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Aston Villa Wins Europa League, Ends 44 Year Wait For European Title

Emenike Agu
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Aston Villa Wins Europa League, Ends 44 Year Wait For European Title

Aston Villa have won the Europa League, ending their 44-year wait for a European trophy; Villa beat Freiburg 3-0, keeping a clean sheet despite Emiliano Martinez breaking his finger in the warm-up; Villa squad had beers with Prince William after the game – and want the Champions League.

It was a night that Aston Villa fans will never forget. A first trophy in 30 years, and their 1982 European conquerors have some competition.Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers were the goalscoring heroes in Istanbul, as Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in comfortable fashion.

After 30 years of waiting for a major trophy, Aston Villa secured a clinical 3–0 victory over Freiburg in the 2025–26 Europa League final on Wednesday evening.

From the start of the competition back in September, the Villans were the favorites to win Europe’s second-most prestigious club competition. 

They entered the final with the same pressure, expected to comfortably dispatch their Bundesliga opponents, especially after clinching a top- five Premier League finish at the weekend.

Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and England international Morgan Rogers scored the goals in a 3-0 win to ensure Villa claimed their first major trophy in 30 years and a first European title since 1982.

The result means Villa manager, Unai Emery, has now won the Europa League a record five times, having previously lifted the trophy on three occasions with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.

But perhaps the most heroic action of the night came from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez – who broke his finger during the warm-ups – but still carried on to play the game, and keep a clean sheet.

“Today I broke my finger during warm-ups, but I didn’t see it as a bad thing,” said Martinez after the game.

“I’ve never broken a finger before and every time I tried to catch the ball, the finger would just slip away in the other direction.

“But, these are just things you have to go through.”

Emiliano Martinez broke his finger in the warm-up of the Europa League final
Image:Emiliano Martinez broke his finger in the warm-up of the Europa League final
Martinez received treatment on the broken finger straight away
Image:Martinez received treatment on the broken finger straight away
Martinez played on during the game and made two saves
Image:Martinez played on during the game and made two saves

Martinez was forced into two saves with his broken finger, though Freiburg only mustered an overall Expected Goals tally of 0.24. So while the Argentine was heroic in playing on while injured, he was hardly tested.

The Villa goalkeeper has, however, continued his perfect record in finals – winning all seven of the showpiece matches he has played in during the last six years for club and country.

Emiliano Martinez’s perfect finals

  • 2020 – Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea, FA Cup final
  • 2020 – Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool (5-4 pens), Community Shield 
  • 2021 – Argentina 1-0 Brazil, Copa America final
  • 2022 – Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 pens), World Cup final
  • 2022 – Argentina 3-0 Italy, Finalissima 
  • 2024 – Argentina 1-0 Columbia, Copa America final

That run comes across three different teams – Arsenal, Argentina and now Villa.

Insecurity: Local Government Vice Chairman Abducted In Ekiti

Tosin Onisuuru
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Insecurity: Local Government Vice Chairman Abducted In Ekiti

The Vice Chairman of Ilejemeje Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, has reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ekiti State.

According to multiple reports, she was kidnapped along the Ipere–Iludun Ekiti road while returning to Ido-Ekiti after attending an official engagement. Her vehicle was later found abandoned, and her phone was said to be switched off. Security agencies have reportedly begun rescue operations.

The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in the area, especially after recent kidnappings and attacks in parts of Ilejemeje, including the abduction of church worshippers earlier this month.

Authorities in Ekiti have not yet announced any arrests or confirmed contact with the abductors as of Thursday.

Confirming the development in a statement, Director of Information and Civic Orientation for Ilejemeje local government, Falade Sunday, said security agencies had been alerted, and efforts were ongoing to rescue her.

Spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu, told journalists he would provide details later.

Meanwhile, an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti has sentenced two men to 25 years imprisonment each for kidnapping.

The convicts, Ibrahim Abubakar (44) and Abdullahi Abubakar (41), were arraigned alongside Usman Abubakar (49) and Abdulazeez Alebiosu (59), who died during the pendency of the case, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder and kidnapping.

They were arraigned before Justice Lekan Ogunmoye on October 4, 2022, over offences allegedly committed between March and April 2022 at Off Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado Ekiti.

The prosecution said the defendants conspired to murder one Taiwo Adesina on March 9, 2022, and later kidnapped Omoboade Adesina on April 22, 2022, contrary to Sections 244, 234 and 279(1)(a) of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

During the trial, the victim, who testified in court, said her husband, Taiwo Adesina, was attacked on his farm by gunmen. He was shot in the head while trying to escape and was rushed to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

She further told the court that the kidnappers used her phone to demand a ransom of N10 million, but the family was only able to pay N3.25 million.

The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, called seven witnesses and tendered the defendants’ statements and MTN call logs as evidence. The defendants testified through their counsel but called no witnesses.

In his judgment, Justice Ogunmoye discharged and acquitted Usman Abubakar, noting that the victim did not implicate him in her testimony.

The judge found Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar guilty of kidnapping and sentenced each to 25 years imprisonment.

Summer Series: Eric Chelle Picks Teams For Unity Cup, Poland & Portugal

Emenike Agu
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Summer Series: Eric Chelle Picks Teams For Unity Cup, Poland & Portugal

Head Coach Eric Chelle has picked his Super Eagles’ squad that will battle to retain the Unity Cup Mini-Tournament that it won last year, as well as the team that will take on Poland and Portugal in high-profile friendly matches scheduled for Europe next month.

For the Unity Cup that will have a semi-final and Final at the Charlton Athletic Stadium (The Valley) between 26th and 30th May, Chelle has selected team captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaeachi and Igoh Ogbu, forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi, and 20 other players.

The Super Eagles will file out against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at The Valley on Tuesday, 26th May, with victory to propel them to the Final against the winner of the clash between Jamaica and India, which holds at the same venue on Wednesday, 27th May.

There are also first-time invitee goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielders Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forward Rafiu Durosinmi, who is also joining the group for the first time.

Home-boys Michael Atata (goalkeeper), Elias Ochobi, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke (defenders), and Aderemi Adeoye, Ayobami Junior, Tosin Oyedokun (midfielders) are also called.

For the friendly encounter with Poland and Portugal, captain Ndidi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu are among a list of 24 players.

The three-time African champions, who have been drawn to face Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea Bissau in the race to next summer’s Africa Cup of Nations finals, will tackle hosts Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday, 3rd June ((kick-off, 8.45pm Poland time), before flying to Portugal to face Portugal (that country’s last match before this year’s FIFA World Cup finals) at the Estadio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday, 10th June (kickoff, 8.45pm Portugal time).

27 SUPER EAGLES FOR 2026 UNITY CUP MINI-TOURNAMENT

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus) Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Elias Ochobi (Rivers United); Chibueze Oputa (Enugu Rangers)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa FC, Italy); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City); Samson Tijani (FK Dukla Prague, Czech Republic); Ayobami Junior (Shooting Stars); Tosin Oyedokun (Ikorodu City)

Forwards: Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Owen Oseni (Plymouth FC, England); Zadok Abu Yohanna (AIK, Greece); Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal); Rafiu Durosinmi (Pisa FC, Italy); Femi Azeez (Millwall FC, England)

24 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES AGAINST POLAND & PORTUGAL

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)

Trump Says He Will Speak To Taiwan’s President In Break From Protocol

Tosin Onisuuru
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Trump Says He Will Speak To Taiwan’s President In Break From Protocol

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he plans to speak directly with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, a move that would mark a major break from long-standing diplomatic protocol between Washington and Taipei.

Trump told reporters, “I’ll speak to him,” while referring to what he called “the Taiwan problem.” It is the second time within a week that he has publicly said he intends to speak with Lai, suggesting the comments were deliberate rather than accidental.

No sitting U.S. president has formally spoken directly with a Taiwanese president since 1979, when the United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing under the “One China” policy.

The announcement is likely to anger China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and strongly opposes official contact between U.S. and Taiwanese leaders. Beijing has repeatedly warned Washington against actions it believes encourage Taiwanese independence.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out taking it by force. Lai, who took office in 2024, is behind one of the strongest pushes in years to strengthen the island’s defence.

The US has long supported Taiwan and is bound by law to provide it with a means of self-defence, but has had to balance this with maintaining a diplomatic relationship with China.

When asked on Wednesday if he planned to speak to Lai ahead of making a decision on US arms sales, Trump said: “I’ll speak to him. I speak to everybody.. we’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem.”

He also hailed his relationship with China’s President Xi as “amazing”, on the back of a two-day summit in Beijing last week.

When asked about the potential conversation between Trump and Lai, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China “firmly opposes official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan”, as well as US arms sales to Taiwan.

China urges the US to “stop sending wrong signals to the separatist forces in Taiwan,” the spokesperson said.

Trump has said he has yet to decide if the sale of a $14bn (£10.4bn) arms package to Taiwan, reportedly including anti-drone equipment and air-defence missile systems, will go ahead.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Beijing is currently holding up a proposed visit by the Pentagon’s top policy official, Elbridge Colby – saying it cannot approve a visit until Trump decides how he will proceed with the arms deal.

Last week, while flying back from Beijing on Air Force One after his meeting with President Xi, Trump was similarly asked about weapons sales to Taiwan, to which he said he would “make a determination over the next fairly short period”.

“I have to speak to the person that right now is, you know who he is, that’s running Taiwan,” he said.

During Trump’s visit to Beijing, China had made it clear that Taiwan was one of the biggest issues in its relationship with the US, with Xi warning of “conflict” between the two superpowers if handled poorly.

And while Trump dismissed the potential for conflict between the US and China over the island, he said Xi felt “very strongly” about Taiwan. “I made no commitment either way,” he told reporters aboard Air Force One last week.

Since the Trump-Xi meeting, Lai has issued statements saying that the island is a “sovereign, independent democratic country” and that peace in the Taiwan Strait will not be “sacrificed or traded away”.

Tinubu Alleges Plot To Destabilize Nigeria Over Economic Reforms

Tosin Onisuuru
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Tinubu Alleges Plot To Destabilize Nigeria Over Economic Reforms

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has alleged that some vested interests are plotting to destabilize Nigeria because of his administration’s economic reforms, especially the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

According to a statement delivered on his behalf by former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba at a democracy event in Lagos, Tinubu said the reforms were necessary to rescue the economy despite the hardship they initially caused.

The president argued that individuals who benefited from the old subsidy and multiple exchange-rate system were resisting the changes and allegedly attempting to create instability in the country.

Tinubu’s administration has defended the reforms as steps aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s economy, attracting foreign investment and reducing fiscal pressure on government finances. The policies, however, have also contributed to higher inflation and rising living costs, leading to public criticism and protests in recent years.

Recent government officials and allies have continued to insist that the reforms are beginning to produce results, citing exchange-rate stability, improved investor confidence and tighter monetary policies by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to Osoba, Tinubu said he “would not have been where he is today” without the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy in the country.

Osoba also revealed that the President promised to address several political reforms and demands being canvassed by stakeholders if he secures a second term in office.

“He has asked me to tell you that, by the grace of God, many of what you have been asking him to do, he would start implementing when he gets his second term,” Osoba said.

The former governor said Tinubu’s immediate focus remains economic recovery and national security.

Speaking on the economy, Osoba stated that the President believed the administration’s reforms were already producing results, pointing to the narrowing gap between the official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

“You can see the difference between the parallel and the official markets is virtually zero. The naira, which was about N2,000 to one dollar, is now around N1,380,” he said.

On security, Osoba said the President was worried about rising threats in the South-West and alleged that some interests were attempting to disrupt the country in reaction to the ongoing economic reforms.

“He is aware that there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of the country by those he knew he had offended by cancelling the multiple exchange rate regime and removing fuel subsidy,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka described Nigeria as “a republic of liars” but said the newly presented book on the country’s democratic struggle stood out for its honesty and authenticity.

“I have had the occasion to describe Nigeria as a republic of liars. But this is one instance in which the nation is redeemed from that reputation of violent lies,” Soyinka said.

The literary icon said he had carefully read the book and found its contents credible and truthful.

“Every page of this book, which I have read carefully, rings of truth,” he stated, adding that the account was strengthened by documentary evidence and firsthand participation by the author.

“The author doesn’t pretend that this is the whole story, but he tells his part of it, which is investigated,” Soyinka added.

“We Will Start Kidnapping Soldiers And Politicians, There Is Nothing The Government can Do About It” – Bandit Boast

Tosin Onisuuru
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“We Will Start Kidnapping Soldiers And Politicians, There Is Nothing The Government can Do About It” – Bandit Boast

A suspected terrorist has sparked outrage after boasting in a viral video that his group would soon begin the kidnap of soldiers and politicians across Nigeria.

The armed group claimed responsibility for recent student abductions in Kebbi State and Niger State, insisting that security agencies were powerless to stop them.

The threat, widely circulated on social media, has intensified fears over worsening insecurity and rising mass kidnapping in northern Nigeria.

Several Nigerians reacted angrily online, with many condemning the growing boldness of criminal groups and calling for urgent government action to prevent further attacks.

Others expressed frustration over the nation’s security challenges, warning that the situation could deteriorate if the threats are ignored.

“If the government refuse to make serious moves towards this terrorist groups, then they have left us with no other option than to defend ourselves any way and with any form we see fit”- concerned citizen in the comments

INEC: Vote Buyers, Traders Should Be Arrested And Prosecuted

Tosin Onisuuru
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INEC: Vote Buyers, Traders Should Be Arrested And Prosecuted

The chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in vote buying or vote trading ahead of the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election.

Speaking during the presentation of the voter register to political parties in Ekiti State, Amupitan described vote buying as one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s electoral system. He said the practice is a criminal offence under the Electoral Act and urged agencies such as the police, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to ensure offenders are “arrested and promptly prosecuted.”

According to INEC, about 1.06 million registered voters are expected to participate in the Ekiti governorship election.

Amupitan also emphasized that political parties should avoid any involvement in vote trading, saying it undermines the credibility and transparency of elections in Nigeria.

“It is the responsibility of INEC to prosecute. Therefore, we urge all political parties to please refrain from this issue of vote trading because it is a big minus to the electoral process in Nigeria. 

“So, on these notes, I want to thank all of you for your attention and to assure you that together we will build democracy in Nigeria and Nigeria will be better for it”. 

He described the presentation of the voter register as a momentous day because “we are performing a constitutional and a statutory duty of the publication and presentation of the voters’ register for Ekiti State preparatory to the off-cycle governorship election that will be coming up in a month’s time. 

“The electoral act requires that 30 days before the election, the register of voters must be published and presented to the political parties. So, it is with great sense of responsibility and a sense of commitment that I stand before you today. This moment signifies a crucial step in reinforcing the integrity, the transparency, and credibility of our electoral process”. 

According to him, “the voters’ register is the foundation upon which free, fair, and credible elections are built, adding that its accuracy, completeness, and integrity are paramount to ensuring that every eligible voter’s voice is heard and that the will of the people is accurately reflected. 

Arsenal End 22-Year Wait To Win Premier League Title

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Arsenal End 22-Year Wait To Win Premier League Title

For more than two decades, Arsenal F.C. carried the weight of history without lifting the Premier League trophy. Seasons of heartbreak, near misses, and rebuilding projects came and went, but in 2026, the wait finally ended. Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions after Manchester City dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, handing Mikel Arteta’s side an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

The title marks Arsenal’s first league triumph since the famous “Invincibles” season of 2004 and ends years of frustration that saw the club finish runner-up multiple times in recent campaigns. Across north London, celebrations erupted immediately as supporters gathered outside the Emirates Stadium to celebrate a moment many feared would never come again.

Arteta Completes Arsenal’s Long Rebuild

When Mikel Arteta took charge in 2019, Arsenal were drifting. The club had fallen away from the Premier League elite, missed out on the Champions League, and lacked a clear identity. Arteta, a former Arsenal captain and assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, arrived with little managerial experience and enormous pressure.

The Spaniard rebuilt the club step by step. He transformed Arsenal into one of the league’s best defensive sides, introduced a disciplined tactical structure, and helped create a stronger mentality within the squad. His work with players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães turned Arsenal into genuine title contenders again.

Arteta also became known for his unusual motivational methods, from symbolic messages at the training ground to psychological preparation techniques aimed at sharpening the team mentally. After years of criticism and “almost” seasons, he finally delivered the trophy Arsenal supporters craved most.

Arsenal’s Long-Awaited Moment Finally Arrives

The emotion surrounding this title victory comes from how long Arsenal supporters had waited. Since Arsène Wenger’s Invincibles side in 2004, the club had watched rivals dominate English football while they struggled through inconsistent eras, managerial changes, and painful collapses in title races.

In recent seasons, Arsenal repeatedly came close but fell short against Manchester City’s relentless dominance. Three straight runner-up finishes created doubts about whether Arteta’s team could ever take the final step. This season, however, Arsenal stayed composed during difficult moments, survived injuries, and responded strongly after setbacks late in the campaign.

For supporters, this title represents more than silverware. It is the end of a generation-long wait and proof that Arsenal are back among Europe’s elite clubs again.

Manchester City’s Era Faces Uncertainty

For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, losing the title signals a possible turning point after years of dominance. City had won multiple Premier League crowns under Guardiola and remained Arsenal’s biggest obstacle throughout the campaign, but crucially, dropping points late in the season proved costly.

Questions are also growing around Man City’s future. Reports confirm that the legendary manager will leave the club at the end of the season, leaving the legacy of the club in the hands of Enzo Maresca, with whom he once worked at Man City. Guardiola congratulated Arteta after the title was confirmed, praising Arsenal’s hard work and consistency throughout the season.

Even in defeat, City remain one of Europe’s strongest teams, but Arsenal’s rise now suggests the balance of power in English football may be shifting once again.

What Comes Next for Arsenal?

Winning the Premier League may only be the beginning for Arsenal. The club now enters a new phase where expectations will become even bigger. Instead of chasing Manchester City, they will now be the team everyone wants to beat.

Arsenal is also preparing for a UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain F.C. later this month, giving Arteta’s side the opportunity to complete one of the greatest seasons in the club’s history.

After years of rebuilding, heartbreak, and pressure, Arsenal finally have their reward. The challenge now is no longer proving they can win the Premier League; it is proving they can build a dynasty of their own.

You Have The Right To Defend Yourselves- Presidency Tells Nigerians

Tosin Onisuuru
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You Have The Right To Defend Yourselves- Presidency Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that the Nigerian government will end killings in the country. Bwala made the remark while maintaining that Nigerians reserve the right to defend themselves with lethal weapons against aggressors in their houses. On Friday, gunmen had invaded the LA Primary school where teachers and pupils were abducted.

Reacting, Bwala said: “Solution is what we all look to, evil men operate anywhere in the world, no matter how tight you are as a government.

“You do your best and expect that with the help of God and collective participation of the people through collective intelligence we will be able to put an end to it.

“I know the Nigerian people will continue to complain. So because if for example, no matter how we say that we are sorry and the incident happened again people will complain, cry and mourn because it’s the life of the Nigerian people that are taken away by the evil element. We will put an end to this as a people.

“Every eve of elections in Nigeria from 2014, 2018, 2022, and now 2026 you will see that crisis increases because of the idea of a crisis economy. A lot of people take advantage of that but the will and spirit of the collective people is what will put an end to this situation.

“The constitution has guarantee to every citizen of Nigeria the right to self defense, you have the right to defend yourself.

“When your right, my right, and that of my neighbour is put together, it becomes collective right to defend ourselves and Nigerians have the right to defend themselves.

“If you come to my house to try to kill me, any lethal weapon I use to defend myself is guaranteed by the constitution.

“Number two as a people we have vigilante and in Borno State we have paramilitary organizations that provide intelligence to law enforcement.

“Nigerians don’t have the right to bear certain arms unless those arms are permitted but the collective people can come together to apply to the government for the right to coordinate themselves.”

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Gets Waiver Ahead Of The Presidential Election

Tosin Onisuuru
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Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Gets Waiver Ahead Of The Presidential Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Kabiru Turaki, says it has waived screening requirements for former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

Former Niger State governor, Babangida Aliyu, who represented former Vice President Namadi Sambo, chairman of the screening committee, said the party saw no need to screen Jonathan, given the positions he had previously held.

Aliyu said: “The party had already given a presidential aspirant a waiver from screening.  Like I said in the beginning, he was deputy governor, became governor, became vice president, became president, so we didn’t see anything that needed screening.

“Therefore, the party had given him waiver. In other words, he has been declared and cleared as a candidate of the PDP for the presidential election, and that is former President Jonathan.”

Aliyu also announced that the PDP granted a waiver to its National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, a former deputy governor and ambassador.

“The other waiver is also for the former deputy governor and ambassador, and the secretary of the party, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, who for many reasons, has to be in Ibadan, Oyo State to ensure that everything has gone well.  So we also declared him as been given a waiver by the party,’’ Aliyu said.

He said the screening committee had so far received aspirants from Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Akwa Ibom and Delta states, adding that the exercise would continue for those yet to appear before the panel within the stipulated period.

“We are very happy that even those who have been attempting to kill the party cannot succeed, and the party will contest this election by the grace of God and by the constitution of Nigeria,” Aliyu added.

Asked whether Jonathan was the only presidential aspirant currently seeking the PDP ticket, Aliyu replied: “As far as I know, as far as of today, at this moment, yes, sir.”

Umar Sani, who served as senior special assistant on media and publicity to former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, said the former president had taken concrete steps signalling interest in the race.

“He has procured the nomination form. In fact, he is about to come and submit the forms publicly,” Sani said during an appearance on Trust TV on Tuesday. According to him, ongoing crises within the PDP may have contributed to Jonathan’s cautious approach towards formally declaring his ambition.

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