US embassy in Kyiv orders staff to shelter over 'significant air attack' from Putin in response to Biden allowing Ukraine to fire missiles into Russia

The US embassy in Kyiv warned staff to shelter over a 'significant air attack' from Russia after President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to fire long-range missiles deep into Russia.

''The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received specific information of a potential significant air attack on November 20,' it said in a message on its website. 

'Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy will be closed, and Embassy employees are being instructed to shelter in place. 

The embassy urged US citizens in Kyiv to 'be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.'

 

The threat comes just days after Washington lifted the ban on Ukraine using long-range missiles supplied by the US to hit targets in Russia as Putin's forces begin to recover ground.

 

A short memo advised US citizens in the capital to monitor local media and identify shelters in case of an attack.

Ukraine is bracing for a potential strike after Biden finally gave permission for Kyiv to use its long-range missiles in Russia on Sunday, approaching 1,000 days of war.

 

The missiles have a range of 190 miles (300km) and could allow Ukraine to repel Russia long-range weapons hitherto capable of striking Ukraine without retaliation.

In anticipation of Ukraine receiving permission to use ATACMS, Russia's air force is said to have redeployed many of its fighter jets and strategic bomber aircraft away from the airbases in range of the missiles to sites further east.

The decision to concede usage came after months of gridlock in the United States and followed news North Korean troops were reinforcing Putin's lines in Russia last month.

US-supplied ATACMS missiles will be used against both Russian and North Korean troops deployed against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region, officials said.

The US said the move was intended to send a message to Russia's ally in North Korea, deploying ground troops for the first time since the end of the Korean War.

I feel your pain but we need to hear her side of the story - Nigerian activist Israel Joe addresses man whose wife got married and pregnant for another man

 

Activist, Comrade Israel Joe, has addressed the Nigerian man who accused his estranged wife of getting married to another man while still legally married to him. 

 

It is reported that one Anthony Echebiri claimed that his wife married another man and got pregnant for him after disowning their daughters. 

 

Addressing Mr Echebiri in a Facebook post on Wednesday, November 20, the activist commiserated with him but however, said that one of the principles of natural justice is hearing from the other side. 

 

“I feel your pain my dear brother, how your wife would get pregnant for another man and still get married to the man while the l two of you are still married,” he wrote. 

 

"However, we would love to hear her side of the story, in one of the twin pillars of natural justice. She might have gone to the extreme but she isn't a mad woman.

 

“Before we conclude, we would hear her side and if she doesn't come out to clear the air in the midst of this allegations, then her silent would mean concurrence.” 

 

Gunmen k!ll prominent Anambra architect four days to his mother’s burial

Gunmen have k!lled a Port Harcourt-based, Anambra-born architect, Engr. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, four days to the burial of his late mother.  

Egbuonu, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA) d!ed on Sunday, November 17, 2024, following complications occasioned by gunshots he sustained after being attacked by gunmen near his hometown in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The General Secretary of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Chike Chamberlain Ibeanu, who confirmed the tragic incident in a statement, said Egbuonu was k!lled while finalizing arrangements for his mother’s burial slated for Thursday, November 21. 

“Distinguished colleague, it is with a painful and heavy heart that I announce the death of our brother, Arc. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu FNIA, KSJ,” the statement read.

"He d!ed on Sunday, 17th November 2024, following complications from gunshot wounds sustained after being attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen near our hometown of Nnewi.

"He was heading home to conclude arrangements for his mother’s burial on Thursday, 21st November 2024.

"Until his d3ath, Arc. Asomba Andrew Egbuonu FNIA was the Chair, Architectural Exhibitions and Competitions Committee of the Institute and Past Chair, NIA Rivers State Chapter. 

“Kindly say a word of prayers for the gentle repose of his soul and God's strength and comfort for the entire family in this most trying of times."

 

Lagos court sentences oil and gas association chairman to 21 years' imprisonment for N43.5m fraud

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, November 18, 2024, convicted and sentenced Fatuyi Yemi Philips, Chairman, Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, to 21 years imprisonment for N43.5m fraud.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on April 5, 2022, arraigned Philips alongside his firm, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N43, 502,000.00.

Count one reads: "Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited under the false representation that you would sell to WAPCIL Nigeria Limited $98,870.00, a representation you knew to be false."

Count two reads: "Fatuyi Yemi Philips and Oceanview Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, on or about the 28th day of September, 2016 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, stole the sum of N43, 502,000.00, property of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited."

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges, thereby leading to his full trial.

In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede, tendered several documentary evidence and called five witnesses to substantiate the allegations against him and his company.

The defense, on its part, called three witnesses during the trial.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Dada held that the prosecution proved its case against the defendants beyond reasonable doubts.

Consequently, the judge sentenced Phillips to 14 years imprisonment on count one and seven years on count two, without an option of fine.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

The Judge also ordered the second defendant, Oceanview Oil and Gas Limited, to pay a fine of N500,000( Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in respect of count one and another N250,000( Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) in respect of count two within 30 days or be wound up.

The court further ordered the convicts to make restitution in the sum of $90,202.00 or the prevailing Naira equivalent to the nominal complainants.

Phillips’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when he collected the sum of N43, 502,000.00 from Elochukwu Okoye and Elebana Unique Ventures Nigeria Limited on behalf of WAPCIL Nigeria Limited with a false promise of selling its dollar equivalent($98,870.00) to them. 

He neither returned the naira nor dollar equivalent to the petitioners. 

Canada now permits international students to work 24 hours

Canada has increased the permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week. 

This adjustment aims to provide greater opportunities for students to gain work experience while maintaining their focus on academics. 

Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, stressed the intent behind this policy change, saying, “This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.” 

The decision builds on remarks Miller made in October 2022 when he emphasized the importance of work experience for international students. 

At the time, he stated: “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth. 

“Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.” 

International students can now work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. These periods allow students to increase their earnings without interfering with class schedules, bolstering their financial stability while continuing their education. 

The updated regulations permit students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms. This increase offers greater employment opportunities while ensuring students can maintain a sustainable study schedule. 

Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) are now required to submit reports twice yearly to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These reports will confirm students’ enrollment status and academic progress, ensuring compliance with study permit requirements and upholding the integrity of the International Student Program. 

Under the new rules, international students must obtain approval before transferring to a different DLI. This requirement ensures adherence to permit conditions and maintains academic standards across Canada’s institutions. 

In Quebec, eligible international students can work off-campus without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific criteria. Students must be enrolled full-time in post-secondary, vocational, or professional training programs, or vocational training at the secondary level. These courses must be at least six months long and lead to a recognized degree, diploma, or certificate. 

By introducing these measures, Canada aims to enhance opportunities for international students while addressing labour shortages in key sectors, ensuring a balance between work experience and academic success.

Five feared k!lled as gunmen attack two communities in Anambra

Five persons were feared k!lled when some unknown gunmen attacked two communities in Anambra State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 18, 2024. 

It was gathered that the heavily armed gunmen said to be enforcing sit-at-home, stormed the Abatete community in Idemili North Local Government Area, targeting security personnel attached to the town’s President-General.

Some sources in the area said three security men were shot and k!lled during an exchange of gunfire.

The PG of the community was critically injured and rushed to a nearby hospital.

“We are praying for his recovery. The armed hoodlums invaded the community in the early hours of today. This senseless violence has left our community shaken,” one of the sources said. 

In another separate incident, some gunmen attacked the Ukpo Community at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, k!lling one vigilante operative and a motorcycle rider. 

“It was chaos. The attackers came out of nowhere in a commando-like fashion and started shooting indiscriminately,” an eyewitness said. 

A police source who pleaded anonymity confirmed the incident to the punch.

"The police have launched an investigation into the attacks and are working to apprehend the perpetrators.

“We condemn these heinous acts and assure the public that we will do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.”

It was gathered that both incidents were said to have occurred within an hour interval, with the first attack happening at 8am in Abatete and the second at 8.45am at Ukpo Roundabout. 

 

Driver of minister's wife d!es after falling into abandoned well in Kano

A 60-year-old man, Sabi'u Yusha'u Unguwa Uku, has d!ed after falling into an abandoned well located at CBN Quarters Hadejia Road, in Kano State.

The spokesperson for the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement at the weekend said the deceased was the driver of the Minister of Defence's first wife. 

According to the Abdullahi, the deceased came to drop some guests at a house after which he came out to urinate. 

Unknown to him, there was an abandoned well in the area. 

 “On Friday 15th November, 2024, at about 22:35 hrs, State Fire Service under the leadership of Alh. Hassan Ahmad Muhammad received a call for emergency assistance from one of our staff PFS II Sabo Wada Abdullahi who informed of the incident where a person fell in a well at CBN Quarters Hadejia Road,” the statement read.

 

"The crew on duty were mobilized to the scene of the incident and arrived at 22:50 hrs.

 

"When they arrived, they found a 60-year-old man named Sabi'u Yusha'u Unguwa Uku, who had fallen into a well.

 

"The victim was rescued unconscious and conveyed to Sir Sunusi specialist Hospital Hadejia Road for medical examination while doctors confirmed his d3ath.

 

"The corpse was handed over to CPL Faruku Musa of Dakata Police Division.

 

"Meanwhile, the victim was a driver to the first wife of the Minister of Defense and he came to drop some guests at one house nearby the place of incident.

 

"The victim came out with the intention of urinating in a place where he did not know there was an abandoned well and some debris.

 

“In that process he stepped on one side of the well cover, as a result of that he drowned in the water.” 

Lagos plotting to colonise Northern Nigeria — Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has accused Lagos of plotting to “colonise” the northern region.

Speaking during the convocation ceremony at Skyline University in Kano, the former Kano State governor alleged that Lagos played a significant role in the ongoing emirate rulership battle in the state.

Let me note our situation here in Kano and indeed northern Nigeria,” Kwankwaso said.

“The emir is just being a stooge at this very difficult time, especially in this part of the country (northern Nigeria).

“Today, we can see very clearly that there is a lot of efforts from the Lagos axis to colonize this part of the country. Today, Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose an emir, Lagos has to come to the centre of Kano to put their own emir.”

“Today, we are aware that the Lagos young men are working so hard to impose taxes and take away our taxes from Kano and this part of the country to Lagos,” he stated. “Even the telephones that we make or register here in Kano, efforts are there to take all the taxes to Lagos.

Even our sons and daughters who have brought factories—many of them here in Kano and northern Nigeria—and even banks, somehow, they are forced to take their headquarters to Lagos because taxes will now have to go to Lagos.”

The NNPP supreme also decried the widening gap between the rich and the poor, describing the situation as perilous for the nation.

At this moment, I would like to call all our National Assembly members to keep their eyes open so that they don’t do anything that would cheat the people of northern Nigeria, especially here, Kano,” he said.

We are witnesses to what happened during the first term, 1999 to 2000, where our members of the National Assembly were bribed, were treated into collecting huge sums of money to support offshore in this country. That law put a huge blow into our economy not only here in northern Nigeria but all other states,” Kwankwaso concluded. 

Katsina man connives with bandits to kidnap his mother for ransom

A middle-aged man, Jibril Falalu has confessed to orchestrating his own mother's kidnapping with the help of bandits in order to collect ransom. 

The incident happened in Tsa/Magam community in the Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State. 

Falalu instructed the bandits to kidnap his mother, but fortunately, she was rescued just a day later.

A crisis and conflict journalist in the Northwest region, Bakatsine, on Friday, said Falalu was arrested on Thursday by officials of Katsina Community Watch (KCW).

Bakatsine posted a video of the confessional statement made by Falalu when he was being interrogated by KWC officials

"I arranged for the abduction of my mother. We worked on it together with one Nakande and one other; we were three all together," Falalu said in the video.

Young man from Kano builds solar-powered tricycle

 

 Young man from Kano builds solar-powered tricycle

A young Nigerian man from Kano State has gained widespread attention on social media after it was reported that he single-handedly built a fully solar- powered tricycle.

The news went viral following a post shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which featured images of the man riding his creation on the road.

Although his name has not been disclosed, the photos highlight the innovative achievement as he is seen operating the solar-powered tricycle.

SEE POST:

“Wealth matters not in the end” – Man reacts to arrival of Sen. Ubah’s body

 

X user, Jeremiah Jackson Penking, popularly known as Dr Penking, has reacted to the arrival of the body of the Late Nigerian Senator, Ifeanyi Ubah for burial.

Recall that the Businessman died on the 27th of July 2024, of a cardiac arrest in London, at the age of 52.

The former Senator was said to have departed Nigeria for the United Kingdom two days earlier on 25 July.

A close family source said he died in a hospital where he went for surgery.

His body arrived Nigeria yesterday, ahead of his burial which is scheduled to hold on the 22nd of November 2024.

However, reacting to this, Dr Penking urged Nigerians to always reflect on their life’s journey, stating that at the end of the day, wealth and riches don’t matter.

He wrote, “Have you noticed where they are bringing him out from? That is the part of the plane they put luggage for passenger planes and Stockfish for cargo planes. This is a man with estimated net worth of 170 billion Dollars. What was all the money for? Nothing.

“Wealth and riches doesn’t matter at the end of the day. Only the good you have done in this world will speak for you when you are gone.”

Miss South Africa withdraws from Miss Universe 2024

 

Recently crowned Miss South Africa, Le Roux has withdrawn from the Miss Universe competition due to health concerns.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Miss South Africa Organization, on Friday.

The beauty queen while expressing her gratitude to her supporters from South Africa, stated that the decision to withdraw was not easy for her.

She noted that she is grateful for the opportunity to focus on her recovery, adding that this will enable her serve her country with full strength.

She stated, “Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me. However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”

The Miss South Africa Organization also showed its support for Mia’s decision, saying that “her health and well-being are our utmost priority.”

“We stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health. Our hearts are with her as she takes the necessary steps toward recovery,” the organization said.

The Miss Universe preliminary competition kicked off on Friday in Mexico City, with previous winners R’Bonney Gabriel of USA and Sheynnis Palacos of Nicaragua as hosts.

The coronation night will be held on November 16.

Ugandan TikToker convicted for insulting president

A court in Uganda has convicted a 21-year-old Tiktoker for calling for the public flogging of President Yoweri Museveni on TikTok. 

Emmanuel Nabugodi, who created a video depicting a mock Museveni trial, faces up to seven years in prison for “spreading hate speech” against the head of state. 

He pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and was remanded in custody at the notorious Kigo maximum security prison near Kampala until November 18, when he will be sentenced.
State attorney Paul Aheebwa Byamukama said prosecutors have asked the Entebbe court to impose a seven-year sentence. 

Nabugodi is the fourth Ugandan to appear in court and be remanded in custody in the last two days for insulting the president and his family. 

In July, another 21-year-old TikToker was sentenced to six years in prison for insulting Museveni, who has ruled Uganda with an iron fist since he toppled president Milton Obote in 1986. 

Award-winning author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was arrested in late 2021 and charged with insulting Museveni and his powerful son Muhoozi Kainerugaba who many Ugandans believe is positioning himself to take over from his 80-year-old father. 

Rukirabashaija was awarded the 2021 PEN Pinter Prize for an International Writer of Courage, which is presented annually to a writer who has been persecuted for speaking out about their beliefs. 

He said he was tortured during his month-long detention in Uganda and fled into exile in Germany. 

In 2020, four members of a comedy troupe were jailed when they released a video sarcastically calling on Ugandans to pray for their leaders, including Museveni, the police chief and the head of prisons. 

An online campaign demanding their release led to the charges being dropped.

"I want to follow Jesus" – 22-year-old announces retirement from football

Swiss midfielder Silvan Wallner has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 22, citing his desire to "follow Jesus Christ" and observe the Sabbath as his reasons. 

The young defender, who started his professional career with FC Zurich in 2020, has accumulated over 100 appearances, playing for two other clubs, Wil and BW Linz, where he signed a two-year contract in September. 

In a statement released by Blau-Weiß Linz, Wallner said, "I am a devout Christian, and I read the Bible. I make my own decisions about my life. 

"I wish to follow Jesus Christ, and as a result, the biblical day of rest has become important to me. 

"As a footballer, this means that I no longer want to play professionally on Saturdays. 

"This is my personal conviction, which I have reached in the last few days. I am not yet a member of any church. 

"I say a big thank you to all the people who have accompanied and supported me in my sporting career." 

Wallner has played 5 times for Blau-Weiß Linz this season, with his last game a 1-2 defeat against TSV Hartberg at the end of October. 

Additionally, Wallner was part of the Swiss U21 national team as recently as October, with his last appearance coming in early September during a 1-2 loss to Albania.

‘You cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases’ -Falana knocks Wike over car and house gifts to judges

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, says it is wrong for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to give judges houses and cars.

Wike had in October flagged off the Design and Construction of 40 Judges’ Quarters in the Katampe District in the nation’s capital, Abuja, which has generated controversy, with many arguing that it is unethical.

Falana speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, said;

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory operates like a state governor by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution.

“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses, 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, no.

“Because you are a minister of the Federal Government like a state governor your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT.

“So, you cannot as the head of the FCT be dishing out gifts of cars, houses to judges in the federal high court, in the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court.

“Number two, you have cases before these courts, on the theory of equality before the court you cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases,” he said.

The veteran lawyer said this is the reason the autonomy of the judiciary has been constitutionalized, so that the judges have no business going to the executive to buy them cars and houses.

According to Falana, the Constitution has granted financial autonomy to the judiciary which gives it authority to manage its own budget.

The human rights activist also berated Wike over the demolition of private properties in the FCT,  saying such demolitions are not authorised under the Urban and Regional Planning Act applicable in the FCT.

“In the FCT, if a house has breached the law, the case must first be taken to the Urban and Regional Planning Board.

“If the property owner loses, they can appeal to the Urban and Regional Tribunal. If that fails, the case may go to the High Court, where an order for demolition may be issued,” he added.

Missing man found de@d near Ogun stream

A 35-year-old man Felix, has been found de@d in a mysterious circumstance days after he went missing in the Ojowo area of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State. 

The deceased had arrived the community on Monday, November 11, to pay a visit to his brother, Robert Sunday. After the visit, he was said to have bade his brother farewell at about 9pm and said he was heading back to his own home.

Robert however became apprehensive after he received reports that Felix never got home that night.  He reported the matter to the police and a search was launched which proved abortive.

Sadly. after days of searching, Felix's body was found near a stream in the community on November 13 with a wound on the forehead close to the left eye. A team of policemen were alerted and they arrived the scene, evacuated the corpse, and deposited it at Alayangbe Private Morgue for autopsy.

The case was said to have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Ijebu Igbo.

Immigration raises alarm over increasing irregular migrants entering Nigeria

The Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Edo State Command, Martins Moye, has raised alarm over the rising number of irregular migrants entering Nigeria. 

He spoke at the 2024 Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) enlightenment campaign against irregular migration in Benin City, Edo State. 

The theme of the event was "Say No to Migrant Smuggling. If You Must Migrate, Migrate Safely, Orderly, and Regularly." 

Speaking at the event, Moye emphasized the urgency of the campaign given the increasing numbers of irregular migrants. 

Assistant Controller of Immigration David Amanahu, a facilitator from NIS headquarters in Abuja, also delivered a message from the Controller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap. 

Amanahu noted, "The Controller-General’s message is clear: the NIS is now more focused than ever on border management and migration issues." 

Another facilitator, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration Woshak Danladi, outlined the severe dangers of irregular migration. 

"Irregular migration can cost you your freedom, and in some cases, even your life. 

"There’s a risk of organ harvesting, human rights abuses, and many more dangers," he warned, urging officers to actively educate the public on these risks.

British troops may have to go to Ukraine if Trump cuts support - Boris Johnson

 

Boris Johnson has warned that Britain may have to send troops to Ukraine if Donald Trump cuts funding to the war torn country when he takes over as President.

The former prime minister told GB News that if Russia gains the upper hand in the conflict, the UK may have to do more to defend Kyiv.

He warned that the US president-elect was listening to some pro-Putin figures in the Republican party with “bonkers” ideas on the war.

Johnson said the decision by the US and its allies to spend billions on helping Ukraine was an “investment” against future expansionism by Russia and China and could prevent the UK having to send ground troops.

If Ukraine goes down, then we face an even bigger threat on our borders, the borders of the European continent wherever the democracies butt up against Russia,” he said.

“So, it’ll be the Baltic states. It’ll be in Georgia. You’ll see the impact of a Ukrainian defeat in the Pacific theatre. You’ll see it in the South China Sea.

“What I’m saying is for people watching, thinking ‘why are we supporting the Ukrainians?’

“It’s because otherwise our collective security will be really degraded by a resurgent Russia threatening all sorts of parts of Europe, and we will then have to pay to send British troops to help defend Ukraine.”

“There’s a front of the Republican Party, quite a lot of them actually, who take the wrong line on Ukraine and who are, frankly, a bit entranced by Vladimir Putin and they have a kind of weird sort of fanboy thing about Putin,” he said.

“You know, taking his shirt off. And it’s creepy, It’s bonkers, it’s wrong. He’s listening to some of those people… he’s hearing all that.

“On the other hand, this is the same Trump who made a huge difference to the fortunes of Ukraine when he authorised the supply of the Javelin shoulder-launched anti-tank weapons.

“If Trump hadn’t done that, then the battle for Kyiv might have been very, very different.”

The former Conservative leader said Trump won the election on the issue of the economy.

“A lot of people looked back to the time of Donald Trump and remembered that things were not only stable, but also quite prosperous and he had a clear and incredible economic message about growth, about tax cuts, about deregulation,” he said.

Johnson said Britain should emulate the Republican’s plan to deport illegal immigrants, saying: “I agree, and I looked at that and I thought we should.

“We’ll see how he gets on because, be in no doubt, the lawyers will be all over it, as they were all over our various projects.

“It’s like I said in April 2022, when I launched the Rwanda scheme, you’ve got to get the legal ducks in a row. And I said to the people, I said to the country that when we launched, that it would only work if we could get the lawyers to back down.

“We live under the rule of law, and we try to protect human rights, but sometimes that protection of rights is done in such a way as to be, I think, unreasonable and against the clear manifesto commitments that the Government has.”

NNPC has stopped importing refined petroleum products - Kyari

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced that it has stopped importing refined petroleum products. Speaking at the 42nd Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) annual international conference and exhibition in Lagos, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari confirmed that the company is now sourcing fuel exclusively from domestic refineries, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

“Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries,” Kyari stated, highlighting the shift towards a locally sourced supply chain.

In a recent deregulation move, the federal government ended NNPC’s sole off-taker role, allowing other marketers to purchase directly from local refineries. Addressing claims that the NNPC was not supportive of local refineries, Kyari refuted the notion, emphasizing the company’s commitment to domestic refining.

“We are very proud part-owners of Dangote refinery, no doubt about it,” he said. Kyari explained that NNPC’s decision to supply local refineries was based on strategic business insight. “We saw an opportunity that there is a clear market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production; we know that as time moves on, people will start struggling to find markets for their production. Therefore, we saw an opportunity to log supply to the domestic refinery, not just Dangote but any other refinery that operates in the country.”

Addressing calls for Nigeria to fully domesticate its oil, Kyari pointed out that Nigeria’s crude is often blended with lower-quality crude in the global market. “We should never forget that Nigerian crude is ’Lamborghini crude,’” Kyari said, explaining that if all domestic products were derived from high-quality Nigerian crude, it would impact pricing. “Everybody buys Nigerian crude and blends it with dirtier crude to process… no one takes Nigerian crude except one or two refineries that I know.”

Kyari further commented on quality concerns, suggesting that product quality is relative. “You are driving a Keke-Napep and you want Lamborghini fuel, you do not need it. So, the quality issue is a relative thing… we will do everything possible to make sure that we domesticate this.”

The NNPC GCEO also dispelled rumors that the company was reluctant to sell crude to Dangote in naira, refuting claims of sabotage. “There are too many claimants out there, that the NNPC does not want to sell crude to the refinery in naira as a form of sabotage. Far from it!” he said. Kyari explained that selling in naira would be a neutral transaction, adding, “It’s a net zero gain. You lose nothing, you probably gain nothing.”

Kyari praised President Bola Tinubu for backing this approach, noting that settling such transactions domestically would reduce foreign exchange (FX) pressure on the naira. “If you stop the import and sell in naira, what you are simply doing is just a substitution… you would have controlled inflation, and you would have controlled the FX pressure because we would have settled the exchange rate for 50 percent of your imports.”