UK Conservatives Pledge to Scrap Petrol and Diesel Car Ban If Returned to Power, Warn of Industrial Risk

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, announced that a future Conservative government would cancel the planned ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, calling the policy “economic self-harm.” The ban, scheduled for 2030, requires all new UK cars to be electric or hybrid to meet net zero targets by 2050. Badenoch warned the mandate risks weakening domestic car manufacturing while benefiting foreign competitors, particularly China. She emphasized a transition based on affordability, practicality, and technological progress, rather than rigid deadlines. The Labour government continues to support EV adoption through grants and proposed mileage-based charges.

Judicial Power to Quash Presidential Pardon Explained by Femi Falana SAN

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, argues that presidential or gubernatorial pardons cannot override ongoing judicial processes, especially where trials or appeals are still pending. Citing several Nigerian and foreign court decisions, Falana explains that the prerogative of mercy is only valid after a conviction and exhaustion of appeals, warning that misuse of pardon powers undermines the rule of law. The article references the Maryam Sanda case to reaffirm that courts retain authority to nullify improperly granted pardons.


#PresidentialPardon
#RuleOfLaw
#FemiFalana

BREAKING : Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has issued a powerful statement that is already sparking intense debate across Africa and beyond.

“It’s not terror!sm, it’s imperialism. Their objective is to keep us in a permanent w@r, prevent us from developing, and continue to exploit our resources.”

Traoré’s words point to a deeper accusation — that insecurity in parts of Africa is being weapon!zed to weaken nations, stall development, and maintain control over natural resources. He also criticized some West African coastal leaders, accusing them of buying into these arrangements just to remain in power, even at the cost of regional sovereignty.

This statement adds fuel to growing conversations about foreign influence, resource control, and leadership choices in West Africa at a time when many citizens are demanding true independence and security.

Do you agree with Ibrahim Traoré — is insecurity in Africa about terror!sm, or is it something deeper?

SHARE this post so more voices join the discussion.

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#NewsFlash #AfricaSpeaks #westafrica #Ibrahim #IbrahimTraore

Nigeria Spends N5.3 Trillion on Fuel Imports in First Nine Months of 2025 Under Tinubu

Nigeria imported fuel worth N5.3 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025, according to National Bureau of Statistics data. Q1 imports totaled N1.76 trillion, rising to N2.37 trillion in Q2, and N1.2 trillion in Q3. This reliance on imported fuel contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 promise to end fuel importation and continues to strain the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Meanwhile, state refineries remain non-operational and heavily indebted.

In December 2014 a Russian cargo plane carrying French helicopters out of the Central African Republic made an emergency landing in Kano. The Antonov cargo plane had been traveling from Bangui to the Chadian capital N'djamena when it developed technical difficulties and made an emergency landing at Kano airport, because Kano was the closest airport facility.

Nigerian authorities detained it on arrival and questioned its French crew. The Nigerian federal and airport authorities, satisfied with the documents and the genuine character of the flight authorized the plane to continue its flight to N'Djamena.

There was no diplomatic grandstanding, accusations of invasion or unnecessary drama, just the kind of measured response you’d expect from a responsible nation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the plane and the 11 detained personnel in B-FASO. Lets hope for a swift and positive resolution. Prolonging this situation serves neither country’s interests.

BURKINA FASO PRESIDENT CAPT. IBRAHIM TRAORE RESPONDS TO ECOWAS

"When we cried out that hunger was ke-ee-ling our children in the Sahel, they turned a deaf ear.

When we screamed for help as thieves in white kaftans emptied our treasuries and fled with our wealth, they remained deaf.

When we demanded just a fair share of the gold, uranium, and lithium being carted away to build foreign cities while our villages had no light, they were stone deaf.

But the moment we finally stood up, dusted ourselves off, and said “Enough is enough! Once beaten, twice shy — never again will we be used,”
suddenly all those deaf ears began to hear perfectly.

Suddenly the big birds (the drones and warplanes) started circling our skies.
Suddenly ECOWAS remembered that the Sahel is, after all, an “indispensable part” of Africa.

What exactly do you gain by dragging us back into the misery we have already escaped?

They called the Sahel small and insignificant, yet from this “small” land rose a heart too big to be enslaved again.

The day Africa finally sees that the one who calls himself “friend” is actually the enemy,
that day her true redemption will begin”

Dirty reception for Nawrocki

The visit of President Karol Nawrocki to Latvia was overshadowed by an unexpected situation. Photos of the car that picked up the Polish delegation in Riga appeared on social media. The car was blatantly dirty.

In response to the criticism, Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maciej Wewiór explained that the transportation of the delegation is the responsibility of the host country, not the Polish embassy.

He also noted that the photos were taken on Wednesday evening, when it was raining in Riga and there was no car wash at the airport. Furthermore, he added that the Polish embassy only had an influence on the organization of the visit, not the condition of the car.

ECOWAS Endorses Ghana’s President Mahama for African Union Chairmanship in 2027

ECOWAS has officially endorsed Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama as its sole candidate for the African Union Chairmanship in 2027. The decision was reached during the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to supporting member states in securing key continental positions. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed that the endorsement was unanimous and highlighted Mahama’s pan-African leadership. The final approval is expected from the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which will formalize Ghana’s candidacy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s influence within AU and international institutions.


#ECOWAS #JohnMahama #AfricanUnion

Benin Sought Nigeria’s Help to Prevent Civilian Deaths During Failed Coup Attempt — Foreign Minister Bakari

Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olushegun Bakari, has revealed that his country urgently requested military support from Nigeria and other ECOWAS states to avoid civilian casualties during last Sunday’s failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. Speaking in Abuja, Bakari said Benin activated the ECOWAS intervention protocol after mutineers launched coordinated attacks on key state installations, including the presidential residence and national broadcaster. Although Benin’s military had repelled the initial assault, the rebels retreated into civilian-populated areas, prompting the call for external support to ensure a precise, low-casualty operation. Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone deployed forces that helped prevent the conflict from escalating. Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said the episode underscored the importance of a strengthened, well-funded ECOWAS Standby Force.


#BeninCoupAttempt #ECOWASIntervention #WestAfricaSecurity

Benin Coup Attempt: Military Intervention and Talon’s Grip on Power

On December 7, 2025, Benin faced a coup attempt led by Lt. Col. Paschal Tigri, targeting President Patrice Talon amid widespread allegations of corruption, repression, and economic hardship. The Nigerian military, alongside ECOWAS and French forces, intervened to support Talon, sparking debate over Africa’s sovereignty, democracy, and foreign influence. Critics argue that Talon’s authoritarian tactics and suppression of opposition highlight the fragility of democratic governance in Benin.

#BeninCoup #PatriceTalon #WestAfricaPolitics

Update: Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has confirmed that, three days after the C-130’s had an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, both the eleven Nigerian officers and the aircraft remain in the country. He stated that negotiations with the Traoré regime are ongoing to secure the release of the aircraft and the soldiers

Senate Committee Clears Reno Omokri, Ex-INEC Chair Yakubu, Others as Ambassadors Despite Nomination Controversy

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has cleared Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and several others nominated as Nigerian ambassadors. The screening followed President Tinubu’s submission of 32 ambassadorial nominees. While many nominees were asked to “take a bow and leave,” Omokri’s appearance drew public scrutiny due to past criticisms of government administrations and allegations of divisive online commentary. Despite the controversy, the committee affirmed its constitutional duty to vet all candidates and will submit its final report to the full Senate for confirmation.

Update: Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has confirmed that, three days after the C-130’s had an emergency landing in Burkina Faso, both the eleven Nigerian officers and the aircraft remain in the country, meaning Captain Traore has not given orders for their release. He stated that negotiations with the Traoré regime are still ongoing to secure the release of the aircraft and the soldiers.

Ghana has taken firm diplomatic action after three of its citizens were deported from Israel under what officials described as unfair and unacceptable conditions.
The Ghanaians — including members of a parliamentary delegation travelling for a cybersecurity conference — were detained upon arrival on 7 December, and three were later sent back without clear justification.

In a reciprocal move, the Ghanaian government ordered the removal of three Israelis who had recently entered the country, signalling that it will not tolerate disrespect toward its nationals abroad.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that Israel’s chargé d’affaires in Accra was summoned for discussions, stressing that while Ghana values its relationship with Israel, mutual respect for travellers is non-negotiable.

Both countries are now working diplomatically to calm rising tensions and restore normal relations.

#Ghana #Israel #Diplomacy #ForeignAffairs

Nigeria, Benin Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja, Address Failed Coup and Regional Security Threats

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, met at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja to discuss the recent failed coup attempt in Benin and rising security challenges across West Africa. Both ministers emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation, with Tuggar noting that much of Nigeria’s insecurity stems from external influences. Benin’s minister confirmed that Nigerian military support was sought to neutralize coup plotters positioned in sensitive locations, praising the swift response that helped restore order. The two nations called for a standby regional force to counter future destabilisation attempts, while authorities continue hunting the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.


#RegionalSecurity

#ECOWAS

#BeninCoup

Withdraw Mine? Then Withdraw the President’s, Vice President’s, Others Too — Sen. Ningi Condemns Selective Enforcement of Police Escort Order

The Senate session turned heated on Tuesday after Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) sharply criticized the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to lawmakers, accusing the executive of enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive selectively.

Raising a Point of Order, Ningi said he woke up to discover that his only police orderly had been withdrawn, insisting he was not opposed to the President’s November 23, 2025 directive—which ordered police escorts attached to VIPs to return to regular security duty—but furious that lawmakers appeared to be the first targets. “I woke up today and was told my police orderly had been withdrawn. I have no problem with that, but I want the same action applied across the board—they should also withdraw the president’s, vice president’s, ministers’, and others’ police escorts,” he said, lamenting what he described as a double standard.

Ningi further fumed that while senators were stripped of protection, “businessmen, foreign nationals, and celebrity entertainers” were still moving around with full police escorts, openly flouting the presidential directive. His outburst prompted the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to reveal that the Senate leadership had already held an emergency meeting to seek an exemption for lawmakers, warning that the sudden withdrawal exposed members to unnecessary d+nger. In the meantime, the Senate directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged selective enforcement. The committee has four weeks to report back to plenary.

Donetsk unveils a bust of the “son of the CIA deputy director” who died fighting for Russia

In occupied Donetsk, near School No. 115, a bust has been installed of Private Michael Gloss — allegedly the son of the CIA deputy director who fought on Russia’s side. A monument to his comrade, Corporal Ivan Kokovin, was placed beside it. Both were killed on April 4, 2024.

The plaque under Gloss’s bust reads: “A soldier is not a profession, but a calling. There is no foreign land for those who fight for justice.” It also states that he died “in a fierce battle for Chasiv Yar,” trying to help a wounded comrade.

At the bottom, there is an English inscription: “May the heroes be glorified!”

An American who fought for Russia… A specimen so rare they immediately cast him in bronze.

Ghana Deports Three Israelis in Retaliation After Israel Detains Ghanaian Nationals

Ghana has deported three Israeli nationals in response to the detention of three Ghanaian citizens by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion International Airport. The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized fair treatment for nationals abroad and summoned the Israeli Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim. Both governments have agreed to resolve the issue amicably, while Ghana reaffirms its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining diplomatic relations.



#GhanaIsraelDiplomacy #DeportationRetaliation #ForeignRelations

UK Issues Methanol Poisoning Warning to Nigerians Over Deadly Alcoholic Drinks

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has warned Nigeria and several other countries about deadly methanol-laced alcoholic drinks, following reports of multiple deaths globally. Methanol, an industrial compound, becomes toxic when ingested, causing symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, and confusion, and can lead to coma, brain damage, or death. Travellers are advised to purchase only sealed beverages from licensed outlets and avoid homemade or unregulated alcohol. Health experts emphasize prompt medical attention for anyone showing symptoms after consuming alcohol.


#MethanolPoisoning #AlcoholSafety #UKTravelAdvisory

Aliko Dangote Named Pioneer Chair of New ECOWAS Business Council

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has been appointed the first Chairperson of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council, a regional platform created to strengthen private sector investment and deepen economic integration across West Africa. The appointment was announced by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 95th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The Business Council is expected to mobilise regional private capital, reduce dependence on foreign investment, and enhance collaboration between businesses, governments, and ECOWAS institutions. Leaders at the event—including officials from Sierra Leone and Nigeria—emphasised the need for stability, democratic governance, youth empowerment, and improved cross-border trade.
Dangote’s leadership is projected to energise private sector participation at a time when ECOWAS faces political instability, security threats, and humanitarian crises in several member states.