Amnesty International Raises Alarm Over Human Rights After U.S. Capture of Venezuela’s President and Wife

Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the human rights and legal implications of the U.S. military action in Venezuela, which led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The organization warned that the operation likely violates international law, including the United Nations Charter, and could trigger further human rights violations either through additional U.S. operations or retaliatory measures by Venezuelan authorities.

Amnesty stressed the need for the U.S. to comply with international humanitarian law, uphold due process, and ensure humane treatment of all persons deprived of liberty. It also called on Venezuelan authorities to refrain from further repression and protect the rights of human rights defenders and political activists.

The organization highlighted the broader danger to the rules-based global order, cautioning that such unilateral military actions risk normalizing international interventions driven by force and intimidation rather than law.

#Venezuela #HumanRights #AmnestyInternational #Maduro #USMilitaryAction #InternationalLaw #UNCharter #CiviliansProtection

Tinubu Urged to Sack Finance Minister Wale Edun Over Alleged Poor Economic Management

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been called upon to immediately remove the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, over allegations of poor handling of Nigeria’s economy. The call was made by political activist Theophilus Abu Agada, who publicly criticised Edun’s performance since assuming office in 2023.
In a social media post, Agada described Edun as a “terrible manager of the economy,” arguing that Nigeria’s economic challenges have been poorly addressed under his leadership. He claimed that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has been shielding the finance minister through what he termed a more competent and proactive performance at the apex bank.
Agada further accused President Tinubu of making a grave mistake by entrusting the nation’s economic management to someone he described as having “stale and outdated” knowledge of economic realities. He insisted that Edun’s continued stay in office is detrimental to Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged the president to act swiftly by relieving him of his duties.
The statement has added to ongoing public debates and criticisms surrounding the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, reforms, and appointments, especially amid rising inflation, currency pressures, and cost-of-living concerns across the country.

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025

Lagos Police Defy Court Order, Insist on Arresting Sowore Over Alleged Plan to Incite Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has maintained its stance on arresting political activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, over an alleged plan to incite violent protests in Lagos — despite a court order restraining the police from doing so.

Last Wednesday, Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had issued an interim injunction barring the police and other security agencies from arresting, harassing, or declaring Sowore wanted, following an application filed by the activist.

However, during a strategic meeting at the police headquarters in Ikeja, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh stated that Sowore’s arrest “still stands,” accusing the activist of ignoring official invitations.

“He never showed up. If you are declared wanted, you are to report to the nearest police station, not call me over the phone,” the CP said.
“Any officer who sights him — whether on the road, in a restaurant, or elsewhere — should arrest him and bring him to the State CID for proper investigation.”

Jimoh said security operatives recently intercepted over 300 individuals allegedly mobilising for a violent protest on the Third Mainland Bridge, arresting 13 suspects and recovering a vehicle loaded with loudspeakers and a generator.

The Commissioner dismissed social media criticism, calling it “ignorance of the law,” and emphasized that maintaining order was his constitutional duty.

“Anybody who is not pleased can go to court. As CP, I will continue to act within the powers of the law to protect Lagosians. We won’t allow enemies of progress to drag Lagos into chaos,” he declared.


Jimoh further insisted he had not been formally served any court order restraining the arrest.

“Once I am served, I’ll comply immediately,” he assured, while directing all Area Commanders and DPOs to arrest Sowore anywhere he is found — except inside a courtroom.


The police boss concluded that no individual or group would be allowed to “destabilise the peace of Lagos under the guise of protest.”

Police insist on arrest of Sowore over alleged plan to incite violent protest in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its intention to arrest political activist and former presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, over alleged plans to incite violent protests in Lagos.

This is coming despite the clear orders of Justice Musa Kakaki of a Federal High Court, Lagos, last Wednesday, which restrained the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and other security agencies from arresting, intimidating or declaring Sowore wanted.

The order followed an application by Sowore after reports that the Lagos State Police Command had allegedly declared him wanted in connection with unspecified allegations.

Delivering the ruling, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, particularly the Commissioner of Police, from “harassing, intimidating, threatening with arrest, or declaring the applicant wanted pending the determination of the substantive suit.”

But Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, who spoke during a strategic security meeting at the command headquarters in Ikeja, yesterday, said despite Sowore’s invitation, he had failed to show up at the command headquarters.

He stated that the declaration was made in accordance with Section 215 (1, 4 and 5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowered the Commissioner of Police to maintain law and order, protect lives and property.

He added that despite an earlier letter from Sowore’s lawyer expressing his intention to bring Sowore to the command, none of them had shown up.

He said: “He never showed up, if you are declared wanted, you are to report to the nearest police station, not call me over the phone.

President Samia Suluhu declared winner of tanzanian election amid deadly protests.

Tanzania’s electoral commission has declared President Samia Suluhu Hassan winner of the country’s disputed election, securing nearly 98% of the votes.

The result announcement triggered widespread unrest across several regions, with opposition groups alleging a government crackdown that left hundreds dead. Chadema party spokesperson John Kitoka claimed about 700 people were killed nationwide including over 350 in Dar es Salaam and 200 in Mwanza citing reports from party members who visited hospitals and clinics to count bodies.

He accused security forces of targeting protesters and demanded a transitional government to restore electoral justice and end the killings. While a security source confirmed between 500 and 800 deaths, Amnesty International reported at least 100 verified fatalities.

The government dismissed the opposition’s figures as exaggerated, describing the violence as isolated incidents caused by “criminal elements.”

Authorities also imposed a nationwide curfew and restricted internet access, a move critics said was aimed at silencing dissent.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an impartial investigation into the alleged use of excessive force. Suluhu, who assumed power in 2021 after the death of President John Magufuli, sought her first full term under the ruling CCM party.

However, the exclusion of major opposition candidates and arrests of political activists have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the election and the state of democracy in Tanzania.

Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest



Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.

Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.

According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.

“Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.


He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.

Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.

He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.

Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.

“We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.

Sowore Condemns Attack On Activist ‘Mama Pee’ At Benin Airport After Confronting Julius Abure, Demands Arrest, Prosecution Of Assailants.

The attack on Mama Pee on Saturday. It followed her reported confrontation with Abure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where she accused him of frustrating Nigerians.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has strongly condemned the attack on Precious Onuche, popularly known as Mama P, by thugs suspected to be loyal to the factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, at the Benin Airport in Edo State.

The attack on Mama Pee on Saturday. It followed her reported confrontation with Abure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where she accused him of frustrating Nigerians.

According to eyewitnesses, Mama Pee saw Abure at the airport trying to board a plane and told him, "Is it not Julius Abure? You're the one frustrating Nigerians." Abure responded with, "How can?"

Mama Pee continued, "In case nobody has told you, you're the one frustrating Nigerians. Are you not Julius Abure? What are you now doing with Labour Party? Police are looking for you. You've destroyed the Labour Party, and you're entering an aeroplane? May God punish all of you."

The situation escalated upon arrival at Benin Airport, where Mama Pee was attacked by suspected thugs loyal to Abure, inflicting injuries on her. Despite the attack, the police arrested and detained her, letting the attackers go free.

Reacting to the assault, Sowore, a former presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), condemned the attack on Mama Pee, describing it as unacceptable.

“I strongly condemn the Benin City airport attack on MamaPee, a courageous political activist who uses social media effectively to call out societal wrongs,” Sowore said.