Iran warns of wider regional conflict if US attacks continue
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, stated on Sunday that the Middle East conflict would expand further if the United States continues its attacks on the Islamic republic. Akraminia's warning comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. He indicated that the war has already extended to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, referencing recent military activity between Yemen's Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia. Akraminia also claimed that Iran's operations now cover the entire region, from US bases in Jordan to countries along the Persian Gulf. He described the situation for the United States in the Middle East as "difficult and unsettled," suggesting Washington is seeking a new strategy, and affirmed Iran's preparedness for various scenarios. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, stated that former President Buhari initially hesitated to publicly support Bola Tinubu in the 2023 All Progressives Congress primary. In an interview, Lawal indicated that Buhari had religious and ethical concerns regarding Tinubu's suitability as a successor. Despite these reservations, Lawal claimed that after discussions, Buhari agreed to remain neutral, allowing party delegates to decide the candidate. Lawal noted Tinubu's critical role in previous APC campaigns, providing resources and strategists, which made it difficult for Buhari to outright oppose his ambition. Lawal also recounted advising Buhari to stay neutral before the convention, a proposal Buhari initially resisted, fearing Lawal would ensure Tinubu's victory. Buhari also expressed concerns about Tinubu's fairness to their political camp if elected. Ultimately, Buhari remained neutral, and Tinubu secured the APC presidential ticket, later winning the February 2023 presidential election.
Must ReadThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL regarding its alleged failure to explain and account for ₦211 trillion recorded as 'Sundry Receivables' and 'Accrued Expenses' in its 2023 audited financial statements. SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that the NNPCL's financial statements lack adequate explanation and sufficient information for public scrutiny of these funds. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks a court order compelling NNPCL to account for the ₦211 trillion and disclose all related documents and information. SERAP is specifically requesting a detailed explanation, reconciliation, and supporting documents for the ₦107.6 trillion recorded as 'Sundry Receivables,' including debtor identities, amounts owed, legal basis, and recovery status. It also demands a complete breakdown and supporting documents for the ₦103.4 trillion recorded as 'Accrued Expenses,' including creditor identities, nature and legal basis of liabilities, and legitimacy documents. SERAP argues that there is an overriding public interest in this disclosure, as the NNPCL has a legal duty to explain and demonstrate the accuracy and lawfulness of these entries. The organization asserts that the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee public access to such information, promoting transparency, preventing corruption, a
The National Youth Service Corps NYSC, a mandatory one-year program for Nigerian graduates, is increasingly viewed with apprehension due to widespread insecurity across the country. Many prospective corps members, like Oluwakemisola, express fear of being posted to unsafe states and are planning to seek redeployment, even if it involves additional arrangements or payments. Some, such as Abayomi, have opted out of the scheme entirely, prioritizing personal safety over national service. Parents are also concerned, with many preferring their children serve closer to home. A recent poll among corps members indicated that 80% were influenced by fear of insecurity when deployed to their current states. Incidents of abductions, attacks, and disappearances involving corps members have been reported, highlighting the risks. For example, between 2013 and 2023, at least 80 corps members were abducted, with Rivers State accounting for half of these cases. An NYSC official noted that while redeployment was once for career or personal preferences, it is now primarily driven by the desire to avoid dangerous states, leading some to pay for favorable postings. Psychologists acknowledge the anxiety and emotional distress caused by the security situation but argue against canceling the scheme, emphasizing its role in national unity. However, security experts like Olalekan Jackson-Ojo suggest restricting corps members to their home states or regions as a practical reform, given the inability to