
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates after attacks on its civilian and economic infrastructure. In a post on his X handle, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for global peace and stability, condemning actions that threaten civilian populations and critical assets. He also reaffirmed his support for his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the measures the UAE has taken to safeguard its civilian populations and critical infrastructure. This statement comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the Gulf nation’s civilian population and key economic assets. The conflict began in February when the United States, working with Israeli forces, carried out strikes on Iran in an operation codenamed Operation Fury, sanctioned by President Donald Trump in response to an alleged move by Iran to develop nuclear power. Iran retaliated with missile and drone barrages across the region, including attacks on the UAE. Reports indicate that the UAE’s air defence systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, intercepted hundreds of projectiles, though some strikes caused civilian casualties, injuries, and infrastructure damage in areas like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Initial diplomatic efforts in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended in deadlock, with further talks under consideration.
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Dr. Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, stated that elections alone are insufficient to sustain democracy or ensure meaningful governance. Speaking at Coventry University in the United Kingdom, he emphasized that strong institutions, ethical leadership, and a shared sense of purpose among citizens are vital for democratic survival and good governance. Basiru argued that democracy extends beyond voting, as formal processes do not inherently guarantee accountability, trust, or effective governance. He warned that many democratic systems, while appearing stable, are weakening due to declining ethical standards and poor institutional accountability, contributing to democratic backsliding. Basiru called for a shift in mindset where citizens and leaders act as custodians of democratic values, noting that purpose drives engagement even amid challenges like poverty and inequality. He urged both emerging and established democracies, including Nigeria and the United Kingdom, to address governance gaps, inequality, and declining public trust. Basiru stressed that democracy is an ongoing process requiring continuous effort, reflection, and renewal, with ethical conduct central to the survival of democratic institutions. He also highlighted the critical role of youth participation and the need for political systems to adapt to evolving realities, while recognizing academic institutions like Coventry University for shaping future leaders and translating
Must ReadGovernor Alex Otti of Abia State stated that Nigeria's economic difficulties stem from long-standing political decisions, warning that increasing voter apathy exacerbates governance failures, poverty, unemployment, and institutional decay. Speaking at The Niche's 2026 annual lecture, Otti highlighted that voter turnout in general elections has dropped from 57 percent in 2011 to under 30 percent in 2023, meaning a small fraction of the population now determines leadership outcomes. He argued that political disengagement undermines accountability, allowing poor leadership choices to persist and worsen national conditions. Otti stressed that civic responsibility extends beyond voting, requiring citizens to remain engaged throughout the political cycle and to research candidates' ideologies and track records. He also connected electoral malpractice and vote-buying to economic decline, asserting that corruption in the political process leads to leaders prioritizing personal gain over public service. Otti maintained that Nigeria's economic future depends on both leaders and citizens' active participation in democratic processes, urging Nigerians to view political engagement as a civic duty with direct economic consequences. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, who chaired the event, lamented that Nigerian politics has become a business rather than a service, while the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, criticized public office holders for focusing too much on politics and too little o

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to April 24, 2026. The adjournment is for a ruling on whether the prosecution can use a witness's initial statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to refresh his memory or contradict his testimony. Joseph Daudu SAN, counsel for the former governor, objected to the prosecution's attempt to re-present Exhibit 46, the 12th Prosecution Witness’s statement. Daudu argued that if the prosecution intended to contradict its witness, it must first seek the court's leave to declare the witness hostile. This objection arose after the witness, Abdullahi Jamilu, gave evidence that appeared inconsistent with his initial statement. Jamilu, owner of Kumfayakum Global Limited, testified that he converted funds deposited by Abba Adaudu into US dollars and handed them over to Adaudu at their respective offices in Abuja. When asked about other delivery locations, he maintained deliveries occurred only at the offices. The prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN, sought to show the witness his earlier statement to refresh his memory, citing Section 2391, 2, and 3 of the Evidence Act. However, Daudu contended that this amounted to an attempt to treat the witness as hostile without following proper procedure, referencing Section 230 of the Evidence Act and the case of Ibe v. State 1997 LPELR-1389 SC. Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the sitting for a ruling on

A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a suit filed by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service LIRS against Eroton Exploration and Production Limited. Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that Eroton's full payment of its outstanding tax liabilities extinguished the LIRS's cause of action, rendering the suit academic and removing the court's jurisdiction. The court also vacated all interim orders, including those appointing an administrator over Eroton, effectively ending the administration process. Counsel for Eroton, Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN, argued that the tax settlement, confirmed by a letter from the Office of the Attorney-General of Lagos State, meant there was no longer a dispute. The LIRS counsel, Jubril Kareem, confirmed that Eroton had settled its obligations. Justice Aluko also deemed an application for joinder incompetent due to the absence of a subsisting cause of action, clarifying that administration under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, is a rescue mechanism for distressed companies, not for indiscriminate debt recovery. The ruling restored the parties to their status quo ante, nullifying previous administrative actions and communications.