Author: Tribune Online

The Ebonyi State Government and the Catholic community have been plunged into mourning following the transition to glory of the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Dr Peter Nworie Chukwu. In a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, at the weekend, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis […]

Former Premier League player, Yannick Bolasie, has criticized Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi following the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

He asserted that they were playing too conservatively, while goalkeeper David Raya was taking greater risks.

In a post on X, Bolasie remarked that Raya had more touches of the ball than the attacking players.

He further stated that both the players and the fans are overly focused on statistics, commenting, “All comes from Raya dancing on the ball like he has all game. When your back line is touching the ball more than any offensive players it’s a big problem, dead stats people get rated for these days.”

Raya attempted 49 passes during the match, successfully completing 38, whereas Rice managed 43 successful passes out of 50 attempts.

Zubimendi had only 38 attempted passes, with 29 completed, while the third midfielder, Kai Havertz, recorded 17 successful passes from 22 attempts.

Bolasie criticized the midfielders for their overly cautious play and stated, “Of course your pass rates gonna be 95% if you’re always passing backwards and side to side, same way wingers who don’t lose the ball aren’t trying to take on the full backs….safety first.

“Raya passing the ball more than Declan Rice or Zubimendi is the strange thing about football today, the players with the least attacking ability touching and passing the most.”

Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat has resulted in them missing the chance to extend their lead to 12 points over Manchester City.

They currently hold a nine-point advantage over the Cityzens, who have two games in hand, with the top two teams set to face each other next week.

EPL: ‘Always passing backwards’ – Bolasie blames two Arsenal’s stars for Bournemouth’s defeat

Grok, an AI assistant built by xAI has confirmed that Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC owns the controversial X account, indicating his alleged involvement in partisan politics.

DAILY POST reports that the social media was recently flooded with claims alleging that the INEC boss operated a personal account on X and had used it to endorse or interact with a partisan post.

Our correspondent learnt that the controversial acct with ID: 1567086242164101120 was allegedly created in 2022 prior to his appointment as INEC Chairman.

Despite the pushback from the commission in a statement, claiming that the INEC boss does not operate a personal account on X, netizens have continued to dig out old posts from the account.

For clarification, Bashir Ahmad, a presidential media aide in the immediate past administration, inquired from grok to verify the claims.

He writes, “Hi @Grok, for sake of transparency, what is the original name of the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 and was it created in September 2022, before it was later changed to joashamupitan in November 2025?”

The AI replied, “The X account ID 1567086242164101120 was created on September 6, 2022, under the username joashamupitan”.

According to grok, “Public reports and account tracking confirm that was its username from creation until April 10, 2026, when it was updated to Sundayvibe00”.

Reacting, an X user, @Normalyzed wrote, “At this point, the Nigerian Senate should summon the INEC chairman to appear before it. There are receipts everywhere in the media”.

Another commenter, @White_Superion said “Bashir Ahmad just indirectly set the INEC chairman up.

“Like most that wanted him out due to his religious stand. Bashir has been wishing for him to resign, but doesn’t know how to go about it as a loyal party man.

“The opportunity comes with this previous post, still @BashirAhmaad, had to rely on Grok to say his mind without offending the party.

“Bashir wants him out on religious grounds not owing to his allegiance to APC. Know this and Know peace”.

Confusion as AI confirms INEC Chairman’s ownership of controversial X account

Iran and the United States failed to reach an agreement to end the war in the Middle East, US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday after marathon talks in Islamabad, adding that he was leaving after giving Tehran the “final and best offer”.

Vance said Washington was seeking a “fundamental commitment” from Iran that it would not develop a nuclear weapon, but that “we haven’t seen that” after holding the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

However, he signalled that he was still giving Iran time to consider the offer from the United States, which on Tuesday said it would pause attacks with Israel for two weeks pending negotiations.

Pakistan, which hosted the talks and whose leadership had ushered the rival sides to the table, said it would keep facilitating dialogue and urged both countries to continue respecting the temporary truce.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said negotiations stalled over “unreasonable demands of the American side”, though the country’s foreign ministry spokesman later noted that “no one” could have expected that after 40 days of war, they would reach an agreement within one session.

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, sparking retaliation from Tehran that has plunged the Middle East into conflict and the global economy into tumult.

Iran and the US had entered the talks mediated by Pakistan with maximalist positions, with Washington piling pressure by saying it had sent minesweeping ships through the vital Strait of Hormuz maritime route.

Signs of strain in the negotiations appeared when Iranian media accused the United States of making “excessive demands” over the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil transited before its effective closure by Iran during the war.

US President Donald Trump had also insisted several hours into the talks on Saturday that the United States had already triumphed on the battlefield by killing Iranian leaders and destroying key military infrastructure.

“Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we’ve won,” Trump said.

After 21 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital, Vance told reporters that no deal could yet be struck.

“We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We’ll see if the Iranians accept it,” Vance said, before departing for a nearby airport and flying out of Pakistan.

– Leverage –

Suggesting efforts to keep the sides talking would continue, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his government would “continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come”.

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire,” he added.

The high-stakes meeting had unfolded in Islamabad with intense mistrust by both sides.

Iran was in the middle of negotiations on its nuclear programme in February with Trump’s real-estate friend Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner when the United States and Israel launched their attack. The first salvos of the war killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Both Kushner and Witkoff were part of Vance’s team in Pakistan. The 70-strong Iranian delegation was led by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the powerful speaker of parliament, and included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Iranian demands for any agreement to end the war include unfreezing sanctioned Iranian assets and ending Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Vance has said would not be up for discussion in Islamabad.

The opening of the Strait of Hormuz has also presented a key friction point.

Iran throughout the war exercised its global economic leverage by asserting control of the important maritime route, sending oil prices soaring and piling political pressure on Trump as Americans complained of rising costs at the pump.

The US military said Saturday that two Navy warships transited through the strait to begin clearing it of mines and ensure it is a “safe pathway” for tankers.

The Iranian military denied that any American warships had entered the waterway and threatened to respond if they do so.

The Revolutionary Guards’ Naval Command said Iranian promises of safe passage during a two-week ceasefire applied only to “civilian vessels under specific conditions”.

The United States is heavily impacted by soaring oil prices on global markets but imports less directly from the Gulf than many of its European allies — which Trump has berated for not joining a war that they were not consulted about beforehand.

“We’ll open up the strait even though we don’t use it, because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it that are either afraid or weak or cheap,” Trump said.

– Lebanon violence –

Ghalibaf, speaking shortly after landing in Pakistan, made clear that Iran remained highly suspicious of the United States.

“Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises,” Ghalibaf said.

Vance said before leaving for Pakistan that if Iran was willing, the United States would “negotiate in good faith” but would not be receptive “if they’re going to try to play us”.

A major complicating factor has been Israel’s assertion that the ceasefire does not affect Lebanon, where the Israeli military has launched massive strikes and a ground invasion in response to fire from Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Shia Muslim movement.

Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes on the country’s south on Saturday killed 18 people, bringing the death toll from Israel’s operations since the war broke out past 2,000.

Israel and Lebanon will hold their own talks next week in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that he wanted a peace deal with Lebanon that “will last for generations”.

But Israel has ruled out a ceasefire with Hezbollah, signalling it will instead seek to pressure the historically weak central government in Beirut.

Vanguard News

The post Just in: Iran, US fail to reach agreement to end war appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Federal Government has rolled out a fresh set of fiscal reforms under its 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, reducing tariffs on vehicle imports while introducing new excise duties on beverages and tobacco products.

The reforms, approved by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, took effect from April 1 and are aimed at aligning Nigeria’s trade structure with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework while boosting key sectors of the economy.

Central to the policy is a significant reduction in import duties on fully built vehicles. According to the document, tariffs on passenger cars, four-wheel-drive vehicles, and station wagons have been cut to an effective 40 per cent, down from 70 per cent.

The policy also introduces Supplementary Protection Measures, including an Import Adjustment Tax affecting 192 tariff lines, alongside an import prohibition list covering 17 items from non-ECOWAS countries. In addition, a national list of 127 items now enjoys reduced import duties.

Similarly, crude palm oil imports will now attract a 28.75 per cent effective tariff rate, reflecting a downward review from previous levels.

Beyond tariffs, the government approved new excise duties targeting non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco products. A Green Tax Surcharge is also scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026.

The document stated, “A grace period of 90 days commencing from the date of this circular is hereby granted to all importers, manufacturers, and service providers before the implementation of the new excise duty rates.”

It added, “The new excise duty rates shall therefore take effect from July 1, 2026, while the rates for 2027 and 2028 shall take effect on January 1 of each year.”

As part of broader trade controls, the policy includes an updated import prohibition list for certain goods from outside ECOWAS and adds waste polyethylene terephthalate to the export prohibition list.

To ease the transition, importers with existing Form ‘M’ and irrevocable trade agreements concluded before April 1 will be allowed to clear goods under the old tariff regime within a 90-day window. However, all new transactions will be subject to the revised rates.

Looking ahead, the government signalled a phased reduction of Import Adjustment Taxes starting from January 2027, excluding items under the AfCFTA three per cent list, with full elimination expected by 2036.

“However, with effect from January 2027, all Import Adjustment Taxes, except for products on the AfCFTA three per cent list, shall be gradually reduced annually until full elimination by 2036,” the document added.

The Federal Government said the reforms, to be published in the official gazette, are expected to improve trade compliance, protect domestic industries, and support long-term economic growth.

FG Cuts Vehicle Import Tariffs, Impose New Duties On Tobacco is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anthony Joshua has refused to agree to a fight with rival Tyson Fury following Saturday night’s bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Fury had cruised to a comfortable victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov in a one-sided contest that failed to ignite the crowd.

Anthony Joshua just DECLINED to face off with Tyson Fury in the ring

“You’re a clout chaser. You ain’t gonna tell me what to do. I’m the boss. You work for me.” pic.twitter.com/fx3Jo07GuR

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 11, 2026

With Joshua watching from ringside, Fury seized the moment to call out his long-time rival and urged him to step into the ring.

He said: “Next I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for; I want you AJ, Anthony Joshua

“Let’s give the fight fans what they want, a battle of Britain. I challenge you AJ to fight me, The Gypsy King, next. Say yes or no now.”

Joshua, however, declined the invitation and chose not to enter the ring, drawing jeers from sections of the crowd. He later fired back at Fury, saying: “Tyson… you’re a clout chaser. Tyson I’ve never had no problem getting in the ring with you, I punched you out when we were kids, and after seeing you in the ring tonight I’d punch you up again.”

“With all due respect tonight is your night and you I’ll sit across the ring from you in due time. You ain’t gonna tell me what to do. I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years. When you’re ready you come and see me and tell me your terms and conditions. I’m the boss, you work for me. I’m the landlord remember that, you work for me.”

Joshua insisted he remains open to the fight but stressed that proper negotiations must take place before any agreement is reached.

“There are negotiations that you go through. I have been at this table with him many times. In my heart, I’d fight Fury tomorrow, especially after watching that. There is not a problem fighting him.

“I am not here to get clout. I am here to fight. The contract will be sent over, we will go through the nitty gritty, and you will probably see us in the ring next, more than likely – but I am not here to get in the ring, shouting in someone’s face. If you look at my track record, I have never done that. I came to watch the fight, I saw what I saw, and I know what I need to do.”

When asked about a possible interim bout, Joshua added: “Good question. There is both options. We’ll see. I was in a serious incident maybe four months ago. I need to really check out what is going on with my return to the ring. But I’m here, keeping my eye on the game. I am not ducking anyone, there is just things in my life I need to tend to.

“I am sorting some things out. My brothers, their parents, the brotherhood of taking care of things. That is the priority right now.”

The long-anticipated clash between the two British heavyweights has been in the works for over a decade but has repeatedly fallen through, leaving fans still waiting for a definitive showdown.

Vanguard News

The post Video: ‘You’re a clout chaser’ – Anthony Joshua declines to fight Tyson Fury appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has adopted a set of strategic and actionable measures aimed at strengthening protection for children living in street situations and curbing child exploitation across the region. The resolutions were reached at the conclusion of a five-day Parliamentary Joint Committee meeting held in Freetown from April 7 to 11, […]

The forum of Local Government Chairmen of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of deepening economic hardship, failing on security, and pursuing policies that undermine democratic pluralism. Speaking on behalf of members of the forum, comprising PDP chairmen from each of the 20 […]

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, on Saturday launched a fierce attack on the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the federal government of undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations and worsening the socio-economic hardships faced by millions of citizens.

Tambuwal made the remarks shortly after the state congress of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto, where party leaders and supporters gathered to consolidate the party’s structures ahead of future political contests.

The former governor warned that Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system was increasingly under pressure, alleging that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was systematically weakening opposition parties to entrench political dominance.

“The APC-led government has destroyed opposition in this country,” Tambuwal declared.

“They have infected the Peoples Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party. There is now a push for all parties to endorse President Tinubu as the sole candidate. That is not democracy.”

Addressing party faithful, Tambuwal described the ADC as an emerging political force capable of restoring balance to Nigeria’s political landscape, stressing that the party was gaining traction nationwide, with Sokoto playing a central role in its expansion.

“Sokoto remains the home of the ADC,” he said. “From here we will continue to mobilise, strengthen our structures and build unity that will propel the party to greater national relevance.”

He commended party stakeholders for successfully conducting what he described as transparent and orderly congresses from the grassroots to the state level, noting that the process demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

“We have conducted successful congresses at the ward, local government, and state levels,” Tambuwal said. “I commend our leaders and members for their dedication and discipline throughout the process.”

Turning to national governance, the former governor accused the federal government of failing to confront Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, particularly insecurity, economic instability, and unemployment.

“The federal government has failed Nigerians in virtually all ramifications,” he stated. “What we see today is rising insecurity, deepening poverty, hunger, and increasing unemployment across the country.”

Tambuwal further alleged that the ruling party was already preparing to deploy financial resources to influence voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning Nigerians against trading their future for short-term inducements.

“They plan to deploy resources during the campaigns to buy votes,” he said. “But Nigerians must ask themselves if they are ready to sell their future and mortgage the destiny of the next generation.”

He also accused the administration of attempting to weaken dissenting voices and manipulate democratic institutions in ways that could disadvantage opposition parties.

“He presented himself as a democrat, but he is acting like a pseudo-democrat,” Tambuwal asserted.

“There are clear efforts to muzzle the opposition and influence key institutions, including the judiciary.”

Despite the challenges confronting opposition politics, Tambuwal insisted that democratic forces across the country would remain steadfast in defending Nigeria’s plural political system.

“We are standing firm, no shaking,” he declared. “We will continue to defend and sustain multiparty democracy in Nigeria.”

He expressed optimism that the ADC would consolidate its growing support base and emerge as a formidable alternative in the next electoral cycle.

“By the grace of God, we will win,” Tambuwal said confidently. “This time, no one will rig us out. We are determined to rescue Nigeria and restore hope to our people.”

The post Tambuwal blasts Tinubu’s govt, warns of ‘dangerous drift’ toward one-party state appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, GAFDAN, in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State has insisted that Fulani herdsmen should not be held responsible for the deadly attack on Mbwelle village in Kwatas district of the council where over 20 people were killed including eight members of one family.

While there have been accusations and speculations that the perpetrators of the attack were members of a Fulani militia gang, the GAFDAN body has come out to exonerate its members, saying the attack was not carried out by them as there is no evidence pointing towards that to substantiate the allegations.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Bokkos Chairman of GAFDAN, Saleh Adamu, the group stated that it had, over the years, educated its members on the need to live peacefully with their host communities and resist any attempt to be drawn into conflicts, no matter the provocation.

While condemning the attack which he said was unfortunate and unwarranted, Adamu wondered why Fulani people should be accused when no one could prove with certainty that the attackers were Fulanis.

“I was surprised to hear about the attack, especially as the community had been enjoying relative peace. There had been no incidents to justify this,” Adamu said in the statement.

“But the allegations now are that the attackers were Fulani people and I wonder how they quickly arrived at such a conclusion even when there is no evidence to back it up.

“I will categorically say here that our people are not responsible for the attack in Mbwelle and in other parts of Plateau State.

“We have been holding meetings, and peace was gradually returning. This development is both unfortunate and condemnable.

“We do not yet know those responsible. We urge security agencies to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Adamu insisted.

We are not responsible for attacks in Plateau communities – Fulani group insists