President Bola Tinubu is set to embark on a three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea starting Wednesday.

The visit, as disclosed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, follows an invitation from President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.

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President Tinubu will depart Abuja for Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, where he will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The visit will focus on key areas such as oil and gas cooperation and security.

Upon arrival, President Tinubu will meet with President Mbasogo at the Presidential Villa in Malabo. During the visit, both leaders are expected to sign several agreements to enhance cooperation between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

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Accompanying President Tinubu on this official trip will be the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, along with other cabinet members.

These officials will participate in the signing of agreements and explore additional opportunities to bolster bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Federal Government has advised those calling for regime change to wait until the next presidential election in 2027.

This statement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, following the inaugural Council of State meeting under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

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The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, was attended by former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, with former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar joining virtually. However, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida were absent.

During the meeting, the National Security Adviser (NSA) briefed the Council on the country’s security situation, particularly addressing recent unrest that some have interpreted as an attempt to forcefully change the government.

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Alake emphasized that any change in government must occur through the electoral process, not through unconstitutional means.

The NSA reassured the Council of the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and maintaining security across the nation.

The Council also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for resisting unconstitutional actions and affirmed that any future changes in leadership must come through the ballot box.

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In addition to the security briefing, presentations were made by several ministers on the progress of various sectors under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, focusing on economic diversification and transformation.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, noted that the Council of State and the Governors’ Forum both passed a vote of confidence in President Tinubu, expressing satisfaction with the government’s direction and progress.

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The meeting concluded with a private session between the President and the Governors, where further discussions reinforced the confidence in the current administration’s plans and strategies.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje as a legitimate member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, overturning a previous ruling by a Federal High Court.

The appellate court, composed of Justices Abba B. Mohammed, E.O. Abang, and P.C. Obiora, delivered the judgment on Tuesday, dismissing the earlier verdict that barred Goje from representing himself as an APC member.

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The court also imposed a N200,000 fine on the Gombe APC for its actions.

The dispute began in April 2023, when Goje was expelled by the APC Kashere Ward executives in Akko Local Government Area over alleged anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.

Challenging his dismissal, Goje filed an appeal through his counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), on July 4, 2023, arguing that the Federal High Court’s decision violated his right to a fair hearing.

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He asserted that the letter from the ward chairman, Tanimu Abdullahi, failed to specify the anti-party activities he was accused of committing.

The Court of Appeal sided with Goje, nullifying the Federal High Court’s judgment and affirming his continued membership in the APC.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, recently visited Nigerian musician Paul Okoye (Rudeboy) and his elder brother, music executive Jude Okoye, amid a brewing family feud.

The visit comes on the heels of a public fallout between Paul, his twin brother Peter Okoye, and Jude.

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In a recent interview, Rudeboy accused his twin brother Peter of filing a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to his arrest.

However, Peter Okoye, in an open letter on Monday, denied these accusations, asserting that his focus was on uncovering the truth behind a secret company, Northside Music, allegedly owned by Jude Okoye and his wife, Ifeoma.

The visit by Peter Obi appears to be an effort to mediate the conflict.

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Paul Okoye took to Instagram on Tuesday to express his gratitude for the gesture, sharing photos of the visit and captioning them, “Thank you very much and God bless you sir P.O @peterobigregory #yourexcelency.”

It’s worth noting that Paul and Peter Okoye were prominent supporters of Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

The Abia State House of Assembly has officially sworn in Mr. Aaron Uzodike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the representative for the Aba North State Constituency.

This event took place on Tuesday, nearly nine months after the Court of Appeal in Lagos nullified the election of his predecessor, Mr. Destiny Nwangwu of the Labour Party (LP).

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The Court of Appeal’s ruling on November 27, 2023, declared Uzodike the rightful winner of the March 25, 2023, state Assembly election.

As a result, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return previously issued to Nwangwu and to issue a new one to Uzodike.

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Despite this clear directive, Uzodike’s inauguration faced delays, reportedly due to controversies surrounding the court’s judgment.

However, on Tuesday, the Clerk of the House, Mr. JohnPedro Irokansi, administered the oath of office and allegiance to Uzodike during the plenary session.

Following his swearing-in, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, extended congratulations to Uzodike on behalf of his fellow lawmakers.

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In his post-inauguration remarks to the press, Uzodike pledged to serve his constituents diligently and expressed his gratitude to God, Governor Alex Otti, and the Speaker for the opportunity to assume his role.

“Delay is not denial; the end justifies the means. I believe every position one occupies is ordained by God,” Uzodike stated.

In other developments, the Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill, an Executive Bill proposed by the Majority Leader, Mr. Uchenna Okoro of the Arochukwu Constituency.

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This amendment is anticipated to facilitate the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Local Government elections.

The Assembly subsequently adjourned for recess and is scheduled to reconvene on September 24.

#EndBadGovernance protest took an unexpected turn in Kano State on Monday as demonstrators were seen holding banners displaying the Russian flag.

The protesters, predominantly underage boys, chanted songs in Hausa and ran through the streets, expressing their discontent.

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This development followed the Kano State Government’s decision to relax a curfew that was imposed after violence erupted during the protests.

The state Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye, announced on Saturday that the curfew would be eased from 8 am to 2 pm.

Governor Abba Yusuf had initially imposed a 24-hour curfew on Thursday due to escalating violence.

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Dantiye emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Kano, stating, “The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties, that was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours. This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be taken for further review. I hope the people will comply.”

The decision to relax the curfew was intended to allow residents to conduct their daily activities.

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The commissioner also conveyed the governor’s condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and properties during the protests.

The 10-day protest, driven by dissatisfaction with governance and economic hardship, has spread across many states.

In Kano, hoodlums took advantage of the chaos, attacking and looting public and private properties, including the newly constructed Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was set ablaze.

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The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center, slated for commissioning next week, saw youths looting desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other equipment.

The Kano police command reported the arrest of about 269 suspects involved in the looting.

As the protests continue, the state government remains vigilant, balancing the need for security with the public’s demand for relief from economic and governance issues.

The Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of several tailors in Kano State suspected of mass-producing Russian flags.

These flags were reportedly distributed among demonstrators in the area.

In a statement released on Monday, the DSS revealed that they have also apprehended some sponsors behind this activity.

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The agency stated via its X handle: “The Service has apprehended some tailors in Kano State responsible for making Russian flags being distributed in the area. Some of their sponsors have also been picked. An investigation is ongoing.”

Additionally, the DSS clarified that Adaramoye Michael, also known as Michael Lenin, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, is not in their custody.

Michael had recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s address to the nation amidst ongoing protests.

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This development follows sightings of #EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags in several northern states.

The reason behind the use of these flags remains unclear. Previously, police had arrested individuals in Nasarawa State suspected of producing these flags.

Protesters, chanting in Hausa, have been seen running through the streets with the Russian flags, despite President Tinubu’s plea for calm.

Tinubu acknowledged the protesters’ grievances in a recent address, urging them to cease the rallies sparked by Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions, including a 34% inflation rate.

However, the demonstrations have continued, with protesters claiming their demands remain unmet.

The unrest has led to curfews being imposed in several cities and states, particularly in the northern region, due to looting and destruction.

As the situation unfolds, the DSS continues its investigation into the mass production and distribution of the Russian flags among the demonstrators.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence during the ongoing nationwide protests, accusing him of failing to demonstrate effective leadership by addressing Nigerians directly.

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According to CUPP, Tinubu opted to allow his spokesmen and government officials to make provocative statements that further exacerbated public anger and worsened the crisis.

In a statement released on Friday by Comrade Mark Adebayo, the spokesperson for the opposition coalition, CUPP condemned what it described as Tinubu’s “woeful leadership style,” attributing it to the current crises plaguing the country.

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The statement emphasized that Tinubu’s failure to engage directly with Nigerians and stakeholders, including protest organizers and opposition figures, contributed to the escalation of deaths and destruction witnessed on the first day of the protests.

CUPP expressed concern over what it perceived as the federal government’s indifference to the plight of Nigerians, holding Tinubu’s administration responsible for the violence and damage occurring during the protests against hunger and poor governance.

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The coalition called for restraint from security agencies in handling protesters and urged Nigerians to refrain from criminal activities such as looting, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy in the country.

President Bola Tinubu has yielded to increasing demands to address the nation amidst the widespread #EndBadGovernance protests, now in their third day.

Tinubu, who has faced mounting criticism over economic hardships and the high cost of living, will speak to over 200 million Nigerians in a broadcast scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 7:00 am, according to a statement from his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale.

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“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are requested to connect to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

“The broadcast will be rebroadcast on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm the same day,” Ngelale stated.