Court Dismisses Suit Challenging Lulu-Briggs’ NDC Governorship Candidacy

July 9, 2026

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit challenging the emergence of Dumo Lulu-Briggs as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following the plaintiff’s decision to withdraw the case.

The suit was instituted by Kings Unyeawaji, an aspirant of the NDC, against the party, its chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lulu-Briggs. He alleged that he was excluded from the party’s governorship primary and sought to invalidate Lulu-Briggs’ nomination as the party’s candidate.

Counsel to Lulu-Briggs, Ibim Dokubo, challenged both the court’s jurisdiction and the plaintiff’s legal standing to institute the action.

He argued that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to file the suit because he did not participate in the governorship primary. Dokubo also maintained that the case was filed outside the statutory 14-day period allowed for disputes arising from party primaries.

When the matter came before Justice Muhammed Turaki, counsel to the plaintiff applied to discontinue the suit. None of the defendants objected to the application, prompting the court to dismiss the case.

Reacting to the ruling, Lulu-Briggs commended the plaintiff for bringing the matter to a peaceful conclusion and urged politicians to adopt the same approach during the 2027 general elections.

“I thank him for allowing the matter to rest. My hope is that in 2027, everyone who contests the election will accept the outcome in good faith.

“We are all Rivers people. There are no monsters among us. Let us go to the field, contest on a level playing ground, and allow the people to decide.”

Lulu-Briggs said Rivers State would benefit when political stakeholders embrace peaceful competition and respect the outcome of democratic processes.

He also expressed confidence in his vision for the state, saying that if elected, he would focus on transforming Rivers State and stimulating economic growth.

DisCos Announce Power Outages In Parts Of Lagos

Enyosa Favour

July 9, 2026

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) have announced power outages in several communities across Lagos and Osun states following flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

The disruption comes amid widespread flooding reported in several parts of the country, including Lagos State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, EKEDC said electricity supply to its network had been reduced after the Oshogbo-Ikeja 330kV transmission line and the Benin-Egbin 330kV transmission line went out of service, resulting in load shedding across some of its business units.

Communities affected include Chevy View Estate, Chevron Drive, Agungi Area, Alpha Beach, Ikate, Elegushi Area, Carlton Gate, Kusenla, Victory Park Estate, Oniru, Maroko, Muri Okunola, Ajose Adeogun, Ligali Ayorinde and parts of Aboyade Cole.

Other impacted locations are Morinho Drive, Landmark Road, Igbo Efon, Lekki Tollgate 2 Area, Igbokusu, Gbangbala, Platinum Way, Jakande/Coastal Road, OADC/Mayegun Area, Ajiran environs, Chevron Alternative Area and Osapa London Area.

The company stated:

“Some business units may experience loadshedding. Cause: Grid Disruption.

“Osogbo/Ikeja 330kV line down. The Benin/Egbin 330kV line is down. Impact: Reduction in grid allocation.”

EKEDC assured customers that it is working closely with the national grid operator to restore electricity once the affected transmission lines are back in operation, although no timeline was provided.

“We are in constant contact with the national grid operator and will restore supply as soon as the lines are back. Thank you for your patience,” it stated.

Meanwhile, IBEDC attributed outages in parts of Osun State to flooding at the Ilerin Injection Substation caused by a heavy windstorm.

The company said the flooding affected the Isare 11kV, Irogbo 11kV and Mount Carmel 11kV feeders, disrupting electricity supply to Ifewara, Iwara, Bolorunduro, Irogbo, Ayeso, Odo-Oro, Wesley, Express Area, Ilerin, Irojo, Olomilagbala, Iwikun, Isare and neighbouring communities.

“Our technical team is working to ensure power supply is restored. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” IBEDC said.

Seven Killed, Over 5,400 Affected As Windstorm Ravages Jigawa

Enyosa Favour

July 9, 2026

At least seven people have been killed and 5,403 others affected after powerful windstorms swept through 120 communities in 13 local government areas of Jigawa State.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Relief Management Agency (SEMA), Hon. Hannafi Yakubu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Dutse.

He said the windstorms struck at the start of the rainy season, causing widespread destruction across several parts of the state.

“The windstorm has led to the loss of seven lives and affected over 5,400 persons across 120 communities,” Yakubu said.

According to him, the disaster destroyed homes and damaged key public infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities and police stations.

“About 50 schools and health facilities, as well as two police stations, were damaged. This is currently the most significant disaster facing the state,” he stated.

Yakubu noted that although the state has not yet experienced widespread flooding, the impact of the windstorms alone has been severe.

“We are yet to witness widespread flooding, but the windstorm alone has caused extensive damage across several local government areas,” he said.

He added that SEMA is collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to evaluate the extent of the destruction and coordinate emergency response efforts.

“We are collaborating closely with NEMA to evaluate the situation and ensure a coordinated emergency response,” he added.

Describing disaster management as a shared responsibility, Yakubu appealed to the Federal Government, local government councils, development partners, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies and individuals to support affected communities.

“We call on the Federal Government, local governments, development partners, humanitarian organisations, corporate bodies, and individuals to support affected communities,” he said.

He further disclosed that the Jigawa State Government had approved more than N800 million for emergency preparedness ahead of the rainy season.

“The government approved more than N800 million for the procurement of relief materials, which are now being stockpiled for prompt response,” he stated.

The affected local government areas include Dutse, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Kiyawa, Babura, Gumel, Kaugama, Ringim, Gagarawa, Kirikasamma, Sule Tankarkar, Miga and Buji.

According to Yakubu, Ringim recorded the highest number of victims with 1,182 affected persons, followed by Dutse (792), Babura (650), Kirikasamma (605) and Birnin Kudu (539).

He also confirmed an isolated flooding incident in Miga Local Government Area.

“More than 70 hectares of farmland were destroyed in Miga. However, this cannot yet be classified as part of the annual flooding season since major rivers have not overflowed,” he explained.

Yakubu assured residents that the state government would continue to strengthen disaster preparedness and provide relief for those affected.

“The state government will continue to improve disaster preparedness and provide relief to affected communities,” he said.

Three Killed, Many Injured As Powerful Windstorm Destroys Homes And Infrastructure In Yobe

Enyosa Favour

July 9, 2026

Three people have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a powerful windstorm swept through Gashua, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State.

The Chairman of Bade Local Government Area, Ibrahim Babagana, confirmed the incident to Channels Television, saying the storm, which lasted for only 30 minutes, destroyed buildings worth millions of naira and left many residents homeless.

“It was a devastating windstorm that started around 5.30 pm on Wednesday and lasted for only 30 minutes. I can confirm to you that three persons have died from the incident while others are receiving medical attention at the Gashua Specialist Hospital, with a few others discharged,” Babagana said.

He described the incident as one of the most destructive weather events the community has experienced in decades.

“This is one of the worst windstorms I have ever witnessed in my life. We have not experienced such in the last few decades; almost every resident of Gashua has been affected in one way or the other. Houses, shops, roofs, telecommunication masts, and electricity poles have been affected seriously,” he said.

The council chairman disclosed that a report had been submitted to the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, urging the agency to provide immediate relief materials and emergency assistance to affected residents.

According to him, the scale of destruction is beyond the capacity of the local government to manage without external intervention.

Gashua is already vulnerable to flooding due to its location near the Yobe-Kumodugu River, raising concerns that residents could face additional hardship if heavy rainfall continues.

Russia Strengthens Sahel Defence Ties Amid Rising Jihadist Threat

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

July 9, 2026

Russia and the three West African nations of the Alliance of Sahel States, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have agreed to strengthen military ties as jihadist insurgents continue to make territorial gains across the region. The commitment came in a joint statement issued Wednesday night following talks in Niger’s capital, Niamey.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with counterparts from the three military-led governments, all of which have pivoted toward Moscow after severing ties with France and other Western partners. Officials from both sides welcomed what they described as growing military and military-technical cooperation, including continued support from Russia’s paramilitary Africa Corps. Moscow reaffirmed its commitment to helping build up the armed forces of AES member states, as well as their newly formed “Unified Force.”

The talks came against a backdrop of escalating violence in the region. In April, the local al-Qaeda affiliate and a Tuareg-led separatist group carried out coordinated attacks across Mali that killed the country’s defense minister, and the group struck multiple army posts again just days ago on Saturday.

The joint statement also alleged, without offering evidence, that “external state actors” — including Ukraine and France — were involved in fueling attacks in the region, claims both countries have denied.

Lavrov’s trip also included a stop in Ethiopia as part of a broader tour of the continent, with a full Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October.

US Strikes On Iran Trigger Retaliatory Attacks On Kuwait And Bahrain

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

July 9, 2026

The U.S. military launched a fresh round of strikes on Iran Wednesday aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, prompting Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in a sharp escalation that threatens to unravel efforts to end the war. The strikes came hours after President Trump declared he believed a fragile ceasefire with Iran was effectively “over.”

U.S. Central Command said the operation was designed to further limit Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through the strait, framing it as a response to Tuesday’s attack on three cargo vessels transiting the waterway. Central Command stated the U.S. was holding Iran accountable for what it called unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews in international waters.

The strikes shook several cities along Iran’s southern coast and cut power to parts of the region. In response, Iran carried out a second consecutive day of attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, both home to U.S. military installations. Kuwait’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting missiles and drones, while Qatar briefly raised its security alert level before standing down. A U.S. official told Reuters that Wednesday’s strikes were larger in scale than those launched a day earlier, and Trump warned on Truth Social that any further Iranian attacks would trigger an even harsher response.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Central Flashpoint

Control over the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil once flowed before the war — has given Iran significant leverage against a far stronger U.S. military presence. Though Tehran hasn’t claimed responsibility for the ship attacks, analysts believe such actions are aimed at strengthening its negotiating position. Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that any U.S. strike would be met with retaliation and insisted the strait would reopen only on Iran’s terms.

The exchange casts doubt on prospects for turning the June 17 memorandum of understanding into a lasting resolution to the conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey, Trump suggested he saw little point continuing to negotiate with Tehran, calling Iranian officials dishonest, though he downplayed the chances of a full-scale war resuming and predicted the situation would stabilize quickly — even benefiting global oil markets.

Oil prices ticked up modestly following the strikes, with Brent crude nearing $79 a barrel, still well below the peak surpassing $120 seen in late April.

Bandar Abbas and Other Cities Hit

Iranian state media reported that strikes concentrated along the country’s southern coastline, from the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Oman. Targets included Bandar Abbas — home to Iran’s largest port along with major naval and Revolutionary Guard facilities — as well as the coastal towns of Konarak and Chabahar near the Pakistani border. Power was largely restored in Chabahar after outages, though a maritime traffic control tower there was reportedly struck. A firefighter was killed in a strike on the airport in Iranshahr, while a separate attack hit a railway bridge near Aqqala in northern Iran.

Before the latest strikes, Iranian officials had accused Washington of violating the memorandum by disputing Iran’s authority over ship passage through the strait, while a parliamentary security spokesperson suggested possible retaliatory measures could include withdrawing from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or closing the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, another critical global shipping route. Iran’s mission to the United Nations also formally accused the U.S. of violating the UN Charter in a letter to the Security Council.

France and Morocco’s Historic Ties Set Backdrop For Boston Quarter-Final

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

July 9, 2026

France and Morocco collide in a World Cup quarter-final on Thursday, a fixture deeply shaped by post-colonial history from Moroccan players who were born and raised in France to the close bond between Kylian Mbappé and Achraf Hakimi, forged during their years together at Paris Saint-Germain.

While France has ramped up security around the build-up, match and aftermath, the setting in Boston may give the occasion a warmer, more familial tone, a clash between two nations whose histories remain intertwined, and whose players and fans are often connected through migration, language and friendship.

Morocco lived under French protectorate rule from 1912 to 1956, and the two countries have stayed closely linked ever since through education, business and migration, ties that football continues to reflect vividly. Six players in Morocco’s current squad were born in France, and several others came through Ligue 1 academies or France’s youth setup before ultimately choosing to represent Morocco. Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi captures that dual identity perfectly: born in France, developed at Lille, and once capped by France at youth level before switching allegiance to Morocco.

France, the 2018 world champions, remain one of football’s dominant forces, boasting the experience and attacking firepower expected of a team chasing another title. Morocco, meanwhile, arrive with the self-assurance of a nation that has repeatedly defied expectations — four years removed from becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. Their last meeting, a 2-0 France win at Qatar 2022, was an emotionally charged affair that also showcased a deep mutual respect between the sides.

A Familial Atmosphere in Boston

Boston adds an interesting dimension to the rematch. Its Moroccan community, while smaller and less visible than those in French cities, is well established across the greater metropolitan area, with strong networks of families, students, professionals and business owners.

For many local supporters, the match won’t create a stark divide. Taxi driver Mohammed Saadi, 57, described how neighbors from both countries often watch matches together and remain on good terms regardless of the result, calling football “a family thing” rather than a source of tension.

More than 1,000 fans gathered peacefully on Boston Common ahead of kickoff, singing and waving flags in celebration. Software engineer Youssef Bennani, 36, who traveled from Finland to follow Morocco’s run, said the atmosphere in Boston has stood out among the tournament’s host cities, with French and Moroccan fans mixing freely ahead of what he expects to be a lively night.

Morocco’s rise means they’re no longer viewed merely as plucky underdogs, as they were in 2022, but as a side with the structure, player pipeline and belief to compete with the sport’s traditional heavyweights — the product of a federation strategy that has successfully blended homegrown development with European-raised talent. France, who reached the quarter-finals by beating Paraguay, boast one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks, but Morocco’s commanding 3-0 win over Canada showed the pace and discipline that has carried them back to the last eight.

Troops Rescue Abductees As Suspected ISWAP Members Surrender

Enyosa Favour

July 9, 2026

Six suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province, along with their families, have surrendered to troops of the 192 Battalion (Main), Sector 1 of Operation Hadin Kai, according to the military.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Military Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri, Captain Mohammed Goni.

The military said the surrendered suspects were found with more than N1.5 million in cash, two Tecno mobile phones and other personal belongings.

In a separate operation, troops of the 115 Task Force Battalion conducting search-and-rescue missions in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on July 7 rescued two additional abductees from a terrorist hideout.

According to the statement, troops also recovered N1.2 million suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities, alongside food supplies and other logistics believed to have supported terrorist operations.

The rescued victims have since been moved to a secure location, where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.

The military also disclosed that troops successfully repelled a coordinated ISWAP attack on a military position in Borno State during the same period, although one soldier lost his life in the encounter.

“Although the insurgents briefly exploited a section of the base’s defensive perimeter during the intense firefight, the troops rapidly regrouped, mounted a determined counter-offensive and decisively expelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties and forcing the surviving terrorists to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while two gun trucks and some combat enablers sustained damage during the engagement.”

Despite the attack, the military said the situation has been fully brought under control.

“The situation at FOB Logomani remains firmly under the control of Operation HADIN KAI troops, with reinforcements deployed, exploitation operations ongoing and additional measures being implemented to further strengthen the defensive resilience of the location.”

Elsewhere, troops of the 232 Battalion arrested a suspected notorious criminal in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Subsequent operations led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

“The suspect and recovered items are currently in military custody, while further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.”

Similarly, troops of the 149 Battalion apprehended two suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.

Recovered items included cash, a Volkswagen Golf vehicle, construction materials, household goods and other supplies allegedly intended for terrorist groups.

The military said the suspects are undergoing interrogation while investigations continue.

In another operation, troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, working alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, carried out a clearance operation around Wulgo, where they recovered a sack containing assorted illicit drugs abandoned by fleeing insurgents.

“The recovery further underscores the sustained pressure being mounted on terrorist elements, denying them freedom of movement and disrupting their operational capabilities.”

The military also announced the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier at the Molai checkpoint after he was found transporting large quantities of medical supplies without authorisation.

In Sector 2, troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, supported by local hunters, intercepted another suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier from Ngirya village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe State. He was arrested while transporting five motorcycle tyres, which the military believes were intended for terrorist elements.

“These latest operational gains underscore the effectiveness of sustained offensive operations, actionable intelligence and the seamless collaboration among security agencies and auxiliary forces in dismantling terrorist logistics networks, disrupting criminal activities and protecting vulnerable communities across the North East”, the statement added.

Operation Hadin Kai reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing rescue operations, assuring the public that efforts would continue until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.

The military also issued a warning to individuals supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups.

“The Theatre Command also issues a stern warning to individuals involved in supplying food, fuel, construction materials, transportation or any other form of logistics to terrorist groups to immediately desist. Anyone found aiding, abetting or collaborating with terrorist elements, directly or indirectly, will be identified, apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

Collina Defends Integrity Of World Cup Officials Amid Egypt’s Allegations

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

July 9, 2026

Fifa’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, has dismissed “unfounded allegations” against World Cup match officials, insisting that “nobody can question their integrity” after Egypt’s 3-2 defeat to Argentina sparked controversy.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) had formally requested that Fifa remove the officials who took charge of their last-16 exit, calling for an investigation into perceived “double standards” after two second-half decisions went against them as Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to win late on.

Collina pushed back firmly, warning that baseless accusations put officials and their families at risk. “Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” he said. “When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”

His comments came after Egypt manager Hossam Hassan claimed his side had been “treated unfairly,” suggesting Fifa may have wanted to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the tournament. Collina rejected any suggestion of outside influence, stressing that even Fifa president Gianni Infantino has always respected the officiating team’s independence, and that referees, like players and coaches, simply try to make honest calls.

The controversy adds to a difficult week for Fifa, which has also faced backlash — including from Uefa and even Donald Trump — over its decision not to enforce an automatic suspension for Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Breaking Down the Key Decisions

Egypt had led 1-0 when the VAR disallowed a goal from Mostafa Zico after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalized for stepping on Lisandro Martinez during the build-up. Moments before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner, a possible foul on Mohamed Salah inside the Argentina box was also waved play on.

Though he typically avoids commenting on individual incidents mid-tournament, Collina defended both calls. He explained that VAR reviews the entire attacking phase after any goal, and can intervene whenever a foul is spotted in the buildup — regardless of how far from goal it occurred or how obvious it seemed to the referee in real time. Attia’s stamp on Martinez’s foot, he said, was a clear foul under that standard.

By contrast, the Salah-Alvarez incident was judged normal football contact, since Alvarez touched the ball first. Collina acknowledged some subjectivity remains inherent to these calls, but said Fifa is satisfied with how the principle has been applied consistently throughout the tournament.

Record-Breaking World Cup: Goals, Drama And Late Comebacks Fuel Debate Over Greatest Tournament Ever

Ayomitunde Adeyemi

July 9, 2026

Spectacular strikes, dramatic turnarounds, last-gasp winners and shock upsets this World Cup has delivered no shortage of theatre. With the quarter-finals kicking off Thursday and eight matches remaining, the tournament hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States is already the largest in history, expanding to 48 nations for the first time. The bigger question, though, is whether it’s also the best.

That’s naturally a matter of personal taste — plenty of fans will always favor whichever World Cup they watched first, or however far their own team advanced. Still, the numbers make a strong case for this edition standing out on the pitch.

Goals Galore

Excitement has been in constant supply. Across 96 of the tournament’s 104 matches, 280 goals have been scored — an average of 2.92 per game, the highest rate since Mexico 1970, which produced 2.97 goals per match. That easily surpasses recent tournaments: Qatar 2022 (2.69), Russia 2018 (2.64), Brazil 2014 (2.67) and South Africa 2010 (2.27). Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Curaçao stands as the biggest scoreline, while six other matches have produced six goals and thirteen more have seen five.

Attacking football has been the dominant trend too, with nearly three-quarters of all goals coming from open play — among the highest shares in World Cup history — while penalty-derived goals have hit a record low of just 5%.

Drama in the Final Minutes

Late goals have added to the spectacle. Eight of the 24 knockout matches so far have been decided by a goal scored after the 85th minute, Argentina needed extra time to overcome a stubborn Cape Verde side, and four ties have gone all the way to penalties. Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time winner over Egypt marked the tournament’s tenth 90th-minute deciding goal — already a new World Cup record.

July alone produced three instant classics, as Belgium, Argentina and England each won 3-2 thrillers against Senegal, Egypt and Mexico. Belgium and Argentina both erased two-goal deficits late in their matches — the first time multiple such comebacks have occurred in a single World Cup since 1970. England, meanwhile, won despite playing over 40 minutes a man down following a red card, holding firm in a raucous atmosphere at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium.

Yet not every match has been end-to-end action — the tournament has also produced a record eight goalless draws, raising the question of whether that reflects a lack of quality or simply tighter, more competitive matchups.

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