Author: Ndarake Okon
Former Cross River governor Benedict Ayade has claimed that President Bola Tinubu asked him to withdraw from the 2027 Cross River North Senate race. Ayade stated that he was invited to Abuja for what he described as a high-level consultation where he was allegedly advised to step down from the contest in the interest of party unity within the APC. The former governor expressed disappointment over what he described as unfair treatment within the ruling party, insisting that he had remained loyal to the APC and contributed significantly to its success in Cross River State. Read Also: Troops Discover Illegal…
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade uncovered an illegal arms manufacturing factory in Odonget community, Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State during a security operation targeting criminal gangs. According to military authorities, five suspected criminals were killed during a gun battle that occurred when troops raided the hideout. Security operatives also recovered weapons, ammunition, and equipment allegedly used for illegal arms production. The Army said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb armed violence, cult-related crimes, and illegal weapons trafficking in Cross River and neighboring states. Officials described the discovery as a major breakthrough in…
France has deployed its aircraft carrier strike group to the Red Sea as part of preparations for a possible multinational mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The deployment includes the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle alongside Italian and Dutch warships heading toward the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According report we gather, France and Britain have been developing a proposal for several weeks to guarantee safe maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz once the security situation stabilises. French officials said the mission would focus on protecting…
Manchester City Women have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 Women’s Super League after closest challengers Arsenal Women dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Brighton. The result confirmed City as league winners with games still remaining, ending the club’s 10-year wait for another WSL crown. The title triumph marks Manchester City’s first WSL success since the 2016 season and also ends Chelsea’s six-year dominance in English women’s football. Under new manager Andrée Jeglertz, City produced a remarkable campaign built on consistency, strong attacking football, and an impressive winning streak. City’s success was driven by several standout performers, including prolific…
Paris Saint-Germain have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final after edging past Bayern Munich in a dramatic semi-final tie. The French champions carried a 5–4 advantage from a thrilling first-leg victory in Paris, which proved decisive in the outcome of the tie. In the second leg at the Allianz Arena, PSG extended their aggregate lead early through Ousmane Dembélé, putting Bayern under immediate pressure. Although the German side dominated spells of the game and pushed hard for a comeback, they struggled to convert their chances into goals. Bayern Munich managed a late equaliser through Harry Kane, but…
Reports indicate that José Mourinho has held talks with Florentino Pérez over a potential return to Real Madrid. The discussions were aimed at exploring the possibility of Mourinho taking charge of the club again, having previously managed the Spanish giants between 2010 and 2013. The meeting reportedly took place via a video call and focused on working out details surrounding a possible comeback. Mourinho’s long-time agent, Jorge Mendes, was also present during the conversation, although his role was said to be largely observational. The development comes amid a difficult period for Real Madrid, who are on course to finish a…
Ivory Coast’s government has dissolved the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) following sustained criticism over its management of elections. The announcement was made by government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly after a cabinet meeting, confirming that the decision had been formally approved. The move comes after repeated disputes about the commission’s independence and credibility. Critics—particularly opposition parties—have long argued that the CEI is too closely aligned with the ruling government, raising concerns about its ability to conduct fair and transparent elections. Officials say dissolving the body is intended to pave the way for a new electoral system that can restore public trust. The…
The United Arab Emirates has firmly denied allegations by Sudan that it was involved in a recent drone attack on Khartoum International Airport. According to Reports, a UAE official described the accusations as “misinformation,” rejecting claims that an Emirati drone launched from Ethiopia was used in the strike. Sudan’s military had earlier accused both the UAE and Ethiopia of supporting the attack, alleging that drones originated from Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar airport with Emirati backing. These claims are part of wider accusations that the UAE has been supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in a prolonged…
Iran has said it is reviewing a new proposal from the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, signaling a possible diplomatic breakthrough. The proposal comes amid reports from multiple sources that both sides are edging closer to a preliminary agreement. The potential deal is expected to take the form of a one-page memorandum of understanding, which would formally end hostilities and open the door for further negotiations on more complex issues. These include Iran’s nuclear programme and broader security concerns that remain unresolved. The discussions are being facilitated through mediators, particularly Pakistan, with Iran indicating…
The Cross River State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in parts of Yakurr Local Government Area following a renewed communal land dispute between Ugep and Idomi communities. In a statement issued on May 5, 2026, the Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang, said the curfew will run from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for seven days, starting immediately. The directive, approved by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order in the affected areas. The government said the decision followed resolutions reached at a peace meeting held on May 4, 2026, presided over by…
Arsenal have secured a place in the UEFA Champions League final after a narrow but decisive victory over Atlético Madrid in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners advanced on aggregate after a tightly contested tie, confirming their second-ever appearance in the final of the competition. The match was closely fought from start to finish, with Atlético Madrid setting up in a disciplined defensive shape while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Arsenal, however, controlled possession for long spells and gradually increased pressure as the game progressed, pushing for the breakthrough goal they needed to seal qualification. Bukayo Saka…
Iran has introduced a new mechanism to regulate vessel movement through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, signalling tighter control over one of the world’s most critical shipping routes. The system requires commercial ships to coordinate their transit directly with Iranian military authorities before passing through the waterway. As part of the new arrangement, Iran has warned the United States Navy to stay out of the strait, reinforcing its position that it holds authority over navigation in the area. The move comes amid heightened tensions and reflects Tehran’s effort to assert dominance over maritime traffic in the Gulf. Iran also released…
The United States has said its ceasefire with Iran remains in place despite recent exchanges of fire in the Gulf region. U.S. officials acknowledged clashes between their forces and Iran, particularly around efforts to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, but maintained that these incidents have not yet broken the truce. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates reported coming under missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran, marking a serious escalation. UAE authorities said their air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming threats and described the attacks as a direct danger to national security, while reserving the right…
Chelsea have now lost six consecutive Premier League matches, a sequence not seen since 1993. The latest defeat came at Stamford Bridge, where they were outplayed by a rotated Forest side, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring twice and Igor Jesus adding a penalty. The loss highlighted major issues in the team, described as ineffective in attack, overrun in midfield and fragile in defence. Forest struck early and controlled the match, while Chelsea missed key chances, including a penalty by Cole Palmer, before conceding a third goal that effectively ended the contest. Chelsea only managed a late consolation through João Pedro, which…
Manchester City were held to a dramatic 3–3 draw by Everton in a thrilling Premier League clash, a result that significantly impacted the title race. City now trail Arsenal by five points after the six-goal encounter, putting the league leaders firmly in control. City appeared in control after taking the lead late in the first half through Jérémy Doku, but the game turned dramatically after the break. Everton mounted a stunning comeback, with Thierno Barry scoring twice and Jake O’Brien adding another to put the home side 3–1 ahead and on the brink of a famous victory. The visitors responded…
The United States military said it destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones launched by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as it moved to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The action is part of a new U.S. operation aimed at restoring safe passage for commercial vessels after Iran effectively disrupted traffic in the strait. According to U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper, Iranian forces attempted to interfere with the mission using missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats, but all threats were successfully neutralised. The U.S. also cleared mines and began escorting…