Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed the four tax reform bills presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a third reading. This development follows the House’s consideration and approval of the report from the House Committee on Finance, which worked on the bills and reviewed submissions from Nigerians. The bills were initially submitted to the National Assembly in October 2024.

The tax reform package includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills have generated significant controversy, particularly over the proposed value-added tax (VAT) increase. The House Committee decided to retain the VAT rate at 7.5 percent, a decision that countered the proposed increase to 15 percent.

The bills had faced opposition from various groups, notably the Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, which objected to the value-added tax derivation model in the Nigeria Tax Bill. Additionally, the National Economic Council had also voiced concerns over the tax derivation model. Despite this opposition, the bills are now one step closer to becoming law.

The Israeli government has escalated its military actions against Hamas following stalled talks on additional hostage releases. Israel accused Hamas of refusing to release the remaining captives and rejecting offers from U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and other mediators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying, “From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force.”

The military operations resumed on Monday night, with Israel targeting Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to use overwhelming force against Hamas, describing the forthcoming actions as the opening of “the gates of hell” for the group. The renewed strikes have already claimed at least 200 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Israel’s objectives include securing the release of all hostages, whether dead or alive, and continuing its military pressure until these goals are met.

The United States has strongly condemned the remarks made by South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool, regarding former President Donald Trump. The criticism came after Rasool was quoted in an article saying that Trump was leading a white supremacist movement. In response, the U.S. decided to expel Rasool, citing the offensive nature of his comments.

The incident has further strained relations between the two countries, which had already been tense following Trump’s decision to cut U.S. financial aid to South Africa. The aid cuts were attributed to Trump’s disapproval of South Africa’s land policy and its legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his dissatisfaction with Rasool’s remarks, calling him a “race-baiting politician” who harbored animosity toward Trump. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio announced the expulsion and shared an article from the right-wing Breitbart news website.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce further emphasized that such remarks were unacceptable, stressing that ambassadors should demonstrate a basic level of respect when representing their countries. She stated that the U.S. expected a standard of respect, especially in positions that help maintain diplomatic relations.

Comrade Isaac Balami, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and youth advocate, has defended Seyi Tinubu against criticism regarding his recent tour of northern Nigeria. Some critics have accused Seyi Tinubu of political motivations behind his humanitarian visit, but Balami has called these criticisms unnecessary and politically motivated.

Balami argued that the calls for Seyi Tinubu to run for the Lagos State governorship might have triggered the negative campaign against him. He expressed his admiration for Seyi Tinubu’s consistent humanitarian efforts, saying that instead of being attacked, he should be recognized and awarded for his selflessness and contributions to national unity. Balami pointed out that Seyi Tinubu has been involved in charitable actions, such as his Iftar reach-outs, for over a decade, long before his father became the president, and that this should not be seen as politically motivated.

The APC chieftain also emphasized that Seyi Tinubu’s efforts in helping communities across Nigeria, irrespective of religion or political affiliation, show his commitment to unity and progress. He criticized those who were quick to downplay Seyi’s charitable acts, urging Nigerians to encourage young leaders like him who are focused on serving the people rather than indulging in frivolities.

Balami further highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his NGO provided significant support across the country, and his ongoing support for individuals across political party lines. He also pointed out that Seyi Tinubu employs a diverse staff, with over 50% of his employees being northerners, reflecting his detribalized approach.

In closing, Balami encouraged Seyi Tinubu to remain focused on his work, dismissing distractions, and assured that his contributions would be recognized in time. He also wished for more Nigerians to emulate Seyi’s positive example.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined Truth Social, the social media platform launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In his first post on Monday, Modi shared a photo of himself with Trump taken during his 2019 U.S. visit to Houston, Texas, expressing his “delight” at being on the platform. As of 03:30 GMT, Modi had gained 21,500 followers and was following Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Trump founded Truth Social in February 2022 after his social media accounts were suspended following the 2020 presidential election. The platform offers functionality similar to X (formerly Twitter), allowing users to post “truths,” share “retruths,” and send direct messages. Ads on the platform are called “sponsored truths.”

Trump’s Truth Social platform has seen limited traffic compared to competitors like X, with its total user base being much smaller. Despite this, the platform has managed to maintain a notable presence. Trump himself has 9.28 million followers on Truth Social, a far cry from the 87 million followers he holds on X.

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), which owns Truth Social, went public in March 2024, with Trump holding around 57% of the shares. The platform faces financial challenges, having reported losses of $400 million in 2024 and a revenue of $3.6 million. TMTG has a market valuation of $4.45 billion.

North Korea has strongly condemned recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, calling them a violation of international law and a breach of the country’s sovereignty. The strikes, which targeted Houthi forces aligned with Iran in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, reportedly resulted in at least 53 deaths, including women and children, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.

The North Korean ambassador, Ma Dong Hui, condemned the strikes as “a violent violation of the U.N. Charter” and an infringement on Yemen’s territorial sovereignty. He criticized the U.S. for its military actions, calling them reckless and driven by geopolitical ambitions. Ma emphasized that the U.S. actions could never be justified and expressed grave concern over the situation.

In response, the U.S. Defense Department confirmed that the strikes involved more than 30 targets and were carried out by fighter jets launched from an aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The U.S. said the strikes were aimed at degrading Houthi capabilities and preventing further attacks on international shipping in the region.

This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding military interventions and the geopolitical stakes in the Middle East, with various nations voicing differing opinions on the legitimacy and consequences of such actions.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a successful airstrike on March 16, 2025, targeting terrorists’ hideouts in Chikide and Degbewa, located within the Mandara Mountains. The operation, which was based on credible Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data, aimed to disrupt the activities of the notorious terrorist leader, Ali Ngulde, and his fighters. The airstrike destroyed a key command and logistics hub in Degbewa, including fortified structures and solar-powered installations, resulting in large fires and the elimination of numerous terrorists.

This operation, which took place under the cover of darkness, significantly weakened the terrorists’ ability to operate and created favorable conditions for ground troops. It highlights the NAF’s growing capabilities in executing both day and night air operations, demonstrating that insurgents can no longer operate undetected. The NAF remains committed to using its air power to neutralize terrorist networks and restore peace to the region.

The situation surrounding Ukraine and Russia continues to evolve rapidly, with US President Donald Trump now engaging in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump announced that he would be speaking to Putin on Tuesday, expressing that while “many elements” of a peace agreement have been agreed, “much remains” to be worked out. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the daily casualties on both sides and calling for the conflict to end immediately.

Despite Trump’s optimism, there are discrepancies in the messaging from various US officials. While Trump suggests progress, figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff indicate that discussions have been more about the process of negotiation rather than any finalized peace terms. Rubio highlighted that talks have mostly centered on how negotiations would unfold, rather than specifics.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call for an immediate end to the war, criticizing Putin for prolonging the conflict. Zelensky’s statement underscores the devastating human toll the war is taking, with daily losses in terms of both soldiers and civilians.

International voices, such as French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have also called on Putin to show genuine intent for peace, emphasizing the destruction the war continues to cause. Macron has specifically hailed Zelensky’s courage in agreeing to ceasefire talks, urging Russia to reciprocate. Lammy has pushed for an “unconditional ceasefire,” pointing out that no significant sign of serious negotiation has come from Russia yet.

From the US perspective, the White House has expressed cautious optimism ahead of the Trump-Putin call, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming that peace has “never been closer.” She mentioned discussions about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been a focal point of international concern due to its proximity to the frontline. Trump himself has hinted that the ceasefire talks would include discussions around territorial issues, such as land and critical infrastructure, including power plants.

However, Putin’s stance remains firm, with the Russian government stating that they would not accept NATO troops in any peace agreement. Furthermore, the Kremlin has expressed concerns about the monitoring of any ceasefire, particularly in areas like the Kursk region, which has been the site of military clashes.

Overall, while there seems to be movement toward a ceasefire, the situation remains highly complex, with significant challenges to reaching a concrete peace agreement. The coming talks between Trump and Putin will likely provide more clarity on the direction these negotiations could take.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled an attempted attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mayanti, Banki, Borno State. The attack occurred around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, with the soldiers engaging in a fierce firefight, forcing the terrorists to retreat. No casualties were reported among the troops during this encounter.

However, shortly afterward, a reinforcement team heading to the base was ambushed by ISWAP insurgents along the Banki Junction–Mayanti road. The terrorists planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to block the path of the troops. A Quick Reaction Force responded promptly, engaging the insurgents and forcing them to flee. During this encounter, two soldiers sustained injuries. Military authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to maintain security and strengthen operations against insurgent threats in the region.

Rwanda has officially severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing the European nation of consistently undermining it during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The tensions stem from Belgium’s vocal stance, urging European nations to sanction Rwanda for allegedly supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been central to the crisis in eastern DRC.

In a statement released on Monday, Rwanda accused Belgium of attempting to maintain “neo-colonial delusions” and claimed that Brussels has been mobilizing against Rwanda in international forums, spreading lies and manipulation to create an unjustified negative perception of the country. Rwanda also stated that Belgium had taken sides in the regional conflict, further straining their diplomatic relations.

In response, Belgium condemned Rwanda’s actions as “disproportionate” and indicated that it would respond by declaring Rwandan diplomats in Belgium “persona non grata,” a move that typically leads to the expulsion or withdrawal of diplomatic status.

This diplomatic fallout comes as the fighting between the M23 and DR Congo’s armed forces has escalated, resulting in significant loss of life—over 7,000 people killed this year alone, according to Congolese authorities. The UN has reported that more than 850,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict. The M23 has also seized control of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, heightening concerns about the stability of the region.

Amidst these developments, international efforts to pressure Rwanda into withdrawing its alleged support for the M23 have intensified, with Britain cutting some of its aid to Rwanda and the UN Security Council demanding that both the M23 and Rwanda cease hostilities.

The diplomatic spat between Rwanda and Belgium reflects the broader geopolitical complexities surrounding the DRC conflict, with various international actors aligning with different sides of the debate over Rwanda’s role in the unrest.

The deportation of over 200 Venezuelans from the US to El Salvador, allegedly members of the Tren de Aragua gang, has sparked significant controversy and legal challenges. These deportations came despite a US judge’s ruling halting them temporarily. The US government proceeded with the deportations, claiming they occurred before the judge’s order was issued. The detainees were transferred to El Salvador’s supermax prison, the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), which is part of President Nayib Bukele’s tough stance on crime.

The situation involves the Trump administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which was invoked to deport these individuals for alleged gang ties and “irregular warfare” against the US. This law had previously been used during World War II to intern Japanese Americans. Critics, including human rights organizations and Venezuela, have condemned the deportations, arguing they criminalize Venezuelan migrants unjustly and bypass legal processes, potentially violating constitutional rights.

The El Salvadoran government, led by Bukele, has expressed strong support for the move, emphasizing the need to combat gang violence. However, the use of such a historic law and the treatment of detainees in Cecot jail has raised serious ethical and legal concerns. The legal battle continues, with the US Department of Justice appealing the court’s order, and human rights groups urging a reconsideration of the approach.

This case highlights the intersection of immigration, criminal justice, and international law, raising questions about due process and the use of historical laws in modern contexts. What do you think the broader implications of this case might be for US immigration and foreign policy?

The situation between the US and the Houthi rebels in Yemen is intensifying, with significant casualties and ongoing military exchanges. The US has continued its airstrikes against Houthi positions, particularly targeting their involvement in attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The most recent strikes, which resulted in the deaths of 53 people, including five children, have escalated tensions further. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have vowed to continue targeting US ships in the region, especially in retaliation for the ongoing US attacks on Yemen. They also maintain their support for Palestinians amid the broader conflict in Gaza, despite facing significant military pressure from the US.

The US, on its part, claims that it is using overwhelming force to deter further Houthi aggression, especially in light of the group’s attacks on merchant vessels and military ships. The US administration, including figures like National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, has reiterated its commitment to defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and to stopping Houthi attacks.

Iran’s involvement in this conflict is also significant, as it backs the Houthi movement, and the US has been critical of Iran’s role in fueling tensions in the region.

This complex conflict underscores broader geopolitical issues in the Middle East, involving not just the US and the Houthis, but also Iran, Israel, and the wider Arab world.

Would you like more details on the history of this conflict or the current situation in Yemen?

The case of Rita Ushie Uguamaye has drawn significant attention, with Comrade Lanre Ogundipe, a former President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), speaking out in her defense. Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, came under scrutiny after posting a video online in which she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government, particularly over the state of the economy. Ogundipe’s response, as highlighted in his statement, underscores the importance of protecting the right to freedom of speech, particularly for young people who are exercising their constitutional rights.

Ogundipe’s argument is rooted in Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees the freedom of expression under Section 39(1). He emphasized that this right is also enshrined in international human rights law, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to Ogundipe, Uguamaye should not face punitive measures from the NYSC or any government body for expressing her views. He framed her criticism as an act of courage and pointed out that her willingness to speak out is a reflection of the growing need for fresh voices in activism, especially as some older activists seem to have lost their influence.

The concern here is that the NYSC’s actions—inviting Uguamaye to report to the Secretariat and potentially imposing sanctions—could be seen as an infringement on her fundamental rights. Ogundipe is urging that the NYSC cease its actions, allowing Uguamaye to continue exercising her right to free speech without fear of punishment.

This situation raises broader questions about the balance between freedom of expression and the government’s response to dissent. While the government has the authority to address criticisms, it must also respect the constitutional rights of individuals, particularly young Nigerians who are increasingly vocal about the state of their country.

What do you think about the balance between freedom of expression and the government’s role in responding to public criticism? Do you feel Uguamaye should be protected from any potential punitive actions?