Ten years after the tragic clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, Kaduna State, IMN leader Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has spoken out, saying former President Muhammadu Buhari will answer for his actions on Judgment Day.

The incident, which started as a minor confrontation when IMN members blocked the convoy of then Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, escalated into a deadly crisis, leading to the proscription of IMN.

According to Human Rights Watch, the military’s response resulted in the deaths and secret burial of around 300 IMN members, while a state-backed inquiry reported over 1,000 civilian casualties, mostly IMN members.

El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenat were detained until 2021, when a Kaduna High Court acquitted them of all charges.

At a press conference marking the decade-long anniversary, El-Zakzaky criticized the Buhari administration and subsequent governments for not releasing the judicial commission’s report or acknowledging the victims.

“Nothing has been done. They don’t even acknowledge that anything happened,” he said.

When asked about forgiving Buhari, he replied, “As for Buhari, it’s simple. He has passed away. We will meet on the Day of Judgement.”

El-Zakzaky urged the current government to address the injustice without being prompted, saying, “They know a wrong was done.”

He emphasized that the massacre didn’t silence IMN but instead amplified its global cause, citing worldwide protests after his arrest. He’s open to dialogue but stressed, “Actions are another thing.”

The IMN has also pursued international legal action through the Islamic Human Rights Commission. El-Zakzaky vowed the movement will continue, saying, “If they don’t want to see us, they will still see us”.

(DDM) – The forthcoming Nigeria Police Force recruitment for the 2025/2026 cycle has triggered widespread interest among young Nigerians eager for stable employment and national service opportunities.

DDM gathered that the recruitment process, expected to open officially within weeks, will feature two major entry categories, including the Police Constable cadre and several specialist positions designed to strengthen technical units within the Force.

The renewed interest follows recent government commitments to enhance internal security through expanded manpower, modern training, and broader community-policing strategies.

Many applicants now see the recruitment exercise as a vital chance to contribute to national safety efforts amid rising insecurity across several parts of the country.

The Nigeria Police Force has historically conducted its recruitment through a centralized online portal regulated by the Police Service Commission.

This structure allows candidates from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to submit their applications in uniform format, enhancing transparency and accessibility.

However, previous recruitment cycles were marred by controversies over system crashes, verification delays, and complaints of political interference in shortlist processes.

These past events have made the 2025/2026 exercise even more closely watched by advocacy groups and civil society organisations.

According to background reports, the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs have been under pressure to fix bottlenecks and ensure a fairer, technology-driven screening method.

Security analysts say the Force requires thousands of additional officers to effectively combat emerging criminal networks, including cybercrime rings, bandit groups, and organized kidnapping syndicates.

Applicants for the Constable position are typically required to possess a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects, meet physical fitness standards, and pass medical and background checks.

Specialist roles often demand higher qualifications, including certifications in engineering, ICT, forensic science, communications, and healthcare-related fields.

The application process is usually conducted online through the official recruitment portal, beginning with biodata capture, document uploads, and an automated eligibility check.

Candidates who pass the initial stage are scheduled for physical screening at state command headquarters, where measurements, document verification, and fitness tests are conducted.

Successful applicants later proceed to training schools for months of intensive instruction in policing ethics, weapons handling, investigation techniques, human rights protocols, community engagement, and self-defense.

Historical records show that police recruitment in Nigeria has always been a sensitive national topic due to rising unemployment, population growth, and persistent calls for police reforms.

Experts argue that transparent recruitment is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that only qualified, psychologically stable individuals are deployed to frontline security operations.

For the 2025/2026 cycle, the government is expected to emphasize digital application tracking, improved communication with applicants, and stricter compliance with federal character principles.

The Police Service Commission has repeatedly warned the public against fake recruitment agents and unofficial websites that have exploited previous exercises to defraud innocent applicants.

Cybercrime units have been instructed to monitor suspicious platforms impersonating the official portal.

As anticipation builds nationwide, many Nigerians hope the new recruitment round will offer genuine opportunities for youth empowerment while helping to strengthen internal security structures across the federation.

The Nigeria Police Force is expected to release comprehensive guidelines, deadline dates, and portal links once final approvals are secured from relevant authorities.

Public expectations continue to rise as applicants await the formal announcement that will mark the official opening of the 2025/2026 recruitment season.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Accord Party, citing the need to protect himself and ensure the state’s development continues.

“I didn’t abandon PDP, I love it, but I had to prioritize my safety and Osun’s progress,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Adeleke, who joined Accord Party on Tuesday and secured its governorship ticket on Wednesday, is set to face tough competition in the 2026 election from candidates like the All Progressives Congress (APC) and PDP.

Though, he is optimistic his performance will secure a second term, emphasizing that Osun residents are “wiser” and focus on governance quality over party labels.

Highlighting his achievements, Adeleke noted improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and debt repayment, saying, “I brought hope and light to Osun.”

He’s unfazed by “federal might,” drawing inspiration from President Bola Tinubu’s opposition win, and believes voters will choose continuity.

US President Donald Trump has launched another scathing attack on Europe, describing the continent as “decaying” and “weak” on immigration and the war in Ukraine, in comments that further strain Washington’s ties with its long-standing allies.

In an interview published Tuesday by Politico, Trump also urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to conduct elections despite the ongoing Russian invasion, insisting that Moscow currently holds “the upper hand.”

The remarks come days after the Trump administration unveiled a controversial national security strategy that critics say echoes far-right narratives and warns of Europe’s so-called “civilizational erasure.”

“Most European nations, they’re decaying,” Trump said. “They want to be politically correct, and it makes them weak. That’s what makes them weak.”

The US president, known for his inflammatory rhetoric on immigration, described European migration policies as a “disaster” and accused European leaders of failing to address the issue effectively.

Trump also took aim at European countries over their handling of the war in Ukraine, asserting that NATO members were not matching their rhetoric with action.

“They talk but they don’t produce. And the war just keeps going on and on,” he said.

His remarks come amid disagreements over a draft US peace proposal, which some European governments fear could pressure Kyiv into ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia.

Despite his criticism of Washington’s allies, Trump noted that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had once joked that the alliance “calls him daddy,” referencing the US president’s push for increased defence spending.

European capitals have reacted with alarm to the US national security strategy released last week, which promotes “cultivating resistance” to migration and warns of the “erasure” of European identity.

French minister Alice Rufo described the document as “an extremely brutal clarification” of the US ideological stance.

Analysts have pointed out similarities between parts of the strategy and the controversial “great replacement theory” circulated by far-right groups and amplified by Trump’s former ally Elon Musk.

Trump also reignited his feud with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him “horrible, vicious, disgusting.” Khan, Britain’s first Muslim mayor, told Politico that Trump was “obsessed” with him and claimed Americans were “flocking” to live in London.

On Ukraine, Trump renewed his criticism of Zelensky, whom he previously labelled a “dictator without elections.”

“I think it’s an important time to hold an election,” Trump said. “They’re using war not to hold an election. It gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”

Ukraine’s elections were due in March 2024 but were postponed under martial law following the Russian invasion. About 20% of the country remains under Russian occupation.

Zelensky responded Tuesday, saying he was “ready for elections” once security could be guaranteed. He added that Ukraine would send its updated version of the US peace plan the following day.

US negotiators recently held talks in Moscow and later with Ukrainian officials, though no breakthrough has been reported.

Chris Ngige, former Anambra State governor and ex-Labour Minister, is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), not kidnapped, according to his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe.

Chukwuelobe clarified this on Facebook after receiving multiple calls about the alleged abduction, saying “Ngige is with the EFCC.

He was not ‘abducted’ or ‘kidnapped’,” with more details to follow.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, hasn’t responded to requests for confirmation.

This comes after Ngige’s convoy was attacked on November 27 in Anambra, leaving a woman dead and a police officer injured, though he wasn’t in the convoy at the time.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to ministers and top government officials, redirecting them to core policing duties to tackle rising insecurity, including kidnappings and terrorism.

Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, he emphasized the need for proper utilization of law enforcement personnel.

“I would rather have police officers doing real policing work than serving as personal escorts,” Tinubu said, urging the Inspector-General of Police to take note. Officials needing security are instructed to contact the IGP and get presidential clearance.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will replace withdrawn officers to avoid leaving anyone exposed.

Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Department of State Services (DSS) to review the security structure and arm forest guards.

Additionally, he tasked the Vice President with accelerating livestock reforms through the National Economic Council (NEC), aiming to convert grazing reserves into ranches and reduce farmer-herder conflicts, promoting economic growth within the constitutional framework.

(DDM) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominee, Emmanuel Adeyemi, faced intense scrutiny and embarrassment during his confirmation screening before the Nigerian Senate after he struggled to name the three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.

DDM gathered that the incident occurred amid sharp questioning from lawmakers, who noted that a nominee expected to serve as a diplomatic representative should be familiar with the political leadership and legislative structure of their state of origin.

Senators from both the ruling and opposition parties expressed disappointment, highlighting that such lapses reflect poorly on a candidate poised for a high-profile diplomatic posting.

According to sources present during the session, Adeyemi hesitated and incorrectly identified two of the three Ekiti senators, prompting laughter and whispered exchanges among the lawmakers in attendance.

One senator reportedly remarked that “knowing your home state legislators is the minimum requirement for public service. Anything less raises questions about preparedness.”

Adeyemi’s stumble comes at a sensitive time when the Senate has been emphasizing thorough vetting of all executive nominees, insisting that political loyalty alone is insufficient for ambassadorial appointments.

Observers noted that the nomination process has become increasingly rigorous under the Tinubu administration, following public criticism of past nominees who appeared ill-prepared during screenings.

Political analysts say the incident may affect Adeyemi’s confirmation prospects, as lawmakers often consider both competence and political awareness when approving executive appointments.

Background reports show that Adeyemi is among several presidential nominees recently forwarded to the Senate for confirmation to key ambassadorial and diplomatic posts.

The nominees are expected to represent Nigeria at foreign missions, advance national interests abroad, and foster economic, political, and cultural ties with host countries.

Experts warn that a candidate’s lack of basic knowledge about their home state or the country’s political landscape could undermine diplomatic credibility on the international stage.

This episode has also reignited debates about the Senate’s role in ensuring that nominees are thoroughly vetted beyond political affiliations and personal connections.

Residents of Ekiti State and political commentators expressed surprise that a nominee from the state could be unaware of its legislative delegation, which includes key figures who have shaped regional and national politics.

Some critics argue that such gaps in knowledge point to a broader issue within Nigeria’s appointment system, where loyalty and influence sometimes overshadow competence and preparedness.

Supporters of Adeyemi, however, maintain that the nominee is otherwise qualified for diplomatic service, citing his professional experience, academic background, and involvement in political and civil society initiatives.

Despite this, the Senate screening has highlighted the importance of being well-versed in both local and national politics for anyone seeking high-profile public office.

As the confirmation process continues, political watchers are closely monitoring Adeyemi’s performance, with many suggesting that a stronger demonstration of knowledge could still secure his approval.

The incident serves as a reminder to prospective nominees nationwide that political appointments demand not only loyalty but also awareness, preparation, and the ability to answer fundamental questions about governance.

The Senate is expected to conclude all ambassadorial screenings in the coming weeks, with final approvals likely to be influenced by both competence and the public perception of each candidate’s preparedness.

(DDM) – The daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has accepted the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on her mother’s behalf after the activist was unable to attend the ceremony in Oslo due to severe restrictions imposed by the Nicolás Maduro government.

DDM gathered that the emotional ceremony in Norway turned into a global spotlight on Venezuela’s democracy struggle, as Machado’s daughter delivered a powerful message about her mother’s sacrifices and the country’s ongoing political repression.

The Nobel Committee had expected Machado to attend the award ceremony despite a decade-long travel ban the Venezuelan authorities placed on her.

The opposition leader has been in hiding for months, emerging only briefly at a January protest challenging Maduro’s controversial swearing-in after a disputed election that deepened the nation’s political crisis.

Organisers announced that Machado was “safe” and attempting to reach Oslo, but they warned that her route was dangerous and complicated by state surveillance and threats of arrest.

They disclosed that Machado had “done everything in her power to attend,” but her departure from Venezuela posed extreme personal risk because government officials have labelled her a criminal for defying political orders.

Maduro’s administration has repeatedly threatened that she would be treated as a “fugitive” if she attempted to travel outside the country, effectively weapon using the travel ban to limit her international engagement.

The Nobel Peace Prize award places renewed global attention on Venezuela’s shrinking civic space, where opposition figures, journalists, and human-rights activists frequently face arrests, intimidation, and restrictions on movement.

Background reports show that Machado has been a central figure in Venezuela’s pro-democracy movement for over two decades, advocating for transparent elections, rule of law, and civil liberties despite repeated government crackdowns.

Her inability to attend the ceremony mirrors a long history of Venezuelan authorities targeting opposition voices through travel bans, asset seizures, disqualifications, and legal harassment.

Machado’s daughter used the symbolic platform in Oslo to call for sustained international pressure on the Maduro regime, arguing that Venezuela’s democratic institutions cannot be restored without global solidarity.

She emphasised that her mother’s struggle reflects the determination of millions of Venezuelans living under economic collapse, hyperinflation, food shortages, and political repression.

Observers say the Nobel Peace Prize adds moral weight to Machado’s movement, strengthening the global narrative that Venezuela’s crisis is rooted in authoritarian control and systematic suppression of dissent.

Analysts also believe the award could elevate the visibility of Venezuela’s opposition heading into future political negotiations, especially as Maduro faces growing scrutiny from foreign governments and human-rights organisations.

The Nobel Committee’s confirmation that Machado plans to arrive in Oslo “in the near future” has sparked widespread speculation about whether international diplomacy might shield her from potential arrest.

Supporters around the world continue to monitor developments closely, hoping her eventual appearance will symbolise resilience in the face of repression and renew calls for democratic transformation in Venezuela.