Tanzanian President Appoints Daughter and Son-in-law as Ministers.

Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law as ministers in her newly formed government. In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, Mrs. Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October 29 presidential election, named 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, including her family members.

Wanu Hafidh Amei, the president’s daughter, was named deputy minister for education, science, and technology, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, took over as health minister. In other appointments, Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, became finance minister, while Adolf Mkenda retained his role as education, science, and technology minister.

Seven former ministers were removed, but Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo were retained as mining and foreign affairs ministers, respectively.

Mrs. Hassan’s re-election has attracted criticism due to violent protests, an internet shutdown, and a crackdown on demonstrators.

The United Nations has called for thorough investigations into reported deaths, warning that authorities may be concealing evidence. Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from the election, claims about 700 people were killed and refuses to recognize Mrs. Hassan as president.

International observers have also expressed concerns. The African Union deemed the election not credible, while the European Union, Southern African Development Community, and missions from the UK, Canada, and Norway condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition, and internet restrictions during the polls.

US House of Representatives launches Probe into Christian Genocide in Nigeria.

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to scrutinise President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The session, slated for 11 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live online, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a long-time advocate on global religious liberty issues.

According to an invitation issued to members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the hearing will convene two panels. The first panel will feature senior officials from the US Department of State, including Jonathan Pratt, the Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

A second panel will include prominent voices from religious and policy organisations, among them the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The review will assess the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and explore possible US responses, ranging from targeted sanctions to humanitarian assistance and increased cooperation with Nigerian authorities.

Trump’s Hardline Position
President Trump reignited debate on October 31, 2025, when he returned Nigeria to the CPC list, a designation that paves the way for sweeping punitive measures against foreign officials implicated in religious repression. In a strongly worded statement the following day, he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat,” claiming thousands had been killed by Islamist extremists.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump warned. “We may very well go into that country ‘guns-a-blazing’ to completely wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities.”

He also directed the US “Department of War” to prepare for possible intervention, saying any strike would be “fast, vicious, and sweet.”

Nigerian govt aware of policies fueling Christian persecution, chooses media manipulation – Ted Cruz.

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has claimed that the Nigerian government is aware of policies fueling alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, but chooses media manipulation over accountability.

In a statement he posted on his X account on Friday, Cruz also warned about a PR campaign being waged by the Nigerian government to fight the accusations.

“Nigerian officials know their policies have created an environment in which Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered, including their enforcement of sharia law and their tolerance of Islamist violence,” Cruz said (via Fox News Digital).

“Instead of reversing these policies, they are waging a media campaign to escape exposure and accountability. I intend to prevent them from doing so.”

This is coming after the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, recently spoke on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

United States President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern a few weeks ago.

Trump cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The US leader also said he had asked the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

But the Nigerian government has strongly denied the persecution of any religious groups in the country

"Let us not create another Sudan with Nigeria" – Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar Tells Trump and others.

Minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has warned against actions that could push nigeria into a crisis similar to sudan’s, emphasizing the country’s commitment to religious freedom and rule of law.

Speaking in Berlin, Germany, during an interview with deutsche welle, Tuggar reacted to recent statements by the us government, which he described as filled with “menaces, allegations, and threats.” he said nigeria’s stance on religious freedom is clear and well-documented.

“We have articulated what our country says about religious freedom, what our federal law says about it, and nigeria’s constitutional commitment to both religious freedom and the rule of law answers it all,” the minister stated.

He further explained that nigeria’s legal framework makes it impossible for any form of religious persecution to be supported by the government at any level. “our laws are clear, and this book answers all the questions,” he added, referring to a document recently presented to clarify nigeria’s record on human rights and faith tolerance.

Tuggar cautioned that the world must avoid creating “another sudan,” warning against divisive narratives built around religion, ethnicity, or politics. “we’ve seen what happened in sudan based on religion, tribe, and sentiments, and we can see the crisis. after every crisis, it’s still us, the african countries, that come together to resolve it,” he said.

The minister reiterated nigeria’s dedication to unity, peace, and respect for diversity, stressing that the government will continue to uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of faith or background.

Tinubu Set to Appoint New Ambassadors Amid Rising Diplomatic Tension with the U.S.

President Bola Tinubu is putting finishing touches to the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions after months of vacancies and growing diplomatic concerns, especially following recent tensions with the United States.

Presidency sources confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the ambassadorial list to replace nominees who have died, retired, or withdrawn from consideration. The updated list is expected to be released soon after final verification.

This comes two years after Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions in what was described as a comprehensive diplomatic review. Since then, most embassies have been headed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited powers to represent Nigeria in high-level engagements.

Officials believe the new appointments will help restore Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility and strengthen communication with international partners, particularly amid the recent friction with the U.S. triggered by former President Donald Trump’s remarks. Trump had threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, comments that stirred widespread concern in Abuja.

According to sources, the absence of ambassadors has slowed Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly to sensitive international matters. “Having ambassadors in place will help Nigeria engage more effectively, especially in times of tension,” one official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet President Tinubu at the State House to finalise the list. An official announcement of the new ambassadorial appointments is anticipated in the coming days.

US Lawmakers Move to Sanction 12 Nigerian Governors Over Alleged Christian Persecution.

According to a report by The Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, a major diplomatic clash is brewing between Nigeria and the United States as the US Congress considers a bill that could impose sanctions on 12 northern governors, judges, and traditional rulers accused of complicity in religious persecution.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged Christian genocide.

The bill seeks visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions on officials enforcing or tolerating Sharia or blasphemy laws under the Global Magnitsky framework.

Trump claimed thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria, directing the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act “without delay.” He warned of possible military intervention if the killings persist, saying the US could go “guns-a-blazing” against Islamic terrorists.

Nigeria’s Federal Government rejected the allegations, asserting that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits any state religion. It clarified that Sharia applies only to Muslims in certain northern states and is subject to constitutional review.

Foreign affairs experts warn the crisis could damage bilateral relations, reduce US aid, and affect arms deals vital to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Former ambassador Mohammed Mabdul said the CPC tag would “weaken diplomatic cooperation,” while ex–Foreign Ministry spokesman Ogbole Amedu-Ode urged the government to protect citizens’ rights and rebuild global trust.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet Trump soon to clarify Nigeria’s stance and strengthen security ties amid rising global scrutiny.

FG refutes Trump’s claim of christian persecution.

The Federal Government has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” following his claim that Christianity is facing an existential threat in the country.

Trump, in a statement on Friday, alleged that thousands of Christians were being killed by radical Islamists in Nigeria and directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate the situation. “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter… something must be done!” he said.

Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government said Trump’s remarks do not reflect the reality on the ground.

The statement emphasized that Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.

It further noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens. The government added that it will continue to engage constructively with the United States to deepen understanding and cooperation on peace and security issues.

FG Slams Trump Over “Country of Concern” Designation on Nigeria.

The Federal Government has rejected US President Donald Trump’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” dismissing his claims of widespread persecution of Christians as inaccurate and misleading.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump alleged that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” blaming radical Islamists for what he described as “mass slaughter.”

Responding in a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the allegations do not represent the true situation in Nigeria.

According to ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigerians of all religious backgrounds have historically lived, worked, and worshipped together in peace.

He noted that while the Nigerian government welcomes international concern for human rights and religious freedom, the claims are “misleading and contrary to the government’s sustained efforts to promote peace and unity.”

Super Eagles’ Flight to Uyo Delayed After Aircraft’s Windscreen Cracked Mid-Air.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ return to Uyo for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was delayed after their aircraft developed a cr+cked windscreen mid-air.

The ValueJet Airline plane, which had earlier flown part of the team to Polokwane for the match against Lesotho, made an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, shortly after takeoff during a refuelling stop.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers, and the aircraft landed safely back in Luanda without casualties.

The incident occurred as the team was heading home following a 2–1 away win over Lesotho, a result that boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory lifted the Eagles to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic (17) and South Africa (15).

The NFF stated that ValueJet, in coordination with the Federal Government, the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, is working urgently to secure permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos to transport the delegation to Uyo.

Tuesday’s fixture is seen as a must-win for Nigeria. Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the playoffs.

To keep their qualification hopes alive, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic and hope South Africa drops points in their final game. Anything less would end Nigeria’s bid to return to the world stage after missing Qatar 2022.

The clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is being viewed as a defining moment for the three-time African champions, who are determined to reclaim national pride and secure a place at FIFA 2026.

Reps Reject U.S. Senate’s Genocide Claim Against Christians in Nigeria.

The House of Representatives has dismissed the U.S. Senate’s claim describing Nigeria’s insecurity as genocide against Christians or state-sponsored persecutiom, saying it misrepresents the country’s true situation.

The decision followed a motion by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, titled “Urgent Need for a Coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic Response to the Proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (U.S. Senate Bill S.2747)”.

Kalu said the U.S. bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, which seeks to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, is based on incomplete assessments. 

He stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that insecurity is multi-causal, driven by insurgency, banditry, separatism, and communal clashes—not religion.

Lawmakers warned that the U.S. claim could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and strain diplomatic ties. Julius Ihonvbere called for swift diplomatic engagement, while Oluwole Oke described the claim as a “deliberate attempt to damage Nigeria’s image.”

The House reaffirmed constitutional religious freedom, condemned all forms of violence, and rejected the U.S. Senate’s portrayal of Nigeria’s crisis. 

It also directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington to lodge a diplomatic protest and present factual data to U.S. and international bodies.

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.

Nkosinathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s ambassador to France has been found dead at the Hyatt Regency hotel, a high-rise tower in Porte Maillot in the west of Paris.

According to newspapers Le Parisien and Le Figaro, Mthethwa’s corpse was found after his wife raised the alarm that he was missing.
The wife was said to have spoken out after she received a text message from him that worried her.

Reuters quoted a spokesperson at South Africa’s foreign affairs department as saying they were “aware of unfortunate reports pertaining to Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa” and would issue a statement once there was official information.

But a spokesperson for Paris Police declined to comment, according to the agency which added that calls to the South African Embassy went unanswered and that a receptionist at the Hyatt said the hotel would not comment.

According to the deceased profile on the embassy’s website, he was Minister of Arts and Culture from 2014 to 2019, and became Minister of Sports from 2019 to 2023.

Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Global elimination of Nuclear weapons.

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global elimination of nuclear weapons, stressing that the world must act decisively to dismantle them.

Represented by Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, at the UN high-level meeting marking the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear We+pons in New York, Tinubu described nuclear weapons as a grave threat to peace, security, and human survival.

“We need to see action toward the dismantling of these weapons,” he said, adding that their elimination remains the only absolute guarantee against their use or threat of use.

He criticised the lack of political will by Nuclear-Weapon States, urging them to fully implement agreed disarmament measures under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

He also praised countries that have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and called on others to do the same, noting Nigeria was among the first signatories.

Tinubu further urged nuclear powers to halt testing, development, and modernisation of their arsenals, while highlighting Africa’s Pelindaba Treaty, which declared the continent a nuclear-weapons-free zone. He encouraged other regions to follow suit.

According to him, the benefits of disarmament are enormous and cannot be underestimated. “While there are no easy solutions, we must remain resolutely focused on achieving a world free of nuclear weapons and be better assured of our survival as human race,” he said.

Today, I welcomed Vice President Francia Márquez of Colombia to the Aso Villa. Her words about returning to “the land of our ancestors” remind us that no ocean can separate a shared heritage.

For centuries, history may have created divisions between Africa and Latin America, but we are committed to fostering new collaboration and building connections across sectors. Our shared history can lead us to a brighter future of mutual prosperity.

VP Kashim Shettima and his team have done an excellent job laying the groundwork for this cooperation. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced, and I support every aspect of the agreements reached.

Particularly with Colombia, Nigeria's recent agreement with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate this.

Nigeria brings the energy of a young, skilled population; Colombia brings opportunity and heritage. We must keep collaborating to drive inclusive growth, social justice, and stronger South–South cooperation.

As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria will continue to lead in forging these new partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean.

No ocean is wide enough to divide us any longer.

~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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

Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker passes away after a brief illness.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Buea, Cameroon.

According to a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the envoy passed away on Saturday, August 16, after a brief illness.

Describing him as a committed and distinguished career diplomat, the Ministry noted that Coker had previously served in Nigeria’s missions in Conakry, Guinea, and Shanghai, China, before his posting to Buea.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends, and prays for the peaceful repose of his soul,” the statement read.

Presidency Gives Official Reason for Nigeria’s Empty Booth at TICAD 9 in Japan.

The Presidency has explained why Nigeria’s booth was empty on the opening day of the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan.

The controversy began after a viral post by Idris Bello, co-founder of The Wennovation Hub, who expressed disappointment at finding Nigeria’s booth unmanned.

Bello, who said he was “ashamed” by the situation, noted that he had to personally step in to engage visitors and potential investors. The incident led to widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s preparedness for the global investment forum.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga dismissed the criticism as “misrepresentation,” stressing that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9 was focused on high-level engagements rather than trade exhibitions.

“The trending social media narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference,” Onanuga stated.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is leading a delegation prioritising bilateral and multilateral negotiations with international partners in key sectors, including power, industry, and agriculture. The statement highlighted meetings scheduled with Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation, among others.

Onanuga also disclosed that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is negotiating major JICA-funded projects, including the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement and renewable energy scale-up initiatives. The Bank of Industry is likewise engaged in financing talks with global institutions.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s official schedule does not include participation in the open trade exhibition, which has been mistaken for the country’s main platform at the event.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier clarified that the booth was not abandoned but simply “not yet opened” and was scheduled for inauguration on Thursday, the second day of the conference.

Nigeria Pledges Reciprocal Action Following New US Visa Requirements.

The Federal Government has vowed to impose reciprocal measures after the United States introduced stricter visa requirements for Nigerian applicants.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced via its official X handle that all Nigerian visa applicants must now submit details of their social media accounts, email addresses, phone numbers, and usernames used over the past five years. It warned that failure to comply could lead to visa denial or future entry restrictions.

Following reports that the new policy expands on earlier rules for international students, which required applicants to list and remove privacy restrictions on their social media accounts for vetting purposes.

The U.S. authorities explained that the measure forms part of broader immigration policies aimed at strengthening national security.

Responding, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria was briefed in advance of the policy and will respond with equal action. He stressed that American citizens applying for Nigerian visas will be subjected to the same requirements.

“Visa matters are reciprocal. Whatever conditions are placed on our nationals, we will apply to theirs as well,” Ebienfa stated, adding that an inter-agency meeting will be convened to determine the government’s official response.

#fintter_news #Nigerian_news #FG #America #Visa_requirements

FG Reacts as Canadian Court Labels APC, PDP as Terrorist Groups.

The Federal Government has condemned a Canadian Federal Court ruling that classified Nigeria’s two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as terrorist organisations.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa. According to the government, the label, linked to an immigration case involving Nigerian national Douglas Egharevba, was “reckless, baseless, and an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.”

Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in 2017 seeking refugee status, had his case reviewed under allegations that certain Nigerian political parties had terrorist affiliations. The court in its judgment extended the allegations to the APC and PDP.

“The Court made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of political parties that have produced democratically elected presidents, instead of focusing on individuals found guilty of offences,” the ministry said. “Such classification is false, unacceptable, and carries dangerous implications.”

The government stressed that Nigeria’s political parties operate within a robust constitutional and legal framework, warning that the ruling could spread misinformation and inflame tensions.

Calling on Ottawa to retract the designation, the FG urged Canadian authorities to avoid endorsing politically motivated narratives that misrepresent Nigeria’s democratic system. It reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism and cooperating on global security, while cautioning citizens against misrepresenting the country for asylum or immigration advantages.

“Nigeria remains committed to the global fight against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremism. The international community should disregard this misguided ruling,” the statement said.

Ghanaian President John Mahama has assured Nigerians that there is no place for X+n@phobia in Ghana, reaffirming the country’s commitment to ECOWAS protocols on the free movement of people & goods.

Mahama gave the assurance while receiving a special envoy from President Bola Tinubu led by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra.

In a statement released by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication & New Media to the Minister, Mahama dismissed concerns over recent protests targeting Nigerians in Ghana. He urged President Tinubu not to worry, emphasizing the strong historic ties between both nations.

“Tell President Tinubu not to lose sleep. Nigeria & Ghana are brothers. We won’t let anything come between us,” Mahama said. He explained that a viral protest video circulating online was actually an old clip recorded over 10 years ago by a Nigerian resident in Ghana.

Though it briefly stirred tensions, Mahama clarified that fewer than 50 people were involved and the matter was promptly addressed.

The president guaranteed the safety of Nigerians and their businesses in Ghana, stressing that both countries must continue to foster unity and cooperation. Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on her part, appreciated President Mahama’s hospitality and reassurances.

She said the Nigerian government was deeply concerned about the safety of its citizens in Ghana following the video’s resurgence. She also revealed that the visit aimed to push for the establishment of a permanent Nigeria-Ghana Joint Commission.

According to her, the commission would tackle youth migration issues linked to unemployment, while also promoting responsible migration. “We encourage our youth to stay in Nigeria, and if they must migrate, to be good ambassadors,” she added.