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Hopes for Iran nuclear talks moderated by threats and mixed messages

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Iran and US nuclear talks inconclusive, but with room for progress

The BBC on Friday, April 18, 2025, reports that hopes for de-escalation are being tempered by mounting military threats and mixed messages.

This comes as Iran and the United States prepare to hold a second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome,

US President Donald Trump reminds Tehran nearly every day of its options: a deal or war.

He has previously said Israel would lead a military response if the talks failed.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Trump had “waved off” an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear sites as early as next month.

“I wouldn’t say waved off. I’m not in a rush to do it,” Trump told reporters.

This was in response to the article on Thursday, adding that he preferred to give diplomacy a chance.

“I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death… That’s my first option.

“If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran.”

After both sides described the first round of talks in Oman last weekend as constructive, Trump had said he would be “making a decision on Iran very quickly”.

IRAN RETURNING TO THE TABLE

In 2018, Trump pulled the US out of a 2015 agreement.

This saw Iran limit its nuclear activities and allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in return for sanctions relief.

He said it did too little to stop Iran’s potential pathway to a nuclear weapon.

It also reinstated US sanctions as part of a “maximum pressure” campaign to compel Iran to negotiate a new deal.

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However, Iran refused and increasingly breached restrictions in retaliation.

It has now stockpiled enough highly-enriched uranium to make several bombs if it chose to do so – something it says it would never do.

The threat of military action appears to have played a role in bringing Iran back to the negotiating table.

Yet it insists that is not the reason.

The website of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explained the reason Iran had agreed to talks.

He said it was only because the US limited its demands strictly to nuclear issues – not out of fear of US and Israeli strikes.

Even so, reaching a deal remains far from certain.

Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is leading the US negotiating team, posted on X on Tuesday:

“Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East – meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization programme.”

It came just a day after he had suggested in an interview with Fox News that Iran would be allowed to continue enriching uranium.

“They do not need to enrich past 3.67%,” he said, referring to the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal.

“This is going to be much about verification on the enrichment programme and then ultimately verification on weaponization.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the head of the Iranian delegation, responded by noting Witkoff’s “contradictory statements” and stressing that “real positions will be made clear at the negotiating table”.

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“We are ready to build trust regarding possible concerns over Iran’s enrichment, but the principle of enrichment is not negotiable,” he said.

Diplomatic flurry

This Saturday’s talks in Rome come amid a flurry of diplomatic activity.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, visited Tehran on Thursday.

Upon his visit, he delivered a personal message from his father King Salman to Ayatollah Khamenei.

He also met Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian.

Iran has warned that any US military action would be met with retaliation against American bases in the region,  many of them hosted by Iran’s Arab neighbours.

At the same time, Araghchi visited Moscow and handed a letter from Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Iran and Russia have strengthened their military ties since the start of the war in Ukraine, with Tehran accused of supplying drones to support Moscow’s war effort.

The Russian parliament ratified a 20-year strategic partnership between Iran and Russia 10 days ago.

However, the deal does not include a mutual defence clause.

Meanwhile, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi completed a two-day visit to Tehran this week.

He met with Iranian nuclear officials and the foreign minister in a bid to ease tensions and restore inspection protocols.

Atmosphere of distrust

Since Trump returned to office this year, Ayatollah Khamenei has consistently denounced negotiations with Washington.

“Negotiating with this administration is not logical, not wise, nor honourable,” he said in a February speech.

This came just two months before agreeing to the current round of talks.

The supreme leader’s distrust stems from Trump’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the “maximum pressure” campaign that followed.

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It also has connections with the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani in a US strike in Iraq in 2020.

Ayatollah Khamenei expressed satisfaction with the first round of talks, saying it was “implemented well”.

But he cautioned that he was “neither overly optimistic nor overly pessimistic”.

He has also previously warned that Iran would ​retaliate in the event of strikes on its nuclear programme.

Some officials, including his adviser Ali Larijani, have even said that Iran might be “forced” to acquire a nuclear weapon if attacked.

“We are not pursuing weapons, and we have no problem with IAEA oversight, even indefinitely.

But if you resort to bombing, Iran will have no choice but to reconsider. T

hat is not in your interest,” Larijani told state TV earlier this month.

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VIDEO: Man Brutally Beaten for Killing Sacred Snake in Anambra

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The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and humiliation of an Ebonyi man, Mr. Michael Eje, who was reportedly brutalized by youths in Nkpor, Anambra State, for killing a snake regarded as sacred in the community.

A disturbing video that surfaced on social media showed Mr. Eje being paraded through the streets by angry youths who accused him of desecrating their tradition.

He was ridiculed, beaten, and made to chant dirges for the snake before being fined ₦50,000.

Reacting to the incident, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, described the act as “barbaric, dehumanizing, and unacceptable in a modern society.”

He said it was shocking that in the 21st century, an individual could be subjected to such humiliation for killing a snake in self-defense.

“I wonder why a man should be subjected to such a harrowing experience for killing a snake that posed a threat to him,” Nwebonyi said.

He stressed that no cultural practice should supersede a person’s right to life and safety.

The lawmaker called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to immediately condemn the act and ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves.

He noted that the same urgency with which the governor handled the recent renaming of Abakaliki Street in Awka should be applied to protecting the dignity of individuals, regardless of their state of origin.

Senator Nwebonyi also directed the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Indigenes Association in Anambra, Chief Moses Ofoke, to reach out to the victim and his family to document his experience and ensure he receives the necessary support.

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Speaking about his ordeal, Mr. Eje, a native of Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, said he was working at a construction site when he encountered the snake hidden beneath a pile of old blocks.

According to him, the snake lunged at him, forcing him to kill it in self-defense.

He explained that he had no prior knowledge that killing a snake was considered taboo in Nkpor, and no one had ever informed him of such a custom.

“I only acted out of fear and instinct. I never knew there was any tradition against killing snakes here,” he said.

Mr. Eje narrated that after the killing, some youths accosted him, dragged him through the streets, and subjected him to beatings while mocking him.

He said he was later forced to perform rituals for the snake before being fined.

His wife, who also spoke, described the experience as traumatic and humiliating, noting that the family was still struggling to recover from the psychological impact.

The senator’s intervention has given hope to the victim and his family.

Mr. Eje expressed gratitude for Nwebonyi’s swift response and called on the authorities to ensure justice is served.

“What I went through is something I will never forget in my life. I thank the senator for standing with me. I just want justice,” he said.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the relevance of such practices in today’s society.

While some argued that cultural values must be respected, others insisted that human life and dignity should take precedence over any tradition.

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Civil rights groups have also weighed in, urging the Anambra State Government to take concrete steps to protect non-indigenes from cultural practices that may endanger their rights.

They stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should not become a tool for victimization but a source of unity and mutual respect.

As of press time, the Anambra State Government had yet to issue an official response to the senator’s call.

However, stakeholders expect Governor Soludo to step in swiftly to address the matter and reassure the public that such treatment of individuals will not be tolerated.

For Senator Nwebonyi, the issue goes beyond one man’s ordeal.

He insists it is about upholding human dignity and ensuring that no Nigerian is discriminated against or humiliated simply for coming from another state.

Watch the video below.

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2027: El-Rufai Leads Kaduna SDP to Join Forces with ADC Coalition

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Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai

A major political shift has unfolded in Kaduna State as former governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, spearheaded the merger of the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development, which signals a significant realignment ahead of Nigeria’s next political cycle, was announced during a coalition meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The gathering brought together influential leaders, party executives, and stakeholders drawn from diverse political platforms.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the Kaduna State Coalition Publicity Secretary, Hon. Darius Kurah, El-Rufai was identified as the key figure driving the coalition efforts.

He chaired the meeting, which was attended by ADC leaders, former commissioners, SDP executives, and several prominent figures from the state’s political class.

Among the attendees were Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West); Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC Kaduna State Chairman; and Mallam Bashir Saidu, a leading ADC strategist in the state.

Addressing the gathering, El-Rufai described the merger as a decisive step toward building a credible political alternative in Kaduna.

He stressed that the coalition’s central goal is unity, with a strong emphasis on inclusive governance and people-centered development.

“Our mission is clear: to strengthen progressive leadership in Kaduna and Nigeria by rallying around shared ideals and ensuring that politics serves the people, not personal interests,” El-Rufai said.

Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman for the North West, praised the SDP leadership for what he called a “bold and courageous decision.”

He described the merger as a new dawn for credible leadership in Kaduna and a signal that opposition politics is reawakening.

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Similarly, Elder Patrick Ambut welcomed the SDP members into the ADC fold, assuring them of full integration into existing party structures.

He noted that the coalition was not just about structures merging but about harmonizing ideologies for the collective good of the people.

Mallam Bashir Saidu reinforced this view, stressing that the merger represented “a convergence of visions and principles dedicated to building a future where governance is truly accountable.”

As part of the resolutions adopted at the meeting, the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) was tasked with setting up a Membership Registration Committee.

This committee will work closely with the Kaduna State chapter, alongside local government and ward units, to begin new membership registration while revalidating existing members.

According to the communiqué, this grassroots exercise is expected to strengthen the coalition’s reach, consolidate its base, and position it strategically ahead of future elections.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with stakeholders pledging commitment to building a formidable front capable of challenging the dominance of established parties in the state.

Political observers say El-Rufai’s move has reshaped Kaduna’s political landscape.

By leading the SDP into a merger with the ADC, the former governor has positioned himself once again as a central figure in the state’s opposition politics.

The coalition is seen as part of a broader strategy by opposition forces to rally around credible alternatives and build momentum ahead of 2027.

With grassroots mobilization already on the agenda, analysts suggest the ADC-SDP merger could become a significant force, particularly in northern Nigeria where El-Rufai still commands influence.

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For now, Kaduna’s political terrain has shifted, and the coming months will determine whether this coalition translates into electoral strength or fades into another short-lived alliance.

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Oral sex by couple is not sin — Apostle Johnson Suleman

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Apostle Suleman

The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has said oral sex between a husband and wife is not sinful.

He made the comment during a question-and-answer session at a church service.

Though, it is unclear when the service took place, but a video of his remarks surfaced on YouTube on 22 August 2025.

During the session, a woman, believed to be in her 50s asked, “Daddy, Sir, is oral sex a sin?” Mr Suleman, popularly called “Daddy” by members of the congregation, chuckled before responding.

“Should I answer from the Bible?” he asked, as the audience urged him to speak. “Anything you do with your wife indoors is not a sin. So long as she’s your wife and both of you agree to do it, (it is not a sin),” he said.

Some congregants murmured at his response, but Mr Suleman continued: “I can show you (from the Bible). When the Bible was talking about the wife of your youth, it was talking about ‘go within thy walls, let thy hands pass through her cisterns.’ What do you think the Bible was saying? So long as it is not fetish, a ritual, it is not diabolic, (it is not a sin).”

He also dismissed claims that oral sex is inappropriate because the mouth is used to pray.

“Don’t you use the same mouth to gossip? Don’t you use the same mouth to tell lies?” he asked in Pidgin English.

Anticipating backlash, the preacher said he was unfazed. “Save your home, save your home,” he told worshippers, urging couples not to deny their spouse’s request for sex.

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While Mr Suleman insisted the practice is permissible in marriage, health specialists have long cautioned against it.

Oral sex — also known as orogenital sex — involves using the mouth, lips or tongue to stimulate a partner’s genitals or anus.

Adegboyega Fawole, a gynaecologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, warned in 2017 that it could expose people to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections in the mouth, raising the risk of HPV-related oral cancers.

The virus is also linked to cervical cancer, genital warts and anal cancer.

Similarly, Bamidele Mutiu, a consultant microbiologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, explained in a 2021 interview that organisms causing sexually transmitted diseases survive in genital secretions and are not destroyed by saliva.

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‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race and Ethnicity’ – Kemi Badenoch Cries Out

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Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has revealed the scale of racism and hostility she has faced since becoming the first black woman to lead the Tories.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Badenoch admitted she did not expect the level of personal attacks she has endured online and within political circle.

“There’s a certain cadre of people who clearly can’t cope with the fact that I won this and I’m doing it,” she said.

“The level of personal attacks from anonymous people is hysterical.

Not just from MPs only two or three out of 120 but also online.

People used to talk about Trump derangement syndrome. I think there’s a Kemi derangement syndrome: ‘How could she possibly have done this?’.”

The 44-year-old politician, who was born in Wimbledon and raised in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16, said much of the abuse has focused on her race and identity.

“On social media, there’s a lot of ethno-nationalism creeping up,” she noted.

“There are tropes around, ‘well, she couldn’t possibly have done this all by herself.’”

Badenoch rarely speaks at length about her race, often stressing that she sees Britain as a country where minorities thrive. She has previously argued that “Britain is not a racist country” and faced criticism for saying that white working-class boys struggle more than ethnic minorities on many social indicators.

“I always try to think of every possible explanation before I go to race and racism,” she told the paper.

“That is a healthy way to run a society. There will always be people who throw mud and hope it sticks.”

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The Tory leader now faces a critical moment as she prepares for her first party conference speech.

With the Conservatives polling at just 17%, she is under pressure to unite her party and fend off speculation of a leadership challenge from her shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick.

On rumours Jenrick could soon replace her, Badenoch dismissed the claims as “wishful thinking.”

“There will always be sore losers—our candidate didn’t win, and so on,” she said.

“When I hear those things, I can tell those people are not focused on the country at all. Many of them think this is a game. But the lives of people in this country aren’t a game.”

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UNIUYO VC turns FG loan into extortion racket 

...NELFund beneficiaries forced to pay higher fees, extra ₦50,000 illegal charges

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The University of Uyo, a federal government-owned university in Akwa Ibom State, has become the first campus where the Federal Government’s new loan scheme for indigent students is being twisted into a money-making scam.

At the centre of the storm is Vice Chancellor Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, accused by staff, students, and academics of sabotaging the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and weaponizing poverty for profit.

How the Loan Works

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy, each beneficiary should receive ₦284,100:
₦44,100, for institutional fees, and ₦240,000, for upkeep

The design is simple: government pays so that poor students won’t drop out.

How Uniuyo Twists It

Inside Uniuyo, the VC has allegedly flipped the scheme on its head. Beneficiaries are being told to pay fees first pending when the Federal Government will release the money (loan). Refunds, staff say, could take “months or years—if they ever come at all.”

To make matters worse, NELFund students are being charged higher fees than their classmates. Documents and testimonies show that final year students in the Faculty of Arts are made to pay an extra ₦20,000 ‘development levy’ and ₦30,000 ‘professional accreditation fee’ imposed only on NELFund beneficiaries. That’s a shocking ₦50,000 illegal surcharge—punishing the very students government is trying to help.

Staff Blow the Whistle

A Registry officer said bluntly:
“The Federal Government created NELFund to ease students’ burden. But the VC has turned it upside down. He is using it to raise money.”

A top Bursary official added:
“Prof. Ndaeyo knows refunds hardly work here. He wants students to pay first, knowing many will never get their money back. This is deliberate monetization of education.”

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Cruel Irony

Lecturers are furious. A senior academic in the Faculty of Arts called it a cruel irony:
“Poor students are paying more than the rich. This is wickedness. It shows the VC loves money more than humanity.”

Others point to a disturbing pattern under Ndaeyo—skyrocketing acceptance fees, inflated transcript costs, and endless hidden charges.

“Every policy he introduces is about extracting money. NELFund is just the latest victim,” said a professor in Engineering.

Students Cry Out

For students, the betrayal cuts deepest.

“If I had money, why would I apply for a loan?” asked a Political Science student. “They are using our suffering to make money for themselves. This is exploitation.”

Bigger Question

Why would a Vice Chancellor sabotage a Federal Government program meant to help the poor? Insiders say it’s either an obsession with internally generated revenue—or plain greed.

Either way, the consequences are devastating: poor students are being pushed out while Uniuyo’s coffers grow fat.

Time for Action

As one Education professor warned:
“We cannot allow one man’s greed to mortgage the future of our children. Universities should be centres of hope, not dens of extortion.”

With ₦284,100 per student at stake, attention now shifts to the Ministry of Education and the Presidency. Will they act to protect indigent students—or let Uniuyo’s Vice Chancellor turn a national lifeline into an extortion racket?

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VIDEO: Man Brutally Beaten for Killing Sacred Snake in Anambra

2027: El-Rufai Leads Kaduna SDP to Join Forces with ADC Coalition

Oral sex by couple is not sin — Apostle Johnson Suleman

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