Cruz, in a statement released on Friday after President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” said he had introduced legislation to reinforce the U.S. government’s stance and hold accountable those responsible for the alleged religious oppression.

He said, “I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination. I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.”

According to him, the bill would strengthen measures against Nigerian officials accused of enabling an environment where Christians face targeted violence and discrimination.

“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria. My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and sharia laws in Nigeria, and I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance my bill and implement these necessary measures,” he stated.

Cruz also commended President Trump’s leadership, saying, “Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership.”

Trump’s declaration came after he alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamist groups in Nigeria, describing the situation as a growing threat to Christianity.

He warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” calling for immediate investigations and policy actions.

However, both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Presidency have dismissed the allegations of a Christian genocide.

While CAN described the reports as false narratives peddled by foreign agents, the Presidency insisted that there is no religious war taking place in the country.

TRIBUNE

Despite the ruling on July 4, 2025, which ordered her reinstatement, the Senate has stated it will not take action until it officially receives and reviews the complete judgment.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed that an official request has been submitted for the CTC, and no enforcement can occur until all parties are formally served.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her intention to return to her legislative duties this coming Tuesday, thanking her supporters.

The court had found her in contempt for a satirical Facebook post concerning Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which violated a previous court order, and consequently imposed a ₦5 million fine.

Her initial suspension in March stemmed from a disagreement over seating arrangements and subsequent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.

Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling, emphasized that the extended suspension was procedurally incorrect and infringed upon the constitutional right of the Kogi Central people to representation.

Vanguard

My family’s story is deeply woven into the Lagos fabric. My father and his three siblings grew up here. It’s where he met and married my mother, and together they raised five children—myself, the second. We are not strangers in this state. My parents and siblings speak Yoruba fluently, complete with proverbs and cultural nuance. Two of my sisters are married into Yoruba families—one to an engineer from Oye-Ekiti, the other to a lawyer from Ijebu-Igbo. I grew up in various Lagos neighborhoods, adopted its slang, lived its culture, and found my voice in its rhythm.

In many ways, I reflect the spirit of Lagos: diverse, grounded, and forward-looking. Just like the 1990s Fuji icon Sunny T Adesokan—our Igbo kinsman known as “Okoro to n ko Fuji”—I proudly identify as Omo Eko.

Now to the matter at hand.

In less than two years, the current Lagos administration will conclude its tenure, and attention is already shifting to the 2027 governorship race. Among the leading names emerging in discussions both online and offline is Femi Gbajabiamila, the current Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. His growing appeal is no surprise. For over 20 years, Gbajabiamila has been a consistent presence in Nigerian politics, demonstrating competence, charisma, and vision.

Since his first election in 2003 to represent Surulere I Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, up to his 2023 transition to the presidency’s inner circle, Gbajabiamila has proven to be a committed public servant. As an opposition leader, he was a bold, strategic voice who offered credible policy alternatives during the PDP era. As Majority Leader and later Speaker, he brought people together across party lines, championing laws that addressed real issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

One of his most impactful contributions is the revitalized student loan scheme, from which over 500,000 students have benefited. The Access to Higher Education Act, which established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, is his initiative—aimed at closing economic and gender gaps in tertiary education. This underscores his belief in the power of education and youth empowerment.

He also advocated for prepaid electricity meters when many Nigerians were suffering under the unfair estimated billing system. Going up against powerful, elite-backed electricity companies took courage and principle—qualities he has consistently displayed. Similarly, during the COVID-19 crisis, Gbajabiamila led the charge for the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill, designed to soften the blow of the pandemic on Nigerians’ livelihoods.

His influence extends well beyond legislative chambers. Through far-reaching constituency empowerment programs, Gbajabiamila has transformed lives. From distributing cars, laptops, and work tools to artisans and traders, to awarding education grants and initiating vital infrastructure—his work has directly improved everyday lives. Projects like the Femi Gbajabiamila Hall of Residence at UNILAG and the Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital in Surulere stand as living proofs of his investment in people.

Lagos needs a leader who understands its pulse, respects its diversity, and can translate vision into action. Gbajabiamila fits that description. His pan-Nigerian mindset makes him uniquely suited to govern a city of many cultures and voices. His solid educational background—including degrees from the University of Lagos, John Marshall Law School, and leadership programs at Cambridge, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard—equips him with both legal expertise and global insight.

With him at the helm, Lagos can become a smarter, safer, and more inclusive city. His legal and legislative knowledge will help drive policy with precision, while his commitment to education, infrastructure, and healthcare will uplift every corner of the state. His global exposure positions him to attract investment and forge partnerships that will propel Lagos to new heights.

This message is both a public reflection and a direct appeal to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC): Lagos stands to gain immensely by backing a man whose career has consistently shown what responsive, people-focused leadership looks like.

To my fellow Igbo and southeasterners living in Lagos: let us not be silent spectators. Our presence, contributions, and voices are integral to the life of this city. Supporting Gbajabiamila in 2027 is not only wise—it is necessary. It signals our commitment to unity, progress, and collective prosperity. Lagos welcomed us. Let’s help lead it into a brighter future.

This isn’t just an endorsement—it’s a heartfelt call to come together, across backgrounds and boundaries, behind a leader who sees Lagos for what it truly is: a place for everyone.

– Albert Nwoye, a lawyer, writes from Lagos.

Each of the 16 candidates vying for the state’s highest office will now be mandated to pay the campaign fee to secure a comprehensive campaign permit.

This substantial fee is necessary for candidates to engage in any form of visual promotion, including the display of campaign materials and the organization of political rallies across the state.

According to ANSAA, this newly instituted fee is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring orderliness throughout the campaign period, preventing the indiscriminate misuse of public spaces, and safeguarding vital state infrastructure from potential damage.

The agency emphasized that the N50 million payment will cover the legitimate use of a wide array of campaign materials across all 21 local government areas within Anambra State. This comprehensive permit is intended to streamline the outdoor advertising landscape during the intense electioneering period.

In an effort to maintain professional standards and ensure compliance, ANSAA has also mandated that only advertising structures managed by professionals officially licensed by ARCON will be permitted for use.

The agency has issued a stern warning regarding potential consequences for non-compliance with these new regulations. ANSAA underscored its foundational mandate, reminding the public of its establishment in 2010 with the core responsibility of regulating all advertising and signage activities within Anambra State.

Justice C.U. Okoroafor, presiding over suit no. HOC/41/2023, sided with Otti and validated the April 17, 2023, resolutions of the Labour Party’s National Working Committee, which had recognized him as the authentic leader.

This ruling follows a similar judgment from the Federal High Court (suit FHC/UM/CS/2023), further strengthening Otti’s claim.

The court also restrained Prince G.O Ndubueze from parading as the Abia State Chairman of the LP or interfering with the activities of Otti.

It was declared that the suspension slammed on Otti  based on the 2024 party constitution was unlawful, and of no legal effect.

The court’s decision dismisses the challenge brought by Mr. Festus Nwagwu and his group, effectively putting an end to the internal wrangling that has plagued the Abia Labour Party.

This formal handover ceremony, conducted on Wednesday at the Government House grounds in Akure, constituted a significant event commemorating the Governor’s first 100 days in executive office.

During the ceremony, Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens throughout the state.

He underscored the paramount importance of robust collaboration among all security stakeholders to effectively address criminal activities and uphold public order.

This recent allocation of vehicles represents a deliberate continuation of security enhancement initiative, which commenced in July 2024 with the provision of 25 comparable vehicles to security agencies, underscoring a sustained commitment to public safety.

The Governor stated that these endeavors are necessary to a comprehensive strategy aimed at equipping and empowering law enforcement and security organizations within Ondo State.

Representatives from a diverse array of security agencies, including the 32 Artillery Brigade, the Amotekun Corps, and the Ondo State House of Assembly, were in attendance to receive the vehicles.

They collectively conveyed profound appreciation for the gubernatorial support, affirming that the newly acquired fleet would be judiciously deployed to significantly enhance security operations and improve response capabilities across the state.

STARNEWS

The PDP has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking Oke’s immediate removal from his legislative seat and the declaration of the constituency seat as vacant.

In the suit, filed by its lead counsel, Raphael Oyewole, the PDP is asking the court to Compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to declare Oke’s seat vacant.

They are also asking that Abbas and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence processes for a bye-election to fill the now-vacant seat in the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.

The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1040/2025, names Oke, the House of Representatives, the Clerk of NASS, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and INEC as defendants.

The case is yet to be assigned to a judge for hearing.

Oluwole Oke, a six-term lawmaker, had officially announced his resignation from the PDP on April 16, 2025, in a letter addressed to the PDP chairman in Ward 7, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun, with copies also sent to the national and state chairmen of the party

He cited extensive consultations with his political associates, friends, and family as the basis for his decision to join the APC.

NAN

The declaration was made in a statement read on national television, confirming that Assimi Goita, the military leader, approved the action.

The development followed a recent gathering of political groups in Mali where participants proposed the removal of all existing political parties and the naming of Goita as president for 5 years.

The outcome of the meeting caused an uproar, sparking protests in Bamako on May 3 and 4 with demonstrators marching through the streets with signs calling for democratic elections and rejecting military rule.

As preparations began for another protest, the junta quickly responded by suspending all political activities in the country. This decision forced opposition groups to cancel the planned demonstration.

In the days that followed, human rights organizations began raising alarms about the sudden disappearance of opposition leaders.

One such group reported that Abba Alhassane, the secretary general of the Convergence for the Development of Mali (CODEM), was taken by masked men who claimed to be law enforcement agents on May 8.

On the same day, another political figure, El Bachir Thiam from the Yelema party, was reportedly seized in the town of Kati, just outside Bamako.

The military first took control in August 2020, during a period of increased violence from armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda.

At the time, Goita promised to return the country to civilian rule through elections initially set for February 2022.

He made this statement while addressing reporters after the late-night meeting which held on Sunday in Abuja with party leaders, including current and former governors, and other key figures.

The meeting was held at the Bauchi State Government Lodge and was attended by several PDP governors such as Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.

Others in attendance included former governors like Bukola Saraki, Babangida Muazu, Adamu Muazu, Aminu Tambuwal, Sule Lamido, and Udom Emmanuel.

During his remarks, the governor pointed out that while the party is not directly accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of causing internal problems in the PDP, the ruling party could have a hand in it.

The PDP has been battling internal conflict since before the 2023 presidential election.

The issue started when the party leadership chose to zone both its presidential ticket and the national chairmanship to the North, a move that sparked disagreements and division among members.

This latest meeting was one of many efforts by the party to find a way forward and fix the damage that has lingered for months.

As the talks continue, PDP members are still trying to figure out how to rebuild unity and trust within their ranks while also dealing with the effects of outside pressure.

STARNEWS