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‘Recognising two genders, deporting illegal immigrants’ — inside Trump’s declaration on day one
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US President Donald Trump marked his return to the White House with a flurry of executive orders issued within minutes of his inauguration.
Forced by the biting cold to hold the ceremony inside the Capitol Rotunda, Trump’s sharp address mirrored the weather outside — both were historic in their chill.
The actions are expected to address many issues, including immigration, border security, gender, trade, and geopolitics.
If he signs as many executive orders as he has touted, Trump could exceed the record of 100 set by former President Harry Truman in 1952.
“The golden age of America begins right now,” Trump told a cheering crowd.
Here are a few of the executive orders reeled off by the United States president.
US GOVERNMENT TO ONLY RECOGNISE TWO GENDERS — MALE AND FEMALE
Trump said he would create a society that is “colour-blind and merit-based”.
The US president accused the former administration of socially engineering race and gender into “every aspect of public and private life”.
He clarified that moving forward, it would be the official policy of the US government that there are only two genders, male and female.
Trump’s announcement was met with a standing ovation.
CARTELS TO BE DESIGNATED AS ‘TERRORIST ORGANISATIONS’
Trump said today’s executive orders would designate “the cartels as foreign terrorist organisations”.
He said he would direct the government to use the “full and immense power of federal and state law enforcement” to end “foreign gangs on US soil”.
CHANGE ‘GULF OF MEXICO’ TO ‘GULF OF AMERICA’
Trump said he would rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, as he highlighted the several actions he would take immediately.
“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory, the Gulf of America,” Trump said.
“What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate. It’s appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.”
Presidents have the authority to rename geographic regions and features, but it must be done via executive order.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY AT THE BORDERS
During his inaugural address, Trump said he would declare a national emergency at the southern border, a campaign priority.
“Illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” he said.
He asked the immigrants to “remain in Mexico”, vowing to deploy troops who would protect the borders.
Trump was also reported to have scrapped the US law that grants citizenship to children born on American soil regardless of their parent’s immigration status.
‘STRIPES AND STARS ON MARS’
Trump also vowed to launch American astronauts to Mars.
Elon Musk, tech billionaire and founder of SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company, gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to the announcement.
Musk, who also owns X, was instrumental in helping Trump reclaim the White House.
Trump announced that Musk will head a new department of government efficiency.
[TheCable]
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned until January 30 to hear a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and six others.
Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the new date following an application by the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), who sought leave to amend the originating summons.
Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is seeking to halt the issuance of oil import licences to some oil marketers.
Mentioned in the suit as 1st to 7th defendants are the NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.
In its originating summons, Dangote Refinery prayed the court to nullify the import licences issued by the NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products, arguing that such actions violate Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Dangote Refinery claimed that these licences should only be issued in cases of proven shortfalls in local supply and accused NMDPRA of failing to support local refineries as mandated by the PIA.
Additionally, Dangote Refinery sought N100bn in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to the NNPCL and the other marketers.
In response, three major oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss Dangote Refinery’s suit.
The marketers argued that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs and that monopolising the sector would harm the economy.
They maintained that the import licences issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.
They further warned that granting Dangote Refinery exclusive control of the petroleum sector would eliminate competition, drive up prices, and destabilize the country’s fragile economy.
The marketers also cautioned that relying solely on Dangote Refinery for petroleum products could lead to supply shortages and higher costs in the event of operational disruptions at the refinery.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been fixed for a report on settlement or service.
However, he stated that he had not been able to serve the amended originating summons on the defendants.
He added that the issue of settlement could not be addressed due to a motion filed to amend their originating summons, due to the errors in the earlier application.
Similarly, the defendants’ counsel confirmed they had not been served and requested proper service before the case could proceed.
Mathew Bukar (SAN) appeared for the NMDPRA, Ahmed Raji (SAN) represented AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, while Divine Oguru appeared for T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited.
NNPCL counsel, Ademola Abimbola, on his part, informed the court that he had only been served with the application on Monday morning, shortly before the court session began.
Abimbola noted that Dangote Refinery served the amended originating summons following objections that the NNPCL should not have been included in the suit, as it was sued under an incorrect registered name.
He further claimed that the plaintiff amended the suit after it became public in the media, adding that the application would be reviewed for an appropriate response.
Justice Ekwo instructed Dangote Refinery’s counsel to ensure the case was properly positioned to be heard on the next adjourned date.
“You have not been able to position this matter to be heard, and that is the cause of the adjournment,” Justice Ekwo said.
The plaintiff’s counsel requested 10 days to serve all parties in the suit.
Upon his request, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to January 30 to allow all parties to complete the filing and service of court processes.
Meanwhile, another party, represented by Olanrewaju Oshinaike, sought to be joined in the matter but was asked to stand down until the issue of service was resolved.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators, with a cap set at 50 per cent on current rates.
The decision followed a careful review of the rising operational costs faced by telecom companies, which have remained unchanged since 2013 despite mounting inflationary pressures.
The approved tariff adjustment is a crucial step in addressing the widening gap between telecom operators’ operational costs and existing tariff rates.
Although some operators initially requested increases exceeding 100 per cent, the NCC has opted for a more measured increase of up to 50 per cent, striking a balance between the needs of the industry and consumer protection.
In a press release signed by the NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, and made available to LEADERSHIP on Monday, the regulator clarified that the revised tariffs would remain within the guidelines of the 2013 NCC Cost Study. Adjustments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as per the NCC’s standard review process. Furthermore, the adjustments will be implemented in compliance with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024, ensuring transparency and clarity.
The telecommunications industry has faced several challenges in recent years, including rising fuel prices and currency devaluation, which have compounded the pressure on operators to adjust their tariffs. The tariff increase is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of the sector, enabling operators to continue investing in network infrastructure and improving service delivery to consumers.
The NCC emphasised that the changes were aimed at enhancing service quality, improving network coverage, and promoting better customer service. In response to concerns about the impact of higher tariffs on Nigerian households and businesses, the Commission has mandated that operators implement the changes transparently and fairly, with clear communication to the public regarding the new rates and expected improvements in service delivery.
The decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across both public and private sectors. The NCC highlighted its commitment to balancing the protection of consumers with the long-term viability of the telecommunications industry.
Recognising the financial pressures faced by Nigerians, NCCn stressed its commitment to supporting indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecom ecosystem. The NCC also reiterated its ongoing efforts to foster a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector that will drive the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The statement read in part: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), will approve tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, was arrived at after considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability. While some operators requested over 100 percent increases, the approved adjustments are designed to maintain service quality without compromising consumer interests. These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The implementation will follow the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“Given that tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013, despite rising operational costs, the approved adjustment is intended to bridge the significant gap between costs and tariffs, ensuring continued service delivery to consumers. The Commission remains committed to fostering industry sustainability, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and improving services for consumers, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and wider coverage.”
The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to creating a balanced, sustainable telecommunications environment that serves the interests of both consumers and operators while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Father of self-acclaimed gospel singer, Timileyin Ajayi, who was caught with severed head of his supposed girlfriend, has begged the government on his son’s behalf even as he called for his release.
LEADERSHIP reports that Timileyin was caught with the severed head of 24-year-old Corps member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, penultimate Sunday.
Timileyin’s father, Sunday Ajayi, pleaded for his son’s release in a viral video online. He expressed in Pidgin English that he would like the government to help him settle the matter and release his son.
“I want government make dem help me make the matter settle abeg. Make dem help me try to beg the people make una leave am,” he said.
Timileyin’s mum, Dorcas Ajayi, however, took a different stance from her husband.
She noted that she would not know how to feel if what happened to Salome happened to one of her own children.
According to her, the government can carry out any action they want on the matter because everything is in their hands.
“Had it been it’s one of my daughters they did that to, how do I feel? So I don’t know. Anything government want to do, everything is in their hands,” she stated.
Timileyin’s father’s comments have been met with criticisms online as many suggested that the old man be investigated as well.
Some others expressed that his stance was rather inhuman and unreasonable.
Mexico’s Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, on Monday, announced a project called “Mexico Embraces You,” providing support for Mexican citizens who could be deported from the United States following President Donald Trump‘s assumption of office.
“Mexico will do everything necessary to defend, care for and allocate what is needed to receive those who are repatriated in order to achieve their reincorporation to their native country,” Rodríguez said during a press conference on Monday.
Through the “Mexico Embraces You” plan, the country’s National Migration Institute will be in charge of receiving Mexicans from abroad, processing their repatriation and supporting transfers to their places of origin, the secretary said.
The government said Mexican citizens will be given 2,000 Mexican pesos (about $100) upon arrival to use during their transfer to their place of origin.
Rodríguez added that the National Population Registry, which is similar to the US Social Security number system, will process identity documents if necessary.
The interior secretary said that the government has been working and developing the plan since Trump pledged to carry out mass deportations.
The plan was developed in coordination with international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she would try to communicate with newly inaugurated President Trump’s team after the inauguration, and she asked Mexican citizens living in the US to remain calm.
In a swift move that signalled the beginning of President Donald Trump’s hardline border crackdown, the new administration, on Monday, shut down CBP One, an app-based programme that allowed migrants to schedule legal entry into the United States through official ports.
Shortly after Trump took the oath of office as thr 47th President of the United States (POTUS), the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website posted a notice confirming that the app was no longer functional and that all existing appointments had been cancelled.
The CBP One app, introduced by the Joe Biden administration in early 2023, was designed to offer migrants a regulated pathway to seek asylum in the US. The programme allowed 1,450 migrants per day to schedule an appointment for processing, and since its launch, more than 900,000 people have entered the US using the system.
However, the Trump administration’s decision has left tens of thousands of migrants stranded at the southern border, many of whom had already made their way to designated entry points in anticipation of their scheduled appointments.
At the El Chaparral border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, confusion and frustration gripped migrants who checked their phones only to find that their appointments had vanished.
“I am in shock,” said Maura Hernandez, a migrant from Michoacán, Mexico, who had arrived in Tijuana with her four children for an appointment scheduled on Tuesday. “I don’t know what is going to happen to us.”
Like many others, Hernandez fled violence in her home state, hoping to seek asylum through legal channels.
Gustavo Selva, a Venezuelan migrant, described his devastation upon learning that the program had been terminated.
“We are so disappointed,” Selva said after reading the update on his phone. He had waited seven months for his appointment, which was initially scheduled for late January but had been delayed until February 9. He had already traveled from Chiapas to Tijuana, believing he would soon enter the U.S. legally.
“We thought we could enter today without a problem,” he said. “Now we will be stranded here indefinitely.”
A former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, estimated that around 30,000 migrants had active appointments through the app as of Monday morning. Additionally, nearly 300,000 migrants were reportedly waiting in Mexico with hopes of securing entry through CBP One.
The Biden administration had touted the CBP One app as a critical tool in managing migration at the southern border. The programme was part of a broader strategy that combined asylum restrictions for illegal crossings with legal pathways for those seeking protection.
“I would say that the model that we have built—of restricting asylum at our southern border and building accessible, lawful, safe, and orderly pathways for individuals to seek relief under our laws—is the model that should be sustained,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in an interview with NPR earlier this month.
“We have delivered the border and those accessible pathways to the incoming administration,” he added.
Border crossings had significantly declined in recent months, a trend that US officials attributed in part to the app’s success in streamlining asylum applications.
The closure of CBP One underscored a drastic shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration, which has long argued for tougher enforcement measures.
Critics of the app, particularly Republican lawmakers, viewed it as a loophole that allowed migrants to remain in the U.S. for years while their cases moved through backlogged immigration courts.
“The fact that this application exists is the most underreported scandal of the Biden admin,” Vice President JD Vance said in a social media post last week. “They made an application to facilitate illegal immigration. It boggles the mind.”
Matthew Hudak, a former senior Border Patrol official, said the move was a clear indication that the Trump administration would adopt a much tougher stance at the border.
“Simply wanting to immigrate to the U.S. and signing up to get in line will be replaced by more stringent policies that will significantly raise the bar for those seeking to come here, including reimplementing the Remain in Mexico program,” Hudak said.
“Many will be left to decide if they will work through the legal process or attempt to enter the country illegally and face what will likely be much more significant consequences.”
Highly influential tech billionaires lined up in a prime inauguration viewing spot behind President Donald Trump’s family members at the Capitol Rotunda for the inauguration of the 47th President of United States (POTUS) on Monday.
SpaceX boss, Elon Musk; Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and owner of Google Sundar Pichai were all present.
Others in the mix were the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, his fiance Lauren Sanchez, as well as Trump Cabinet nominees such as Senator Marco Rubio and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Other guests sighted inside the Church of the Presidents and the Rotunda included the likes of podcaster Joe Rogan and former Fox News media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Jake and Logan Paul were seen chatting with CEO of OpenAI Sam Altman as they arrived, with comedian Theo Von also spotted chatting with Logan Paul.
The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, was among the congregation as well as the CEO of Snapchat, Evan Spiegel.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson was also seated near Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez for the morning church service.
The presence of the industry heavyweights highlights their increased overtures toward Trump following his electoral win and the portending “tech-industrial complex” former President Joe Biden warned about in his farewell address in the Oval Office.
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Pope Francis has warned that plans by Donald Trump to deport illegal migrants from the US would be a “disgrace” if he went through with it.
Speaking to an Italian TV programme from his Vatican residence,
The Catholic Pontiff in an interview with an Italian TV, said if the plans went ahead, Trump would make “poor wretches that don’t have anything foot the bill”.
“That’s not right. That’s not how you solve problems,” he said.
In a message to Trump shared on Monday, Pope Francis offered him “cordial greetings” and urged him to lead a society with “no room for hatred, discrimination or exclusion” and promote “peace and reconciliation among peoples”.
Presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, has accused the new leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch of deliberately denigrating Nigeria to gain acceptance within her party’s right-wing base.
Badenoch recently stated that she does not want the UK to become like Nigeria, which she described as a country where the government has failed.
Her remarks have sparked criticism from the Nigerian government, with Bwala arguing that her rhetoric is politically motivated.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday monitored by our correspondent, Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, suggested that Badenoch’s remarks are aimed at solidifying her support among Conservative Party members.
“The only problem we have with Kemi, I think, is the rhetoric because Kemi belongs to the right base in the United Kingdom, which is what you see in this populism around the world—that you can deepen your support system if you feed off of the anger of the people,” Bwala said.
“She’s building a rhetoric of denigrating and demarketing Nigeria so she can probably win the acceptance of the right in her party. And that, to me, is counterproductive.”
Bwala contrasted Badenoch’s approach with that of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is of Indian origin.
He pointed out that while India has faced issues such as gang-related violence, Sunak has never used such problems to discredit his country in order to boost his political standing.
“If you look at Rishi Sunak, he is also of Indian origin. There has been this issue of gang rape in India. He has never used that as a weapon to promote what he believes to be a departure from what is likely to be believed as hereditary or history of the Indian people,” he noted. “But she has always denigrated Nigeria.”
Despite the controversy, Bwala dismissed concerns that Badenoch’s comments would negatively impact Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign investment.
“I don’t think it would have an effect because she’s not the government in power. Usually, these international relationships or collaborations are dealings between governments. Because she’s not the government in power, it will not have any effect,” he explained.
He further suggested that investors would recognise Badenoch’s comments as political posturing rather than an accurate reflection of Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“Secondly, because she’s a Nigerian, investors will be smart enough to assess what she’s saying, whether it is born out of rhetoric,” Bwala said.
Badenoch, who was announced as the Conservative Party’s new leader on November 2, 2024, was yet to respond to the Nigerian government’s criticisms.
Pastor Kumuyi Leads Prayers For American Church, Trump’s Administration At US Presidential Inauguration Event
AFOLABI
General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, joined faith leaders at a special pre-inauguration event held in the United States ahead of Donald Trump’s swearing-in as President.
The gathering, named the ‘Inauguration Praise and Prayer Convocation’, was held at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church and organized by Jim Garlow’s Well Versed World ministry in collaboration with Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.
The event united religious leaders and believers to pray for the nation and the incoming administration.
During the program, Pastor Kumuyi delivered a powerful message to American church leaders, emphasizing the importance of holiness and righteousness for spiritual revival and national progress.
He prayed: “Almighty God. We thank You and bless Your name.
“What a great and glorious God you are. I want to thank You, Lord, for the church in America. You said, upon this rock, You would build Your church – not just for that generation but for every generation, and You say the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
“Lord, we come in preparation for the celebration of Donald Trump, the president tomorrow. We’re asking that You will grant him wisdom and You will grant the church the unity, the revival, the knowledge, the vision, the forthrightness to speak the truth to power. And we pray, as You connect the church with the leader, that it will be a good unity, that You will help the President, and that the church will remain the church.
“Revive Your church, restore Your church and purge Your church that there will be the holiness and the righteousness You expect for Your church, and the church will have a meaningful ministry in the government, as well as for America.”
Kumuyi also shared a heartfelt prayer during an interview with SRN News, saying: “Almighty God, You chose to bring President-Elect Donald Trump to Your throne and to lead at this time. We’re asking that your grace will be with him through Your wisdom and Your power. And we pray You will help him remain focused on all the things he’s brought out in his campaign of giving Christ the recognition and the honor that He deserves. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”
Donald Trump was later sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, 20th January, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath during the inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has explained the reasons for his performance at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of renowned Nigerian Sheikh, Faruq Onikijipa, on the same day he lost his mother.
Tribune Online reports that the music icon lost his mother, Alhaja Halimot Shadiya Anifowoshe, who died at the age of 105 on Saturday.
Shortly after burying his late mother in Ijebu, Ogun State, earlier in the day, the Fuji star made his way to the wedding, which took place at Balmoral, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Reflecting on his loss while performing at the wedding ceremony, K1 revealed the profound impact of his mother’s death on him.
However, he emphasised that the special bond he shares with Sheikh Onikijipa made him attend and perform at the wedding against all odds.
According to him, his friendship with Onikijipa dates back in time, stressing that they have been friends since their youth.
He also used the opportunity to invite guests at the event to the Fidau prayers for his mother, scheduled to take place on Friday, 24 January 2025, in Ijebu, Ogun State.
See the video of his performance at the event below.
Media
Baseless and Unsubstantiated Allegations Against NGOs on "Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists — Former generals, commanders
Admin
At this time when countries the world over have recognised the central role that vibrant and active civil society organisations play in broader counterterrorism strategies and the popular support needed, which could only be built and sustained with the support and cooperation of civil society, the undersigned civil society organisations are deeply concerned about the inflammatory claims by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force published in the Vanguard Newspapers of Jan 16, 2025under the headline "Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists — Former generals, commanders." recklessly accusing NGOs in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of providing covert sponsorship and funding to terrorists.
We strongly condemn this act of stigmatizing, smearing, defaming and targeting the NGO sector which is inconsistent with meaningfully attending to the genuine threats of terrorism in our country. Rather than confronting the systemic failures that have allowed terrorism to thrive in Nigeria, these claims attempt to shift blame onto the very organizations that have stepped into the void to support communities abandoned by the Nigerian state.
It is a known fact that a civilian-led approach, engaging civil society and communities, is the most effective way to prevent violent extremism demonstrating the necessity of the role of civil society in channelling discontent and allowing for constructive engagement with States, and in directly undermining the factors leading individuals to be drawn to terrorism and violent extremism.
For nearly two decades, NGOs operating in the North-East have played an indispensable role in mitigating the devastating impact of insurgency and banditry. They provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians. These activities are carried out without any intention of gaining pecuniary benefit and they operate under the supervision of strict regulatory frameworks, including rigorous anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
In its resolution 72/284, the United Nations General Assembly urged States to ensure that counter-terrorism measures did not impede humanitarian activities or engagement. Humanitarian exemptions are critical in protecting civil society actors operating in challenging environments where terrorist groups are active from sanctions regimes and counter-terrorism measures. Acts prohibiting or otherwise impeding humanitarian services violate the obligation of States to respect the right to life. Any death linked to such prohibition would constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life.
One of the most fundamental norms of international humanitarian law is the need to protect the provision of impartial medical care to all wounded and sick persons, including members of adversarial parties and the population under its control. This is a norm that must be factored into any counter-terrorism strategy. To abide by these norms is not a sign of weakness, it is an obligation of civilized Nation States.
It is unconscionable to malign NGOs that work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope and relief to conflict-affected communities. These accusations, devoid of proof, serve only to erode public trust, distract from the real issues, and undermine the critical work being done in some of the country's most challenging environments.
As we mark another Armed Forces Remembrance Day and honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, there can be little doubt that Nigeria needs leadership, unity, and aggressive actions to overcome the challenges of insecurity, NGOs across the country have risen to the crises our nation is enduring. They are stretching beyond all reasonable measures and continue to advance their missions despite unfathomable challenges and coordinated attacks on the sector as evidenced in this Vanguard Newspaper article. This pattern of baseless accusations is a disservice to Nigerians and undermines the very principles of accountability and justice that we all seek to uphold.
The cost of stifling civil society to prevent any perceived threat of terrorism far outweighs its benefits. Any effective counter-terrorism strategy needs to strengthen, not weaken, civil society. There is growing evidence that the instrumentalisation of agendas to counter-terrorism and to prevent and counter violent extremism is leading to a lack of trust in State authorities.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee recognized that the right to life should not be interpreted narrowly, noting that it places not only negative obligations on States (e.g. to not kill), but also positive obligations (e.g. to protect life), to ensure access to the basic conditions necessary to sustain life
It is on this premise that we demand:
1. The Nigerian government and military leadership address the real reasons terrorism persists, including but not limited to rampant poverty and inequality, porous borders, corruption and inefficiency in defence spending.
2. The Nigerian Security Apparatus should focus its efforts and manpower on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks rather than scapegoating civil society. It must also enhance intelligence gathering and operational capacity to secure lives and properties.
3. The government must engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate the suffering of affected communities understanding that civil society can meaningfully generate peace and development, including implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can clearly articulate the sources of grievances identified as factors leading to terrorist and extremist violence.
The undersigned calls for caution as inflammatory statements such as this news article attributed to an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors further deepening the crisis we are aiming to solve.
Signed:
1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
2. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
3. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
4. Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
5. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
6. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
7. Amnesty International Nigeria
8. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
9. BudgIT Foundation
10. Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
11. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
12. Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding - Kaduna
13. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
14. Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
15. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
16. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
17. Centre LSD
18. Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
19. Centre for Transparency Watch
20. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
21. CLEEN Foundation
22. Community Life Project (CLP)
23. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
24. Connected Development (CODE)
25. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
26. EIE Nigeria
27. Elixir Trust Foundation
28. Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
29. Environmental Rights Action
30. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
31. Falana and Falana’s Chambers
32. Global Rights
33. Good Governance Team
34. Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
35. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
36. Hope Behind Bars Africa
37. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
38. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
39. INVICTUS AFRICA
40. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
41. Lawyers Alert
42. Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI)
43. Media Rights Agenda
44. Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
45. Nigeria Network of NGOs
46. Open Society on Justice Reform Project
47. Order Paper
48. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
49. Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
50. Partners West Africa
51. Policy Alert
52. Praxis
53. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
54. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
55. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
56. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
57. RULAAC - Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
58. Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
59. Say No Campaign
60. Sesor Empowerment Foundation
61. Social Action
62. Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre
63. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
64. State of the Union (SOTU)
65. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
66. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
67. West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)
68. Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
69. Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
70. Women in Mining, Nigeria
71. World Impact Development Foundation
72. Yiaga Africa
73. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) 74. Fix Politics
General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has travelled to the United States on invitation to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States (POTUS).
Kumuyi’s invitation, as a global spiritual leader, was confirmed by A. Larry Ross Communications, a prominent public relations firm based in the United States.
In a post shared on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kumuyi shared pictures of himself and wife in a meeting with Congressman Robert Pittinger and Pastor Lucas Miles of Turning Point USA (@TPUSA).
“It was great meeting with Congressman Robert Pittinger and Pastor Lucas Miles of @TPUSA yesterday, discussing how we can partner together for global evangelism as we prepare for the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.
“The harvest is plentiful; let’s pray for open doors and hearts ready to receive the Gospel!
“We believe in the power of the Gospel to transform lives and nations. Exciting times ahead!”
More Photos Below:
Nigerian disc jockey, Oluwaforijimi Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt, has opened up about his medical battles and eventual kidney transplant.
Recall that the ‘Stylee’ crooner revealed in 2022 that he underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Speaking in a recent episode of Channels TV programme, ‘Rubbin Minds’ with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Jatt said he lost his sight in 2020 and was later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after undergoing surgery to regain his sight.
He said his health challenges began when he decided to explore the world after living most of his life in Nigeria. In the 58-year-old’s words:
“Maybe I caused it for myself because in 2019 I said that I wanted to spend more time out of the country. I’ve lived all my life in Nigeria, especially Lagos. So I wanted to explore the world; Europe, America, everywhere.
But in 2020, I started having some health issues. There were travel restrictions at that time so I was just within Nigeria. I lost my sight. I had a surgery and I regained my sight. After that I felt that I needed to take a break and comply with my plan of living elsewhere for a while.
Then I relocated to the U.S. When I was in the U.S, I was also diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I was there for a while. I was on dialysis. Eventually, I came back to Nigeria and had a kidney transplant. After the transplant, I decided to be quiet for a while to recover properly. So immediately I was discharged, I left Nigeria again.
While I was away, I was still Djying in America and Europe but I decided that it was time to return to Nigeria so I came back in December.”
DJ Jimmy Jatt said lifestyle is not always the cause of kidney ailment, stressing that he has never smoked and has long stopped drinking alcohol.
He revealed that his kidney ailment was caused by diabetes.