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Cameroon’s 92-Year-Old President Paul Biya Declares Bid for Eighth Term

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving head of state at 92, has officially announced his candidacy for an eighth presidential term in the upcoming election scheduled for October 12, 2025. Biya made the declaration on Sunday via posts on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, writing in both French and English: “I am a candidate in the presidential election. Rest assured that my determination to serve you matches the urgency of the challenges we face.” If re-elected, Biya could remain in power until nearly 100, extending a tenure that began in 1982 following the resignation of Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. His announcement, while widely anticipated, ends months of speculation—particularly amid concerns about his health, which has drawn attention after multiple unexplained absences, including a 42-day disappearance from public view last year. The ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) had repeatedly urged him to run again, but opposition leaders and civil society groups are calling the move a blow to democracy. “After over 40 years in power, what the country needs is renewal – not repetition,” said Nkongho Felix Agbor, a prominent human rights lawyer. “Cameroonians deserve democratic change and accountable leadership.” Critics argue Biya’s long rule has stifled democratic development and institutional transparency in the Central African nation. He scrapped term limits in 2008, enabling him to seek re-election indefinitely. In 2018, Biya won re-election with 71.28% of the vote amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud. The political opposition remains fragmented, though key figures have declared their intention to run, including: Cameroon continues to face significant national challenges, including: Observers warn that if Biya becomes too ill or dies while in office, Cameroon could face a destabilizing succession crisis, given the lack of a clear and credible transition plan. As Biya seeks to extend his already 43-year-long rule, questions over legitimacy, leadership capacity, and the democratic future of Cameroon loom large over the 2025 presidential race.

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.

NFF President, Gusau, Becomes President of WAFU B

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) was on Monday installed as President of the West African Football Union (Zone B). Gusau’s instalment followed the resignation of the Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association, who left the WAFU B number one seat following his election into the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football two months ago. WAFU B headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire reported that Gusau “enjoys strong support among the zone’s members to bring continuity and dynamism to WAFU Zone B.” Gusau has been President of the NFF since 30th September 2022, and was First Vice President of WAFU B before this fresh elevation. The instalment comes less than 24 hours after the Nigeria U20 boys, Flying Eagles, won the bronze medals at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, with a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals to boot.

Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Insecurity Accuses President of Indifference Amid Rising Violence

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, describing the current administration as “utterly incapable” and lacking the competence to address the country’s security crisis. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku expressed deep concern over the federal government’s perceived indifference to the ongoing violence, particularly in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State. According to Atiku, the rising insecurity has become a daily tragedy for many Nigerians, yet the Tinubu administration continues to show no urgency or empathy. He accused the president of being absent during a time of national trauma, saying that Nigerians are left to suffer and mourn without leadership or meaningful response from the federal government. “Leadership demands presence,” he wrote, criticizing Tinubu for prioritizing foreign trips over the lives of citizens at home. To support his point, Atiku referenced international examples of responsive leadership, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, who cut short a diplomatic visit in response to a domestic crisis, and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who returned home during an electricity emergency. He also recalled how former President Goodluck Jonathan returned from abroad following a deadly bomb blast in Abuja, highlighting that responsible leaders prioritize national emergencies. Atiku condemned what he described as Tinubu’s “governing in absentia” and said that even if the administration cannot solve the security challenges, it should at least show empathy. “If Tinubu cannot deliver safety and dignity to Nigerians, the very least he can do is pretend to care — regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation,” he stated. His comments reflect growing frustration not only from the opposition but also, he claimed, from members within the ruling party who privately admit their concerns. He concluded by offering condolences to the government and people of Benue State, pledging to continue speaking out against the government’s failures. “Nigeria is bleeding. Nigerians are dying. The president is nowhere to be found,” Atiku said, urging all Nigerians to hold the government accountable for the safety and well-being of its citizens.

President Federation Cup: NFF insists on this weekend for finals in all States and the FCT

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago01 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has again declared that all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory must stage the final matches of their 2025 President Federation Cup competition on Saturday, 22nd February or Sunday, 23rd February 2025. In a statement to secretaries of Football Associations in all the 36 States and the FCT, NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, reiterated: “Final matches are to be played ONLY ON 22nd/23rd, except in special cases and as approved by the NFF “Failure to adhere to the above attracts a fine of N1,000,000 (One million naira only).” The National Play-Off of this year’s competition has been scheduled for 5th March, with the National Draw one week later, while the Rounds of 64, 32 and 16 are scheduled for 19th March, 2nd April and 16th April 2025 respectively. The quarter-finals have been slated for 3rd and 4th May, with the semi-finals fixed for 17th and 18th May.

Jimmy Carter state funeral set for Jan. 9

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago04 mins

The official state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter will be held Jan. 9 at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the White House confirmed Monday. The Carter Center releases a statement saying the family has accepted an invitation from Congress for Carter, who died Sunday at 100, to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. Details on the events in Washington and in Georgia, including burial for Carter, have not been released. President Joe Biden declared Jan. 9 a National Day of Mourning and ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days. In Plains on Monday, two National Park Service rangers hung wreaths marked with black ribbon on the doors of the building where Carter went to high school. The school is now the Plains High School Visitor’s Center and is dedicated to teaching people about Carter. Inside, Sandra Hicks, who lives down the road in Americus, Georgia, was touring the school with her grandsons. She wanted to teach the boys about Carter’s legacy “so they can learn more about where he actually came from, get a firsthand experience of what it looked like.” Hicks met the Carters while she was working at the photo center in the Walmart in Americus. “He was never a stranger, even with Secret Service and what have you,” Hicks said. One of her grandsons, Jaxson Hughes, 11, expressed his appreciation for having a president from near where he lives. He said Carter knew the struggle of the people in the area and was able to advocate for them. Hicks mentioned Carter’s long history on humanitarian work, particularly his time with Habitat for Humanity, when she said he did much good in Americus. On a broader scale, Hicks said Carter also helped change the culture of Americus into one that cared for all the people of the town. Dave and Nancy Shelbourne were also visiting the school Monday. The couple, from Indianapolis, was driving to Naples, Florida, for the winter. After Carter died, they stopped in Plains to learn about the president in honor of their grandson also named Carter. “It’s just nice to know there are still good people in the world still trying to do things for humanity,” Dave Shelbourne said about the president.

SWAN felicitates with Christians on Christmas Day

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians, particularly the sporting media on the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, known as Christmas. SWAN in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Wednesday December 25, 2024, noted the day affords Christians opportunity not just to merry but to reflect on the personality of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The SWAN President then urged Nigerians to cheer-up at this time and always, bearing in mind that the challenges facing mankind are only momentary. He said, “A day like this should remind us of the essence of the celebration of Christmas. It’s a day to reflect and take stock with a view to find solace going forward. “Despite economic and other challenges facing mankind, the living joy posits that there is always hope for better times ahead.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria also enjoined Christians to share and rejoice with all as Jesus Christ exemplified while he lived on earth and through his teachings. “Christmas is also a time of sharing with one another no matter how small. We should endeavour to reach out to our neighbours, friends, loved ones, colleagues and all strata of persons around us, irrespective of tribe and religion as is in Jesus Christ nature and teachings. “Let us use this period as an opportunity to sacrifice, tough times notwithstanding, just as we promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society,” he said. President Benjamin also prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection for all SWAN members nationwide and globally at this period and ahead of coming 2025.

Zelensky: War ‘ll ‘end sooner’ with Trump as president

Fola Badmus10 months ago10 months ago05 mins

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky believed that he is certain the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have once Donald Trump becomes US president. Zelensky said he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during their phone conversation after his victory in the US presidential election. He did not say whether Trump had made any demands regarding possible talks with Russia, but said he’d not heard anything from him that was contrary to Ukraine’s position. Trump has consistently said his priority is to end the war and stop what he says is a drain on US resources, in the form of military aid to Ukraine. Earlier this year, the US House of Representatives approved a $61bn (£49bn) package in military aid for Ukraine to help combat Russia’s invasion. The US has been the biggest arms supplier to Ukraine – between February 2022 and the end of June 2024, it delivered or committed weapons and equipment worth $55.5bn (£41.5bn), according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German research organisation. “It is certain that the war will end sooner with the policies of the team that will now lead the White House. This is their approach, their promise to their citizens,” Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne. He added that Ukraine “must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means”. The situation on the battlefield is difficult, with Russian forces making advances, Zelensky said. Trump and Zelensky have long had a tumultuous relationship. Trump was impeached in 2019 over accusations that he pressured Zelensky to dig up damaging information on the family of US President Joe Biden. Despite years of differences, Trump has insisted he had a very good relationship with Zelensky. When the pair met in New York in September, Trump said he “learned a lot” from the meeting and said he would get the war “resolved very quickly”. During the US election campaign, the former president turned president-elect repeatedly pledged to end the war “in a day” – but has yet to divulge how he intends to do so. His Democratic opponents have accused him of cosying up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and say his approach to the war amounts to surrender for Ukraine that will endanger all of Europe. Earlier this week, Russia denied reports that a call between Putin and Trump took place days after the latter’s election win, in which the president-elect is said to have warned against escalating the conflict further. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who spoke with Trump following the US election, told German media that the incoming US leader had a “more nuanced” position on the war than was commonly assumed. The German leader was criticised by Zelensky over a phone call with Putin – the first in nearly two years – on Friday. Despite Scholz’s office saying he reiterated his call to end the war, Zelensky said it weakened the Russian leader’s isolation.