NEWS

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will significantly ramp up its military offensive against Iran over the next two to three weeks, even as the conflict approaches what he described as its final phase.In his first national address since hostilities began on February 28, Trump said the joint U.S.–Israeli operation is close to meeting its key objectives. Speaking from the White House, he told Americans that the campaign is progressing rapidly and nearing completion.While noting that core strategic goals are almost achieved, Trump emphasized that military pressure on Iran will continue in the coming weeks. He stated that U.S. forces will strike Iran “extremely hard” during that period.The president also reassured regional allies—including Israel, Saud...

The International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank Group have agreed to establish a joint coordination group to address the economic and energy impacts of the ongoing war in the Middle East.In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, March 01, the three institutions warned that the conflict has caused significant disruptions across the region and triggered one of the largest supply shortages in the history of global energy markets.They said the effects of the crisis are widespread but uneven, with energy-importing nations, particularly low-income countries, bearing the brunt. “It is already transmitted through higher oil, gas, and fertiliser prices, and is triggering concerns about food prices as well. Global supply chains—including helium, p...

Several Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia, have condemned Israel’s approval of a death penalty law targeting Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, warning that the move threatens regional stability.The criticism came in a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. “This legislation constitutes a dangerous escalation, particularly given its discriminatory application against Palestinian prisoners,” the statement read, adding that such measures risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability.The law, passed by Israel’s parliament earlier this week, mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted by military cour...

Controversial Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has reiterated that dialogue with bandits and terrorist groups remains, in his view, the most practical solution to Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity.In a Facebook post shared on Thursday, Gumi expressed concern that for decades, Nigeria has neglected its most vulnerable citizens, leading to deep-rooted socio-economic inequality. He argued that this imbalance has made many young people susceptible to recruitment by forces seeking to destabilize the country.According to him, the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor has created a pool of easily influenced youths who become tools in cycles of violence, often tied to the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources.Gumi also criticized the political elite for what he described as indifference to...

The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to withdraw recognition of the party’s leadership.At a press briefing held on Thursday, the party called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, accusing the electoral body of bias and unlawful interference.The ADC further alleged that there is a deliberate scheme to weaken opposition parties and position President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole viable candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.Prominent political figures present at the conference included Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi, among others.Full Rewritten Speech by David MarkSpeaking on behalf of the...

The Obidient Movement has demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over the electoral body’s decision on the leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).In a statement, the group called for a nationwide protest, lamenting that the latest development is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.The movement warned Nigerians that remaining silent during this period is dangerous and shows complicity.“There are moments in the life of a nation when silence becomes dangerous, and inaction becomes complicity. Nigeria has arrived at such a moment,” the statement read.The movement alleged that INEC is no longer being perceived as impartial under the current administration.“The Independent National...