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BREAKING: Coup In Gabon, Military Takes Over Power

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Military says it has seized power in oil-rich Gabon, where the ailing leader’s family has ruled for 50 years

Soldiers in the west African country of Gabon say they launched a coup “to restore democracy”.

They took control of the national radio station in the early hours of Monday to read a short statement announcing a “National Restoration Council”.

Tanks and armed vehicles can be seen on the streets of the capital Libreville.

President Ali Bongo took over power in 2009. He reportedly suffered a stroke in October and received treatment in Morocco.

Mr Bongo sought to put an end to the rumours about his health with a New Year message in which he said he was feeling fine.

Soldiers said they had been disappointed by the message, calling it “a pitiful sight” and a “relentless attempt to cling onto power.”

Source— BBC

BIG STORY

Obi, Amaechi’s Fight For Ticket Can Lead To ADC’s Collapse — Primate Ayodele

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The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that the struggle for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket between former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could result in the collapse of the coalition.

He made this statement during the unveiling of his annual prophecy book titled “Warnings To The Nations (2025/2026 edition)” on July 5, 2025.

Ayodele, who had earlier predicted that ADC would become the coalition’s platform, stated that although the movement is “divine,” it may collapse due to politicians with “selfish interests.”

He said, “The ADC coalition is divine, has the capacity to pull up something great in 2027 but politicians with selfish interests can collapse it.

“I am seeing Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi having a public fallout due to the presidential ticket of the ADC before 2027.”

He also mentioned that both Obi and Amaechi could leave the coalition because of the presidential ticket.

Ayodele stated, “If Peter Obi doesn’t get the presidential ticket, he will pull out of the coalition.

“Like I said, the coalition is divine but humans can jeopardise the movement.

“They need to be careful.”

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Peter Obi’s Claims About Students’ Death Misleading — Auchi Poly

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The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, has rejected the claims made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the alleged deaths of two students during the violence that disrupted the student union election last Saturday.

Obi had posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter) alleging that the unrest during the election resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to several others.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the polytechnic described Obi’s claims as false, misleading, and baseless.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that some students sustained injuries after violence broke out during the student union government elections.

In a viral video circulated on Sunday, students were seen scaling the school fence as gunfire echoed in the background.

The video also showed smoke at the scene, suggesting tear gas was used, while some youths wielded knives to scare others away.

Responding to Obi’s claims, the institution’s Director of Public Relations, Angela Egele, said security operatives were adequately present during the election.

“The attention of the management of Auchi Polytechnic has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr. Peter Obi, wherein he alleged that the recently held Student Union Government (SUG) elections at the institution resulted in the death of two students and injuries to several others due to gunfire,” she said.

Quoting Obi’s post, the statement noted, “I watched the heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they WERE BEING SHOT AT during their student election yesterday, which left 2 students dead and several injured…”

Egele denied the allegations, stating, “The Management categorically states that these claims are false, misleading, and completely unfounded.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no student was shot, injured, or killed during the electoral process, which was subsequently declared inconclusive due to observed irregularities.”

She explained that the election was monitored by multiple security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, State Security Service, Mobile Police, and local vigilante groups.

The institution urged the public to disregard Obi’s statement.

“Subsequently, we urge the general public, stakeholders, and members of the press to disregard this misinformation.

“Auchi Polytechnic remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.”

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US Cuts Nigerian Non-Immigrant Visas To Three Months, Single Entry

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The United States Department of State has updated its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens.

In a press release from the US Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, it was stated that “most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.”

The embassy confirmed that this new restriction takes immediate effect.

However, it clarified that “those US non-immigrant visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.”

The statement noted that this change is part of the Department’s global visa reciprocity process, which the embassy described as “a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”

The US explained that the policy update aims to “protect the integrity of US immigration systems.”

It also stated that “these standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks.”

According to the embassy, efforts are ongoing with Nigerian authorities to meet these standards.

“The US Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria,” the statement said.

The embassy cited examples of these benchmarks, including “Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on US visas, and Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.”

Despite the updated policy, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to its relationship with Nigeria.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger,” the statement read.

It also expressed support for Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, stating, “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.”

The embassy urged Nigerian travelers to comply with visa terms.

“Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date,” it said.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the US commitment to engagement with Nigeria.

“The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.

We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” it said.

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