
World leaders expressed shock and relief after a shooting incident at a media gala in Washington, D.C., attended by US President Donald Trump. Law enforcement detained a suspect armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives, who will face federal charges. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack on democratic institutions and press freedom. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that violence is unacceptable in a democracy and extended support to Donald Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara were shocked by the attempted assassination and relieved the President and First Lady were safe, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded police officer. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was relieved about the safety of President Trump, the First Lady, and the Vice President, condemning violence in a democracy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief for all guests and stated that political violence has no place in any democracy. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was glad President Trump and his wife were safe, emphasizing that violence should never be the way. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attack, stating that violence is never the answer. Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, said there is no place for violence in politics. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas was relieved there were no casualties, noting that an event honoring a free press should not become a scene of fear. P
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Must ReadDr. Bolaji Olagunju argues that the underperformance of most public sector boards in Nigeria is not accidental but a result of their design. He asserts that every institution is designed to achieve its current results, whether success or failure. To improve performance, he proposes applying "the seven transformational disciplines of running government like a business" to boards: Purpose, Strategy, Structure, Roles, People, Culture, and Systems. Olagunju explains that a performing board clearly defines its purpose beyond legalistic functions, sets strategic direction rather than merely endorsing management's plans, and is structured effectively with appropriate committees and meeting cadences. Furthermore, clear role definitions are crucial to avoid "role pollution." He emphasizes that the most critical discipline is "People," advocating for board members who possess competence, independence, and commitment, rather than being selected based on political or personal considerations. A culture of candour, where directors can openly disagree and challenge management, is also vital. Finally, he stresses the importance of robust systems for board operations, from annual calendars to performance evaluations, rather than relying on informal interactions. Olagunju cites NAFDAC under Dora Akunyili as an example of successful design implementation. He concludes that fixing the design of these boards is essential for national progress, and that while all seven disciplines are important, g
Must ReadBandits attacked Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three people: Mr. Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr. Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70; and Sunday Ayele, aged six. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that a large number of armed bandits on approximately 40 motorcycles invaded the school, with a suspected intention to abduct students and residents. A joint security response, including police, military personnel, and local vigilante groups, engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee. One attacker was neutralized, and a member of the security team sustained gunshot injuries. Preliminary findings indicate no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction. The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and patrols, with joint security operatives continuing intensive operations to apprehend suspects and prevent further attacks. The public is urged to remain calm and provide credible information.

The House of Representatives has adopted a motion defining "cognate legislative experience" for principal officers, effectively ending the ambition of Ikenga Ugochinyere to become Minority Leader. The decision, following a motion by Mr. Babajimi Benson, stipulates that only members who have completed at least one full four-year term are eligible for principal officer appointments. This move came after the Minority Leader position became vacant due to Kingsley Chinda's defection and subsequent governorship candidacy. Ugochinyere, a first-term lawmaker, had garnered support from 61 lawmakers, though his candidacy faced controversy over alleged forged signatures and financial inducement. The House's resolution, which states that "there is no other definition to the term 'cognate legislative experience' other than as stated," aligns with the 10th Senate's recent definition. While some, like Solomon Bob, argued the motion was unnecessary and could limit the Speaker's authority, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas defended the House's decision to interpret its own rules. This development is expected to reshape the race for the Minority Leader position, focusing on ranking opposition lawmakers who meet the new eligibility criteria.