Author: New Daily Prime

French discuss proposal for Kremlin to lose securities if it breaches a future ceasefire Europe’s biggest powers are swinging behind efforts to seize more than €200bn of frozen Russian assets, as they draw up plans for a ceasefire deal in Ukraine. France and Germany, long opposed to a full-blown seizure of the assets held in the EU, are discussing with the UK and other countries ways in which they could be used. French officials have discussed a proposal for European capitals to seize the assets if Moscow were to violate a future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, said three people briefed…

The increasing use of human rights laws by foreign criminals to avoid deportation from the UK has become a growing concern in recent months. In the latest case, a psychotic Nigerian armed robber and crack cocaine dealer has been spared deportation because he would be considered “possessed” in his home country. This case follows similar rulings where convicted foreign criminals have successfully used human rights claims to remain in the UK. Examples include: Serial Offender Avoids Deportation Over Mental Health Concerns The Nigerian-born offender, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, has spent much of his time in the UK…

Hungary has obstructed the European Union’s draft document that proposed security guarantees for Ukraine and a new military aid package, Politico reports. During a meeting of EU ambassadors on Friday, Hungary opposed the draft text, which outlined potential security assurances from the EU to Kyiv, as well as a new military assistance package. Hungary’s position on the Ukraine-Russia conflict has been notably different from that of its EU counterparts. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has consistently advocated for immediate peace negotiations and has taken a cautious approach to supporting Ukraine militarily. In July 2024, Orbán visited Kyiv and proposed a ceasefire…

Mojisola Meranda has been reelected as the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following her resignation as Speaker on Monday afternoon. Meranda, who had only assumed the role of Speaker on January 13, 2025, after the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, read out her resignation letter at the plenary. She expressed her commitment to serving the state in her new role as Deputy Speaker, pledging to carry out her duties in good faith. Following Meranda’s resignation, the House moved swiftly to reconstitute its leadership, with new nominations made. Mudashiru Obasa, who had been ousted earlier this…

A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abiodun Asabi, has highlighted inadequate support, particularly in terms of funding, as a major challenge facing the Nigeria Police Force. Asabi, a former Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, made the call while speaking with journalists at his retirement and pull-out parade in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Monday, March 3. Asabi urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to provide more funding and assistance to the police in their efforts to tackle the rising wave of criminality and insecurity across Nigeria. He stressed that, based on his 35 years of…

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Senate to investigate the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The allegation, which has recently dominated media discussions, came after a feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, and Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, an accusation which Afenifere has urged the Senate to thoroughly investigate. In a statement released on Monday, March 3, by the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group emphasised the need for an independent investigation. They noted that the Senate President should not…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted provisional licences to 11 new private universities across Nigeria, a move aimed at expanding educational opportunities in the country. The announcement was made by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) following Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting. The newly approved universities are spread across various states, providing greater access to higher education for students in different regions. The full list of the newly licensed institutions includes: The approval comes as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to expanding the frontiers of educational opportunities…

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade relations and fostering economic growth through the implementation of Nigeria’s National Quality Policy under the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) – Phase II. This initiative, aimed at eliminating technical trade barriers and improving regulatory compliance, was announced in a statement from the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on Monday, March 3. Launched in June 2024, the SPP – Phase II seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian exports and facilitate trade between the two nations by strengthening quality infrastructure. The programme is a joint effort between the British…

By Adeniyi Yusuf The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), and some Nigerians have condemned four northern governors for ordering school closures during Ramadan. The governments of Katsina, Kebbi, and Bauchi states have directed all schools—public and private—to go on holiday for the entire month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe strict fasting. The governments stated that the holiday was intended to allow students, teachers, and other stakeholders to observe the holy month, which begins on Saturday, March 1, 2025. According to Kebbi State’s revised 2024/2025 academic calendar, the second term will conclude on February 28,…

PORT HARCOURT, March 3, 2025 – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately assume control of the 23 local government areas, pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). This directive follows last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the previous local government elections and upheld the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly. Governor Fubara, in a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, emphasized that the transition was necessary given the outlawing of caretaker…