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US Passport Rule: What Dual Citizens Should Know

Favour Enyosa
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US Passport Rule: What Dual Citizens Should Know

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reminded American citizens who hold dual nationality that they must use a valid US passport when travelling to or from the United States. The advisory applies to all US citizens, including children who also hold another nationality.

The embassy issued the reminder in a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, stressing that US immigration rules require American citizens to enter and leave the country using a US passport, regardless of any other citizenship they may hold.

According to the embassy, the rule is not optional and applies equally to adults and children with dual nationality.

“U.S. citizens are REQUIRED to enter and depart the United States on a U.S. passport. This requirement applies equally to U.S. citizens, including children, who are dual nationals,” the embassy said.

What Dual Citizens Should Know

The embassy specifically warned that dual-national US citizens are not allowed to use their foreign passports to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

ESTA is the online travel authorisation used by citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program. However, the embassy said that once a person is a US citizen, they are expected to travel as a US citizen and not as a foreign visitor.

“Dual national U.S. citizens may NOT use their foreign passport to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ESTA). The Department of Homeland Security routinely denies or cancels ESTAs for dual national U.S. citizens,” the statement added.

This means that a Nigerian-American citizen, for example, cannot apply for ESTA using a Nigerian passport in order to travel to the United States.

Why The Rule Matters

US authorities use passport records to verify citizenship and travel history. Travelling on a foreign passport when one is already recognised as a US citizen can create immigration complications, including denied boarding, delays at airports or cancellation of travel authorisation.

The embassy said the Department of Homeland Security routinely cancels ESTA applications submitted by dual citizens because they are expected to use their US passports instead.

Requirements for Americans/ Dual Citizens living abroad
The embassy also advised US citizens residing outside the United States, including those living in Nigeria, to check their travel documents before making travel plans.

“If you are a U.S. citizen or national and live abroad and plan to travel to the United States, make sure you do so with a valid U.S. passport. If your U.S. passport is expired or expires soon, renew before your trip!” the mission said.

Travellers were encouraged to renew passports that have expired or are close to expiring well before their intended departure date.

In addition to the US passport requirement, the embassy reminded travellers that many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
“Remember many countries require passports have six months validity.”

This means that even if a passport has not yet expired, airlines or immigration authorities may refuse boarding or entry if the remaining validity is less than six months.

Infantino’s Letter To Argentina Revives FIFA Favoritism Debate

Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Infantino’s Letter To Argentina Revives FIFA Favoritism Debate

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing fresh criticism after a private letter to Argentina’s football federation was leaked to the press one that heaped praise on a team currently under investigation for its own governing body.

Argentina’s World Cup final ended not with celebration but with chaos. Spain won 1-0 courtesy of a Ferran Torres extra-time strike, but the story afterward became Argentina’s conduct. Leandro Paredes appeared to grab Eric García by the throat and shoved Gavi to the ground, while Nahuel Molina reportedly threw a punch at Spain captain Rodri. Much of the Argentina camp then turned their backs as Rodri lifted the trophy. FIFA has since opened a disciplinary case, appointing a prosecutor under Article 36 of its Disciplinary Code to examine “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.”

None of that stopped Infantino from writing to Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia with what read like a victory letter for the losing side.“I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine soccer,” Infantino wrote, later verified by the Daily Mail. He praised the tournament’s “spectacular matches” and credited Argentina’s “magnificent performance” with helping make the World Cup “an exceptional event.” He asked Tapia to pass on his congratulations to the players, to coach Lionel Scaloni, and to the medical and coaching staff — crediting their “constant work, professionalism and attention to detail.”

The letter made no mention of the brawl. No mention of the disciplinary case. No mention, either, of the “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner Argentina’s players unfurled after their semifinal win, a message FIFA itself has taken a hard line against when it comes to political statements on the pitch.

A Pattern FIFA Can’t Seem To Shake

This isn’t the first time Infantino’s relationship with Argentina has drawn scrutiny this tournament. At the World Cup draw, Scaloni was made to wear white gloves while holding the trophy on stage, a moment Infantino publicly called an “outrage” and personally apologized for the next day, arranging a do-over so Scaloni could lift the cup bare-handed.

Then there’s Messi. Throughout the tournament, referee chief Pierluigi Collina was repeatedly pressed on whether Argentina and Messi were receiving favorable treatment from officials, allegations he firmly denied. During the final itself, Messi was seen trying to get Spain’s Marc Cucurella booked under a new rule concerning covering one’s mouth on the pitch.

A petition calling for Argentina to be banned from future tournaments has reportedly gathered more than 23 million signatures. Argentina president Javier Milei, for his part, offered little contrition, saying: “The problem with Argentina is that we stand out. We don’t go unnoticed, people are jealous of us.”
FIFA has not said when its investigation will conclude, only that “further details will be communicated… once the prosecutor’s report has been completed.”

Whether any of this amounts to actual favoritism from world football’s governing body is a question that’s been asked all tournament and answered by no one. But for an organization already fighting perception problems, a warm, unprompted letter to a team it’s simultaneously investigating is not going to make that question go away.

From the gloves apology to Collina’s denials to a congratulatory letter sent mid-investigation, Infantino keeps finding new ways to feed the same narrative — so at what point does a pattern like this stop being a coincidence?

France On Fire: Wildfires Threaten Bordeaux As Mass Evacuations Continue

Yemisi Lanre-Idowu
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France On Fire: Wildfires Threaten Bordeaux As Mass Evacuations Continue

France is battling a rapidly escalating wildfire crisis, with massive blazes sweeping through the country’s southwest and forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

The emergency has now reached the highest levels of government, with President Emmanuel Macron convening an inter-ministerial crisis meeting as firefighters struggle to contain the flames and protect communities in the path of the fires.

The situation is particularly critical in the Gironde region, where a huge wildfire has threatened areas around Bordeaux, one of France’s most important cities and a global centre for wine, tourism and commerce.

As of the latest reports, around 220,000 people have been evacuated in Gironde, while the fire has affected approximately 42,000 hectares. The blaze has advanced to within roughly 15 kilometres of Bordeaux, raising concerns about the potential impact on the city’s wider metropolitan area. Authorities, however, have said that a full evacuation of Bordeaux itself is not currently planned.

The scale of the evacuation has transformed the crisis from a local disaster into a national emergency.

Macron Steps In As Crisis Escalates

President Macron’s emergency meeting brings together senior government officials to coordinate France’s response to the multiple wildfires burning across the country.

The meeting comes as authorities face a difficult combination of conditions: exceptionally high temperatures, severely dry vegetation and strong winds that can rapidly change the direction and intensity of fires.

The French government has mobilised additional military personnel to support the firefighting effort. More than 2,500 firefighters, 1,500 military personnel and 1,200 security forces have been deployed in Gironde, according to French authorities.

The government has also turned to international partners for assistance. France activated the European Union’s civil protection mechanism, with support involving firefighting aircraft and other resources from European countries.

For emergency authorities, the immediate priority is clear: stop the fires from advancing toward densely populated areas, protect lives and prevent the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure.

Bordeaux In The Line Of Fire

The threat to Bordeaux has added a new dimension to the emergency.

The city itself is not currently being evacuated, but the proximity of the fires has put authorities on high alert.

Bordeaux is not only a major French city; it is also the economic heart of one of the world’s most famous wine-producing regions.

The fires therefore pose potential risks beyond the immediate destruction of forests and homes.

The wider Gironde region is home to vineyards, tourism businesses, holiday resorts and agricultural communities. Prolonged disruption could affect transportation, tourism and local businesses at the height of the European summer holiday season.

The flames have already forced large-scale evacuations in popular coastal destinations, including the Cap Ferret peninsula, a major tourism hotspot.

At one point, residents and tourists had to leave the peninsula by road and by boat as authorities moved to prevent people from becoming trapped by the advancing fire.

The crisis is therefore creating a double challenge: fighting the fire itself while managing the enormous humanitarian operation required to shelter and support displaced people.

A Summer Holiday Turned Into An Emergency

For thousands of residents and tourists, the wildfire crisis has meant abandoning homes, hotels, campsites and holiday destinations at short notice.

Many evacuees have been moved into temporary shelters, including sports halls and exhibition centres.

The evacuation of popular holiday areas has also disrupted the peak summer travel season, with authorities forced to close or restrict access to some locations.

In the Biscarrosse area, another major fire reportedly burned thousands of hectares and led to the evacuation of more than 23,000 people, including people staying at campsites, a children’s summer camp and residents of a care home.

The human impact extends beyond the immediate danger of the flames.

Evacuees face uncertainty over when they can return, whether their homes are still standing and how much damage has been done to their communities.

For emergency workers, meanwhile, the challenge is to keep people safe while fighting fires that can move rapidly when conditions change.

Why Are The Fires So Severe?

The latest fires are being driven by a combination of extreme heat, drought and dry vegetation.

France has already experienced several periods of intense heat this summer, leaving forests and vegetation exceptionally dry and more vulnerable to ignition.

The situation has been further complicated by wind, which can push flames rapidly across large areas and make firefighting operations more difficult.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had warned earlier in July that the country’s wildfire season was beginning unusually early, with vegetation already extremely dry and concerns about the ability of firefighting resources to maintain the necessary level of response.

In the Aquitaine region, July temperatures have averaged around 32.2°C, approximately 7.3°C above historical norms, according to Reuters reporting.

The result is a dangerous cycle:

Heat dries the vegetation → drought removes moisture → wind accelerates the flames → fires spread faster and become harder to control.

Key Facts At A Glance

220,000 — Approximate number of people evacuated in France’s Gironde region.

�� 42,000 hectares — Approximate area affected by the major Gironde wildfire, according to the latest reported figures.

�� 15 km — Approximate distance the fire has reached from Bordeaux.

�� 2,500+ — Firefighters mobilised in Gironde.

�� 1,500 — Military personnel deployed in the firefighting response.

�� 1,200 — Security forces involved in the emergency response.

�� 32.2°C — Average July temperature reported in the Aquitaine region.

�� +7.3°C — Reported difference between that average and historical norms.

�� 23,000+ — People evacuated in another major fire near Biscarrosse.

�� 75,000+ — People reportedly evacuated in Spain amid its parallel wildfire crisis.

THE WAIT IS OVER: Healing Streams Live Healing Services With Pastor Chris Begin Today

Emenike Agu
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THE WAIT IS OVER: Healing Streams Live Healing Services With Pastor Chris Begin Today

Billions of people around the world are today joining together in faith and expectation as the 17th edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris officially begins at 2:00 p.m. (GMT+1), ushering in three days of worship, prayer, healing, and spiritual transformation.


Recognized as the world’s largest Christian healing broadcasts, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services have become a global platform where people from diverse nations, cultures, and backgrounds gather to experience the ministry of God’s Word and witness demonstrations of His healing power. This latest edition is expected to draw participants from every continent, connecting live from homes, churches, Healing Centers, hospitals, workplaces, schools, correctional facilities, and communities across the globe.


The services will be broadcast live on Healing Streams TV, all LoveWorld Networks, and numerous participating television, radio, and digital platforms worldwide. To ensure global accessibility, the event will be simultaneously interpreted into all known world languages and thousands of dialects, enabling millions of viewers to participate in real time regardless of geographical or linguistic barriers.


Since its inception, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris have evolved into an international ministry outreach that has reached billions through live and rebroadcast transmissions. Over the years, the program has become synonymous with testimonies of healing and restoration, with participants reporting life-changing experiences ranging from restored sight and hearing to recovery from chronic illnesses, emotional trauma, debilitating pain, and other conditions that had previously diminished their quality of life.


Now in its 17th edition, the event continues to expand its global footprint, uniting believers and seekers alike in an atmosphere marked by worship, fervent prayer, faith-filled teaching, and expectations of the miraculous. Organizers say the three-day program will feature Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President, Loveworld Nation, ministering healing through the Word of God, alongside inspiring testimonies from participants across different continents, uplifting worship sessions, and teachings designed to strengthen faith and encourage deeper spiritual growth.


The anticipation surrounding this edition has been further heightened by the testimonies recorded during the March 2026 Healing Streams Live Healing Services. Among them is the story of Kamjori from India, who had suffered from dyspepsia and severe body pain for several years, making even simple daily tasks difficult. While participating in the March program from a Healing Center, she says she experienced God’s healing power during Pastor Chris’ ministration.According to her testimony, the pain disappeared completely, her digestive system was restored, and she has since returned to a healthy and active life.


In Germany, Reign also shared a testimony of healing after enduring persistent breathing difficulties for more than three weeks. Despite repeated hospital visits and medication, relief had remained elusive until he connected to the live Healing Streams service. He testified of receiving healing during the broadcast and now says he breathes freely without pain or discomfort.
Another testimony comes from Grace in Senegal, who had battled severe pain on the left side of her body for several months. Medical examinations were unable to determine the source of her condition, which affected her ability to bend, stand, and walk comfortably. During the live healing ministration, she testified that she felt the power of God move through her body, after which the pain disappeared completely. She says she has now regained full mobility and carries out her daily activities without difficulty.


These accounts represent only a fraction of the thousands of testimonies documented from previous editions of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services. For participants around the world, they continue to inspire hope and reinforce expectations as millions gather once again for what organizers describe as another extraordinary season of divine healing, restoration, and transformation.
“This is an open invitation to people everywhere, regardless of nationality, language, or background, and anyone seeking healing, restoration, salvation, answers to prayer, or a deeper encounter with God, to participate in the live broadcasts,” said Mr. Olajide Babasola, Head, Media Communications, Ministry of Healing, Health and Social Services, Loveworld Nation.
He added: “The services provide an opportunity for individuals and families to experience the transformative power of our Lord Jesus Christ and the message of God’s love.”


The Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris commence today and continue over the next three days, with viewers able to join from anywhere in the world through Healing Streams TV and affiliated broadcast platforms.
For more information, participation details, and live streaming access, visit https://healingstreams.tv.
Media Contact
Healing Streams Communications
Email: info@healingstreams.tv
Phone: South Africa: +27 799 675 852 Nigeria: +234 (1) 888 5066 United States: +1 832 724 9390 Canada: +1 289 622 1634 United Kingdom: +44 (0) 333 188 0710 Asia: +91 96500 96633 India: +91 77949 93762

UK Updates Travel Rules: Full List Of Items You Can And Cannot Bring Into The Country

Favour Enyosa
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UK Updates Travel Rules: Full List Of Items You Can And Cannot Bring Into The Country

Travellers arriving in the United Kingdom(UK) can bring a variety of personal belongings into the country without paying customs duty or tax, but strict limits remain on alcohol, tobacco and the value of certain goods. Some items are completely prohibited, while others require special permits before entry.

According to updated UK government guidelines obtained on Thursday, duty-free allowances apply only to goods intended for personal use or as gifts.

Items brought into the country for sale, business or commercial purposes must always be declared, regardless of their value.

Goods travellers can bring into the UK

Alcohol (Great Britain)

Passengers entering England, Scotland and Wales from outside the UK are allowed to bring:

  • Up to 42 litres of beer
  • Up to 18 litres of still wine
  • Either:
    • Up to 4 litres of spirits or liquor above 22% alcohol, or
    • Up to 9 litres of alcoholic drinks up to 22% alcohol, including sparkling wine, port, sherry and cider

Travellers can also split the allowance between spirits and lower-strength alcoholic drinks. For example, they may carry 2 litres of spirits and 4.5 litres of fortified wine.

Tobacco

Visitors may bring one of the following or a combination within the approved allowance:

  • 200 cigarettes
  • 100 cigarillos
  • 50 cigars
  • 250 grams of tobacco
  • 200 sticks for heated tobacco devices

For example, travellers may carry 100 cigarettes and 25 cigars within the permitted limit.

Other personal goods

Passengers are also allowed to bring personal items worth:

  • Up to £390 when arriving by most forms of transport
  • Up to £270 when arriving by private aircraft or private boat

These items may include clothing, electronic gadgets, jewellery, souvenirs and other personal purchases.

Rules for children

Travellers under the age of 17 are not entitled to duty-free allowances for alcohol or tobacco. Any such items they carry must be declared, and customs charges may apply.

Items you cannot bring into the UK

The UK government prohibits travellers from bringing in:

  • Controlled drugs
  • Offensive weapons such as flick knives
  • Pepper spray and CS gas
  • Endangered animal and plant species
  • Rough diamonds
  • Indecent or obscene books, magazines, films and DVDs
  • Meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries

Authorities warn that these items may be confiscated by Border Force, while offenders could face prosecution.

Restricted goods requiring permits

Some items are allowed only with the appropriate licence or permit, including:

  • Firearms
  • Explosives
  • Ammunition
  • Certain food products
  • Certain plants and plant products
  • Some animal products
  • Goods protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), including:
    • Exotic leather products
    • Animal furs
    • Some wooden musical instruments
    • Tourist souvenirs made from protected species
    • Certain foods
    • Some beauty products
    • Some medicines

Travellers carrying these items may need a CITES permit or another import licence before entering the UK.

Counterfeit goods

Border officials may seize counterfeit or pirated products, including fake designer goods and unauthorised copies of films or music. Travellers could also face prosecution for importing items that violate intellectual property laws.

When travellers must declare goods

Travellers are required to declare goods if they:

  • Exceed their personal allowance
  • Are carrying banned or restricted items
  • Are bringing goods for business or resale

The UK government warns that anyone who fails to declare goods risks having them confiscated and could face fines or prosecution.

It also notes that if a traveller exceeds the allowance within a particular category, tax and duty become payable on all goods in that category, not just the amount above the limit.

Customs declarations can be submitted online up to five days before arrival or completed at the border using the red customs channel or a red-point phone.

Customs officers may inspect luggage and require travellers to pay taxes, present permits for restricted items or surrender prohibited goods before entry into the country is granted.

Obasanjo Denies Osoba’s 2003 Deception Claim, Defends PDP Victory

Favour Enyosa
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Obasanjo Denies Osoba’s 2003 Deception Claim, Defends PDP Victory

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed claims by former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba that he deceived leaders of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during the political realignments ahead of the 2003 general elections.

In a letter addressed to Mr Osoba on Thursday, Obasanjo described the article titled “How Obasanjo Deceived Us in 2003” as inaccurate, insisting that he had never deceived anyone throughout his political career.

He argued that several events surrounding his emergence as president and subsequent political engagements were either unknown to Mr Osoba or deliberately left out of the publication.

Obasanjo explained that his return to politics came after extensive consultations following repeated appeals from leaders across the country after his release from prison.

According to him, he met with prominent leaders from the South-West, the North and the South-East before joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and eventually contesting the presidency.

The former president said his political philosophy has always been rooted in dialogue, friendship and national unity, rather than bitterness, ethnic politics or political exclusion.

He maintained that his decision to form a broad-based government after winning the 1999 presidential election was motivated by national interest and not by political weakness.

The Alliance for Democracy, backed at the time by the influential Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere, dominated South-West politics when Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. The party won governorship elections in all six South-West states — Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos and Oyo.

However, by the 2003 general elections, the party had lost political control of five of those states to the PDP. Mr Osoba failed in his bid for re-election in Ogun State, while the late Adebayo Adefarati (Ondo), the late Lam Adesina (Oyo), Bisi Akande (Osun) and Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti) also lost their governorship seats. Bola Tinubu was the only AD governor who secured re-election, retaining Lagos State.

Political accounts over the years have linked the AD’s losses to an alleged unwritten agreement between the party’s governors and Obasanjo before the 2003 elections.

According to the widely circulated account, the AD governors agreed to support Obasanjo’s second-term presidential bid, while he would, in return, back their re-election campaigns under the AD platform.

Tinubu was said to have rejected the arrangement, instead urging Lagos voters to support the AD in all elections and oppose Obasanjo and the PDP.

While the five governors reportedly fulfilled their part of the agreement, they later lost their elections, leading to claims that Obasanjo failed to honour the alleged understanding. Tinubu, who was not part of the arrangement, emerged as the only AD governor to complete a second term.

Obasanjo, however, rejected those claims.

He insisted it was unrealistic to suggest he depended on the support of six AD governors to secure victory, given the PDP’s dominance at the time.

The former president also dismissed allegations that he accepted political conditions from Afenifere leaders before taking office, stressing that no organisation dictated his government’s policies.

He defended the outcome of the 2003 elections, arguing that the defeats suffered by most AD governors reflected political realities and campaign shortcomings rather than any manipulation.

Obasanjo further criticised Afenifere for what he described as narrow ethnic politics, insisting that effective national leadership required broader political accommodation beyond regional interests.

“I sympathise with some Afenifere leaders who died with regret as they expressed to me before they died – Chief Gani Daudu, Chief Abraham Adesanya, and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

“I was close to some of them before they died. What they cherished, taught, believed and practised were not what their proteges accepted, believed and practised.

“There are many things you got wrong and many things you omitted advertently or inadvertently in your write-up carried in The Legal Observer of July 20, 2026.

“Your presentation in your write-up was farfetched to put it mildly.

“But Before I go further, I take strong and serious objection to your calling me a deceit because I deceived nobody.

“I always presented my case and all issues as I had them and as I understood them no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Despite the disagreement, Obasanjo acknowledged Osoba’s contributions to Ogun State, particularly his decision to allocate land for the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

He urged political leaders to embrace humility, dialogue and lasting relationships, noting that politics should never destroy personal friendships or commitment to national development.

According to the NAN report, one of the key issues raised by Osoba in his article was the Alliance for Democracy’s endorsement of Obasanjo for the 2003 presidential election.

Osoba alleged that although Obasanjo knew he would not contest under the AD, he allowed the party to endorse him, thereby misleading its leaders.

“We decided not to present a presidential candidate for the AD, in spite of resistance from some Afenifere leaders.

“We later realised that we had been fooled. Obasanjo merely played along with us and ended up deceiving us by telling our leaders what he knew they wanted to hear but which didn’t come from his heart,” he said.

US Congressman Urges Kanu’s Release, Threatens Aid Review

Favour Enyosa
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US Congressman Urges Kanu’s Release, Threatens Aid Review

A member of the United States Congress, John James, has called for the release of the convicted leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, while suggesting that Nigeria could face cuts to US assistance if his appeal is ignored.

Mr James, who represents Michigan in the US House of Representatives, made the appeal on Thursday during a plenary session, urging his colleagues to support his resolution seeking what he described as a fair legal process for Mr Kanu.

The lawmaker was referring to H.Res. 1321, a resolution he introduced on May 22, calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that all legal proceedings involving Mr Kanu comply with Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights obligations.

The resolution is currently before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

At the time the resolution was introduced, Mr Kanu had not yet been convicted of terrorism.

Lawmaker Raises Religious Persecution Concerns

During his address, Mr James alleged that Mr Kanu’s prosecution reflected what he described as a broader pattern of religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

He described Nigeria as the “deadliest place on earth to be a Christian.”

“Since 2019, tens of thousands of Christians in Nigeria have been slaughtered as part of a sustained pattern of religiously motivated violence by Islamist jihadists ignored or enabled by the Nigerian government,” he said.

He also accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately confront extremist groups such as Boko Haram.

According to the congressman, Mr Kanu was convicted after what he called a “farce show trial” for speaking out against the killings.

“I implore my colleagues to support my bill, H.Res. 1321, calling on the Nigerian government to conduct another trial in accordance with its own constitution based on evidence with access to legal counsel, medical care, and international law about humane conditions of detention, or better yet, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu immediately and unconditionally,” he said.

Suggests US Could Cut Aid

Mr James further indicated that the United States should reconsider its financial support to Nigeria if Mr Kanu is not released.

“America gives billions to Nigeria. We will not continue to fund a Christian genocide,” he said.

He maintained that the US has a moral responsibility to ensure Christians in Nigeria can freely practise their faith.

IPOB Welcomes US Lawmaker’s Position

IPOB has welcomed the congressman’s intervention, describing it as a significant boost to its campaign for Mr Kanu’s freedom.

In a statement issued on Friday by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB praised Mr James for raising the issue before the US Congress.

“We commend Congressman John James for his courage and the United States Congress for providing the platform,” Mr Powerful said.

He added that the group sees the development as evidence of increasing international attention on Mr Kanu’s case and expressed hope that the Nigerian government would review the matter.

Background

IPOB is a separatist organisation seeking the creation of an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria’s South-East and parts of the South-South.

Mr Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in November last year after the Federal High Court in Abuja found him guilty of terrorism charges.

He is currently serving his sentence at Sokoto Prison and has appealed both his conviction and life sentence.

Oyo Assembly Approves Makinde’s Leave, Deputy to Act as Governor

Favour Enyosa
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Oyo Assembly Approves Makinde’s Leave, Deputy to Act as Governor

The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to embark on his annual leave, with Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal set to oversee the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence.

Governor Makinde’s leave will begin on August 10 and end on September 11, 2026, while he is expected to resume official duties on September 14, 2026.

The approval came after the House considered a formal letter from the governor during Thursday’s plenary, in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to notify the state legislature before proceeding on leave or being absent from office.

The letter was read by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the plenary in the absence of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

Following deliberations, members of the Assembly unanimously approved the governor’s request and expressed confidence in the deputy governor’s ability to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted administration of the state throughout the leave period.

Governor Makinde also proceeded on annual leave around the same period in 2025 and returned before the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on September 26, 2025.

Nigerian Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale Of Military Uniforms To Terrorists

Favour Enyosa
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Nigerian Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale Of Military Uniforms To Terrorists

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its soldiers wanted over allegations that he illegally sold and supplied military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal groups.

According to the Army, preliminary investigations revealed that the soldier, identified as Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, was attached to the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he allegedly absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.

“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” the Corps said in a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Aluko.

The statement noted that security operatives have launched an intensive manhunt to locate and arrest the soldier so he can undergo a full investigation and face disciplinary action in line with existing military laws.

The Corps stressed that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against misconduct, indiscipline and any act capable of undermining the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or posing a threat to national security.

It further warned that any military personnel found to have assisted terrorists, criminals or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements or other controlled military items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws.

The Nigerian Army also appealed to members of the public to assist with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier.

It urged anyone with useful information to report it immediately to the nearest military formation or any security agency.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and professionalism, the Corps said it would continue strengthening internal control measures to prevent similar incidents.

“The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to accountability, professionalism and the protection of military assets.

“The Corps will continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated while those found culpable are held fully accountable,” the statement added.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns Over Health Concerns

Favour Enyosa
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Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin Resigns Over Health Concerns

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has stepped down from office, citing worsening health conditions that he said have made it impossible for him to continue carrying out his constitutional duties.

The 76-year-old leader confirmed his resignation to AFP on Friday, putting an end to speculation that he would leave office before the scheduled end of his term in 2028.

“Yes, I have resigned,” Shahabuddin told AFP when asked about reports of his planned departure, although he declined to comment further on the decision.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament and obtained by AFP, Shahabuddin explained that his declining physical and mental health had left him unable to effectively serve in the country’s highest constitutional office.

“Due to worsening physical and mental incapacity, it is no longer possible for me to properly discharge the responsibilities of an important constitutional office such as the presidency,” the letter stated.

Shahabuddin, widely known by the nickname “Chuppu,” was elected President by Parliament in 2023 with the support of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League.

Although the office of the president is largely ceremonial in Bangladesh, calls for his resignation intensified after Hasina was removed from power during a student-led uprising in 2024.

Earlier this year, Shahabuddin also faced public scrutiny over allegations that he held a telephone conversation with the former prime minister while undergoing medical treatment in London. The president denied the allegations.

Just a day before news of his resignation emerged, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party said the government had not received any official notification that Shahabuddin intended to resign.

He had explained that, in accordance with Bangladesh’s constitution, any resignation by the president must be formally submitted to the Speaker of Parliament.

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