Headlines

Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the country’s economic liberalization, has passed away at the age of 92.

Singh, one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers, held office from 2004 to 2014. Before that, as finance minister in the 1990s, he spearheaded transformative economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy. Reports indicate that Singh had been hospitalized in Delhi after his health deteriorated.

Tributes poured in following his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders” and praised his “wisdom and humility.” Modi also acknowledged Singh’s efforts to improve the lives of Indians during his tenure as prime minister.

Congress party leaders also paid their respects. Priyanka Gandhi described Singh as “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end.” Her brother Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, said he had “lost a mentor and guide.”

Singh made history as the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full term and as the first Sikh to hold the country’s highest office. During his tenure, he publicly apologized in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which around 3,000 Sikhs were killed.

While Singh’s first term as prime minister was widely lauded, his second term was overshadowed by corruption scandals, which many believe contributed to the Congress party’s heavy defeat in the 2014 general election.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mrs. Joy Enwa, the Accountant General of Delta State, as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

According to EFCC sources, the funds in question include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states. The anti-graft agency has also interrogated other officials, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior official from the Government House.

The arrest follows the detention of former Governor Okowa in November at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office over allegations of diverting state funds for personal gain. Assets allegedly connected to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and investments in the oil sector.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who previously served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020. This is not her first controversy, as she was implicated in 2015 in a ₦369 million fraud case involving state officials and bank representatives.

When approached for comments, Mrs. Enwa declined to elaborate, saying, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

The EFCC investigation continues, with more details expected to emerge as the case unfolds.The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Mrs. Joy Enwa, the Accountant General of Delta State, as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ₦1.3 trillion linked to the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

According to EFCC sources, the funds in question include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation intended for oil-producing states. The anti-graft agency has also interrogated other officials, including a former Director of Finance and Administration and a senior official from the Government House.

The arrest follows the detention of former Governor Okowa in November at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office over allegations of diverting state funds for personal gain. Assets allegedly connected to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and investments in the oil sector.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating, “Mrs. Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who previously served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020. This is not her first controversy, as she was implicated in 2015 in a ₦369 million fraud case involving state officials and bank representatives.

When approached for comments, Mrs. Enwa declined to elaborate, saying, “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

The EFCC investigation continues, with more details expected to emerge as the case unfolds.

At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday.

The Sokoto State Government confirmed the incident, describing it as a tragic error. According to the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were struck during a military operation targeting terrorist groups in the area.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu visited the affected communities to sympathize with the residents, calling the incident “unfortunate” and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. “The military jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal groups terrorizing the state and mistakenly bombed innocent villagers,” the governor said.

Aliyu assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the error and prevent future occurrences. He prayed for the deceased and urged the families to remain strong in the face of the tragedy.

Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana, Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, identified the intended target of the operation as members of the Lakurawa terrorist group. He added that efforts were underway to assess the full extent of casualties and damages caused by the airstrike.

However, confirming the exact number of deaths and injuries remains challenging, as assessments are ongoing. Attempts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for comments were unsuccessful, as the spokesman’s contact was unreachable.

The military authorities later issued a statement addressing the incident. Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, neither confirmed nor denied that military jets struck the civilian communities.

He emphasized the complexity of the ongoing military operations and warned against unverified reports. “All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance to ensure precision and safeguard civilian lives,” Abdullahi stated.

He added that the targets hit near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group, reaffirming the justification for the operation. Abdullahi also highlighted the risk of media disinformation by terrorist groups attempting to undermine military successes.

The death toll from post-election riots in Mozambique has risen to approximately 150, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide. At least 121 people have reportedly died since Monday.

The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), as the winner of the presidential election with 65% of the votes. FRELIMO has been in power for 49 years.

Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the votes, rejected the results, alleging electoral manipulation. Mondlane has since fled Mozambique, urging his supporters to protest against what he described as a fraudulent election. In a social media post over the weekend, he warned of a possible popular uprising if the results are not overturned.

Adding to the chaos, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison amid the political unrest, according to Mozambique police chief Bernardino Rafael. Clashes between inmates and guards left 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured.

The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the fallout from the disputed election.

A fire outbreak has ravaged the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) office in Oshodi, Lagos, near Cappa Bus Stop.

The incident reportedly started around midnight on Wednesday, December 25, and efforts to contain the blaze were ongoing as of 5 a.m. on Thursday, December 26.

Men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), are actively working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby offices and buildings.

Although no casualties have been reported, the fire has caused extensive damage, destroying property valued at millions of naira. Rescue operations are still underway.

Prominent journalist and Arise News presenter Rufai Oseni has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance during his first presidential media chat held on Monday.

Oseni acknowledged the importance of the media chat as a positive step but criticized the delay in engaging the public, particularly after two major economic policies—the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira—had already caused significant hardship for Nigerians.

Speaking on Arise News’ Morning Show on Tuesday, Oseni described the president’s responses as inadequate, suggesting Tinubu lacked a full understanding of the critical issues addressed during the session.

“It took the president 18 months to engage with Nigerians, and in that time, two policies have already severely impacted the well-being of the people. After watching the chat, I’m even more concerned about the future of Nigeria,” Oseni stated.

He also criticized what he perceived as the president’s dismissive tone when responding to questions, noting that Tinubu missed the opportunity to advocate for the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which many fear could further burden Nigerians.

Oseni questioned the president’s claim that his cabinet ministers were performing effectively, arguing that this assessment does not reflect the realities on the ground.

The journalist’s remarks underscore public concerns about the president’s communication style and the broader impact of his administration’s economic policies on the populace.