United States President Donald Trump is planning to sign an executive order today to make English the country’s official language for the first time in history, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

The United States never had an official language at the federal level, even though English is mainly used, with documents sometimes translated into other languages.

However, Mr Trump has now taken a historic decision to make English the official language of communication at the federal level by signing the latest order.

He had hinted on the move during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) during his campaign trail last year, where he decried too many languages coming into the United States.

“We have languages coming into our country,” Mr Trump said at CPAC. “These are languages — it’s the craziest thing — they have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It’s a very horrible thing.”

Mr Trump’s decision is a huge victory for Republicans on Capitol Hill after political party members of Congress’ previous failures to successfully pass legislation declaring English the official language.

Many states have designated English as their official language

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that the holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, March 1, following the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon in the Kingdom.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.

Also, countries including Qatar, Oman officially announced that Ramadan would be observed on Saturday, March 1.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Muslims are set to begin the Ramadan fast tomorrow if the President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, announces the sighting of the crescent moon this evening.

A former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, and four others were on Friday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before the Abia State High Court over alleged misappropriation of N47bn.

Orji was arraigned alongside his son, Chinedum Orji, a former Commissioner of Finance for Abia State, Dr. Philip Nto, a government contractor, Obioma King, and a former Director of Finance for Abia State, Romas Madu.

They are facing 16 counts of conspiracy to steal and conversion of billions of naira meant for various government programmes preferred against them by the EFCC.

When the matter which was before the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, was called, the EFCC’s lead prosecution counsel, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), requested that the charge be read to the defendants to allow them to enter their pleas.

The EFCC accused them of misappropriating N22.5bn allocated for security votes from 2011 to 2015.

They were also accused of allegedly stealing N13bn from a loan facility granted by the defunct Diamond Bank.

The commission alleged that they illegally converted N12bn from the Paris Club refund.

They were also accused of converting N10.5bn from a loan granted by First Bank, meant for the state government and its local governments, along with N2bn from Central Bank of Nigeria funds designated for small and medium enterprises.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

The defence team, including Bode Olanipekun (SAN) (representing the first defendant), Chikaosulu Ojukwu (SAN) (for the second defendant), K.I. Oleh, Okey Amechi (SAN), and Isaac Anya filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.

Pinheiro did not object to the bail applications.

They asked the court to use its discretion when determining the conditions of bail.

After a brief stand down, Justice Abai granted the defendants bail and adjourned till June 18 and 19, 2025, for trial.

A mild drama ensued on Friday at the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja when two lawyers laid claim to being the official counsel for the Lagos State House of Assembly during the hearing of a suit filed by Mudashiru Obasa, challenging his removal as Speaker of the Assembly.

Obasa, in suit number ID/9047GCM/2025 filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, is contesting the constitutionality of the House’s sitting and proceedings during a recess, which occurred without the Speaker reconvening the House or delegating the authority to someone else.

Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, filed the suit on his behalf.

The case stems from the legality of the House of Assembly’s sitting and proceedings on January 13, 2025, during which Obasa was allegedly impeached as Speaker.

Obasa’s application is based on nine grounds, including the interpretation of various sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as the Rules and Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Obasa is seeking the court’s interpretation of Sections 36, 90, 92(2)(c), 101, and 311 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) about Order V, Rule 18(2), and Order II, Rule 9 (1) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii), (viii) of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rules and Standing Orders, which hold constitutional status.

When the matter was called, Fashanu, appeared for Obasa, while Mr. Femi Falana, appeared for the first defendant (the Lagos State House of Assembly), Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, represented Mojosola Meranda (the current Speaker of the Assembly), and Mr. Olu Daramola, represented parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

However, a mild confrontation occurred when another counsel, Abang Mkpandiok, stood up to challenge Falana’s representation of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Mkpandiok claimed that he had been briefed the previous night by the Assembly and had filed a motion for a change of counsel that morning.

He argued that the right to choose one’s counsel is a fundamental human right and asked the court to address his application first.

Mkpandiok told the court that his law firm had been briefed just the day before to represent the House of Assembly in the suit, and he had filed the necessary documents, although they had not yet been served to the parties.

In a motion brought under Order 52, Rules 2 and 3 of the Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, Mkpandiok sought permission from the court to replace Femi Falana of Falana & Falana Chambers with himself, Abang Mkpandiok, of Atlantic Law Firm, as the official counsel on record.

Falana objected, stating that he had not been served with the application and remained the counsel on record for the Assembly.

Falana maintained that he was still the authorised lawyer for the first defendant and had not been informed of any decision to change counsel.

Oyetibo also pointed out that he had not been served with the application.

Mkpandiok then chose to serve the application to the other counsel in court.

After reviewing the court’s records, Justice Pinheiro noted that the application for a change of counsel was not yet ready for hearing.

The court remarked, “As counsel himself has admitted, that application has not been served on all parties. I will defer it pending compliance with the rules of court.”

The court also ruled that the application for expedited hearing would not be addressed today.

During the proceedings, Daramola informed the court of a Motion on Notice filed by 33 members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who sought to be joined as parties in the suit.

The lawmakers filed the motion under Section 361 of the Constitution and Order 15, Rules 4(1) & 16(3), and Order 43, Rule 1 of the Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019.

The motion sought two main reliefs: an order to add the individuals seeking to be co-defendants and an order compelling the claimant to amend the originating and other processes to include their names as defendants.

The applicants are members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, elected to represent various wards and constituencies in Lagos State.

However, Justice Pinheiro has fixed March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

After the proceedings, Meranda, while speaking to journalists, denied that she had resigned. She also condemned the invasion of the house on Thursday by the removed Speaker, Obasa.

Regarding her security detail, Meranda told journalists that although she was entitled to 12 police officers and four Department of State Security Service operatives, she had only been assigned four police officers so far.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, arrested 19 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo.

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said this in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, their arrest follows credible intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities.

”Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, laptop computers and phones.

”They have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Friday, February 28, attend the graduation of the Senior Executive Course 46 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau State.

As Special Guest of Honour, Shettima will supervise proceedings at the graduation of 96 participants of the institute’s Senior Executive Course drawn from the public and private sectors.

The Senior Special Assistant to the VP on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘VP Shettima To Attend NIPSS SEC 46 Graduation in Kuru; To represent President Tinubu at burial of Namibia’s founding President in Windhoek.’

The SEC 46 participants led by the DG and top management of the Institution, had on Wednesday, presented the report of its research to President Bola Tinubu at a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The report is titled “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities.”

The Vice President, upon the completion of his assignment, will depart Kuru, Plateau State for Windhoek, Namibia to represent Tinubu at a state funeral for Namibia’s founding President, Samuel Nujoma.

Shettima will join other leaders across Africa and beyond to pay their last respects to the late president who passed away at the age of 95.

The state funeral for the late Nujoma will begin with a memorial service scheduled for Friday, February 28, at the Independence Stadium, followed by the burial on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Heroes’ Acre.

Shettima will return to Nigeria at the end of the programme in Namibia.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, granted bail to a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties.

Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu, while delivering the bail terms, stated that the two sureties must provide proof of means of livelihood as well as valid identification.

She said, “Bail has been granted for a bond of ₦5 million with two sureties in like sum each. The sureties must show proof of means of livelihood, whether business or civil service. “The sureties must also provide valid means of identification, and their addresses are to be verified by the prosecution or court staff.”

Although the case was initially adjourned to April 3, the date was vacated due to the Sallah break, which falls within that period.

The court subsequently adjourned the trial to May 15, 2025.

Yusuf is facing a five-count charge of alleged fraud involving the sum of N90,439,178.00.

He is accused of abusing his office to gain undue advantages between 2016 and 2017.

The charges also include allegations of awarding contracts without following proper procurement procedures.

One of the accusations involves Yusuf authorising the purchase of a vehicle at an inflated cost of N49,197,750, far exceeding the budgeted amount of N30,000,000.

Additionally, he allegedly awarded a ₦10.1 million training contract to a foundation linked to him, with only half of the intended beneficiaries participating in the programme.

Yusuf is further accused of awarding a N17.5 million media consultancy contract to a company owned by his nephew, bypassing standard procurement guidelines.

The EFCC arraigned Yusuf on February 3, 2025.

He pleaded not guilty to all five counts when the charges were read to him.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has directed MultiChoice Nigeria, the operator of DStv and GOtv, to maintain its current subscription prices pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the company’s proposed tariff adjustment.

The consumer watchdog disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, on Thursday.

The directive follows MultiChoice’s request for an extension regarding its scheduled appearance before the commission over concerns surrounding its recurring price increases.

The regulator had earlier summoned MultiChoice’s Chief Executive Officer to appear before it on February 27 for an investigative hearing.

While the FCCPC granted the company’s request to postpone the session, it has now rescheduled the hearing for March 6, 2025, mandating the company’s CEO, relevant officers, and a comprehensive response to the inquiry.

“As part of this directive, MultiChoice is expressly instructed to maintain the existing price structure as of February 27, 2025, pending the commission’s review and final determination on the matter,” the statement read.

The FCCPC emphasised that the decision to freeze prices is aimed at preventing potential consumer exploitation during the investigation period.

MultiChoice had notified its customers on Monday of the impending price adjustment, citing a review of its pricing structure.

While the company stated that the changes were necessary to continue delivering world-class content, the development sparked concerns from subscribers.

Under the proposed adjustment, the DStv Compact package would be increased, while the Compact Plus and Premium bouquets would remain at N30,000 and N44,500, respectively.

In its notice titled “Price Adjustments for DStv and GOtv Packages,” the company said, “Dear Customer, please note that effective March 1, 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages.

This is to enable us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”

The FCCPC said it would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

About six persons died when a truck carrying foodstuffs lost control and fell on the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State on Thursday.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Enugu State Command, Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Enugu.

The incident occurred barely a month after 23 people lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion on the same Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The sector commander said that the incident happened about 8 a.m on Thursday.

Mr Agbakoba said that on receiving the distress call, the team of the corps rushed to the scene and rescued three victims who were taken to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Parklane, Enugu for treatment.

He said that the truck, conveying vegetables and fruits with a few traders, was on speed, lost control and tumbled.

“The unfortunate accident involved nine persons comprising eight male adults and one female adult. Five male adults and one female adult were confirmed dead in the unfortunate accident while the FRSC Rescue Team took three injured male adults to ESUTH Hospital, Parklane, Enugu. The Muslim faithful in the truck carried the dead bodies of five Muslims involved in the crash for burial while relatives of the only lady that died also took her corpse,” he said.

According to him, it was a lone accident as it involved the truck only.

Mr Agbakoba said, “The accident must have been caused by speed violation and brake system failure. It is unfortunate and we pray that God console the families and friends that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.”

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on Muslims to look for the crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH from Friday.

This directive was issued in a statement on Thursday by Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.

It indicated, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Friday, February 28, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1446 AH, shall be the day to look out for the new crescent of Ramadan 1446 AH. Muslims are encouraged to look out for the moon and report any sightings to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan,” Junaidu said.

The statement quoted the Sultan as praying for Allah’s guidance and blessings upon all the Muslims as they fulfill their religious obligations.

It noted, “For immediate reporting, the following contact numbers can be reached: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08099945903, and 07067146900.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a sacred period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by Muslims worldwide.

An Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Kolawole Muyiwa, a former part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (now Lagos State University of Education), to life imprisonment over rape.

Justice Rahman Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had proven the case of defilement beyond a reasonable doubt.

The crime was committed on October 11, 2021, within the premises of the college in Oto-Ijanikin, Lagos State.

Kolawole was arraigned on October 6, 2023, and pleaded not guilty. However, in delivering the judgment, Justice Oshodi found him guilty, citing the survivor’s detailed testimony and the defendant’s admission of requesting a relationship with her, which he claimed was platonic.

“Kolawole Muyiwa I have found you guilty of rape contrary to section 260 of the criminal law chapter 17 volume laws of Lagos state 2015

“I note that you are a first-time offender with no criminal record, and you are married with three children. You also served as a part time lecturer

However, the gravity of the offense committed cannot be overlooked: “As a part-time lecturer, you occupied the position of trust and authority which you abused.

The victim was a student at the institution where you taught.

“Section 260 of the criminal law describes life imprisonment punishment for your crime, and that is what I shall sentence you to. You shall also be registered as a sex offender.”

During the trial, the survivor told the court that “on October 11, 2021, she arrived early for a departmental meeting scheduled for 10 am. while waiting outside her classroom, the defendant approached and requested her to go get him food. She declined due to her pending meeting.

The court noted that the survivor followed the defendant to get a flask for the food purchase, and he led her to the office.

“When they got inside, the defendant said he no longer wanted food but needed help marking some examination scripts. She added that the defendant went outside, returned, and locked the passage gate and office door.”

She said that the defendant asked if she had a boyfriend, to which she said no.

He suddenly pushed me down the plastic chair I was sitting on, overpowered me and forcefully removed my trousers. I was menstruating at the time, and he removed my sanitary pad and had forceful sexual intercourse with me.

The survivor said that after they had sex with her, the defendant said: “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force.”

The defendant, in his account, told the court that on October 11, 2021, he came to the college to record and submit a script and that he met the survivor on reaching the gate, who offered to help him carry his bag.

He asked her if she could help record scores, to which she agreed. She informed him that she had a meeting.

The defendant told the court that he asked the survivor for a relationship while inside his office, and she accepted. He explained that the relationship meant was,

“To be together, to talk, relate with one another, but not for sexual relationship. He denied rapping the survivor.

His counsel, Dr G.O. Erenta, told the court to discharge and acquit the defendant as the evidence of the survivor was fictitious and no corroborating evidence was established.

But the judge held that the testimonies of the survivor corroborated with that of the legal practitioner and that of the IPO.

One personnel member died, and an unidentified number of civilians were wounded in a clash that erupted between some civilians and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna.

NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the clash occurred on Wednesday, February 26, at Unguwan Gangare, Barakallahu, Kaduna State, but didn’t give details of what led to the clash.

According to the NAF spokesman, the wounded civilians had been conveyed to 461 NAF Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

AVM Akinboyewa said the NAF had begun a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, and any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of the law “in line with our commitment to justice and accountability.”

He said: “Additionally, we deeply regret the loss of a life and have reached out to the family of the deceased to express our condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation and justice.

“The NAF remains a highly disciplined and professional force committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct in all engagements.

“A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is already underway. Any personnel found culpable will face the full weight of the law in line with our commitment to justice and accountability.”

The NAF spokesman urged the public to remain calm as the service works “diligently to ascertain the facts and ensure that appropriate actions are taken.”

The National Executive Committee, NEC, of the All Progressives Congress has ratified the zoning of chairmanship of the party to the North west.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the end of the NEC meeting.

Morka said: “The NEc has ratified the zoning of national chairmanship position to the North West.”

The position was initially zoned to the North Central, which gave Senator Abdulahi Adamu the chance to emerge as the chairman of the party.

However, internal party crisis led to the resignation of Adamu and the former National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

After the duo were forced to resign, the former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdulahi Adamu emerged as the chairman and Senator Ajibola Basiru as the Secretary.

Morka also revealed that NEC constituted a-seven member committee to be chaired by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni and was assigned with the task of bringing more members into the NEC of the party

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday accused North Korea of being behind the theft of $1.5 billion worth of digital assets last week, the largest crypto heist in history.

“(North Korea) was responsible for the theft of approximately $1.5 billion USD in virtual assets from cryptocurrency exchange, Bybit,” the FBI said in a public service announcement.

The bureau said a group called TraderTraitor, also known as the Lazarus Group, was behind the theft.

It said they were “proceeding rapidly and have converted some of the stolen assets to Bitcoin and other virtual assets dispersed across thousands of addresses on multiple blockchains.”

“It is expected these assets will be further laundered and eventually converted to fiat currency,” the FBI added.

Lazarus Group gained notoriety a decade ago when it was accused of hacking into Sony Pictures as revenge for “The Interview,” a film that mocked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

North Korea’s cyber-warfare programme dates back to at least the mid-1990s.

It has since grown to a 6,000-strong cyber-warfare unit known as Bureau 121 that operates from several countries, according to a 2020 US military report.

The United States will begin removing transgender troops from the military within 30 days unless they obtain a waiver on a case-by-case basis, the Pentagon said in a Wednesday memo.

The memo became public as part of a court filing in a case challenging President Donald Trump’s late January executive order that was aimed at barring military service by transgender personnel.

“Service members who have a current diagnosis or history of, or exhibit symptoms consistent with, gender dysphoria will be processed for separation from military service,” the memo read.

These troops may be “considered for a waiver on a case-by-case basis, provided there is a compelling government interest in retaining the service member that directly supports warfighting capabilities,” it said.

To obtain such a waiver, troops must show that they have never attempted to transition, as well as demonstrate “36 consecutive months of stability in the service member’s sex without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.”

Transgender Americans have faced a roller coaster of changing policies on military service in recent years, with Democratic administrations seeking to permit them to serve openly, while Trump has repeatedly sought to keep them out of the ranks.

The US military lifted a ban on transgender troops in 2016, during Democrat Barack Obama’s second term as president.

Under that policy, trans troops already serving were permitted to do so openly, and transgender recruits were set to start being accepted by July 1, 2017.

But the first Trump administration postponed that date to 2018 before deciding to reverse the policy entirely.

Trump’s controversial restrictions — which underwent changes in response to various court challenges — eventually came into force in April 2019 following a protracted legal battle that went all the way to the nation’s top court.

Trump’s Democratic successor Joe Biden moved to reverse the restrictions just days after he took office in 2021, saying all Americans qualified to serve should be able to do so.

After returning to office in January, Trump issued an executive order executive order that again took aim at transgender military service, saying: “Expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service.”

Transgender issues have roiled US politics in recent years, as states controlled by Democrats and Republicans have moved in opposite directions on policies ranging from medical treatment to what books on the topic are allowed in public or school libraries.

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday distributed farm tools and resources to equip and empower 200 trained farmers in Anambra State to enhance productivity and support local agriculture.

Mrs Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Nonye Soludo, made the distribution in Awka under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Agricultural Support Programme.

Among the tools distributed were grinding machines, wheelbarrows, poultry and piggery resources, seeds, organic fertilisers, piglets, farm boots, spray knapsacks, watering cans, and cages, among others.

Two hundred farmers from the 21 local government areas were trained in drip irrigation installation, piggery, vegetable farming, poultry farming, and poultry feed production.

She said, “On behalf of the wife of the President and National Chairman of RHI, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, I welcome you to the Agricultural Support Programme. After today, your lives will have a greater impact, one that will not only benefit you but also your family, community, Anambra State, and our dear country at large. This programme is a medium-scale agro-support initiative that targets individuals who have the right passion to venture into lucrative agro-businesses.

“You have been trained in feed processing, vegetable farming, drip irrigation installation, poultry farming, and piggery to develop your skills and become financially sustained.”

The first lady urged the farmers not to sell the tools but to use them wisely and work hard to make the best use of them.

“The expectation is that you will not just become employed but ultimately lead a network of people who will benefit from your businesses. We have trained you. Now, it is your turn to train others so we can end unemployment and poverty, build financial independence, create better income platforms, raise financial growth, and grow our economy,” she said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, stated that the governor’s wife’s pet project, the Healthy Living Initiative, would monitor to ensure the farmers utilise the equipment effectively.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Agriculture, Forster Ihejiofor, appreciated the government’s support for the agricultural sector, describing it as the key to a secured future.

Some of the farmers who expressed their gratitude to the first lady said the training and tools would significantly improve and expand their farming skills and businesses.

A drip irrigation farmer, Ijeoma Mmaobi from Aguata, stated that the government’s support would greatly impact her farm productivity and livelihood.

A poultry feed producer from Nnewi, Boniface Ezeife, thanked the government for prioritising their needs and ensuring the accessibility of resources critical to modern farming practices.

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has expressed disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima into office in the 2023 general election.

The council also lamented that Muslim communities, particularly in Yorubaland, have not benefited from having two Muslims at the highest levels of government, contrary to the widespread belief that it would favour them.

Speaking at a pre-Ramadan lecture held in Kaduna on Tuesday, the President of the SCSN, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, said millions of Muslims remain politically marginalised across Nigeria, especially in the South-West, where they overwhelmingly supported the ticket.

“We have seen Nigerians vote for leaders of the same Islamic faith into the presidency without turning the country into a perpetual battlefield. However, we have not seen justice and equity extended to all communities, regardless of their faith,” Hadiyyatullah stated.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the South-West and advise those who seek to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to find other pursuits. The Ummah looks to us for guidance and assurance that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism and greed. Many Muslims feel betrayed for voting this administration into power.

“For over two decades, the council has played a pivotal role in addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. In the past year, we have engaged with major security stakeholders, including the intelligence community and other strategic actors. These developments demand urgent and decisive action from the government,” he said.

Hadiyyatullah also expressed concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, which he described as “increasingly unbearable”.

He noted that the adverse effects of government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to skyrocketing costs of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods unaffordable for many Nigerians.

“The depreciation of the naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded the purchasing power of citizens. The council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies that alleviate these hardships.

“However, it is alarming that, within a short period, the government has introduced multiple new taxes and tariffs, including a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% NPA tariff, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases.”

The SCSN president further reiterated the council’s commitment to advocating for the easing of these draconian policies to protect the interests of the poor and vulnerable.

In the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu chose Shettima as his running mate.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket generated outrage from some quarters, even within the ruling party.

Shortly before the announcement of Shettima, Ibrahim Masari, who had previously served as a placeholder for the vice-presidential slot, announced his withdrawal from the position.

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has expressed disappointment over the Muslim-Muslim ticket that brought President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima into office in the 2023 general election.

The council also lamented that Muslim communities, particularly in Yorubaland, have not benefitted from the impacts of having two Muslims at the apex helms of affairs, contrary to the widespread belief that it would benefit them.

Speaking at the pre-Ramadan lecture held in Kaduna on Tuesday, the President of the SCSN, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, said millions of Muslims remain politically marginalised across Nigeria, especially in the South-West, where they overwhelmingly supported the ticket.

“We have seen Nigerians vote for leaders of the same Islamic faith into the presidency without turning the country into a perpetual battlefield. However, we have not seen justice and equity extended to all communities, regardless of their faith,” Hadiyyatullah stated.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the South-West and advise those who seek to divide the Nigerian Muslim Ummah to find other pursuits. The Ummah looks to us for guidance and assurance that their faith will not be sacrificed on the altar of political opportunism and greed. Many Muslims feel betrayed for voting this administration into power.

“For over two decades, the Council has played a pivotal role in addressing insecurity and ethno-religious crises in Nigeria. In the past year, we have engaged with major security stakeholders, including the intelligence community and other strategic actors. These developments demand urgent and decisive action from the government,” he said.

Hadiyyatullah also expressed grave concern over the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, which he described as “increasingly unbearable”.

He noted that the adverse effects of government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to skyrocketing costs of living, making food, transportation, and essential goods unaffordable for many Nigerians.

“The depreciation of the Naira, high inflation, and stagnant wages have further eroded the purchasing power of citizens. The Council has consistently advised the administration to adopt policies that alleviate these hardships.

“However, it is alarming that, within a short period, the government has introduced multiple new taxes and tariffs, including a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, a 4% FOB charge on imports, a 15% NPA tariff, a 100% hike in ATM charges, and proposed electricity tariff increases.”

The SCSN President further reiterated the Council’s commitment to advocating for the easing of these draconian policies to protect the interests of the poor and vulnerable.

Recall that in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu chose Shettima as his running mate.

The Muslim/Muslim ticket generated outrage from some quarters, even within the ruling party.

Shortly before the announcement of Shettima, Ibrahim Masari, who had hitherto served as a ‘placeholder’ for the VP slot, announced his withdrawal from the position.

The Federal Government on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Nigerian professional footballer, Abubakar Lawal, in Uganda.

The Federal Government, in a statement issued by the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the entire Nigerian football community.

Lawal, who was a former Nigerian Under-20 International footballer, was playing for Vipers Football Club in Uganda at the time of his death.

He was also a final-year Business Administration student at Cavendish University in Uganda.

Lawal, was reported to have fallen from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade in Kampala on Monday morning.

In response to the tragedy, FG has directed the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala to work closely with Ugandan authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lawal’s death.

The government has ordered a thorough investigation, including an autopsy, to determine the cause of death.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the public that it would continue to provide necessary consular assistance to the deceased’s family, ensuring their welfare is prioritized during this difficult time.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian professional footballer, in Uganda.

“In this moment of grief, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and the entire Nigerian football community during this difficult time.

“The Ministry has been in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kampala, Uganda, which is working closely with local authorities to ascertain the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

“We are committed to ensuring that a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted, including an autopsy to verify the cause of death. The Ministry has also directed the High Commission in Kampala to provide all necessary consular assistance to support the family and ensure that justice is served,” the statement read in part.

The Ministry also reaffirmed the strong relationship between Nigeria and Uganda, expressing confidence that the Ugandan authorities would handle the matter with sensitivity and professionalism.

The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain patient as the investigation unfolds, calling for restraint and discouraging speculation that could hinder the ongoing inquiry.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely to safeguard the interests and well-being of Nigerians abroad.

“The Ministry wishes to buttress the fact that Nigeria values the strong bilateral relations with Uganda, therefore we are confident that the Ugandan authorities will handle this matter with utmost seriousness and sensitivity.

“We call for calm and patience as the investigation unfolds and urges the public to refrain from speculation that could hinder the process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation closely, while we remain resolute and committed to protecting the welfare and rights of all Nigerian citizens abroad,” the statement concluded.

Former President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, has been hospitalised in Shanghai, China for vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve responsible for balance.

AFP reports that her team disclosed this on Tuesday.

The 77-year-old economist, who now leads the New Development Bank, was reportedly “responding well to treatment” and is expected to be discharged in a few days.

According to AFP, Rousseff was admitted to the Shanghai East International Medical Center on February 21 “due to a case of vestibular neuritis,” an inflammation of the nerve that controls balance.

Despite her hospitalisation, she has continued her work. She was appointed to head the NDB by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2023.

Donald Trump ordered an investigation on Tuesday into possible levies on US copper imports, with officials citing a need to rebuild domestic production and safeguard national security — the latest salvo of the president’s tariff threats.

Since taking office in January, Trump has announced sweeping duties that could hit both allies and adversaries while also targeting sectors like steel and aluminum – moves that may reshape global supply chains.

The imposition of tariffs or other barriers on copper could fuel trade tensions with Chile, the biggest US supplier accounting for about 35 percent of imports, as well as Canada.

Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order tasking his commerce secretary with studying copper imports in order to end unfair trade.

“Tariffs will help build back our American Copper Industry, and strengthen our National Defense,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform shortly after the signing.

“Our great American copper industry has been decimated by global actors attacking our domestic production,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a statement.

“To build back our copper industry, I will investigate the imposition of possible tariffs,” Lutnick added.

The world’s biggest economy has been increasingly dependent on copper imports to meet domestic consumption needs.

Copper is used in military hardware like aircraft, but growing demand for the metal is also linked to a boom in artificial intelligence and data centers.

Lutnick said Tuesday: “It’s time for copper to come home.”

US officials did not commit to a deadline for the investigation or potential tariff rate.

The probe will take place under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the same tool used to justify steep tariff hikes on steel and aluminum imports previously.

Such probes focus on the harm that certain imports – in this case copper and derivatives – could have on US national security.

These investigations can take months and do not necessarily result in action, though US officials said Lutnick would move quickly, “in Trump time.”

With copper, considering both mining and refinery production, the United States produces just a fraction of what countries like Chile and China do, a White House official said.

While the United States sits on ample copper reserves, it lacks smelting and refining capacity, the official added.

On Tuesday, Peter Navarro, Trump’s senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, accused China of using a model of industrial overcapacity and dumping among means “to gain control of the world’s copper markets.”

Besides tariffs aimed at specific sectors, Trump has also announced and paused sharp tariff hikes on major trading partners Canada and Mexico.