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Tchiani Conquers Macron

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The diplomatic row consequent upon the forced change of leadership in the Central African country of Niger Republic has assumed a new turn, as colonial masters, France, has bowed to orders to leave their former colony.

Recall that coupists led by Gen Tchiani, a former Head of the Presidential Guard to the Elected-President, Mohamed Bazoum, wrestled power in a palace coup on July 26, 2023.

Biztellers reported that the military government made public its decision to evict foreign troops – including French and US in Niger, while drawing the cotton on all MoUs between them and France.

France on its part, insisted that the only recognised authority in its former colony, was ousted Mohamed Bazoum, while maintaining that it would not heed the order of the Gen Tchiani-led junta.

The military government had given the French Ambassador a 24-hour notice to leave the country.

All the grandstandings appear to have been confined to history as French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, revealed that his country would withdraw its ambassador and troops from Niger.

Macron said, “France has decided to withdraw its ambassador. In the next hours our ambassador and several diplomats will return to France,”

In addition, as demanded by the coupists, Macron admitted, that military cooperation between both country was “over”.

This would mean that 1,500 French troops stationed in the country would withdraw in “the months and weeks to come” with a full pullout “by the end of the year”.

This is coming, after weeks of pressure from the military government which had the backing of popular demonstrations. Thousands of people have protested in recent weeks in the capital Niamey, including outside a military base housing French soldiers.

In a swift reaction, the Gen Tchiani led government, on Sunday, issued a message of cheer.

In a nationwide broadcast on television, the Niger military leaders said, “This Sunday, we celebrate a new step towards the sovereignty of Niger.

“This is a historic moment, which speaks to the determination and will of the Nigerien people.”

Biztellers reports that this coming as France’s troops have also been asked to leave its former colonies Mali and Burkina Faso.

Analysts see this as victory for the populist movement sweeping across former French colonies in Central and West Africa.

Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque, said, “This is definitely a small victory for the government in transition, and perhaps an embarrassment for the French who have seen Mali, Burkina Faso and now a third country in the Sahel where it is being asked by the government in place to leave the country.”

Haque, who reports for Al Jazeera from Dakar, Senegal observed that the French ambassador had, “essentially been held hostage inside the embassy. The Niger security forces wouldn’t let anyone in or out. He has been surviving on the food rations inside the embassy.”

Recall that with the backing of Franch and other European forces, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions in the wake of the July coup, and threatened military intervention.

However, the failure of ECOWAS to secure the popular support, inlduing the Nigerian Senate prevailing on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from embarking on a military adventure in a neighbouring country cooled-off the moves by the regional bloc.

NEWS

Gunmen Kill Ex-Ogun State Broadcaster, Security Guard in Early Morning Attack

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Man Arrested For Burglary In Ogun Churches

Gunmen have killed a former staff member of Ogun State Television, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan,” alongside her security guard in a violent early morning attack in Agodo community along the Abeokuta–Siun–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw residents of the area into panic and mourning as news of the killings spread across the community.

The victims were reportedly attacked inside their residence by unknown armed men who stormed the compound and carried out the operation before fleeing the scene.

SEE MORE: Midnight Horror in Kaduna: Gunmen Kill Nine, Injure 11 in Fresh Community Attack

The security guard on duty was also killed during the invasion.

The attack took place within the Abeokuta axis of Abeokuta, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.

As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while security agencies are expected to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.

An anonymous source who spoke on the development said the incident was discovered after concerned church members went to check on the deceased when she failed to appear at church service.

The source said: “They had come around to check on Mrs Oyesiku when they did not see her in the church. On getting to her residence, they found out that the security officer had been killed, and they later also saw that the assailants had also killed Mrs Oyesiku. That was how they raised the alarm in the community.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations.

Mrs. Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with the state-owned television station, was well known in media circles before her retirement.

Her death has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and residents across Ogun State, as calls mount for improved security in the area.

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NEWS

Ekiti 2026: Tinubu Hails Oyebanji, Demands Cooperation from Opposition Parties

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a clear affirmation of the people’s trust in continuity, stability, and development-focused leadership.

Tinubu also called on opposition parties in the state to accept the results of the election and work with the re-elected governor to strengthen governance and accelerate development across Ekiti.

His message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the official declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission).

ALSO READ: Ekiti Poll Shock: ADC Candidate Loses Home Ward to Oyebanji

The president said the victory represents a strong endorsement of Oyebanji’s performance during his first term in office, noting that the people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership.

He urged the governor to remain humble in victory and ensure inclusive governance that carries all stakeholders along in the next phase of administration.

“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.

Tinubu further appealed to candidates who participated in the election to prioritize peace and unity, stressing the importance of collaboration in moving the state forward.

He noted that the election outcome should mark the beginning of broader cooperation among political actors in Ekiti rather than division.

According to him, Oyebanji’s first term witnessed notable progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and rural development under the BAO agenda.

The president described the renewed mandate as a reflection of voters’ confidence in stability and continuity of governance.

“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu stated.

He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deepen development and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu praised the conduct of voters during the election, describing the process as largely peaceful, and commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

Meanwhile, Biodun Oyebanji was officially declared winner of the poll after securing 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of the state.

The victory makes him the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win consecutive re-election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history.

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International News

“He Failed Badly” — Trump Says Starmer Will Step Down as UK PM

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U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from office, accusing the Labour leader of failing on two critical issues — immigration and energy policy.

Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed Starmer’s leadership had fallen short in addressing challenges facing the United Kingdom.

SEE MORE:New US Strike on Iran Sends Oil Prices Soaring as Middle East Tensions Escalate

“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “He failed badly on two very important subjects — IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!”

The U.S. president did not provide any evidence to support his claim, nor did he reveal the basis for his prediction that Starmer would leave office.

Starmer, who leads the Labour Party, became Prime Minister after securing victory in the UK’s general election.

Since taking office, his government has faced criticism over a range of issues, including migration policies, energy security, and the cost-of-living challenges confronting many Britons.

Trump’s comments come as debates over immigration and energy continue to dominate political discussions in the UK.

However, there has been no official statement from Starmer, his office, or the British government suggesting that he plans to resign.

As of the time of filing this report, Starmer remains in office and continues to lead the government despite the claims made by the American president.

 

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