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Security Officials Screen Journalists and Others Accessing Lagos Assembly Complex Ahead of Plenary

On January 27, 2025, heightened security measures were observed at the Lagos State House of Assembly as officials screened journalists and other individuals attempting to access the complex ahead of a scheduled plenary session. Policemen from the Nigerian Police Force, Lagos Command and other security personnel were stationed at the assembly's main gate, with additional vehicles placed strategically within the premises. The move appeared to be part of efforts to maintain order amidst ongoing tensions following the ousting of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. At the assembly’s second gate, journalists queued to gain entry, presenting their identity cards for verification. Those unable to produce valid identification were denied access. These strict protocols underscore the lawmakers' intent to ensure only authorized personnel could enter, especially in light of the leadership dispute between Obasa and his deputy-turned-successor, Mojisola Meranda. The plenary session come...

Catholic Diocese of Aguleri Ordains their First Set of Priests

On September 27, 2024, the Catholic Diocese of Aguleri marked a historic milestone by ordaining its first set of priests. The ordination ceremony took place at St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral in Ugwu Ndi Uka, Aguleri. The newly ordained priests were Rev. Menuba Damian from Umueri, Rev. Okonkwo Innocent from Ifite-Ogwari, Rev. Edozie Christopher from Nando, and Rev. Anadumaka Patrick from Mmiata Anam.  The event was attended by numerous faithful, clergy, and family members of the new priests, highlighting the community's strong support and the significance of this milestone for the diocese. Most Rev. Denis Chidi Isizoh, the Bishop of Aguleri, who had been serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha since 2015, presided over the ordination. Bishop Isizoh described the new priests as the "first fruits" of the diocese, emphasizing the growing strength and development of the Catholic Church in the region. His deep familiarity with the area, having ministered in Onitsha for ...

Risks in Public Service and the Las Vegas Man Charged for Threatening Judges Involved in Trump's Trial

The case of a Las Vegas man charged with making violent threats against multiple government officials, including those involved in former President Donald Trump's legal proceedings, sheds light on the intense and often dangerous pressures faced by public servants in the contemporary political climate. Spencer Gear, a 32-year-old resident of Las Vegas, has been charged with threatening to injure and kill officials across three states and the District of Columbia. His targets included Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan, both of whom played significant roles in Trump's criminal trial concerning hush money payments during the 2016 election. Gear faces 22 felony counts for these threats, which were communicated via phone calls and other forms of communication. Gear's arrest and subsequent charges underscore the heightened security concerns for those involved in high-profile legal cases, particularly those linked to former President Trump. The threats ...

US-Israel Alliance and the Trump-Netanyahu Meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago Residence

The recent meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago is a noteworthy event that has drawn significant attention from various quarters. The meeting, held on July 26, 2024, is particularly significant given the historical and political context of the relationship between these two leaders and their respective countries. Background and Context During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Donald Trump made several significant policy moves concerning Israel. Notably, he recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and moved the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv. Trump also brokered the Abraham Accords, which led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. These actions were widely praised in Israel and by pro-Israel groups in the United States, cementing Trump’s reputation as a staunch ally of Israel. The Meeting Details The meeting between Trump ...

Judiciary and People's Democratic Party Congress in Rivers State, Nigeria

The recent judicial order in Rivers State, Nigeria, marks a significant event in the state's political landscape, reflecting ongoing tensions within the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and highlighting broader issues of internal party democracy and legal interventions in political processes. The High Court's decision to prohibit the PDP from holding congresses in its 319 wards and 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) not only disrupts the party's organizational activities but also underscores the complexities of intra-party conflicts and their ramifications for the state's political status. Background and Context The PDP, one of Nigeria's major political parties, has been a dominant force in Rivers State for many years. However, like many political entities, it is not immune to internal disputes and factionalism. These internal conflicts often arise from power struggles, disagreements over candidate selections, and differing visions for the party's future. The r...

Herdsmen and Farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Daniel Anavhe, a farmer in Ogun State, Nigeria, has suffered repeated attacks by suspected herdsmen on his farm. The latest incident marks the second time his farm has been attacked, resulting in the destruction of crops and property and the killing of a farm worker. Anavhe also faced a kidnapping attempt last year, which ended in a ransom payment. These persistent attacks have forced him to flee for safety, leading him to call on both federal and state authorities for immediate intervention to address the escalating violence and protect farmers' livelihoods. The problem of herdsmen attacks in Nigeria has been ongoing and reflects broader issues of land use conflicts, security lapses, and ethnic tensions. Farmers like Anavhe are often caught in the crossfire, with their agricultural activities severely disrupted. The repeated destruction of crops and property not only threatens food security but also the economic stability of farming communities. The situation underscores the urgen...

CBN and Foreign Exchange in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently sold $148 million to 29 authorized dealers to stabilize the foreign exchange market amid the naira's depreciation. These sales occurred at exchange rates between ₦1,470/$1 and ₦1,510/$1. This intervention follows previous sales aimed at increasing market liquidity. Despite these efforts, the Naira continues to fall, trading above ₦1,600/$1 in the official market. Financial analysts express concern over high foreign liquidation, with significant investments withdrawn in the first half of the year, signaling potential economic instability. For more details, visit the [Punch article](https://punchng.com/cbn-sells-148m-to-29-authorised-dealers-amid-naira-fall/).