Author: Vardiafrica

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to bar former President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting the 2027 presidential election, effectively clearing the way for him to participate in the polls if he chooses to run. Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered judgment in the matter, held that the suit instituted by Johnmary Jideobi lacked merit and amounted to an abuse of court process. The court further ruled that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to institute the suit, noting that he failed to show how Jonathan’s possible participation in the election directly affected his interest. Justice Lifu…

Iran’s national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday. Sheinbaum said FIFA approached her government after US authorities said they did not want Iran staying in the country throughout the June 11-July 19 competition, even though Iran is scheduled to play three Group G matches there. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum told her daily press conference. Iran is due to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June…

Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi met with former Botswana President Ian Khama and former South African President Thabo Mbeki during his visit to South Africa. The development was disclosed in a statement posted on Obi’s official page. According to the statement, the meeting took place in Cape Town before Obi departed for Johannesburg, where he appreciated both former leaders for their comments on recent immigration issues in the region and their advocacy for peace and unity across Africa. The statement noted that the two former presidents continue to command respect across the continent due to their contributions during and…

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, who stated this during an assessment visit to the venue of the Postgraduate Scholarship interviews in Port Harcourt, assured that the process was devoid of bias, prejudice and compromise. Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr Patience Ezugu, thanked the interview panel for doing a good job, noting that there were no complaints from candidates and that the exercise was carried out seamlessly. He explained that the process of selecting the scholarship recipients was transparent, noting: “The students who benefited from the scholarship scheme in…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the enforcement of its “no-pay-no-service” directive against airlines with outstanding statutory remittances. In a statement on Sunday, Chris Najomo, director-general (DG) of the NCAA, said the decision followed a review of current operating realities in the sector, particularly the rising cost of aviation fuel and its impact on airline operations and overall industry stability. However, the DG clarified that the suspension does not represent a cancellation, waiver, or forgiveness of the affected airlines’ outstanding obligations. “It would be recalled that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in his magnanimity, already…

The Nigerian Army has alerted residents of the North-east region to plans by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists to carry out suicide bombing and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks ahead of the Eid-Kabir celebrations. However, it says it has deployed troops and surveillance assets to forestall the threats. In a security advisory issued on Monday, the Headquarters, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), a joint task force in the region, said credible intelligence indicated that insurgents could attempt isolated attacks on civilian targets, especially in crowded locations during the festive period. The Army assured residents that comprehensive security measures had…

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against leaving the country without valid travel documents. In a public alert posted on X on Monday, DCI AS Akinlabi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), stressed that such actions are illegal and expose individuals to serious risks. It cautioned that all international travel must be carried out with a valid passport, visa (where required), and other approved immigration documents. It noted that any attempt to bypass official procedures or use unauthorised border routes constitutes a violation of Nigerian law. The NIS also raised concern over the growing use of…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has asked states to get their facilities ready in the event of a fresh Ebola disease outbreak in the country. It said its assessment estimated the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria as high due to the ongoing transmission in the DRC and Uganda, international travel, population movement, and uncertainty regarding the full magnitude of the outbreak. It also said that the alert became necessary due to the potential for delayed recognition because symptoms may overlap with endemic diseases such as malaria and Lassa fever. A statement by the Communication Department of the Centre…

The pressure was off, the sun came out and the trophy was lifted. The celebration police had no jurisdiction at Selhurst Park on Sunday After the impromptu street gatherings in north London and Arsenal’s own in-house watch-along party at their training ground on Tuesday as Manchester City surrendered the Premier League title, finally the club came together as one to lift the trophy away at Crystal Palace. Arsenal beat Palace 2-1 but few will remember the game, only the party. They were made to wait a little longer by Palace’s end-of-season awards and lap of appreciation. But after two decades, what’s another few minutes? Eventually, Gunners…

Nigerian Ambassador to the US, Kayode Are, has presented his Letter of Credence to US President Donald Trump. The ceremony was held on Thursday, May 21, at the White House. There was also an honour guard by the armed forces and officers of the State Department and the staff of the National Security Council. Eleven other ambassadors presented their Letters to the US President. They include ambassadors of South Africa, Chad, Chile, Yemen, Australia, and Kyrgyzstan. President Bola Tinubu had, in January 2026, approved the posting of Are after his nomination was confirmed by the Senate last December. Military, Academic…