By Gloria Ikibah

As part of ways t to deepen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria, Air Algerie will commence direct flights from Algiers to Abuja on April 6, 2025.

according to a statement by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kemiebi Ebienfa, this milestone follows the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations.

The new route, operated by Algeria’s national carrier using a Boeing 737 aircraft, is expected to improve connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a testament to the growing cooperation between Nigeria and Algeria.

“This landmark development equally underscores the shared commitment of both countries to deepening bilateral cooperation in aviation, commerce, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Ministry commends the significant role played by the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers for not only facilitating this noble goal but also seeing to its fruition. The Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Algiers, leadership of the Nigerian Community in Algeria and representative of the Algerian Government are expected to be on board the scheduled inaugural flight,” the statement read.

The Federal Government has assured full support for the success and continuity of the service.

“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria while opening new opportunities for mutual growth,” the statement added.

Air Algerie’s entry into the Nigerian market also presents an opportunity for Nigerian travelers. The airline’s affordable fares and Algeria’s proximity to Europe could serve as an easier gateway for Nigerians heading to Europe.

The direct flights will operate twice a week, and the government is encouraging Nigerian citizens and businesses to take advantage of the opportunity for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

With anticipation building ahead of the inaugural flight, stakeholders in aviation and commerce see this as a step towards stronger economic ties between the two African nations.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, has called for the probe of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists over the demolition of the state House of Assembly complex and alleged misappropriation of funds.

Okocha based his call on the statement by former Head of Service in the state, George Nwaeke, who alleged at the weekend that Fubara sponsored the bombing of the Assembly complex to avert his impeachment by lawmakers.

But Fubara’s Special Adviser on Electronic Media, Jerry Omotsegunwa, dismissed the probe call, saying, “It is laughable for any right-thinking individual to believe the video confessions of the erstwhile HoS.”

Omotsegunwa described the HoS allegation as childish, incoherent and ill-prepared.

The ex-HoS had at the weekend claimed to have witnessed Fubari handing over a bag of money to his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to destroy the Assembly complex.

Both Fubara and Ehie vehemently denied the allegation, insisting that Nwaeke was under the influence and not in his right frame of mind when he made the allegations. Additionally, Ehie said he had instructed his lawyer to start a defamation suit against Nwaeke.

But on Wednesday, Okocha, an ally of Fubara’s estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, said Nwaeke’s allegation could not be dismissed because he was the number three man in the state as the HoS.

Okocha argued that Nwaeke’s revelation had vindicated the APC’s earlier position on the matter, specifically implicating suspended Fubara and Ehie, as being responsible for the Assembly complex attack.

He said, “Nwaeke’s account further corroborates the position of Rivers APC that Fubara is the architect of the entire political crisis in the state, leading to the swift declaration of a state of emergency of President Bola Tinubu to restore order and forestall a total breakdown of peace.

“The truth is like broad daylight, which shines through the darkness and repels darkness to bring forth daylight. It is important to state here, for the purpose of emphasis and clarity, that Nwaeke, as the Head of Service at the time, was the number three man in the state. As such, his account cannot be hearsay.

“Taxpayers money in Rivers State was wasted in a way and manner that cannot be forgotten in a hurry amidst scarce resources and global economic crunch. The Supreme Court put it rightly in her unanimous judgment delivered on 28th February 2025 by describing Fubara as a dictator. Yes, he was a dictator!”

Okocha called on security agencies to investigate the claim and bring all those involved, whether directly or indirectly, to book.

The APC chairman also berated those criticising Nwaeke for airing his mind.

“The APC in Rivers State is strong in her belief that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get at the root cause of this whole matter and make such public.

“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned HoS, will not deter the statesman from unveiling the rots of Sim Fubara’s which we harped on as opposition political party. On this matter, APC shall function as watchdogs,” he stated.

Reacting, however, Fubara’s aide, Omotsegunwa, said the HoS allegation was unreliable and fraught with inconstistencies.

He said, “That was like something that was cooked up and ill-prepared. I don’t think anybody should take that confession seriously. Three confessions, three videos contradicting each other. Which security agent or agency will take that type of thing seriously?

“First, he (Nwaeke) said he was in a meeting between the Governor and the now Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) and the former Chairman of Ohio/Akpor local government area, Chijioke Ihunwo.

“That he saw when they were discussing how to bomb the House of Assembly. And the next video he made was that he was not there; he was told. Meanwhile, he saw them carrying bags, not knowing what they contained. Later he said they carried bags of money. Is that what we should be thinking of?

“So, what money is Tony Okocha saying they should probe the governor for? The phantom N16bn that does not exist anywhere?”

Omotsegunwa said the state’s Sole Administrator had looked at Fubara’s projects and commended him as a prudent person.

“So, I don’t know what else Tony Okocha is talking about. How can anyone believe the crass, illogical videos? It doesn’t make any sense to me, “ he added.

The Sultan of Sokoko, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged state governors across Nigeria to adopt the inclusive governance model championed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, which eliminates the distinction between indigenes and non-indigenes.

The Sultan made this appeal during his Sallah homage to Governor Aliyu at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge in Sokoto on Tuesday.

He emphasised that in Sokoto, all Nigerians are regarded as indigenes, creating a sense of belonging among all residents.

“In Sokoto, we do not categorize people as non-indigenes; we recognize them as part of our communities,” the Sultan said.

The Sultan urged other states to adopt this model, fostering peace, unity, and national cohesion.

He also highlighted the critical role of state governors in ensuring the safety and security of their people, stressing that security is foundational to societal progress.

“We commend Governor Aliyu’s efforts in Sokoto, and the traditional institution will continue to support his initiatives to transform the state. Together with security agencies, he has made significant strides in improving security and combating banditry,” the Sultan remarked.

He also lauded Governor Aliyu for his extensive distribution of food items during the recent Ramadan fast, calling it an unprecedented act in Sokoto’s history.

Additionally, the Sultan urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could threaten national peace.

He expressed concern over the misuse of social media by individuals spreading false information and inciting unrest.

The Sultan called on security agencies to remain vigilant against those attempting to destabilise the country through misinformation and divisive rhetoric.

In response, Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Sokoto residents.

He identified youth unemployment as a key factor driving insecurity nationwide, with many young people turning to criminal groups for financial support.

“This administration has trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in various trades, empowering them to become productive members of society,” Governor Aliyu stated.

He further announced plans to expand the skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths and reduce restiveness.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Islamic affairs, announcing that additional mosques and Islamiyya schools would receive government backing.

He expressed gratitude to the people of Sokoto for their continued prayers and support, urging them to maintain their cooperation with his administration.