Tensions between Nigeria’s central and state governments have long been the fault lines of its federal system; it is like a simmering struggle between authority and autonomy. The 1999 Constitution, though intended as a compass for governance, is riddled with ambiguities—grey areas that have, time and again, become battlegrounds for political and legal duels. Among the most contentious debates is the reach of Section 305(1), which grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency. But does this mandate extend to the unilateral removal of democratically elected state officials?

For years, this question has lingered like an unspoken riddle in the corridors of power, whispered in legal chambers and political gatherings alike. Now, it erupts into the open, thrust into the unforgiving glare of the Supreme Court by seven opposition governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Their challenge is more than a legal contest; it is a reckoning—one that may redraw the contours of Nigeria’s federalism, recalibrate executive authority, and probe the very essence of democracy in the nation.

The Supreme Court, under Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution, has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Federal Government and state governments. This means it can directly adjudicate conflicts concerning constitutional interpretation. The ongoing case will test the limits of this jurisdiction, mainly whether the Supreme Court can provide clarification in the absence of a specific dispute between a state and the Federal Government. If the Court rules that interpretation alone is insufficient to activate its jurisdiction, it could set a precedent discouraging proactive legal resolutions, potentially allowing constitutional ambiguities to persist until conflicts escalate. However, if the Court determines that a general ambiguity affecting multiple states warrants judicial intervention, it will pave the way for a more dynamic constitutional review process that ensures legal clarity before crises arise.

This kind of legal battle is not unique to Nigeria. In advanced liberal democracies, governors often act as checks on presidential power. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. state governors resisted federal directives from President Donald Trump, asserting their constitutional authority over public health measures. Similarly, governors challenged President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic in Brazil, leading to significant legal battles that strengthened jurisprudence. Argentina has also seen multiple instances where state-level leaders acted against federal overreach, reinforcing the principle of decentralized governance. Nigeria’s case aligns with this broader global trend, underscoring how federalism functions as a check on executive authority.

Section 305 of the Constitution grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency, but the criteria remain broad and open to interpretation. Key questions include: What constitutes a “clear and present danger” to justify an emergency declaration? Should there be legislative oversight beyond the National Assembly’s approval? How does Nigeria’s standard compare to international best practices? The governors argue that the Supreme Court should establish precise conditions under which emergency powers can be invoked. The governors want the Supreme Court to define what circumstances justify a state of emergency. In 2004, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State, leading to the removal of Governor Joshua Dariye. A similar scenario occurred in Ekiti State under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014. These instances highlight the pressing need for judicial clarification to prevent arbitrary use of emergency powers, which, if unchecked, could be used as a political weapon against opposition-controlled states.

A critical aspect of this case is whether the president’s emergency powers extend to suspending or removing elected state officials. The governors contend that the Constitution does not grant such authority. Their argument is grounded in Section 1(2), which establishes Nigeria as a democracy where sovereignty belongs to the people; Section 5(2), which limits executive powers by constitutional provisions; and Section 305, which does not explicitly provide for the removal of elected officials. The Supreme Court’s ruling will set a precedent for the extent of presidential authority during emergencies. It will either reaffirm state autonomy or expand federal executive powers, shaping the balance of power in Nigerian governance. Many legal scholars have argued that the power to remove a democratically elected governor lies with the electorate and, in extreme cases, the legislature—not the president.

The Constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber of the National Assembly to approve a state of emergency. The governors question whether the voice vote method used in recent emergency approvals met this requirement. The Court’s decision will determine whether procedural irregularities can invalidate emergency rule declarations. If the Supreme Court rules that a voice vote is insufficient, it could impose stricter legislative oversight on emergency declarations, ensuring greater accountability and preventing unilateral executive actions from circumventing constitutional processes.

Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the importance of legal challenges in refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Nigeria’s judiciary is responsible for addressing constitutional ambiguities to prevent future conflicts. The Supreme Court had a previous opportunity to clarify constitutional provisions regarding local government elections in Rivers State and more specifically the place of the Electoral Act 2022. However, the ruling did not address critical ambiguities, leaving unresolved questions in electoral jurisprudence. The current case presents another chance for the Court to provide much-needed legal clarity. The judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving ambiguities that could otherwise lead to executive overreach or political instability.

If the Court delivers a well-reasoned judgment, it could serve as a touchstone for future constitutional conflicts, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution. According to a 2022 survey by Afrobarometer, 73% of Nigerians believe that the judiciary should have more substantial independence to check executive excesses. This reinforces the importance of Supreme Court rulings in maintaining democratic integrity and ensuring that political expediency does not override constitutional safeguards.

This case will establish whether the president’s emergency powers include suspending elected officials. A ruling in favor of the governors could reinforce state autonomy while limiting federal intervention in state affairs. Conversely, a ruling in favor of the president could expand executive powers, setting a precedent for future emergency rule declarations. If the Court upholds broad presidential discretion, state governments may need constitutional amendments to safeguard their authority.

This decision will serve as a benchmark for defining the limits of emergency powers, shaping Nigeria’s governance structure for years to come. In India, the Supreme Court’s ruling in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) curtailed the central government’s power to dismiss state governments, establishing a critical precedent for federalism. Nigeria’s Supreme Court has a similar opportunity to develop safeguards against potential executive overreach.

This case could prompt the National Assembly to reconsider the discretionary powers granted to the president through constitutional amendment . Potential reforms could include defining emergency conditions more precisely, requiring judicial review of emergency declarations, and strengthening legislative oversight to prevent executive overreach. Eminent lawyers have argued that the lack of clear constitutional guidelines on emergency powers leaves too much room for executive discretion, which is dangerous for democracy.

The Supreme Court’s ruling will test its ability to separate partisanship from jurisprudence and focus on constitutional text, precedents, and democratic principles. If it prioritises technicalities over substantive legal interpretation, it risks weakening public trust in the judiciary. A 2022 report by the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) on “Tackling Judicial Bribery and Procurement Fraud in Nigeria” found that about 61% of respondents believe that judges in Nigeria are likely to be politically influenced or accept bribes to influence their decisions, highlighting the need for impartial rulings.

The Supreme Court’s decision will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. If it upholds the governors’ argument, it will set a strong precedent affirming the independence of state governments, ensuring that executive powers remain within constitutional limits. If it rules in favor of expansive presidential authority, it risks tilting the balance of power.

Legal challenges like this one are essential for deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Testing constitutional provisions ensures that governance is rooted in law rather than arbitrary power. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for federalism, democracy, and the balance of power in Nigeria. Whatever the outcome, this case has forced a crucial legal reckoning, compelling Nigeria to confront the ambiguities in its constitutional framework. The judiciary must rise above partisanship, deliver a judgment that reinforces the rule of law, and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic evolution. A well-reasoned ruling will not only settle the immediate dispute but will shape the nation’s legal and political trajectory for generations to come.

Kenya has emerged as the largest importer of second-hand clothes in Africa, earning the unfortunate distinction of being an easy dumping ground for used apparel while struggling to revive its collapsed textile industry.

According to the latest trade data compiled by the United States-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Kenya imported second-hand clothes and textiles worth Sh38.5 billion ($298 million) in 2023, making Kenya the continent’s leading buyer of mitumba, the Kiswahili term for second-hand clothing, surpassing Nigeria at number four.

The imports represent a 12.45 per cent increase from Sh34.28 billion ($265 million) in 2022, as shipments of used garments continue to flood the Kenyan market, meeting the growing demand for affordable clothing.

In 2023, Ghana ranked as the second-largest importer of second-hand clothes, with imports valued at Sh30.4 billion. South Africa followed at Sh29.4 billion, with Uganda at Sh27.2 billion, and Nigeria at Sh27 billion.

According to the report, Kenyan mitumba traders import various categories of second-hand clothes, including underwear, dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets, and shoes. Additionally, other used textiles such as bedding, towels, curtains, fabric scraps, and industrial rags also enter the country.

“I think we have not been intentional about growing the textile sector,” Tobias Alando, Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, stated.

An analysis of MIT’s Observatory of Economic Complexity indicates that in 2022, Kenya’s imports of second-hand clothes and textiles were nearly equal to Nigeria’s at Sh34.5 billion ($265 million), with South Africa ranking third at Sh33.76 billion ($261 million).

In 2021, South Africa was the leading importer of used clothes and textiles, though the country restricts such imports, except for specific purposes such as manufacturing industrial wiping rags or donating to registered charities.

Despite Nigeria’s official ban on the importation of used clothes, analysts note that they continue to be smuggled into the country from neighbouring regions.

Some officials in Kenya’s Ministry of Trade, speaking anonymously, suggest that a large portion of Kenya’s mitumba imports may be destined for neighbouring countries. “They are crossing the borders,” said one official.

Kenya’s situation is further complicated by its reliance on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a policy that grants eligible African nations duty-free access to the US market. To maintain AGOA privileges, particularly for textiles, Kenya must permit the importation of mitumba, a significant portion of which originates from the United States.

[Vanguard]

March has been a celebratory month as President Bola Tinubu turned 73. As the celebrations began, Nigerian Shiites were simultaneously being shot for marching on the streets. March 2025 has also seen an escalation in the unending Fubara-Wike drama. It has now soaked in the executive, legislative and judicial arms, including the Supreme Court.

Equally, the Nathasha-Akpabio tango, which began in the ballroom of the Nigerian Senate, has taken international stage.

It has also been the month when some perceptive Nigerians in organising a posthumous birthday for radical intellectual, Professor Nuhu Omeiza Yaqub, analysed the country’s past and suggested ways forward.

President Tinubu was on Friday, March 28, the eve of his birthday, at the National Mosque, Abuja for Jumat prayers. The faithful were also with him. The country was in a joyous mood as ministers and governors, legislators, political appointees and the hopeful were in a near-stampede to congratulate the President and, perhaps, assure him that there is ‘no shaking’.

Simultaneously, less than a 10-minute drive away, the Shiites were marking their international Qudus or Wufus. This Day of Ashura is designated a day of mourning the martyred. For over four decades now, they have dedicated this day as an annual international march for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

So, if, in a democracy, the Shiites march, exercising their fundamental right to freedom of religion, movement and assembly, how does it constitute a security threat for which the army and police annually open fire on the children, women and men in the procession?

All that is required by the Police Act is for the police to provide protection for those marching or demonstrating, and for the general populace.

It appears that the annual murder of Shiites in Nigeria is beyond a so-called security reason. If the Shiites march, let them march! Are they marching with your legs? It is their religious belief; so the annual slaughter will not stop them from marching, and they have a fundamental human right to do so.

President Tinubu does not need to inherit the enemies of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Shiites in Nigeria are not our enemies. If anything, they are our fellow citizens and government has the constitutional duty to protect all Nigerians irrespective of belief. Also, as Nigerians we have the right to be briefed by government on how many Shiites were killed this Friday, how many injured and if there are still some being detained. We need an enquiry into this crime and how it can be prevented in future.

My final take on this is that we must make far less use of the army. Its intrusion in normal civil life is becoming pervasive and must be checked.

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Nigerians were also on the march in the endless ritual of constitutional amendments. On that day, the House of Representatives passed 31 Bills after second reading. For me, the most attractive was one that seeks to review the requirements of those contesting the presidential and gubernatorial elections. It seeks to stop anyone above 60 years from contesting those positions. I laughed. 

If by any miracle such an amendment is passed, we are in for another melodrama. Eighty-year-old politicians would start producing birth certificates or sworn age declarations that purport them to be 55! This is more so in a country where birth and death records are not readily available.

So, why not concentrate on enforcing existing requirements that can be better verified? For instance, the constitutional provision that such aspirants should possess a minimum high school leaving certificate?

It reminds me of the case of former President Buhari who in contesting the 2015 election could not produce a school leaving certificate or any such documentary evidence. He claimed that the Nigerian Army had custody of his certificate. The Army denied it. What is instructive is that for the eight years he was President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he could not produce the certificate he claimed he had deposited with the army.

The Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan saga is one of the wonders of the Nigerian polity. She was said to have refused to change her seat. She, in turn, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. How these two matters constituted “gross misconduct” for which over 250,000 otherwise busy constituents would go queue to sign a recall petition is baffling except that it might be one those scams in our politics.

 There was the joke that the Senator had externalised the issue by taking it to the floor of the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union. Really? Do the people making this claim not realise that in a highly digitalised world, the altercation right from the Senate was already internationalised?

At the Prof Yaqub colloquium held on March 4, 2025 to repair the broken joints of the country, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said the universities can make meaningful interventions in all aspects provided they are made eternally healthy. He submitted that: “It is only by priotising knowledge solution through effective and development-focused university education that Nigeria can get back to its path of sustainable development.”

A father of Political Science in Nigeria, Professor Adele Jinadu, said Africa needs an Afro-centric approach to governance and development based on five types of freedom: political freedoms, economic facilities, social opportunities, transparency guarantees and protective security. The road to Europe, he argued, would not lead to salvation for the continent.

Senator Ita Solomon Enang, Presidential Adviser, National Assembly Matters, Emeritus, pointed out to developing countries that Trumpism is the best thing that has activated their economies and potentials: an opportunity to progress from self-governing countries to truly independent ones.

Femi Falana, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, submitted that the judiciary should have conscience and uphold social justice not technicalities.

Ambassador Joe Keshi, President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, ARCAN, spoke on the need to employ diplomacy as a tool in solving Africa’s crises of democracy and development. He pointed out that the crises are international in nature, so the solution has to be national and international.

Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, in assessing Professor Yaqub who, apart from being a leading political scientist and former Vice Chancellor in the Universities of Abuja and Sokoto State, was also engaged in the Arts, spoke about the public intellectual. He pointed out that in this new generation, the public intellectual rather than recede into academic obscurity, can evolve with the times and still contribute to upholding social justice by remaining true to the ideals of his status.

Obviously, Nigerians have a long way to tread.

Arsenal will play Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, the first North London derby to be held outside the United Kingdom, the clubs said Monday, while Liverpool will meet AC Milan.

The London rivals will play at the southern Chinese city’s new 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium on July 31.

“Playing against Tottenham Hotspur in the magnificent new Kai Tak Stadium will be a great experience for both teams and supporters, and will be a very important part of our pre-season preparations ahead of the new season,” said Arsenal’s managing director Richard Garlick.

Liverpool will play Serie A giants Milan on July 26 at the same stadium.

It will be a replay of the classic 2005 Champions League final, which the Reds won on penalties after being 3-0 down at half-time.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are likely to head to Hong Kong as Premier League champions — they are currently 12 points clear with nine games left.

Liverpool will also travel to Japan for the first time during pre-season, the club said, without giving dates.

Hong Kong this month officially opened a major $3.85 billion sports park with futuristic Kai Tak Stadium the centrepiece of it.

The stadium saw its first major event at the weekend when it hosted the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens with more than 110,000 spectators attending over three days.

It is all part of efforts to restore the city’s image, which took a battering after political protests and a Beijing-imposed national security law.

Visitor numbers to Hong Kong also plummeted during almost three years of strict Covid curbs and have only recently begun to recover.

AFP

On March 31, 2015, precisely a decade ago, a brief telephone conversation altered Nigeria’s political landscape and reinforced its democratic values. The days leading to the 2015 general election were intense, with political permutations, strong rhetoric, predictions, doomsday prophesies, and pockets of unrest. Most political observers believed the election would either balkanise or strengthen the country, depending on the outcome. The international community had its eyes fixed on Nigeria. Everyone waited with bated breath. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had ruled the country since the return of democracy in 1999, and the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC), which had come out stronger through a merger, had gathered momentum through its “change” mantra. The APC went into the election with Muhammadu Buhari as its running mate to challenge the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, of the PDP.

The atmosphere was charged. However, Nigerians went to the polls on March 28 and voted. Sooner, the results started trickling in.

The majority of the results from the presidential election had been announced, with Buhari leading by nearly three million votes. In a gesture that surprised many, while the final results had not been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jonathan called Buhari, his rival, to congratulate him.

JONATHAN: NOBODY’S AMBITION IS WORTH THE BLOOD OF ANY NIGERIAN

Jonathan’s simple words, “Congratulations, your excellency”, ushered in a historic moment.

This historic moment was not just about the transfer of political authority; the call marked the first time in Nigeria’s history that a sitting president had willingly and publicly acknowledged electoral defeat by reaching out directly to his opponent, ending 16 years of one-party dominance by the PDP.

Guided by his stance that his ambition is not worth the life of any Nigerian, Jonathan made the call against advice from his circle, many of whom wanted him to contest the results.

“By the time they were announcing Borno state, it was already clear that President Buhari as he later became, was leading with about 3 million votes. It was at that point that the drama began in the villa,” Reuben Abati, Jonathan’s spokesperson, told the BBC.

Abati said the security agencies had warned about the potential of a breakdown of order in the country.

“The people from the Nigerian Delta were saying the president should stand firm. Some other people, mainly the minister and the attorney general of the federation, Mohammed Adoke, were saying, ‘look, the president should apply wisdom,’ and at the end of the day, the president reiterated the position he has always held that nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian because there was palpable threat of violence,” he said.

“…then he placed a call to the control room, and he said, ‘Please get me President Buhari on the line.'”

Abati said the call almost did not happen over connection issues.

Buhari polled a total of 15,424,921 votes while Jonathan secured 12,853,162 votes.

A month later, when he met with some new ambassadors, Jonathan said he took the decision because “as for me, as a matter of principle, it is always the nation first”.

“You need to have a nation before you can have an ambition. It should always be the nation first. You don’t have to scuttle national progress for personal ambition,” Jonathan said.

“Since I assumed duty, I have been involved in quelling political crisis in some African countries, and I know what they passed through and what some are still going through. If you scuttle a system for personal ambition, it becomes a collective tragedy.”

BUHARI: JONATHAN’S PHONE CALL LEFT ME DUMBFOUNDED

In May 2016, Buhari told journalists that he was shocked that Jonathan would give up the presidential seat so easily, given his political trajectory.

“Of course, there was dead silence on my end because I did not expect it. I was shocked,” Buhari said.

“I did not expect it because after 16 years, the man was a deputy governor, governor, vice-president and was president for six years.

“For him to have conceded defeat even before the result was announced by INEC, I think it was quite generous and gracious of him.”

The phone call is reproduced below.

Buhari: Hello, Your Excellency

Jonathan: Your Excellency, how are you?

Buhari: I’m all right.

Jonathan: Congratulations.

Buhari: Thank you very much, your Excellency.

Jonathan: Yeah. So, how are things?

Buhari: Well, I’d congratulate you more because you….

Jonathan: …some of these days to come so that we can sort out how to plan the transitional period.

Buhari: Alright, Your Excellency. Thank you very much

Jonathan: Okay, congratulations.

Buhari: My respects, Your Excellency. Thank you.

[TheCable]

Singer and songwriter Waje has shared valuable insights from her music career, cautioning that talent alone is insufficient for success.

Speaking at Funke Akindele’s Creative Blueprint Masterclass, Waje emphasised the importance of business knowledge in the music industry.

Waje admitted that she initially believed her vocal talent would guarantee success, but she soon learned that understanding the business side was crucial.

She explained that artists must view their music as a product and their audience as a market.

Waje urged artists to adapt to the evolving music landscape, where creativity must be balanced with business acumen.

She advised focusing on branding, audience engagement, and long-term financial sustainability to build a lasting career.

Waje said: “When I started as a musician, I absolutely thought my voice was enough, but experience taught me that there were many other things I had to equip myself with. In the music business, your music is your product, and your audience is your market. Without a clear business approach, you could be leaving money and opportunities on the table.

“The world has changed, and so has the way people consume music. As an artist, it’s not enough to rely solely on raw talent—you must also understand and engage with the business side of things. You are your brand, so how are you cultivating that to ensure you’re earning money?

“You have to start making sure that you’re crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s with your brand and the people who form your audience.

“As great as music is, how sustainable is it? Be smart enough to know that as you’re being creative, you’re also a smart creative—investing in other fields”.

[TheNation]

A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has admonished leaders at all levels to prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Abubakar made the plea in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Sunday in Abuja.

He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.

“While the Ramadan season encouraged charity to the less privileged, it becomes imperative on leaders to make sure that after Ramadan, governments initiate interventions that will ensure that wellbeing and welfare of the people are sustained.

“It is important to call the attention of those in positions of authority to the practices of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that teaches about obligations of leadership to the people.

“It is not enough that the government will ask that the people should brace themselves for harsh economic conditions.

“It is more sufficient for the leadership to show compassion on the masses and by acting with fear of God,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting.

He described the completion of Ramadan fasting as a blessing from the Almighty.

He reminded Muslim faithful that the celebration of Eid-el-fitri, “should be an opportunity to remind ourselves to continue to intensify the good deeds that was embraced during Ramadan.

He also advised people to continue to pray for progress in their private lives and that of Nigeria.

(NAN)

Haaland had seen a first-half penalty saved before Evanilson put the Cherries in front.

The Norwegian made amends by equalising four minutes into the second period before being forced off with an ankle injury.

His replacement, Omar Marmoush, took just two minutes to score the winner from a second assist by the impressive Nico O'Reilly as City booked a semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest.

"Seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup...this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this," said City boss Pep Guardiola.

City have been a shadow of the side that won four consecutive Premier League titles this season and Guardiola said prior to the game that even FA Cup glory would not save a miserable season.

The English champions' collapse in the Premier League began at Bournemouth back in November with a 2-1 defeat that kicked off a run of six defeats in eight games.

But Guardiola hailed the difference in attitude in his side between then and now.

"We came here (in November) with the flip flops on against a team that if you don't compete, it is impossible," added Guardiola.

"In football you have to run. People say about my teams 'how good they play' but no, it is how much we run, how much we fight and for many games this season it didn't happen."

Haaland's hat-trick of misses

Haaland should have punished a makeshift Cherries defence missing the suspended Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez with a hat-trick before half-time.

He headed wide his first chance from Matheus Nunes' driven cross.

A Tyler Adams handball then gifted City the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot.

But for the third time in his last six spot-kicks, Haaland failed to find the net as Kepa Arrizabalaga made a fine save.

That miss seemed to be still in Haaland's mind when he dinked over Kepa and over the bar with just the Spanish goalkeeper to beat moments later.

City were then hit with a sucker punch by Bournemouth on 21 minutes.

Nunes, deputising in an unfamiliar right-back role, gave the ball away to David Brooks, whose cross was turned across goal by Justin Kluivert and bundled in from point-blank range by Evanilson.

Guardiola responded by introducing 20-year-old midfielder O'Reilly as a makeshift left-back.

O'Reilly made an instant impact with a rampaging run down the left and inch-perfect cross as this time Haaland did not miss for his 30th goal of the season.

Moments later he was forced off in concerning scenes for Guardiola with City still involved in a battle just to qualify for next season's Champions League in their last nine Premier League games.

But City's January transfer window move for Marmoush is already looking a shrewd deal.

The Egyptian has now scored six times in 11 appearances since a £59 million ($76 million) transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.

If Kepa was a Bournemouth hero in the first-half, he was at fault for the winner as Marmoush's effort slipped through his grasp from O'Reilly's pass.

"First half we played very well but second half the game was definitely for them," said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

"We couldn't keep the same intensity second half, we were a lot more passive and lacking in energy, especially up front."

AFP

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe as Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

This was revealed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

The appointment of the former Kwara Central Senator will be for an initial term of four years.

The communique also stated that Oloriegbe’s appointment took effect on March 11, 2025.

Oloriegbe represented the Kwara Central Senatorial District at the 9th Senate of the National Assembly.

”He holds a Master’s in Coaching and Consultation from the University of Oxford, UK, and HEC, Paris, and a Bachelor’s of Medicine and Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.”

”He is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nigeria Veneral Disease Association, Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria, International Aids Society (IAS), and the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network,” it also read.

Oloriegbe served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health from 2019 to 2023 and the Chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Health.

[Channels TV]