Oil prices fell more than $2 a barrel in early Asian trade on Monday as OPEC+ is set to further speed up oil output hikes, spurring concerns about more supply.

Brent crude futures dropped $2.04 a barrel, or 3.33%, to $59.25 a barrel by 2240 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $56.19 a barrel, down $2.10, or 3.60%.

Both contracts touched their lowest since April 9 at Monday's open after OPEC+ agreed to accelerate oil production hikes for a second consecutive month, raising output in June by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd).

The June increase from the eight will take the total combined hikes for April, May and June to 960,000 bpd, representing a 44% unwinding of the 2.2 million bpd of various cuts agreed on since 2022, according to Reuters calculations.

"The May 3 OPEC+ decision to raise production quotas another 411,000 bpd for June adds to the market expectation that the global supply/demand balance is moving to a surplus," Tim Evans, founder of Evans on Energy said in a note.

The group could fully unwind its voluntary cuts by the end of October if members do not improve compliance with their production quotas, OPEC+ sources told Reuters.

OPEC+ sources have said Saudi Arabia is pushing OPEC+ to accelerate the unwinding of earlier output cuts to punish fellow members Iraq and Kazakhstan for poor compliance with their production quotas.

Barclays lowered its Brent forecast by $4 to $66 a barrel for 2025 and by $2 to $60 a barrel for 2026 because of the accelerated phase out by OPEC+, analyst Amarpreet Singh said in a note.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in the Middle East after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran for the Tehran-backed Houthi group firing a missile that landed near Israel's main airport.

Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Sunday that Tehran would strike back if the United States or Israel attacked.

Reuters

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, killing at least four soldiers and destroying several operational equipment.

This is coming less than 24 hours after the North East Governors Forum met in the Yobe state capital, Damaturu, and adopted a multidimensional approach to tackle insurgency in the region.

A security source, who escaped the attack, told our correspondent that the assailants stormed their location around 2am on Saturday.

“We were taken off guard by the heavy explosion and gunfire, but we stood our ground. A lot of our fighting equipment were destroyed during the encounter.

“Yes, we lost four of our men, just as they also recorded casualties during the fierce battle that last for hours,“ he said

The Nigeria army headquarters confirmed the attack via its verified Facebook page on Saturday morning.

“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI currently in a fierce battle against ISWAP attack at Buni Gari, Yobe State. Details later,” it stated.

However, the military is yet to give further details on the casualties as at the time of filing this report.

Buni Yadi, a distance of 65km from Damaturu, the state capital, is the  home town of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Local source who fled to the local Council’s headquarters, said many residents abandoned their homes to areas they considered safe.

“The military had shut down vehicular movement on the busy road, which serves as a link between Yobe and Biu and other towns in southern Borno,” he said.

Two weeks ago, Boko Haram insurgents attacked a military location in the Chalie area, Buni Yadi, killing 3 soldiers.

Over the past months, Communities in Borno have suffered relentless assaults with insurgents targeting villages and military formations, particularly in Sabon Gari, Wajiroko and Wulgo where they dislodged troops and stole arms and ammunition, among others.

Worried by the situation, Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Shehu of Shehu of Borno, Ali Ndume and other federal and state lawmakers urged the federal government to take action.

Daily Trust

Missile fired by Yemen's Houthis lands near Israel's main airport

A missile fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards Israel on Sunday landed near the country's main international airport, causing panic among passengers and drawing threats of retaliation against the group and Iran.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility for the missile strike that struck near Ben Gurion Airport, the latest in a string of attacks, saying they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate.

"Attacks by the Houthis emanate from Iran. Israel will respond to the Houthi attack against our main airport AND, at a time and place of our choosing, to their Iranian terror masters," Netanyahu said on X.

In a separate video issued by his office, Netanyahu said: "We will do what we need to do to take care of our security, to respond effectively, and to give Iran due warning that this cannot continue."

Houthis said in a statement later on Sunday that they would impose "a comprehensive aerial blockade" on Israel by repeatedly targeting its airports, in response to Israel expanding its "aggressive" operation in Gaza.

Most attacks from Yemen have been intercepted by Israel's missile defence systems, though a drone strike hit Tel Aviv last year. Sunday's missile was the only one of a series launched since March that was not intercepted.

Later on Sunday, the Israeli military concluded an assessment and cited a technical issue with the interceptor launched toward the missile.

"Initial findings reveal no malfunction in the detection procedure, interception systems, or Homefront Command alert mechanisms," the army added in a statement.

U.S. STRIKES ON HOUTHIS

A Reuters reporter at the airport heard sirens and saw passengers running towards safe rooms.

Several people posted videos showing a plume of black smoke visible behind parked aircraft and airport buildings. Pictures showed a nearby road scattered with dust and debris.

The Israeli ambulance service said eight people were taken to hospital for mild to moderate injuries.

An Israeli police commander, Yair Hetzroni, showed reporters a crater caused by the impact of the missile, which airport authorities said landed beside a road near a Terminal 3 parking lot. The airport lies near the major city of Tel Aviv.

"You can see the scene right behind us here, a hole that opened up with a diameter of tens of metres and also tens of metres deep," Hetzroni said, adding that there was no significant damage.

Claiming responsibility, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said Israel's main airport was "no longer safe for air travel."

The Israel Airports Authority said normal operations had resumed, after reports of air traffic being halted and access routes to the airport being blocked.

However, a string of airlines including Lufthansa, Delta, ITA Airways and Air France said they had cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv, some of which had been scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

Sunday's strike came as Israeli ministers were reported to be close to signing off on plans to expand the military operation in Gaza, which resumed in March following a two-month truce, prompting the Houthis to hit Israel with more missiles.

Efforts to revive the ceasefire have faltered, and U.S. President Donald Trump in March ordered large-scale strikes against the Houthis to reduce their capabilities and deter them from targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The strikes have killed hundreds of people in Yemen.

"The U.S. military continues its operation against the Houthis, which has included over 1,000 strikes against these terrorists and we will continue to coordinate with the Israeli government through diplomatic channels," U.S. National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt said in an email to Reuters. "The Trump administration remains committed to ending the Houthis' capabilities to hijack freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”

He did not directly address the airport incident.

The Houthis, who control swathes of Yemen, began targeting Israel and Red Sea shipping in late 2023, during the early days of the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The war was triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel's offensive on Gaza has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians and destroyed much of the enclave.

Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia able to successfully complete special op without nuclear arms — Putin

Russia has sufficient capabilities to successfully complete the special military operation in Ukraine without resorting to nuclear arms, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a conversation with journalist Pavel Zarubin.

The Russian television host published some outtakes from the Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 years. documentary on Rossiya-1’s Telegram channel.

"They wanted to provoke us, wanted us to make mistakes," the Russian head of state said. "And there was no need to use the weapons that you mentioned. I hope that it won’t be necessary," he added.

"We have enough capabilities and means to finish what we started in 2022 with the result that Russia needs," the president concluded.

Russia has repeatedly confirmed its stance that the use of nuclear weapons will be its last choice. In November, Putin has approved Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Trump says he could 'walk away' from Russia-Ukraine talks, cites 'tremendous hatred' on both sides

House Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Jim Himes, D-Conn., joins 'Fox News Sunday' to discuss Mike Waltz's move from National Security advisor to U.N. ambassador, President Donald Trump working to end the war in Ukraine and border security. 

The U.S. could withdraw from peace talks with Ukraine and Russia if the two sides can't make progress toward ending their three-year war, President Donald Trump said.

Trump made the comments during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, telling host Kristen Welker that there is "tremendous hatred" between Ukraine and Russia.

The president says he remains hopeful a peace deal is possible, but confirmed that the U.S. would not remain a mediator indefinitely.

"I do believe we're closer with one party. And maybe not as close with the other, but we'll have to see," Trump said. "Five thousand soldiers a week on average, are dying. They're not American soldiers. But I want to solve the problem."

"How long do you give both countries before you're going to walk away?" Welker asked.

"Well, there will be a time when I will say, okay, keep going, keep being stupid," Trump replied.

"Maybe it's not possible to do," he added. "There's tremendous hatred. Just so you understand, Kristen, we're talking tremendous hatred between these two men and between, you know, some of the soldiers, frankly, between the generals, they've been fighting hard for three years. I think we have a very good chance of doing it."

The interview comes just days after Trump blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin,questioning whether his Russian counterpart has any interest in peace.

Trump spoke up on social media last week after Russian forces launched missiles into Ukrainian cities.

"There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities and towns, over the last few days," Trump wrote. "It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!"

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also appeared to temper expectations for a major peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia last week.

Rubio argued it was "silly" to put a specific date or timeline on when the U.S. might pull out from mediation, but he said this will be "a very critical week."

Days later, the White House signed a rare earth minerals agreement with Ukraine, a months-long priority for Trump.

Tass/Fox News

When he was a Justice of the Court of Appeal in the Port Harcourt Division, during the tenure of Mohammed Bello as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Alloysius Katsina-Alu was the subject of allegations of serious misconduct which ended up before the Advisory Judicial Committee (AJC), the predecessor to the National Judicial Council (NJC). Upon finding the allegations established, the AJC determined that Katsina-Alu would be denied elevation beyond the Court of Appeal. Less than one decade later, he was a Justice of the Supreme Court. In 2009, he assumed the office of CJN.

On 30 April, the NJC, this time under the leadership of a different CJN, announced that it would similarly ban from elevation for a period of five years, Inyang Ekwo, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Additionally, the Council decided to place him on a “watch list” for five years and to suspend him from judicial functions for one year.

According to the NJC, these measures became necessary because in a 2023 case, Inyang Ekwo “delivered a ruling in a pending application without hearing the parties” and “ignored an application to set aside the proceedings of the Court conducted in the absence of the parties.” These, the Council found, violate Rules 3.1 and 3.3 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers in Nigeria.

For the avoidance of doubt, Rule 3.1 of the Judicial Code of Conduct requires judges to be “true and faithful to the Constitution and the law and [to] uphold the course of justice….” Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees fair hearing in judicial and legal proceedings as a fundamental right. Accordingly, Rule 3.3 of the Judicial Code of Conduct requires all judges to ensure that they afford to all parties in proceedings before them a “full right to be heard according to law.”

A judge holds office under the constitution. Before assuming office, the judge publicly swears to an oath to uphold that constitution and to do justice to all persons in accordance with it. Put differently, Ekwo violated the most basic expectations entitlements of litigants before a court and a judge.

Ekwo became a lawyer in 1991 after graduating with a degree in law from University of Cross-River State. After a career spent mostly on the staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja, he was translated to the bench of the Federal High Court on 3 January, 2008. His path to this judicial sinecure was smoothed in no small measure by family networks which lock-in closely with the founding military administrator of the South-Eastern State (the legacy state of both Cross-River and Akwa Ibom States).

By 2023 when the facts of his latest mis-conduct arose, Ekwo had been a judge for over 15 years. Judicial inexperience was not one of his liabilities.

The measures announced by the NJC against Ekwo this past week were the second in eleven months. On 16 May 2024, the same NJC found the same Ekwo guilty of “abuse of discretionary power of a judge by wrongly granting an ex parte order.” He was therefore “barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years.” That decision of the NJC had not spent its first year when they found the same judge guilty of even more egregious violations this time. This suggests that Inyang Ekwo is a compulsive recidivist in judicial misconduct. Even now, there remain other serious complaints against the same judge still under investigation with the NJC and many more questions besides to resolve.

First, it is not clear whether the Council reminded itself of the subsisting punishment when it decided on its dispositions in the latest one.

Second, if the NJC determined last year to preclude Inyang Ekwo from elevation for two years; and this year in another case to do the same thing for five years, are these to run concurrently or consecutively?

Third, it’s not exactly clear what placing a judge on an NJC “watch-list” means or why anyone would consider the proposition anything other than absurd.

Fourth, what would it take to persuade the NJC that a person is too crooked for judicial office?

This last question is at the heart of the problem with what the NJC claims to have done in this latest instalment of a pattern of decision-making that enables judicial corruption instead of curbing it.

Ekwo was one of three judges suspended by the NJC this time. Jane Inyang (no relation of Inyang Ekwo) was appointed a Justice of the Court of Appeal in September 2023 after eight years as a Judge of the Federal High Court. According to the NJC, while a case was still pending before her at the Federal High Court, Jane Inyang “issued inappropriate ex parte orders for the sale of a petrol station and other businesses” in dispute in the case. This was the same kind of mis-conduct for which the Council issued Inyang Ekwo with a letter of caution in May 2024.

This time, however, the NJC decided to suspend Jane Inyang from judging for one year and without pay. Like Inyang Ekwo, she will also be denied elevation for five years. That means that after five years and with this record, she could find herself a Justice of the Supreme Court. The fact that a judge with this kind of record was promoted to the Court of Appeal while the complaint against her mis-conduct was – in all likelihood – pending says all that anyone needs to know about the state of disrepute into which judicial appointments in Nigeria have fallen.

In the case of Aminu Baffa Aliyu, another judge of the Federal High Court to whom the NJC applied similar measures, they found that he unlawfully restrained the security services from performing their statutory functions and, even worse, effectively overruled the Supreme Court in order to do so. The NJC decided in addition to suspending him without pay for one year, to preclude him from elevation for three.

In August 2017, when the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) issued a joint report naming the Nigerian judiciary as “the second highest receiver of bribes in the Country” after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the NJC bristled, dismissing the conclusion as “not only subjective but speculative.”

The NPF is the oldest institution in the country and also the largest employer. A standard cover-up procedure in the Force is to transfer out of station officers against whom serious allegations of misconduct subsist, granting them a cooling off sabbatical during which they are reported as unaccounted for. A not-too-dis-similar practice occurred in parts of the Catholic Church in the past to cover-up for priests caught in allegations of clerical abuse.

Academics sometimes also take sabbaticals with or without pay to enable them recharge their intellectual batteries or pursue other interests for the advancement of knowledge.

These latest dispositions by the NJC are worse than slaps on the wrist of errant judges. Far from discouraging judicial misconduct, the Council consecrates a ninth Beatitude: blessed are the crooked judges for they shall be entitled to a sabbatical. Put differently, the NJC seeks the beatification of judicial corruption into high virtue for which recidivist judges like Inyang Ekwo or rampant ones like Jane Inyang receive a year-long sabbatical. Judges who prize fidelity to their judicial oaths must wonder why they bother.

This institutionalizes cover-up under cover of judicial ceremony. Two words describe what the NJC now does on judicial discipline: complicit scandal. It is a tendency that deserves close attention and study as a model of how the judiciary accomplishes its own evisceration.

** Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a professor of lawy, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NASA’s Expedition 19 mission made history for multiple reasons.

Launched in 2009, the crew conducted a range of scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station, worked on complex engineering tasks, and supported Earth observation programs.

One of their most impressive observations was the capture of satellite imagery of the Three Gorges Dam in China, a human-made structure that scientists say is having an impact on the planet’s rotation.

The Three Gorges Dam spans the Yangtze River in China and is the world’slargest hydroelectric power station. While the dam is often praised for its ability to reduce flooding and generate clean energy, it has also shown how large-scale human structures can impact the Earth itself.

In the case of the Three Gorges Dam, NASAscientists and geophysicists have calculated that the reservoir’s 39 trillion kilograms of water, when filled to capacity, has a measurable effect on the rotation, even stretching the day by 0.06 seconds.

What started as a photograph taken from low Earth orbit has evolved into a wider conversation about how humanity is shaping the planet, not just on the surface, but in ways that affect its core behaviours.

NASA’s Expedition 19 proved that space exploration is not only about studying stars and planets far away, but also about looking a little closer to home too. It also helps us to look at out planet and get a better understanding of how our actions are changing it, allowing humanity to make any changes needed.

The photograph also helped shed light on how human-made reservoirs can cause changes beyond rotation.

The redistribution of water mass can lead to shifts in the Earth’s axis, known as polar drift. The Three Gorges Dam - which was completed in 2006 - is one of a few mega-reservoirs on the planet that could potentially contribute to this effect.

Observation teams have used such imagery to further research into how dams, groundwater depletion, and melting ice all interact with Earth’s physical balance.

The work done during Expedition 19 helped set the stage for future Earth observation missions. It confirmed the value of continuous monitoring of the planet using space stations.

As climate change and human development continue to reshape Earth, satellite imagery could be one of the most important tools for humanity to help fix the issues that they created in the first place.

While many of you may have thought that NASA's only focus was up in the stars, the space agency is looking towards home much more than you might have previously realised.

Yahoo News

According to the World Bank's April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief, poverty among Nigeria's rural population has reached a critical 75.5%, underscoring growing inequality across the country. This rate is nearly double the urban poverty rate of 41.3%.

The report reveals that overall poverty in Nigeria continues to display stark regional disparities. Northern geopolitical zones recorded a 46.5% poverty rate in 2018/19, compared to just 13.5% in southern regions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 30.9% of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day.

Economic circumstances have deteriorated since then, with World Bank projections estimating that by 2024, over 54% of Nigerians would be living in poverty. The report attributes this to multiple factors including economic shocks, rising insecurity, and persistent inflation.

The crisis disproportionately affects certain demographic groups. Children aged 0-14 face a 72.5% poverty rate, while adults without formal education experience a 79.5% poverty rate. Even those with secondary education show a 50% poverty rate, compared to 25.4% for those with tertiary education.

Multidimensional poverty indicators further illustrate the challenges: 32.6% lack access to limited-standard drinking water, 45.1% don't have limited-standard sanitation, and 39.4% have no electricity access.

The World Bank notes that poverty reduction had nearly stagnated before the pandemic, declining by only half a percentage point annually since 2010. This slow progress is attributed to structural economic challenges, particularly Nigeria's continued dependence on oil and vulnerability to climate shocks affecting agriculture.

Since 2018/19, an estimated 42 million additional Nigerians have fallen into poverty. Recent macroeconomic reforms have begun stabilizing the economy, but high inflation continues to erode purchasing power, with labor incomes failing to keep pace with rising costs.

The World Bank recommends urgent reforms to protect the poorest from inflation and boost livelihoods through productive employment. While acknowledging government efforts like temporary cash transfers targeting 15 million households, the report emphasizes the need for stronger social protection systems, investments in education, health, and infrastructure, and economic diversification beyond the oil sector.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has revealed that Nigeria's economic situation is more dire than commonly understood, with GDP per capita having fallen to just $824—significantly lower than the $1,847 recorded at independence in 1960.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary dinner of investment firm Chapel Hill Denham in Lagos on Thursday, Adesina emphasized that "Nigerians are worse off than 64 years ago" and called for a radical transformation of the country's economic model.

Despite being Africa's largest economy by GDP, Nigeria's economic foundation remains fundamentally flawed and unsustainable, according to the AfDB chief. He attributed this decline to decades of policy failures, weak institutions, excessive dependence on oil exports, and persistent underinvestment in critical sectors.

"Nigeria belongs in the league of developed nations. To get there, we must shift our mindset and pursue rapid economic growth," Adesina stated.

He highlighted the stark contrast with South Korea, which had a lower GDP per capita than Nigeria in 1960 but has since developed into a global industrial powerhouse with per capita income now exceeding $36,000. Adesina emphasized that Nigeria's development challenges stem not from lack of potential but from failure to capitalize on it.

"Underdevelopment should not be accepted as our destiny. We must break free from this pattern," he insisted.

The AfDB President outlined five critical priorities to revitalize Nigeria's economy: universal electricity access, world-class infrastructure development, rapid industrialization, innovation-driven growth, and competitive agriculture.

Adesina stressed that Nigeria must implement bold structural reforms rather than superficial policy adjustments. "We need to invest in technology, infrastructure, and innovation. We must become Africa's industrial powerhouse," he said, citing the Dangote Refinery as an example of the transformative industrial projects needed.

He suggested that Nigeria should mobilize its substantial pension fund assets, diaspora expertise, and capital markets to finance such initiatives.

For reforms to succeed, Adesina emphasized the necessity of robust institutions, consistent policies, and good governance. Without a credible reform agenda, he warned, Nigeria will continue to miss global opportunities and fail its growing population.

"The Nigeria of 2050 must be deliberately shaped, developed, corruption-free, and lead the rest of Africa," he concluded.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Nigeria on Saturday paid its final respects to Pa Samuel Ayo Adebanjo, the late elder statesman, nationalist, and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in a ceremony marked by glowing tributes, national reflection, and calls for purposeful leadership. The funeral, held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Isanya-Ogbo, Ijebu, Ogun State, drew an assembly of prominent Nigerian political figures, clerics, and civil society leaders.

Among the dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). Also in attendance were former Ogun governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun, former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, NADECO leader Ayo Opadokun, and several senators, including Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, Femi Okurounmu, and Adegbenga Kaka.

The remains of the late Adebanjo, described as one of the last disciples of Obafemi Awolowo, were laid to rest at his residence in Odoogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State, at approximately 1:54 p.m.

A Life of Purpose and Principle

In his sermon themed “The Glory of a Purposeful Life,” Olusina Fape, the Bishop of the Diocese of Remo and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, hailed Adebanjo as a “progressive democrat par excellence” who lived with conviction and consistency, unlike many contemporary politicians he described as “chameleons” who jump between parties without clear ideology.

Fape emphasized that Adebanjo’s political career—from the Action Group to the Alliance for Democracy—was defined by loyalty to principle rather than opportunism. He lamented that the passing of ideologically grounded figures like Adebanjo and Awolowo could deepen the emergence of political parties without clear philosophical foundations.

“He never compromised his beliefs for political gain. His life reflected the ideals of honesty, integrity, and fearless commitment to truth and justice.”

Fape warned that many modern politicians lacked purpose, seeking only power and wealth, and called for a generational reassessment of political motives. Quoting Myles Munroe, he said, “When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse becomes inevitable.” He charged Nigerians to reflect on whether their lives would be remembered for meaning and service.

A Voice for Justice and Federalism

In his tribute, Governor Dapo Abiodun described Adebanjo as a “dogged crusader for true federalism” and a symbol of Yoruba resistance to marginalization and cultural erosion. He said Adebanjo’s fierce opposition to military rule, his activism during the June 12 crisis, and his enduring support for democratic ideals made him a “moral compass” in Nigeria’s turbulent political history.

“Chief Adebanjo stood as a firm advocate of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. He was never silent in the face of injustice and nepotism,” Abiodun said.

The governor also likened Adebanjo’s philosophy to that of Martin Luther King Jr., saying the late leader believed deeply in the principle that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

A National Icon, a Federalist to the End

In a condolence message read during the service, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar described Adebanjo as “a great federalist, a reliable and consistent fighter for democracy,” noting that his life’s work should serve as a model for current and future generations.

Abubakar acknowledged that the void left by Adebanjo’s passing would be hard to fill but urged Nigerians to hold firmly to the principles the late icon embodied.

The funeral of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, though marking the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s political journey, served as a stirring reminder of the power of purposeful leadership, ideological consistency, and unwavering dedication to national unity.

Israeli military issues thousands of call-up notices, local media report

The Israeli military was issuing call-up notices to thousands of reservists on Saturday to support an expansion of its offensive in Gaza, Israeli media reported, after the prime minister announced that his upcoming visit to Azerbaijan was postponed.

The reservists will be deployed to Israel's border with Lebanon and in the occupied West Bank, replacing regular soldiers who will lead a new offensive in Gaza, the news site Ynet reported.

The military had no immediate comment.

Earlier, the prime minister's office announced that Benjamin Netanyahu was rescheduling his May 7-11 visit to Azerbaijan, citing recent developments in Gaza and Syria.

The office, which also cited "the intense diplomatic and security schedule", did not announce a new date for the visit. Netanyahu had been expected to meet with President Ilham Aliyev.

Israeli media reported on Friday that the security cabinet had approved plans for an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip.

Israel broke a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in March after seeking to extend it without engaging in talks to permanently end the war. Hamas says it would release the remaining hostages in Gaza only in exchange for an end to the war.

The military has since intensified its bombing campaign and carved out wide buffer zones in Gaza, squeezing the 2.3 million population into an ever narrower zone in the centre of the enclave and along the coast and shutting off aid supplies.

Israel's leadership has asserted that it is committed to its war goals of defeating Hamas and bringing back the last 59 hostages held in Gaza.

So far, 192 hostages have been released through negotiations and Israeli military operations since November 2023. Most had been abducted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory war has reduced much of the territory to rubble and killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, the majority of them civilians, according to health officials in Gaza.

Reuters