The Biden administration has decided to proceed with over $1 billion in weapons deals for Israel, despite recent concerns over Israel’s military operations in Rafah. This comes as the European Union intensifies its condemnation of Israel’s actions in the southern Gaza city. The decision to approve the arms deal was disclosed by anonymous U.S. officials to The Washington Post. However, it contrasts with the European Union’s stance, as its top diplomat, Josep Borrell, urged Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah immediately. Borrell warned that continued military action could strain the relationship between the E.U. and Israel significantly. Israeli…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alice Albright is set to testify before the Senate Appropriation Committee’s State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee on May 15, 2024. The hearing, which aims to bolster American competitiveness, will scrutinize President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget request for various agencies, including the MCC. Albright, alongside other key figures such as U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Scott Nathan and President of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Reta Jo Lewis, will defend the budget requests for their respective agencies. The testimony, slated for 2 p.m., will be…
At the Multi-stakeholder National Dialogue on Preventing Terrorism Financing and Violent Extremism, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has pointed out the alarming role of illegal money exchangers in facilitating terrorism funding. Mr. Auwal Musa (RAFSANJANI), the Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of Transparency International in Nigeria, stated the global threat posed by terrorism, with Nigeria being particularly vulnerable. Musa explained the exploitation of the financial sector by terrorist groups, citing Bureau de Change operators, Point of Sale (POS) devices, wire transfers, and other financial platforms as avenues for terrorism financing. He underscored that illegal money exchangers, including…
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sadly confirmed the passing of his Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyannwo who passed away on Wednesday after a short battle with illness. The announcement made by Governor Sanwo-Olu came via a statement from the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso which reads, “With deep sorrow, the Lagos State Government announces the passing of the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) to Mr. Governor, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo. “Soyannwo died today after a brief illness. He was 55. “Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the Government and people of Lagos, sends his condolences…
The annual ‘Oro’ festival, a traditional event typically hosted in Ikorodu, Lagos State, is set to take place on May 16, 2024, with a directive issued urging all females to remain indoors during the festival proceedings scheduled to take place during both the day and night. In a letter titled ‘Notification of Magbo (Oro) Festival 2024, addressed to the Medical Director of the Ikorodu General Hospital, and signed by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, the letter stated that according to tradition, females are advised to stay within their homes and refrain from venturing out into the town during…
The Federal Government as called upon all labour unions to support its plans for reforming the power sector. This comes amidst the nationwide protests against the recent electricity tariff increase. The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have staged protests at the offices of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and Distribution Companies across the country, expressing their discontent with the tariff increases. Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, acknowledged the right of labour unions to peaceful protest while urging them to engage constructively. He emphasized that the government…
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N518,260,000 for the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections in the state. This allocation, sanctioned during a plenary session chaired by Hon Moses Odanwa, Speaker of the Assembly, underscores the commitment to uphold democratic principles in governance. The approval came in response to a request forwarded by Governor Francis Nwifuru, facilitated by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC). The proposed budget encompasses various essential elements, including the remuneration of clerks, ad hoc staff, and pre-election training initiatives. During deliberations, notable voices within the Assembly, such as…
Switzerland’s Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday sentenced Gambian former interior minister Ousman Sonko to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. Sonko, 55, was convicted over a string of offences committed between 2000 and 2016 under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh. Reading the verdict, the clerk of the court said Sonko had been given a “custodial sentence of 20 years”. Sonko can appeal the verdict. State prosecutors had sought life imprisonment for Sonko at the trial in Bellinzona, southern Switzerland, which began in January. Sonko has been in Swiss…
In a surprise visit to Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed strong U.S. support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s full-scale invasion threat. Blinken’s two-day trip, the first high-level visit by a Biden administration official since Congress approved a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine, aimed to bolster Kyiv’s resolve amid deepening concerns about its ability to repel Russian aggression. During his visit, Blinken emphasized the need for a long-term plan to enhance Ukraine’s military capabilities and address longstanding issues such as corruption. He underscored America’s commitment to Ukraine’s security, highlighting the strategic importance of preventing Russia from…
Battles between Israel and Hamas have escalated across the Gaza Strip as mediators strive to revive talks aimed at halting the violence and securing the release of hostages. Israeli military operations in Jabalia, Zeitoun, and Rafah have intensified, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning of a potential prolonged insurgency even if Hamas is defeated in Rafah. Israel’s targeted operation in Rafah, aimed at pressuring Hamas into a temporary cease-fire for hostage release, has resulted in heightened fighting. Cease-fire negotiations, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., have stalled, though Arab mediators anticipate reconvening in Doha this week. The conflict coincides…
Amidst a week of trial testimony shedding light on former President Trump’s alleged affairs and hush money payments, GOP senators express growing concerns over his electoral prospects. Despite high poll numbers in battleground states against President Biden, recent developments have raised red flags among Republican lawmakers. The trial in Manhattan, which has featured salacious details including testimony from porn actor Stormy Daniels about her alleged encounter with Trump, has put a spotlight on Trump’s challenges with women voters. GOP senators fear this could exacerbate his biggest liability heading into November. The concern among Republicans is compounded by recent primary results,…
In the ongoing trial concerning hush money payments made by former President Donald Trump, Michael Cohen, once a staunch ally, took the stand to offer crucial insider knowledge. The trial, unfolding in Manhattan, has shed light on a web of deceit allegedly orchestrated by Trump to conceal payments, including one to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Cohen, a former confidant of Trump’s, testified about his involvement in the scheme, revealing details of purposefully mislabeled checks, false receipts, and unwavering loyalty. Despite his prior allegiance to Trump, Cohen’s testimony underscored the prosecution’s argument that the case isn’t about the salacious details…