President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States has “no closer friends” than the British, as he welcomed King Charles III to the White House on a state visit overshadowed by tensions over the Iran war.

In speech during a pomp-filled welcome featuring a 21-gun salute, Trump’s tone was a world away from the recent broadsides aimed at Britain’s government for failing to join the conflict with Tehran.

“In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British,” said Trump, referring to the fact that the visit marks the 250th anniversary of the US colonies declaring their freedom from British rule.

Using a phrase prized by British governments since Winston Churchill first used it after World War II, Trump said that the two countries had a “special relationship, and we hope it will always remain that way.”

The US leader also praised the British military, saying that “nobody fought better together” with the United States — despite recently deriding Britain’s two aircraft carriers as “toys.”

After his speech, four US jets roared over the White House in a noisy flypast as Trump, Charles, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump watched.

On the second day of the four-day state visit, Charles will later address the US Congress and is expected to call in his speech for “reconciliation and renewal” amid the recent strains in ties.

Beautiful British day

A long-term fan of the British royals, Trump appeared in a jovial mood on a rainy Washington morning as he looked to the sky and quipped: “What a beautiful British day this is.”

The 79-year-old president even joked about how his late mother “had a crush on Charles”, who is now 77.

Cannons rang out while a military band played “God Save the King,” the British national anthem, and the Star Spangled Banner, the anthem of the United States.

Charles shook hands with top Trump administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The king and the president — who received his own state visit to Britain last September — inspected troops from different branches of the US armed forces.

A band of soldiers dressed in uniforms from the Revolutionary War that drove the British out of America two and a half centuries ago then marched past, playing fife and drums.

As the ceremony unfolded, construction noise could be heard from the site of the huge $400 million ballroom that Trump is building at the White House.

The Trumps are next due to host the royals in the Oval Office behind closed doors. In the evening, they will return to the White House for a grand state dinner.

Tight security

Security has been tight for the visit, which comes just days after a shooting at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by Trump.

The first day of the trip featured a more informal welcome, with the Trumps treating Charles and Camilla to tea and cakes in the White House before showing them beehives on the famed lawn.

But the second day will feature perhaps the most public-facing moment, when Charles becomes the first British monarch to address Congress since his mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 1991.

It comes at a delicate moment after Trump raged over London’s refusal to help with his war in Iran.

In the 20-minute speech, Charles is expected to appeal to Trump in guarded terms, saying that defending common democratic ideals is “crucial for liberty and equality.”

“Time and again, our two countries have always found ways to come together,” he is expected to say.

But he will have his work cut out to placate the mercurial Republican in the longer term.

Trump has repeatedly lambasted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his war opposition, alongside the country’s immigration and energy policies.

AFP

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The Labour Party, LP, has elected Nenadi Usman as its National Chairman at the party’s national convention held on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia State.

With her emergence, Usman makes history as the first woman to be elected National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that on Wednesday, 4th September 2024, Usman was appointed to lead the National Caretaker Committee of the party at a NEC meeting in Umuahia, following a leadership vacuum created by the expiration
of the tenure of the former National Working Committee.

She successfully steered the party through a turbulent period marked by leadership disputes, which were ultimately resolved in her favour by the appellate court.

A former Minister of Finance and senator, Usman brings a wealth of experience and proven capacity to her new role.

As the 2027 general elections approach, she bears the immediate responsibility of positioning the party for electoral success.

Following its strong showing in the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has firmly established itself as a formidable political platform, a foundation Usman is poised to consolidate upon.

Prior to the convention, Usman had been recognised as the Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Party by the Independen National Electoral Commission, INEC, following a Federal High Court judgement delivered on 21st January 2026 affirming her leadership.

This decision was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous judgement delivered on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.

In her acceptance speech, Usman expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to reposition the party
for greater success.

She commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, and assured members that she would not let the party down in her new capacity.
Usman also reaffirmed her commitment to fostering unity, peace, and
reconciliation within the party ahead of the next general elections.

In his remarks, Governor Otti charged the newly elected National Working Committee to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the
party’s structures nationwide.

Others elected into the National Working Committee of the party include Iheanacho Obioma, National Secretary; Mrs Nike Oriola, Deputy National Chairman, Ken Eluma Asogwa, National Publicity Secretary; Mrs Oluchi
Oparah, National Organising Secretary; Comrade Anslem Eragbe, National
Financial Secretary; Hilda Dokubo, National Women Leader.

The newly elected National Working Committee was sworn in at
the convention.

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The Senate on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the existing Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act, 2019 and enact a new legal framework to strengthen funding for the Nigeria Police Force.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Bill, 2026 (SB 1030), aims to provide sustainable financing for police equipment, training and welfare, while establishing a new structure for funding the Force.

Debate on the floor was heated, centring on the constitutionality of funding the Police Trust Fund through deductions from the Federation Account.

Leading the concerns, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo warned that a proposed 0.5 per cent deduction could render the bill “null and void” if challenged in court, recalling that a similar arrangement had previously been set aside following opposition from state governors.

He also questioned how funding for the federal police would be harmonised with ongoing discussions around the creation of state police.

Other lawmakers, including Buhari Abdulfatai, argued that the core problem facing the police was not necessarily the volume of funding but the lack of adequate tools and operational support.

He noted that Nigeria currently has about 300,000 police officers serving a population of over 200 million.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, stressed that while there is broad consensus on the need to improve police funding, the overriding concern remains compliance with the Constitution.

“We make the laws; we cannot also break the laws. The Constitution of Nigeria is the ground norm,” he said.

Akpabio urged his colleagues to interrogate whether the bill aligns with Sections 80 and 81 of the Constitution of Nigeria, which regulate withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

In response, Mohammed Tahir Monguno cited Section 80(2) to argue that the National Assembly possesses the authority to legislate expenditures charged to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

However, the Senate President countered that Section 81 requires such expenditures to be incorporated into the annual budget estimates, rather than being implemented as a direct statutory deduction.

Following the debate, Akpabio put the bill to a voice vote, with the “Ayes” prevailing and the legislation scaling second reading.

He noted that a public hearing would address lingering concerns, including accountability for previous Police Trust Fund expenditures, alternative sources of funding, and whether the proposed framework would accommodate state policing structures.

Akpabio also directed the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to brief the leadership on how past Trust Fund allocations were utilised.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, which is expected to report back to the chamber within two weeks.

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Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving ₦68 billion operational support for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP).

The funding, to be released in phases from March 2026 to December 2028, aims to address power shortages in Borno State, exacerbated by insurgent attacks on infrastructure.

Ndume said this in Abuja Monday, explaining that stable power will boost economic activities, support SMEs, and complement military efforts against insurgents.

The federal lawmaker said, “I join the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Zulum and other well-meaning citizens of my state to express
profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this great gesture, aimed at ensuring stable electricity in the state.

“The fund released to the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant is a lifeline that would ultimately engender economic activities, particularly operations of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (SMES).

“As the saying goes, an idle mind is a devil’s workshop. When the informal sector thrives in a place like Borno state, the government would have succeeded in cutting off the supply chain for recruitment of able-bodied men by the terrorists.

“Apart from that, the stimulus for the seamless operations of our military would have been strengthened.”

The former Senate Chief Whip equally urged the relevant federal and state agencies, the military and the citizenry to ensure that power infrastructures were no longer destroyed, either by insurgents or the nefarious activities of vandals.

“It is to the eternal credit of the federal government that it has responded speedily to our lamentations over power shortage.

“I urge our people to be vigilant and assist the security agencies in checking the excesses of vandals.

“We owe it a duty to safeguard the facilities as the benefits of stable electricity are numerous. When power is restored, it will boost economic activities and improve livelihoods. It will also strengthen efforts to address security challenges.”

He urged citizens to safeguard power facilities and assist security agencies in preventing vandalism.

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has initiated an investigation into the viral social media storm surrounding a loaf of bread that reportedly remained fresh for nearly two months.

The probe follows widespread public concern sparked by a TikTok video posted by Abuja-based shop owner Love Dooshima (also known as “Love”).

In the video, she expressed alarm over a loaf of bread widely believed to be from Bon Bread that showed no signs of mold or spoilage even after sitting on her shelf for about two months.

She cautioned viewers about potential food safety implications and the heavy use of preservatives in some commercial breads.

The video quickly went viral, triggering intense online debate about bread production standards, excessive preservatives, and consumer rights in Nigeria.

Bon Bread’s CEO, Maria Abdulkadir (also referred to as Maria Umeagwukadilo), strongly defended the company’s products, describing them as safe.

The company responded by filing a ₦50 million lawsuit against Dooshima, alleging reputational damage and defamation.

The situation escalated when police in Abuja detained Dooshima for questioning over the review. She was later released following interventions, including from senior police authorities and public outcry.

Critics argued that the matter should have been handled by regulatory bodies rather than through police action or civil suits.

The FCCPC’s involvement comes amid growing calls for official intervention by the Commission and NAFDAC to test the product, verify compliance with safety standards, and address broader concerns over food preservatives and shelf-life practices in the industry.

Consumer rights advocates have welcomed the probe, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve transparent information about the safety and quality of everyday food items.

The investigation is expected to examine whether the bread in question meets regulatory requirements and to clarify the balance between freedom of consumer expression and business reputation.

This case has highlighted tensions between brands, online reviewers, and regulators in Nigeria’s digital age.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it is quitting the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) after nearly 60 years of membership.

The Middle East nation is also exiting OPEC+, a wider alliance of the oil cartel.

The UAE said the decision reflected its “long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile”.

More to follow…

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The police on Tuesday, charged four people before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, for allegedly beating up their neighbour and two police officers.

The defendants are Wahab Sikiru, 45; his wife, Taiwo Sikiru, 35; Taiwo Balikis, 30; and Ifeoluwa Alabi, 26.

They are standing trial on charges bordering on conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Cpl. David Adepoju, told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the offenses on April 27, at Ido, Ibadan.

He alleged that following a misunderstanding, the defendants conspired to assault their neighbour, one Mrs Aduragbemi Edujobi, by beating her up and tearing her clothes to pieces.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendants also beat up two police officers, Insp. Mercy Sunday and PC Phebe Olatunde, in the cause of executing their lawful duties, and tore their uniforms and badges.

The offenses contravene the provisions of sections 249(d), 351 and 516 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Kausarat Ayofe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until June 24, for hearing.

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Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and a leading aspirant for the 2027 election, has clarified that his Monday visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan was part of ongoing consultations with prominent national leaders ahead of the 2027 presidential race.

Obi led a delegation of top South-East leaders to Jonathan’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The closed-door meeting, which lasted about two hours, included figures such as former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, ex-NDDC Managing Director Onyema Ugochukwu, and Senators Ben Obi and Victor Umeh.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Obi described the engagement as a continuation of his broader consultations with former Nigerian leaders, including ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida.

“We need to consult them, especially someone like him (Jonathan) who served the country very faithfully, focused, and did what is expected in a democracy,” Obi said. “In this declining situation, you consult him.”

He emphasized that the visit was not about seeking endorsement or forming pacts, but about seeking wise counsel from experienced statesmen amid Nigeria’s current challenges.

The meeting comes as political activities and realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Obi positioning himself as a strong contender.

He has consistently framed such engagements as necessary steps to address the nation’s pressing issues through dialogue and experienced perspectives.

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Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, says he will serve with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose if elected as the next governor.

The remark followed the endorsement of his 2027 governorship aspiration by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor.

According to a video seen by TheCable, Sanwo-Olu endorsed Hamzat as his successor during a meeting with party leaders at the governor’s office in Alausa on Monday.

The governor, who described Hamzat as the “best man for the job,” also offered prayers for his deputy, wishing him strength, peace and divine support in his future endeavours.

“Peace of mind, peace in your family among your children, wife, spouse and everybody. That which you require, God will provide it for you: renewed strength, God Almighty will make it available for you,” Sanwo-Olu said.

At the end of the meeting, Sanwo-Olu embraced his deputy and raised his hand before party members and leaders in a symbolic gesture that drew applause from those in attendance.

In an appreciation post on his X page, Hamzat said Sanwo-Olu’s endorsement means “a great deal” to him.

“Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my
brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he wrote.

“His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence
lightly.”

“I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a
clear sense of purpose.”

The development comes amid recent speculation over possible
contenders for the 2027 Lagos governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with political discussions suggesting that Hamzat had emerged as a leading contender.

However, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, a
former governorship candidate, had earlier dismissed claims that the party had settled for a preferred aspirant.

In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, Jandor said no formal decision had been taken by the party leadership.

He added, however, that he would align with the outcome if the party eventually adopts a consensus candidate for the race.

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