Headlines

World powers on Thursday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump decision to impose steep tariffs on imported vehicles and car parts, warning of retaliatory measures as trade tensions escalate.

Germany, a major car exporter, called for a strong response from the European Union, while Japan stated it would “consider all options” in reaction to the tariffs.

Stock markets across Asia and Europe declined sharply, with leading automakers such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Mercedes experiencing significant losses.

The U.S. tariffs, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on April 3, will apply to foreign-made cars and light trucks, with key automobile parts also facing duties later in the month.

“What we’re going to be doing is a 25 percent tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States. If they’re made in the United States, it is absolutely no tariff,” Trump announced at the White House.

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard criticized the move as “hostile,” stating that the European Union’s only response would be to raise tariffs on American products.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had convened a meeting to discuss the country’s trade options in light of the new tariffs.

Amid growing warnings of retaliation from Washington’s key trading partners, Trump escalated his threats.

“If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large-scale tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had!” Trump posted on his TruthSocial platform.

The House of Representatives has reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill seeking to remove the immunity granted to the vice president, state governors, and their deputies.

The bill, which was introduced to address corruption, eliminate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office, was withdrawn from the second reading to allow further debate on specific provisions.

Similarly, the House also rescinded its decision on a bill proposing the abolition of the death penalty.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, 42 constitutional amendment bills passed the second reading in the House, including the bill to revoke immunity for the vice president, governors, and their deputies.

On Thursday, the House passed the second reading of a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish the office of the Prime Minister as head of government and the President as head of state. The bill also outlines the framework for the election of both offices.

Additionally, 32 constitutional amendment bills passed the second reading on the same day, including a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to allocate specific seats for women in the National Assembly and state houses of assembly.

The Ikwerre People’s Congress (IPC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a high-powered committee to mediate in the ongoing political crisis between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Livingstone Wechie; Vice-Chairman, Ihunwo Obi-Wali; and Secretary-General, Stanley Nworgu, the group urged the president to appoint eminent leaders and stakeholders to the committee to restore democratic order in the state.

“This is with a view to immediately restoring democratic order in Rivers State in the best interest of Nigeria and for the better legacy of President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.

Expressing concern over what it described as the dismantling of democratic structures in Rivers, the IPC warned that the situation was tarnishing the state’s image.

“The message of Mr. President has been passed through his intervention, but Rivers people must not suffer a short-lived democracy for any reason. We have paid our dues despite this political imbroglio,” the group stated.

The IPC also voiced disagreement with the suspension of the governor and the state House of Assembly, questioning its constitutional justification.

“We believe that Mr. President is motivated by the aspirations of Nigerians and is committed to resolving rather than escalating the crisis. This unfortunate development was not anticipated, and innocent Rivers residents should not bear the brunt,” the statement added.

The group further lamented the negative impact of the crisis, citing capital flight, uncertainty among citizens, and loss of investor confidence.

“As a people, we are unhappy with the unwarranted political feud between both sides. Ikwerre people are particularly concerned about the false image now associated with our state,” the IPC said.

It called for the restoration of democratic rights in Rivers to ensure governance remains accountable to the people.

“All we want is a government we can call our own,” the statement concluded.