Former President Olusegun Obasanjo cautioned African countries to carefully assess the terms attached to foreign aid, noting that improper assistance can trap economies and undermine independent growth. Speaking on Wednesday at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, during the public presentation of the biography titled ‘The Ibru Story: An Account of a Pioneering Nigerian Business Family’—which highlights the life and legacy of industrialist Michael Ibru—Obasanjo shared historical insights on foreign entanglement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Recalling Nigeria’s assistance to Angola under late President Agostinho Neto, Obasanjo noted that Michael Ibru had previously urged him to look into Angola’s fishing sector following a $20 million aid package from Nigeria. According to Obasanjo, Neto explained that heavy Soviet economic influence had blocked other potential investors from entering the market.

Quoting Neto, Obasanjo recounted:

“The Soviets are advising us, and they are exploiting their fish. If they are the ones exploiting the fish and they are also the ones advising, where is the chance for anybody else to come in?”

Obasanjo further emphasized:

“When you are asking for help, you must watch the type of help you seek and the type of help you get. Angola got help from the Soviet Union, but it was the help that choked Angola in the throat. Angola had no chance to do anything with anybody else.”

In addition to foreign policy reflections, Obasanjo shared lessons from Michael Ibru’s leadership style, recalling how the late entrepreneur advised against micromanaging an organization. Highlighting Ibru’s legacy of discipline, drive, and family cohesion, Obasanjo encouraged the family to safeguard those core values, adding, “This family must be held together at all costs. We should never be tired of bringing everybody together. That will be a good legacy”.

United States Representative John James introduced a motion in Congress advocating for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During his address, James accused the Nigerian authorities of permitting the killing of innocent citizens and asserted that the country has become exceptionally dangerous for Christians while extremist groups like Boko Haram operate largely unchecked. He contended that Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges through a flawed trial merely for voicing dissent against conditions in Nigeria.

Consequently, the lawmaker urged the Nigerian government to grant Kanu a fresh trial adhering strictly to its national constitution, proper evidence, international human rights standards, and full access to legal representation and medical care. Furthermore, James warned that the U.S. should not continue financing a government he associates with Christian persecution, urging his congressional colleagues to back his legislative push to secure Kanu’s freedom and protect religious liberty in the region.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed as a “personal opinion” the recent claim by his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma, that all Southeast governors have united to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia, Governor Otti stated that Uzodinma lacks the authority to declare the political positions of other state executives. He clarified that while Uzodinma is free to voice his own support for the President, he cannot speak for his fellow Southeast governors or the broader populace of the region.

Governor Uzodinma had previously announced in Owerri, during a meeting with the Imo State Elders Council and traditional rulers, that the five Southeast governors had resolved to back Tinubu’s second term. He attributed this decision to the President’s unprecedented commitment to developing the region through significant infrastructure and economic projects.

Countering this, Governor Otti rejected Uzodinma’s assertions, suggesting that such discussions are premature and that individual political decisions will be made in due course.