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Nigeria Seeks Permanent Spot on UN Security Council

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…Builds Stronger Regional Alliances to Boost Global Standing
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has stated again strongly the commitment of the country to securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), even as he stressed Nigeria’s unique role in representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.
The Minister who stated this at a media conference on Thursday in Abuja, highlighted the imbalance in Africa’s representation on the Council, despite the continent being central to many of its decisions.
He appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s strong commitment to achieving this goal, noting the progress being made, and seeks support for Nigeria’s bid.
He said: “The United Nations Security Council remains important because 68% of decisions made there concern Africa, yet not a single African country has a permanent seat. It’s important that Nigeria is there to represent not just ourselves, but our region, our continent, and the world as a whole.
“For the first time, the United States has publicly supported permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council. Other African leaders have also suggested innovative approaches, including a seat for the African Union and another that rotates among countries”.
He further emphasized Nigeria’s track record of selfless leadership, focusing on her role in supporting neighboring countries and its contributions to the fight against racism in Africa.
“Nigeria has consistently been a stabilizing force, never threatening its neighbors, and always standing firm for the collective good of the continent,” Tuggar added.
Tuggar also stressed the importance of the Security Council in addressing global challenges, including health, climate change, population, and education, as outlined in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The UNSC remains critical because this is where key decisions on global priorities are made.
“68% of Security Council decisions concern Africa, yet no African country has a permanent seat. Nigeria is best suited to represent the continent,” he said.
Nigeria’s bid for a seat is part of broader efforts to ensure Africa’s voice is heard on the international stage, and Tuggar expressed optimism about the growing support for this initiative.
Ambassador Tuggar also revealed the outcomes of his recent diplomatic mission across West Africa, where he engaged in discussions on economic collaboration, regional security, and Nigeria’s global aspirations.
He stated that during his visit to Togo, the talks was on economic opportunities, particularly in the mineral and fertilizer industries.
“Togo is rich in phosphate, which is used in making fertilizer, and Nigeria has many blending plants. We discussed opportunities for investment between our two countries,” Tuggar said.
In Guinea Bissau, he highlighted the discussions was on security within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Nigerian troops stationed there have been supporting stability, and Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s role as a mediator in resolving parliamentary challenges.
He also explored investment opportunities in fisheries, agriculture, and fibre optics, assuring that recommendations would be made to relevant Nigerian agencies.
In Gambia, Tuggar noted Nigeria’s longstanding support, particularly in judiciary development and education and enhancing economic integration and security cooperation.
“The Vice President and Foreign Minister of Gambia reminded us that without Nigeria, they would not have a judiciary today. Through the Technical Aid Corps, we will continue providing professionals, especially university lecturers,” he said.
The final stop was Côte d’Ivoire, where the minister emphasised the importance of the Abidjan-Lagos trade and transport corridor as a key infrastructure project for ECOWAS.
Amb. Tuggar further said talks also included collaboration in cashew production, where Côte d’Ivoire leads globally, and partnerships in coffee and other agricultural sectors.
“We saw Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to improve roads on this route, which facilitates significant trade and movement across the region,” he stated.
He described the mission as the first phase of broader shuttle diplomacy, with plans to continue engagements after addressing other commitments.
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DSS intercepts arms shipment bound for bandit kingpin, nabs suspect

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence.

According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements.

“Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines.”

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The report said preliminary investigations linked the consignment to a suspected bandit kingpin believed to be operating in parts of Zamfara.

“The suspect confessed that he was contracted to transport the weapons from Maigatari to Funtua and was promised a payment of N450,000 upon successful delivery.

“Investigations are ongoing to unravel the network behind the arms movement and identify other collaborators involved in the operation,” the report said.

The report described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply of arms and ammunition to criminal groups responsible for violent attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in the North-West.

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It added that the suspect was in DSS custody and would face further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

According to the report, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling logistics networks that sustain banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime across the country.

(NAN)

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Chimamanda Adichie alleges cover-up, negligence following son’s death

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Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital of medical negligence and an subsequent attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding her son’s death by taking her pursuit of justice for her late son, Nkanu Nnamdi, to the public.

In a four-part series shared on Instagram, Adichie detailed a devastating sequence of events. According to her, her son suffered a hypoxic brain injury caused by improper sedation administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, which ultimately resulted in his death.

Beyond the medical tragedy, Adichie alleges that the hospital has engaged in a pattern of dishonest practices. These include:

Issuing an inaccurate death certificate that falsely attributed the cause of death to meningitis.

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Failing to provide complete or accurate medical records to her family.

Employing heartless language in legal correspondence, including referring to her son’s death as a “dispute”.

Stalling and attempting to obstruct a coroner’s inquest, which was originally initiated by the hospital itself. Describing the immense toll this has taken on her.

She said, “I wake up every single morning with my heart racing… The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair. I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that”.

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The author also recounted an encounter with a senior figure in the hospital’s ownership who allegedly attempted to discourage her from pursuing legal action by suggesting her reputation could be dragged in the mud during court proceedings. Adichie said this was a manipulative and threatening message.

“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death,” she stated.

Adichie explained, that it is not a trial or a claim for damages, but simply a search for the truth. By making these details public, she hopes to demand the accountability and transparency that she feels have been denied to her family.

“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it”. She stated.

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Tinubu condemns death of retired general Rabe in kidnappers’ custody

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted by armed criminals in Katsina State and later died while still in their custody.

According to a State House statement issued on Saturday, the president said he received the news of the former military officer’s death with “shock and sadness,” describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the security challenges facing parts of the country.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar while in the custody of terrorists in Katsina State,” the statement read.

General Abubakar, who had retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces after a distinguished career, was said to have been travelling to his hometown when he was intercepted and abducted by armed men.

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“General Abubakar, after a distinguished career in the military, retired a few years ago. He was on his way to his hometown when the hoodlums captured him,” the statement stated.

The presidency also revealed that the late officer’s wife was taken alongside him and is still being held by the abductors, a detail that has further intensified public concern over the incident.

The president extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the military establishment, describing the loss as painful and unacceptable.

He also reiterated the government’s uncompromising stance on terrorism and kidnapping, warning that the state would not be blackmailed into concessions.

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While condemning the attack, Tinubu declared: “Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”

He further stressed national unity and resilience in the face of insecurity, insisting that the country would ultimately prevail.

“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” the President said.

On the broader fight against insecurity, Tinubu said the tragedy should serve as a turning point in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, rejecting any form of negotiation with armed groups.

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“General Abubakar’s death should further serve as a defining moment in our battle against terrorists and insurgents, never to negotiate with them on any terms, but to continue to treat them as the greatest enemies of our dear nation, who should never be spared,” the statement added.

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