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US Tariffs: Speaker Abbas Looks to China, Calls for Closer Ties

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1 year ago

April 11, 2025

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By Gloria IkibahAmid rising US tariffs on foreign goods, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stronger ties between Nigeria and China.Speaking on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in his office, Speaker Abbas said Nigeria should explore better opportunities with China, especially through platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).The Chinese delegation was led by CPPCC Vice Chairman, Mr. Hu Chunhua, who paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker as part of his official trip to Nigeria.

He said: “In the face of evolving global trade dynamics, exemplified by the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States that have affected our non-oil exports, it is imperative that we diversify our trade partnerships. Enhancing our economic ties with China presents significant opportunities for our nation.

“In this regard, Nigeria is equally enthusiastic about deepening cooperation through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. These initiatives provide promising avenues for expanding trade, fostering investment, and promoting knowledge exchange.”

Speaker Abbas noted that as the world witnesses China’s remarkable economic transformation, “we find in its experience a model of inspiration, particularly in the areas of industrial policy, poverty reduction and technological innovation.”

The Speaker stated that the National Assembly is dedicated to building enduring institutional ties with key Chinese legislative bodies, including the China People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress. He said this collaboration will enable mutual learning on legislative reforms, effective constituency representation, and democratic innovation.

Speaker Abbas added that the results of China’s recent ‘Two Sessions’, with their focus on inclusive development, scientific advancement, and environmental sustainability, present substantial common ground for both nations.

The Speaker reaffirmed the resolve of the House to the “noble pursuit of parliamentary diplomacy.” While noting that the legislative endeavours of the parliament remains pivotal in supporting Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, he said, “by further strengthening our cooperation with China, we are better positioned to attain our shared aspirations for modernisation, peace, and prosperity.”

Speaker Abbas stressed that the enduring and strategic partnership between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China lies at the core of the countries’ international relations. He noted that their collaboration spans vital sectors such as infrastructure, trade, health, and education.

“The recent elevation of our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is clear evidence of the mutual trust and resolve cultivated by the interactions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping. Nigeria’s steadfast support for the ‘One China Principle’ reflects our deep-rooted belief in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we remain devoted to dialogue and cooperation as the means to address complex global challenges,” he said.

Earlier, the Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC, Hu, recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, visited China last September, where the host president and the visiting president announced strategic partnerships.

“China stands ready to work with Nigeria on the agreements signed by the two presidents and resolutions of the Beijing Conference,” Chunhua said, while expressing the commitment of his country to prioritising issues of common interests between China and Nigeria.

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INEC extends PVCs collection in Ekiti for 72hours

Published

6 hours ago

June 11, 2026

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ekiti State Office, on Thursday announced the extension of the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been extended from Friday, 12th June to Sunday, 14th June 2026.

The was contained in a statement by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi in Ado Ekiti

The statement read: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ekiti State Office, wishes to inform all registered voters in the State that the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has been extended from Friday, 12th June to Sunday, 14th June 2026

“The extension is intended to provide an additional opportunity for eligible voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to do so before the Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 20th June 2026.

“Collection of PVCs will continue at the designated Local Government Area Offices of the Commission during official hours. Voters are advised to collect their PVCs personally, as collection by proxy will not be permitted.
INEC urges all registered voters who have not collected their PVCs to take advantage of this extension, as the PVC remains the only means of identification for voting on Election Day.

“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.”

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Trump Stops Scheduled Bombings Against Iran

Published

6 hours ago

June 11, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he was calling off strikes on Iran and flagged the signing of a possible deal with Tehran after top-level talks.

“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have… cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump said on his Truth Social network.
“Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly,” he added.

Iran Warns Of ‘Endless Quagmire’

Iran had warned Washington on Thursday that it risked wading into an “endless quagmire” of war and soaring energy prices, after Trump vowed to launch a new round of airstrikes and to seize an island oil terminal.

Iran’s chief negotiator in talks with the Americans, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued his stark warning after the two sides exchanged overnight fire and Trump threatened that US forces would hit “VERY HARD TONIGHT”.

“Wrong strategies and impulsive decisions will reset the entire board for the worse, explode energy infrastructure and markets and create an endless quagmire that you will be stuck in for years,” Ghalibaf said.
The war, which began on February 28 with a wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran, was paused under an April truce, but efforts to hammer out a permanent end to the fighting have since stalled.

US forces have also, since the ceasefire, hit radar arrays and disabled Iranian ships, and Tehran has maintained a chokehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela,” Trump said, in a post on his own social media platform, referring to a Gulf island that hosts Iran’s biggest oil export terminal.

General Ali Abdollahi, head of the Iranian military’s central headquarters, warned that “if the United States once again seeks to carry out attacks against heroic Iran, it would receive a harsher response than before, and the flames of war, in addition to creating insecurity in the region, will become more widespread and far-reaching”.
The conflict has destabilised oil and gas prices, fuelling inflation and fears of recession in many economies.

On Thursday, the World Bank lowered its global growth forecast to its lowest level since the coronavirus pandemic, predicting it would drop to 2.5 percent in 2026, from 2.9 percent last year.

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Akpodiete Hails Rt. Hon. Fred Agbedi on Appointment as House Minority Leader

Published

7 hours ago

June 11, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, who’s vying for the Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, has sent his congratulations to Rt. Hon. Frederick Agbedi. Agbedi’s new role as Minority Leader was announced today during plenary by Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Dr. Akpodiete said Agbedi’s emergence shows the trust and confidence his colleagues have in him. He described the new Minority Leader as dependable, strong-willed, and a politician of principle who acts on conviction rather than convenience.

Rt. Hon. Agbedi represents Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State. Before this appointment, he led the PDP Caucus in the House and also served as Bayelsa PDP chairman. He remains a committed PDP member and believes the party has a vital role as a strong opposition.

Akpodiete said he’s confident Agbedi will use his experience, competence and character to serve the House, the legislature, and Nigerians well.

Signed:
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
House of Representatives Candidate Hopeful
Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency