News
Democracy Day: South East monarch asks Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu
Says it's a missed moment for unity, national healing

A traditional ruler in the South East region, His Royal Majesty Eze-Igwe Williams Ezugwu — Eze Ogbozarra III of Opi Ancient Kingdom and the Eze Ka Eze I of Ideke Land, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to demonstrate statesmanship by granting the immediate release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in the spirit of Democracy Day.
Eze-Igwe Ezugwu made the call on Sunday, June 15, 2025, after Nigerians commemorated Democracy Day on June 12, 2025.
He described the occasion as a “missed opportunity for national healing”.
Speaking in a press statement released from his palace in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ezugwu called on President Tinubu to rise above political calculations.
He urged Tinubu to embrace the spirit of June 12 and extend a gesture of reconciliation to South East through the release of the detained separatist leader.
The monarch stated: “The continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a deep wound in the soul of the South East, and by extension, Nigeria.
“June 12 presented a historic window for President Tinubu to act as a unifying leader,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The monarch, a former Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and former Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized the symbolic power of Democracy Day.
He noted that it’s a date etched in Nigeria’s collective memory for the unity, justice, and democratic aspirations that marked the 1993 presidential election.
He stated further: ““June 12 is not just a day of speeches and parades.
“It is a day that symbolizes our yearning for freedom, justice, and inclusion.
“Releasing Kanu, whether through a presidential pardon or constitutional discretion by the Attorney-General, would have sent a resounding message of unity to the South East,” he said.
Ezugwu commended Tinubu for upholding judicial independence in the ongoing trial of Kanu.
He highlighted the accelerated pace of legal proceedings following the removal of the former trial judge.
However, he insisted that beyond legalities, the political and emotional healing of the nation remains paramount.
“Our people do not feel like part of the Nigerian project.
“They feel unheard, excluded, and targeted. Releasing Kanu would have empowered leaders of thought in the South East and undercut the influence of criminals hiding under the guise of agitation,” he added.
The monarch lamented the economic and social toll of insecurity in the region.
He pointed to closed businesses, declining human capital, and growing youth radicalization as symptoms of an unresolved national question.
He warned that conflating genuine political grievances with criminality had only deepened mistrust between the South East and the federal government.
The traditional ruler stressed further: “I do not support violence in any form, but the failure to distinguish between legitimate agitation and criminal infiltration has led us down a dangerous path.
“We have seen this pattern before. The IPOB was largely non-violent until state crackdowns escalated tensions.”

Nnamdi Kanu (middle) with his legal team, in court, September 24, 2024
Ezugwu drew parallels with previous amnesty initiatives granted to Niger Delta militants and Ogoni leaders.
He argued that a similar approach toward Kanu and other genuine political agitators would foster peace and restore confidence in Nigeria’s unity project.
“The Federal Government granted amnesty to agitators in the Niger Delta. Why is the South East different?
“Peace in our region is peace for Nigeria. A bleeding South East means a weakening Nigeria,” he pointed out.
Despite his disappointment over the missed opportunity on June 12, Eze-Igwe Ezugwu maintained that it is not too late for the President to act.
He urged Tinubu to embrace the principles that defined the June 12 struggle and apply them toward inclusive governance and reconciliation.
“Let the spirit of June 12 guide policy, not just speeches. Let it inspire decisions that restore hope and unity.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads, and we must choose the path that leads to healing,” he urged.
Concluding his address, the monarch reaffirmed his belief in the Nigerian project but insisted that equity and justice are the bedrock of a stable nation.
Background
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since his controversial rendition to Nigeria in 2021, facing charges related to terrorism and secessionist activities.
While the federal government has maintained its legal position, widespread calls for his release have intensified, especially from traditional rulers, political leaders, and human rights organizations in the South East and beyond.
The issue has become emblematic of broader grievances in the region, including perceived political marginalization and exclusion from national discourse.
With the 2025 Democracy Day now past, it behooves on Tinubu to heed the call for healing and reconciliation, or allow the rift between the South East and the federal center continue to widen.
Health
Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.
The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.
DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.
According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.
A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.
Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.
Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.
The health centre has since been found abandoned.
DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.
She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.
This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.
Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.
News
Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
News
2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
News
Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
News
‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
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