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The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has congratulated the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.

In a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the President of the Senate described the revered Islamic leader as an exemplary statesman whose life has been defined by service, wisdom, faith and an unwavering commitment to the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

Senator Akpabio commended the Sultan’s distinguished reign, noting that his leadership has consistently reflected grace, wisdom, courage and a profound sense of responsibility to the nation.

“Your reign as the Sultan of Sokoto has been defined by grace, statesmanship and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity and national cohesion. At 70, you remain a father to all and a moral compass for our nation.

“Today, we celebrate not merely the years you have attained, but the remarkable impact of your life and leadership. The bridges you have built across our diverse nation, your advocacy for good governance, peaceful coexistence and national unity, as well as your commitment to the dignity and welfare of all Nigerians, constitute a remarkable legacy of service.

The President of the Senate further acknowledged the Sultan’s influential role in promoting interfaith dialogue, peaceful coexistence and national reconciliation, stressing that his voice of wisdom and moderation remains invaluable at a time when Nigeria needs greater understanding, tolerance and unity.

Senator Akpabio, on behalf of his family, constituents and the 10th Senate, prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Sultan many more years in good health, wisdom and strength, so that he may continue his noble service to the Ummah and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As you mark this significant milestone, may Almighty Allah continue to preserve, strengthen, and bless you with many more years of good health and fulfilment. May your reign continue to be a source of peace, wisdom and inspiration to the Ummah and to our beloved Nigeria.”

Happy 70th Birthday, Your Eminence. May Allah continue to bless and preserve you in His service and in the service of humanity and our nation.

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On your special day, we celebrate *Rt. Hon. TEEJAY YUSUF*
A visionary leader, a political juggernaut, and a man with the fear of God.

Thank you for your uncommon leadership, mentorship, and for being a true benefactor to many.

May God grant you long life in good health, more wisdom, divine protection and greater heights in service to humanity.

Happy Birthday Sir. We celebrate you today and always.

LAGATA CARES!

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United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday laid out plans for the “economic asphyxiation” of Iran, expanding Washington’s secondary sanctions threats and warning of dire consequences for countries that decline to join the pressure campaign.

Bessent’s address comes almost six months into a war on Tehran that has ground to a stalemate, with stalled peace talks and Iran preventing most traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

“Around the globe, our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime until Tehran stands alone,” Bessent told a press conference.

“We are going to hold everyone accountable, and this is economic asphyxiation of this regime.”

He added that countries not joining US sanctions would “share in the isolation” of Iran, and noted that Trump is making phone calls to world leaders with requests to stop their interactions with Tehran.

The Treasury Department said Monday that it has “issued determinations against five critical sectors — digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping — that the Iranian regime uses to try to prop up its failing economy.”

Bessent, meanwhile, vowed that any entity “that facilitates money laundering on behalf of Iran will be removed from the US dollar system.”

Asked if Chinese banks dealing with Iran could be targeted, Bessent said “no one is above the reach of US sanctions.”

The Treasury chief earlier declared that an “economic D-Day” had begun against Tehran, in a column for the Financial Times.

The United States and Israel triggered the Middle East war with a massive wave of bombing against Iran on February 28, sparking Iranian retaliation across the region.

AFP