Author: Festus Adeloye

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has left the door open for future North Sea drilling as he confirmed he told Donald Trump “we can’t ignore” the resources there. The two leaders held a phone call on Mr Burnham’s first day in office, during which the US president said the new Prime Minister told him he would “open up North Sea oil”. Mr Burnham was asked during a visit to Barrow in Cumbria on Thursday whether Mr Trump was correct. “I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when…

Aziz Abdul, the grandson of former Ugandan President Idi Amin, was disqualified for headbutting his opponent during the Commonwealth boxing quarter-final bout on Wednesday. Taking a cue from his famous grandfather, who declared himself the “King of Scotland” in 1976 over his fascination for the Oscar-winning film, The Last King of Scotland, Aziz revealed his dream of becoming “the new king of Scotland” upon his arrival in Glasgow. However, his bid for Commonwealth boxing gold ended in shame after being jeered out of the ring during his match against England’s Damar Thomas in the super-heavyweight division. Aziz earned a standing count…

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has explained why he believes Nigeria Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is currently the strongest contender ahead of the 2027 general election, while predicting defeat for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Speaking during an interview, Lawal said Obi’s leadership qualities and perceived fairness place him ahead of other potential presidential hopefuls. According to him, Obi would strive to be fair to all Nigerians and act in the country’s best interest if elected. “Peter Obi will try to be fair to everybody. Peter Obi will try to…

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said President Bola Tinubu no longer has the capacity to effectively govern Nigeria, arguing that age and declining strength have affected the President’s ability to lead the country. Obi made the remarks during an interview marking his 65th birthday, where he reflected on the state of governance and the nation’s future ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Obi, many of the economic and policy measures currently being implemented by the Tinubu administration were previously discussed and supported by various stakeholders. However, he maintained that the President…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, Mrs Mary Yetunde Barek, after operatives discovered 13 kilograms of cocaine disguised as plantains in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Barek, who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdom, was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 on Sunday, June 28, while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London. A search of her bags uncovered 31 wraps of cocaine packaged to resemble plantain hands. She admitted ownership of the drugs in her statement. In a related operation, NDLEA…

After days of speculation, Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as Labour leader and PM. It comes after Andy Burnham’s victory in last week’s Makerfield by-election – he is now on his way to Westminster to be sworn in. He disclosed that he will spend more time on “the most important job” after leaving the “biggest job in the country”. “Being the best husband I can, to my fantastic wife Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad. “And being the best dad that I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride…

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has remanded the presidential aspirant of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. Justice Mohammed Umar said Sowore would remain in custody until June 24, when his application seeking to set aside the order revoking his bail will be heard. Justice Umar had, on June 16, revoked the bail granted to Sowore following his failure to appear in court for his trial. In his ruling on an oral application made by counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, Justice Umar also issued…

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he had completed a deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The US president said that he had authorised the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ordered the removal of a US naval blockade in the region. In a post on X, Trump wrote: “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let…

President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration will intensify efforts to relieve economic hardship while redoubling the fight against insecurity, reiterating that the Federal Government “shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation”. He gave the assurance yesterday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, themed: “God of hope, actualise our dreams.” Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, congratulated Nigerians on “27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999,”…

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George,  has said the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, should direct his advice on how to end terrorism in Nigeria to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,  President Bola Tinubu,  and not to service chiefs. In a statement on Friday, he said it is wrong for the respected cleric to advise service chiefs to end insecurity in 90 days or resign. To the octogenarian politician, the buck stop on the table of Tinubu, not the service chiefs. Adeboye had  urged…