Budapest 2023: Tobi Amusan Wins 100m Hurdles Heat,Qualifies For Semi-final

World Champion Tobi Amusan has started her title defence at the World Athletics Championship on a fine note by finishing first in Heat 5 with a time of 12.48s.

She clocked 12.48s (0.4) to win the fifth heat of the women’s 100mH despite not having enough time to slow down towards the end at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, Hungary.

She finished ahead of Jamaican Champion Megan Tapper who came 2nd in 12.51s and and Australian Michelle Jenneke in 12.71s.

Amusan qualified for the semi-finals on Wednesday on account of her victory.

Tinubu Orders NIMC DG To Begin Pre-Retirement Leave,Apponts Bisoye Odusote As Commission’s Acting Boss

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC),Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz,to proceed on 90-day pre-retirement leave.

The directive was contained in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday.

It noted that the pre retirement leave will take effect from August 24, 2023, which will then lead to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.

The President also approved the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023.

After which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.

The President also approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

Yakub’s appointment follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

Diezani Alison-Madueke Faces Corruption Trial In UK

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged with bribery offences relating to her time in government, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Tuesday.

Alison-Madueke, 63, who was a former President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will appear in court in the British capital on October 2, the NCA said.

Alison-Madueke has been on bail since first being arrested in London in October 2015.

After her arrest,her family’s lawyer saidshe would strongly contest corruption allegations that have dogged her during and after her time in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government.

Alison-Madueke, in office from 2010 to 2015, was the first woman to be oil minister in Nigeria and the first female president of the global oil cartel OPEC.

The head of the NCA’s international corruption unit, Andy Kelly, said in a statement, “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million pound contracts.”

The NCA said Alison-Madueke allegedly benefited from at least £100,000 ($127,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets, luxury holidays for her family, and the use of multiple London properties.

The charges also detail financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees, and gifts from top designer shops such as Cartier jewellery and Louis Vuitton goods.

“Bribery is a pervasive form of corruption, which enables serious criminality and can have devastating consequences for developing countries,” Kelly said.

“These charges are a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex international investigation,” he added.

Alison-Madueke has been living in the upmarket St John’s Wood area of north London since she was first arrested, and undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer, according to her family.

At the time of her arrest, the NCA said only it had detained five people in London on suspicion of international corruption, without naming those held.

The Nigerian government of Jonathan’s successor Muhammadu Buhari later confirmed Alison-Madueke’s arrest and said its law enforcement agencies were cooperating with their British counterparts.
Former Army General Buhari began an anti-corruption drive after taking office.

The NCA said that assets worth millions of pounds in relation to the case have been frozen as part of the investigation.

In March, the agency, which targets international and organised crime, provided evidence to the US Department of Justice allowing them to recover assets totalling $53.1 million linked to Alison-Madueke’s alleged corruption.

AFP

Abuja Is In Darkness -Wike

Mohammed Shosanya

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr Nyesom Wike,Tuesday bemoaned the black out enveloping Abuja,saying most areas of the city are in total darkness.

Wike,who spoke on Tuesday during handing over ceremony,emphasized the need to light up Abuja as soon as possible.

He said:”Everyone who has responsibilities must show commitment in doing the right things. The important thing we must do is to ensure that Abuja is back to what it ought to be. I moved around Abuja and found out there are total darkness in most of the places. What we need to do is to ensure light come back as soon as possible.

“Our environment must be kept clean, you must be on your toes. If you do not have the capacity, please leave. It is a privilege for us to be serving in this capacity and I will not allow anyone to drag me back. If you are in charge of sanitation. I will call you at anytime of the day.

“We shouldn’t allow motor parks all over the places, something must be done, as soon as possible. If you cannot meet up my standard say it now so that we can change you. Yes, I have a soft spot for women, you have to take a decision, we must be firm, things must work.

“Things are tough, I agree, but that does not make us to be lawless. Street trading is prohibited, people selling corn, will drop their waste indiscriminately and these are the things that causes insecurity, criminals come to buy and use the opportunity to spy and give informations to criminals. It is imperative we clear street hawkers.

” Development Control is a serious crisis area, we have to stop, why are there illegal structures and shanties everywhere. We will demolish any illegal structures, no matter how highly placed, the structure will come down”, he explained.

He also read riot Acts to the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), saying the agency is on tour of rebuilding Abuja.

He assured them of his readiness to fund the Secretariat, Departments and Agencies of the administration to execute short projects to show our commitment.

In his remarks,the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola assured the Minister of the unalloyed support of the entire staff of the FCT Administration in ensuring the actualization of the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

FG Considers Electric Vehicles For Mass Transit Scheme

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Ministry of Transportation is considering the introduction of electric vehicles into the proposed mass transit scheme in the country on account of recent withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali,who disclosed this on Tuesday,when he resumed duty at the Ministry’s headquarter in Abuja,added that plans are underway to reintroduce mass transit system in Nigeria.

He promised to ensure a sustainable collaboration with related ministries, agencies and corporate entities to reactivate the road transport and mass transit operations in the country.

He explained that with the current hike of transportation fare in the country, the ministry focus would be on policies that will encourage reduction in the cost of movement for both passengers and cargo.

He said:”Similarly, I will under careful study of prevailing economic trends, undertake the provision, modernization, rehabilitation, planning and development of the rail transport sector with efficient security services to support the realization of primary purpose of government.

“This initiative will no doubt maximize the potentials embodied in the recent Constitutional alterations that moved rail transport services from the exclusive list to the concurrent list. It will also reduce the frequent menace on our roads characterized with accidents, kidnappings and armed robbery”.

He stated that the Ministry of Transport must assume a leading role of improving the public transportation sector to support the numerous policies that are geared towards providing democratic dividends that are accessible to ordinary Nigerians through effective provision of public transport that is secured, affordable and convenient across the country.

He added:”It is important to state that the Federal Ministry of Transportation remains among the few Ministries that were established and, continue in existence from colonial period to date with little modification of name given its strategic place as gateway to the nation’s economy.

“This might probably explains why the Ministry is undergoing restructuring in response to emerging national economic challenges that require the services of the Ministry” .

He pledged that his administration will strive to ensure the realization of ministry’s mandate and the mandates of agencies under its jurisdiction.

He added:”This endeavour will assist to harness the resources of the nation, promote national prosperity and dynamic self-reliant economy that will actualize the “Renewed Hope” of the present administration’s developmental agenda of ensuring an efficient transport system consistent with the socio-economic objectives of the constitution”.

Yoruba Group To Kwara Govt:Release Yeye Osun,Talolorun Now

Mohammed Shosanya

Yoruba Diaspora group Yoruba One Voice (YOV),has faulted the continuous detention of Osun devotees, Efunsetan Abebi, Obalowu Jimoh and popular online presenter Talolrun.

The group also urged governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara state to intervene and ensure that those detained were released.

In a statement by the General
Secretary,Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi,the Yoruba diaspora organization,described the arrest and prolonged detention of the trio as travesty of justice and an act of intimidation that could lead to further crisis.

It insisted that the Kwara state Commissioner for police, Ebun Adelesi, was acting the script well written by some prominent figures in Ilorin,adding that there are strong indications that some people are behind the arrest and unlawful detention of the devotees, even as it was obvious that the Kwara state Commissioner for police allegedly doing everything that is possible to frustrate their release.

It added that the circumstances surrounding the recent arrest and arraignment of Tantolorun showed that the Kwara state police authority have the backings of some religious leaders to trample upon the rights of the detained devotees.

“We are appealing to governor
AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq to intervene and ensure that those detained in respect of the Ilorin religious crisis were released.It is unfortunate that a magistrate court in Ilorin will order the remand of Yeye Osun Abebi,Obalowu Jimoh and Tantolorun for 30 and 50 days respectively without trial.

“It is sad and even unconstitutional that Magistrate Adams would arrogate to himself such power that makes him feel like he is above the law.It is nothing but a travesty of justice to arrest a person in Ibadan, Oyo state, and went ahead to arraign him in Ilorin Magistrate Court,Kwara state without anybody raising a voice.

“Tantolorun was alleged to have committed offences ranging from defamation of character and causing public disturbance.All the offences have their punishments under the law.However, the viral video of his arrest showed how the young man was portrayed as addicted criminal.

“And you wondered how Nigeria has lost everything to injustice and lack of fair play.The Kwara state Commissioner for Police was biased in her disposition and the way she handled the case.

“There were times when these religion fanatics denigrate the traditional institution,calling the late Alaafin uncomplimentary names. When bigots invaded Ooni’s palace in Ile Ife, pelting the palace with stones,the revered monarch never go to court.

“Professor Wole Soyinka,the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams and a few others had also been called several uncomplimentary names by these unknown religious bigots and bloggers, yet they didn’t sue or take legal actions against them.

“But the case of Talolorun had showed the intolerance of some people and this can only lead to more crisis.So we are appealing to the Kwara state governor to intervene and ensure that those detained are released for them to enjoy their rights to freedom.

“In spite of the huge security issues and challenges in Kwara state,it is
ridiculous watching the Kwara state Commissioner for police leading her men to the river at the outskirts of Ilorin to observe surveillance and also prevent Osun devotees from appeasing the river goddess.

“In June this year,over 100 people died in Kwara state when a vessel capsized and split in two in the Niger River near Pategi, Kwara State, Nigeria. The sad incident occured when a boat carrying attendees of a wedding capsized and 108 people were confirmed dead in the boat mishap.

“These unfortunate incidents happened when nature is fighting back and when incidents like these occured,we need to appease nature and God the creator of heaven and earth is not against any religion,it is only the religious bigots and fanatics that use religion to foment
trouble”.

YOV also implored prominent Yoruba sons and daughters to support the call for the release of the three people detained in respect of the religious crisis in Ilorin,even as it warned those behind the crisis in Ilorin to stay away from actions that can stoke religious crisis in Yoruba land.

It added:”Nigeria is a secular nation.It is very unfortunate that some people could be so mean to use religion to create avoidable crisis in Ilorin.There is need for every Nigerian to respect the secularity of the Nigerian nation, saying the Nigerian Constitution allows the citizens to practise religion of their choices without fear or threat”

I Killed My Son For Stealing My Cassava-A’Ibom Father

Mohammed Shosanya

Mr Innocent Uko, an indigene of Ebe Ikpe village in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,has killed his 26 year-old son,Boniface Innocent over missing cassava

He justified his decision to kill his son on the ground that the deceased harvested his cassava without permission.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon,told newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday,that after killing his son,the man burnt the corpse and dumped the carcass in an abandoned pit toilet in his compound to conceal the act.

When confronted by the police,the father of the deceased who confessed to the crime said he committed the act due to his late son’s bad character and incessant harassment and embarrassment.

“One Chief Akpan Aniekan, the village head of Ebe Ikpe village in company of one Sylvester Akpan ‘m’, the village council chairman reported that one Innocent Uko ‘m’ of Ebe Ikpe village in Essien Udim Local Government Area, used machete and killed his son Boniface Innocent Uko, aged 26yrs, burnt the corpse and dumped the carcass of the deceased in an abandoned pit toilet in his compound to conceal the act.

“On the strength of the report, Police
Operatives of Essien Udim Divisional Headquarters visited the scene, the deceased burnt corpse deposited at the morgue. The suspect was arrested and has confessed killing the deceased, his son on the grounds of bad character and incessant harassment and embarrassment,” Macdon stated.

The Police also revealed that Operatives of Uruan Division, on intelligence report, arrested one Charley Edem John for stealing two seven year-old children.

John was said to have used his 10 year-old junior brother to lure his victims, who are in the same school with his brother out of their classes so he could steal them.

“The said suspect uses his own kid brother who is 10 years old of the same School to call and lure the children out of their class for him to steal. The two boys have been rescued and reunited with their parents”. The PPRO said.

Isese: Lawyer Slams N100m Suit On IGP, Kwara Imams For Violating Rights Of Traditional Worshippers

A lawyer and activist, Olukoya Ogungbeje, has sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and seven others, for violating the fundamental rights of traditional worshippers in Kwara State.

Others identified as second to nine respondents in the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/1674/2023, are: Kwara State Police Commissioner; the State Government; Registered Trustees Of Council Of Ulama (Islamic Clerics);Justice Salihu Mohammed, Executive Secretary of Council of Ulama; Sheikh (Dr) Mohammed Bashir Saliu, Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of Council of Ulama; Alfa Abdulsalam Baba Tonile Okuta-Agidu; Kwara State Magistrates Court, Ilorin, and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Ilorin, Kwara State.

He is suing the all the respondents in public interest on behalf of traditional religion adherents and worshipers in Nigeria.

According to him,the suit is pursuant to freedom of religion, thoughts, belief and conscience, under Sections 36, 38, 42, and 46 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; Order Ii Rules 1 And 2 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009; Order Xi of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction as imbued by Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution.

He prays the court for the determination of the following questions: “a determination of the question whether he can approach the court in public interest for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights expressly enshrined under Chapter IV of the Constitution in accordance with the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 seeking redress for violation or breach of any of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) whether the reliefs sought are personal to the applicant or not.

“A determination of the question whether the fundamental rights to freedom of religion guaranteed under Section 38 of the Constitution extend to traditional religion adherents who are Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and can enjoy the right to freedom of religion and practice their religion and celebrate cultural festivals without any let or hindrance by the Respondents in any part or State in Nigeria.

“A determination of the question whether the stoppage of ISESE cultural festival slated for 20th of August 2023 and the arrest, arraignment and remand of traditional religion adherents and worshippers by the respondents without any cause and under the guise of defamation of character, does not constitute a brazen violation of traditional religion adherents rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience

“A determination of the question whether if the above questions are in the affirmative, the stoppage of ISESE cultural festival slated for 20th of August 2023 and the arrest, arraignment and remand of traditional religion adherents as Nigerian Citizens is not a violent violation of the rights to fair hearing and right to freedom of religion, as enshrined under sections 36 and 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ought not to be deprecated and declared unconstitutional.”

The lawyer said that if the above questions were answered in his favour, he prays the court for the followings: “a declaration that he can approach court in public interest, for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights expressly enshrined under Chapter IV of the Constitution in accordance with the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 to seek redress for violation or breach of any of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) whether it is personal or not.

“A declaration that the fundamental rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience guaranteed under section 38 of the Constitution extend to traditional religion adherents who are Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and can enjoy the right to freedom of religion and practice their religion and celebrate cultural festivals without any let or hindrance by the Respondents in any part or State in Nigeria as constitutionally guaranteed under section 38 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended)

“A declaration that the stoppage of Isese cultural festival slated for 20th of August 2023 and the arrest, arraignment and remand of traditional religion adherents and faithfuls by the Respondents without any cause and under the guise of defamation of character and violation of same which CANNOT ground criminal liability, is a nullity and thus constitute a brazen violation of traditional religion adherents rights to fair hearing and rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience guaranteed under sections 36, 38 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).

“An order compelling all the respondents jointly and severally to tender a public apology in Five (5) widely read Newspaper publications to all the traditional religion adherents, faithfuls and members and to pay the sum of N100, 000,000.00 (One Hundred Million Naira) only as general and exemplary damages for the flagrant violation of their fundamental rights expressly created by the Constitution without recourse to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining all the respondents jointly and severally, whether by themselves, their agents, officials, servants, privies, officers and/or howsoever called from arresting, detaining, harassing, embarrassing, humiliating, interfering, disrupting, disturbing and further violating the rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience of traditional religion adherents and faithful as enshrined in section 38 under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) as it relates to the planned Isese cultural Festival to be celebrated in Ilorin, Kwara State or any other cultural festival to be celebrated in any part or State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in connection with the facts or related to the facts of this case.”

In a 42 paragraph-affidavit in support of the motion,Ogungbeje stated that by virtue of his Call to the Nigerian Bar, he sworn to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with Rule 1 of the Rules of professional conduct for Legal Practitioners in Nigeria. And that he has a duty as a Minister in the Temple of Justice and Legal Practitioner to protect and defend the sanctity of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from any constitutional contravention or infraction and or violation.

He stated that he has roots traceable to traditional religious worship as bestowed by his grandfather and great grandfathers before his conversion to Christianity, hence his name Ogungbeje, meaning (the gods have accepted my promise or gifts), and that it was based on that he filed the suit in public interests pursuant to the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement procedure) Rules 2009.

He further averred in the affidavit “that sometimes in July 2023, traditional religion adherents planned for the annual Isese cultural festival in the Yoruba-speaking States in Nigeria including Ilorin, Kwara State to be celebrated on the 20th of August 2023.

“That I am aware as a fact that Isese cultural festival is being celebrated in Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Ekiti State, Oyo State and Osun State and the Governments of Lagos State, Oyo State, Osun State and Ogun State have declared Monday, the 21st of August 2023, as public holiday on account of the celebration of the annual Isese cultural festival that fell on Sunday the 20th of August 2023.

“That based on the above, on the Sunday, the 20th of August 2023, Isese cultural festival was celebrated by all traditional religion adherents and worshippers in Lagos State, Ogun State, Oyo State, Ekiti State, Osun State and Ondo State only for traditional religion adherents be to stopped and deprived of their rights to freedom of religion
[8/22, 3:57 PM] Mohammed Shosanya: “adherents be to stopped and deprived of their rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and belief by the Respondents in Ilorin, Kwara State.

“That the recent disturbing developments wherein the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respondents have openly threatened to stop the planned Isese cultural Festival in Ilorin, Kwara State by traditional religion adherents and worshippers in Ilorin, Kwara State without any cause.

“That precisely on the Tuesday the 15th of August 2023, the fourth respondent through a press conference held by the fifth, sixth and seventh respondents threatened that Ilorin is an Islamic State that will not tolerate the celebration of Isese cultural Festival slated to be held on the 20th of August 2023 in Ilorin, Kwara State prompting the postponement of the festival to await judicial redress.

“That the subtle press statement by the first and second respondents directing the traditional religion adherents to hold Isese cultural festival elsewhere constitutes a brazen violation of the right to freedom of religion against Nigerian Citizens. And that the act and action of the respondents on the stoppage of Isese cultural festival in Ilorin, Kwara State by traditional religion adherents is clearly unconstitutional.

“That I am aware that Nigeria is secular State whose Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to freedom of religion, thought and Conscience. And that the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respondents have continued to use the agents of the first and second respondents to clampdown on every dissenting traditional religion adherent and worshipper in a bid to silent the proponents of traditional religion in Nigeria nay Kwara State

“That on the 31st of July 2023, one Madam Efunsetan Abebi Aniwura Olorisha. a.k.a Iya Osun, was arrested on the guise of defamation of character, arraigned on the 1st of August 2023 before the eighth respondent and remanded in prison custody.

“That again, on the 16th of August 2023, one Mr. Adegbola AbdulAzeez. a.k.a Tani Olorun was also arrested, arraigned on the 17th of August 2023 and remanded in prison custody under the guise of defamation of character.

“That the duo of Madam Efunsetan Abebi Aniwura Olorisha. a.k.a Iya Osun and Mr. Adegbola AbdulAzeez. a.k.a Tani Olorun were arrested and arraigned without being afforded the opportunity of any legal representation or counsel of their choice.

“That the allegations against the duo of Madam Efunsetan Abebi Aniwura Olorisha. a.k.a Iya Osun and Mr.Adegbola AbdulAzeez. a.k.a Tani Olorun who are traditional religion adherents are trumped-up and civil in nature that cannot ground any criminal liability.

“That the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respondents in conjunction with the first, second and third respondents are hell bent to continue to violate and deprive traditional religion adherents and faithful from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience constitutionally guaranteed under the guise of defamation of character.

“That the planned Isese Festival scheduled to be held on the 20th of August 2023 in Ilorin Kwara State has been truncated by the Respondents without any cause. And that the act and action of the respondents have brazenly and oppressively infringed on the rights of traditional religion adherents and faithfuls without any recourse to law.

“That this instant application has been filed in public interests against the Respondents for the protection of the rights of the under-dogs and oppressed traditional religion adherents in Nigeria necessitating judicial intervention for appropriate enlightenment and redress in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The acts and actions of the respondents are not justified by law in the face of the brazen and oppressive violation on the rights of the Traditional Religion Adherents to freedom of religion, thoughts and conscience. And that if the respondents are not restrained through judicial intervention by Honourable Court, there will be further violations on the rights of traditional religion”.

Coup: ECOWAS Moves To Avert War In Niger,As Delegation Visits Tinubu

Mohammed Shosanya

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray; leader of the ECOWAS delegation to Niger Republic’s military junta, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,Tuesday visited the Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday, obviously to update the President Bola Tinubu on their recent mission to the country.

Sources close to the meeting disclosed that Abdulsalami and the ECOWAS delegation to Niger recently are exploiting all avenues to avert war with the neigbouring country, especially now that the military junta in Niger has said it was not averse to dialogue to resolving the crisis.

ECOWAS had maintained that it would deploy military action against the West African country should it fail to restore democracy, especially reinstating Mohamed Bazoum as President.

The development had been further heightened as the junta leader proposed a three year transition template.

The source said:“Apparently, President Tinubu does not want to lead ECOWAS to war in Niger Republic. He knows public opinion is decidedly against any war in Niger. But the pressure from the international community particularly U.S. and France is incredible. Even some ECOWAS member-states have become unreasonably hawkish. So, Tinubu is looking for a solution that will not lead to war without losing face”.

Shell Nigeria Probes Oil Pipeline Leak

Shell Nigeria is investigating a possible leak on its Trans Niger oil pipeline, which passes through the Bodo community in Rivers state, after being alerted to the potential problem last week

“We are working with the community and other stakeholders to ensure we can safely look into and resolve this situation,” said company spokesperson Bola Essien-Nelson

No force majeure has been declared,she said.

The investigation into the Trans Niger pipeline comes days after another Shell pipeline in Nigeria resumed exports.

The cause of the Forcados suspension has yet to be determined by a joint investigation between company and community representatives in tandem with government agencies.