Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Emmanuel Udom, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition, urging citizens to rally behind the president’s vision.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• National Leadership: Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Udom stated that he supports Tinubu primarily because he is the current president and serves as a father figure to all Nigerians.

• Economic Reforms: Udom praised the president’s macroeconomic reforms, expressing confidence that these policies will eventually yield positive results, even if they are not fully appreciated at the moment.

• Human Empathy: Drawing from his own leadership experience, the former governor noted that if he were in the same position, he would similarly seek public support and a second term to fulfill his developmental vision for the country.

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal filed by retired Major General Emmanuel Jebe Atewe, upholding the final forfeiture of his numerous properties and assets to the Federal Government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Unanimous Decision: In a virtual unanimous ruling, a three-member panel led by Justice Boloukuromo Ugo held that the appeal lacked merit and ruled entirely in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), affirming the May 5, 2023 judgment previously delivered by Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court.

• Inapplicability of Armed Forces Act: The court rejected Atewe’s reliance on Section 123 of the Armed Forces Act and precedent cases, clarifying that the provision strictly applies to serving military personnel and does not protect retired officers like Atewe.

• Civil Forfeiture Status: The justices emphasized that the forfeiture proceedings are civil actions targeting the properties directly, rather than criminal trials against Atewe. Furthermore, the court ruled that civil forfeiture can run independently alongside pending criminal charges.

• Failure to Prove Legitimate Source: The court noted that Atewe failed to provide documentary evidence or sufficient details to back up his claim that the properties were acquired legitimately through honoraria.

Background on the Seized Assets:

The case stems from an EFCC investigation alleging the diversion of over ₦8.5 billion from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) via Operation Pulo Shield, which were funneled through companies and proxies to acquire the properties.

The permanently forfeited assets include:

• ₦3.97 million in cash

• Multiple plots of land in Abuja (Jahi, Sabon Lugbe, Kuje, and the Outer Northern Expressway)

• A 50-hectare farmland in Kuje

• A parcel of land at Yenagoa Gardens, Bayelsa State

• 30,000 MTN shares managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited

• Various other landed properties

United States President Donald Trump has lauded Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his resolute leadership in addressing national security challenges and terrorism, specifically highlighting violence directed at Christian communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Letter: In a July 6, 2026 letter released by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s determination and expressed pride in standing alongside Nigeria to foster a stronger, more prosperous nation.

• Strategic Alliance: Trump emphasized the importance of the US-Nigeria partnership amid rising global conflicts, pointing to the mutual commitment to eradicate terrorism through frameworks like the U.S.-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.

• Military Assistance: To bolster local security, Trump noted the deployment of elite U.S. Special Operations Forces to train and equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, focusing on safeguarding citizens and vulnerable faith communities.

Recent Security Collaborations and Diplomatic Visits:

• Joint Operations: Enhanced cooperation through a shared National Security Advisor-led working group has yielded results, including a May 16 joint operation in the Lake Chad region that neutralized a high-ranking terrorist commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several associates.

• Diplomatic Engagements: Further reinforcing bilateral ties, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja last week to hold discussions with top Nigerian officials regarding expanded security and mutual collaboration.