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Behind Closed Doors, Deep‑Sea Mining Summit Crumbles Under US Push and Global Dissent
After two weeks of tense negotiations, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) remains far from finalizing a comprehensive framework for deep‑sea mining, despite mounting pressure sparked by U.S. moves to fast‑track the controversial industry.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
At the close of its latest session in Jamaica, the ISA’s 36‑member council on Thursday completed a painstaking, line‑by‑line review of the draft “mining code,” which currently contains 107 proposed regulations governing the extraction of minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese — metals crucial for electric vehicles and other green technologies.
“This marks a significant milestone,” council president Duncan Muhumuza Laki declared to applause.
Yet, more than a decade into discussions, key provisions — particularly those meant to safeguard the marine environment — remain deeply contested. Several delegations openly pushed back against Laki’s call to accelerate talks and adopt the rules this year, as outlined in a 2023 roadmap.
“The exploitation activities cannot begin as long as we do not have a solid, equitable framework,” Chilean delegate Salvador Vega Telias said, reiterating his country’s support for a moratorium on deep‑sea mining until scientific research can fully gauge potential environmental impacts.
ISA Secretary‑General Leticia Carvalho echoed the need for caution, noting that “the deep sea needs rules,” but emphasizing that success depends on “robust science, inclusive dialogue, and the wisdom to act with precaution.”
The stakes have been raised since April, when U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his administration to fast‑track permits for mining in U.S. and international waters, bypassing the ISA process by invoking a little‑known 1980 U.S. law. The United States is not a party to the ISA or to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, under which the ISA was established in 1994.
Canada’s The Metals Company (TMC) swiftly seized the opportunity, applying to Washington for a high‑seas mining license — a move that bypassed the ISA’s framework and drew condemnation from NGOs and several member states. Nori (Nauru Ocean Resources Inc.), a TMC subsidiary, already holds an exploration contract in the Pacific’s Clarion‑Clipperton Zone that expires next year.
A draft resolution circulating among delegates calls on the ISA’s legal and technical commission to investigate “possible issues of non‑compliance” linked to actions that attempt to exploit seabed resources outside the agreed multilateral framework, and to recommend penalties if necessary.
The atmosphere in Kingston has grown increasingly charged, with some member states critical of council president Laki’s decision to hold portions of the negotiations behind closed doors.
“What the council is discussing right now is the common heritage of humankind,” said Emma Watson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, warning against what she described as a troubling “shift” in procedure.
Environmental advocates insist that deep‑sea mining threatens fragile ecosystems that remain largely unexplored, and they argue that any rush toward commercial exploitation could carry irreversible consequences for the planet’s oceans.
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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.
Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.
“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.
He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”
Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.
He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.
“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.
In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.
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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.
Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.
While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.
He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.
The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.
He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.
“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”
The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.
2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.
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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.
The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.
Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.
The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.
Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment
Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.
The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.
According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.
The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.
The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.
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