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Global markets brace for Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as traders kept an eye on earnings from Wall Street titans this week while tracking US trade talks just over a week before the deadline for a deal.

Japanese stocks edged up and the yen held gains after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he will stay in power despite the weekend election debacle.

Investors took a more cautious path after a largely positive day on Wall Street, where the S&P ended above 6,300 points for the first time and the Nasdaq chalked up yet another record.

Equities continue to rally on expectations that key trading partners will strike agreements with Washington before August 1 to avoid Donald Trump’s sky-high tariffs, with the US president stating that several deals are close. Just three have been struck so far.

His press secretary Karoline Leavitt, said more could be reached before next Friday, but also warned the president could unveil fresh unilateral tolls in that time.

While Trump’s initial tariff bombshell on April 2 rattled global markets before he delayed introducing the measures twice, they have seen more muted reactions to successive threats as traders expect him to eventually row back again.

That optimism has been helped by data indicating the US economy remained healthy despite the imposition of other levies that are beginning to be felt on Main Street.

And SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes warned traders could be in for a shock next week.

“The new tariff regime isn’t being priced — full stop,” he wrote.

“Markets have seen this movie before: tough talk, last-minute extensions, and deal-making in overtime. But this time, Trump isn’t bluffing. He’s already posted ‘No extensions will be granted’.

“The new rates — 30 per cent on the EU, 35 per cent on Canada, 50 per cent on Brazil — are politically loaded and economically radioactive. If they go live, there’s no soft landing.”

Hong Kong has been the standout in Asia this year, adding around a quarter thanks to a rally in Chinese tech firms and a fresh influx of cash from mainland investors.

And the Hang Seng Index continued its advance Tuesday, with Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei also up.

There were losses in Singapore, Seoul, Wellington and Manila.

Tokyo rose as investors returned from a long weekend to news that Ishiba would remain in power even after his ruling coalition lost its majority in Japan’s lower house elections Sunday, months after it suffered a similar fate in the upper house.

His refusal to leave helped the yen push higher against the dollar and other peers, though observers warned the government’s tenure remained fragile and investors remained nervous.

The yen strengthened to 147.08 Tuesday before paring some of the gains. That compares with 148.80 Friday.

But Franklin Templeton Institute’s Christy Tan said that “Ishiba now faces heightened political headwinds, including pressure over inflation, taxes, and US trade talks”.

Focus also turns this week to earnings from some of the world’s biggest names, including Tesla, Google-parent Alphabet, General Motors, Intel and Coca-Cola.

While there will be plenty of attention given to the results, the firms’ guidance will be key as investors try to gauge companies’ pulses in light of Trump’s trade war.

– Key figures at around 0230 GMT –

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.2 per cent at 39,892.81 (break)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.3 per cent at 25,074.15

Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.1 per cent at 3,563.59

Dollar/yen: UP at 147.50 yen from 147.42 yen on Monday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1690 from $1.1688

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3484 from $1.3485

Euro/pound: UP at 86.69 pence from 86.68 pence

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 per cent at $66.70 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.9 per cent at $68.62 per barrel

New York – Dow: FLAT at 44,323.07 (close)

London – FTSE 100: UP 0.2 per cent at 9,012.99 (close)

AFP

I didn’t hate Buhari, Ortom defends stance on Benue insecurity

Olugbenga Ige

A former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed claims that he hated the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari over his government’s handling of the security in the North Central state.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Ortom stated that he only criticised Buhari’s government for not doing enough to address the security challenges in his state at the time.

The former Benue governor defended his actions, saying he had to speak out to protect his people.

He said, “I didn’t hate Buhari, I didn’t hate his government, I didn’t hate any Fulani man. All I was standing for was that I was elected to provide security and provide for the welfare of my own people.

“I was just doing my job, and I did accuse the last government for not doing enough to curb the security challenges that we had.

“I couldn’t just watch and continue to bury people, and I had to voice out but I did not stop at that. My government was able to provide a solution that, in our thought, we felt would solve this problem.”

The former governor said the insecurity problem still persisting in Benue State wouldn’t have existed if the Buhari administration had cooperated with him and adopted the solution he proposed to end it.

Ortom said he was frustrated under the Buhari administration and raised the alarm several times, stating that the Ruga ranching programme and similar ones proposed by the government to end the problem were merely a camouflage.

He insisted that there is no such thing as a herders-farmers crisis in Nigeria, saying that, instead, the intruding herders storm villages to kill, destroy farms, rape women, and commit other atrocities.

US Immigration hikes fees for asylum, work permit

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a new set of immigration-related fees following the implementation of the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, with changes set to take effect from July 22, 2025.

According to a Federal Register Notice issued on July 18, 2025, applications postmarked on or after that date must include the updated fees.

USCIS said it will reject any submissions made on or after August 21, 2025, if the proper H.R. 1-mandated fees are not included.

Among the major changes, a $100 fee will now be charged for filing Form I-589 (Asylum and Withholding of Removal).

An Annual Asylum Fee of $100, payable online, will also be required for each calendar year an asylum application remains pending.

New fees have been established for specific applications of the Form I-765 Employment Authorisation Document (EAD):

$550 for initial applications

$275 for renewals or extensions

A reduced fee of $275 applies for EADs filed after approval of re-parole using Form I-131.

In addition, a $250 Special Immigrant Juvenile fee now applies to Form I-360 applications under that category.

Temporary Protected Status registration fees using Form I-821 have increased from $50 to $500.

USCIS clarified that the new H.R. 1 fees are in addition to current fees under its existing rule and cannot be waived or reduced, even if applicants are eligible for a regular USCIS fee waiver.

“Any alien who filed or files a Form I-589 after October 1, 2024, that remains pending with USCIS for 365 days must pay the AAF is of the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date and each year thereafter that the application remains pending on such day of the calendar year,” the notice read.

The new rule also shortens the validity period for work permits in certain categories.

Parolees will get EADs valid for no more than one year or the duration of parole, whichever is shorter.

TPS beneficiaries will have EADs valid for a maximum of one year or t

he length of TPS, whichever comes first.

USCIS said additional fee adjustments for other forms, such as Form I-131 (Travel Documents) and Form I-102 (Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Replacement), will be announced later.

Kaduna LG to make health insurance mandatory for intending couples, aspirants

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed a requirement for would-be couples to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority enrollment card before getting married.

Ensuring this, he said, would increase enrollment into the scheme.

Abba made the proposal on Monday in Kudan LGA Secretariat at the KADCHMA’s inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign into the scheme.

The chairman said the proposal aimed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise, which would also be inaugurated at Kagarko and Chikun LGAs, is expected to be carried out across all the 23 LGAs of the state.

It was supported by EngerderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.

Abba stated that pregnant women would particularly benefit from the scheme’s coverage of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.

The chairman also added that the health scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

He added that the scheme also provides access to quality healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, with or without complications, reducing maternal mortality rates.

Abba said, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”

By making KADCHMA enrollment a requirement for marriage, the chairman believed that awareness and uptake of the scheme would increase, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of citizens.

He, therefore, said that he would push an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm for inputs to make by-laws that would require intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before wedding.

Abba added that the by-law would also ensure that KADCHMA enrollment cards were required for political office aspirants in the LGA in order to support the scheme’s implementation.

“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA cards before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions.

“We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.

The chaiman pledged to enroll 1,000 people in the scheme, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful enrollment.

He, therefore, urged traditional, religious leaders and all other stakeholders to circulate information about the scheme to households and support its implementation.

Earlier, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, emphasised that the scheme’s goal was to ensure that all the residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship.

Hassan explained that the authority rolled out the campaign to educate grassroot communities on the benefits of enrolling in the health scheme, targeting local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.

He also explained that the meeting aimed to secure the endorsement of local government authorities, identify context-specific barriers, and foster ownership and shared responsibility for improving community health outcomes.

The director-general lamented the high rate of maternal mortality, saying that the N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases including services such as antenatal till birth, with or without complications.

He said that over 50 women enrollees in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section.

“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

According to him, the initiative promises improved access to quality health services, financial protection, and reduced maternal and child mortality.

This is with the ultimate goal of making Kaduna state a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Hassan said that the initiative was part of Gov. Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which aims to cater to the needs of underserved and unserved people, particularly in rural areas.

Hassan said that the scheme would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for its citizens.

“Health is no longer a previlege in Kaduna state, but a right,”he said.

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to become enrollment ambassadors, with traditional rulers and council members supporting the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation efforts.

Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Sani for initiating the scheme, adding that it would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for citizens.

He emphasised that enrollment into the scheme, which required a registration fee of N10,650, was a small price to pay considering the benefits it provides.

Mahmood stated that the programme would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates, which were significant concerns in Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of the scheme in providing financial protection for families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.

The district head believed that the programme was beneficial to the people and would make a significant impact in improving their health and wellbeing.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that stakeholders were community volunteers, ward development committees, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

(NAN)

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies at 54 in Costa Rica Drowning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who became a household name as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 after an accidental drowning off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, officials and multiple news sources report.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the Deadline Contenders Television event at Directors Guild Of America on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles | Credit: PEOPLE

Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred, AP News, Reuters among many others reported on Monday.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) said Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province on Sunday afternoon, July 20, when a strong current pulled him out to sea.

Beachgoers brought him to shore; first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS News also reported.

The Red Cross said it was alerted at about 2:10 p.m. local time and treated two adult men, transporting one in critical condition.

Local authorities subsequently listed the official cause of death as “asphyxia by submersion,” language echoed in statements provided to U.S. media outlets.

Police told ABC News that Warner had been caught in a rip current; Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE likewise reported that preliminary findings pointed to asphyxiation following submersion.

In a statement, the OIJ said the victim “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… [and] was declared lifeless at the scene” after treatment by the Costa Rican Red Cross.

Fox Entertainment, which worked with Warner during his run as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network drama The Resident, called the loss “tragic.”

“Everyone at FOX is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the company said in a statement.

Theo Huxtable OR Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner pursued performance from an early age and attended the Professional Children’s School in New York.

He broke out as the witty, vulnerable Theo in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning an Emmy nomination in 1986.

He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, appeared in Reed Between the Lines, and had a prominent turn in The Resident.

Tributes Pour In

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, AP, CBS News and Reuters all reported.

Viola Davis remembered the actor’s cultural impact, writing that “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… we are gutted by this loss.”

Actor Morris Chestnut, who appeared with Warner on The Resident, told PEOPLE, “He was just a really, really good, genuine guy,” adding that Warner welcomed him warmly and even took him to dinner early in their working relationship. Author-activist Kevin Powell told CBS News that Warner “was never someone who was into the celebrity of it… He literally was America’s son.”

A spokesperson for Bill Cosby said the comedian found the news “devastating,” likening the shock to the 1997 killing of his own son Ennis.

The NAACP also honored Warner on social media, writing “#RestinPower… Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”

Warner’s talents extended beyond acting: he directed episodes of hit television series, recorded spoken-word and music projects, and won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.”

He kept his personal life largely private, but is survived by his wife and daughter, whom he rarely discussed publicly.

NASRE Calls On Don Jazzy, D’Banj, P-Square, K1, Pasuma To Assist Late Peter Thomas’ Family

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has once again demonstrated compassion and solidarity by reaching out to the family of the late veteran entertainment journalist, Peter Thomas, popularly known as The Groove Master, who passed away on November 25, 2021.

Moved by reports of the family’s current hardship, especially issues relating to accommodation and basic welfare, NASRE directors led by Mr. Adetu Adebayo visited the widow and children of the deceased in the Ajuwon area of Ogun State. On behalf of NASRE President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, NASRE delegates presented a cash donation to support the family’s immediate needs.

During the visit, Adetu described the late Peter Thomas as a respected media figure who made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry through journalism and publicity.

“Peter Thomas was more than a journalist; he was a movement. He gave a platform to countless entertainers and shaped the careers of many of Nigeria’s top musicians. His legacy lives on in the successes of those he supported selflessly,” Adetu said.

Peter Thomas worked with notable publications such as Fame Magazine, Global Excellence, ThisDay and The Punch. He was widely regarded as a trailblazer in entertainment journalism and played a key role in the careers of stars like Don Jazzy and D’Banj (Mo’Hits Crew), P-Square, K1 De Ultimate, Pasuma, Atawewe, KCee, Atorise and Presh, Yinka Best, among many others, either through impactful write-ups or direct publicity efforts.

In an emotional appeal, Mr. Adetu called on those celebrities, as well as corporate bodies and kind-hearted Nigerians, to rally around the family in their time of need.

“We are appealing to the likes of Don Jazzy, D’Banj, P-Square, K1 De Ultimate, Pasuma, and others who, in one way or another, benefitted from Peter Thomas’ golden pen to step in and support his family. This is the time to give back,” he urged.

He also relayed a message from NASRE President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, who called on public and private institutions to collaborate with the NASRE Media Foundation in supporting journalists facing tough life circumstances.

“I call on corporate organizations, public and private institutions, and well-meaning individuals to team up with the NASRE Media Foundation to support journalists who are struggling, in order to ease the suffering that often comes with the job,” Oyewale said.

Peter Thomas died after a long health battle. He was diagnosed with perforated intestines and underwent two major surgeries before passing. He is survived by his wife and four children, three girls and one boy.

Fighting back tears, his widow revealed that the family has been struggling to survive and is now being asked to vacate their current home. She expressed deep gratitude to NASRE for their consistent support, recalling that this was not the first time the association had come to her aid.

“I honestly don’t know how to thank NASRE. This is not the first time they’ve shown up for us. It means the world to know that people still remember my husband and care about our wellbeing,” she said.

She described NASRE as “a group of truly humane editors” who have restored some hope to her family during these trying times.

Among the NASRE delegates on the visit were Mr. Obarotimi Oluwanbunmi, Mr. Obadimu Adeyemi, and Mr. Owodunni Lateef, all directors of the association, who accompanied Mr. Adetu Adebayo to express solidarity and compassion to the family of the late journalist.

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NSCDC drags woman in ₦159m visa scam to court in Ekiti 20th July 2025

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ekiti State Command, has arrested and arraigned a suspect, Abigail Timothy, over an alleged ₦159 million visa fraud.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Afolabi, said the suspect was taken into custody and charged following allegations of defrauding one Pastor Adewusi Tibatope Samuel and other victims of a total sum of ₦159,108,364.00.

Afolabi, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Saturday evening, said that after completing preliminary investigations, the matter was formally brought before the court.

According to him, “The case is currently before a competent court of jurisdiction in Ado Ekiti, which gave an order for the detention of the suspect at the Correctional Centre pending the continuation of the trial.”

The spokesperson added that the NSCDC would continue to pursue diligent prosecution in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while treating suspects in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and international best practices.

While giving details of the case, Afolabi said, “The suspect, Abigail Brains Timothy, allegedly deceived Pastor Adewusi by falsely claiming that she had the capacity and connection to procure visas and work permits for 65 persons who the pastor introduced to her as his clients.

“Under this false representation, she induced him to release the aforementioned sum to her over a period of time which was meant to cover the visa fee and work permit.

“On the 25th of May, 2025, operatives of the NSCDC, Ekiti State Command, acting on a formal complaint and diligent intelligence gathering, arrested the suspect in Benin City after rigorous manhunt for her, having fled from Lagos and later to Benin, Edo state where she was tracked and arrested.“

He said that upon her arrest, the NSCDC’s State Intelligence and Investigation Department conducted a thorough inquiry.

“Findings confirmed that the suspect acted with intent to defraud and had no genuine means or intention of fulfilling the visa and employment arrangements she promised,” he stated.

Afolabi reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and prosecuting all forms of economic sabotage such as illegal mining and pipeline vandalism, in line with its mandate.

He also noted that the NSCDC remained open to resolving disputes through its trained Peace and Conflict Resolution experts, for members of the public who are willing to engage peacefully.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Toma Enya, urged members of the public to be wary of fraudulent visa agents and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

CAC defends new AI portal amidst complaints 20th July 20

The Corporate Affairs Commission has said its newly deployed Artificial Intelligence-driven registration platform, the Intelligent Companies Registration Portal, now handles over 11,000 company registration and compliance cases daily.

According to the commission, the portal recently processed 8,000 name reservation requests in a single day.

It noted that this same task used to take at least two weeks to complete under the old manual process.

The commission clarified in response to complaints of poor service delivery and technical hitches on its newly launched Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal.

A statement signed by the management of the Corporate Affairs Commission and sent to our correspondent on Sunday pleaded for patience in direct response to teething challenges and complaints from users, particularly legal practitioners and business owners, over alleged glitches and delays on the agency’s newly deployed online registration portal.

However, the commission dismissed claims

insinuating poor service delivery and falsely portraying it as a threat to the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The statement said, “In accordance with provisions of the Data Protection Act,2023, the Commission in its newly deployed Intelligent Companies Registration Portal, introduced additional security checks to, amongst others, prevent users from surrendering their access to third parties or operating multiple suspicious accounts.

“The ICRP requires that for each transaction with the CAC, a One Time Passcode, OTP must be generated, and it goes straight to the email or phone number of the original account holder.

“The newly deployed ICRP is no doubt a cost-effective system for our valued customers, as they no longer lose money on checking availability.

“The innovation has ensured that customers only proceed to payment after securing the name.

“The ICRP has so far been speedily responding to applications as it now treats over 11,000 cases per day.

“Interestingly, as of Friday, 16th July, 2025, 8,000 Name Reservation requests were received and processed.

“This is no doubt a feat that hitherto requires a minimum of 2 weeks to complete.”

Defending the portal’s performance, the CAC said the system had “greatly improved service delivery” and noted that over 3,000 emails are now handled daily, a volume that necessitated its automation drive.

Although the Commission admitted the transition phase came with “some expected teething challenges,” it assured customers that feedback from stakeholders was being integrated.

“We are not unmindful of complaints, but we are fully committed to delivering better quality services.

“The portal will soon perform optimally as a true champion of service excellence,” it said.

On the issue of registration delays due to data verification, the CAC clarified that glitches from the National Identity Management Commission had prompted it to adopt alternative technology to verify users’ details, while also ensuring real-time payments through expanded gateway options.

“The Commission already forwarded a request for additional payment gateways, and it is receiving due attention,” it noted, adding that the ICRP integrates with trusted partners such as Remita for stamp duty and service payments.

To enhance data privacy and curb abuse, the CAC said its new portal complies with the Data Protection Act 2023, introducing stricter access controls including mandatory OTP authentication per transaction.

“This ensures users do not surrender access to third parties or operate suspicious accounts,” CAC said.

Reaffirming its stance on reform, the CAC described the AI portal as a “customer-centric innovation” built to align with global best practices and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business rankings.

“Our goal remains simple: to emplace processes and frameworks that will stand the test of time in corporate service delivery,” the Commission stated.

Olisa Metuh condemns Edo gov ban on Peter Obi

The former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors over what he described as undemocratic restrictions on the constitutional rights of citizens.

Metuh made the call in a Facebook post on Sunday, reacting to the statement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must obtain security clearance before entering the state.

PUNCH Online had reported that Okpebholo made the comment while receiving a former federal lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, into the All Progressives Congress.

The governor had linked Obi’s recent visit to Benin, where he donated N15m to a nursing school, with renewed violence in the state.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15m. Where did he get it from?

“After he left, three people were killed.

“For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo had said.

Reacting on Sunday, Metuh described the governor’s position as a threat to democratic values and individual freedoms.

“I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure, but have just read the disturbing news that the elected Governor of Edo State, who is otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state,” Metuh wrote.

He noted that a similar precedent had earlier been set by another governor from the North Central zone and cautioned against normalising what he called unconstitutional practices.

“Whilst one understands the zeal to prove wholesome support and loyalty to our president, it is incontrovertible that these acts, completely go against the bedrock and grundnorm of democratic governance, and are antithetical to the constitutionally guaranteed inalienable right to freedom and liberty irrespective of political beliefs or associations,” he said.

Metuh urged President Tinubu to distance himself from such practices and uphold the inclusive values he was known for during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

“We remember the Governor Bola Tinubu who ran a widely acclaimed all-inclusive cabinet/government, and made Lagos home for all Nigerians then,” he said.

He warned that continued silence from political elites may harm the country’s democratic fabric.

“Sadly, so many of our leaders have kept mute either on account of political correctness or for fear of personal reprisals or possible exclusion in the sharing of political appointments or perhaps in their quest for plain material benefits,” he added.

Metuh concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to “check this very disturbing trend by calling these governors to order.”

“Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens and may all persons be accorded their freedom and liberties across the land,” he wrote.

Okpebholo’s warning to Peter Obi not threat, says Edo govt

The Edo State Government on Sunday said that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s warning that the Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, should get security clearance before coming to the state, should not be misconstrued as a threat.

On July 18, the governor said that Obi’s visit to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences on June 7, where he donated N15 million for the completion of projects in the school, coincided with the resurgence of violence and the killing of three persons.

The governor said, “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.

“His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state, and this will not be tolerated.”

However, in a statement by the governor’s CPS, Fred Itua, he said that Okpebholo’s statement was given various misinterpretations.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to various misinterpretations surrounding the recent remarks made by Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, regarding the visit of Peter Obi to the state.

“It is imperative to state clearly that the Governor did not issue any form of threat to Mr. Obi, but rather emphasised the need for high-profile individuals, particularly politically exposed persons, to notify and seek security clearance from the Governor before embarking on any public engagements within the state.

“As the Chief Security Officer of Edo State, it is the Governor’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of all residents and visitors alike. This duty includes ensuring that adequate security measures are put in place during high-profile visits or events that may attract large crowds or media attention.

“When such protocols are ignored, it creates serious security vulnerabilities, not only for the visitor but also for citizens who may be caught in avoidable threats.”

Itua added that the governor’s position is relevant in light of the rising attacks and abductions of religious leaders, especially Catholic priests and Christian clerics.

He noted that the state has witnessed its share of these tragic incidents, including the abduction of seminarians and the killing of clergy in recent years.

He noted that public donations made to churches, hospitals, or other faith-based institutions, while noble in intent, must be approached with caution and in full consultation with the appropriate security channels to avoid exposing these institutions and their leaders to further danger.

He added, “The governor’s comments on the need for discretion in public giving are rooted in both security intelligence and moral responsibility. The Holy Scripture reminds us that giving is best done in private, as Jesus admonished us in Matthew 6: 2 – 4 that, “when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpet…but when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

“In today’s volatile security environment, this wisdom cannot be overstated. Governor Okpebholo is not Peter Obi, who, as Governor of Anambra State, detained Nasir El-Rufai when he visited.

“Furthermore, the Governor’s concerns should not be twisted for political mileage by individuals seeking to score cheap points. The state Government will not fold its arms and allow politically motivated activities to endanger lives. We expect leaders, no matter how highly placed, to align with the protocols and security realities of the areas they visit.

“Governor Okpebholo is committed to a safe and inclusive Edo State for all. His administration is working tirelessly to address the insecurity it inherited, and his call for coordination and orderliness should be seen as a measure of responsible governance, not hostility. The Edo State Government will continue to welcome all well-meaning Nigerians, provided appropriate security and procedural protocols are respected.”