Trump states Iran will pay for delayed negotiations
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran has taken too long to negotiate a deal regarding the conflict in the Middle East and will now "have to pay the price." This statement, made on his Truth Social platform where he also claimed the Iranian military has been "completely defeated," follows an exchange of fire between the United States and Iran, which strained an April ceasefire. Trump's remarks on Wednesday contrast with his comments to reporters on Tuesday, when he suggested that negotiations for an enduring settlement to end the war were in their "final throes" and could conclude within "two or three days." Late on Tuesday, US forces conducted strikes against Iran in retaliation for an American helicopter being shot down on Monday. Iranian media reported explosions along its southern coast. US Central Command later stated that the US Air Force and Navy had command and control, defense, and surveillance stations. Iran, in turn, reported attacking American bases in Jordan and Bahrain on Wednesday.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, has dismissed proposals for a single six-year term for presidents and governors, labeling the debate as a distraction from Nigeria's more critical issues. Speaking on Arise News, Adebayo reacted to plans by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele to sponsor a bill for a single six-year tenure. While proponents argue this would allow officials to focus on governance without re-election pressures, Adebayo emphasized that ensuring credible elections should be the country's main priority. He stated that the problem is not the length of the term but the lack of a functional system where voters genuinely decide the winner and where political parties engage with ideas. Adebayo stressed that electoral reforms, aimed at eliminating rigged elections and empowering voters, should take precedence over constitutional debates on tenure length. He believes the current four-year term is sufficient if elections are conducted freely and fairly. Adebayo also addressed reports of multiple presidential candidates within the SDP, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission to follow legal procedures to resolve such matters. He advocated for issue-based politics, encouraging parties to compete on policies and ideas rather than personal attacks, and highlighted the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and restoring confidence in the electoral process.
Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has addressed recent speculations regarding the succession of the church's leadership. During a church service, Kumuyi clarified that he will not transfer the leadership of the ministry to any of his biological children. He emphasized that the Deeper Christian Life Ministry belongs to Jesus Christ, not to him, and therefore, its leadership should be determined by divine direction rather than familial succession. Kumuyi dismissed the idea that the church is a personal enterprise to be passed down to family members, stating that "nobody has right to hand it over to his son." He also referenced biblical figures such as Peter, Paul, and John, noting that none of them handed over the church to their children.
Chelsea Football Club has announced that four players will leave the team when their contracts conclude on June 30, 2026. The club confirmed this decision in a statement released on its X handle on Wednesday, detailing the retained and released list for the end of the 2025/26 season. Defender Brodi Hughes, who spent 13 years in the Academy and was on loan at AFC Wimbledon, will depart. Richard Olise, a decade-long club member who joined as an Under-9 and was part of the first-team squad for a UEFA Conference League trip, is also leaving. Midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi, an Academy product who made four first-team appearances, including his debut in the UEFA Conference League, will also move on. Jimi Tauriainen, who joined in 2020 and made his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie and later in the Premier League, is the fourth player to leave. Striker Ronnie Stutter, however, will transition to a month-to-month contract. Chelsea expressed gratitude to all departing players for their contributions and extended best wishes for their future careers.