The United States senate has passed a resolution calling for an end to President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, in a symbolic rebuke from a Republican-controlled congress to the White House.

The senate voted 50 to 48 on Tuesday, with four Republicans joining Democrats.

Earlier this month, the house approved the measure.

The resolution directs Trump to remove US forces from hostilities with Iran unless congress explicitly authorises military action.

Because the measure is a “concurrent resolution”, it does not go to Trump’s desk for signature and carries disputed legal force.

However, its passage still puts both chambers of congress on record against a conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, rattling global energy markets and opening a broader regional war involving Gulf states.

The measure comes with the administration expected to ask
congress to authorise tens of billions of dollars to pay for the war.

Tuesday’s vote also comes at a moment when the US and Iran are engaged in negotiations to permanently end the conflict

Trump slammed the vote on his Truth Social platform, calling it “poorly timed and meaningless”.

“These Senators have just made my job more difficult, but I will get it done, one way or the other, because I always get it done!” he said.

The White House said the resolutions seeking to curb Trump’s powers to wage war in Iran are unconstitutional, noting that the conflict had already ended under an April ceasefire.

It added that restricting the president’s authority could weaken Washington’s leverage as negotiators seek to lock in a final deal with Iran.

However lawmakers say the fighting continued well beyond the legal deadline and that Trump has repeatedly threatened renewed strikes.

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The trial of former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and seven others over alleged misappropriation of public funds has been adjourned until October 14 by the Kano State High Court.

Ganduje, alongside his wife Hafsat Umar, faces an 11-count charge bordering on bribery, conspiracy, misappropriation, and diversion of billions of naira.

Other defendants include Abubakar Bawuro, Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Ltd, Safari Textiles Ltd, and Lasage General Enterprises Ltd.

At Wednesday’s hearing, prosecution counsel Victor Oni informed the court that the state was ready to proceed and sought to withdraw an earlier motion filed on March 31, substituting it with a fresh application dated May 15.

The defence, represented by Mrs Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo and other counsels, raised no objections.Counsel to the sixth defendant, however, filed a preliminary objection and requested a date for hearing.

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu subsequently struck out the prosecution’s earlier motion and adjourned the matter to October 14 for consideration of the objection.

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The Anambra State-owned security outfit, Agunechemba, has successfully dislodged a terror group’s camp in Aguata Local Government Area, killing three armed men while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The operation, carried out Tuesday night by Agunechemba operatives attached to the FOB Unit in Aguata, led to the recovery of a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles, the gang’s operational white Hilux van, charms, handbags, and other incriminating items.

In a statement on Wednesday, Agunechemba’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Nweke Nweke, revealed that the gang had previously attacked the convoy of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Chief of Staff, Ben Nwankwo, killing four people, including two police officers and two civilians.

According to Nweke, the raid was conducted in partnership with the police after intelligence gathering pinpointed the gang’s hideout. During a fierce gun battle, three members of the group were neutralised.

“This gang had been masquerading in Federal Government security uniforms and had previously attacked the convoy of the Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo. Their downfall came during a firepower encounter with our operatives,” the statement read.

The gang was reportedly operating across Anambra South Senatorial District, engaging in kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.

Prince Ken Emekayi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security; Sylvester Ofodeme, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Internal Security; and Chief Chinenye Ihenko, Agunechemba’s Head of Operations, hailed the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity.

The recovered weapons and vehicle are expected to aid further investigations into the group’s activities.

This latest success underscores the state government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal networks and restore peace across Anambra.

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France has recorded its first confirmed case of Ebola virus disease, with health authorities tracing the infection to a doctor who recently
returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The French health ministry announced the development on Tuesday, describing it as the first time the highly infectious viral disease
has been detected within the country.

According to AFP, the patient was identified shortly after arriving in France from the DRC, where an Ebola outbreak has been ongoing for
months.

Health officials said the doctor was isolated immediately upon arrival, before laboratory tests later confirmed the infection.

The ministry said the case was detected in mainland France and stressed that containment measures were activated promptly to prevent any
potential spread of the virus.

Sebastien Lecornu, France’s prime minister, said authorities were monitoring the situation “very closely” and working to ensure that all
necessary public health protocols were followed.

The case marks the first confirmed Ebola infection reported outside Africa since the latest outbreak began in Central Africa.

The current outbreak has primarily affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Uganda has also recorded infections.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 following a series of unexplained deaths in the eastern province of Ituri.

In June, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported that Uganda and the DRC had recorded a
combined 894 confirmed Ebola cases and 204 deaths.

Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected persons. Symptoms
often include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

French health authorities have not disclosed further details about the patient but said surveillance and contact-tracing measures are
underway.

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President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Abayomi Fashina, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, as a non-career ambassador and high commissioner-designate.

The request was conveyed in a letter read during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Tinubu explained that the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions guiding diplomatic appointments and urged lawmakers to act swiftly.

“In accordance with the provisions of section 121, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina as non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate,” the letter stated.

Akpabio subsequently referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. The committee is expected to scrutinize Fashina’s credentials and submit its report within one week, after which the Senate will vote on his confirmation.

The appointment is part of the Tinubu administration’s broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, with a mix of career and non-career envoys being deployed to strategic foreign missions.

By constitutional requirement, ambassadorial nominees must undergo Senate screening to assess their competence, professional background, and suitability for diplomatic service. Non-career ambassadors are typically drawn from academia, politics, public administration, and other sectors where they have demonstrated leadership and distinguished service.

Fashina, an academic and administrator, is widely recognized in Nigeria’s higher education sector, having served as Vice Chancellor of FUOYE. His nomination is expected to attract close legislative scrutiny during the screening process.

If confirmed, he will join other ambassadorial appointees tasked with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, strengthening bilateral relations, and promoting the country’s economic and diplomatic interests abroad.

The Senate is expected to conclude consideration of the nomination once the Foreign Affairs Committee submits its report next week.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned Nigerian governors against abusing state police when it is finally established.

Akpabio issued the warning on Tuesday during plenary as the National Assembly prepares to approve state police to tackle insecurity in the
country.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday sent a Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly, seeking the establishment of state police.

The Nigerian Senate fixed Wednesday (today) for the passage of the state police bill.

“Many of us like to go back home after we are through here, without being afraid of the state police.

“Even the current governors will one day leave office, they should not be afraid of the state police they created.

“Your conscience will be looking at you, and they will be interested in what you say. Since 1960 Nigeria did not have the courage to decentralize the police. This is the first time we’ll do it.

“And this will be done in two phases; one will be through alteration of the constitution and the other one we will embed an Act of
Parliament in order to bring out the modalities to avoid abuses,” Akpabio said.

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The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared that no amount of financial inducement or political pressure will deter the party from wresting power from Governor Douye Diri in the 2027 governorship election

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, the State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Dauprebo Ikuromo, urged Governor Diri to focus on inclusive leadership that prioritises the welfare of Bayelsans through sustainable development and economic growth rather than engaging in political machinations.

Ikuromo specifically warned the state government against attempting to entice NDC aspirants with financial incentives aimed at creating division within the party.

“No form of inducement can divert the NDC from its objective of assuming leadership in the state,” he asserted.

He advised that such resources should instead be channelled towards addressing critical infrastructural challenges in the state, such as the commissioned but non-functional gas turbines.

Addressing reports of internal discontent, the NDC chairman revealed that a comprehensive grievance redress mechanism has been put in place under the leadership of Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

He added that the party’s National Executive Council will soon release the list of candidates for various positions in line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable.

Ikuromo commended Senator Dickson’s leadership style, particularly his fairness in managing the party’s primary elections nationwide and his commitment to the inclusion of youth and women.

He called on all NDC members and supporters in Bayelsa to remain united and focused on the goal of taking over governance from what he described as a ruling party that has failed the people.

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President Bola Tinubu says his administration is laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works for the common prosperity of all citizens.

Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of the two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The President, represented by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that his administration’s ongoing reforms in the past three years have been tough but necessary.

He, however, said, “The results are here – the roads, the bridges, the rails, and housing. We are laying the foundation for a new Nigeria that works – and works for all and for our common prosperity.

“Stay with us, support us, stand by the Renewed Hope Agenda. The best of Abuja and the best of Nigeria are still ahead of us”.

Tinubu said in line with the Abuja Master Plan, the roads, when fully developed, would enhance vehicular traffic within the southern part of the city and provide vital inter-district connections from Phase I to Phase 4 of the FCT.

He explained that the main carriageway (Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way) was inaugurated earlier by his administration, adding that the service carriageways are not a luxury but are designed to ease access.

The President noted that the residents of Dutse, Gudu, Gaduwa, Duboyi, and a housing estate in Phase II face heavy vehicular congestion daily in S2 (Abdulsalami Abubakar Way) and S20, especially during peak periods.

He said that when the service carriageways are completed, the pain will reduce, adding that traffic will then flow freely, travel time will drop, businesses will save money, and families will spend less time.

“That is the dividend of democracy, and that is the renewed hope that you can feel and you can touch every day.

“This inauguration is part of the broader infrastructure revolution we promised Nigeria. In the past three years, we have refused to accept excuses; we choose actions.

“From the Arterial Road N20, now Prof. Wole Soyinka Way, to N16 Interchange, linking Jahi and Gwarinpa, to the roads in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Mabushi, the FCT is transforming before our eyes,” he said.

He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying, “You have earned your name, ‘Mr Project’.

“Most people thought that it was only in Rivers, but you’ve shown clearly that it’s your DNA to do projects always.

“Through your action, and not just talk alone, you’ve shown that truly, you are Mr Project.

“Since you assumed office, you have awakened the abandoned projects, you’ve set clear targets, and you’ve delivered them in record time.”

In his remarks, Wike said the newly awarded contract would be affected by political activities towards the 2027 general elections.

He assured that, politics or not, the FCT Administration will continue to work with a view to changing the landscape of the capital city as directed by Mr President.

He added that the project will be completed and inaugurated in January 2027, assuring the contractor that the FCTA will meet its financial obligations.

“I want this job to be inaugurated before we go for the general elections in 2027,” he stated.

The minister warned land grabbers who have begun development on the road corridor to stop, and directed the acting Director, Development Control, to pull down all ongoing illegal developments on the corridor.

“We have found out that each time we want to carry out construction, people who have not been genuinely allocated land encroach, forge documents, and begin to develop. It will not work,” he said.

He directed the director to liaise with the Director of Lands to ensure that those who have not been given lands there but have begun construction there are doing so in vain.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explained that the Southern Parkway is one of the major roads of the Southern Development Corridor of the city.

According to Dauda, the road begins from the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Jonathan Expressway) in Phase I of the city from the Central Area, and terminates at the same Inner Southern Expressway in Phase 4 in the Southern Corridor of the city.

He explained that the Southern Parkway is a major road of the southern development corridor, which begins from the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) in Phase I and terminates at ISEX in Phase 4 in the south. (NAN)

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The Lagos police command says its operatives have intercepted a truck conveying 47 sacks of military camouflage and 80 cartons of  “illicit substances” to the south-east.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Tijani Fatai, Lagos police commissioner, said the truck was intercepted at the Lekki-Epe corridor while heading out of Lagos.

Fatai said the command has commenced an investigation to ascertain the source and intended recipients of the recovered items.

The police commissioner added that three suspects were arrested.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered truck was allegedly being used to transport the military camouflage uniforms to the eastern part of the country,” he said.

“Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, ownership, and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other persons connected with the criminal act.”

‘ILLEGAL FOREIGN NATIONALS RESCUED’

The Lagos police commissioner said some foreign nationals were “rescued from possible mob action” in the Epe area of the state.

Fatai said the foreign nationals include 14 Chadians, nine Burkinabes, four Beninoise, four Malians, two Togolese, two Cameroonians and one Ghanaian.

The commissioner said 20 of the individuals entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 had valid ECOWAS travel documents.

He added that the matter has been referred to relevant authorities, including embassies and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

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