More from Nigeria
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路33 mins ago
Nigeria's foreign policy prioritizes domestic strength and national interests, says Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, stated that Nigeria must achieve economic resilience, security, and stability to reclaim its leadership in Africa and enhance global influence. Speaking at a book launch in Abuja, the minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 reforms aim to strengthen the country's domestic foundations, which he considers essential for a dynamic foreign policy. He noted that a "Nigeria First" doctrine now drives foreign policy, centering on the welfare, security, and economic prosperity of Nigerians. The immediate focus of diplomatic engagement includes Nigeria and its neighboring countries, recognizing their intrinsic link to Nigeria's security and prosperity. While not abandoning Africa as a cornerstone, the approach is being recalibrated to address domestic priorities. Nigeria will pursue strategic autonomy in its relations with global powers, aligning international engagements with national interests rather than ideology, and remains open to partnerships with both Western and non-Western countries. The minister also highlighted the reinvigoration of security and defense cooperation with the United States and other Western allies to address current domestic security challenges. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's trajectory despite concerns about its international visibility, and mentioned ongoing efforts to rebuild the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through reforms focused on professionalism and capacity building. He stres
5 min read
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路58 mins ago
Appeal Court adjourns ADC deregistration case until July 7
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of an appeal challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, and three other political parties until July 7. The adjournment from June 25 was granted to allow all parties to file and exchange their briefs of argument before the substantive hearing. Counsel for the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi SAN, informed the court that the record of appeal and the Federal High Court judgment were recently obtained and transmitted to the appellate court. The appeal challenges a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister these parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements. However, INEC has opposed the deregistration, arguing that the parties met the constitutional threshold and won elective positions. The Court of Appeal previously ordered a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, preventing INEC from enforcing the deregistration pending the appeal's determination. The suit was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties did not meet electoral performance benchmarks in the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections.
2 min read
Must Read馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路1 hour ago
South Africa vows firm response to anti-migrant violence ahead of planned marches
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Thursday that his government would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week. Citizen-led groups have set June 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and have called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration. This unofficial ultimatum has raised fears of renewed xenophobic violence. President Ramaphosa indicated that security forces are prepared, and those who violate measures will face legal consequences. Police have announced increased security for June 30, and government officials are working to ensure calm, including engaging with the Zulu Royal House. The country has experienced weeks of xenophobic unrest, resulting in at least three deaths according to official sources, with Mozambican authorities reporting five of their nationals among the deceased. The anti-migrant campaign has led to voluntary repatriations of thousands of foreigners from various African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Makeshift camps have emerged in Durban and Johannesburg as people await transport home, prompting aid groups to warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis. South Africa, one of Africa's largest economies, is a destination for job seekers despite its 32 percent unemployment rate. Competition for jobs has fueled resentment, with some South Africans blaming migrants for poverty and crime. While President Ramaphosa and major labor uni