Year: 2025

LONDON/DAURA — The remains of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari have departed London aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, en route to his hometown of Daura in Katsina State, ahead of his state burial scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to Buhari, confirmed the development in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Tuesday. The late president’s body is accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials. Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in a London hospital after a prolonged, undisclosed illness. He was 82 years old. In honour of the former leader, the Federal Government declared Tuesday a public holiday to facilitate the state burial and allow Nigerians to pay their last respects. The late president, widely regarded for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, hailed from Daura in Nigeria’s northwestern region. He served as Nigeria’s military head of state between 1984 and 1985 and later returned to power as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. Initial plans for his body to arrive on Monday were delayed, prompting adjustments to the burial arrangements. Ahmad stated that the body is now expected to land in Katsina at noon on Tuesday, with funeral prayers scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites. Buhari’s passing has drawn tributes from across Nigeria and beyond, marking the end of an era in the nation’s political history.

Washington, D.C. | July 14, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping new arms deal for Ukraine and issued a sharp warning to Russia, threatening to impose “very severe tariffs” within 50 days if President Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking from the White House on Monday alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump confirmed the United States would send “billions of dollars” worth of military equipment to NATO, which would then oversee its distribution to Ukraine. “In a nutshell, we’re going to make top-of-the-line weapons, and they’ll be sent to NATO,” Trump said, adding that the funding for the weapons would come from NATO member countries. Among the weapons included in the deal are Patriot air defence systems, a critical upgrade for Ukraine’s defence against near-nightly Russian missile and drone attacks. Trump, who campaigned in 2024 on a pledge to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours, expressed growing frustration over Putin’s refusal to accept a ceasefire or engage in meaningful peace talks. “If Putin doesn’t sign a peace deal, we’re going to hit them with secondary tariffs—100 percent tariffs,” Trump said. “He knows what a fair deal is.” Tensions Rise as War Grinds On The Kremlin has consistently rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire, saying a 30-day pause would only allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm. Trump’s increasingly blunt language reflects growing U.S. impatience. Just last week, he accused Putin of feeding America “a lot of b******.” Trump also expressed exasperation with the dissonance between his diplomatic conversations with Putin and Russia’s continued military aggression. “My conversations with him are always very pleasant… Then I go home and the first lady says, ‘Oh really? Another city just got hit.’” Trump did not confirm whether long-range offensive weapons would be part of the package but said the U.S. would redeploy Patriot systems from around the world for NATO to allocate. NATO Welcomes Move NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the move as a significant show of force and unity, saying: “If I were Vladimir Putin today and heard what President Trump just announced, I’d seriously reconsider my position.” Rutte confirmed the incoming weapons would include missiles, ammunition, and advanced air defences, offering a critical lifeline to Ukraine. Kyiv Responds With Cautious Optimism In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s support during his nightly video address, thanking the U.S. and stating that discussions were ongoing for “major defence agreements”, though he declined to give details. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Ukraine, Rory Challands, noted that if the Patriots do arrive, they will “go a long way in protecting Ukrainian skies” from the constant bombardment of ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones. Kremlin and Russian Reaction The Russian government downplayed the development, insisting dialogue remains its priority. However, domestic sentiment in Russia appeared mixed. “There were hopes that Trump would help end the conflict,” said Al Jazeera’s Yulia Shapovalova from Moscow. “But now, pro-war sources are saying, ‘You see? Trump was never our friend.’” Behind the Shift: Mounting Pressure Analysts say Trump’s shift in tone comes after months of failed diplomatic efforts and images of Ukrainian civilian suffering shown to him by close advisers. “Trump gave Putin six months,” said Melinda Haring of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. “He stuck his neck out, and now he feels betrayed.” As Washington ramps up its military support, all eyes are now on Moscow’s response—whether to escalate further or come to the negotiating table.

By Kamal Yalwa: LONDON | July 15, 2025 Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that many officials who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari failed to meet his expectations—despite Buhari’s steadfast commitment to discipline and anti-corruption during his time in office. Speaking in London following Buhari’s death on Sunday, Abdulsalami described the late president as a sincere, incorruptible, and principled leader whose legacy will remain indelible in Nigeria’s political history. “We were in the same hospital,” Abdulsalami disclosed. “Unfortunately, I had just been discharged when I heard the news of his death. I quickly returned to see the family and support efforts to prepare his body for the journey home.” President Buhari, 82, died in a London clinic after a brief illness. His remains are expected to be flown back to Nigeria and buried with full national honours in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. Abdulsalami, who oversaw Nigeria’s transition from military to civilian rule in 1999, said his bond with Buhari dated back to their early days in the military. “My relationship with General Buhari dates as far back as 1962,” he said. “We joined the army at the same time. He was my senior, and we both served in the same sector during the civil war.” Describing Buhari as “quiet, deeply principled, and trustworthy,” Abdulsalami noted his longstanding reputation for integrity. “You could trust Buhari with anything, and he would not betray you,” he said. “As a military ruler, he launched the War Against Indiscipline, and Nigerians became more respectful and orderly during that time.” Reflecting on Buhari’s return to power in 2015 as a democratically elected president, Abdulsalami acknowledged the late leader’s consistent stance against corruption, but lamented the failure of many in his administration. “During his democratic tenure, he tried his best to fight corruption again,” he said. “Unfortunately, most of the officers who served with him were found wanting. They didn’t do as much as he expected of them.” Abdulsalami described Buhari’s passing as a “big blow to Nigeria,” noting that President Bola Tinubu had dispatched Vice-President Kashim Shettima to accompany the late president’s remains back home—“a sign of how deeply the nation feels this loss.” “Despite his quiet nature, Buhari was strong in character and consistent in principle,” he said. “We have lost a patriot who tried to make Nigeria better. His death is not just a loss to his family, but to the entire nation.” The federal government has declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the late president, alongside a seven-day national mourning period during which flags are flying at half-mast. Funeral arrangements are being finalized in consultation with Buhari’s family.

By Kamal Yalwa: Lagos | July 14, 2025 Former Super Eagles winger and left-footed maestro, Okwuchukwu ‘Allen’ Waobikeze, has passed away, Daily Watch Nigeria reports. The news of his death comes just days after the passing of another Nigerian football legend, former national team captain and goalkeeper Peter Rufai. Fondly nicknamed “Babaoo” by fans and teammates, Waobikeze was admired for his dazzling footwork, explosive pace, and signature left-footed strikes. Although his time with the Super Eagles was brief due to intense competition in the squad, he made a lasting impression in Nigeria’s domestic league. Waobikeze starred for several top clubs, including Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, BCC Lions of Gboko, and the famed Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland FC), where he thrilled fans with his creativity and flair on the ball. His passing was confirmed on Monday by his brother, Eli Waobikeze, who shared a heartfelt tribute via Facebook: “On behalf of the Waobikeze family, I would like to announce the peaceful passing to eternal glory of my brother Allen Okwuchukwu Waobikeze. He transitioned at about 7:34 pm CST. “We appreciate everyone who prayed, called, and visited my brother. Every funeral arrangement will be posted. Please keep our family in your prayers at this time as we plan to send forth our beloved brother. God bless you all.” Tributes have already begun pouring in from fans, former teammates, and football enthusiasts across the country, remembering Waobikeze not only for his football prowess but also for his humility and sportsmanship. Further details regarding funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja | July 14, 2025 The special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting earlier convened by President Bola Tinubu in honour of late former President Muhammadu Buhari has been postponed. The emergency session, originally scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, was delayed due to a clash with Buhari’s state funeral, which will take place the same day in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. This was disclosed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy. “The remains of the former Nigerian leader will arrive from London tomorrow [Tuesday] by noon, after which he will be committed to Mother Earth in accordance with Islamic rites in his home town,” the statement read. Onanuga added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) will announce a new date for the rescheduled FEC session after the funeral rites. President Tinubu had called for the special session to honour Buhari’s contributions to national unity, security, and democratic development. The federal government has also declared Tuesday, July 15, a public holiday to honour the late president, who died on Sunday in a London clinic following a prolonged illness. Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila have since traveled to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria, following directives from President Tinubu.