoU is expected to bolster intelligence gathering, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement actions to curb the illicit drug trade across Africa.
A coroner's court in the United Kingdom has ruled that Beatrice Solomon, a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, died by suicide. Ms. Solomon, who moved to the UK in November 2023 on a skilled worker visa, was found unresponsive in her Stanfield home. Her husband, Damian Butler, discovered her upon returning home from work. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Police investigators ruled out any third-party involvement. During the inquest, Mr. Butler stated that his wife had struggled with her mental health for the past year, attributing it to issues with Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He also revealed that Ms. Solomon had made two previous attempts to take her own life. A post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as oxygen deprivation. Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor concluded that Ms. Solomon died by suicide, noting that she had researched and planned the act. Ms. Solomon, a caregiver, is survived by her husband, a son, and her siblings.