馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
PGF denies Uzodimma's removal, Senate reverses rules amid Oshiomhole-Akpabio clash, and other top stories
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Progressive Governors Forum has dismissed reports claiming the removal of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as its chairman, stating the reports are false and misleading. In the Senate, lawmakers reversed controversial amendments to the Standing Orders following concerns about constitutional inconsistencies, with Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticizing Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the changes. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress is facing resistance in several states regarding its consensus arrangements for the 2027 elections, as some aspirants demand direct primaries. Internationally, tensions have resurfaced in the Middle East with an exchange of fire between the United States and Iran, despite US President Donald Trump's assertion that a ceasefire remained intact. Separately, former President Goodluck Jonathan stated he would consult widely before deciding on contesting the 2027 presidential election, as a Federal High Court prepares to hear a suit challenging his eligibility.
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Two students opened fire inside San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte province, resulting in the deaths of three teenagers and injuries to seven others, according to police. The alleged shooters, aged 15 and 14, fired "randomly," causing panic among students. A social studies teacher, Irvin Nogar, described hearing gunshots and instructing students to hide. A video verified by AFP showed children screaming and crying during the incident. The mother of one of the slain students called for accountability for those who provided the guns. Police Lieutenant Evalyn Diaz stated that "bullying was the motive" and that the alleged shooters were being interrogated. The police are investigating the origin of the firearms and how they were brought into the school. The Department of Education described the situation as "high-alert" and is coordinating with law enforcement. While school shootings are rare in the Philippines, a knife attack injured seven students last month in Cavite province. President Ferdinand Marcos's spokeswoman, Claire Castro, expressed the president's sadness and mentioned that measures are being taken to ensure safety in public spaces. Legal gun ownership is strictly regulated in the Philippines, but a significant black market for firearms exists.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down, with UK media indicating a potential announcement as early as Monday. This comes as Andy Burnham, who recently won a by-election, is expected to be sworn in as a Member of Parliament, clearing the way for a leadership challenge. Starmer's office has not confirmed any decision or press conference timings, though junior education minister Jacqui Smith stated Starmer was reflecting on what is best for the country. Speculation about Starmer's resignation intensified following Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield constituency. Under Labour rules, the party leader must be an MP. If Starmer resigns, it would mark Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade. The Guardian reported that Starmer is expected to announce his resignation due to pressure from Labour MPs to make way for Burnham. The BBC also noted growing signs of Starmer's potential resignation. US President Donald Trump predicted Starmer's departure, citing failures in immigration and energy policies. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor since 2017, has expressed his intention to lead the Labour party. Starmer, who took office in July 2024, has faced a tenure marked by missteps, policy U-turns, scandals, and ministerial resignations, including a near ousting in March over the appointment of Peter Mandelson. Recent local and regional poll losses further intensified pressure on Starmer, leading to the Makerfield by-election that allowed Bu
Must ReadAn explosion at a factory in Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial zone on Sunday injured 54 people and left 18 missing, according to the Gulf state鈥檚 interior ministry. The ministry stated that a "technical incident" or "technical malfunction" caused the blast. State-owned firm QatarEnergy confirmed the incident occurred "during the start-up of operations at Ras Laffan Industrial City," resulting in an explosion and fire at the Barzan local gas supply facility. An AFP journalist observed flames and a smoke plume from 20 kilometers away. Ras Laffan, home to the world鈥檚 largest liquefied natural gas hub, had previously sustained damage from the US-Iran war, with Iranian strikes targeting Gulf energy infrastructure and forcing Qatar to halt gas production. Qatar, a leading liquefied natural gas producer, ceased LNG production on March 2 after Iranian drone strikes hit key facilities. Further attacks on March 18 were expected to reduce LNG export capacity by 17 percent, with repairs estimated to take three to five years, according to Qatar鈥檚 Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi.