During the launch of the second phase of the Kaduna-Abuja-Kano road project, Minister of Works Dave Umahi asserted that President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State are destined to serve two full terms. This declaration was made alongside a critique of the nascent opposition coalition, spearheaded by figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

While acknowledging the right to opposition, Minister Umahi urged for a more constructive approach, emphasizing the need for viable alternatives to government policies rather than purely critical rhetoric. He cited recent positive assessments of the President’s economic reforms from international financial institutions as validation of the current administration’s trajectory. The Minister concluded with an optimistic outlook, suggesting Nigeria is on the path to prosperity. His pronouncements, however, have sparked debate regarding the role and responsibilities of both the ruling party and the opposition in a democratic system.

Reports circulating today detail alleged significant losses incurred by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction. The Russian Defence Ministry, in a statement released to news outlets Monday, claims Ukrainian forces have suffered 235 casualties within the past 24 hours.

The ministry further alleges that Ukraine has lost a total of 74,245 personnel and 406 tanks during the ongoing offensive in the Kursk region. According to the released statement, additional equipment losses over the past day include an armored personnel carrier, three combat armored vehicles, 14 automobiles, four field artillery weapons, four mortars, and a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system.

These claims coincide with reports of a separate incident in Sumy, Ukraine, where Russian missile strikes reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties. French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the Sumy attack and affirmed France’s commitment to pursuing a ceasefire in the conflict. The veracity of the Russian Defence Ministry’s claims regarding Ukrainian losses remains difficult to independently verify.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to prioritize a comprehensive agreement for the release of all remaining captives held by Hamas in Gaza. This call comes in response to reports suggesting a focus on a limited deal involving only ten hostages.

While acknowledging the desire for any release, the Forum reiterated the necessity of a broader solution in a statement released Sunday, stressing that “every additional day in captivity endangers the lives” of the hostages. Highlighting the severe conditions endured by the captives, including starvation and abuse, the Forum implored the government to pursue the “obvious, possible, and appropriate solution: end the war and return all the hostages…immediately.”

With an estimated 59 hostages still held, and only 24 believed to be alive, the Forum’s appeal reflects growing public pressure for a resolution. Recent protests underscore the urgent need for accelerated negotiations and a commitment to securing the release of all captives.