The Nigerian government has dismissed claims by South Africa that it requested a financial refund for the expenses incurred in repatriating migrants.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This response follows statements made by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to its Parliament on Tuesday, indicating that requests for a portion of the R292.77 million (about $18 million) spent on transportation and housing for returnees had been sent to Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Malawi.

However, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa refuted the claim in an interview with Vanguard, stating that no such paperwork has been delivered to them. He also confirmed that Nigeria is still awaiting a reply regarding its own requests for compensation for citizens forced out of South Africa.

This position was reinforced by Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, who noted that the mission in Pretoria has not received any formal reimbursement demands.

Meanwhile, Tommy Makhode, the Director-General of Home Affairs, informed the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that the expenditure vastly exceeded the department’s R60 million annual deportation budget. Characterizing the costs as an unexpected and unfunded mandate, Makhode explained that letters were routed through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to the respective embassies of Nigeria and Ethiopia, as well as the government of Malawi, to recover funds primarily spent on temporary shelters, bus rentals, and staff overtime.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has voiced strong support for utilizing public funds to sponsor mass weddings in states governed by Shariah law, describing the initiative as a hallmark of responsible leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Weighing in on the Kano State government’s recent sponsorship of a mass wedding for 1,500 couples, Gumi explained via a social media statement on Thursday that governments in Shariah-compliant societies have an obligation to address social challenges stemming from strict prohibitions against illicit relationships.

According to the cleric, since religious and civil laws strictly forbid prostitution, fornication, and adultery, authorities have a duty to step in and assist individuals who are financially constrained from marrying. He emphasized that allocating taxpayer money to support young people and women struggling to find eligible spouses is a legitimate and necessary exercise of good governance.

Aliyu Bin Abbas, the 2027 Action Democratic Party (ADP) presidential candidate, has denounced an alleged plot to alter the party’s presidential ticket without his consent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • The Claim: Through a statement by his media aide, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Abbas alleged that secret attempts are being made to substitute his name. He cited information about political pressure but did not provide independent evidence.

  • The Demand: Abbas insisted that any changes must strictly adhere to the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, party regulations, and INEC procedures. He termed any compromise of his candidacy a “grave assault on democratic principles.“

  • The Message: Abbas stated his mandate is not a “political bargaining chip” and urged ADP leadership, including National Chairman Yabagi Yusuf Sani, to protect the integrity of the nomination process and preserve all relevant records. He called on party stakeholders to respect democratic procedures.