Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Distances Himself from Netanyahu over Iran Deal, Insists ‘I Call All the Shots’
US president warns Israeli leader against actions that could derail ongoing Iran talks amid rising diplomatic tensions
US president warns Israeli leader against actions that could derail ongoing Iran talks amid rising diplomatic tensions
A sharp division has emerged between United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a proposed deal with Iran, as the US administration intensifies efforts to broker an agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East. The development comes as Trump, speaking from Washington on 20 June, urged Israel not to take steps that could undermine negotiations with Tehran.
The disagreement was laid bare after reports revealed Trump cautioned Netanyahu against retaliating following an Iranian missile strike earlier in June, insisting diplomatic channels were close to delivering results. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu during a phone call, “We are close to doing something good in terms of a deal,” while also making it clear in conversations with US officials and the media that he alone determines the direction of negotiations. “I call the shots. I call all the shots,” Trump said in comments to Financial Times, adding that Netanyahu “won’t have any choice” but to accept the outcome.
Netanyahu has long advocated for military pressure on Iran and was said to be dissatisfied with news that a deal might be imminent. According to sources familiar with discussions, the Israeli prime minister had hoped that coordinated US-Israeli military action would further weaken Tehran’s leadership and improve his own political standing ahead of elections in Israel’s Knesset. However, Israel’s recent airstrike in Beirut reportedly drew Trump’s ire, with US officials indicating frustration over moves that could jeopardise months of diplomatic work.
Despite speculation about a possible rift, both countries remain close allies. US officials maintain that any final agreement will address longstanding concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Opposition figures within Israel have called for greater transparency from Netanyahu regarding his strategy towards Iran and relations with Washington. Meanwhile, there is no indication that the US intends to withdraw support for Israel or seek political change in the country.
For now, attention remains focused on whether Trump and Netanyahu can find common ground as talks with Tehran progress. The fate of the proposed deal—and its impact on Middle East stability—continues to be closely watched by policymakers and analysts across the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NUJ Demands Sanctions as Magistrate Ejects Journalists from Akwa Ibom Court
Union condemns removal of reporters during court session, urges judiciary to uphold press freedom in Akwa Ibom State
Union condemns removal of reporters during court session, urges judiciary to uphold press freedom in Akwa Ibom State
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for disciplinary action against a magistrate in Akwa Ibom State following the ejection of journalists from a courtroom on Saturday. The incident occurred at a magistrate court sitting in Uyo, the state capital, where reporters were reportedly ordered out during ongoing proceedings.
According to the NUJ, its members were carrying out their legitimate duties when they were asked to leave by the presiding magistrate. The union described the action as a direct affront to press freedom and demanded immediate sanctions against the judicial officer involved. “Journalists have a constitutional role to inform the public and must not be hindered while covering court activities,” the NUJ stated.
This development has sparked concern among media professionals in Akwa Ibom, with many warning that such actions undermine transparency and public confidence in the judicial process. The NUJ noted that this is not the first time journalists have faced obstacles in accessing courtrooms in the state, raising questions about commitment to openness by some judicial officers.
In its reaction, the NUJ leadership urged the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State to investigate the incident and ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent recurrence. The union also called on all magistrates and judges to respect journalists’ rights under Nigerian law. “We expect an unreserved apology from those involved and clear assurances that such incidents will not happen again,” the union added.
The judiciary is yet to issue an official statement on the matter as at press time. Media rights advocates say they will continue to monitor developments and push for reforms that guarantee unhindered access for journalists covering court proceedings across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Begins Collation of 2026 Governorship Election Results Across State LGAs
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of results for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, with officials gathering figures from polling units across the state’s sixteen local government areas on Saturday. The exercise is taking place at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti under tight security.
According to INEC officials, results from most polling units began arriving at the various local government collation centres shortly after voting ended earlier in the day. Party agents, election observers, and journalists are present at the collation venues to monitor proceedings as electoral officers announce unit-by-unit vote tallies. As at press time, results from several local governments have been forwarded to the state headquarters for final collation.
The Ekiti governorship poll is seen as a critical test of electoral credibility in the South-West region ahead of national elections. The major political parties—All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others—fielded candidates amid heightened anticipation among residents. The outcome will determine who succeeds the incumbent and shape political alignments ahead of 2027 general elections.
INEC officials said they are committed to transparency in the collation process, urging all stakeholders to maintain peace. Security agencies were deployed across key locations to forestall any disruption. The APC and PDP expressed optimism about their prospects, while some civil society groups called for calm as counting continued.
The commission is expected to announce official results for each LGA before declaring a winner at the state level. As at Saturday evening, collation was ongoing with final figures yet to be released. Stakeholders have been advised to await INEC’s declaration for credible outcomes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Hails High Turnout, Alleges Malpractices in 2026 Polls
Opposition candidate raises concerns over irregularities as observers report robust voter participation across Ekiti State
Opposition candidate raises concerns over irregularities as observers report robust voter participation across Ekiti State
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate has described voter turnout in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election as impressive, but expressed worries over alleged cases of electoral malpractice in several polling units. The election, which held across all local government areas of the South-West state on 20 June 2026, attracted large crowds according to party agents and independent observers present at multiple centres.
Reports from various wards indicated early arrival of officials and prompt commencement of voting, with many residents seen queuing as early as 7 a.m. However, the ADC candidate claimed that despite the enthusiasm shown by voters, the process was marred by incidents of ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. He said these irregularities occurred mainly in areas considered strongholds for opposition parties.
The conduct of the poll is seen as a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ekiti State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone, has often been cited for high political engagement and competitive races between major parties like APC and PDP. Analysts say credible elections in states like Ekiti are vital for public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While commending security agencies for their visible presence at strategic points, the ADC candidate insisted that isolated breaches must be investigated to uphold the integrity of the results. “We acknowledge INEC’s effort to improve logistics this time, but reports from our agents show that some actors attempted to disrupt voting where they felt threatened,” he stated during a briefing after polls closed.
INEC officials have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on alleged malpractices. Final collation of results is ongoing at the state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti. Stakeholders are calling on authorities to address complaints promptly and ensure that legitimate votes count towards determining the next Governor of Ekiti State.
NUJ Demands Sanctions as Magistrate Ejects Journalists from Akwa Ibom Court
Ekiti INEC Begins Collation of 2026 Governorship Election Results Across State LGAs
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