News
Nigerian Woman Cries Out Over Ordeal of Citizens Stranded in Qatar Amid War
By Favour Bibaikefie
A Nigerian woman identified on social media as Onyeka!!!!27th July (@yeeeeka) has raised alarm over the plight of Nigerians reportedly stranded in Qatar as tensions linked to the ongoing United States–Israeli conflict involving Iran continue to disrupt movement across parts of the Middle East.
The distressed appeal, which has been circulating widely online, was first shared by the popular blog platform YabaLeftOnline Media, drawing attention to the situation of Nigerians said to be trapped in transit for several days.
In a post expressing deep frustration, the woman described the difficult conditions she and other Nigerians are currently facing.
“Never been this helpless before in my life 😢. 9 days stuck in Qatar with my family and other Nigerians who were on transit. Countries have picked up their citizens from here; it’s mostly Nigerians that are left. We have called the Embassy and Consulate yet no positive response,” she wrote.
According to her, many Nigerians in the group feel abandoned as diplomatic efforts to secure their evacuation or alternative travel arrangements have yet to produce results.
“Every Nigerian here just feels helpless. The passport can’t even get us a Saudi visa to at least leave from here. Once you click Nigerian it stops, even with a UK visa. This situation is a highly diplomatic situation but we seem to not have strong diplomatic relations,” she added.
The stranded woman also appealed directly to relevant Nigerian authorities and public officials for urgent intervention.
“For the repatriation flight, for how long are we going to have to wait for? We need help here. There are really old people here with us and children,” she stated, tagging officials including @abikedabiri, @NigeriaMFA, @firstladyship and @ruffydfire.
The development has sparked reactions among Nigerians on social media, with many calling on the Federal Government to take swift action to evacuate affected citizens.
Reacting to the report in a WhatsApp discussion group, a user identified simply as Josephine lamented what she described as the nation’s failure to prioritise the welfare of its citizens abroad.
“This is it, yeah let’s continue to treat Nigeria anyhow. One day is one day we will all have no other homes to run to but Nigeria. The earliest we do the needful, remember COVID-19, abi? Who knows, those who are stranded didn’t bargain for it but suddenly it happened,” she wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) regarding the alleged situation of Nigerians stranded in Qatar.
Observers say the incident once again highlights the vulnerability of citizens caught in international crises and the importance of prompt diplomatic response in protecting Nigerians abroad.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has urged stakeholders and aggrieved aspirants in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to explore internal reconciliation mechanisms rather than resorting to litigation over disagreements surrounding the organisation’s 2026 elective convention.
The appeal followed a ruling by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt which halted the INC national election earlier scheduled for March 7.
In a statement released on Monday in Warri, Delta State, and signed by its President, Senior Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum expressed concern over the growing trend of legal battles within the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.
According to the IPF, the increasing resort to the courts over internal matters risks undermining the credibility of the organisation, which is widely regarded as the umbrella body representing the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.
The development stems from an interim injunction granted by Justice S. H. Aprioku of High Court No. 8, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. PHC/719/CS/2026. The order restrained the INC and its electoral committee from conducting the scheduled election pending further legal proceedings.
The suit was filed by Macdonald Igbadiwei, a contender for the position of National President of the INC. In his application before the court, Igbadiwei alleged that the electoral committee was attempting to prevent him from participating in the contest, prompting him to challenge the action legally.
He subsequently instituted a case against the chairman and members of the INC Electoral Committee, as well as the organisation itself, accusing them of orchestrating moves aimed at excluding him from the race.
Reacting to the situation, the IPF emphasised the need for dialogue and internal dispute resolution within the organisation, stressing that prolonged court battles could damage the reputation of the INC.
The forum noted that as the foremost socio-cultural platform of the Ijaw people, the INC is expected to promote unity, provide leadership direction, and champion the interests of the region.
According to the statement, resolving disputes through established internal mechanisms would help strengthen cohesion within the organisation and preserve its standing among the Ijaw people.
The IPF further reminded stakeholders that the primary responsibility of the INC is to advance the socio-political and economic aspirations of the Niger Delta and the broader Ijaw nation.
It therefore called on leaders, aspirants, and members of the organisation to place collective interest above individual ambitions by embracing reconciliation and constructive engagement.
The forum maintained that maintaining unity within the INC remains critical to sustaining the voice and influence of the Ijaw people in national affairs.
News
APC Progressive Entrepreurs Network (APEN) Commends APC Leadership Over Successful State Congresses
By Immaculate Agregor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has received commendation from the APC Progressive Entrepreneurs Network (APEN) following the successful conduct of the party’s state congresses across the country.
In a statement released by its Founder and National Coordinator, Arex Akemotubo, the network of entrepreneurs and professionals lauded the APC leadership and members nationwide for what it described as a peaceful and well-organised exercise.
According to APEN, the orderly conduct of the congresses demonstrates the ruling party’s dedication to internal democracy, cohesion among members, and the strengthening of its political structures across the federation.
The group noted that the outcome of the congresses represents an important milestone in consolidating the party’s leadership and positioning it to effectively mobilise citizens toward economic advancement and enterprise development.
“As a network of entrepreneurs, innovators and business-minded Nigerians who share the progressive ideals of the APC, we consider the successful congresses a vital step toward strengthening the party’s capacity to drive economic growth and national prosperity,” the statement read.
APEN also praised the national leadership of the party, the various congress committees, and party members across the states for their discipline and commitment in ensuring a smooth exercise.
The organisation further reaffirmed its readiness to continue mobilising entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders who support the progressive vision of the party and believe in the role of enterprise as a catalyst for innovation, job creation and economic development in Nigeria.
The group expressed optimism about working closely with party leaders and stakeholders across the country to support policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic future.
APEN concluded by once again congratulating the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress on what it described as the successful conduct of the state congresses nationwide.
By Divine Perezide
The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced processes to screen nine individuals nominated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointment as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council.
The nominees were invited by the Assembly following the formal submission of their names by the governor as part of efforts to reconstitute his cabinet after recent political developments in the state.
In a special announcement issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Emeka Amadi, the nominees were directed to submit detailed documentation, including multiple copies of their curriculum vitae, academic credentials and proof of tax compliance, ahead of the screening exercise.
The list of nominees forwarded to the legislature includes Professor Datonye Alasia, Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree, and Amairigha Edward Hart.
Although the Assembly confirmed receipt of the list, the exact date for the screening exercise had not been officially announced at the time of the invitation.
Political observers note that the nominations come after Governor Fubara recently reshuffled his administration, which included the dismissal of some commissioners and advisers as part of broader political adjustments within the state government.
The development also follows a period of political tension in Rivers State that prompted intervention by President Bola Tinubu, which helped calm disputes between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
With the screening process set to begin, the nominees are expected to appear before lawmakers to defend their credentials and policy visions before any confirmation that would enable them to assume office as members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
Analysts believe the exercise will mark another step in stabilising governance in the oil-rich state as the Fubara administration works to rebuild its cabinet and consolidate its political footing.