NEWS

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly rebutted comments from INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who cautioned the party against holding its planned congresses and national convention.In a statement released Friday, the party described INEC’s stance as a misreading of a Court of Appeal directive, accusing the commission of exceeding its constitutional authority.The ADC argued that INEC’s interpretation of the court’s order to maintain the status quo in ongoing internal disputes was legally flawed. The party said the doctrine of status quo ante bellum is meant to prevent actions that could irreversibly affect a legal dispute, not to suspend the democratic activities of a political party.“The scope of preservation orders is strictly a matter for the courts, not the e...

US President Donald Trump has requested $1.5 trillion in defense spending for the fiscal year 2027, representing an approximate 40% increase over 2026 levels.The proposal, released Friday, March 3, allocates $1.1 trillion directly to the Department of Defense, while an additional $350 billion would be pursued through Congress’s budget reconciliation process for key administration priorities, including expanded munitions production and strengthening the defense industrial base. The plan also references the president’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.Prepared by White House budget director Russell Vought, the request comes as the US enters the fifth week of its ongoing conflict with Iran. Although the president has expressed confidence the war will conclude in the comin...

Seven people have been injured after a two-storey building under construction collapsed in Abuja. The building, situated in Jikwoyi, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), collapsed at about 11:00am on Friday, April 3. Construction workers who were on site at the time of the collapse were said to be among those injured.According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, rescue operations were immediately activated to ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the rubble. FEMD’s Search and Rescue Team reported that 17 workers were on the upper floor of the building when it gave way. Five of the workers sustained injuries, while a male at the ground level ...

On Saturday morning, April 3, the Cuban government announced plans to free 2,010 prisoners, describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” amid growing pressure from the United States.The Cuban Embassy in the US shared the announcement on social media, framing the decision as part of Holy Week observances rather than explicitly linking it to tensions with Washington.Authorities said the release would include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women, and older adults. The decision was reportedly based on factors such as good behavior, time already served, the nature of the offenses, and the health conditions of the inmates.No timeline was provided for the release, and officials did not specify the crimes committed by those affected. It remains unclea...

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed claims that opposition parties are being targeted under the current administration, insisting that such accusations are unfounded.Speaking in Abuja during an interview with journalists, Wike said the challenges facing opposition groups today are not comparable to what he personally experienced during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.The comments come amid criticism directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu, with some alleging efforts to weaken opposition parties and create a one-party system. Wike rejected those claims, stating that he had endured more severe political pressure in the past without backing down.“It’s not correct that the c...

All Catholic masses in Dubai have been put on hold due to rising security concerns linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with church authorities citing the safety of parishioners as the primary reason.St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali announced that all services are cancelled until further notice, in line with government directives. The area has reportedly been affected by missile and drone activity connected to the ongoing conflict.Church officials have advised parishioners to avoid visiting church premises, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety and community wellbeing.Similarly, St. Mary’s Catholic Church confirmed the suspension of its services, noting that the Good Friday mass will be streamed online to allow worshippers to participate remotely. The ...

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has hit out at ex-governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, over his recent remarks on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.He accused Obi of diminishing the sacrifices of activists who opposed military rule.Obi had, in a statement reacting to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) derecognition of leadership figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), implied that former dictator, late General Sani Abacha was a democrat despite the many cases of human right abuse recorded under his regime.He had said: “General Sani Abacha, once presumed face of oppression, will be remembered as seemingly more democratic and more respectful of human rights than the so-called champions of activism from the NADECO days. Power indeed rev...