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.

Recent increases in telecommunication tariffs have sparked discontent among consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), subscribers voiced frustration over persistent network issues that plague service delivery despite the higher costs.

Consumers like Mr. Ogah Paul highlighted issues such as unreliable internet access and slow data speeds, even with ample data allowance. Mr. Victor James echoed these concerns, citing delayed data plan activation and overall unsatisfactory network performance.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated its commitment to holding service providers accountable for poor performance. However, subscribers are urging Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to proactively address these ongoing service deficiencies and ensure that service quality reflects the adjusted tariff structure. While some users, like Ms. Josephine Tanko, report positive experiences, the prevalent sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction, pushing for tangible improvements in network infrastructure and service reliability.

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.