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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed sending his country’s leading drone interception specialists to the Middle East. He said the support would be provided if Gulf leaders persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine.

Zelensky made the proposal after a series of Iranian drone strikes targeted countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He noted that Ukraine has built strong expertise in countering such attacks after four years of war with Russia.

One of the Iranian-made drones struck the British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, on Monday. Security forces intercepted two other drones hours later.

“I would suggest the following: leaders of the Middle East have great relations with Russians. They can ask Russians to implement a month-long ceasefire,” Mr Zelensky told Bloomberg. “In exchange, we will send our best operators of drone interceptors to the Middle East countries.”

He said the ceasefire could last two months or even two weeks. He explained that the pause would allow Ukraine to deploy assistance aimed at protecting civilians in affected countries.

Kyiv and its European partners have repeatedly called for an unconditional ceasefire. Moscow has turned down those appeals. Russian officials insist they are prepared to discuss what they describe as a “lasting peace,” while placing strict conditions on any settlement.

On Monday, President Putin held phone conversations with leaders from Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. These countries have faced recent Iranian drone attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains “in constant contact with the Iranian leadership.”

“For sure, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar have good relations, first of all economic, with Putin,” Zelensky said. “We can help Israel in the same way.”

Zelensky stated that Russia has launched more than 57,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since the invasion began four years ago. He said the drones often target power facilities, warehouses and residential areas.

The drones were first designed by an Iranian firm, Shahed Aviation Industries Research Centre. Russia now produces many of them at a factory in Yelabuga, located in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Ukraine uses a coordinated air defence structure that combines mobile ground units, anti-aircraft missiles and radio-electronic systems. Zelensky described the system as “irreplaceable.”

He voiced support for recent US and Israeli military action against Iran. He argued that Tehran “chose to become Putin’s accomplice” by supplying military equipment to Moscow.

At the same time, Zelensky warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could affect Ukraine’s access to air defence supplies. Kyiv depends heavily on US-made Patriot systems, which are also deployed by American forces in the region.

“We understand that a long war… and the intensity of the fighting will affect the amount of air defence equipment we receive,” he said.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said recent developments show weakening support for Moscow among its allies. “Assad, Maduro and now Khamenei. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year,” he said. “The domino of deposed dictators must continue, and Putin’s fall one day is inevitable.”

Meanwhile, Putin has presented Russia as a potential mediator in the crisis. He condemned what he described as the “cynical” killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader and held discussions with leaders in Iran and the Gulf region.

Some pro-Kremlin commentators have argued that US military action could disrupt peace efforts in Ukraine. “Diplomacy was destroyed as a tool on Saturday,” said Vladimir Solovyov on Russia-1 television. “It is now completely obvious to us that any negotiation process is nothing more than part of a military operation designed to pacify the enemy.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, as security concerns mount in the region following recent military action involving the United States and Israel.

Ronaldo, who serves as captain and forward for Al-Nassr FC, left Riyadh late at night aboard his £61million ($81million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet. The UK Daily Mail disclosed the development on Tuesday.

His relocation followed coordinated strikes carried out by the United States and Israel in Iran on February 28, 2026. The operation reportedly led to the deaths of several senior Iranian figures. Iranian state media announced on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed. Authorities declared 40 days of mourning and introduced a seven-day public holiday.

The security situation in the Gulf region deteriorated after two drones hit the United States Embassy in Riyadh overnight.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence said, “A limited fire broke out at the United States Embassy in Riyadh after it was hit by two drones,” adding that the strike caused “minor material damage.”

According to the Daily Mail, “Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children, has been affected by attacks linked to the regional conflict.”

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft “departed Riyadh at 8:00 pm and arrived in Madrid at almost 1:00 am, flying a path over Egypt and the Mediterranean.”

Ronaldo’s exit occurred as Washington intensified security steps across the Middle East in response to the unfolding crisis. The U.S. Department of State announced temporary closures of embassies and the suspension of consular services in several countries due to heightened safety concerns tied to the expanding Iran conflict.

In Saudi Arabia, the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh halted both routine and emergency services across its missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran.

In neighbouring Iraq, nonemergency American government personnel received orders to exit the country. U.S. staff also faced restrictions from using Baghdad’s international airport.

Kuwait recorded deadly incidents involving American forces. Six soldiers lost their lives, and three fighter jets crashed in what the U.S. military described as an “apparent friendly fire” episode.

The unfolding developments have heightened uncertainty across the region, with governments implementing precautionary measures as tensions persist.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said it has not received any distress call from Nigerians residing in Iran despite the escalating hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The clarification comes as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that it is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East.

NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, speaking on Monday, explained that although Nigerians may be living in Iran, none has formally contacted the commission to request assistance.

“I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he said.

Balogun attributed the cancellation of flights to the region to the ongoing hostilities, noting that airlines would not operate in an active war zone.

He added that temporary ceasefires are sometimes arranged to allow stranded passengers to be evacuated, but such an arrangement has yet to take place.

On the possibility of an evacuation, he said the Federal Government would only activate a full-scale operation when specific conditions are met, including an official request for help from affected citizens.

“You cannot force them. People went there voluntarily. In Sudan and Ukraine, some initially said they were not leaving,” he explained.

He stressed that Nigerians who desire evacuation must clearly indicate their willingness to return home. “People must seek help and say, ‘Our lives are in danger, can you evacuate us?’” he said.

According to him, once a formal request is made and the situation permits safe movement, the government could initiate emergency steps such as chartering aircraft and setting up a rescue committee.

“All must be Nigerian and must be ready to come back home,” he stated.

Balogun reaffirmed that safeguarding Nigerians abroad remains a key responsibility of the Federal Government under its citizen diplomacy policy.

He assured that if any Nigerian’s life is threatened and a request for assistance is received, authorities would explore available options, including leasing aircraft if necessary.

However, he maintained that evacuation would be impracticable without a ceasefire and the reopening of airspace, stressing that international aviation protocols must also be respected.

“As far as I know, I’m not aware that anybody has sent a distress call,” he reiterated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade have intercepted 296 large wraps of substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa along the Abeokuta–Igboora Road in Ogun State.

The operation took place at about 4:30 a.m. on March 1, 2026, after the troops received credible intelligence about the planned movement of suspected illicit drugs along the route. Acting swiftly on the information, the soldiers moved to the area and stopped a motorcycle without a registration number.

During a search, the troops discovered 296 large wraps of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, also known as Indian hemp. The items were hidden inside three large sacks. The suspect reportedly abandoned the motorcycle and escaped into a nearby bush under the cover of darkness.

The seized exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

The 35 Artillery Brigade reiterated its determination to rid Ogun State of drug trafficking and other criminal activities. The Brigade warned individuals involved in illegal trade to embrace lawful means of livelihood or face the consequences of security operations.

It also reassured residents of Ogun State of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property. The Brigade stated that troops will sustain a strong presence across the state to ensure that criminal elements do not operate freely.

The statement was signed by Major IderegHI Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, and dated March 2, 2026.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s newly declared Supreme Leader, Alireza Arafa, has threatened retaliation against the United States and Israel after Tehran accused both countries of carrying out military attacks on its territory.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning across several social media platforms, Arafa said diplomatic efforts had come to an end. He accused Washington of crossing a “red line.”

“The time for negotiations is over. The United States has chosen to cross the red line, the line of irreparable harm,” he said.

“By launching this war, they have signed their own death warrant: they don’t know when or how the axe will fall, but we hold the reins.”

His remarks followed reports of coordinated airstrikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian military sites and key infrastructure. The operation marked a sharp deterioration in relations among Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv.

Tensions between the countries have grown in recent months over Iran’s missile programme, its regional activities and allegations linked to nuclear development. The United States has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting armed groups in the Middle East and fuelling instability in the region. Iranian officials have denied those allegations.

Tehran described the recent strikes as “unprovoked.” Authorities insisted that Iran did not initiate hostilities.

Arafa rejected Western claims that the attacks were preventive steps against a nuclear threat.

“They brandish the nuclear specter like a scarecrow, blinded by their arrogance,” he said.

“They have no idea of the true extent of our power or what we are prepared to unleash.”

He directed some of his strongest remarks at Israel and warned of continued retaliation.

“As for Israel, its fate is sealed. Every strike, every crime, every act of suffering they have inflicted will come back to haunt them,” Arafa declared.

“They will remain in our sights, exposed, vulnerable, hunted.”

The exchange of threats has heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict. Armed groups aligned with Tehran in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen could become involved if hostilities expand.

Security analysts say a prolonged confrontation could disrupt global energy supplies and deepen sectarian divisions across the Middle East.

In his concluding remarks, Arafa described the crisis as a defining struggle for Iran.

“We walk in the shadow of the Leader, and every step is a lightning bolt,” he said, before ending with the slogan: “Iran does not bend. Iran wins. Always.”

As tensions rise and military activities continue, international actors face growing calls to intervene and prevent a broader conflict that could reshape the region for years.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Smoke rose over parts of Beirut on Tuesday after Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern suburbs, highlighting the spillover of the Middle East conflict into key civilian infrastructure across the Gulf.

Tech giant Amazon confirmed late Monday that drones had “directly struck” two of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates, causing disruptions to cloud services in parts of the region.

The company also reported that a facility in Bahrain suffered damage from “a drone strike in close proximity,” adding to interruptions for customers who rely on its cloud infrastructure.

In an update on its service dashboard, Amazon explained that the affected regions “experienced physical impacts to infrastructure as a result of drone strikes” amid ongoing hostilities.

“These strikes have caused structural damage, disrupted power delivery to our infrastructure, and in some cases required fire suppression activities that resulted in additional water damage,” the company said.

Amazon’s disclosure represents a rare acknowledgment of direct attacks on major commercial cloud infrastructure in the Gulf. It underscores the vulnerabilities of global technology networks amid the escalating war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Reports indicate that several Gulf cities have faced collateral damage from strikes and stray weaponry since US and Israeli forces launched operations on Iran, which allegedly led to the deaths of Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials.

The company did not provide information on whether any employees were injured. It added that it is coordinating closely with local authorities while “prioritising the safety of our personnel throughout our recovery efforts.”

Amazon Web Services, the world’s largest cloud computing provider, supports thousands of applications, websites, and generative AI platforms globally. It competes with Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud in providing large-scale digital infrastructure.

Amazon advised customers in the affected regions to back up critical data and consider relocating workloads to servers elsewhere as engineers work to restore full functionality.

On Sunday, the company had reported that one of its UAE facilities had been hit by unspecified “objects,” warning customers of potential service interruptions.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran has clarified that it is engaged in conflict with the United States and Israel, not with any countries in the Gulf region.

Speaking on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, “We’re not attacking our neighbours, we’re attacking US military bases. US soldiers fleeing to hotels will not prevent them from being targeted.” His remarks come amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian positions, and retaliatory Iranian attacks on American and Israeli interests in the Middle East.

Al Jazeera reports that Iran accused the US of “betraying diplomacy” by launching attacks during ongoing negotiations. Araghchi also urged Gulf nations to pressure Washington to halt its military actions against Iran.

The Iranian minister emphasized that US military installations, including those located within Gulf countries, and facilities housing American troops, are considered legitimate targets.

For the third day in a row, loud explosions were reported in Dubai, UAE, and Qatar as Iran continues to respond to US and Israeli attacks. Bloomberg notes that both the UAE and Qatar have been quietly appealing to international allies to encourage President Trump to pursue a diplomatic solution instead of extending the conflict.

Qatar warned that ongoing disruptions to regional shipping could further drive up global natural gas prices. The country also announced that it intercepted two Iranian fighter planes, along with missiles and drones, which had entered its airspace. Gulf nations have pledged to continue defending their territories.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate as both sides exchange attacks.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad

Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, which commenced in 1999, introduced a distinctive political culture that has since become entrenched in the nation’s democratic practice. Governors automatically emerge as leaders of their political parties in their respective states.

Although this arrangement is not expressly written into the 1999 Constitution or party constitutions as a rigid rule, it has evolved into an accepted political convention. In practical terms, once a governor belongs to a political party, he becomes the undisputed leader of that party in the state.

This “default” leadership status flows from the enormous constitutional powers, financial control, and political influence vested in state governors. Under the 1999 Constitution, governors are the chief executives of their states, control significant public resources, influence appointments, and play central roles in policy direction. These powers naturally position them as dominant actors within the political structure of their states. Political parties, being vehicles for acquiring and exercising power, inevitably gravitate toward the governor as their rallying point.

Critics often argue that this arrangement departs from earlier republican experiences. During Nigeria’s First, Second, and even Third Republics, governors and presidents were not automatically regarded as the formal leaders of their parties at the state or national levels. Party structures were often more independent, with clearer institutional separation between party leadership and executive office holders. However, Nigeria’s political system has evolved significantly since then. The current democratic framework places far greater burden, administrative authority, fiscal control, and political leverage in the hands of governors than was previously the case. It’s about the position!

The emergence of governors as de facto party leaders is not accidental but a result of political evolution shaped by key realities. The 1999 Constitution centralises executive authority in governors, making them the most powerful figures in their states. They also control critical political resources, finances, networks, appointments, and patronage, which are essential for party survival and electoral success. In a competitive electoral environment, incumbency provides structure, visibility, and mobilisation strength that few others can match.

Above all, political parties require unified command; without clear leadership at the state level, factionalism and instability can easily arise.

Imagine the chaos and unhealthy rivalry that could engulf a political party if a sitting governor chose to remain indifferent to party affairs. Competing factions would struggle for supremacy. Conflicting directives could weaken party cohesion. Such fragmentation could easily cost the party elections and governance effectiveness.

Furthermore, when it comes to interfacing between the executive arm at the federal level and party structures within the states, particularly in matters relating to appointments, political negotiations, federal-state collaboration, and reward systems, the governor’s role becomes indispensable. Governors serve as the bridge between national party leadership and grassroots political actors. In fact, Presidents often rely on Governors to win a state 

Just as the President functions as the leader of his party at the national level, governors serving as party leaders in their states create symmetry within the political order. This structure promotes stability, clarity of authority, strategic coordination, and internal discipline.

It is therefore not surprising that across Nigeria’s 21 registered political parties, this practice is widely accepted. Once a governor joins a party, he naturally assumes leadership of that party in the state, not necessarily by proclamation, but by political reality.

While debates may continue about whether this system strengthens internal party democracy or concentrates excessive influence in one individual, its practical utility in maintaining order, direction, and electoral viability cannot be ignored.

The emergence of governors as party leaders in their states reflects the reality on the ground, political necessity, and democratic evolution in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

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

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States First Lady Melania Trump is set to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, marking a historic moment at the global body.

Her appearance was announced last week before the United States launched military operations against Iran. According to her office, Melania will “make history at the United Nations, taking the gavel as the United States assumes the Security Council Presidency to emphasise education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace.”

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, confirmed that the event represents the first occasion a first lady or first gentleman has chaired a Security Council session.

The United States holds the rotating presidency of the Council for the month of March.

The development comes at a time of strained relations between Washington and the United Nations. Political and financial disagreements have increased in recent years, with the US expressing frustration over its status as the largest contributor to the organisation’s budget.

Since returning to office last year, President Donald Trump has withdrawn American support from several major UN agencies, including the World Health Organization.

The UN recently introduced a reform initiative. Washington paid $160 million into the body’s regular budget a few days ago, after making no contribution in 2025. Despite that payment, the United States still owes about $4 billion in outstanding contributions to the UN’s regular and peacekeeping budgets. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the organisation faces a serious financial crisis.

Melania Trump’s Security Council appearance takes place amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East. A joint US-Israeli military campaign began on Saturday with strikes in Tehran that killed Iran’s supreme leader. Iran has since carried out missile and drone attacks across several countries in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and warned that any vessel attempting to pass through the waterway will face attack.

According to Iranian media reports cited by Reuters on Monday, Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, confirmed the decision and issued a direct warning to maritime traffic.

“The strait (of Hormuz) is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze,” Jabari said in remarks carried by state media.

If enforced, the measure would stop commercial vessels from moving through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. The Strait of Hormuz serves as the narrow entrance to the Gulf. Roughly one-fifth of global oil exports pass through the channel.

Oil tankers that navigate the route transport crude and gas supplies from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. The northern coastline of the strait lies along Iranian territory.

Any interruption along the Strait of Hormuz has serious consequences for international energy markets. A prolonged closure would disrupt oil shipments and could drive up prices worldwide.