Author: Editor
By Owei Lakemfa Amidst fires, wide scale destruction and bloodbath, the predatory United States, US hawk, swooped on President Nicolas Maduro. It then flew out, holding in the grip of its talons the Venezuelan President and his wife, Cilia Flores. The hostages were deposited at a New York detention facility. Some appeared shocked that a country would attack another and pluck its First Family. But I am not surprised. The US establishment was born and grew with a predatory instinct hence its ‘Wild, Wild West’ culture of banditry, brigandage and chaos. As a matter of fact, Venezuela is the ninety sixth country…
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu Twenty-three days after the transmission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the upper chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly, better known as the Senate, held public hearings on 18 December 2025 to consider the Legal Practitioners Bill. At this pace, the bill will be certain to become law well before the middle of 2026. The journey to this bill has been somewhat tortured. The last time there was meaningful legislative action on the regulation of the legal profession in Nigeria, the military were in power and that was over 50 years ago. The existing framework governing Nigeria’s legal…
Our Reporter, Abuja Mali’s resilient ten men Eagles secured a place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, edging past Tunisia 3–2 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw that stretched through regulation and extra time. The opening half ended scoreless, with both sides cancelling each other out. Tunisia eventually broke the deadlock when Firat Chaouat climbed above the defense to head home Elias Saad’s pinpoint cross, leaving Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra helpless. Just as Tunisia appeared poised for victory, Mali were handed a dramatic lifeline. A late handball by defender Yassine Meriah resulted…
Our Reporter, Abuja Arsenal stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points despite an unconvincing performance, edging Bournemouth 3-2 at the Vitality Stadium. The Gunners were far from their best and were punished early on when Gabriel Magalhães made a costly mistake, misplacing a pass across his own box for Evanilson to tap into an empty net after 10 minutes. Gabriel responded swiftly, though, redeeming himself by firing in the equaliser just six minutes later following some excellent footwork from Noni Madueke. Bournemouth, still without a league win since October, continued to impress with their…
By Idrees Ali and Jasper Ward The U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, President Donald Trump said, after months of pressuring him over accusations of drug-running and illegitimacy in power. Washington has not made such a direct intervention in Latin America since the invasion of Panama in 1989 to depose military leader Manuel Noriega, over similar allegations. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump said…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, on Friday paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti. Speaking to journalists during the visit, Governor Uzodimma said the meeting was not political but a friendly engagement in the spirit of the New Year festivities. According to him, governors of the South-East are determined to work together for the development of the region, irrespective of their political affiliations. He said, “My visit is a courtesy call on the Governor, whom I have also seen is doing very well.…
Our Reporter, Abuja Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has cautioned that Nigeria cannot achieve prosperity by placing heavier tax burdens on an already impoverished population, arguing that “taxing poverty does not create wealth; it only deepens hardship.” In a statement on Friday, Obi said his interactions with global leaders who have successfully transformed their nations reveal one consistent lesson: sustainable economic and social progress begins with national consensus built on honest leadership. “As I travel the world and meet leaders who have transformed their nations, one lesson is clear: lasting progress starts with honesty and shared purpose,” Obi said. …
By Kolawole Ogunbiyi In many societies around the world, particularly in Africa, religion is deeply woven into the social and cultural fabric. Mosques and churches are filled with devout worshippers, and public discourse is frequently infused with appeals to moral values derived from religious teachings. Yet, paradoxically, these same societies are often plagued by high levels of corruption. This contradiction between religiosity and corruption invites serious reflection and urgent action. Nigeria is considered one of the most religious countries in the world to the extent that prayers are offered at the beginning and the close of almost every event organised…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has debunked media reports alleging that he defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. Wabara described the reports as “planted, mischievous media propaganda” and urged PDP members and the general public to disregard what he termed “fake and misleading social media reports” being circulated by his detractors. He was reacting to claims on social media that he was among South-East leaders who allegedly travelled to Enugu on December 31 to…
Our Reporter, Abuja The Wife of the Governor of Abia State on Thursday welcomed the state’s first baby of the year at Akirika Ukwu Primary Healthcare Centre, Ukwa East Local Government Area, marking a joyful beginning to 2026. The newborn, Miss Chiagoziem Oluebubechi Excessgrace, was delivered at exactly 12:43 a.m. on January 1, 2026, drawing smiles and celebration from health workers, family members, and community leaders present at the facility. The First Lady described the moment as a privilege and affectionately named the baby “Ihuoma,” a name symbolizing good tidings and hope for the New Year. The baby girl is…