(DDM) – The United States government has expanded its controversial visa bond policy, now requiring citizens from seven additional countries to post refundable bonds of up to $15,000 before their visa applications can be processed.
DDM gathered that the policy, initially introduced under the Trump administration, has drawn intense criticism for disproportionately targeting citizens of developing nations.
The newly added countries are Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan. Of these, five are African nations, highlighting a growing trend of US immigration measures impacting the continent.
Officially, the policy aims to curb visa overstays and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the visa bond “is part of efforts to ensure that temporary visitors respect the terms of their entry and reduce the risk of overstaying.”
The bond amounts can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the applicant and country of origin. Authorities have stressed that the bond is refundable if the visa application is denied or if travelers depart the United States within the approved period.
Critics argue that the measure disproportionately affects citizens of poorer nations, where the bond can exceed average annual incomes by several multiples. This has effectively barred many students, entrepreneurs, and families from legally traveling to the United States.
With the inclusion of these seven countries, a total of 13 nations are now subject to the bond requirement, 11 of which are located in Africa. Experts suggest that the policy reflects ongoing US efforts to tighten immigration control while raising significant ethical concerns regarding fairness and equity.
In addition to the bond requirement, the Trump-era policy introduced other measures including mandatory in-person interviews, comprehensive background disclosures, and stricter scrutiny of financial and personal histories. These requirements have increased the cost and complexity of obtaining a US visa.
Despite criticism, US officials maintain that exemptions are available for specific groups, including diplomats, lawful permanent residents, some existing visa holders, and athletes attending major international events. However, many argue that these exemptions do little to alleviate the broader impact on ordinary citizens from affected nations.
Historically, visa bond programs were introduced to discourage overstays and promote compliance with immigration rules. Yet, human rights advocates contend that they risk creating a two-tier system where wealthier applicants gain easier access while citizens of developing countries face systemic barriers.
Observers note that this latest expansion may strain diplomatic relations with affected countries and further fuel debates about fairness in US immigration policy. African nations, already grappling with economic challenges, may find it increasingly difficult to send students, businesspeople, and tourists to the United States without prohibitive costs.
The policy quietly took effect on 1 January 2026, with little public announcement, prompting civil society organizations and media outlets to call for transparency and reconsideration of the bond system.
Analysts warn that unless reforms are introduced, the visa bond policy could discourage educational exchanges, investment, and tourism, undermining long-term US engagement with these nations.
The Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is holding a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss party and national issues.
The meeting, taking place at Jonathan’s office in Maitama, Abuja, Diaspora Digital Media understand, aims to address the ongoing crisis within the party and efforts to reposition it ahead of future political engagements.
Turaki, accompanied by the entire NWC and selected state chairmen, arrived at the meeting around 5:45 pm in six SUV jeeps.
In an earlier article, I described Donald Trump as a racist, sexist, psychotic narcissist that, in the words of Mrs. Hillary Clinton, is “dangerously incoherent and temperamentally unfit to be the president” of the United States of America. However, in the same article, I acknowledged a number of possible benefits of his presidency. For one, he is forthright, and tells African countries and rulers exactly what he thinks of them. Diplomatic niceties and euphemisms in depicting the problems of Africans have not, in any way, helped Africans. They have actually been dangerous to us, as they pander to our penchant for self-deceit and refusal to take responsibilities for our endless political and economic blunders. His bluntness smacks our follies and blunders squarely on our faces; and may jolt us off our self-deceit and blame games.
It has been written that, “Revolution is the locomotion of history and that it is the youths that are the drivers of this locomotion”. Throughout history and across countries, it is the youths, in their hot enthusiasm and reckless idealism, that rise up in defiance of the cruelty, avarice and arrogance of power. Disconcertingly, Nigerian youths are docile and cowardly. They are notorious for their lassitude, craving for quick money and mass desertion of their country (“Jappa”) in search of economic opportunities overseas, especially, America. Trump’s hard-line immigration policy is making it harder for them to “jappa” to America. Consequently, more of them will be trapped in Nigeria, and invariably suffer the deepening and en-circling social degradation, economic decline and desperate poverty. Hopefully, at some unbearable point of these horrors of Tinubuism, they will rise in rebellion and dislodge this most kleptomaniac, anti-people, and rudderless administration in the annals of Nigeria.
Lately, we are witnessing another benefit of Trump’s presidency: his strikes at terrorist hideouts in Nigeria. In its feudal obscurantism and religious fanaticism, the Fulani aristocracy, for long, plotted to Islamize and politically dominate Nigeria. They have not hidden their expansionist design and crass contempt for the rest of Nigerians, especially, Christians. The then leader of the Hausa/Fulani dominated Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and the premier of the defunct Northern Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello, brazenly summed up the Fulani agenda, “The new nation called Nigeria should be the estate of our great-grandfather, Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent the change of power. We use the minorities in the north as willing tools, and the south as conquered territory, and never allow them to rule over us and never allow them to rule over their future”. He was also quoted as saying that, “It was the British that interrupted our jihad. Once the British leave, we will continue our jihad, and ultimately, dip the Koran into the Atlantic Ocean.”
Ahmadu Bello’s stated objectives were enlivened by President Mohammadu Buhari. Buhari was an unabashed Islamic bigot and zealot, and Fulani irredentist. Armed with the powers and resources of the federal government, he reinvigorated the 19th Fulani Century jihad in Nigeria. So, unlike, at no other time, since the British “interrupted” their jihadist thrust towards the Atlantic Ocean, the Fulani became empowered and emboldened to continue their jihad. Working in concert with the Myetti Allah, he armed Fulani herdsmen. So, instead of the herders’ staff, the Fulani herdsmen now brandish AK 47 automatic rifles. In addition, he imported Fulani bandits from the Sahel into the country. With their new found lethal power and the moral support of the federal government, the herdsmen, in concert with bandits, have been on a genocidal binge, massacring Christians.
At the end of the Buhari administration, Nigerians were hopeful that the new president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will roll back Fulani expansionism and rein-in Fulani terrorism. Tinubu could not do these because that would have bruised the sensitivity of his northern masters. After all, it was his northern masters that foisted him on Nigerians against the will of the Nigerian electoral majority. He was not the winner of the election that brought him to power. He allowed the Fulani terrorists a free reign. Thus, they continue to range, unimpeded, across the country, targeting Christian communities. In their murderous barbarism, they rape, maim and kill Christians; and torch, sack, seize and occupy their villages.
President Trump confronted the Nigerian government with the issue of anti-Christian genocide in the country. He warned the terrorist groups and the Nigerian government of the impending American strikes against the terrorists. Exhilaratingly, he made good on his word. On Christmas day, 2025, he struck at them. From a United States warship, sixteen precision-guided missiles were fired. The missiles accurately struck their intended targets, terrorist positions in Gugu Tangaza in Sokoto State, and achieved the desired result: the decimation of the terrorists. Kudos to President Trump; Nigerians are thankful to you. You are helping an irredeemably corrupt and hopelessly irresponsible government to uphold her most fundamental responsibility to its citizens: the protection of lives and property.
Tochukwu Ezukanma writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
tezukanma@gmail.com
0803 529 2908
Two Kenyan police officers have been arrested by Tanzanian authorities after allegedly crossing into Tanzanian territory in an attempt to apprehend a suspect, raising concerns over cross-border law enforcement conduct.
According to a police report filed at Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County, the officers — Police Constables Patrick Kithinji and Ahmed Ali, both attached to the crime office at Tononoka Police Station — were arrested on January 6, 2026, at Horohoro, just inside Tanzania.
The officers reportedly claimed they were pursuing a suspect identified as Omar Ali, who is wanted in Kenya for the offence of obtaining money by false pretence, allegedly committed in Tononoka, Mombasa County.
Tanzanian authorities, however, detained the officers for carrying out the operation on foreign soil without formal coordination or authorisation. At the time of arrest, the two officers were found in possession of two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. The firearms and ammunition were confiscated.
The officers were accompanied by a driver identified as Abdkadir Adan Ganyure, an employee of the Coast Development Authority. They were travelling in a vehicle bearing Kenyan registration number KDA 240P, which has also been seized.
All three individuals, along with the vehicle and confiscated weapons, remain in the custody of Tanzanian authorities as investigations continue and diplomatic engagement between the two countries is awaited.
The incident underscores the sensitivities surrounding cross-border policing and the importance of adherence to established legal and diplomatic protocols between neighbouring states.
The second term of US President Donald Trump is emerging like a hurricane on the horizon, swirling with a tough and uncompromising foreign policy agenda.
The daring nighttime raid on Caracas, which resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, was not just an exercise; it was the trumpeting of the comeback of the United States as a unilateral operator.
In defending this action, Trump invoked the spirit of the Monroe Doctrine from 1823 “the historic badge of America’s dominance within the Western Hemisphere” and reframed it under a new name, the “Donroe Doctrine,” meaning he was willing to exercise power beyond the boundaries of diplomacy.
Venezuela, it appears, is merely the first domino to fall. In recent days, Trump has rattled a number of sabres, suggesting that other nations are likely to find themselves in the sights of the US government.
Greenland
Even as distant from Latin America as Greenland is, this country has emerged as one of Trump’s more brazen foreign policy obsessions.
America already has Pituffik Space Base located on this Arctic island, but this is not enough for Trump.
“We need Greenland, from the standpoint of our national security,” he said, pointing out that the frozen landscape is “teeming with Russian and Chinese ships.”
Greenland, an inhabited province of the Kingdom of Denmark, is located on the threshold of a rapidly warming Arctic, in which melting ice is gradually discovering new trade routes and hidden resources.
It is also a rare earth elements hotbed, a resource in which the Chinese currently possess a competitive advantage.
The Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens Frederik Nielsen, said the idea of US takeover was mere “fantasy” as any endeavour by the US to take over the land could mean the US going up against the country of Denmark, which is an ally of NATO, ready to break like ice in the hands of a careless walker.
Colombia
Hours after the operation in Venezuela, Trump shifted his focus west to Colombia, duly warning President Gustavo Petro to “watch his ass.”
Colombia, an oil-rich and mineral-rich country with an active drugs trade, has historically been an ally of the US government in its fight against drugs.
However, the rhetoric surrounding Trump’s administration has turned all that on its head, accusing the government of failing to control the cartels.
Since September, US forces have targeted vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, accusing them of trafficking drugs, although these accusations have not been corroborated.
In October, it imposed sanctions on Petro, accusing his government of gross negligence.
On board Air Force One, Trump’s view was crystal clear: “Colombia is a country that is being run by a sick man that likes to make cocaine and sell it to the United States.”
Asked if he would mount a US-led strike, he said, “It sounds good to me.” Many decades of collaboration now appear to be on the line, balanced on a house of cards.
Iran
Iran also caught the attention of Trump with mass protests erupting in the country. The president threatened that Iran’s government would be “hit very hard” if the protesters are found to be killed during the unrest.
Iran, while outside the geographical definition of the ‘Donroe Doctrine,’ has had a provoking relationship with Trump.
Last year, US strikes hit Iran’s nuclear sites in response to an Israeli operation, leading to a short-lived conflict between Iran and Israel.
Iran was allegedly taking center stage in a recent Mar-a-Lago summit with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported in US media, with suggestions of a possible hit in 2026.
Mexico
Trump’s rise had been fueled in part by his tough stand-off with Mexico, and there is no lessening in the second term. On the first day of Trump returning to office, he rechristened the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”
He also blamed the Mexican government for not doing enough to stop drug trafficking and undocumented migrants from entering the US, calling drugs “pouring in” across the border.
He went to the extent of suggesting that he would send US forces to deal with cartels, which President Claudia Sheinbaum abruptly refused, citing disrespect for Mexico’s sovereignty.
Cuba
Cuba, only 90 miles off the coast of Florida, is still an established enemy.
Without subsidized oil shipments after Maduro’s seizure, Cuba is experiencing financial instability thanks to Venezuela.
However, he stated that perhaps American intervention would not be needed because the island “is ready to fall.”
The loss of Venezuelan support has brought the Cuban economy to the brink, a weak reed suffering in the wind for support.
The Cuban government was further warned to take President Trump seriously by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
A Pattern Emerges
Taken together, the statements made by Trump create a mosaic of intimidation, competitive use of resources, and superiority strategy a foreign policy more interested in the raw exercise of power than a multilateral agenda.
Whether or not these threats come to pass is a matter that remains to be seen. One thing that isn’t is the fact that Venezuela was no isolated incident. Far from it. Venezuela was a wake-up call and the world is listening.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, says Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, won’t emerge as the presidential or vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Bwala described Obi as “politically stranded,” citing his lack of influence and poor performance in recent elections.
He made the claim during an interview on The Clarity Zone Podcast, where he argued that Obi lacks the political capacity to lead or coordinate any coalition movement, including serving as director-general of such an alliance.
According to Bwala, Obi has lost control of his political structure and no longer commands significant influence within Nigeria’s political space.
He questioned Obi’s current relevance, noting that he lacks backing from sitting governors and elected officials.
Bwala also criticized Obi’s supporters, accusing them of hypocrisy and ignoring Obi’s history of party defections.
Bwala predicted Obi will contest the next election on a different platform, stating he’ll likely run on neither Labour nor ADC.
He also expressed doubt that Obi will replicate his 2023 performance, where he polled 6,101,533 votes.
The fixation of US President Donald Trump with Greenland is no longer a diplomatic peculiarity but a serious geopolitical message that can reveal widening fault lines in the Western bloc with uncomfortable questions related to power, sovereignty, and Nato itself.
Trump’s constant call for the United States to take over Greenland has brought the matter into focus through the lens of national security.
However, the notion has been rejected outright by the government of Greenland, as well as Denmark, the Nato state that has sovereignty over the area. Yet this has had little effect on the tone of the debate in Washington.
What had initially been a misguided idea involving a ‘buy out’ of Greenland is now developing into something much bigger.
Why Greenland is Back on Global Chessboard
The significance of Greenland does not lie in its population of 56,000 people who are largely Inuit, but in its geography. It is at the intersection of the Arctic, North America, and Europe, making the island of ever-increasing significance in terms of global security concerns.
The Arctic has seen a rise in popularity due to climate change, making it accessible to resources like rare earth metals, uranium, and iron, which are essential for military and technological applications and the energy revolution.
Russia and China have also been developing their Arctic presence, making Western nations nervous that had considered the Arctic militarily dormant.
Trump is adamant, however, that minerals do not drive his interest in the territory.
“We need Greenland for national security, not minerals,” he told the media.
“The Russians and the Chinese are trying to take advantage of our weaknesses in the Arctic. They’re building their ships, and we’re building ours. That’s a national security issue,” he stated.
Whether or not this is a credible concern, in any case, the US is expressing a larger concern for the matter at hand. The Arctic is quickly being associated with the control of security routes.
From Proposal to Provocation
Trump’s language became much tougher after he returned to the White House in January 2025.
After an American militaiy intervention in Venezuela, he spoke once again of an American takeover of Greenland, and he refused to say he would not use force.
Jensen, the Prime Minister of Greenland, was blunt in response to the proposed move: “This is a ‘fantasy’ and he should stop the thuándra
of persuasion.” However, high-ranking officials within Trump’s inner circle have continued to push forward with the theory.
One of Trump’s closest associates, Stephen Miller, stated that an American presence in Greenland would protect Nato’s Arctic policy and that “the US is the power within Nato,” and as such they had the right to protect the area as they saw fit.
Just this argument has unsettled European capitals particularly because this approach equates leadership of an alliance with ownership.
Denmark’s response has been quick and unexpectedly harsh. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that any effort to take over Greenland would literally call into question the existence of Nato itself.
The rest of European leaders have fallen in line with Denmark’s position, signing a joint declaration stating that only the people and Denmark can decide the future of Greenland.
In the alliance based on trust and collective security, Trump’s approach has turned out to be a test of strength.
The question is not what importance Greenland holds strategically, since everyone agrees on this, but whether a NATO member has the right to menace another in the name of collective security.
This is where the problem lies. The aim of Nato was to defend against aggression. It certainly wasn’t to condone internal force.
Complicated Relationship
Greenland is important to the USA well before the days of Donald Trump. In World War 2, when Nazi Germany occupied Denmark, the USA deployed its troops to Greenland to establish bases; some of those bases can still be found today.
“Pituffik Space Base remains a vital component to the global systems for missile warning and space surveillance.”
In 1951, a defence agreement gave the US vast rights on the island and emphasized that Washington already enjoyed extensive strategic access but without sovereignty.
Since gaining home rule in 1979, Greenland has administered most matters internally, except defence and foreign matters, which are administered by Denmark.
This is far from an optimal solution, but the system has existed.
What Greenlanders Are Saying
Public opinion surveys reveal that many Greenlanders prefer independence within the future. One thing they firmly reject, however, is being annexed by the United States.
“No more pressure. No more fantasies of annexation,” Prime Minister Nielsen asserted earlier in the year, “but dialogue should always be based on respect for international law.”
This expresses a profound grievance: Greenlanders do not want to be viewed and treated like a geopolitical commodity to be bought, traded, or assimilated.
Regarding the potential sale of the island of Greenland by the United States to Denmark, as one former leader of Greenland said when Trump initially considered its purchase, “It diminishes the people, the land, to be reduced to a price.”
More than Greenland
At the end of the day, this is more than about Greenland. It has to do with the way power is wielded in the face of the rapidly changing nature of the new world order.
Trump’s Greenland move disputes the correlation between shared security and shared consent.
The Greenland affair is a warning light for Nato. If the oneness of Nato can be put to strain by differing perspectives on ‘national security,’ then perhaps it is not the Arctic that is dangerous, but rather Nato itself.
Venezuelan authorities have launched a nationwide search for suspected collaborators following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by United States special forces, according to an emergency decree issued by the government.
The decree, which took effect on Saturday but was fully made public on Monday, declared a state of emergency and ordered all police units federal, state and municipal to identify and apprehend individuals believed to have aided the US-led operation that resulted in Maduro’s capture.
Under the directive, security agencies were instructed to investigate any form of cooperation with foreign forces, particularly actions deemed to have facilitated intelligence gathering, logistics or access during the operation.
The move follows reports by several US media outlets suggesting that American forces may have received assistance on the ground during the arrest.
According to the reports, at least one individual within Maduro’s inner circle is suspected of repeatedly sharing sensitive information about the president’s movements with US operatives.
While Venezuelan authorities have not publicly identified any suspects, officials said investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found to have supported the operation would face prosecution under national security laws.
In a related development, Venezuela’s journalists’ union, the National Union of Press Workers, reported that 14 journalists were detained amid the heightened security response.
The organisation said the journalists were taken into custody during operations linked to the state of emergency.
However, the union later confirmed that all detained journalists had since been released, though it expressed concern over press freedom and called on authorities to respect the rights of media professionals as the situation continues to unfold.
Maduro’s arrest has plunged Venezuela into political uncertainty, prompting swift security measures and drawing strong international reactions.
The government has maintained that the operation violated the country’s sovereignty, while reiterating its resolve to identify and punish anyone accused of collaborating with foreign forces.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
Torrential rains triggered a deadly flash flood on Indonesia’s Siau Island, north of Sulawesi, leaving at least 16 people dead and hundreds displaced, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Three more residents remain missing as rescue teams continue their search, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
The disaster struck on Monday after heavy rainfall caused a local river to overflow, inundating four towns on the small island.
Agency spokesman Abdul Muhari explained that the intense rain since early morning suddenly increased the river’s flow, sweeping away homes, uprooting trees, and dislodging large rocks.
“So far, sixteen fatalities have been confirmed, 22 people are injured, and nearly 700 villagers have been displaced,” Muhari said. Access to some roads was cut off, and dozens of homes, public buildings, and infrastructure suffered damage.
Images shared by the search and rescue teams revealed the scale of destruction, showing debris, uprooted trees, and flooded streets.
Relief efforts are ongoing as authorities work to reach affected areas and provide assistance to displaced residents.
Floods are a common hazard during Indonesia’s rainy season, which lasts from October to March, but this event adds to a series of devastating weather disasters in the region.
Late last year, tropical storms and intense monsoon rains caused landslides and floods across South and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia’s Sumatra, where at least 1,178 people were killed and more than 240,000 displaced.
The recent Siau Island flooding is a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, particularly in small islands and coastal regions prone to rapid river surges.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, especially as heavy rains continue across parts of Sulawesi and nearby islands.
AFP reports that while annual monsoon rains are expected, disasters of this magnitude like the November deluge in Sumatra are among the worst in recent years, rivaling even the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami.
Emergency teams continue to prioritize search-and-rescue operations and relief distribution to ensure the safety of those affected.
Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, citing India’s recent emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy as a stark contrast to Nigeria’s declining fortunes.
According to Obi, India is poised to surpass Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy, with a nominal GDP projected at $4.187 trillion in 2025, surpassing Japan’s $4.186 trillion.
Obi noted that Nigeria’s economic decline is particularly troubling given the country’s vast resources and substantial revenue growth.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s nominal GDP per capita has declined sharply to around $807 in 2025, compared to India’s projected rise to $2,878.
This is a dramatic reversal from 2007, when Nigeria’s GDP per capita was $1,816, higher than India’s $1,022.
Quoting World Bank data, Obi said Nigeria once held a clear economic advantage over India.
“At the end of 2007, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s nominal GDP per capita stood at about $1,816, significantly higher than India’s $1,022,” he said.
He added that by 2015, at the close of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration, Nigeria still maintained its lead, with GDP per capita of about $2,586 compared to India’s $1,584.
However, Obi said IMF World Economic Outlook projections for 2025 reveal a dramatic reversal.
“India’s nominal GDP per capita is expected to rise to about $2,878, while Nigeria’s is projected to decline sharply to around $807,” he stated.
Obi attributed Nigeria’s economic woes to leadership failure and poor governance, emphasizing the need for a government that prioritizes citizens’ welfare, invests in critical sectors, and promotes transparency and accountability.
He called for national unity and a new leadership consensus anchored on competence, compassion, and character.
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has clarified that Israel’s proposed support for protecting Christian communities in Nigeria is strictly a collaborative effort with the Nigerian government, centred on intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives.
In an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Freeman addressed concerns about Israel’s recent announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an “eighth front” to counter radical Islamist violence globally.
He emphasised that the initiative is aimed at assisting persecuted communities, including Christians in Nigeria, while fully respecting the country’s sovereignty.
“What Prime Minister Netanyahu said was very clear: the aim is to ensure support for those persecuted around the world, and he highlighted Christians in particular, including those in Nigeria,” Freeman said.
“This is about working with Nigeria, not against Nigeria. It is a partnership.”
The ambassador explained that the primary mechanism for collaboration would be intelligence sharing, intended to prevent violence affecting all Nigerians, rather than any unilateral military action.
“Israel’s role is to work with the Nigerian government to stop attacks against Christians, Muslims, and all citizens,” he said.
“We will follow the lead of the Nigerian authorities to determine where our partnership can be most effective, because this is very much about cooperating with an ally to address insecurity in the country.”
Freeman maintained diplomatic discretion regarding formal communications with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that intelligence matters are highly sensitive.
“Any communication behind the scenes will remain confidential. Discussing intelligence publicly would undermine its effectiveness,” he said.
Addressing concerns that the move could be aimed at broader geopolitical leverage, the ambassador stressed Israel’s commitment to religious freedom.
He highlighted that Israel remains the only Middle Eastern country where the Christian population continues to grow and worship freely.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke about Christians worldwide, not just in Nigeria,” Freeman said.
“Israel’s record demonstrates genuine concern for religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities.”
Netanyahu’s announcement came during a meeting in Florida with U.S. President Donald Trump and senior officials, where discussions included the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Iran, and Lebanon.
The Israeli government described the new initiative as a global effort to counter threats against Christian communities in the Middle East and Africa.
Israel’s proposed support coincides with U.S. military action in Nigeria. In December, reported U.S. airstrikes targeted terrorist groups in Northwest Nigeria, fulfilling President Trump’s pledge to intervene against groups allegedly persecuting Christians in the region.
The partnership between Israel and Nigeria, as explained by Ambassador Freeman, is positioned as a cooperative, intelligence-led strategy rather than a unilateral military operation, signalling continued international engagement to safeguard communities facing religiously motivated attacks.
The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractices in 2026 and beyond.
This measure is geared towards eliminating examination malpractices in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.
Boriowo said the new initiative was part of the ongoing reforms to strengthen credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s assessment system.
She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as having said that the ministry was intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.
Among the key measures, he said, was the introduction of enhanced questions’ randomisation and serialisation mechanisms.
He said while all candidates would answer the same examination questions, the sequencing and arrangement would differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student wrote a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion.
Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level.
“This directive, already communicated through an official circular, will be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractices.
“To further ensure transparency, new national continuous assessment guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation.
“All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, etc.) must strictly follow the standardised submission deadlines for each academic period,” he said.
Alausa said the submission window for the first-term continuous assessment would be in January, while those of the second- and third-term continuous assessments would be in April and August, respectively.
According to him, the timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of continuous assessment records across the country.
In addition, Alausa said the ministry was also introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates.
The identifier, he said, would enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management.
He assured the stakeholders that examination administration would be conducted under strengthened supervision and coordination with relevant examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards.
He added that these measures reflected the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities.
He, however, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with all examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.
As Africa continues to experiment with electoral democracy, 2025 was among the busiest election years on the continent. But apart from Malawi, where an incumbent lost to a former and older opponent, political power remained largely in the same hands, with a resurgence of military incursions.
The danger signals have always been there, coupled with warnings from concerned experts that liberal democracy is in decline worldwide, particularly in Africa. However, incurable optimists remain in denial, while the beneficiaries of the anti-democratic gravy train pay no heed.
In a May 2024 lecture organised by the Dakar-based School of Politics, Policy and Governance Senegal (SPPG), Dr Larry Diamond, America’s renowned political sociologist and leading scholar on democracy studies, observed that “democracy globally has been in a prolonged recession since about 2007.”
There might be “many new (third wave) and old democracies (that) have been resilient, …many others (are) deteriorating,” he warned.
For Africa, and particularly West Africa, which once blazed the trail in preventive diplomacy, conflict management and resolution, the governance prognosis has been grim for the past decades.
By 2019, all 15 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) members were practising one form of democratic system or another, no matter how imperfect; even so, the region is now disappointingly living up to its dubious moniker as a “coup belt.”
The 2020 military coup in Mali changed the dynamics. More ECOWAS member states – Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and lately, Guinea-Bissau became a bastion of military juntas after the toppling of elected civilians. The junta leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have since withdrawn their countries from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, AES.
As expected, the junta chief in Guinea Conakry, Mamady Doumbouya, was on 30th December 2025, declared the winner of a controversial presidential election, devoid of any serious opposition, despite having earlier pledged not to run for office after seizing power in September 2021. He changed the constitution to enable him to run, in violation of the 2007 African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
However, Doumbouya, 41, and whose wife is a French legionnaire, is only one among army officers reminding Africa, especially West Africa, of its dark past when many of the immediate post-independent countries were under one-party state systems or military dictatorships.
Sudan is currently struggling under a deadly military interregnum, after the 2019 ousting of long-time ruler Omar Bashir and the breakaway of South Sudan in 2011. Chad is ruled by a young army General, Mahamat “Kaka” Derby, after a controversial vote in 2024 following the assassination of his father, President Idriss Derby, by rebels in April 2021. Faure Gnassingbe of Togo used a similar template to succeed his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who died in 2005, and retained power through disputed elections.
In April 2025, another young army officer, Brice Oligui Nguema, claimed victory in a controversial vote after staging what many called a “power-realignment coup” in 2023 against President Ali Bongo to disrupt his father Omar Bongo’s dynastic reign in Gabon.
On 12th October this year, an elite unit of Madagascar’s Armed Forces overthrew the government of President Andry Rajoelina, and on 26th November, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló chose to outdo other coup makers with his self-coup, to avoid an electoral defeat.
The military struck again, this time in Benin on 7th December 2025, in an attempt to topple President Patrice Talon’s almost 10-year-old government. The plot attracted international attention, with Nigeria, the regional powerhouse, foiling the attempted coup through a rare military collaboration with France.
The resurgence of military rule in Africa is such that concerned observers are beginning to ask, in which country will the army strike next?
While democratic decline may be a global phenomenon, Africa has been worst hit due largely to its weak democratic institutions/structures, lack of democratic culture, and negative stakeholder mindset/attitude.
Some critics even argue that democracy cannot work or has failed in Africa, but my thesis is that the fault lies with the practitioners – politicians, security agencies, civil society groups, the media, electoral umpires, the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, and the electorate, who elect and support undemocratic leaders and fail to hold them to account.
Voters who demand/receive incentives, sell their votes, or vote along religious and tribal/ethnic lines should blame themselves, not democracy, when the tide turns against them. The same can be said for politicians who rig elections, buy votes, or manipulate the electoral process for personal gain. They are the same as lawyers and judges, who commercialise court judgments; lawmakers, who fail in their oversight/legislative duties; media professionals, who abandon their watchdog role; corrupt civil servants; compromised civil society activists; security/armed forces personnel used by the government against citizens; and opportunistic soldiers, who grab power.
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said in 1947: “Many forms of Government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time…”
Military coups/dictatorships remain an aberration. The armed forces are not wired for political governance, and military interventions are a consequence of the anti-democratic conduct/dispositions of civilian leadership.
Their method is similar, if not the same. From the sit-tight geriatric leaders – Paul Biya, 92, of Cameroon and Teodoro Obiang Mbasogo, 83, of Equatorial Guinea, to Cote d’Ivoire’s Alassane Ouattara, 84, and younger elements, such as Faure Gnassingbe of Togo and Adama Barrow of The Gambia, to say nothing about Tanzania, with a woman President, Samia Hassan, who recently justified the mowing down of unarmed protesters by security forces.
The pattern is to alter national constitutions for tenure elongation and assume more executive powers; capture state institutions, especially the parliament, judiciary and civil society, institutionalise corruption and cronyism, create primordial divisions, weaponise poverty, clamp down on the opposition, the media, and stifle free speech and the civic space; hold must-win elections; otherwise, use the courts to win or sustain political power.
In a presentation on Elections, Governance and Democracy in October 2024, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, an authority on elections globally, and Chair of Ghana’s Electoral Commission for more than 20 years, said “…multiparty democracy means that one political party does not dominate elections so much that all the other parties combined do not make a difference. If one party dominates to such an extent, the country is a one-party state, irrespective of the number of parties.”
“To pass the test of being a democratic election, the results of elections must be credible. That means the results are worthy of acceptance as a basis for forming a legitimate government, a government respected at home and abroad,” he said, adding: “To determine that the results of an election are credible, we… talk about the essential features of an electoral system.”
According to him, “…the electoral systems of all democracies, and all the processes are based on broadly the same principles. What differentiates the systems is how they try to actualise the principles and the formulas for winning elections, such as first-past-the-post for MPs and 50%+1 for the president…”
“The salient processes are (transparent and inclusive) voter registration, campaigning, voting, vote counting, tabulation/collation of results, transmission of results, and announcement of results…” Afari-Gyan affirmed.
In his lecture cited above, Larry Diamond, used data from various peer-reviewed sources such as the Freedom House and the Economist Intelligence Unit, to test the practice of democracy by regions – between 2006 and 2022 with Europe topping the ranking, while Sub-Saharan Africa, some countries in the former Soviet Union, and the Middle East and North Africa bringing up the rear in that order.
He traced the “causes of Democratic Recession from 2006… to the “Backlash Against Iraq intervention by the US and its allies – perception of failed democracy promotion, the 2008 Financial Crisis, and the Rise of Social Media.” Other factors are “Technology boom, the growing concentration of wealth and income within countries, Global Power shift, Decline of US/European power and prestige, Resurgence of Russia and the Rise of China as a major power.”
Diamond also argued that electoral democracy or the conduct of regular elections cannot equate liberal democracy, which, he said, “should be measured not by government or individual performance, but by the aggregation of collective satisfaction of the aspirations of the majority.”
Politicians have generally perfected the art of using democratic tools to circumvent democracy, with impunity enabled by distractions of geopolitical shifts, emerging threats such as terrorism, religious extremism, and the collapse of multilateralism in a world driven by new nationalism, xenophobia, and anti-immigrant sentiments.
With the apparent collapse of the rule of law in international relations, characterised by the use of unbridled dictatorial power by the Superpowers, such as Russia’s invasions of Ukraine and the US capture of President Maduro in Venezuela, no African country can afford to stand alone. The strength of the continent lies in unity and pooling of abundant and largely untapped resources; strategically identifying and collaborating with Africa’s true friends, and providing home-grown, African solutions to Africa’s developmental problems.
Continental and regional organisations, such as the AU, ECOWAS, SADC, IGAD, ECA, ECCAS, Maghreb Union, and COMESA, must wake up to their responsibilities.
Africa’s proverbial “Big Five” – Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, and Ethiopia – must prioritise delivering people-centred good governance at home, and taking pan-African positions in international relations.
Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications.
Police authorities in Lagos State on Monday said it has confirmed the identity of officers accused of extorting N3.3 million from a couple in Lagos, and have consequently detained them.
The command identified the officers, following a social media publication with the headline “Lagos Police Officers Extort N3.3 Million From Couple, Return N2.2 Million, Claim Remaining N1.1 Million Already Shared.”
According to the report, police officers attached to the Area H Command, Ogudu, Lagos State, were alleged to have extorted 2,000 dollars (approximately N3.3 million) from a couple they wrongfully apprehended on Dec. 18, 2025.
It was further reported that N2.2 million was returned to the victims after the incident gained public attention on X while the officers allegedly appealed to retain about N1.1 million, claiming the money had already been shared among several colleagues.
While confirming the development, the command’s spokesman, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said on her X handle, @AbimbolaShotayo, that the officers involved had been brought to the Command’s Headquarters for investigation.
The image maker said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration (DC ‘A’) to oversee the probe.
Adebisi said that the officers had given their statements as part of an ongoing investigation, adding that the command was awaiting the complainant to come forward to present his side of the story.
She assured members of the public that the command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency.
She said that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken if the officers are found culpable.
The spokesperson also encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by police personnel through appropriate channels to enable prompt action.
A senior figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has declared that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, is the national leader of the party, dismissing claims that former Kano governor and ex-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, still holds that position.
Sani Danmasani, the National Vice Chairman of the NNPP in the North-West, made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the party’s constitution clearly recognises Governor Yusuf as its leader, noting that he is currently the only serving governor elected on the NNPP platform.
Danmasani explained that Kwankwaso’s role in the party ended after the 2023 general election, following the expiration of a Memorandum of Association between the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to him, several key members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, including Kwankwaso himself, were subsequently expelled from the NNPP for alleged anti-party activities.
“It is therefore misleading for the media to continue referring to Senator Kwankwaso as the leader of the NNPP,” Danmasani said, adding that such reports have created confusion and led to political negotiations being wrongly attributed to the party.
He warned that any discussions or negotiations involving Kwankwaso or the Kwankwasiyya Movement, particularly ahead of possible 2027 political alliances, would be invalid if conducted under the NNPP’s name.
Danmasani stressed that only the party’s recognised leadership structures have the authority to negotiate on its behalf. He said this power rests with the party’s founder and life member of the Board of Trustees, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, as well as the National Executive Committee led by Dr Agbo Gilbert.
“Any negotiations outside these recognised organs of the party are null and void and will not be binding on the NNPP,” he said.
The NNPP chieftain added that while Kwankwaso and his associates are free, as Nigerian citizens, to engage with other political parties or form a new one, they no longer have the right to speak or act on behalf of the NNPP.
“They were expelled and remain expelled. They should either join another political party or float a new one,” he stated.
Danmasani also appealed to Kwankwaso to stop using the NNPP’s name to criticise the ruling party or the Presidency, insisting that President Bola Tinubu should not be blamed for Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges.
He argued that the country’s problems predated the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges with the support of international partners.
He further urged the media to accurately describe Kwankwaso as a former senator, former governor of Kano State and the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, but not as the party’s leader.
Danmasani concluded by expressing hope that ongoing judicial reviews would prompt the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to update its official records to reflect the current leadership structure of the NNPP.
The Swiss government has announced an immediate freeze on any assets held in Switzerland by Venezuela’s deposed president, Nicolas Maduro, and individuals associated with him, following his dramatic capture by United States forces and transfer to New York to face narcotrafficking charges.
In a statement issued on Monday, authorities in Bern said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure in response to what it described as a “volatile” situation in Venezuela after Maduro was seized in Caracas during a surprise US military operation.
Switzerland said the move was aimed at preventing the possible transfer of assets suspected to have been illicitly acquired.
“The Federal Council has decided, with immediate effect, to freeze any assets held in Switzerland by Mr Maduro and other persons associated with him,” the statement read.
According to the government, the asset freeze will remain in force for four years, unless lifted earlier, and is designed to ensure that any questionable funds remain secured while legal developments unfold.
Bern stressed that the measure does not apply to members of Venezuela’s current government, noting that it specifically targets Maduro and individuals linked to him who were not previously sanctioned under Swiss law.
The Swiss authorities added that, should future legal proceedings establish that the frozen funds were illegally obtained, Switzerland would seek to ensure that such assets are ultimately returned for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.
The decision was taken under Switzerland’s Federal Act on the Freezing and the Restitution of Illicit Assets Held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons.
Officials said the latest action is separate from, and in addition to, sanctions imposed on Venezuela since 2018, which already include certain asset freezes.
“The decisive factor is that a fall from power has occurred,” the Swiss government explained, adding that it is now plausible that Venezuela, as the country of origin, could initiate legal proceedings related to illicitly acquired assets in the future.
Bern noted that the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s removal from power whether lawful or otherwise under international law were not central to the decision.
While taking the financial measures, Switzerland also called for calm and restraint, urging all parties involved to respect international law, including the principles of territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force.
The government reiterated its longstanding offer to provide its “good offices” to help facilitate dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis, saying it continues to monitor developments in Venezuela closely.
Maduro’s detention and transfer to the United States have sparked global reactions, with several countries reassessing diplomatic, legal and financial ties connected to his administration.
Switzerland’s swift move signals growing international efforts to isolate assets linked to former leaders facing serious criminal allegations.
Phrank Shaibu, aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has slammed the Presidency for prioritizing the President’s Paris lunch engagements over pressing national issues like hunger, insecurity, and economic decline.
Shaibu in a statement described this as “tone-deafness in power,” emphasizing that Nigerians need leadership, not explanations about meals abroad.
He questioned the Presidency’s response to skepticism over photo manipulation claims, stating that an administration with credibility issues shouldn’t be surprised by public doubt.
Shaibu urged the Presidency to focus on addressing Nigeria’s challenges rather than public relations theatrics.
The criticism comes amid worsening economic and security challenges in Nigeria, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities.
Shaibu’s statement reflects growing concerns about the government’s priorities and its ability to address the country’s pressing issues.
At least nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others seriously injured after their convoy struck a landmine and came under sustained gunfire from terrorists in Borno State, underscoring the persistent security threat in Nigeria’s North-East.
The attack occurred on Sunday near Bindundul village, about 12 miles from Kareto, an area known for the active presence of fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Security sources say the terrorists had planted an explosive device along the route frequently used by military patrols.
According to two sources within the Damasak brigade, the landmine detonated as the convoy passed, killing nine soldiers instantly and leaving at least five others with severe injuries.
“The terrorists planted a mine that our soldiers stepped on. Unfortunately, about nine soldiers died on the spot, while five others sustained serious injuries,” one of the sources said.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) involved in the rescue operation, Abba Kaka Tuja, confirmed that an armoured military vehicle was destroyed in the explosion. He added that the blast was immediately followed by sporadic gunfire from the attackers, who were believed to have been lying in wait.
The soldiers were travelling from Maiduguri to Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area, when the ambush occurred at about 4:00 pm local time.
The incident highlights the continued use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by insurgents, a tactic that has repeatedly proven deadly for security forces and civilians alike across the region.
Despite the setback, the Nigerian military recorded a separate operational success in the state. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) eliminated five terrorists and rescued kidnapped civilians during a coordinated offensive in Konduga Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 4, 2026, following credible intelligence on terrorist movements.
According to the statement, troops, working closely with the Civilian Joint Task Force, engaged the terrorists at a known crossing point along the Sojiri axis. Five terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, with no casualties recorded among the troops.
The operation also led to the rescue of three civilians who had been abducted by fleeing insurgents. Items recovered from the scene included AK-47 rifles and other materials believed to have been used in terrorist operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba said the outcome of the operation demonstrated the professionalism, precision and combat effectiveness of the troops, as well as the importance of collaboration with local security groups.
He added that troop morale across the North-East theatre remains high, with security forces maintaining operational dominance despite evolving threats.
Meanwhile, insecurity has continued to spread beyond the North-East. In Kwara State, suspected bandits reportedly abducted four travellers along the Isanlu–Isin–Omu-Aran Road in Irepodun Local Government Area.
The incident comes amid heightened tension in the state following the abduction of the monarch of Aafin community, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, who were kidnapped on December 31, 2025, after armed men invaded his palace. The kidnappers are said to have demanded a ransom of N450 million.
Sources said the attackers operated freely along the highway, forcing vehicles to stop before marching passengers into the forest. As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand had been made for the newly abducted travellers.
Although the Kwara State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, a senior police officer at the Omu-Aran Divisional Headquarters confirmed the incident, saying efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
The latest incidents once again raise urgent questions about road safety, intelligence gathering, and the ability of security agencies to protect both soldiers and civilians amid Nigeria’s widening security challenges.
Flutterwave, Africa’s largest fintech company, has acquired Nigerian open banking startup Mono in a deal valued between $25 million and $40 million, marking one of the most significant fintech acquisitions in Nigeria in recent years.
The transaction, which was completed as an all-stock deal, brings Mono under Flutterwave’s corporate umbrella while allowing the startup to continue operating independently.
According to sources familiar with the agreement, Mono’s leadership team will remain in place, and its day-to-day operations will not be affected by the acquisition.
Industry insiders say early investors in Mono are expected to recover their capital, with some reportedly recording returns of up to 20 times their initial investment.
Flutterwave said the acquisition is aimed at strengthening its infrastructure across payments, open banking, identity verification, and financial data services, as African fintech companies increasingly shift toward bank-based and authenticated payment systems.
“Payments, data and trust must work together,” Flutterwave Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola said in a statement.
He noted that Mono’s open banking infrastructure would enable Flutterwave to expand its services across the continent while maintaining high standards of security and regulatory compliance.
Mono’s Chief Executive Officer, Abdulhamid Hassan, described the acquisition as a natural progression of the companies’ existing partnership.
He said the deal combines Mono’s expertise in financial data, identity and open banking with Flutterwave’s scale and reach across multiple African markets.
Founded in 2020, Mono provides APIs that allow businesses to access bank account information, verify identities, and enable account-to-account payments. The company has processed over ₦150 billion in transactions, serves more than seven million users, and operates in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.
Analysts say the integration of Mono’s open banking capabilities is expected to improve merchant onboarding, reduce fraud, and simplify compliance for businesses using Flutterwave’s platform. Developers are also likely to benefit from a more unified payments and data infrastructure, reducing operational complexity.
The acquisition further strengthens Flutterwave’s compliance framework, with the company highlighting its alignment with global security standards such as PCI-DSS and ISO 27001, as regulators across Africa tighten oversight of financial technology companies.
The deal underscores Nigeria’s continued role as a hub for fintech innovation in Africa, even as funding conditions become more cautious. It also reflects growing investor interest in fintech infrastructure companies, as the market moves beyond consumer-facing products toward foundational systems that support digital finance.
Flutterwave did not disclose the final valuation of the transaction but said the acquisition positions the company to better support businesses as Africa’s digital payments ecosystem evolves.
Nigeria has qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday night.
DDM gathered that the win marks the first time in history that the Super Eagles have won their opening four fixtures at an AFCON tournament.
The Super Eagles had previously dominated Group C, showing consistent superiority over opponents, including Mozambique, in Fez.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a clinical finish, giving Nigeria an early lead and setting the tone for the match.
Lookman then provided an assist for Victor Osimhen, who doubled Nigeria’s advantage before halftime with a well-timed strike.
Osimhen completed his brace shortly after, again benefiting from Lookman’s precise setup, demonstrating excellent coordination between the duo.
The fourth goal came from Akor Adams, who unleashed a powerful effort from inside the box, sealing the emphatic win.
Nigeria’s dominance was evident in possession, movement, and attacking intensity throughout the game, leaving Mozambique struggling to contain the Eagles’ pace.
Coach Eric Chelle praised his squad for their discipline, focus, and tactical awareness, highlighting the contributions of both experienced and debutant players.
The victory reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as one of the tournament favorites, demonstrating strong team cohesion and clinical finishing in the final third.
The Super Eagles displayed impressive defensive organization, maintaining a clean sheet while launching multiple attacks on Mozambique’s goal.
Fans and analysts have lauded the combination of skill, strategy, and determination that powered Nigeria to its historic start in the tournament.
Nigeria now awaits the winner of the Burkina Faso versus DR Congo match to determine their quarter-final opponent.
Chelle’s tactical adjustments and squad rotation throughout the tournament have proven effective, keeping players fresh and motivated for high-stakes matches.
The team’s quick passing, off-the-ball movement, and attacking transitions created numerous scoring opportunities that Mozambique struggled to repel.
Osimhen’s leadership on the pitch and Lookman’s creativity have been instrumental in Nigeria’s goal-scoring exploits.
Akor Adams’ contribution highlights the depth of Nigeria’s attacking options, capable of producing decisive moments in key matches.
The win demonstrates the Super Eagles’ ability to combine experience with youthful energy, creating a balanced and potent squad.
Analysts note that maintaining this momentum will be crucial as Nigeria prepares for the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.
The team’s performance has sent a strong message to other contenders about Nigeria’s ambition and capacity to compete for the championship.
Supporters celebrated the historic achievement, acknowledging the team’s consistency and commitment across all four Group C matches.
Defensively, Nigeria limited Mozambique’s opportunities, showing tactical discipline, effective marking, and resilience under pressure.
The Eagles’ attacking strategy emphasized width, pace, and precise finishing, ensuring each scoring opportunity was maximized.
Chelle highlighted the importance of teamwork, mental focus, and adaptability, which were key factors in Nigeria’s comprehensive victory.
Observers believe that Nigeria’s form in the group stage positions them as strong contenders for the AFCON 2025 title.
The Super Eagles have set a benchmark for performance, discipline, and cohesion, making them a formidable opponent in the knockout rounds.
Fans, analysts, and pundits continue to praise the squad’s blend of skill, strategy, and determination throughout the tournament.
Nigeria’s quarter-final clash promises to be competitive, with the team focused on maintaining momentum and advancing deeper into the tournament.
The Eagles’ historic achievement of winning four consecutive matches at the start of AFCON 2025 reflects strong preparation, tactical execution, and player performance.
Nigeria now looks ahead with confidence, ready to face the next challenge in pursuit of continental glory.
Rivers State Secretary to the Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
DDM gathered that the defection came just hours after Anabraba resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Sources indicate that the move is intended to consolidate support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of upcoming political contests.
Anabraba’s switch has already sparked strong reactions from political stakeholders and party members across Rivers State.
Analysts suggest that his defection could influence other key political actors in the state and reshape local alliances.
The move is being seen as a strategic realignment, reflecting the fluid nature of political affiliations in the lead-up to elections.
Opposition parties have criticized the defection, framing it as opportunistic and reflective of internal PDP tensions.
Supporters of APC have welcomed Anabraba’s decision, praising it as a boost to the party’s grassroots strength and electoral prospects.
Political commentators note that the timing of the move, immediately after leaving PDP, underscores careful planning and coordination with APC leadership.
Anabraba’s decision is likely to trigger discussions among party faithful regarding loyalty, strategy, and governance priorities.
Observers are closely monitoring reactions from other Rivers State political figures, who may reconsider their alignments in response.
The secretary’s experience and influence within state politics make him a significant addition to APC’s leadership and organizational structure.
Local communities are watching closely to see how the defection impacts service delivery, development initiatives, and party cohesion.
Political analysts emphasize that defections of high-profile officials often affect voter sentiment and can shift the balance of power in state politics.
Rivers State has witnessed a series of political realignments recently, and Anabraba’s move adds to the momentum of party consolidations.
The defection highlights the ongoing struggle for dominance between major parties in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers are predicting that APC could strengthen its position in strategic areas with Anabraba’s networks and political capital.
PDP leaders have yet to issue an official response, but insiders suggest internal reviews are underway to assess the implications.
Community reactions have been mixed, with some praising Anabraba’s move for political pragmatism while others question the motivations behind it.
Political experts note that defections such as this often signal broader shifts within state-level governance and party strategy.
The implications of the switch are expected to unfold over the coming weeks as both parties adjust to the changing political landscape.
Rivers State residents are being urged to remain attentive to the evolving dynamics as parties vie for influence and support.
Anabraba has assured the public of his continued commitment to governance and service delivery despite the party change.
The defection is a significant development in Rivers politics, underscoring the fluidity of party loyalty and strategic positioning.
Further details are expected as developments unfold and reactions from political stakeholders across the state emerge.
Analysts continue to track the situation, noting potential impacts on party structures, election preparedness, and community support bases.
The move reinforces the trend of high-profile politicians leveraging party platforms to enhance influence and policy implementation.
Rivers State politics is entering a critical phase, and Anabraba’s defection may be a bellwether for future alignments and alliances.
Observers anticipate more shifts and strategic moves as the 2027 elections draw closer, with APC seeking to capitalize on momentum.
The secretary’s transition highlights both personal political strategy and broader calculations within the state’s electoral landscape.
Citizens, analysts, and political watchers remain focused on how this development will shape governance, party dynamics, and electoral outcomes in Rivers State.
(FILES) Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez speaks during the presentation of the 2026 fiscal year budget at the National Congress in Caracas on December 4, 2025. On January 3, 2026, Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to become the country's interim leader after the United States seized President Nicolas Maduro and whisked him out of the country. (Photo by Pedro MATTEY / AFP)
Venezuela’s parliament has officially sworn in Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.
DDM gathered that her appointment comes just two days after U.S. forces reportedly detained former President Nicolas Maduro for trial abroad.
The swearing-in is intended to ensure continuity of government amid ongoing political turmoil and uncertainty.
Opposition leaders have condemned the move, describing it as a controversial and unilateral transition of power.
International reactions are being closely monitored, with countries assessing the legitimacy and implications of Rodriguez’s interim administration.
Venezuelans in the capital, Caracas, remain attentive to developments, expressing concerns about stability and governance during the transition.
Rodriguez’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s political landscape, as the country navigates a leadership vacuum following Maduro’s removal.
Political analysts note that her interim presidency aims to maintain administrative functions while the nation addresses the legal and diplomatic ramifications of Maduro’s capture.
The interim government is expected to manage essential state operations, including security, public services, and economic oversight.
Opposition figures have called for dialogue and caution, warning against actions that could exacerbate tensions or provoke unrest.
International observers emphasize the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional procedures to prevent further instability.
Rodriguez is tasked with balancing governance responsibilities with ongoing diplomatic negotiations and international scrutiny.
Her administration must also address domestic concerns, including economic challenges, social services, and the protection of civil liberties.
Venezuelan citizens are following news from both local media and social platforms to track policy changes and government responses.
Political commentators suggest that the interim presidency could influence Venezuela’s foreign relations, particularly with neighboring countries and major global powers.
Rodriguez has pledged to maintain continuity, uphold state institutions, and stabilize the government during this transitional period.
The opposition continues to mobilize its supporters, questioning the legitimacy of her authority and calling for adherence to democratic norms.
Economic experts are watching for the interim government’s handling of the nation’s resources, international trade, and ongoing humanitarian concerns.
The move follows a period of heightened uncertainty in Caracas, where citizens have experienced unrest and political polarization in recent years.
Rodriguez’s administration will face immediate challenges in restoring confidence among Venezuelans and reassuring international partners.
The swearing-in underscores the urgency of establishing leadership capable of navigating legal, political, and economic pressures.
Observers note that the interim government’s actions over the coming days will be critical in shaping Venezuela’s domestic and international trajectory.
Venezuelans hope for a period of calm, institutional stability, and protection of citizens’ rights amid the leadership change.
Political analysts predict that Rodriguez’s interim government will be under intense scrutiny, both internally and externally, as the nation adapts to a new political reality.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether her administration can maintain order and continuity during this sensitive period.
Citizens, opposition groups, and international stakeholders continue to watch developments closely in the capital and across Venezuela.
Rodriguez’s swearing-in represents a key step in Venezuela’s ongoing political evolution following the removal of Maduro from power.
The interim government is expected to coordinate with regional and international bodies to ensure legitimacy and stability.
Venezuelans are urged to remain vigilant, while the international community monitors the transition and assesses diplomatic responses.
The situation in Caracas highlights the delicate balance of governance, legality, and public sentiment during times of sudden political change.
Rodriguez faces the challenge of proving her administration can sustain government functions while addressing the concerns of a divided nation.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reiterated his commitment to strengthening Delta State’s education system.
DDM gathered that the governor’s administration aims to equip every child with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy and in the future.
As the new fiscal year begins, additional attention and resources are being directed toward schools, teachers, and learning infrastructure across the state.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that access to quality and functional education is a right for every child, not a privilege reserved for a few.
His administration has integrated education as a central pillar of the MORE Agenda, which focuses on opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.
Efforts include upgrading classroom facilities, providing modern teaching materials, and supporting teacher training programs to enhance learning outcomes.
The governor highlighted that a well-educated generation is critical to Delta State’s long-term economic growth and social development.
By investing in education, the administration seeks to create a pipeline of skilled youth ready to contribute meaningfully to society and the workforce.
Oborevwori stressed the importance of inclusive education, ensuring that children in rural and riverine communities receive the same opportunities as those in urban centres.
School infrastructure projects are being accelerated, with a focus on safe, functional, and technology-enabled learning environments.
Teachers are receiving improved support, professional development, and incentives to boost motivation and effectiveness in classrooms.
The state government is also promoting STEM programs, vocational training, and digital literacy to prepare students for 21st-century challenges.
Governor Oborevwori noted that education reform is part of a broader strategy to drive social equity and reduce poverty across Delta State.
Community leaders and stakeholders are being engaged to ensure that educational initiatives reflect local needs and realities.
Efforts are underway to expand early childhood education, improve curriculum standards, and enhance student engagement across all levels.
The governor reaffirmed that the administration will continue to monitor progress, measure outcomes, and adapt policies to achieve sustainable educational improvement.
Delta State’s focus on education is designed to produce not only academically capable students but also creative, innovative, and socially responsible citizens.
Oborevwori highlighted that the state’s MORE Agenda views education as a key driver for economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and societal transformation.
The administration has committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in the deployment of resources for schools and learning programs.
Citizens and education advocates have welcomed the renewed focus, expressing optimism that Delta State is on a path toward a stronger, more equitable education system.
Governor Oborevwori’s strategy aims to position Delta State as a leader in education reform within Nigeria and the South-South region.
By investing in both infrastructure and human capital, the administration hopes to create a generation ready for innovation, entrepreneurship, and shared prosperity.
Delta State continues to prioritize policies that ensure no child is left behind and that every student has access to meaningful learning opportunities.
The governor’s initiatives signal a long-term commitment to transforming education into a sustainable engine for social and economic development.
Through strategic planning, investment, and community engagement, Delta State is shaping a future where education empowers every child to achieve their full potential.
Oborevwori’s leadership emphasizes that education is central to societal progress and is indispensable for building a competitive and inclusive state.
Delta’s education reform agenda underscores the belief that a knowledgeable, skilled, and creative youth population is the foundation of sustainable development.
Governor Oborevwori concluded that the state will continue to invest in education, ensuring that learning remains accessible, high-quality, and aligned with global standards.
With this focus, Delta State is preparing a generation ready to seize opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive society.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has drawn attention to Nigeria’s borrowing and its potential impact on job creation.
DDM gathered that Obi noted the government has borrowed a total of ₦28 trillion, equivalent to approximately $90 billion.
He argued that if just 25 percent of this borrowed amount were directed toward supporting entrepreneurs, it could have generated up to 34 million jobs nationwide.
Obi emphasized that such a strategy would have lifted millions of Nigerians out of poverty, stimulating economic growth and community development.
He stressed that Nigeria requires smart, accountable, and engaging leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.
According to Obi, visionary governance can transform Nigeria into a prosperous nation, capable of addressing unemployment and socio-economic inequalities.
The former presidential aspirant highlighted that strategic investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could create sustainable livelihoods across urban and rural areas.
Obi noted that failure to channel borrowed funds effectively undermines economic opportunities and exacerbates social challenges.
He urged policymakers to adopt innovative approaches to public finance management, ensuring borrowed resources are used for maximum societal impact.
Obi also criticized instances where funds have been diverted to non-productive projects, calling for accountability and transparency at all levels of government.
He stressed that empowering entrepreneurs is not only a route to job creation but also a way to foster innovation and competitiveness within the Nigerian economy.
Obi’s comments come amid rising unemployment rates and growing concern over youth disenfranchisement and poverty in Nigeria.
He called on citizens and stakeholders to demand governance that prioritizes citizen welfare over political interests and personal gain.
According to Obi, a focus on human capital development, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship can reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He emphasized that visionary leadership must combine fiscal responsibility with policies that directly improve livelihoods.
Obi noted that targeted investment in sectors like agriculture, technology, and manufacturing could absorb large numbers of unemployed youths.
He further argued that proper utilization of borrowed funds could enhance social services, infrastructure, and overall quality of life for Nigerians.
Obi’s remarks underline the need for long-term planning and strategic allocation of national resources.
He maintained that a new Nigeria—prosperous, inclusive, and opportunity-driven—is achievable with determined and accountable governance.
The former candidate encouraged citizens to remain engaged, hold leaders accountable, and support initiatives that promote economic empowerment.
Obi concluded that prioritizing citizen welfare through entrepreneurship and job creation is not just a policy choice, but a moral imperative for Nigeria’s future.
Experts agree that redirecting even a fraction of government borrowing toward productive investment could have transformative effects on the nation’s economy.
Obi’s emphasis on job creation highlights a broader vision for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.
He continues to advocate for governance that balances fiscal prudence with tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
The call for smart leadership resonates amid public demand for accountability, transparency, and results-oriented government.
Obi’s analysis positions entrepreneurship and job creation as central pillars for national progress and poverty alleviation.
He stressed that with strategic planning and citizen-focused policies, Nigeria can achieve unprecedented socio-economic development.
His message underscores the importance of prioritizing people over politics to unlock the country’s full potential.
Obi’s vision for Nigeria combines economic empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable development as key drivers for the nation’s prosperity.
