A former senator representing Ekiti North, Ayodele Arise, has urged the Federal Government to consider military action, alongside diplomatic efforts, to secure the release of Nigerian soldiers detained in Burkina Faso.
Arise made the call on Saturday during an appearance on Arise Television, arguing that Nigeria must project strength in handling security-related disputes with neighbouring countries.
He said a firm posture, including the readiness to deploy military force if necessary, could pressure Burkina Faso’s authorities to reconsider their stance.
According to him, Nigeria should not allow any neighbouring country to undermine its sovereignty.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian Armed Forces are currently stretched by insurgency and banditry at home, Arise insisted that the country must still assert itself regionally.
“Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country,” he said.
The former lawmaker referenced Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid in Uganda as an example of decisive military action that forced a host country to change its position, noting that the mere signal of preparedness could be enough to achieve results.
Arise’s remarks followed confirmation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that the 11 Nigerian military personnel detained in Burkina Faso remain in custody.
Tuggar disclosed this on Friday while speaking to journalists at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, stressing that the matter was being handled through diplomatic channels.
“We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically,” the minister said.
He also dismissed reports linking the detained soldiers to Nigeria’s recent military intervention in the Republic of Benin, clarifying that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft involved had no connection to any rescue mission or coup-related operation.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, had earlier claimed that the aircraft violated national procedures by entering the country’s airspace without authorisation, a claim Nigerian officials have disputed.
Beyond the regional security issue, Arise also commented on domestic legislative practices, criticising the Senate’s use of the “take-a-bow-and-go” approach during the screening of ambassadorial nominees.
While noting that the practice is not unlawful, he said it deprives lawmakers and the public of the opportunity to properly assess nominees for sensitive diplomatic roles.
He added that more rigorous screening would strengthen public confidence in governance and foreign policy decisions.
The detention of the Nigerian soldiers has continued to generate public debate, with calls mounting for the Federal Government to secure their release swiftly amid ongoing diplomatic engagements.
(DDM) — The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has invested $27 million in Nigeria’s Primary Health Care Challenge Fund over the past four years, with the majority of funding directed toward performance-based awards to drive state-level reforms and improve service delivery, the foundation announced during an event in Abuja on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Dr. Nkata Chuku, Deputy Director for Health Systems Strengthening, explained that about 70 per cent of the investment was dedicated to performance awards, designed as a proof-of-concept to incentivize states to prioritize, sustainably finance, and reform primary health care.
The initiative follows commitments made by Nigerian governors under the 2019 Seattle Declaration, which aimed to revitalize primary health care through stronger political leadership, improved financing, and accountability mechanisms.
“The Gates Foundation has invested $27 million, with 70% dedicated to performance awards over the past four years to fund this initiative as proof of concept,” Dr. Chuku stated.
“The award structure, including one national winner and additional awards for runners-up across all six geopolitical zones, reflects a commitment to peer accountability and healthy competition.”
According to Chuku, recent national surveys, high-frequency monitoring, and administrative data indicate progress in several health indicators since the fund’s introduction.
Routine immunization coverage has steadily increased, with national Penta3 coverage now in the high 60 per cent range and several states surpassing 75 per cent, compared to low 60s in 2022.
Between July 2024 and October 2025, over 500,000 previously zero-dose children were reached through house-to-house vaccination and integrated immunization campaigns, representing approximately 24 per cent of the estimated 2.1 million zero-dose children nationwide.
The October 2025 polio, routine immunization drive was highlighted as a significant contributor to reaching these children, reflecting the impact of integrated outreach activities.
Skilled birth attendance and antenatal care (ANC4) coverage also showed improvements, with ANC4 now above 50 per cent, supported by expanded midwifery programs and strengthened maternal health services.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Chuku warned that challenges persist, including insecurity in parts of the North-East and North-West, clusters of zero-dose children, seasonal nutrition and malaria pressures, and gaps in data completeness and timeliness.
The PHC Challenge Fund’s performance-based approach has been praised for fostering competition among states, encouraging innovation, and creating measurable results in primary health care delivery.
Dr. Chuku emphasized that sustained political commitment, resource allocation, and monitoring will be critical to addressing remaining gaps and ensuring the long-term success of Nigeria’s primary health care system.
The Gates Foundation’s multi-million-dollar investment demonstrates international commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector and improving outcomes for millions of children and mothers across the country.
(DDM) — The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a stern warning to Port Health officials, cautioning that anyone found engaging in illicit activities at the country’s entry points will face sanctions and prosecution, announced during the Port Health Annual General Meeting in Accra on December 13, 2025.
Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the GHS, stated that illegal practices, including taking bribes, selling forged health documents, and facilitating unauthorized movement of travelers and goods, pose serious risks to national health security, particularly during disease outbreaks.
Addressing staff, Dr. Akoriyea emphasized that epidemics and pandemics do not discriminate based on nationality, political affiliation, or geography, and lapses at entry points endanger not only the public but also the officials who permit such breaches.
He recounted an incident at Kotoka International Airport where a Port Health officer attempted to sell him a yellow fever vaccination certificate and backdate it, unaware of his identity. He stressed that such practices are unacceptable and would no longer be tolerated.
“Whenever we run into epidemics – our regular meningitis, cholera, or COVID-19 – the disease will not ask where you come from or which party you belong to. It is you who decides whether the disease will cross the border by allowing the person in or not,” Dr. Akoriyea warned.
The Director-General also highlighted other misconduct, including irregularities in handling human remains and clearing expired goods, noting that such actions tarnish the reputation of the GHS and professional groups operating at Points of Entry (PoEs).
Dr. Akoriyea revealed that many officials were signing documents they were not authorized to sign, a practice that would now be strictly regulated. “We will identify who is qualified to sign what, and we will ensure people do not crisscross into roles they do not belong to,” he said.
He called for unity and commitment across the Service to restore discipline, strengthen operational systems, and prevent the recurrence of longstanding challenges.
Port Health operations, previously a unit and later a department under the GHS, are now headed by Dr. Alphonsus Nindow, the newly appointed Deputy Director.
The mandate of Port Health is to prevent, detect, notify, respond to, and contain diseases, conditions, and events of public health concern, while improving environmental health services at PoEs through collaboration with security and other agencies.
Statistics from the GHS indicate that Ghana has 51 approved and gazetted Points of Entry, including Kotoka International Airport, Paga PoE, and the Tema and Takoradi Ports, alongside 61 unapproved PoEs currently manned by security officials.
Dr. Akoriyea concluded by urging all officials to comply with regulations, maintain professional integrity, and prioritize public health safety over personal gain, warning that future breaches would be dealt with by both security services and the GHS code of conduct.
(DDM) — Bauchi State Government has officially approved a 100 per cent salary increase for doctors and healthcare workers, a move described as the most significant welfare boost in the state’s medical sector, announced on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Government House in Bauchi.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Sani Dambam, disclosed the approval following a State Executive Council meeting, noting that the decision followed the recommendations of a special committee set up to evaluate the financial implications of a new scheme of service for healthcare personnel.
The salary increment represents a complete review of the existing scheme and aims to retain skilled medical professionals while enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
Dr. Dambam highlighted that the new package includes peculiar allowances, such as outside-posting allowances, intended to incentivize doctors and health workers to accept postings in rural or underserved areas.
Healthcare workers employed under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board will also benefit from these allowances, addressing long-standing disparities in welfare provisions.
The council further approved the clearance of outstanding promotion arrears, with at least 2,000 healthcare workers expected to gain from the exercise.
To improve the standard of living for medical personnel, the state government also introduced access to car and housing loans, aimed at easing financial burdens and boosting morale.
Dr. Dambam emphasized that the welfare reforms are part of a broader effort to strengthen the healthcare system and improve service delivery for residents of Bauchi State.
As an accountability measure, biometric and verification systems will be implemented across health facilities to ensure transparency, monitor workforce deployment, and track service effectiveness.
The salary increase has been widely praised by professional associations and union representatives, who describe it as a landmark step towards recognizing the contributions of healthcare workers.
Governor Bala Mohammed, who presided over the Executive Council meeting, stated that the government remains committed to improving the welfare of frontline medical staff, noting their crucial role in sustaining public health services.
The approval comes at a time when Nigerian states are seeking innovative ways to address staff retention, especially in remote areas where medical expertise is often scarce.
Analysts suggest that Bauchi’s comprehensive welfare package, combining salary increments, allowances, promotion arrears, and loans, may serve as a model for other states aiming to boost healthcare delivery.
For doctors and health workers, the announcement marks a turning point, reflecting recognition of their critical role and providing tangible support to ensure their continued dedication and professional growth.
With the new measures in place, Bauchi State expects not only improved employee satisfaction but also enhanced access to quality healthcare services for residents across both urban and rural communities.
(DDM) — Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has opened up about his admiration and affection for his manager and partner, Jada Pollock, in his new HBO documentary Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, released on December 12, 2025.
The documentary, which chronicles Wizkid’s journey from his early days in Surulere, Lagos, to headlining London’s 60,000-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, highlights the central role Pollock has played in both his personal and professional life.
Wizkid described Pollock as “very hardworking, hands-on, very passionate, and loyal,” emphasizing that her support has been crucial to managing the complexities of his music career while raising their family.
He added, “I love her so much,” noting that working with women is often easier because of their nurturing instincts, which balance the pressures of fame and business.
Pollock and Wizkid first met in 2012 when she was managing Akon. Their professional relationship gradually evolved into a romantic partnership, culminating in a family with three children, the youngest born in January 2025.
The film also features commentary from close associates and music industry figures, including Femi Kuti and Julie Adenuga, who provide further insight into Wizkid’s career trajectory and personal development.
Wizkid’s tribute frames his success not as a solo journey but as a collaborative effort with Pollock, who blends professional acumen with personal loyalty and maternal guidance.
According to the documentary, Pollock’s influence extends beyond logistical and managerial tasks, offering emotional stability and strategic insight that have allowed Wizkid to focus on creative growth and international achievements.
The film highlights key moments in his career, including landmark performances, awards, and collaborations that elevated him to global superstar status, often emphasizing Pollock’s behind-the-scenes contributions.
Industry analysts note that such partnerships are critical in the modern music business, where personal and professional responsibilities frequently intersect.
Wizkid’s public acknowledgment of Pollock has sparked admiration among fans, who have praised his openness in crediting his partner for her unwavering commitment and impact on his life.
The documentary also reflects broader themes of African talent breaking into global markets while maintaining strong family and cultural roots.
By highlighting Pollock’s role, Wizkid underscores the importance of trust, loyalty, and mutual support in sustaining long-term success in the competitive entertainment industry.
Wizkid: Long Live Lagos serves as both a career retrospective and a personal testimony, offering viewers an intimate look at the partnership that continues to define one of Africa’s biggest musical exports.
(DDM) — Nollywood actress and singer Angela Okorie has publicly criticized Italy’s recent decision to restrict same-sex couples from raising children, sparking discussions across social media platforms on December 13, 2025.
DDM notes that the announcement by the Italian government introduced measures preventing gay and lesbian couples from being legal parents, barring non-biological parents from appearing on birth certificates, and criminalizing surrogacy arrangements conducted abroad.
Reacting to the move on her Instagram story, Okorie described same-sex parenting as unacceptable, questioning whether such couples are mentally fit to raise children.
The mother of one tied her stance to her Christian faith, calling for what she termed a “spiritual cleansing” against practices she considers morally wrong.
She wrote: “Same-sex couples are not okay. They are not mentally stable to train kids. We declare divine sanitation all around the world in Jesus name amen. All those nonsense must stop.”
Okorie’s post has since gone viral, eliciting mixed reactions online, with some praising her for speaking her mind and others criticizing her views as intolerant.
The Italian legislation reflects the government’s broader approach to family law and reproductive rights, sparking controversy both domestically and internationally.
Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights have condemned the measures, arguing they infringe on fundamental human rights and deny children loving homes based solely on their parents’ sexual orientation.
Conversely, conservative groups and religious figures in Italy have supported the decision, framing it as a protection of traditional family structures.
Angela Okorie’s comments have intensified the debate within Nigerian social media circles, highlighting the intersection of celebrity influence, cultural values, and global LGBTQ+ rights issues.
Her position aligns with a section of Nigerian society that maintains strict religious and moral perspectives on family and parenting.
In related entertainment news, Nigerian skitmaker Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel, popularly known as Shank Comics, addressed backlash after an old social media post resurfaced praising American rapper Diddy’s “mindset.”
Shank clarified on his 𝕏 handle that the post was a “misguided attempt” to reference a movie villain and not an endorsement of the artist, following public criticism.
These incidents underscore the influence and scrutiny public figures face when commenting on sensitive issues, both locally and internationally.
Angela Okorie’s Instagram post demonstrates how celebrity opinions can shape discourse on legislation and cultural norms, often sparking widespread conversation and media coverage.
Italy’s policy and Okorie’s response are part of broader ongoing debates about parental rights, sexual orientation, and children’s welfare, with implications resonating far beyond Europe.
The controversy continues to develop online, with commentators dissecting both the Italian law and Okorie’s statements, reflecting wider tensions between tradition, faith, and modern societal values.
(DDM) — Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has revealed that he wants Asake to perform at his upcoming wedding, in an interview aired on Apple Music radio on December 12, 2025, alongside DJ Tunez.
Speaking passionately about the Nigerian singer and ‘Lonely At The Top’ crooner, Wizkid praised Asake as one of the most talented vocalists not only in Africa but globally, calling him “a blessing to African music.”
Wizkid disclosed that Asake’s hit single Omo Ope initially made him a fan, but he singled out Remember as his favourite track, insisting it must be performed at his wedding ceremony.
“I first became an Asake fan listening to Omo Ope, but Remember is my favourite,” Wizkid said. “You have to play that one on my wedding day. It is an amazing record.”
The singer further emphasized Asake’s unique vocal quality, stating that his voice is “one of the most special from Africa and the world,” highlighting the young artist’s rising prominence in contemporary music.
Wizkid’s comments underscore the increasing camaraderie and mutual admiration among top Nigerian musicians, reflecting the collaborative spirit shaping the Afrobeat and Afropop scenes today.
The Starboy boss also provided a glimpse into his personal life, confirming his ongoing romantic relationship with his third baby mama and manager, Japa P.
The couple share three children: two boys and a girl, and Wizkid has been teasing plans for his wedding for several years, keeping fans and the media eagerly anticipating the event.
Asake’s inclusion in the wedding lineup is expected to be a highlight, given his rising popularity and energetic performances that have captured audiences worldwide.
Wizkid’s choice reflects not only personal preference but also a broader recognition of Asake’s impact on African music and culture.
The interview has since gone viral on social media, with fans praising both Wizkid’s taste and Asake’s talent, speculating about the wedding’s guest list and star-studded performances.
Industry analysts have noted that such endorsements from established artists like Wizkid can significantly boost younger talents’ visibility, cementing their status as major figures in the global music industry.
With Wizkid actively curating his wedding plans and publicly acknowledging artists like Asake, anticipation continues to build for what is expected to be one of the most talked-about celebrity weddings in recent years.
Fans have already begun creating trending hashtags and engaging in online discussions, speculating on other performances and special appearances for the ceremony.
The announcement also highlights the continuing rise of Nigerian music internationally, as collaborations and mutual recognition among artists reinforce Africa’s position as a major hub for global musical innovation.
Wizkid’s wedding, whenever it takes place, promises to be both a personal celebration and a showcase of contemporary African musical talent, with Asake playing a central role in the festivities.
(DDM) — Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised midfielder Florian Wirtz for his growing influence at the club, following the Reds’ 2–0 Premier League victory over Brighton on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Anfield, Liverpool, England.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot highlighted the German’s composure on the ball and increasing confidence, describing Wirtz as “one of the players who is getting better and better” under his guidance.
The 20-year-old midfielder, signed by Liverpool for a reported £116 million during the summer transfer window, has quickly become a key figure in Slot’s tactical setup.
Wirtz’s technical ability, vision, and adaptability have impressed not only the manager but also teammates and supporters, earning him regular starts in the Premier League campaign.
Slot emphasized that the player’s development reflects both his natural talent and the collective effort of the squad in training sessions and tactical drills over the past months.
“The way he handles the ball, how comfortable he is with that, I think he is also one of the players who is getting stronger and stronger,” Slot said during the media briefing.
The manager also discussed the importance of rest and recovery, given Liverpool’s congested fixture schedule, noting that the team would use the upcoming week for recuperation and focused training.
“After so many games played, it is a week where hopefully we can recover a little bit. There will be some training time,” Slot added, emphasizing the club’s holistic approach to player performance.
Wirtz has already started to make tangible contributions, linking effectively with stars like Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, and becoming a creative force in midfield.
His presence has added depth and versatility to Liverpool’s lineup, providing Slot with multiple tactical options both in attack and possession retention.
Since joining the Reds, Wirtz has adapted rapidly to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, which many analysts viewed as a potential challenge for the young German.
Slot’s public endorsement is significant, as it not only signals confidence in Wirtz’s abilities but also underscores the manager’s commitment to integrating high-profile summer signings into the team framework.
Fans have reacted positively on social media, praising the manager’s faith in the 20-year-old and expressing optimism that Wirtz could develop into a club legend over the coming seasons.
Liverpool’s performance against Brighton, coupled with Wirtz’s growing influence, demonstrates that Slot’s strategy of blending experienced stars with emerging talent is beginning to yield results.
With the Premier League season entering a crucial phase, maintaining the momentum and continuing Wirtz’s development will be essential for Liverpool’s title ambitions and long-term squad balance.
As the club prepares for upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on Slot’s midfield strategy and how Wirtz continues to establish himself among Europe’s elite young talents.
(DDM) — Mohamed Salah delivered another historic moment at Anfield on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as Liverpool defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 2–0 in a Premier League clash played in Liverpool, England.
DDM notes that the Egyptian star received a rousing ovation from the Anfield crowd after setting a new Premier League-era record, a moment that unfolded amid intense uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.
Salah entered the match unexpectedly in the 26th minute after defender Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury, changing the dynamic of the contest.
His introduction immediately lifted the tempo, as Liverpool fans sensed the significance of his presence on the pitch.
Within moments of coming on, Salah nearly created an instant goal, sliding a precise pass into Alexis Mac Allister, whose decision to pass rather than shoot denied Liverpool a clear scoring opportunity.
Despite not finding the back of the net himself, Salah remained influential throughout the match, dictating attacking play and stretching Brighton’s defensive line.
At full time, the forward applauded the Kop and tapped the iconic Liver Bird badge on his chest as supporters chanted his name in appreciation.
The gesture carried emotional weight, coming just days after Salah suggested the Brighton fixture could be his final appearance at Anfield.
Following Liverpool’s draw the previous weekend, Salah admitted he had invited family members to attend the Brighton game, hinting at a possible farewell before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Those comments triggered widespread speculation about whether the club legend might be nearing the end of his Anfield journey.
However, developments ahead of the match appeared to soften the narrative, as Salah reportedly held positive talks with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot on Friday, December 12, 2025.
Those discussions resulted in Salah being included in the matchday squad, easing immediate fears of a complete breakdown in relations.
The match itself added another chapter to Salah’s remarkable Liverpool career, as he recorded his 89th Premier League assist.
That assist came from an inswinging corner which Hugo Ekitike headed home at the back post, sealing Liverpool’s victory.
The contribution took Salah to a combined total of 277 Premier League goals and assists for Liverpool.
With that figure, he surpassed Wayne Rooney to become the player with the highest combined goals and assists tally for a single club in the Premier League era, dating back to 1992.
The milestone further cements Salah’s status as one of Liverpool’s greatest players and among the most prolific attackers in English football history.
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has transformed the club’s attacking identity, breaking records and driving the team to domestic and European success.
His goals were instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph in 2020 and their Champions League victory in 2019.
Yet, despite his achievements, questions remain over whether he will remain on Merseyside beyond January.
Contract uncertainty, age considerations, and interest from abroad continue to cloud his long-term future.
For Liverpool supporters, Saturday’s scenes were both celebratory and unsettling, blending pride with anxiety.
As the season progresses, Salah’s performances may ultimately shape not just Liverpool’s title ambitions, but also the legacy of one of the club’s most iconic figures.
Burkina Faso has reportedly transferred 11 detained Nigerian military personnel into isolated detention facilities amid escalating diplomatic tensions between both countries.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the Nigerian government has so far been unable to formally convince Burkina Faso’s military authorities that the Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft involved was on a routine flight to Portugal.
According to the sources, the Burkinabè junta suspects that the aircraft may have been linked to operations aimed at countering an alleged coup plot in neighbouring Benin Republic, an allegation Nigeria has denied.
The development has raised concerns over the treatment of the detained soldiers as diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Ouagadougou continue.
A similar case occurred in December 2023, when Burkina Faso arrested four French nationals in Ouagadougou on allegations of espionage.
The Burkinabè authorities accused the individuals of being intelligence operatives, a claim strongly denied by the French government.
At the time, the junta reportedly demanded €150 million and military equipment in exchange for their release.
Following months of negotiations mediated by Morocco, the French nationals were freed in December 2024.
Reports from francophone sources claimed that their release followed a payment of €60 million and the transfer of heavy artillery equipment.
France has consistently denied making any payment, although multiple reports within the region insist compensation was made to the Burkinabè authorities.
Analysts say Burkina Faso may be positioning the detained Nigerian soldiers as leverage in negotiations, unless diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government are intensified.
Germany has summoned Russia’s ambassador following accusations that Moscow carried out a cyber-attack on the country’s air traffic control systems and attempted to interfere in its February 2025 federal elections, marking a further deterioration in relations between the two countries.
A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Russian military intelligence was responsible for a cyber-attack on German air traffic control in August 2024.
Berlin also accused the Kremlin of conducting a wider campaign to influence and destabilise the 2025 federal elections.
According to German intelligence findings, the cyber-attack was traced to Fancy Bear, a hacking group widely linked to Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU. Germany’s air navigation service later confirmed that its office communication systems were breached, but said flight operations and air safety were not affected.
German authorities further alleged that Russia ran a coordinated disinformation campaign, known as Storm 1516, during the election period.
The operation reportedly involved fake videos and false claims of ballot manipulation and targeted senior political figures, including Green Party candidate Robert Habeck and CDU candidate Friedrich Merz, who later emerged as chancellor.
Russia has strongly denied the accusations.
In a statement to AFP, the Russian embassy in Berlin described the claims as “baseless, unfounded and absurd,” rejecting any involvement of Russian state institutions in cyber-attacks or election interference.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry said Berlin, in close coordination with its European partners, would respond with counter-measures aimed at making Russia “pay a price for its hybrid actions.”
Officials said the allegations align with similar warnings from countries such as the United Kingdom and Romania, which have also accused Moscow of meddling in their domestic affairs.
Fancy Bear has previously been linked to several major cyber incidents, including the 2016 breach of the US Democratic National Committee and the leak of confidential data from the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The latest accusations come amid long-standing tensions between Berlin and Moscow, which worsened significantly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Relations had already been strained by earlier incidents, including the 2019 killing of a Chechen exile in Berlin, which German authorities blamed on a Russian national acting on state orders.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has repeatedly accused Russia of conducting cyber warfare against Germany and has supported efforts to use frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defence.
Moscow has not issued a formal response to the latest summons but has consistently denied allegations of cyber sabotage or hybrid operations across Europe.
(DDM) — Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas has ignited debate across the football world after naming Thierry Henry as one of only two “complete winners” he ever played with, placing the Frenchman alongside Lionel Messi.
Speaking during an interview aired by CBS Sports on December 11, 2025, from the network’s studio in New York, United States, Fàbregas reflected on his long career and the rare mentality he believes separates great players from true winners.
Now the head coach of Italian Serie A side Como, Fàbregas used the interview to revisit his formative years at Arsenal, where he rose from a teenage prodigy to club captain.
He described Thierry Henry as a towering figure in the Arsenal dressing room, admitting that he felt genuine fear and deep respect for the club legend during their time together at Highbury.
According to Fàbregas, Henry’s presence alone demanded excellence, discipline, and seriousness from younger players trying to find their footing in elite football.
The Spaniard explained that Henry was not just a goal scorer or star attraction, but a leader whose obsession with winning shaped the mentality of the entire squad.
Despite his intimidating aura, Fàbregas recalled that Henry also knew how to ease tension, often joking with teammates and creating moments of unity away from matchday pressure.
This balance of authority and approachability, he argued, was what made Henry a rare personality in modern football.
Fàbregas joined Arsenal in 2003 at just 16 years old, entering a dressing room filled with proven internationals and Premier League champions.
Henry, already an Arsenal icon by then, played a crucial role in setting standards during the club’s most competitive era under Arsène Wenger.
The former midfielder featured alongside Henry in over 100 matches, assisting the French striker several times and witnessing first-hand his relentless drive to win.
Fàbregas then drew a striking comparison between Henry and Lionel Messi, whom he later played with at Barcelona following his return to Spain.
He described Messi as the only other player in his career who embodied the same complete winning mentality, both on and off the pitch.
During his time at Barcelona, Fàbregas played more than 120 matches with Messi, contributing goals and assists as the club dominated domestic and European competitions.
He noted that Messi’s consistency, professionalism, and ability to deliver under pressure set an unmatched benchmark for excellence.
Fàbregas emphasized that while many players possess talent, very few combine skill, mentality, leadership, and an unrelenting hunger for victory.
His comments have stirred controversy, particularly among fans of other Arsenal legends who feel equally deserving of such praise.
Nevertheless, the remarks offer rare insight into the standards that defined two of football’s greatest figures.
As Fàbregas continues his managerial journey in Italy, his reflections underline how elite winners influence teammates long after their playing days end.
Chelsea supporters have erupted in anger following another underwhelming performance by forward João Pedro, turning social media into a forum of open criticism and ridicule.
The backlash followed a routine post by Chelsea on X, formerly Twitter, which unexpectedly became a lightning rod for fan frustration.
Rather than praise or encouragement, the comment section was flooded with complaints questioning Pedro’s form, confidence, and overall value to the team.
One remark that quickly went viral summed up the prevailing mood among disgruntled fans, with a supporter bluntly suggesting that Pedro’s next appearance should come against a League One side.
The statement was widely interpreted as a dig at the Brazilian’s current level, implying he is no longer suited to the intensity of top-flight football.
For many fans, the criticism reflects disappointment rather than outright hostility, as expectations were initially high when Pedro arrived at Stamford Bridge.
João Pedro had previously impressed during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, where his movement, work rate, and goal threat drew praise.
Those performances created optimism that he could become a reliable attacking option during a season marked by inconsistency and rebuilding.
However, supporters now argue that his influence has faded, with recent displays lacking urgency, composure, and decisive end product.
Several fans contrasted his current struggles with his earlier promise, suggesting that something has gone wrong either tactically or psychologically.
Some supporters went further by questioning Chelsea’s recruitment strategy, claiming the club may have overlooked better-suited alternatives in the transfer market.
Comparisons were drawn with other forwards linked to Chelsea at the time, reigniting debates about long-term planning under the club’s evolving sporting structure.
Accusations of selfish play also featured prominently in fan reactions, with critics alleging Pedro often opts to shoot rather than pass to better-positioned teammates.
According to these supporters, such decisions have disrupted Chelsea’s attacking rhythm and cost the team crucial opportunities in tight matches.
One particularly harsh comment described the forward as greedy, reflecting the emotional tone that now surrounds discussions about his role.
Chelsea’s struggles this season provide important context to the reaction, as the club continues to battle for consistency amid high expectations.
Since the ownership change, the Blues have invested heavily in young talent, placing pressure on players like Pedro to justify both faith and financial backing.
With results fluctuating and patience wearing thin, individual performances are increasingly scrutinised by a fanbase desperate for stability and progress.
Historically, Chelsea supporters have never shied away from voicing dissatisfaction, especially when attacking players fail to deliver goals or decisive contributions.
From Fernando Torres to recent high-profile signings, Stamford Bridge has witnessed similar cycles of hope, frustration, and criticism.
For João Pedro, the current storm represents a defining moment in his Chelsea career.
Whether he responds with renewed confidence or slips further down the pecking order may determine how he is ultimately remembered by supporters.
As fixtures continue to pile up, all eyes will be on the Brazilian forward to see if he can silence critics and reclaim the form that once excited the Chelsea faithful.
At least 14 Palestinians, including three children, have died following severe storms that battered Gaza over the past 72 hours, according to local health authorities.
Munir Al-Boursh, Director-General of Gaza’s Health Ministry, told CNN that the fatalities were linked to extreme weather conditions that flooded tents and temporary shelters housing displaced residents across the enclave.
Years of conflict have left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in makeshift shelters after much of Gaza’s infrastructure was destroyed.
Aid groups say the heavy rainfall overwhelmed these camps, forcing residents to wade through sewage, mud and debris.
In a statement on Saturday, humanitarian organisation Oxfam said the deteriorating conditions were a direct result of restrictions on aid deliveries, warning that the lack of adequate shelter had turned severe weather into a deadly threat.
Displaced residents described desperate scenes as floodwaters destroyed their belongings.
One woman, identified as Um Mustafa, said all her food supplies, bedding and clothing were ruined after rainwater flooded her tent overnight.
Authorities in Gaza said tents, temporary shelters and structurally weakened buildings collapsed during the storms, trapping families inside.
An eight-month-old baby, Rahaf, reportedly died from hypothermia, according to her family.
The Hamas-run government media office said more than 27,000 tents were damaged or swept away by floodwaters, affecting at least 250,000 people, describing the situation as a “complex humanitarian disaster.”
Israel and Hamas reached a truce in October, halting the two-year conflict and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza as part of the first phase of the agreement.
However, Oxfam said Israel continues to block essential shelter materials, fuel and water infrastructure, leaving civilians vulnerable to preventable harm.
“When access is denied, storms become deadly,” the group said.
Israel’s aid coordination body, COGAT, rejected the criticism, stating that hundreds of aid trucks enter Gaza daily carrying food, water, fuel, medical supplies and shelter materials.
The agency said nearly 270,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered in recent months and that preparations are underway for a broader winter response.
Despite the ceasefire, negotiations over the next phase of the agreement remain stalled, with unresolved issues continuing to complicate humanitarian and political efforts in the region.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Bola Oyebamiji, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, as its consensus candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
This decision was made at the party’s governorship primary held at Ebunoluwa Group of Schools in Osogbo, where two aspirants, Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare, moved a motion endorsing Oyebamiji.
The motion was presented to party members by Governor Monday Okpebholo, Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Committee, and was met with overwhelming approval from delegates.
Okpebholo declared Oyebamiji the party’s governorship candidate, citing the power conferred on him.
Oyebamiji’s emergence follows a meeting between seven APC governorship aspirants and President Bola Tinubu, where they agreed to support a consensus candidate.
Former APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has expressed support for the party’s decision, accepting guidance from President Tinubu.
When the Media Office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu administration last week of engineering one of the “most brazen financial scandals” in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, many dismissed it as political noise.
But beyond the partisan colouring, the figures now emerging are too staggering — and too scandalous — to ignore.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reportedly spent ₦17.5 trillion in just one year on what it loosely labels “energy security,” “under-recovery,” and “pipeline protection.”
The author, Ifeanyi Izeze
Put differently, the Tinubu government has spent in 12 months nearly the same amount Nigeria expended on fuel subsidy over twelve years — a national programme that actually cushioned millions of Nigerians.
Under President Bola Tinubu, fuel prices have prevailed above ₦1,300 per litre in several localities across the country. Government insists subsidy is gone. Yet NNPCL’s financials for 2024 reveal:
₦7.13 trillion spent on “energy-security costs to keep petrol prices stable.”
₦8.67 trillion spent on “under-recovery.”
These vague categories — “energy cost” and “under-recovery” — are, as Atiku’s office put it, little more than new balablu nomenclatures deployed to disguise the fact that subsidy never ended; it simply mutated.
The NNPCL accounts show that “energy security” expenses arise from the difference between the exchange rate used to compute PMS (petrol) ex-coastal prices and the rate at import settlement. This amount is deducted from what should go into the Federation Account each month — effectively a covert subsidy.
In 2023, this same item cost ₦4.8 trillion. In 2024, it ballooned to ₦7.1 trillion — the highest subsidy-related outlay in twenty years, dwarfing the previous record of ₦3.36 trillion in 2022.
How does subsidy cost more after it was “removed”? This is not incompetence. This is not policy failure. This is state capture. The subsidy they claimed was gone is back — bigger, darker, hidden in the pockets of faceless cartels.
These are not technical terms. They are smoke screens. If subsidy was removed, what exactly is being “recovered”? If subsidy ended, what “stability” is being funded with trillions? If subsidy died, why are its ghosts collecting more money than ever before?
Data by the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) shows that the highest amount spent on subsidy by the Nigerian government between 2005 and 2021 was incurred in 2011, when a sum of N2.1 trillion was paid.
In 2022, however, the Nigerian government paid N3.36 trillion as fuel subsidies, meaning that between 2005 and 2022, the highest subsidy paid stood at N3.36 trillion. With N4.8 trillion spent in 2023, the N7.1 trillion recorded for 2024 becomes the highest ever spent between 2005 and 2024, a twenty-year period.
The administration has repeatedly justified subsidy removal on grounds of affordability. Nigerians were pressed to “tighten their belts” and absorb historic hardship. Yet the same government disbursed ₦17.5 trillion — an amount capable of revolutionising the power sector, rehabilitating refineries, or funding universal healthcare — to opaque contracts allegedly linked to cronies.
The question writes itself: Is this governance or grand larceny disguised as public expenditure?
This raises fundamental questions of public trust and national integrity:
Who are the companies awarded these multi-trillion-naira contracts? What exactly justifies the 38.7% jump in “energy-cost” from ₦6.25 trillion in 2024 to ₦8.67 trillion in 2025? Why is pipeline security suddenly costlier than a decade-long subsidy that served 200 million Nigerians?
Where are the audits, parliamentary reviews, and cost-validation documents for these humongous contracts?
The Nigerian public cannot continue to suffer crushing inflation, punitive fuel prices, an unending collapse of the naira, and widespread hunger — only for a select circle of political allies to pocket trillions under the guise of “pipeline security.” How do you justify that an administration that presides over this level of fiscal recklessness is garnering fake moral authority to demand sacrifice from its people?
It is now evident that Tinubu did not end subsidy; the administration merely redirected the proceeds from the entire nation to a privileged oil cartel orbiting the Presidency.
What must happen now is that the government must immediately:
1. Publish the full list of companies and beneficiaries.
2. Disclose the scope, milestones, and tenure of each contract.
3. Subject the ₦17.5 trillion expenditure to an independent forensic audit.
4. Suspend further payments pending the audit outcome.
5. Explain how this colossal spending aligns with national priorities in a season of unprecedented economic suffering.
Nigerians deserve transparency, not deception. Leadership, not cronyism. Prudence, not plunder. And they deserve a government that places national interest above private enrichment.
This ₦17.5 trillion “energy-security” and “fuel under-recovery” bill is not just a financial irregularity — it is a moral indictment of the Tinubu administration and a clarion call for full, uncompromising accountability.
This is no longer about politics. It is about survival. It is about justice. And it is about forcing accountability from those who believe Nigeria is their personal ATM.
(IFEANYI IZEZE writes from Abuja. Contacts: iizeze@yahoo.com; +234-8033043009)
Two United States Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed on Saturday during an attack in Syria, the US Department of Defense has confirmed.
In a statement, Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said three other personnel were wounded in the incident, which occurred while the troops were carrying out a key leader engagement as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations against the Islamic State (ISIS) in the region.
“The attack occurred as the soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement. Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS operations,” Parnell said, adding that the identities of the deceased are being withheld until their next of kin are notified.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the attacker was killed by partner forces following the assault.
“Let it be known, if you target Americans anywhere in the world, the United States will hunt you down,” Hegseth said in a post on X.
According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, the US troops came under fire during a joint patrol with Syrian forces in central Syria.
Traffic along the highway between Deir Ezzor and Damascus was temporarily halted as security forces responded to the incident.
Video footage circulated online showed US combat aircraft flying overhead, while US helicopters were deployed to evacuate the wounded to the al-Tanf military base, a US installation located near Syria’s border with Iraq.
US Central Command has yet to provide additional details, as investigations into the attack continue.
The incident marks one of the deadliest attacks on US forces in Syria in recent months and underscores the persistent security risks facing international forces operating in the region.
The United States has accused Rwanda of breaching a peace agreement signed with President Donald Trump and warned that it would take action in response.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday that Rwanda’s activities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) constituted a “clear violation” of the Washington Accords, following renewed advances by Rwandan-backed armed groups in the region.
“Rwanda’s actions in eastern DRC are a clear violation of the Washington Accords signed by President Trump, and the United States will take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept,” Rubio wrote on X.
The warning comes amid escalating violence in eastern DRC, where the capture of Uvira, a key town near the Burundi border, has heightened fears of the conflict spreading into a wider regional war.
The latest development is part of an offensive launched earlier this month in South Kivu province, following the seizure of Goma and Bukavu, two major cities in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
President Trump has repeatedly cited the DRC peace agreement as one of several conflicts he helped resolve since returning to office.
On Friday, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz accused Rwanda of fueling regional instability, alleging that Rwandan defence forces were actively supporting the M23 rebel group.
“The Rwandan defence forces have provided material, logistics and training support to M23 and have fought alongside them in DRC with between 5,000 and 7,000 troops,” Waltz told the UN Security Council, adding that the support included surface-to-air missiles, drones and artillery.
Since resuming hostilities in 2021, the M23 has captured large areas of eastern DRC, displacing tens of thousands of civilians and worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Earlier this month, United Nations experts accused Rwanda’s army and the M23 of carrying out summary executions and forced mass displacements in affected areas.
The Rwandan government has repeatedly denied backing the M23 and has accused neighbouring countries of undermining regional stability.
The Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai has successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on a Forward Operating Base in Mairari, Borno State.
The attack, which occurred on December 12-13, 2025, was thwarted by troops who detected and neutralized two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices.
According to a statement issued by the army, several attackers were killed, and others injured, as they attempted to breach the base.
Also, the military conducted an extensive operation, discovering multiple terrorist casualties and seizing weapons, ammunition, and logistics.
Items recovered include AK-47 rifles, magazines, ammunition, PKT rounds, hand grenades, motorcycles, and medical supplies.
The operation was carried out by Sector 3 troops, the Theatre Command Quick Reaction Group, the Nigeria Police Crack Team, and the Civilian Joint Task Force.
The military said it remain committed to defeating terrorist elements in the North East, prioritizing civilian protection and peace restoration.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo made a notable appearance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, marking his first visit since President Bola Tinubu took office.
The visit comes after a period of apparent diplomatic face-off between Obasanjo and the current administration.
Obasanjo, known for his candid criticism, had previously stayed away from the Villa, including significant gatherings like Council of State meetings.
His visit coincided with the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, with the theme “Emmanuel: God With Us.”
During the event, Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, highlighting God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.
Other dignitaries present included former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-12.
President Bola Tinubu was absent from the event. The Service of Nine Lessons and Carols is an annual Christian observance held during the Christmas season.
As Nigeria marks Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day 2025, new findings suggest that adolescent girls and young women continue to face serious barriers in accessing basic health services, despite years of policy commitments aimed at expanding coverage.
The assessment, released by the Gem Hub Initiative, points to rising out-of-pocket costs, weak primary healthcare capacity and limited youth-focused services as key obstacles preventing young people—particularly females—from obtaining timely and confidential care.
Nigeria has pledged to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring that all citizens can access essential services without financial hardship.
However, the report says progress remains uneven, with adolescents among the least served groups within the health system.
According to Gem Hub, many young women are unable to afford services such as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, especially those not enrolled in health insurance schemes.
The financial burden often leads to delays or avoidance of care altogether, increasing health risks.
The findings are based on a rapid assessment of youth-friendly health services and a perception survey conducted in Rivers State, which the organisation says reflects challenges seen in other parts of the country.
The review found that several primary health facilities lacked key sexual and reproductive health commodities, including emergency contraception, while shortages of trained staff and inconsistent application of youth-friendly service guidelines were also reported.
Infrastructure challenges were another recurring concern. Poor road networks, seasonal flooding, irregular clinic hours and unreliable electricity were cited as factors limiting physical access to care, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
The report also notes low levels of community and parental engagement, which can discourage adolescents—many of whom depend on family members for health decisions—from seeking services.
A frontline health worker interviewed during the assessment said many young women were reluctant to return to facilities where they felt judged or lacked privacy. “When adolescents feel exposed or uncomfortable, they simply stop coming,” the provider said.
Universal Health Coverage Day is observed globally to highlight the importance of affordable and accessible healthcare. This year’s theme focuses on the burden of health costs, a challenge that remains acute in Nigeria, where out-of-pocket spending continues to account for a large share of healthcare financing.
Gem Hub Initiative says its findings underline the gap between national health policies and the lived experiences of young people, particularly girls and young women, whose health needs are often overlooked within the broader system.
The organisation works with adolescents and young adults across Nigeria on health, education and empowerment programmes, with a focus on generating evidence to inform public debate and policy.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented a ₦1.3 trillion appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Niger State House of Assembly.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation,” was laid before lawmakers at the Assembly complex in Minna on Friday.
Governor Bago said the proposal allocates ₦270 billion (26.19%) to recurrent expenditure, while ₦761 billion (73.81%) is set aside for capital projects.
He explained that the budget would be financed through statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Federation Account receipts, capital inflows, grants, and loans.
According to the governor, the 2026 budget builds on previous achievements while responding to emerging challenges in a changing global economic environment.
A sectoral breakdown shows that the economic sector received the highest allocation of over ₦510 billion, while the transportation sector received the least, slightly above ₦1 billion.
Bago said government interventions in the coming fiscal year would focus on wealth and job creation, agricultural transformation, healthcare strengthening, road infrastructure consolidation, and the completion of inherited water and electricity projects.
Other priority areas include improvements in education, enhanced revenue generation, strict compliance with due process, digital transformation of state-owned media, peace and security consolidation, and strategic development partnerships.
“The 2026 Budget is anchored on fiscal discipline, strategic investment, and targeted interventions aimed at expanding economic opportunities for our citizens,” the governor said, adding that it is designed to complete ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.
He noted that despite inflationary pressures and fluctuating revenues, his administration has continued to manage resources prudently and deliver measurable results over the past two years.
The governor commended the Speaker and members of the 10th Niger State House of Assembly for their cooperation, describing the relationship between the executive and legislature as critical to effective governance and service delivery.
He urged lawmakers to give the appropriation bill prompt consideration in the interest of the state and called on residents to support his administration’s vision of building a secure, green, and prosperous Niger State.
Responding, Speaker of the House, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, praised the cordial relationship between the executive and legislature, attributing it to the governor’s respect for constitutional processes and regular consultations.
Sarkin Daji assured that the Assembly would consider and pass the budget within the shortest possible time, reaffirming lawmakers’ commitment to initiatives that strengthen governance and accelerate development in the state.
Fernando Dias da Costa, a front-runner in Guinea-Bissau’s 23 November presidential election, has called on ECOWAS leaders meeting on Sunday, 14 December, to insist on the release of the election results “so that the President elected by the people of Guinea-Bissau… can take office.”
“We hope that with your invaluable support, this summit will result in the publication of the election results, which remain available despite announcements to the contrary…,” candidate Dias said, in an open letter to the regional leaders, adding that, according to “all observers…” the unpublished results gave him “a significant advantage in the first round.”
In the letter titled “Guinea-Bissau remains hopeful amid darkness and institutional chaos,” he said: “Our people are convinced that the definitive and successful conclusion of the electoral process, …thwarted by the military coup and the manoeuvres of the outgoing president, is the primary prerequisite.”
“ECOWAS can bring light and hope back to our country, as it has done elsewhere in our region,” he added.
It is the first public statement by candidate Dias, who has been under Nigerian protection following the 26 November military coup in Guinea-Bissau, by which President Umaro Sissoco Embalo claimed he was toppled.
A number of the junta leaders, including Gen. Horta Inta-A, who has assumed the position of Transitional President and the Prime Minister Ilídio Vieira Té, who was Embalo’s Campaign Director during the 23 November elections, are his loyalists.
Embalo and Dias were claiming victory in the election before the military struck a day before the National Electoral Commission, CNE, planned to announce the results of the poll. Armed men invaded the Bissau secretariat of the Commission, arrested the officials and carted away documents and computers.
After their release, the officials said the CNE could not conclude the electoral process because its documents and computers, including servers, had been destroyed.
However, IT experts and diplomatic sources stated that the election results were retrievable.
The military said it seized power to prevent “drug lords” from destabilising Guinea-Bissau.
Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), and his deputy Octávio Lopes have been detained by the junta, and their families have demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
The PAIGC fought for the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde, but after Pereira and the party were barred from participating in the parliamentary and presidential elections, they urged their supporters to vote for Dias.
“As you prepare to hold a crucial Summit of ECOWAS, the regional organization that unites the peoples and countries of our region, this Sunday, December 14, allow me to take the liberty of wishing you every success,” Dias said in his letter. “Many answers to the major challenges that concern us all depend on its (Summit’s) outcome.”
“Those related to the situation in Guinea-Bissau, my country,” he said, “are the most pressing. Even though on all sides, the warning signs are flashing red, tensions are high, and there are multiple dangers, from the economy to politics and the social climate. It is not without reason that the regional body has declared a general emergency to underscore the urgent needs of the moment.”
Continuing, Dias told ECOWAS leaders, “the people of West Africa have high expectations for your deliberations,” adding …those most familiar with Guinea-Bissau describe (the coup) as a setup orchestrated by the outgoing President and his allies in the army to prevent the peaceful transfer of power to the winner of the election.”
“Numerous other underhanded tactics and mistreatment, which spared none of our partners, including, at the beginning of this year, the expulsion of an ECOWAS delegation and the announcement of a suspected coup d’état shortly before the start of the election campaign, foreshadowed the sad, tragic scenario we are now experiencing,” he said.
He said the “ominous signs… were visible on the walls of towns and villages throughout our country.”
Dias thanked ECOWAS for “promptly coming to our aid. In doing so, you have shown us your support and concern at a time when this new difficult phase our country is experiencing presents itself as an existential threat, the solution of which is absolutely imperative.”
“Your Summit, along with the visit of the current Chairman of ECOWAS Authority, His Excellency Julius Maada-Bio, is the most eloquent proof of your heartfelt concern. On behalf of the people of Guinea-Bissau and myself, I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Dias wrote.
According to him, “Our regional organization embodies the international community’s position on West African issues. Your voice carries weight, and, as you know, the entire world awaits your position on how to put our country, with our contribution, back on the path to constitutional order, a path it should never have strayed from.”
“I wish to reassure the international and national community that the country’s reconstruction will not be possible without a serious effort to bring together all the sons and daughters, and all social forces, of Guinea-Bissau, from every side,” he said. “For my part, I will spare no effort to ensure the success of national reconciliation.”
To this end, he said, “I would like to extend a hand to my fellow citizens, regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliation,” adding: “Your Summit offers us a final chance to rebuild our country, guiding it back to the path set by its heroic national liberation struggle that led to its independence in 1973.”
Dias expressed his support for regional “efforts to contain the wave of military coups in our region and, thank you in advance for your presence at our side during these agonising times,” adding: “Together, let us make the African continent proud and lift Guinea-Bissau (which) has suffered far too much from political and military missteps, out of the crisis that neither its potential nor its history justifies.”
ECOWAS and the African Union have suspended Guinea-Bissau over the coup, and while critics accuse Embalo of remotely controlling affairs from an undisclosed refuge within or outside the country.
The country remains under political tensions, and the “mega protests” organised by civil society groups on Friday were promptly dispersed by security forces.
Paul Ejime is a Media/Communications Specialist and Global Affairs Analyst.
American rapper Nicki Minaj has once again spoken out against ongoing killings in Nigeria, urging an end to the violence and calling for freedom for Christians in the country.
Minaj, whose real name is Onika Maraj-Petty, made the statement in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
Using a faith-based message, the Grammy-nominated artist expressed concern over Nigeria’s security situation.
“On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other grounds is sinking sand,” she wrote, before adding emphatically:
“FREE THE CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA!!!!!!!!!! STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
The post quickly gained traction online, drawing widespread reactions from social media users and reigniting conversations about insecurity and religious freedom in Nigeria.
Minaj’s latest remarks follow her earlier comments in November, when she spoke during a United Nations-related briefing on global religious freedom and violence against Christians in Nigeria.
At the event, Michael Waltz, a United States official, described the situation in Nigeria as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos.” He alleged that Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions, were being systematically targeted.
“In the Middle Belt and in the North, churches burn, mothers bury their children for the crime of singing Amazing Grace, and pastors have been beheaded for preaching the Sermon on the Mount,” Waltz said.
He further argued that the violence was deliberate rather than random, linking it to kidnappings and attacks on schools. Citing figures from the advocacy group Open Doors, Waltz claimed that 80 per cent of global violence against Christians occurs in Nigeria.
Minaj, who also addressed the briefing, echoed similar concerns, stating that Christians in Nigeria were being targeted because of their faith.
“In Nigeria, Christians are being driven from their homes and killed. Churches have been burned, families torn apart, and entire communities live in constant fear simply because of how they pray,” she said.
She described the crisis as part of a broader global challenge and thanked US President Donald Trump for highlighting the issue internationally.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, however, has consistently rejected claims that the violence is religiously motivated, maintaining that the country’s insecurity is largely driven by banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
Despite the government’s position, international figures, advocacy groups, and global celebrities have continued to raise alarm over Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the humanitarian impact on affected communities.
Iran has executed a woman convicted of killing her four-year-old stepdaughter in the country’s northwest, judicial authorities confirmed on Saturday.
According to Iran’s judiciary, the child, identified as Ava, died in December 2023 after suffering severe brain injuries caused by repeated wounds inflicted by her stepmother. The case was initially reported by the judiciary’s official outlet, Mizan Online.
Following investigations and court proceedings, the woman was sentenced in March 2024 to qisas, an Islamic legal principle that allows the victim’s family to seek retribution. The sentence was later upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice of West Azerbaijan province, Naser Atabati, said the execution was carried out at dawn, noting that the child’s biological mother had firmly insisted on the enforcement of the death penalty. Authorities did not disclose the identity of the executed woman.
Iran enforces capital punishment for crimes including murder and rape, with executions typically carried out by hanging in the early hours of the day.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, consistently rank Iran as the second-highest executor in the world after China.
