Senate Moves to Engage US Lawmakers over Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Senate is preparing to open a heated debate on a motion seeking to address what it calls “dangerous misrepresentations” of the country’s security crisis as a campaign of “Christian genocide” — a narrative gaining traction in international circles, particularly in the United States.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,” is sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by several senior lawmakers, including Senators Sani Musa, Magatakarda Wamako, Ibrahim Bomai, and Ahmed Wadada.

Senators Raise Alarm Over ‘Misleading Narratives’
In the draft motion, Ndume expressed alarm over what he described as a growing wave of misleading claims in both local and foreign media alleging systematic attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the devastating assaults suffered by Christian communities, the lawmaker stressed that violent attacks have affected citizens of all faiths. He warned that framing the crisis in purely religious terms could inflame sectarian tensions and distort international understanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

According to the motion, Nigeria’s insecurity stems from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, communal conflicts, and criminal violence — all of which have claimed lives across religious, ethnic, and regional lines.

Fear Over US Designation
The Senate also expressed unease about developments in Washington, where some lawmakers are pushing to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious persecution.

Lawmakers cautioned that such a designation could damage Nigeria’s diplomatic standing and trigger economic consequences. The motion reaffirmed that the Nigerian government is constitutionally obligated to protect the lives and property of all citizens, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

Senate’s Strategy: Facts and Diplomacy
To counter the growing international narrative, the Senate is proposing a coordinated communication and diplomatic strategy. Key elements include:

Engaging US lawmakers and diaspora networks through official briefings and fact-based publications.
Releasing verified data and investigative reports to clarify casualty figures and contexts.
Strengthening collaboration between the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Information with relevant ministries to shape Nigeria’s international messaging.

Urging local media, civil society, and religious leaders to exercise restraint and accuracy in public statements to avoid stoking sectarian division.
The Senate also called on foreign embassies, international organisations, and media outlets to rely on balanced and credible information, rather than unverified claims, when reporting on religiously sensitive matters in Nigeria.

No remorse or regret in our action murdering 1,200 Israelis on October 7th— Hamas leader, Hamad says.

According to the Jerusalem Post report on Friday September 26, 2025, Hamas political bureau member Ghazi Hamad has expressed no regret for the October 7 attacks on Israel, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. In a CNN interview published on Friday, Hamad claimed the attacks targeted only military objectives and that civilians were not intentionally kidnapped.

He argued that the operation has advanced the Palestinian cause, citing increased international support and condemnations of Israel at the UN General Assembly. Hamad stated, "You know what the benefit of [October 7] is now? …If you look at the (United Nations) General Assembly yesterday, when about 194 people opened their eyes and looked at the atrocity, the brutality of Israel and all of them, they condemned Israel. We waited for this moment for 77 years."

Hamad showed no remorse for Palestinian civilian losses in Gaza, asserting that Palestinians "are proud to sacrifice martyrs." When presented with footage of Gazans criticizing Hamas, he refused to engage fully. On hostages, he denied using them as human shields, claiming they are treated according to "Islamic principles," countering Israeli accusations. Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, linked recent state recognitions of Palestine to the attacks.

The context of the October 7 assaults involves Hamas's invasion from Gaza, leading to widespread violence and Israel's subsequent military response. Hamad's stance defends the attacks as strategically beneficial, despite the devastation in Gaza. Negotiations with the US under President Trump have stalled, with Hamad accusing the US of involvement in an assassination attempt on him, eroding trust in mediators.

Hamad's unapologetic position highlights Hamas's defiant narrative amid ongoing conflict, potentially complicating peace efforts. It underscores tensions in mediation and the human cost on both sides. The interview reveals deep divisions, with implications for international diplomacy and the prospects of a ceasefire.

Nigerian Embassies Struggle With Unpaid Rent, Salary Arrears – FG

The Federal Government has admitted that several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions abroad are grappling with financial and operational difficulties, including unpaid staff salaries, rent arrears, and mounting debts to service providers.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the challenges have hindered the smooth running of missions in different countries.

He explained that budgetary shortfalls over the years were responsible for the situation, which has significantly affected the embassies’ ability to deliver on their core diplomatic and consular duties.

“The ministry is not unaware of the restrictions that financial limitations have placed on the smooth running of the missions, including the inability to pay salaries of locally recruited staff, financial obligations to service providers, rent to landlords, and the foreign service allowance to home-based officers,” Ebienfa stated.

The ministry, however, assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had approved intervention funds and set up a committee to verify and settle outstanding debts. It added that over 80% of available funds had been cleared for payments, prioritising service providers, staff salaries, and arrears owed to officers.

Ebienfa further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to establish a sustainable financial model for embassies abroad, alongside wider reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal governance.

Source: Channels TV

#Nigeria #Diplomacy #ForeignAffairs

Tinubu’s Brazil Visit Could Unlock $30bn Investments – Gov. Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Brazil has the potential to attract over $30 billion in fresh investments into Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking with journalists in Brasília, Sani disclosed that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, targeting key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and science and technology.

“We’re looking at more than 30 billion dollars in investments in agriculture, food security, aviation, and airspace collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil,” he said.

The governor also noted that new agreements in diplomacy, innovation, and renewable energy would further diversify Nigeria’s economy, describing them as sectors that had been largely neglected in the past but are now gaining attention under Tinubu’s leadership.

Sani observed that Brazil’s ongoing trade tensions with the United States presented Nigeria with a unique opportunity to emerge as a strategic partner, particularly as Africa’s largest economy.

He credited Tinubu’s recent economic reforms for rebuilding investor confidence, especially the decision to clear a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog.

“No investor wants to come in if they can’t repatriate their funds. Clearing the $7 billion forex backlog was critical,” he said, commending the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts.

Governor Sani urged Nigerians to support the administration’s economic agenda, stressing that the reforms were designed to deliver long-term growth and national development.

BREAKING: Tinubu Stops Over In Los Angeles On Way To Brazil

President Bola Tinubu has arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), USA, en route to Brazil for a two-day state visit scheduled for August 24–25.

Tinubu earlier attended the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, where he held bilateral talks and engaged Japanese investors.

According to presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília and participate in a Nigeria–Brazil business forum. His delegation includes ministers and senior officials who will sign cooperation agreements and MoUs with Brazil.

#Tinubu #Diplomacy #Nigeria

News Brief: Tinubu Jets to Japan, Brazil for Tokyo Conference, State Visithttps://youtu.be/NwKTL15MtEQ

President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Friday for a two-nation diplomatic tour of Japan and Brazil, with a stopover in Dubai.
In Japan, he will attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20–22, engage in plenary discussions, hold bilateral meetings, and meet with Japanese company CEOs with interests in Nigeria.
Following the conference, Tinubu travels to Brasilia for a state visit from August 24–25, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where he will participate in bilateral talks and a business forum with Brazilian investors.

Watch the related video above.

#Tinubu #TICAD9 #NigeriaDiplomacy #GlobalEngagement

Tinubu Nominates Ummusalma Rabiu & Louis Odion for Top FCCPC Roles — Senate Confirmation Awaited

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Ummusalma Isiyaku Rabiu as Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services and Louis Odion as Executive Commissioner, Operations at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, via his official Facebook page. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation in line with the FCCPC Act, 2018.

Ummusalma Rabiu, 35, from Kano State, is the daughter of prominent businessman Isiyaku Rabiu and founder of the Usir Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities through education, skills training, and humanitarian support. A Business Administration graduate, she is recognized for her advocacy for inclusive governance and youth and women’s political participation.

Louis Odion, from Edo State, is a seasoned journalist and former Senior Technical Assistant on Media to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He also served as Edo State Commissioner for Information and holds Master’s degrees in Modern War Studies and International Law & Diplomacy. Known for his expertise in media strategy and policy communication, Odion brings a wealth of operational leadership experience to the FCCPC.

These nominations reflect the administration’s push for youthful leadership, professional expertise, and inclusive governance in key regulatory bodies. Analysts believe the duo’s blend of innovation, experience, and civic engagement will strengthen the FCCPC’s mission to protect consumer rights, ensure fair competition, and uphold accountability.

#Tinubu #FCCPC #UmmusalmaRabiu #LouisOdion #NigeriaPolitics #ConsumerRights #Leadership

Why Europe Should Learn from Other Middle Powers’ Recent Dealings with China
Europe should study how other middle powers have managed their relationships with the People’s Republic of China—focusing on diplomacy, balance, and strategy—rather than adopting confrontational approaches like those often seen from the U.S. and Israel.

The U.S. State Department has laid off over 1,300 employees in a mass downsizing ordered by President Donald Trump, following a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the administration to proceed with major government cuts. The move is part of Trump's effort to dismantle what he calls the “deep state” and reduce what he sees as bloated bureaucracy.

The layoffs include 1,107 civil service staff and 246 Foreign Service diplomats, with emotional scenes unfolding as workers were escorted out of the Washington headquarters. The American Foreign Service Association condemned the decision, calling it a “catastrophic blow” to U.S. national interests amid global crises.

Critics, including former diplomats, warn the purge will cripple U.S. diplomacy, damage national security, and diminish America’s global influence. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has already been mostly dismantled. Staff were notified via email, and critics say the process was arbitrary and damaging rather than strategic.

Taiwan has congratulated Nigeria on what it described as a “landmark achievement” in international diplomacy following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to Saint Lucia.

U.S. Shuts Abuja Embassy, Lagos Consulate Office.

According to a report by PM News Nigeria on Thursday, July 3, 2025, the United States Mission in Nigeria has announced that its diplomatic offices the Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in celebration of America’s Independence Day.

The notice, shared on Thursday via the Mission’s official social media platform, stated that the closure is in observance of the national holiday marking the United States’ historic break from British colonial rule in 1776.

“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of U.S. Independence Day,” the message read.

Although the announcement did not detail whether specific services such as visa interviews, passport renewals, or other consular processes would be suspended, such holidays typically pause all routine operations. Services are expected to resume on Monday, July 7, 2025.

U.S. Independence Day is a revered holiday celebrated across all 50 states with patriotic displays, community events, and family gatherings. The occasion commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress, a defining moment in American history.

In line with global diplomatic tradition, U.S. embassies and consulates around the world observe the holiday with temporary closures and occasionally host commemorative events. These observances serve not only as moments of national pride but also as opportunities to deepen diplomatic engagement with host countries.

In Nigeria, the U.S. diplomatic presence plays a vital role in bilateral relations. The Embassy in Abuja is central to diplomatic coordination, political dialogue, and development partnerships. Since the Nigerian capital moved to Abuja in 1991, the Embassy has served as a key channel for discussions with the federal government on matters ranging from governance to security.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General in Lagos focuses on commercial diplomacy, visa services, and public outreach in the country’s largest economic hub.

ISRAEL: " THERE WAS NO ATTACK. THERE WILL BE NO ATTACK. ALL AIRCRAFTS RETURNED SAFELY FROM IRAN"- TRUMP

Amid growing concerns over military tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the international community to reassure them that Israel has no plans to attack Iran. According to reports by Al Jazeera, his comments came after reports surfaced about unusual Israeli aircraft activity in the region, which sparked widespread fears of a potential military escalation.

In a statement delivered during a White House press briefing, the president explained that the aircraft movements were not part of a combat mission. Instead, he described them as a symbolic show of restraint, aimed at sending a peaceful message to Iran. All planes involved reportedly returned to base without incident.

While President Trump referred to the maneuver as a “friendly salute,” he did not provide detailed information about what the display entailed. Sources within the U.S. administration suggested it was likely a non-aggressive formation flight—intended more as a gesture of diplomacy than a preparation for conflict.

Trump used the briefing to underline the importance of maintaining peace in the region. He said that both the United States and its allies, including Israel, are not seeking direct confrontation with Iran.

“There was no attack. There will be no attack,” Trump stated firmly. “All aircrafts returned safely after extending a peaceful and symbolic gesture toward Iran.”

International observers had noted increased air activity over the Middle East, raising suspicions about possible strikes or reconnaissance missions. However, Trump’s comments were intended to calm speculation and discourage any premature conclusions about military intentions.

TRUMP ABRUPTLY DEPARTS G7 AFTER WARNING EVERYONE TO EVACUATE IRAN'S CAPITAL

Hours after he warned civilians to evacuate Tehran, President Donald Trump abruptly left the Group of 7 summit in Canada on Monday, as Israel’s military campaign against Iran entered a new and dangerous phase.

“Iran should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life… IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON… Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” Trump posted on his social platform shortly before exiting the two-day summit.

The U.S. president had initially refused to sign the G7 joint statement urging de-escalation, but reversed course after negotiators softened the language. Shortly afterward, he departed, with the White House citing “what is going on in the Middle East.”

The Israel-Iran war, now on its fifth day, has become the fiercest in their history. Israel claimed “full aerial superiority” on Monday and struck targets in the Iranian capital, including the headquarters of the Quds Force and Iran’s state television complex — the latter hit during a live broadcast.

Israeli officials have urged the U.S. to take direct military action, specifically to use the Massive Ordnance Penetrator to destroy the fortified Fordo nuclear site. Israel does not possess the bomb or the aircraft required to deliver it.

See Also

Despite Trump’s past reluctance to enter foreign wars, he has sent signals of possible engagement while also encouraging diplomacy. Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff have reportedly been asked to consider meeting with Iranian representatives this week.

“If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Over 224 Iranians and 24 Israelis have been killed so far, with thousands more injured.

ECOWAS Leaders Have Failed to Uphold the Rule of Law – Femi Falana Speaks Out
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticized the leadership of ECOWAS, accusing them of neglecting their duty to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law across West Africa.

According to Nigeria Stories, Falana emphasized that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has repeatedly turned a blind eye to constitutional violations and electoral malpractice in member countries. He stated that this failure has contributed to the erosion of democratic institutions and civil liberties in the region.

“ECOWAS leaders have failed woefully in their responsibility to defend the rule of law. They watch while constitutions are manipulated and citizens’ rights are trampled upon,” Falana said.

His remarks come at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with political instability, military coups, and growing public distrust in governance.

Falana’s comments add to the increasing calls for ECOWAS to shift from passive diplomacy to decisive action in addressing democratic backsliding within its member states.

#FemiFalana #ECOWAS #RuleOfLaw

Star Power Meets Statesmanship: Victor Osimhen Shakes Hands with Turkish President Erdoğan

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen had a proud moment as he met and shook hands with the President of Turkey , Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Napoli striker, who continues to make waves on and off the pitch, was all smiles during the brief but significant encounter.

Fans across Nigeria and Turkey have celebrated the meeting, calling it a powerful moment of sports diplomacy and international recognition for Osimhen’s growing influence.

#VictorOsimhen #Turkey #PresidentErdogan #NaijaToTheWorld #NigerianFootball