Nigeria News (Standard)
Sanusi Urges ECOWAS to Reconcile With Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso Amid Regional Tensions
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano calls for renewed dialogue as West African bloc faces strain from member states’ withdrawals
Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to seek reconciliation with Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso following recent tensions in the region. Sanusi made this appeal on Thursday, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and regional unity amid the ongoing diplomatic rifts.
The former Central Bank Governor emphasised the need for ECOWAS to engage constructively with the three Sahel countries after their decision to withdraw from the bloc earlier this year. Sanusi stated that mending relations was critical for regional stability, particularly given the security and economic challenges confronting West Africa.
Relations between Nigeria and its neighbours have been under strain since military-led governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced their exit from ECOWAS. The three countries cited concerns over sanctions imposed by the bloc and accused ECOWAS of interfering in their domestic affairs. This development has raised concerns among stakeholders about the future of regional cooperation, especially regarding trade and joint security initiatives.
Sanusi urged ECOWAS leadership to adopt a diplomatic approach by opening channels of communication with Niamey, Bamako and Ouagadougou. He stressed that rebuilding trust was essential to achieving shared development goals. “Dialogue remains the best option for resolving disputes within our region,” Sanusi said during his remarks.
The withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS has prompted fears over increased insecurity along Nigeria’s northern borders and disruptions in cross-border commerce. Analysts say that a fractured bloc could undermine collective efforts against terrorism and hamper economic integration plans. Observers are watching closely to see how ECOWAS will respond in the coming weeks as mediation efforts continue.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Osun Lawyer Petitions IGP Over Surge in Political Violence
Legal practitioner calls on police chief to intervene as political tensions heighten across South-West state
Legal practitioner calls on police chief to intervene as political tensions heighten across South-West state
A legal practitioner in Osun State has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raising alarm over rising incidents of political violence across the state. The petition, submitted on Thursday, comes amid mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders about the escalating tension within Osun’s political landscape.
According to details in the petition, the lawyer urged the police leadership to take swift action to curb attacks allegedly linked to rival party supporters. The petitioner argued that unchecked violence poses a threat to peace and stability in Osun State, especially as political activities intensify ahead of key events in the state’s calendar.
Political observers note that Osun, located in Nigeria’s South-West geopolitical zone, has experienced several clashes between supporters of major parties in recent months. Stakeholders warn that if these incidents are not addressed, they could undermine democratic processes and discourage voters’ participation. Such concerns are particularly heightened given Osun’s history of closely contested elections and high voter engagement.
The lawyer’s petition called for immediate deployment of additional security personnel and proactive investigations into recent violent incidents. The petitioner appealed to the IGP to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that law enforcement agencies act impartially. As at press time, police authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding steps being taken or potential investigations.
With political activities expected to increase in coming months, residents and civil society groups are urging security agencies to prioritise conflict prevention measures. Many believe that sustained peace will be critical for safeguarding Osun’s democratic gains and ensuring free participation by all parties.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Files ₦8bn Defamation Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo in Abuja Court
Former Anambra governor seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; legal action marks escalation within Labour Party ranks
Former Anambra governor seeks damages over alleged defamatory statements; legal action marks escalation within Labour Party ranks
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has filed an ₦8 billion defamation suit against Kenneth Okonkwo, a notable party figure, at an Abuja court. The lawsuit was officially lodged on Thursday, 25 June 2026, signalling a major legal escalation within the Labour Party’s national leadership.
According to court filings seen in Abuja, Obi is seeking damages over what he described as defamatory statements made by Okonkwo. The former governor claims that Okonkwo’s public remarks have injured his reputation and standing both within the party and among Nigerians at large. The specifics of the alleged defamatory statements were detailed in the suit but have not been made public at this time.
This legal action comes amid rising tensions within LP following last year’s general elections, where internal disagreements and public accusations have tested party unity. Observers say Obi’s move is significant given his status as a leading opposition figure and could impact ongoing efforts to reconcile factions inside the party.
Neither Peter Obi nor Kenneth Okonkwo has issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit as at press time. Efforts to reach representatives from both camps were unsuccessful. Legal experts note that high-value defamation suits between political figures are rare in Nigeria and could set a precedent for future intra-party disputes.
The case is expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with observers watching closely for its effect on Labour Party cohesion ahead of upcoming off-cycle elections. Further details will be provided as developments emerge from the court proceedings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NITDA, Meta Launch Joint Initiative to Boost Online Safety for Nigerian Youths
Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide
Collaboration aims to address rising digital threats as online activity surges among young Nigerians nationwide
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered a partnership with global technology giant Meta to enhance online safety for youths across Nigeria. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, 25 June, and is expected to focus on equipping young Nigerians with the skills and resources needed to navigate digital spaces securely.
Details of the collaboration were announced during a briefing in Abuja, where both NITDA and Meta representatives highlighted their commitment to tackling issues such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and data privacy breaches that affect youths on social media platforms. The agencies plan to roll out educational campaigns and digital literacy programmes targeting secondary schools and youth-led organisations in all six geopolitical zones.
This development comes amid growing concerns about the exposure of Nigerian youths to harmful content and online scams. With the increasing use of smartphones and social networking apps, incidents of cyber-related threats have surged nationwide. NITDA’s partnership with Meta is seen as a timely intervention to build resilience among the country’s large youth population, which constitutes over half of Nigeria’s estimated 220 million people.
According to officials at the event, the joint initiative will leverage Meta’s expertise in platform safety tools while NITDA will coordinate local outreach and policy advocacy. “We are committed to working closely with partners like Meta to ensure our young people can participate safely in the digital economy,” a NITDA spokesperson said at the briefing. Meta representatives emphasised their readiness to support local initiatives that promote safe online engagement.
The programme is expected to commence pilot activities within selected schools next quarter before expanding nationwide. Stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step towards empowering youths with critical knowledge for responsible internet use.
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