Fola Badmus, Author at Trendbrio.com

EU Leadership Crisis Looms as Von der Leyen Faces Parliament Over Vaccine Deal Secrecy

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago26 mins

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing a dramatic — though largely symbolic — no-confidence vote in the European Parliament this Thursday, as backlash intensifies over her handling of the EU’s largest COVID-19 vaccine deal, dubbed “Pfizergate.” The motion, triggered by far-right Romanian lawmaker Gheorghe Piperea, focuses on a €35 billion contract for 1.8 billion Pfizer vaccine doses that von der Leyen reportedly negotiated directly with the company’s CEO, Albert Bourla, via text messages — communications the Commission later claimed were unarchived and “short-lived.” This is the first no-confidence vote against a Commission President since 2014, and although it is almost certain to fail — requiring a two-thirds majority in a 720-member chamber — it has reignited deep concerns about transparency, executive overreach, and the growing influence of nationalist parties in EU politics. ‘Biggest COVID Contract’ Shrouded in Secrecy The European Court of Auditors has called the Pfizer deal “the biggest Covid-19 vaccine contract signed by the Commission.” Critics say the negotiation bypassed institutional norms, lacked proper oversight, and resulted in inflated prices — €19.50 per dose compared to previous €15.50 contracts — costing taxpayers billions. While von der Leyen defends her actions as crisis management, European courts and watchdogs disagree. In May 2025, the EU’s General Court ruled that text messages related to public business must be preserved, calling the Commission’s refusal to release them a “violation of transparency laws.” Investigations into potential corruption, destruction of evidence, and abuse of office are still underway at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Parliament Divided — But Von der Leyen Remains Shielded Von der Leyen appeared before the Parliament on Monday with her full team of commissioners, calling the no-confidence motion “an extremist playbook move” and defending her direct contacts with vaccine manufacturers. She was backed by Manfred Weber, leader of her own European People’s Party (EPP), who accused far-right MPs of acting in Russia’s interest, stating: “Putin will like what his friends are doing here.” Still, the motion has exposed tensions among traditional allies. Center-left Social Democrats, liberal Renew Europe, and even some EPP members have criticized von der Leyen’s autocratic tendencies, but fear that removing her could hand a victory to anti-EU forces. “We will not give a single vote to those who want to destroy the European Union,” said Social Democratic leader Iratxe García, warning von der Leyen not to align too closely with the far right. The EPP has faced criticism for joining nationalists in rolling back climate regulations and blocking transparency measures. Political Spectacle, But Real Risks The vote is not secret, forcing every MEP to publicly state their position — raising the stakes for parties that may oppose von der Leyen’s style but want to avoid appearing aligned with Eurosceptics. The controversy could not come at a worse time for the Commission President, who is in the middle of sensitive trade negotiations with the United States. A potential U.S. tariff hike looms, and von der Leyen’s team is scrambling to finalize a deal by the July 9 deadline, recently extended by Washington. A Presidency Under Scrutiny Von der Leyen has led the Commission since 2019, navigating the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and managing the EU’s largest post-crisis recovery fund. Yet her tenure has been marred by a pattern of opacity. As Germany’s defense minister, she was investigated for mismanagement and destruction of communication records — a troubling echo of the current scandal. The Pfizergate saga, with billions in unused vaccines reportedly languishing in EU warehouses, has become a symbol of unchecked executive power, wasteful spending, and democratic erosion at the heart of Brussels. While the no-confidence vote is unlikely to unseat her, it has already become a powerful political reckoning — one that could shape the future of EU leadership, transparency reforms, and citizen trust in the European project.

Dangote Refinery Targets 100% Nigerian Crude Supply by End of 2025 — Bloomberg

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago23 mins

Africa’s largest oil refinery, the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, is poised to fully transition to sourcing its crude oil exclusively from Nigerian producers by the end of 2025, according to a report by Bloomberg. The refinery, which is already processing 550,000 barrels daily, received 53% of its crude from local sources in June, while the remaining 47% came from international suppliers including the U.S., Brazil, Angola, Ghana, and Equatorial Guinea. Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Dangote Industries Ltd., told Bloomberg that the transition to 100% local sourcing is underway as several long-term foreign contracts are set to expire. “Personally, and as a company, we expect that before the end of the year we can transition 100% to local crude,” Edwin said during a recent interview at the Lagos-based facility. The $19 billion refinery, inaugurated in May 2023, is seen as a strategic solution to Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on fuel imports. Although Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria has historically exported crude for refining abroad and re-imported the finished products—a costly and corruption-prone cycle that the Dangote refinery aims to break. In July and August, Dangote is scheduled to receive five crude oil cargoes each month from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), with each shipment containing nearly one million barrels. Challenges and Outlook The road to full local sourcing has not been without obstacles. Nigeria’s oil sector has been hampered by crude theft, pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, and a shift in ownership of oil assets from international oil companies to under-resourced local firms. Despite these challenges, Edwin expressed confidence that improved cooperation between Dangote, local oil traders, and the Nigerian government will stabilize domestic supply chains. A Regional Beacon of Hope During a recent visit to the refinery, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, hailed the project as a “beacon of hope” for Africa, underscoring its significance in driving regional industrialisation and economic independence. The Dangote Refinery, when fully operational, is expected to drastically reduce Nigeria’s import bill, generate jobs, and cement Nigeria’s status as a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

Enugu Air to Expand Globally as Governor Mbah Unveils Ambitious Aviation Vision

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago24 mins

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State says the newly launched Enugu Air will soon begin international operations, with future routes extending to China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other African nations. Speaking on Monday at the airline’s inauguration in Enugu, Governor Mbah revealed that Enugu Air would start with three Embraer aircraft, operating initial routes between Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, before expanding to other Nigerian cities including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano. “In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” Mbah announced, calling the airline a strategic tool for economic transformation in Enugu and the South-East region. He described the initiative as more than an infrastructural project, branding it an economic enabler and job creator, poised to position Enugu as a regional transportation and logistics hub. The governor emphasized that the project would support the state’s aviation strategy, stimulate tourism, and attract over three million visitors annually. Mbah said the transportation sector would generate over 20,000 jobs across various services, including BRT systems, airport operations, ride-hailing, logistics, and support roles. Enugu Air will operate under a technical partnership with XEJet Airlines for 24 months while working to obtain its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Mbah credited Fidelity Bank Plc for supporting the state’s aviation vision financially. XEJet CEO Emmanuel Ayuba Iza described the launch as “a bold dream” powered by the people of Enugu. He revealed that Kelechi Ossai, a native pilot from Enugu, has been recruited, and that the cabin crew includes trained locals prepared to deliver world-class service. Transport Commissioner Obi Ozor said the state aims to replicate Dubai’s success by creating a transportation system that will grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion, powered by innovation and infrastructure. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, present at the launch, praised Mbah as “one of Nigeria’s top-performing governors”, joking that even political opponents are worried about his rising profile. He, however, urged the government to keep Enugu Air free from politics and bureaucratic inefficiency. “Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally, and ensure it delivers on schedule,” Keyamo advised.

FG Clears ₦20bn Debt, Processes Over 3.5m Passports Under Tinubu Administration

Fola Badmus3 months ago2 months ago24 mins

The Federal Government has cleared a ₦20 billion debt and resolved a backlog of over 200,000 passport applications inherited before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced on Tuesday. Speaking at the inauguration of a new Passport Front Office in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the achievement was part of the broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has so far resulted in the issuance of over 3.5 million passports in less than two years. “When we came in, there was a backlog of over 200,000 passports and nearly ₦20 billion in debt. Today, that backlog has been cleared, and the debt has been settled,” the minister stated. From August 2023, a total of 3,546,258 passports have been processed: 3,080,141 locally and 466,117 in the diaspora. He credited the improvements to reforms that also saved the government over ₦1 billion annually. A key move, he said, was the automation of breeder document uploads—such as birth and marriage certificates—previously managed by expensive third-party contractors. “This is a major reform. We no longer pay contractors for what Nigerians can upload themselves. That money stays with government now,” Tunji-Ojo noted. To enhance accessibility and global recognition, the number of centres issuing enhanced e-passports has expanded from 26 to 44 locally, and from five to 47 internationally. All passport offices now issue harmonised, ICAO-compliant enhanced passports, eliminating inconsistencies that previously undermined Nigeria’s global travel credibility. He also announced that a central passport personalisation facility—funded at zero cost to the government by Iris Smart Technologies—will launch in August 2025, further modernising Nigeria’s passport infrastructure. Nigeria has also joined the International Civil Aviation Organization Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), allowing global digital authentication of its passports. Additionally, the minister revealed that from July 31, 2025, all applications for Special Expatriate Permits and Temporary Work Permits must be submitted online only, citing national security and transparency. “Manual processing will no longer be allowed. We must have the data, biometrics, and documentation of every applicant,” he said. The reforms, according to Tunji-Ojo, are rooted in a commitment to digital transformation, transparency, and national security, while eliminating systemic inefficiencies and ensuring citizens get timely, secure, and world-class services.

People Are Dying Just Trying to Get Food: Desperation Grows in Gaza Amid Continued Israeli Bombardment

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago54 mins

Gaza City – July 7, 2025 — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened drastically as Israel’s unrelenting bombardment continues, with at least nine people killed in strikes on a UN-run school and a residential building in Gaza City, while others were gunned down near an aid distribution site in Rafah. According to Al Jazeera, the al-Shafi school, where hundreds of displaced Palestinians were sheltering, was hit at around 2:15am. “We heard the sound of something devastating explode in the hall,” said survivor Zahwa Salmi.“People were shouting: ‘There is no god but Allah! Help us, someone!’ But then we no longer heard any sound from them.” In southern Rafah, nine Palestinians, including three children, were reportedly shot dead near a Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution point. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said witnesses described the horrific scene where people were too afraid to retrieve the bodies, fearing they might be shot too. “The number of Palestinians killed while trying to get food has now crossed 700,” Mahmoud reported. “This is happening in a place where enforced dehydration and starvation is widespread.” He criticized the GHF operations as “performative” and lacking genuine humanitarian structure or safety protocols. Global Aid Official: ‘Hardest Situation I’ve Ever Seen’ The World Food Programme’s Deputy Executive Director, Charles Skau, who just completed his fourth visit to Gaza since the war began, called the level of human suffering “indescribable.” “It’s hard to find words to describe the level of desperation I have witnessed,” Skau said. “People are dying just trying to get food.” He urged an immediate ceasefire, citing the success of past humanitarian operations during earlier truces: “During the previous ceasefire, we delivered over 8,000 trucks of food in just 42 days. We can do it again—if the violence stops and all entry points are opened.” Mounting Death Toll and Humanitarian Collapse The continued blockade and bombardment have pushed Gaza deeper into catastrophe, with widespread hunger, lack of medical care, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. International outcry has been growing, with human rights groups and aid agencies warning of a full-scale famine if urgent action isn’t taken. Despite global appeals, no new ceasefire agreement has been reached, and military operations continue in densely populated areas. As conditions deteriorate, humanitarian officials warn that Gaza is on the brink of collapse, and time is running out to save millions of lives.

Gaza Death Toll Surges as Israel Kills 100 in a Day Amid Trump-Netanyahu White House Talks

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago52 mins

As U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepare to meet again at the White House, the war in Gaza has taken a deadlier turn, with at least 95 Palestinians killed in a single day, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The victims include war-displaced civilians who were struck while sheltering in tents, as Israel intensified its bombardments across the Gaza Strip. The total death toll from Israel’s assault, which began after the October 7, 2023 attacks, has now reached 57,575, with more than 136,000 wounded. The White House confirmed that Trump and Netanyahu’s discussions will “exclusively” focus on the Gaza war, as pressure mounts globally for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the Red Sea where Yemen’s Houthi fighters hit a second vessel in two days, reportedly using rocket-propelled grenades. The Houthis say the attacks are in retaliation for the war in Gaza. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 Hamas-led assault, with more than 200 hostages initially taken into Gaza — some of whom remain unaccounted for. The international community continues to express alarm over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, with aid agencies warning of famine, displacement, and total collapse of basic services.

Labour Party Faction Moves to Expel Peter Obi Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago43 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: Abuja | July 8, 2025 Abayomi Arabambi, the factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), has declared that the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi, will soon be formally expelled for alleged anti-party activities. In a strongly worded statement, Arabambi accused Obi of fraternising with rival political platforms, a move he described as unconstitutional and disloyal. He insisted that Obi had already been suspended before further engaging in acts that contradict the party’s constitution. “You don’t join a political party and at the same time put your leg in another. He knows it is unconstitutional to belong to two political parties,” Arabambi said. He criticised Obi’s alleged association with what he called the “Yahoo Yahoo coalition”—a veiled reference to the new ADC-led opposition alliance featuring key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and others. Arabambi also dismissed the legitimacy of any caretaker committees or parallel party structures formed under Obi’s influence, asserting that both the Labour Party’s internal constitution and Section 222 of the Nigerian Constitution prohibit such arrangements. “We are convening a NEC meeting where he (Obi) will be expelled. The expulsion will be recommended at NEC and ratified at our national convention in line with our constitution,” he stated. The statement further deepens the crisis within the Labour Party, which has been plagued by internal factional battles and leadership disputes since the conclusion of the 2023 elections. While Peter Obi has yet to formally respond to these expulsion threats, his recent political moves, including attendance at opposition strategy meetings, have raised questions about his next political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections. The Julius Abure-led LP faction, to which Arabambi belongs, insists it is the only constitutionally recognised leadership of the party. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to issue an official statement regarding the legitimacy of either faction.

NCAA Approves Enugu Air for Domestic Flights Hours After Launch

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago52 mins

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially granted Enugu Air approval to commence domestic flight operations, just hours after the Enugu State Government unveiled its new air fleet. In a statement issued by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the approval aligns with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which aims to expand indigenous airlines, streamline aviation business processes, and implement broad sectoral reforms. While Enugu Air awaits the finalization of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), it will begin operations in collaboration with XEJET, which has been designated as its operational partner. “Pursuant to this partnership, XEJET has completed a full variation process to incorporate the EMB 170 aircraft into its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs),” the statement noted. The certification aligns with the NCAA’s stringent five-phase certification procedure, making XEJET fully authorized to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under existing guidelines. Achimugu added that ticket sales are already underway via the XEJET platform, accessible through a redirect on the Enugu Air official website. He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to fostering a regulatory environment that supports indigenous airlines while maintaining safety, security, and consumer protection standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.