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Shettima Remains Tinubu’s Loyal Pillar
Abuja, Nigeria In a recent statement, APC national vice chairman (North East), Dr. Umar Duhu, described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “pillar of strength, loyalty, and unity” within the Tinubu administration, crediting him with delivering strategic insight, diplomatic finesse, and administrative discipline during complex reform efforts. Leadership News
Duhu emphasized that Shettima has gone beyond ceremonial duties to play a substantial role in guiding national economic reforms and fostering reconciliation across diverse regions. He referenced Section 141 of the Nigerian Constitution, noting the Vice President’s position as a vital governance partner. Leadership News
Speaking of Shettima’s unwavering support, Duhu quoted an excerpt from his inaugural address:
“My loyalty to President Tinubu is unshakeable, and I will work tirelessly to support his vision for a greater Nigeria.”
That declaration, Duhu argued, has shaped Shettima’s consistent approach to leadership. Leadership News
The Yoruba Youth Progressive Forum (YYPF) also commended Shettima for his “unalloyed loyalty”, highlighting his early endorsement of Southern leadership during the 2023 primaries and pointing to it as a unifying force in the build-up to Tinubu’s presidency. THISDAYLIVEThe Guardian Nigeria
US Judge Blocks Trump’s Rapid Deportation
Washington, D.C. On August 29, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb blocked the Trump administration’s plan to expand rapid deportation across the country. The policy would have allowed undocumented immigrants to be deported swiftly without a court hearing, raising serious due process concerns. (cnn.com)
Judge Cobb emphasized that expedited removal must ensure all individuals have a fair chance to contest their deportation in court. She ruled that the nationwide expansion could lead to illegal deportations if protections are not followed.
The Trump administration has said it plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that fast-track deportation is essential for effective immigration enforcement. For now, the expansion of the rapid deportation program is officially halted.
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and legal protections in the United States.
President Bio Welcomes New SLFA Executive Team
Freetown, Sierra Leone On August 13, 2025, President Dr Julius Maada Bio received the newly elected executive team of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) at the State House in Freetown. The meeting marked a significant moment for local football governance as the SLFA entered a fresh phase of leadership and commitment to advancing the sport. (State House, Sierra Leone) Sierra Leone State House Sierra Leone
President Bio expressed his full support for the SLFA’s new leadership and pledged continued government backing to strengthen football infrastructure, talent development, and integrity in the sport.
The newly elected SLFA President, Mr. Babadi Kamara, outlined key priorities aimed at revitalizing football in the country. These include investing in youth programs, improving league management, and fostering unity within Sierra Leonean football. Sierraloaded
The meeting also featured participation from the Minister of Sports, underscoring the government’s commitment to collaborative engagement with the sports community. Together, they emphasized transparency, accountability, and the shared goal of elevating Sierra Leone’s presence in regional and international football.
Open Grazing Violence Kills 2,800 in Five Years
Nigeria Open grazing conflicts between herders and farmers have claimed over 2,800 lives in the past five years.
According to reports, between 2020 and 2024, at least 2,349 people were killed in 359 violent incidents. In just the first half of 2025, another 451 deaths were recorded, with Benue (254 deaths), Plateau (121), and Nasarawa (20) being the hardest-hit states. Other clashes also occurred in Ondo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Taraba, Delta, and Imo.
Despite 19 states, including all 17 in the South, passing anti-open grazing laws, enforcement has remained weak, allowing clashes to continue.
The crisis has also caused mass displacement. Since 2019, more than 2.2 million people have been forced from their homes in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa alone, worsening Nigeria’s humanitarian situation.
Open Grazing Violence Claims Over 2,800 Lives
Nigeria Reports show that open grazing violence between herders and farmers has resulted in over 2,800 deaths in the past five years (2020–2024). This includes 2,349 fatalities from 359 incidents recorded by Nextier’s Violent Conflict Database, plus at least 451 deaths already recorded in early 2025. (Vanguard) Vanguard News
In 2024 alone, there were 61 deadly clashes resulting in 467 deaths. So far in 2025, violent incidents have claimed lives across several states 254 in Benue, 121 in Plateau, 20 in Nasarawa with additional casualties in Ondo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Edo, Taraba, Delta, and Imo. Vanguard News
These tragedies occur despite anti-open grazing laws enacted in 19 states, including all 17 southern states. Unfortunately, many of these laws remain poorly enforced, and violence continues unchecked. Vanguard News
The consequences go beyond loss of life. From 2019 to early 2025, an estimated 2.2 million people were displaced in Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa due to the herder-farmer crisis. Vanguard News As the violence spreads, security, agriculture, and community cohesion suffer across much of Nigeria.
Obi Didn’t Offer Deji Money, Journalist Says
Abuja, Nigeria Renowned journalist and columnist Ike Abonyi, who brokered and attended a July 2022 meeting between Peter Obi and activist Deji Adeyanju, has denied claims that Obi offered Adeyanju money for political support.
Abonyi clarified that during the private three-hour meeting, Obi did not offer any monetary or material inducements a claim made recently by Adeyanju on social media. Abonyi called the allegation false and damaging.Vanguard News+1
He emphasized the meeting’s actual purpose was to discuss Adeyanju’s potential candidacy for the AMAC House of Representatives seat under the Labour Party—not any form of quid pro quo.Vanguard NewsLegit.ng – Nigeria news.
Abonyi expressed disappointment that Adeyanju, now a lawyer, would promote what he called a “voyage of blackmail,” urging him to uphold truth and professionalism.
Jonathan Denies Stepping Aside from 2027 Presidential Race
Abuja, Nigeria Reports that former President Goodluck Jonathan has stepped aside from the 2027 presidential race have been firmly denied by his family. On August 29, 2025, his cousin, Azibaola Robert, posted on his verified Facebook page that Jonathan never made such a statement, warning Nigerians to discard the claim as fake news (vanguardngr.com, legit.ng).
The claim originated from a Newsweek Nigeria article titled “Jonathan Rejects Pressure to Contest in 2027, Says He Won’t Be Used Against Southern Unity,” which Robert dismissed as entirely untrue. He further debunked that the “aide” quoted in the report does not exist
Although Jonathan has not officially declared a run for 2027, Azibaola clarified that he has also not ruled out the possibility. He emphasized that Jonathan resists being swayed by voices seeking to discourage his potential candidacy for their own motives.
Lagos Bans Single Use Plastics to Fight Pollution
Lagos, Nigeria The Lagos State Government has officially enforced a ban on single use plastics, including Styrofoam containers, plastic bags, and straws, starting July 1, 2025. This decision comes in response to the city’s growing plastic pollution crisis, which clogs drainage channels, contaminates soil and water, and threatens local wildlife.
Plastic waste in Lagos is a major environmental concern, with drainage systems blocked during the rainy season, causing frequent flooding. Experts estimate the city generates over 800,000 tons of plastic waste yearly, much of which takes decades to decompose (apnews.com).
The government has warned businesses and vendors to comply with the new law. Non compliance can result in fines, shop closures, and legal action under Lagos environmental regulations. Authorities are also encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives to reduce dependence on plastics.
Environmental activists have welcomed the ban, calling it a bold step toward a cleaner Lagos. However, they stress that public awareness campaigns and affordable alternatives are essential to ensure long-term success.
With these measures, Lagos aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution, protect public health, and set an example for other Nigerian states to follow.
SLPP MPs Mock Fatima Bio in Sierra Leone Parliament
Freetown, Sierra Leone A video circulating online shows SLPP Members of Parliament (MPs) chanting phrases like “Coco roast” and “D Mami e coco burn” as First Lady Fatima Maada Bio entered the chamber during the State Opening of Parliament in August 2025
Observers noted that the First Lady remained seated while the President, Vice President, and legislative leaders entered. She was also seen wearing earphones during the President’s speech, raising questions about her engagement during the session.
In response, Fatima Bio downplayed the incident, attributing it to a few “older men who envy her” and clarified it does not represent the SLPP’s position
The incident has sparked intense debate on social media, highlighting concerns about decorum in political spaces and ongoing internal tensions within the SLPP.
Otti Explains Delay in Ukwa Seaport Project
Umuahia (Abia State) Governor Alex Otti has explained why the much-awaited Ukwa seaport project has not commenced. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Ezumezu Ndoki Patriotic Association in Ukwa East, he stressed that his administration will not begin the project until full funding is assured, ensuring it will be completed once initiated
He revealed that a Chinese team submitted feasibility reports indicating approximately 19.5 km of dredging is required to reach the high sea — significantly more than earlier estimates suggested
Otti emphasized that commencing such an extensive project without financial confidence risks abandoning the project midway, a scenario his administration intends to avoid
He also reassured the public that other infrastructural projects, such as local road construction, are progressing steadily despite the seaport delay. These include the Akirikaobu and Obohia roads, which are now active following earlier setbacks
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