Hanging out with friends after work.

 

Arriest warrant issued for Vladimir Putin by International Criminal Court over Ukraine war

The court said in a statement that Vladimir Putin "is Lallegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of the population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation"

An arrest warrant has been issued by the International Criminal Court for Russian President Putin's war crimes because of his involvement in the abduction of children from Ukraine.

Ukraine's presidential advisor for children's rights, Daria Herasymchuk, last month reported that almost 14,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) said in a statement that Putin is allegedly responsible for the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia, which amounts to war crimes.

It also issued a warrant for the arrest of Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, the Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation on similar allegations.

Moscow has previously said it does not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC and denied allegations of war crimes during the invasion.

“We do not recognise this court; we do not recognise its jurisdiction,” Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, told journalists in Moscow on Tuesday.

On Monday, prosecutors at the ICC said they would formally open two war crimes cases and issue arrest warrants for several Russians deemed responsible for the mass abduction of Ukrainian children and the targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

On Thursday, a UN-backed inquiry cited Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions, among potential issues that amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity.

The large investigation also found crimes committed against Ukrainians on Russian territory, including deported Ukrainian children who were prevented from reuniting with their families, a “filtration” system aimed at singling out Ukrainians for detention, and torture and inhumane detention conditions.

Soldier, Several Others Killed As Gunmen Attack Niger Communities

A soldier has been killed following an attack by gunmen on communities in Paikoro and Munya Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State.

The gunmen who launched a fresh onslaught also killed a village head and a medical practitioner, and abducted well over 60 people, including women and children.

Numbering about 100, the assailants in two separate groups were said to have invaded the two neighbouring communities of Beni in Munya LGA and Adunu in Paikoro LGA in broad daylight on Monday and raided from house to house, dispossessing the people of their money, other valuables and food stuff.

At Beni, the group killed the Village Head, Alhaji Salihu Ahmed when they sighted him on his way back from the farm and abducted about 20 people, mostly women and children.

Also at Adunu community, a medical practitioner, Joshua Bitrus was killed by the group that invaded the community when he attempted to escape into the bush on sighting the gunmen, while over 40 people, including women, children, and a retired police officer, Moses Tanko aka Arada System, were taken away.

A source close to the communities told Channels Television that those who could afford between N10,000 to N20,000 cash, whether in old or new notes, were set free by the gunmen.

After raiding the two communities, on their way to their hideout in Kaduna State, the gunmen were ambushed by the Joint Security Task Force at Sarkin Pawa and the resultant gun battle led to the killing of a member of the task force and a local vigilante, while several others sustained various degree of injury and are currently being treated at a government health facility in Minna, the state capital.

Two patrol vehicles belonging to the Joint Security Task Force were also vandalised by the gunmen with the windscreens and tyres shattered with bullets.

Sources told Channels Television on Friday that an unspecified number of the gunmen who were moving in about 35 motorcycles, and in three groups, were killed during the over one hour of fierce gunbattle with the security agents.

The Niger State Police Command has yet to comment on the latest attacks.

However, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, said he was aware of the incident and had yet to get the details of the attacks, while promising to issue a statement to that effect.

BREAKING] UCL draw: Real Madrid meet Chelsea as Man City play Bayern

Holders Real Madrid will play Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Champions League while Manchester City were paired with Pep Guardiola’s former side Bayern Munich in Friday’s draw.

Serie A leaders Napoli take on AC Milan in an all-Italian showdown and Inter Milan face Portuguese league leaders Benfica.

The winners of Real’s tie against Chelsea will go on to face either City or Bayern in the semi-finals, throwing open the possibility of an all-English last-four tie.

That also increases the chances of seeing an Italian team reach the final for the first time since Juventus in 2017, as Inter will play either Milan or Napoli in the last four should the Nerazzurri beat Benfica.

The quarter-final first legs will be played on April 11 and 12, with Real entertaining Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabeu first before travelling to London for the return a week later, and City at home to Bayern first.

Inter were drawn to play Benfica at home initially but will now travel to Lisbon for the first leg to avoid a clash with AC Milan’s meeting with Napoli at San Siro.

The semi-finals will be played in May with the final in Istanbul scheduled for Saturday, June 10.

Full draw below:

Real Madrid vs Chelsea

Inter Milan vs Benfica

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

AC Milan vs Napoli

Poland will becomes the first country to transfer it jet fighter to Ukraine

Poland will transfer four of its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days, the Polish president said, breaking with its NATO allies by becoming the first member to fulfill Kyiv's repeated requests for aircraft to counter Russian attacks.

• The US has released newly declassified video of the Tuesday encounter between a US surveillance drone and a Russian fighter jet. A senior US official says the video “absolutely confirms” there was a physical collision and dumping of fuel.
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• Russia may have recovered some small pieces of debris from the drone, according to a US official.
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• Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues in Bakhmut as Ukraine destroyed a Russian Su-25 jet over the eastern Ukrainian city, according to a commander.

1 killed and 7 wounded in Russian shelling in Donetsk region, Ukrainian officials say

 At least one person was killed and seven others wounded in Ukraine's Donetsk region on Thursday as a result of Russian shelling, the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office said in a Telegram post.

Russian forces fired on the city of Kostiantynivka and several villages with artillery and Uragan multiple rocket launchers, the prosecutor's office said, adding that the shelling hit "the railway station, market and private houses."

The woman who died was 50 years old and living in Pivdenne, where one other person was hurt, according to the prosecutor's office. The six other people who were injured were in Kostiantynivka, including one Polish citizen, it added.

Shell fragments damaged more than 30 residential buildings, the prosecutor's office said. 

"Silence" by Thom Brodkin

 There is a peace at sunrise that surpasses all understanding. It's a renewal. A feeling that anything is possible. I’d like to say I drag myself from the comfort of my bed every day to enjoy sunrise’s splendor, but you wouldn’t believe me and I would be lying. What is true is I was there that day and so was she. 

There is a connection between sunrisers just because they are sunrisers. It’s a shared, yet unspoken, appreciation for things quiet and beautiful. That might explain why I was immediately drawn to her, but I know it wasn’t just because of the earliness of the morning. Delilah, you see, would have attracted me no matter the time of day. 

The first time I saw her I was sitting there, at my favorite secret spot, overlooking Lake Quinault. It’s a hidden gem in Washington State owned by the Quinault Indian Nation and, before that day, if I had my way, no one would ever sit and admire its beauty other than me.

The lake, a destination point for fishermen, swimmers, and sightseers, is nature at its most spectacular. It is located deep in the Olympic National forest. It isn’t easy to find, even if you’re looking for it. Once discovered, even the most magnanimous outdoorsmen will keep the secret to themselves. In an era where, too often, free time is wasted in front of a flat screen TV, Lake Quinault is a reminder of the reasons for taking vacations and the sunrise over the lake is God's definition of must-see. 

That particular trip occurred in early summer. I remember it vividly because I had to be in place just after 5:00 a.m. to catch the sun as it appeared over the mountain. Summer is the best time to watch the sunrise because no one in their right mind would be up early enough, nor would be hardy enough to make the journey to my secret spot. No one except me, and Delilah.

“Is this seat taken?”

Not many people can remember the first words spoken by or to the love of their life, but I absolutely can. That morning, as I turned to see from where the unexpected voice was coming, the first light of dawn revealed the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Not all men might have thought so. Delilah wore no makeup, a pair of ripped jeans, and a faded brown hoodie. Her hair, perfectly auburn, looked as if it hadn’t been touched since she rolled out of bed that morning. It was obvious she had made no effort to look beautiful and yet she had an inner spark that couldn't be hidden. Not by tattered jeans or a faded hoodie. Something changed that first moment I saw her, I changed. I had spent years guarding my secret spot, and now, surprisingly, unexpectedly, delightfully, I wanted nothing more than to share my sunrise with her.

I, unfortunately, was not born a poet and as such the most romantic thing I could think of in response to her inquiry was: “It’s a free country.” With that, she invaded my secret spot, both next to the lake and in my heart. 

The silence that followed was both loud and revealing. Delilah wasn’t there for small talk; she was there to admire the beauty of sunrise. We sat in silence and watched as the sun peeked over the horizon, covering the two of us in its warming light. She and I carried on a conversation without words. She told me, silently, that she understood the importance of the moment, and I responded in kind that this moment was made all the more special because she was there to share it. 

Perfection is a goal impossible to realize in this mortal realm, but that morning came as close as is humanly possible. So many thoughts ran through my mind as the sun revealed itself completely. Then just as quickly and quietly as she had come, Delilah rose to her feet, wiped some residual dirt from the seat of her ripped jeans, and headed down the trail and out of my sight. 

Eight words verbalized, an infinite number of potential events contemplated. Thirty minutes had passed, a lifetime had been imagined. I was sure I would never see her again, and the thought made me overwhelmingly sad.

The next five years came and went, five long years since that day at the lake. There were first dates, first kisses, and the words “I love you” exchanged, yet every time fate or intention would reach down and sabotage promise. I became determined to find peace in my solitude.

There was always a reason or an excuse for my ending every potential relationship, but at its core was a shared sunrise and a conversation that didn’t happen. 

I went to our spot from time to time, to see the sunrise, not for her. At least, that’s what I told myself. I had given up without realizing I was hoping. Hoping to see her again. Hoping to feel what I felt that day. Hoping she would be there. And then it happened. It was once again summer, it was sunrise, but this time she was there.

“Is this seat taken?”

“It’s a free country.”

The same eight words.

At the time, I didn’t know that she, too, had often made the trip back to our secret spot.

Seeing her again, I knew I wouldn’t let the opportunity slip from my grasp, not a second time. When the sun had completed its part in our play, Delilah rose to her feet and wiped the dirt from her jeans exactly as she had done five years earlier. This time, however, I stood up as well.  

“My name is Peter. I don’t like coffee, but I’d really like to have a cup with you.” 

“My name is Delilah,” she responded, matter-of-factly, “and I would be glad to share a cup of Joe.”

She called it Joe? It’s funny the things that confirm that a love is real. I couldn’t tell her that day, for fear of losing her, but at that moment, I was sure. I had said “I love you” to others before, but it was obvious to me that I had lied. For in that moment, I was finally sure what love felt like.

Lifetimes are only lifetimes when viewed in reverse. A cup of coffee became a dinner date. A dinner date became a commitment. A commitment became a proposal, and a proposal became forever. There were kids and dogs and vacations, but more than anything, there were trips to Lake Quinault. Always at sunrise. Always just the two of us. Never any words spoken.

You never know the last time is the last time until it’s too late. The final trip we took to Lake Quinault was like all the rest. It took a little longer for tired, old bones to make the trek, but we found our spot, sat together, and conversed in silence. The sun, unaffected by time, rose as perfectly as always, but Delilah rose only with my help.  

“Would you like to share a cup of Joe?”

She knew I did. She knew sitting next to her pretending to like coffee was my greatest pleasure. She also knew she would never come back to see another sunrise even though I was too stubborn to admit it to myself. 

That day in the café, we told stories of family and friends, living and lost, as we sipped on what had eventually become my favorite beverage. We made a mental scorecard of our life and realized we had won. 

Two days later I lost her. Just like that first day at the lake, I watched her as she left me alone, this time without even the hope of returning. The sadness I felt from years back flooded over me like a tidal wave. 

I’ll save a seat for you. Those were her last words to me. True to myself, I replied: “It’s a free country.” Then, she was gone. 

One day, hopefully soon, I will watch the sunrise with my Delilah again only from a far better secret place. Until then, I only go to our special spot at night. 

I’m never alone when I go there. I make my way to our clearing and sit down just as I did all those years ago. As the moon reflects off the lake, I feel her comforting hand reach down for me, and in the silence only we understand, I hear her very clearly. 

Gianni Infantino re-elected as FIFA president until 2027

Gianni Infantino was re-elected as the president of FIFA until 2027 at the 73rd Congress of the body in the Rwandan capital Kigali on Thursday.

He was unopposed during the vote. 

The 52-year-old Italian-Swiss, renewed under the same conditions in 2019 by the delegates of the 211 member federations, could remain at the head of world football until 2031 with his first three-year lease being considered incomplete.

Infantino's re-election has been the subject of frequent dissent by FIFA's member associations, over his support for the Qatar World Cup. 

The voting system used this time did not make it possible to count dissenting votes.

In his defence, the 52-year-old can show FIFA's solid financial balance sheet, with an 18% increase in income and 45% in reserves over the 2019-22 cycle compared to the previous one, allowing the body to further increase its subsidies to confederations and federations.

On the governance side, his last mandate was marked by a vast reform of transfers and maternity leave for professional players, alongside more protective rules of disciplinary procedure for victims of sexual violence.

The main projects for the next few years have already been approved: starting with the passage of the Men's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams in the 2026 edition of the same, which will be shared between the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Decided in 2017, its format was set on Tuesday.

By opting for a group stage with twelve groups of four teams, the tournament will jump from 64 to 104 matches, a behemoth cut to explode ticketing revenue and attract even more broadcasters.

More delicately, FIFA decided on December 16 to expand its Club World Cup from an annual seven-team format to a quadrennial competition with 32 teams from the summer of 2025 - a project that Infantino is trying to bring to fruition for years to compete with the lucrative UEFA Champions League.

Harry Kane: Tottenham unwilling to sell in summer but Man Utd can't afford a transfer saga

Harry Kane will enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season and talks over extending at the club are currently on ice; Manchester United, long-term admirers of Kane, retain a strong interest in the 29-year-old but cannot afford a transfer saga in a priority position

Harry Kane's future could be unresolved heading into the January window with Tottenham not willing to sell him this summer, regardless of whether he signs a new deal or where they finish in the Premier League. 

The England international, who is focusing on trying to deliver a top-four spot, will enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season and talks over extending at the club are currently on ice.

Tottenham have no intention of sanctioning a sale even if that remains the case heading into the new campaign. Spurs are prioritising getting a deal over the line, but are being patient with their key asset.

Kane's presence and contribution to the club is more valuable than the transfer fee he could amass, especially as they face a summer of transition with manager Antonio Conte set to depart and football director Fabio Paratici's future uncertain.

Manchester United, long-term admirers of Kane, retain a strong interest in the 29-year-old but cannot afford a transfer saga in a priority position. Erik ten Hag wants a forward recruited as early as possible and his ideal scenario is to have new signings in place for the bulk of pre-season.

The Carabao Cup winners would "absolutely" explore a deal for the striker if everything aligned and Spurs switched from obstinate to being open to business. However, there is no appetite for a war of attrition with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

Depending on their summer trading and the profile brought into the attack - United are very mindful of having to sell well and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations - they could revisit the Kane situation in January.

United have cast a wide net over dynamic options, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos, Lautaro Martinez, Dusan Vlhaovic and Mohammed Kudus assessed.

If Tottenham hold firm as planned this summer and still cannot get Kane to agree a new deal as the winter window approaches, he would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January - a situation Bayern Munich are particularly invested in.

Much will depend on where Spurs (and United) finish domestically this season, as well as who succeeds Conte. Mauricio Pochettino would convince Kane to extend his deal if appointed, while sources close to the player believe he could also be swayed by an ambitious hire like Thomas Tuchel.

He is not at the age to "front another project and rebuild." Kane wants to win and add silverware to a career of great professionalism, consistency and scoring excellence. He does not want to be remembered as "the guy who broke goal records but didn't have any trophies to show for it."

Manchester United is Harry Kane's only realistic transfer destination if he leaves Tottenham this summer, says Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

"I think the only place he can go realistically is Manchester United and I don't want to see him at Manchester United for obvious reasons," Sky Sports pundit Carragher said on CBS. "When you think Liverpool have just signed Darwin Nunez, Manchester City have got Erling Haaland, and he can't go to Arsenal.

"I don't think there are too many clubs there right now for him but in terms of what is happening right now I think it is pretty negative and I think it will be interesting to see how it goes from now until the end of the season. I think there is going to be a real negativity around this club until now and the end of the season."

Asked if Bayern Munich were another option, Carragher added: "He will want the Premier League record, if he stays between now and the end of his career he will be the top scorer to ever play in the Premier League.

"It can't be the most important thing but it is a pretty special achievement. So I think if he is going to stay in England, the only big team who need a centre-forward is Manchester United. But will they pay £100m for a guy who is nearly 30?

"If he doesn't leave this summer he will stay at Tottenham for the rest of his career."

Asked if that was a bad thing for Kane, Carragher added: "No. Tottenham will always be there and thereabouts in terms of qualifying for the Champions League but are they going to win trophies? No. He's never won one trophy in his life.

"Of course, he will [be idolised at Spurs if he stays]. If you're asking me if he's going to a club where he thinks he might win a domestic or leave Tottenham I would probably stay at Tottenham.

"He's a guy who should be at least getting to quarters, semi-finals of the Champions League every year. He's that good. But where does he go, that's the big question?"

A spat between the US and Russia over a downed drone is escalating. Here’s what you need to know

The US has released footage of the moment a Russian plane dumped fuel on a US drone over the Black Sea on Tuesday – a confrontation that has sparked a diplomatic spat and led to a race to recover some highly classified technology.

The White House slammed Moscow’s actions Moscow’s actions as “unsafe, unprofessional and reckless” while Russia’s defense ministry denied its aircraft came into contact with the drone.

But dramatic footage that was declassified on Thursday seemingly shows the Russian jet emitting a plume of fuel over the drone, causing its camera systems to cut off.

Russian and US aircraft have operated over the Black Sea during Moscow’s war in Ukraine, but this is the first incident of its kind since the conflict began – and it threatens to heighten tensions between the two countries further.

What happened to the US drone?

The drone – a US-made MQ-9 Reaper – and two Russian Su-27 aircraft were flying over international waters over the Black Sea on Tuesday when one of the Russian jets intentionally flew in front of and dumped fuel on the unmanned aerial vehicle several times, a statement from US European Command said.

The aircraft then hit the propeller of the drone, prompting the drone’s remote operators to bring the MQ-9 drone down in international waters. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder added Tuesday that the Russian aircraft flew “in the vicinity” of the drone for 30 to 40 minutes before colliding just after 7 a.m. Central European Time.

The Russians had given a different version of events. A Russian fighter aircraft “did not use airborne weapons or come into contact” with a US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Thursday’s video provides a view from the drone’s cameras of the interaction, showing the Russian jet veering closely over the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

The incident marks the first known time Russian and US military aircraft have come into direct physical contact since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago and is likely to increase tensions between the two nations.

More pressingly, a race is underway to avoid the drone falling into the wrong hands. As of Tuesday evening neither country had recovered the drone, US officials said.

The Russian Security Council Secretary said Wednesday that Russia may try to get the wreckage of the drone to study it.

“I don’t know if we will be able to get it or not, but we need to do it… And we will definitely look into it,” said Nikolai Patrushev on on Russian state TV Rossiya 1.

The Kremlin has said a decision on whether to retrieve the drone from the Black Sea will come from Russia’s Ministry of Defense. “This is the prerogative of the military. If they believe that it is necessary for our interests and our security in the Black Sea, they will do it,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on a conference call. Peskov said he did not know what the ministry has decided.

What is the MQ-9 Reaper drone?

The US Air Force primarily uses the Reaper for collecting intel, according to the service’s website, which touts the “intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance” abilities of the drone.

But when armed, the drone can also be used against “high-value, fleeting, and time-sensitive” executive targets, given its weapons systems and its ability to surveil an area for a long period of time.

In other words, the Reaper is both capable of surveilling and striking an enemy. These dual uses have earned the Reaper a nickname in military circles: the “hunter-killer.”

The US Air Force has relied heavily on the drones for a number of missions; it had logged more than 2 million cumulative flight hours by 2019, according to the Department of Defense’s most recent unclassified Selected Acquisition Report (SAR), and was flown for around 330,000 hours each year.

They are expensive; a unit of four aircraft costs $56.5 million, according to the Air Force.

The surveillance and strike platforms saw heavy service in the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But the Air Force has been looking to wind down the production and use of the drones in recent years. Annual funding for the program has declined since it reached more than $800 million annually on two occasions during the Obama administration, SARs show.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, Politico reported that the Air Force was looking to send some of its older drones to Kyiv, and was seeking to persuade the Pentagon to approve the move.

Why was the US flying a drone in this region?

American reconnaissance missions have been a regular occurrence in international airspace over the Black Sea for several years, and the area has been heavily militarized since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, so it is not uncommon for a US drone to be spotted over these waters.

Russia appeared to claim on Tuesday that the area falls under the remit of its invasion of Ukraine, which it euphemistically calls a special military operation; Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said in response to a question from CNN that Russia “had informed about this space that was identified as a zone for special military operation.”

“We have warned not to enter, not to penetrate,” he said, asking how the US would react if a Russian drone came close to New York or San Francisco – a continuation of Russia’s claim that it is entitled to Ukrainian land.

But that argument carries little weight outside of Moscow, given Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territory in Crimea in 2014 and then its unprovoked full-scale invasion of the entire country last year.

The US has said that the drone was in fact flying over international waters when it was downed; interactions between Russian and US operations in that region happen frequently, and it’s unclear whether Moscow intended to down the drone or whether it was simply trying to “buzz” the aircraft – a close fly-by that is done to encourage the drone or plane to move on.

Has this happened before?

The US has repeatedly reprimanded Russia for buzzing its aircraft in the Black Sea in recent years.

Around 90% of US reconnaissance flights over the Black Sea, often flown out of nearby naval stations in Europe, are intercepted by Russian jets, according to the US military in 2020.

“The greatest risk is miscalculation. The Russians do intercept these aircraft frequently,” Capt. Tim Thompson, commodore of the US Navy’s Task Force 67, told CNN that year. “They tend to be very professional and safe, but, on occasion, they can be unprofessional.”

And this is not the first Reaper to be downed while on a mission. In 2019 the US blamed Iran for the shooting down of a MQ-9 Reaper over Yemen by a surface-to-air missile.

Dara Massicot, a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation who specializes on defense issues relating to Russia, wrote on Twitter that Tuesday’s incident “fits with a larger pattern” by Russia of “escalating signals before coming too close to a platform,” though she noted that dumping fuel on the drone appeared to be a new tactic.

Massicot described the incident as “a close pass that went bad,” and suggested that it followed a Russian approach of “(escalating) behavior to compel their target to change course.”

What happens next?

Despite the history of encounters in the Black Sea, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine heightens has heightened tensions in the region. The US European Command said in its press release on Tuesday that the incident “could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation.”

US National Security Council communications coordinator John Kirby called the incident unique in how “unsafe, unprofessional and reckless” the Russian actions were; Antonov said that Russia did not want “confrontation” with the US.

After Tuesday’s harsh language and the summoning of the Russian ambassador in DC, the US took the rare step of hastily declassifying and releasing footage from the drone – directly calling out Russia’s version of events.

That step could escalate the war of words over the incident.

But there is a pressing question that remains unanswered: what will become of the downed Reaper and its highly classified payload? According to the NSC’s Kirby, the US is not confident it will be able to successfully find wreckage in the Black Sea.

“I’m not sure we are going to be able to recover it,” he told CNN This Morning.

Russia has signaled its intention to find the wreckage first. And Moscow’s Navy has several ships in the Black Sea, including ships based in Crimean ports, which would have placed them in an advantageous position to attempt to recover the US MQ-9 Reaper drone after its encounter with Russian fighter jets on Tuesday.

The drone came down in international waters in the Black Sea approximately 70 miles southwest of Crimea, one of the officials said. It is unclear if Russia was able to recover any of the wreckage from the drone when they arrived at the crash site.

NBC sanctions 25 stations over presidential poll coverage

NBC Director-General, Mallam Balarabe llelah

National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sanctioned 25 stations and issued final warnings to 16 others for violating provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code during the February 25,2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Consequently, the regulator charged broadcasters on professionalism during this weekend’s governorship and legislative polls.

It reminded broadcast stations that political campaigns and jingles must stop tomorrow, while only results announced by an authorised electoral officer must be aired.

NBC Director General, Balarabe Ilelah, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, explained that a station was sanctioned for broadcasting outcome of the election before Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcement, thus contravening Section 5.33 of the NBC Code, while 17 others were axed for broadcasting partisan content after the prescribed 24-hour stoppage time, adding that four outfits got punished for divisive comments.

He said in the course of monitoring the just concluded presidential election, NBC noticed that some stations allowed their platforms to be used by guests, callers and analysts to score political points inimical to “our corporate existence,” adding that ethnic and religious profiling became awfully rampant.

Ilelah urged broadcast stations to exercise freedom of expression as agents of society, not for promotion of any personal or sectional rights, privileges and that of their proprietors, relatives or supporters, as highlighted in Section 3.1.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

He warned that the regulator could not be intimidated by anybody, advising civil society organisations (CSOs) to allow it do its job.

Makinde has refused to be pocketed by godfathers – Ladoja’s wife

Wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Mrs Mutiat Ladoja has said governor Seyi Makinde seems not to be in the good books of some politicians because he has refused to allow himself to be pocketed by those politicians who want to constitute themselves as godfathers in the State.

Speaking on an Agidigbo FM programme in Ibadan, on Wednesday, Ladoja said some politicians remain at odds with the governor because he has not allowed them to dictate to him how to run the affairs of the State.

Metaphorically, Ladoja described Makinde as a tall man who is not easy to fit into a pocket.

She argued that the interest of the development of the state should be at utmost on the minds of all well-meaning citizens and residents of the State.

She said Makinde had performed beyond the expectations of Oyo residents and deserved a second term in office.

Metaphorically, Ladoja described Makinde as a tall man who is not easy to fit into a pocket.

Ladoja cautioned residents of the State against voting for those who she described as Judas and those who would change the gear of Oyo’s vehicle from drive to reverse.

She therefore urged the Oyo electorate to vote not only Makinde but also candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the State House of Assembly in the interest of sustainable peace and development of the State.

Ladoja cautioned residents of the State against voting for those who she described as Judas and those who would change the gear of Oyo’s vehicle from drive to reverse.

She said: “Only a fool will cover his head with a broom during the rainy and sunny season. God gives us umbrella to protect us; don’t let the rain beat you, come under the umbrella.

“Makinde has tried his best. He will do more if re-elected. Don’t vote for those who will drive the vehicle of Oyo backwards. Don’t vote for Judas. Vote for the person that will better the life of your children.”

On alleged bias by the Makinde administration, Ladoja said: “This is the 10th year the governor has been organising Ramadan lectures. This is the 10th year Makinde has been sponsoring Muslims to Mecca. He built the Omituntun Mosque, one of the five pillars of Islam in Mecca and he has been sponsoring people, so, he has done what God wants.”

Israel army says it killed suspected bomber ‘coming from Lebanon’

The Israeli army says that soldiers killed an armed man suspected of entering the country from Lebanon and blowing up a car at a junction in northern Israel, raising the risk of renewed tensions with Hezbollah.

The incident happened on Monday but it was made public by the army on Wednesday.

An explosive device was detonated adjacent to the Megiddo Junction on Monday, severely injuring an Israeli civilian, the Israeli army said on Twitter. “During searches in northern Israel, security forces neutralized a terrorist armed with an explosive belt & multiple weapons in a vehicle,” it added.

Soldiers stopped a car carrying the bombing suspect at a checkpoint shortly after the roadside explosion. “Our assumption is that he was aiming to conduct another terrorist attack,” perhaps before committing suicide, the army said.

The army said it shot and killed the suspected attacker and is questioning the driver. Their identities have not been made public.

“The possible involvement of the Hezbollah terrorist army is under review.”

There was no immediate comment from the Lebanese group.

Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, said this was potentially “a very serious incident” that prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a trip to Germany.

“It’s a very serious security breach for [Israel],” he said. “We rarely see people crossing from Lebanon into northern Israel.”

Netanyahu was expected to fly back to Tel Aviv on Thursday. “It’s likely that he is going to address the nation,” Khan said.

The Israel’s northern border with Lebanon has remained quiet but tense since the conflict. Israel discovered four years ago what it said was a network of tunnels built by Hezbollah along the border.

Israel considers the Iran-backed Shia group its most serious immediate threat, estimating that Hezbollah has some 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israel.

Israel also frequently attacks targets in Syria, saying they are Iranian weapons deliveries headed to the Lebanese group.

Ministry of communication monitors cyberspace, claims INEC, others witness 12.9m attacks

 Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has said while monitoring the cyberspace, about 12.9 million attacks were launched against servers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others during the February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections from within and outside Nigeria.

Prof. Isa Pantami, who made the disclosure, however, said the committee, set up and chaired by board chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of NCC, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Galaxy Backbone Bone (GBB) as members, successfully protected the cyberspace, blocked the attacks and/or escalated them to relevant institutions for appropriate action.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman, the minister said the committee swung into action on February 24, 2023 and finished its work on 28.

“During this period, a series of hacking attempts was recorded, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), email and IPS attacks, SSH Login Attempts, Brute force Injection attempts, Path Traversal, Detection Evasion and Forceful Browsing.

“A total of 12,988,978 attacks were recorded, originating from both within and outside Nigeria. It is worth noting that the centres successfully blocked these attacks and/or escalated them to relevant institutions for appropriate action,” he said.

According to him, it is worth noting that in the run-up to this year’s general elections, threat intelligence revealed an astronomical rise in cyber threats, explaining that threats to public websites and portals averaged 1,550,000 daily.

He sad this skyrocketed to 6,997,277 on presidential election day.

Pantami, said: “As part of its mandate, the ministry is to ensure adequate protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace to a level that citizens would have confidence in digital services. This mandate aligns with the goals and objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS).

“In line with this mandate and in our efforts at supporting the initiatives of securing the Nigerian cyberspace, the parastatals under the supervision of the ministry have established cybersecurity centres, namely National Information Technology’s (NITDA) Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and Galaxy Backbone’s (GBB) Security Operations Centre (SOC).

The professor of cybersecurity admitted that the parastatals have played a crucial role in providing enabling environment for successful conduct of credible, free, fair and transparent elections

Russia pilots in drone collision - US

The US has accused Russia of reckless behaviour after an American drone crashed into the Black Sea following an encounter with Russian fighter jets.

Before the collision, Russian jets are said to have dumped fuel into the path of the drone, which the US says was in international airspace.

The damaged MQ-9 Reaper drone was brought down by the US after it became "unflyable", the Pentagon said.

Russia has denied its two Su-27 fighter jets made any contact.

The key question is whether the encounter was merely an attempt by Russia to disrupt the US drone and its work - or whether it was a deliberate attempt to bring it down.

US military officials said the incident happened at about 07:03 Central European Time (06:03 GMT) on Tuesday and the confrontation lasted around 30-40 minutes.

Several times before the collision, the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone in a "reckless, environmentally unsound and unprofessional manner", it said in a statement.

Pentagon spokesman Brig Gen Pat Ryder told reporters the drone was "unflyable and uncontrollable so we brought it down", adding that the collision also likely damaged the Russian aircraft.

He said the jets were able to land following the incident.

Reaper drones are surveillance aircraft with a 20m (66ft) wingspan.

Brig Gen Ryder said to his knowledge the Russians had not recovered the drone.

The United States' National Security Council's John Kirby told CNN: "Without getting into too much detail, what I can say is that we've taken steps to protect our equities with respect to that particular drone."

Russia's defence ministry said the drone crashed after a "sharp manoeuvre" and that it was flying with its transponders turned off. Transponders are communications devices that allow the aircraft to be tracked.

Prof Michael Clarke, visiting professor in war studies at King's College, told the BBC the collision was "almost certainly an accident".

The ex-director general of the defence and security think tank Royal United Services Institute said: "I don't believe any pilot could deliberately do that [only colliding with another aircraft's propeller] without seriously endangering their aircraft and own life."

The incident highlights the increasing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war.

To protest against the move, the US summoned Russian ambassador Anatoly Antonov in Washington.

Following the meeting, Russian state media quoted Mr Antonov as saying that Moscow saw the drone incident as "a provocation" and that "the unacceptable activity of the US military in the close proximity to our borders is a cause for concern".

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters there had been no high-level contact between Moscow and Washington over the incident.

But he said Russia would never refuse to engage in constructive dialogue.

Tensions have risen over the Black Sea ever since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year the US and the UK stepped up reconnaissance and surveillance flights, though always operating in international airspace.

According to the US, there has been a "pattern of dangerous actions by Russian pilots" interacting with allied aircraft in the region.

This means the downing of the drone could conceivably have been the result of a mistake by a Russian pilot who got too close as they "buzzed" the unmanned aircraft.

But if this was a deliberate attack on a US aircraft by a Russian warplane, then analysts say that would amount to a huge provocation and a substantial escalation.

In that case, the attack would be seen as an attempt by the Kremlin to test the response of the United States.

Western allies have worked hard to stop the war in Ukraine escalating into a direct confrontation with Russia. But this incident over the Black Sea is just that. The US will now have to evaluate its response.

As US military commanders warned in their statement, this was a dangerous act that "could lead to miscalculation and unintended escalation".

Foods That Will Help You Combat Insulin Resistance.

Foods That Will Help You Combat Insulin Resistance

If you suffer from insulin resistance, it means that your body is not responding to this crucial hormone properly. This implies that glucose is not entering our cells as usual, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels, among other complications. Research has shown that this can put you at risk of Type 2 diabetes. In the long term, insulin resistance may also lead to heart disease, PCOS and obesity. 

To avoid these problems, one needs to improve insulin sensitivity. One can simply begin by making conscious choices regarding one's daily diet. In a recent post on Instagram, nutritionist Shikha Gupta recommended 6 snacks that can help those with insulin resistance. Find out what they are below:

1. Coconut Chunks

Coconut chunks have a low glycaemic index (GI). Studies have shown that such foods can help reverse insulin resistance. Coconut is also rich in fibre while being low in carbohydrates. They are also a good source of natural, good saturated fats. This means that consuming coconut chunks can help in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Coconut chunks can easily be eaten plain. But you can also incorporate them into a wide variety of dishes and curries. You can also opt for coconut-based alternatives to other ingredients in the form of coconut milk and coconut oil.

2. Sprouted Beans

The process of sprouting itself increases the nutrients and decreases the starch present in the beans otherwise. It also enhances the protein content and antioxidant properties of the beans. Sprouts are a true superfood and have wide-ranging health benefits, including the improvement of insulin resistance. You can make a quick sprout salad and keep it handy when you are craving something between meals.

3. Yoghurt with Flax SeedsUnflavoured yoghurt or dahi can work wonders for your system. Research has shown that this milk product can help those with insulin resistance, as probiotic yoghurt has been associated with lowered blood glucose. Combining it with nutrient-rich flaxseeds is a great idea as these seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and compounds that can help improve insulin sensitivity.

4. Chia seed PuddingLike flax seeds, chia seeds are also loaded with nutrients that can improve the body's insulin response. They contain high amounts of fibre and antioxidants. They can be consumed in the form of pudding, provided you don't add sugar. Note that even artificial sweeteners may have a negative effect on your blood sugar levels.

5. Avocado is often recommended to those with insulin resistance.

Avocados contain healthy unsaturated fats and high amounts of fibre. As explained earlier, this can greatly help combat insulin resistance. Carrots have a low glycemic index and are a type of non-starchy vegetable. This also makes them ideal for those with blood sugar problems.

6. Rice Crackers with Almond ButterIn the caption, the nutritionist has explained that rice crackers have a high GI, but they can be consumed in limited quantities, provided that you combine them with foods containing healthy fats. This will prevent blood glucose levels from spiking.

 

Health benefits of guava leaves.

Health benefits of guava leaves, we all know that guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits as it provides several health benefits, it is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels. Since it contains about 80% of water and rich in fibres, it also aids weight loss. But did you know that guava leaves are great for your well-being too? The young leaves of the guava tree can be brewed to make a magical tea, that has in fact been part of traditional medicine for centuries in Mexico and parts of South America. "These leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants like vitamin C, and flavonoids such as quercetin", says Delhi-based Nutritionist, Anshul Jaibharat. To make guava leaf tea, all you need to do is soak guava leaves in a cup of hot water and drink up!

Here are 15 benefits of guava leaves and reasons you need to start drinking guava leaf tea immediately -

1. DiarrheaAccording to a study published in the Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo, guava-leaf extracts inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a common cause of diarrhea. People suffering from diarrhea who drink guava leaf tea may experience less abdominal pain, fewer and less watery stools, and a quicker recovery, according to Drugs.com. Add the leaves and root of guava to a cup of boiling water, strain the water and consume it on an empty stomach for quick relief.

2. Lowers Cholesterol LDL or Low-density lipoprotein are one of the five major groups of lipoproteins which transport all fat molecules throughout your body. It is the excess of this class of cholesterol that may cause a host of health disorders particularly that of heart. According to an article published in Nutrition and Metabolism, study participants who drank guava leaf tea had lower cholesterol levels after eight weeks. (Also Read: 5 Fruits You Should Include In Your Cholesterol Diet)

3. Manages Diabetes Japan has approved guava leaves tea as one of the foods for specified health uses to help with the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The compounds in the tea help regulate blood sugar levels after meals, by inhibiting the absorption of two types of sugars - sucrose and maltose. According to an article published in Nutrition and Metabolism, guava leaf tea inhibits several different enzymes that convert carbohydrate in the digestive tract into glucose, potentially slowing its uptake into your blood. (Also Read: 5 Vegetables You Must Include In Your Diabetes Diet)

4. Promotes Weight Loss Looking to shed the extra inches around your belly? Sip into guava leaf tea. Guava leaves help prevent complex carbs from turning into sugars, promoting rapid weight loss. Drink guava leaves tea or juice regularly to reap the benefits. (Also Read: Here's Why You Should Drink Fennel Seed (Saunf) Water For Weight Loss) 

5. Fights Cancer Dr. Anju Sood says, "Guava leaves can lower the risk of cancer" - especially breast, prostate, and oral cancers - due to high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene. Various studies have revealed that lycopene plays a significant role in lowering the risk of cancer.

6. Heals Cold and Cough Guava leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C and iron, and a decoction of guava leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold as it helps get rid of mucus. It also disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. 

7. Reduces Acne Due to their high percentage of Vitamin C, guava leaves can help get rid of acne when crushed and applied to trouble spots.

8. Improves Skin Texture Guavas have high astringent properties, and guava leaves rank even higher. Apply a decoction of the leaves on your skin to help tone and tighten facial muscles. 

9. Prevents Hair Loss Suffering from hair loss? Guava leaves for hair can keep all your hair-related problems at bay. Guava leaves can be boiled and massaged onto the scalp. Guava is rich in antioxidants that could do wonders for volume of hair. Note: Make sure the water is cool before applying it to the scalp.

Guava leaves can be boiled and massaged onto the scalp.​

 

10. Beats Toothache "Guava leaves are anti inflammatory in nature and help in maintaining good oral health", says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. Guava leaf tea works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache, swollen gums and oral ulcers due to the powerful antibacterial agents. You can also grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to your gums and teeth to cure these problems. 

11. Improves Quality of Sleep "Drinking guava leaf tea regularly helps improve quality of sleep", says Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager at Baidyanath. It calms your nerves and quietens your mind, making it easier to slip into slumber.

12. Boosts Immunity According to Bangalore-based Nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood, "guava leaf tea helps boost the immune system", thereby reducing the risk of various illnesses. 

13. Soothes Gastrointestinal Issues Guava leaves are useful in treating gastrointestinal issues because they reduce the production of extra mucus that can irritate the digestive system, and prevent further microbial growth in the intestines due to anti-bacterial properties.

 14. Promotes Heart Health "Guava leaf tea may also benefit your heart and circulatory system", says Anshul Jaibharat. 

15. Good for Your Brain "Guava leaves contain vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves", remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

Governors give Malami, Emefiele Tuesday ultimatum to obey Supreme Court.

State governments that sued the Federal Government on the naira redesign policy, have given the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, till Tuesday to comply with the order of the Supreme Court on the currency.

The state governments threatened to file contempt charges against the two top officials on Tuesday should they fail to obey the apex court which ordered that the old N1,000, N500 and N200 should be in circulation alongside the new notes till December 31, 2023.

Over one week after the court handed down the order, the AGF and the CBN have kept mum over the verdict. Their silence has emboldened Nigerians and businesses to reject the old notes as legal tender.

The Federal Government had on Friday, been served with the enrolled order and Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment ordering the use of old notes as legal tender for 10 months.

The counsel for Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, which dragged the Federal Government before the Supreme Court on the matter, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN), disclosed that Malami was served with the enrolled order and the CTC of the judgment on Friday afternoon, adding that he expected immediate compliance with the judgment as the non-service of the documents had given the government and the CBN an escape route.

Mustapha said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation has been served now and we will take it up from there; if there is no compliance now, we will commence committal proceedings against the attorney-general and the CBN governor.”

But giving an update on the move to enforce compliance with the order of the apex court on Sunday, the Zamfara State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Junaidu Aminu, revealed that since the Federal Government had refused to implement the judgment, the plaintiffs in the suit would approach the court again to ensure compliance with the court’s order.

Aminu said that the states would file contempt charges against the Federal Government on Tuesday.

He said, “We have just served the Attorney General of the Federation with the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order of the Supreme Court last Friday. We are waiting for them to respect the court’s decision on the naira notes and comply with the decision. If they fail to comply on Monday, we are filing our case on Tuesday.’’

The AG insisted that Emefiele must address Nigerians on the naira notes issued on or before Monday (today), noting that “that is what Nigerians are waiting for.”

“If he fails to do so, we will go back to court again to sue him and the Federal Government on contempt charges,’’ he warned.

The Zamfara State justice commissioner explained that it was the duty of the AGF to direct the CBN governor to implement the court’s verdict on the naira notes.

Aminu further said, “The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is the one who should direct the CBN to comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict and allow the old naira notes to remain legal tender until December 31.”

Other Attorney generals that confirmed their states would be joining the suit include Ekiti State, Cross Rivers, Kogi, Rivers and Ondo State.

They all agreed to take steps to ensure compliance.

 

Tinubu bids to form govt of national unity.

 Ahead of today’s meeting with the National Assembly members-elect slated at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has elected to form a government of national unity, Vanguard can competently reveal.

Coming after the presidential election, which outcome is perceived in some quarters as controversial, the moves were ultimately initiated to calm frayed nerves around the country and reunite the people.

It was learnt that already, the President-elect is disposed to the zoning of the Senate presidency of the incoming 10th National Assembly to the South East to assuage the feelings of real or perceived disparity among the people.

A reliable source who craved anonymity told Vanguard that Tinubu has vowed to leave no stone unturned at ensuring that all parts of the country are embraced in his new government, regardless of their political inclinations in the last elections.

The source, a long-standing associate of Tinubu, further revealed that Tinubu’s cabinet will be devoid of lopsidedness or ethnic discrimination.

He added that it was one of the agenda to be discussed at the meeting with members-elect of the National Assembly.

He said Tinubu had already informed some of his proteges among the elected senators to start shopping for anyone from the South-East as the next Senate President.

‘Tinubu shopping for Senate President from S-East’

It would be recalled that despite the Labour Party’s “Obidient” wave in the South-East, the zone produced six senators from the ruling APC.

The source said Tinubu’s preference for a South-East Senate President might be made known at today’s closed-door meeting of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima; APC senators and members of the House of Representatives-elect at State House in Abuja.

“For the balance of power, our President-elect understands that to have a rancour-free administration, every region must be carried along and the South East is very paramount to him.

“He has confided in us his commitment to support the emergence of a Senate President from the South East for the sake of equity, fairness and justice, thus maintaining the balance of power and a sense of inclusion.

“In 2015, the South East was told to blame itself for not voting for APC, which could have given them the Senate Presidency.

“In 2019, they said the South East had no ranking senator but in 2023, there’s no excuse because the South East, despite the massive votes they gave to the Labour Party still voted for six APC senators, some of whom are ranking lawmakers.

“Tinubu has fully committed a Senate President of South East extraction. I can confirm because he believes it is the right thing to do and the move will also calm frayed nerves in the South-East.

He also wants to prevent unnecessary spending, bad blood lobbying which might culminate in hijack of the National Assembly, as it happened in 2015,” the source disclosed.

According to the source, the President elect’s preferential candidate may be the Chief Whip and returning senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, who he said was a close ally of Tinubu.

Reps’ Speakership

Another issue the meeting is also expected to discuss is the zoning of the speakership of the 10th House.

According to the source, many ranking members of the House have already shown interest.

He stressed that there was a need to provide an acceptable zoning direction that would be sensitive to the religious affinity of the incoming administration, especially as Tinubu and the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shetima, are of the Islamic faith.

Five lawmakers are jostling for the position of the speaker without recourse to either religious sentiment or geopolitical zones.

Amongst the lot are Aliyu Betara representing Biu/Kwaya Federal Constituency of Borno State; Aminu Sani Jaji, former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and intelligence in the 8th Assembly, who has been re-elected to represent Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency of Zamfara State.

Also included is the current Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase from Plateau State; the current spokesman of the House, Ben Kalu and the Majority Leader of the 9th House, Ado Doguwa, who is currently undergoing trial for murder.

Gbaja tipped as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff

It was also learned weekend that the current speaker of the 9th House, Femi Gbajabiamila, a protege of the President-elect, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, is most likely to relinquish his seat in the next assembly for the position of Chief of Staff (CoS) to Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila was initially considered alongside the Minister of Works and Housing and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, who may be assigned another portfolio in Tinubu’s government.

El-Rufai/ Ganduje as SGF

Similarly, Vanguard gathered that Kaduna State governor, Governor Nasir el-Rufai, is being considered for the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

The choice of el-Rufai is, however, being weighed with that of Kano State governor, Umar Ganduje.

All the issues, Vanguard gathered, yesterday are expected to be tabled and discussed at the meeting, with the aim of securing the commitment of everyone to form a common front before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June.

Tinubu’s support groups root for Betara as speaker

Meanwhile, the Network of Tinubu Support Groups in Nigeria has urged the leadership of  APC to back the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State, Muktar Aliyu Betara, for the position of speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

At a briefing yesterday in Abuja, the group said Betara remained the most competent returnee lawmaker with an unblemished track record of excellence, integrity, and diligence.

President of the group, Dr Moses Ikani, noted that Betara had excelled in all tasks in the National Assembly since 2007 and had a well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges confronting the House of Representatives.

He said:  “As things stand now, Nigeria needs a crop of new leaders, especially at the legislative arm of government which section 80-84 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 vest the power and control of public funds as representatives of the people.

“The legislature is a key democratic institution for political representation. So, to fix Nigeria, we will have to tweak some of its working parts by separating the gold diggers and power thirsty from those who truly want to serve at this level of leadership, and to accomplish this is to do away with mediocrity and clannish interest.

“Every true Nation must have a sense of purpose that subsumes all sub-national interest. We are yet to identify or define what our national raison detre is. Until it is more beneficial to be Nigeria than to be Ibo, Hausa, Efik, Yoruba, etc we will continue to suffer nepotism and misallocation of national resources.

“However, amid this seeming hopelessness in our polity, we found a highly resourceful parliamentarian in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly who is familiar with the challenges inherent in leadership at the Nigerian legislative arm of government. He is Muktar Aliyu Betara, the member representing Biu/Bayo/Shwa and Kwaya Kusar Federal constituency in Borno State.

“By our assessment, he did quite well, extremely well, taking into account the challenges— the enormity of challenges faced by the 9th National Assembly shortly after the inauguration in 2019 when he was unanimously elected as Chairman, of the House standing committee on appropriation.

“Muktar Betara is one individual whose capacity to complement the actions and policies of the executive as speaker of the House of Representatives would expeditiously guarantee the much-needed turnaround of Nigeria.

“A detribalised and cosmopolitan person, Muktar Betara is experienced as a team player whose contribution to nation-building has been applauded within and outside this country.

“Batera is a performer with well-crafted agenda to address the plethora of challenges restraining the House of Representatives from performing optimally as a major institution of democratic governance. ‘’He has been rated as one of the most successful members of the 9th Assembly in terms of parliamentary activities, and this success story resonated with his immediate federal constituency where his effective representation at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly is felt directly.

“He has proven that his foray into politics is solely service to humanity, hence his towering popularity among members of the National Assembly.”

Zone Reps’ speakership to north central, support Wase, APC told

Cham Faliya Sharon, a social commentator and ally of the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Idris Wase also yesterday appealed to APC to zone the speakership of the incoming 10th House to North Central geopolitical zone.

He also urged the party to specifically give the position to Wase, who he said had been a loyal party man.

Sharon, who made the call in a statement he issued yesterday, said: “For any honest observer, as well as any good student of Nigeria’s developmental history, the party’s triumph at the polls is well-earned because the party’s achievements in office, especially in the provision of infrastructure and growth of local productivity, are unprecedented.

“These achievements are the result of the progressive collaboration and support were given the Executive branch by the leadership and members of the National Assembly who are major of the APC.

“With the party set to commence another journey of leading the country into another phase of development, and considering also that certain key national leadership offices will be zoned to respective geopolitical zones, it becomes imperative to call on the national leadership of the APC to, as a matter of principle and honour, zone the position of the office of the speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th Assembly to the North Central geopolitical zone.

“If it does that, it should also kindly throw its weight behind Ahmed Idris Wase, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to become the next speaker.

“Zoning the office of the speaker to the North Central region and supporting Ahmed Idris Wase to occupy the office should be considered an exercise of recognition and reward for loyalty and sacrifice.

“Since the 2015 general elections to date, a significant section of the North Central region has maintained an unalloyed support for the APC, and it will be just and noble to appreciate this support and loyalty by ceding this important national office to them so that the party can expand and maintain its hold in the region.”

Sharon said that supporting Wase to emerge as the speaker would be a reward to dedication and loyalty.

“As a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Ahmed Idris Wase has consistently shown that he is a perfect example of what loyalty and respect for the APC ought to be.

“Always toeing the party’s line on all matters, and having demonstrated his panache for excellent congressional leadership by the way he adroitly deputized the speakership of the current House of Representatives under the leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila, it is, therefore, easy to fathom that he can resolutely lead the next House to help the party achieve more wins for the Nigerian people.

“His loyalty and subscription to party supremacy came to the fore in 2019 during the contest for the speakership of the House when, in spite of having secured overwhelming support from the majority of members to elect him as a speaker, toed the party’s line by stepping down for Femi Gbajabiamila after the party decided that the position has been ceded to the Southwest.

“He marshalled the caucus to honour the party’s decision in the interest of peace, unity and progress of the party, and since then, he has remained committed to whatever will promote the party’s progress and stability. This is an act of nobility and sacrifice worth remembering and equally worth rewarding by the party.

“The All Progressives Congress, APC, should not miss the opportunity of harnessing this bundle of talents and faithful servant of progressive politics to implement its legislative agenda. Nigeria needs him in such capacity as speaker of the House of Representatives, beginning from June 2023,” he said.