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By Maryam Ahmad

Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati, a Brussels-based correspondent for the Italian news agency Nova, has been dismissed after posing a question about Israel during a European Commission press briefing.

According to reports from La Stampa, Nunziati asked officials about Israel’s responsibility in the ongoing Middle East conflict — a question his employer later described as “inappropriate” and “embarrassing.” Shortly after the exchange, Nova informed him that his collaboration had been terminated.

The incident has sparked debate within journalistic circles about press freedom and the limits of editorial control. Colleagues in Brussels expressed concern that the dismissal reflects growing pressure on journalists covering sensitive international issues, particularly those related to Israel.

Neither Nova nor the European Commission has issued a detailed statement on the matter. Nunziati, for his part, has defended his question as a legitimate exercise of journalistic duty.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Wednesday launched a major enforcement operation in Kano State, targeting warehouses and retailers accused of selling under-measured fabric materials to unsuspecting buyers.

The exercise, which took place in the Sharada Industrial Area and other commercial hubs, focused on companies including LGR Products, UME Products, Nana Textile Products, Mama Africa Products, and UE Products, among others.

Speaking during the operation, the Director of Surveillance and Investigations at the FCCPC, Boladale Adeyanka, said the move followed verified intelligence and weeks of discreet surveillance that exposed deceptive sales practices by some fabric dealers.

“The enforcement exercise carried out today at this target location is in response to verified intelligence. This is just one of the many targeted businesses or warehouses involved in this alleged infraction,” Adeyanka explained.

According to her, the Commission discovered that several traders were selling fabrics below the stated measurements printed on their labels.

“You will recall that we took measurements right before us—fabrics labelled 10 yards were found to be only 9 yards, while those labelled 5 yards were as short as 4 and a half,” she said.

Adeyanka emphasized that such conduct violates multiple provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, which prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive representations concerning product quantity or quality.

“Under Section 123 of the FCCPA, no retailer or trader shall make any false or misleading representation about the quantity or price of goods supplied.

“Similarly, Section 125 prohibits any supplier or distributor from engaging in conduct that implies a false or misleading representation to a consumer,” she stated.

She added that such deceptive practices not only exploit consumers but also disrupt fair market competition.

“These acts undermine honest traders and businesses that comply with lawful standards. They can drive legitimate retailers out of the market, thereby reducing consumer choice and entrenching anti-competitive behaviour,” she noted.

Adeyanka further disclosed that following verified findings, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, approved the sealing of several shops under Sections 27 and 28 of the Act to allow further investigation.

Samples of the implicated materials were also seized for measurement and quality verification.

She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers from fraudulent practices, stressing that the operation reflects the FCCPC’s statutory duty to promote fairness and integrity in trade.

“This enforcement operation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring a fair marketplace and safeguarding consumer welfare—both economic and social. It also reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights in Nigeria.”

The Commission urged consumers to stay alert and report any suspected cases of deceptive trade practices through its official complaint channels.

“We encourage consumers to insist on their rights and to report any unscrupulous practices. The Commission will continue to deploy lawful enforcement measures to deter exploitative and obnoxious business conduct across the nation,” Adeyanka concluded.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

1. Immediate Actions: Dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington: President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should immediately send a high-powered delegation composed of respected Nigerian statesmen, business leaders, and senior government officials to engage with U.S. authorities.

The team should include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chief Bola Ajibola, business mogul Aliko Dangote, Rev. Hassan Matthew Kukah, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr Daniel Okoh, His Eminence Sultan of Sokoto, representatives of Religious groups, NGO, etc.

From the government side, the delegation should include the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Governors of Benue,  Plateau, Niger, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, given the security relevance of their regions.

2. Re-engage the U.S. Mission in Nigeria: The Presidency should task the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other well-placed Nigerians with deepening communication with the U.S. Mission in Abuja and the Consulate in Lagos to strengthen diplomatic rapport, address misperceptions, and align mutual strategic interests.

3. Reach out to U.S. allies and partners: Nigeria should actively engage with other influential U.S. allies across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to rally broader international support for Nigeria’s security and development agenda.

3. Seek U.S. assistance in defence cooperation: President Tinubu should formally request more support from the Donald J. Trump administration in providing modern weapons, intelligence-sharing technology, and counter-insurgency training to bolster Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

4. Immediate appointment of ambassadors: Nigeria’s diplomatic missions have remained without substantive ambassadors for too long. Swift appointments of competent, credible, and globally respected diplomats will help restore Nigeria’s voice and visibility on the international stage.

5. The Minister Yusuf Tuggar should be reassigned to another portfolio, and a new Minister of Foreign Affairs, preferably one with strong international connections and more diplomatic weight, should be appointed. This will send a clear signal that Nigeria is repositioning its foreign policy and engagement strategy.

6. Launch a global public relations drive: Nigeria must embark on a robust, well-coordinated international PR campaign to reshape global perception. This should highlight the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and counter-terrorism efforts, while showcasing Nigeria as a stable, investment-friendly democracy that protects all faiths and ethnicities

7. On the Security and Communication Front: The office of the National Security Adviser and the high military command are doing well; thus, to further boost the effort, they should further re-align the war against insurgency and banditry. The battle against bandits, terrorists, and other insurgent groups must be comprehensively restructured. This includes better coordination among the armed forces, improved intelligence gathering, community-based security initiatives, and enhanced welfare for frontline troops. A unified national security strategy will yield faster and more sustainable results.

8. Strengthen media visibility of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts: Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against terror are often underreported or misrepresented internationally. There should be massive, transparent media coverage, both traditional and digital, to showcase the government’s ongoing efforts, victories, and human stories of resilience. This will help counter misinformation, boost public morale, and attract global understanding and support.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Democratic Party has recorded sweeping victories in the first major elections of President Donald Trump’s second term, as 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani emerged winner of the New York City mayoral race.

The results from Tuesday’s polls gave Democrats a strong boost heading into next year’s midterm elections, with major wins across Virginia, New Jersey, and California.

In New York, Mamdani, a democratic socialist and long-time advocate for Palestinian rights, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to become the first Muslim and the first person of South Asian descent to serve as mayor of America’s largest city.

In his victory speech, Mamdani told supporters, “We will build a city hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers, and does not waver in the fight against the scourge of antisemitism.”

He also pledged a bold reform agenda, saying, “This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders a bold vision of what we will achieve, rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt. Central to that vision will be the most ambitious agenda to tackle the cost of living crisis that this city has seen since the days of fear of LaGuardia.”

Mamdani promised rent freezes for over two million tenants, free bus services, universal childcare, and new community safety programs to address homelessness and mental health challenges.

He also addressed President Trump directly, declaring, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.”

The newly elected mayor said his administration would defend marginalized groups, adding, “Whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall, your struggle is ours too.”

Mamdani’s rise has not been without controversy. Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, described his victory as “a disgraceful example of how antisemitism triumphed over common sense.”

By Anwar Usman

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has adjust its recruitment process by announcing new updates to its ongoing recruitment exercise, saying shortlisted candidates will now sit for their tests online.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Secretary to the Board, AM Jibril (Maj Gen Rtd) and posted on Tuesday.According to the statement, the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday, November 7 2025.

“The Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) wishes to inform all shortlisted applicants that the recruitment portal will officially close on Friday 7th November, 2025,” the statement read.

Applicants are now directed to visit the portal, recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, to confirm their status.The board said the online test will run for one week.

The statement revealed that “All shortlisted applicants will take part in an online test, which will commence from Wednesday 12th November 2025 and conclude on Wednesday 19th November, 2025.”

It also clarified that no physical CBT centres will be used.“Applicants are to note that the test will be conducted exclusively online.“Accordingly, all previously allocated CBT centres are distcontinued,” the board said.

Candidates who selected physical CBT locations earlier have been advised to return to the portal to schedule a date and time for their online test.

“Applicants are to ensure they have a stable internet connection, necessary devices to take the online test, as well as carefully follow the instructions on the examination slip to avoid disqualification,” the Board advised.

Jibril assured all that the recruitment process remains transparent.

“The Board wishes to inform the general public that it remains committed to a smooth and transparent recruitment process,” he stated.

By Uzair Adam

The Republic of China has declared firm support for the Nigerian government as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.”

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Beijing, Spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or threatening them with sanctions and force.”

Ning made the remarks while responding to a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

She also reacted to reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is seeking military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to prepare for possible US attacks.

“China has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called ‘drug cartels’ by force in the Caribbean Sea,” Mao said, stressing that China supports combating cross-border crimes through stronger international cooperation, not through threats or use of force.

She stated that, “We stand against moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and oppose unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries’ vessels.”

“We hope the US will engage in normal law enforcement and judicial cooperation through bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks,” she added.

On Saturday, Trump ordered the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria, warning the Nigerian government to act swiftly to end what he described as the “killing of Christians.”

He labelled Nigeria a “disgraced country,” threatening to halt US aid and possibly take military action to “wipe out the Islamic terrorists” allegedly responsible for the violence.

Responding, President Bola Tinubu dismissed the claims, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality. Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney passed away last night at the age of 84, his family announced in a statement this morning. The cause of death was complications arising from pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular disease.

Cheney, who served as vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, was one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics. Known for his staunch defence of U.S. national security policies following the September 11 attacks, Cheney played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s foreign and defence strategies, including the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1941, Cheney held numerous key government positions throughout his career, including White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford and Secretary of Defence under President George H.W. Bush.

In recent years, Cheney had battled various health challenges, including multiple heart-related issues. His family said funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.

“Dick Cheney was a patriot who devoted his life to serving his country,” the family’s statement said. “He will be remembered for his leadership, his resolve, and his unwavering commitment to the United States.”

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack, safeguarding vulnerable communities in the area.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a credible tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5 p.m. on November 1.

According to a statement issued by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.

“It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” Zubairu stated.

He added that troops stationed at Tsaure community made contact with the attackers, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

Zubairu disclosed that 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

He said further operations were ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent future attacks often linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” Zubairu added.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, reassured residents of the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across Kano State in collaboration with other security agencies.

By Anas Abbas

A Nigerian academic, Dr Muhsin Ibrahim, who teaches Hausa language and culture at the University of Cologne, Germany, has written a touching tribute to the late Kannywood actor, Alhaji Mato Yakubu, popularly known as Malam Nata’ala (Mai Sittin Goma).

In the tribute shared on social media, Dr Muhsin described the deceased as a talented comedian whose unique performances left lasting memories among Hausa film audiences.

Alhaji Mato Yakubu featured in several Kannywood films, particularly in the Chamama comedy genre, alongside the late Rabilu Musa (Dan Ibro), before the establishment of the Arewa24 channel.

His fame, however, soared through the station’s popular drama series “Dadin Kowa,” where he earned the name Malam Nata’ala for his role as a “loud” but lovable traditional Qur’anic scholar (Alaramma) and a family man constantly mediating between his two quarrelling wives.

Recalling his struggles, Dr Muhsin wrote that the actor’s prolonged illness had earlier drawn public attention, prompting financial assistance from the Yobe State Government and the Government of the Republic of Niger.

The actor later appeared in a video expressing gratitude and looking healthier.

“Many thought his illness was caused by poverty. Some even laughed at the whole issue. Unknown to all, he would pass away a few weeks later,” Dr Muhsin wrote.

He concluded the tribute with prayers: “May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, ours and those of our loved ones, amin.”

The late Alhaji Mato Yakubu was widely celebrated for his humour and natural acting style, which endeared him to fans across Northern Nigeria.

By Saidu Ahmad Dukawa 

Introduction

At last, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has made the decision he had long planned against Nigeria, following complaints by some Nigerian Christians who alleged that they were victims of religious persecution in the country.

Trump had once placed a similar sanction on Nigeria during his first term, but after he lost the election to Joe Biden, Biden reversed that “rash and unfair” decision.

This new ruling, however, requires Nigeria to take certain actions in line with America’s interests — or face a series of sanctions. For example, these “American interests” could include the following:

1. Any Nigerian state practising Sharia Law must abolish it.

2. Any law that prohibits blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) must be repealed.

3. Any location where Christians wish to build a church must grant them permission to do so.

4. Anything that Christians claim makes them “uncomfortable” in the country — such as businesses involving halal trade — must be stopped.

5. All businesses that Christians desire, such as the alcohol trade, must be freely allowed across the nation.

These are just examples of the complaints made by some Christian groups to the United States, which may also include political and economic demands.

This action by Trump mirrors what America once did to Iraq under Saddam Hussein — accusing the country of possessing weapons of mass destruction, just to justify an invasion.

If true justice were the goal, then both sides — the accusers and the Nigerian authorities — should have been listened to, including Muslim organisations that provided counter-evidence.

Even among Christians, many reasonable voices have spoken against these exaggerated claims, yet their words are ignored. Clearly, a plan against Nigeria had already been set in motion.

So, what is left for the Nigerian government and its citizens to do? Here is my opinion:

WHAT THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO

1. Use diplomatic channels to inform the Trump administration that the situation is being misrepresented. Even if America remains adamant, the rest of the sensible world will know that any step America takes against Nigeria on this basis is pure injustice, and that knowledge itself will have benefits.

2. Reduce dependence on the United States in key areas such as trade, education, and healthcare. Nigeria should instead strengthen its ties with other countries, such as Russia, China, and Turkey.

3. Unite Nigerians — both Muslims and Christians who do not share this divisive mindset — to resist and expose any malicious plots against the nation.

WHAT THE NIGERIAN PEOPLE SHOULD DO

1. All Nigerians — Muslims and Christians alike — should begin to reduce their personal and travel ties with the United States, especially visa applications, as it may no longer be easy to obtain them.

2. Those who hold large amounts of US dollars should consider converting their funds into other global currencies.

3. Muslims with good relationships with Christians should not let this tension destroy their friendships — and vice versa. Let unity prevail.

4. Muslims must not lose hope or courage. They should realise that they have no powerful ally. Non-Muslims are the ones with global backing. The Jews can commit atrocities against Muslims, and America will support them. In India, Muslims are being killed — America is silent. In China, Muslims face persecution — America is silent.

In Nigeria, there is no single town where Muslims have chased out Christians, but in Tafawa Balewa, Christians expelled Muslims and took over the town. Terrorists who kill indiscriminately in Nigeria have taken more Muslim lives than Christian ones — yet Trump publicly declared that only Christian lives matter.

Still, Muslims can take comfort in one fact: Islam is spreading fast in both America and Europe. Perhaps, one day, when Islam gains ground there, justice and fairness will finally return to the world — because today’s problem is rooted in the injustice that Western powers built the world upon.

5. Nigerian Christians themselves need to wake up to the truth — that the Western world does not honestly care about Christianity, only about controlling resources and power.

If they really cared about Christian lives, they wouldn’t have ignored what’s happening in Congo — a country with one of the largest Christian populations — where Christians kill one another. The same goes for Haiti, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Rwanda.

There are numerous examples of Christian nations facing crises. And when Nigerian Christians think of running to the US for refuge, they will realise that America will not take them in. Therefore, it’s wiser to live peacefully with their Muslim brothers and sisters here in Nigeria.

6. Finally, it is the duty of all believers to constantly pray for Nigeria — that God protects it from every form of harm and evil.

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa wrote from Bayero University, Kano (BUK).