Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted political dispute in Rivers State, the United States revealed preparations to deport 18 Nigerians on its “criminal list,” and Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister Nyesom Wike left the Presidential Villa together in a symbolic show of reconciliation.
In other news, Oyo princes filed a legal challenge to maintain the supremacy of the Alaafin’s stool, the Senate met again in response to public outcry over changes to the Electoral Act, and the Federal Government denied requests from northern governors to halt mining operations in the face of the banditry crisis.
The top stories from this morning are shown below:
1. Tinubu mediates a settlement as Wike and Fubara leave Villa together
Following separate talks late Sunday, Fubara and Wike exited the Presidential Villa in the same car, seemingly as a symbolic peace gesture for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the protracted political turmoil in Rivers State. Officials interpreted the event as a potential sign of a thawing of hostilities between the political personalities who had been at odds for almost two years.
2. The US will deport 18 Nigerians on the criminal list once more.
There are now 97 Nigerians on the removal list after the US Department of Homeland Security added 18 more to its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal list that is set to be deported. The revised list, which reflects the ongoing US crackdown on criminal immigrants, includes people convicted of crimes like identity theft, mail fraud, and wire fraud.
3. In light of the banditry crisis, FG denies the northern governments’ request to halt mining.
Despite a united call from northern governors and traditional leaders for a six-month stop to reduce insecurity associated with illegal mining, the Federal Government has ruled out a complete suspension of mining operations in northern Nigeria. A complete ban, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, would have dire economic repercussions. Instead, he presented a focused security plan to deal with criminal elements near mining facilities.
4. Amid controversy around Electoral Act revisions, the Senate reconvenes.
Due to widespread indignation at its handling of Electoral Act revisions, namely the removal of the provision requiring the real-time electronic transmission of election results, Nigeria’s Senate will convene an extraordinary plenary session on Tuesday. In response to protests by political activists, labor unions, and civil society organizations calling for the preservation of the real-time transmission clause in order to preserve election credibility, an extraordinary session was called.
5. Oyo princes struggle in court to maintain Alaafin’s dominance
Oyo State princes have taken legal action to defend the Alaafin of Oyo’s supremacy and customary authority. The royal family and other interested parties are worried that legal and political developments may jeopardize the Alaafin’s long-standing cultural place and power within the established hierarchy, which is why the court case was filed.
