U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the 67th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, marking the first-ever participation by a U.S. Secretary of State in such a session. Secretary Blinken’s presence underscored the urgency of addressing the escalating crisis of synthetic drugs, which has claimed thousands of lives globally, with particularly devastating consequences in the United States. Synthetic drugs, notably fentanyl, have emerged as a formidable threat, with overdose deaths nearly doubling in the U.S. alone. Recognising the transnational nature of the crisis, Secretary Blinken rallied representatives from around the world to join forces in combating the…
Author: Editor Francis
The Federal High Court in Abuja declined the bail request of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Despite efforts by Kanu’s counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, to secure his release citing health concerns and the alleged threat to his life in DSS custody, the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, opted for an accelerated hearing instead. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), representing the Federal Government, opposed the bail application, asserting that Kanu had previously breached bail conditions and failed to assure the court he wouldn’t do so again. Kanu, who was granted bail in 2017 due to health reasons, fled…
In his address at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed gratitude to President Yoon and Foreign Minister Cho for hosting the Third Summit for Democracy. He highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the summit in Korea, a nation that has swiftly transformed into a leading democracy. Secretary Blinken thanked partner nations, including the United Kingdom and Ecuador, for their participation in advancing the Summit for Democracy’s goals. He emphasised the shared belief among attendees that democracy is instrumental in unlocking human potential and achieving prosperity for all. Reflecting on the global…
Assistant Secretary Geoffrey R. Pyatt is set to lead the U.S. Department of State’s delegation to CERAWeek, the world’s premier energy conference, taking place in Houston from March 18–21. This high-level delegation will engage with American private sector leaders and government officials, contributing to panels covering a spectrum of critical energy topics. During the conference, Assistant Secretary Pyatt will address key issues such as U.S. support for Ukraine, global energy security, and the vital diversification of critical mineral supply chains. Moreso, discussions will centre on U.S. initiatives aimed at enhancing energy access and advancing decarbonisation efforts within the energy sector.…
Administrator Samantha Power engaged in crucial discussions with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Martin Griffiths on March 15. The focus of their conversation was on the escalating humanitarian crises gripping Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Gaza. Addressing the dire situation in Burkina Faso, Administrator Power underscored the pressing need for robust UN leadership in response to the worsening food security conditions. They delved into the challenges hindering the delivery of vital aid to communities in Burkina Faso, particularly those facing blockades and at risk of famine. Turning their attention to Sudan, Administrator Power stressed the…
In a move to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, the United States, through USAID, has pledged more than $80 million in additional aid. The announcement came during a visit by Sonali Korde, Assistant to the Administrator for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. Ethiopia is facing a multifaceted crisis, with conflict, climate shocks, and insecurity affecting over 21 million people, according to the UN. The funding will bolster USAID’s humanitarian partners, aiding the most vulnerable communities. Assistance will be channelled through UN agencies and non-governmental organisations to support agricultural and nutritional initiatives, along with services aimed at preventing and…
French President Emmanuel Macron has made a significant shift in his approach towards Russia, prompting varied reactions across Europe. While some nations applaud Macron for recognizing the threat posed by the Kremlin, others question the authenticity of his change and its underlying political motives. Formerly regarded as a mediator, Macron has now positioned himself as Europe’s foremost opponent of Vladimir Putin’s aggressive policies, introducing complexities in the continent’s geopolitical dynamics. Countries like the Baltics and Poland have voiced support for Macron’s tougher stance, aligning with their historical concerns about Russian aggression. However, Germany, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has expressed…
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive to Binance Holdings Limited, compelling them to furnish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with comprehensive information regarding Nigerian traders on its platform. This ruling came in response to an ex parte motion filed by the EFCC seeking data on Nigerians engaging in transactions on Binance. The suit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/259/2024 and dated February 29, was filed under relevant sections of the Economic and Financial Crimes Establishment Act, 2004, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. In support of the motion, an EFCC operative, Hamma Bello, stated…
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed a total sum of N2.07 trillion to the three tiers of government, derived from revenue collections in January 2024. Breaking down the allocation to states, Akwa Ibom emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving a substantial allocation of N26.6 billion, followed closely by Delta State, which obtained N38.1 billion. Other notable allocations include Bayelsa with N22.8 billion, Rivers with N28.4 billion, and Lagos with N23.6 billion. However, some states received comparatively lower allocations, with Ekiti receiving N6.9 billion, Cross River receiving N6.6 billion, and Gombe receiving N7.1 billion. States Breakdown: Abia: 8.3BN Adamawa:…
In a concerted effort to bolster women’s political engagement and leadership in the digital era, the United States, Canada, Colombia, and the United Kingdom co-sponsored a high-level meeting on March 13. Held on the sidelines of the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the meeting convened key stakeholders, including governmental officials, civil society representatives, philanthropists, and leaders from the private sector. The gathering delved into the pressing need to overcome persistent barriers hindering women’s representation in public life and decision-making roles, especially in politics, government, and peace and security initiatives. One of the focal points was…
Senior and junior workers at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have issued a stern warning to the Federal Government. They demand a reversal of the presidential directive mandating a 50% automatic deduction from the authority’s internally generated revenue (IGR) within seven days. Failure to comply, they assert, will result in the shutdown of the nation’s ports. This ultimatum was articulated in a joint letter signed by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN). The workers emphasise the critical need for an immediate policy reversal. They argue that the…
In a bid to bolster diplomatic ties and address pressing regional issues, Assistant Secretary Anne A. Witkowsky of the State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilisation Operations is set to embark on a crucial journey to Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Kenya from March 17th to 26th. Her primary focus in Mozambique will be to engage with governmental bodies, civil society representatives, and international partners to further initiatives aimed at facilitating the recovery and bolstering the resilience of communities affected by conflict. During her stay, Assistant Secretary Witkowsky will assess the effectiveness of U.S. support under the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict…