For Nigerian medical student Bob Chikwem Amadi, what started as a routine work assignment turned into an unforgettable experience with two world leaders — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia.

Amadi, currently studying medicine at the American International University in Saint Lucia, was part of the service team present during President Tinubu’s courtesy call to Prime Minister Pierre’s official residence on the second day of the Nigerian president’s state visit to the Caribbean nation.

Originally from Rivers State, Amadi has lived in Saint Lucia for ten years and recently completed the four-year basic phase of his medical education. He is now preparing to begin his clinical training.

Alongside his studies, Amadi also works part-time as a talent and brand manager with a local catering and entertainment company — a role that brought him close to the high-level diplomatic event.

During the visit, Prime Minister Pierre was informed by his aides that one of the staff members was a Nigerian student.

Taking a brief moment before his official engagements began, the prime minister introduced Amadi to President Tinubu.

The president, known for his engaging nature and interest in Nigerians living abroad, took time to speak with the young student, asking about his name, background, and academic journey.

Tinubu extended his best wishes and words of encouragement, praising Amadi for his dedication to his studies overseas.

Describing the experience, Amadi said it was “an inspiring moment” for him.

“Saint Lucia is an amazing island. I will describe it as a wonderful place. They are a very contented society and things are relatively calm”, he said.

The moment was capped off when Amadi was invited to join President Tinubu and Prime Minister Pierre for a group photograph — a symbolic and memorable close to a chance meeting with two major political leaders from Africa and the Caribbean.

Amadi also reflected on the strong historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Saint Lucia.

“We have always hoped that there are many opportunities between Saint Lucia and Nigeria. We share similar food crops and culture, and the connection is deep”, he said.

President Tinubu’s visit to Saint Lucia marks the beginning of a broader diplomatic tour of the Caribbean and South America, focused on enhancing trade, cultural ties, and diplomatic collaboration between Nigeria and Caribbean countries.

The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, over allegations of kidnapping.

Victor was taken into custody by officers from the Uli Divisional Headquarters on June 26, 2025, for allegedly abducting his friend.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, it was revealed that the suspect, along with his accomplices, received a ransom of ₦5.3 million in dollars before releasing the victim.

The statement said, “Police Operatives attached to Uli Divisional Headquarters in the evening of 26th of June 2025 exposed and arrested one Muanaenye Chekwube Victor ‘M’, aged 24 years, over a reported case of kidnapping.

“The case, which is under investigation, revealed that the suspect planned the kidnapping and collected a ransom in dollars equivalent of ₦5.3 million with his gang members before the victim was released. The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to having planned the kidnapping plot by luring his friend to escort him to see another friend.”

Victor and his gang reportedly abducted their friend and, in a bid to deflect suspicion, pretended the abduction was carried out by another group. He is currently cooperating with authorities and providing information to track down his partners in crime. He will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety and security across the state.

Columnist and political commentator Majeed Dahiru has described the resolution of the Rivers State political crisis as a rare victory for a political godfather, asserting that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has “triumphed” over Governor Siminalayi Fubara, once his political protégé.

“This is a classic case of a hat-trick in football. Wike has emerged victorious. He came out on top, and Fubara has found his level. That game-changer was indeed the declaration of a state of emergency. It was declared—got Fubara to surrender and handed over victory in favour of Wike. So Wike has triumphed,” Dahiru stated during Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

He argued that the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-producing state compelled Fubara to concede, resulting in a clear win for Wike. According to him, it’s uncommon in Nigerian politics for a political mentor to outmaneuver a sitting governor they helped into office, citing President Tinubu’s clash with former Lagos governor Ambode as a rare precedent.

Despite the perceived political success, Dahiru questioned the legal justification of the emergency measure. He described it as unconstitutional and illegal, saying it should have been handled in a way that upheld the Nigerian constitution. He maintained that a state of emergency does not permit the removal of a democratically elected government.

The analyst added that neither side in the Fubara-Wike conflict could be considered blameless. He emphasized that both actors belong to the same political circle and that the general public should not take sides in what was essentially an internal disagreement. He argued that “you didn’t vote for Fubara” because campaign resources had been deployed on his behalf, making the votes influenced rather than independent.

Responding to whether it would have been better to remove the governor through impeachment, Dahiru said the political compromise benefited Fubara, but constitutionally, impeachment would have been more appropriate than using a state of emergency as a fallback option.

The analyst’s comments followed a Thursday night meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, involving President Bola Tinubu, Wike, Fubara, and members of the Rivers State Assembly, which resulted in a peace agreement. Following the meeting, Wike confirmed that all parties had agreed to work together, describing them as members of the same political family.

Fubara also addressed his supporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday, declaring that there is no sacrifice too great for peace and that every decision, including his reconciliation with Wike, was made in the interest of the people. He acknowledged the disappointment of some supporters but explained that key stakeholders were consulted before any decision was reached.

In March, Tinubu had suspended Fubara and his deputy, citing insecurity and political unrest in the state. He declared a state of emergency and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to temporarily oversee governance using powers granted under Section 305 of the Constitution.

This move drew criticism nationwide, as civil society groups and opposition voices condemned the suspension of a duly elected governor. Tinubu, however, defended the action as necessary for the stability of both Rivers State and Nigeria.

Signs of reconciliation grew over the weekend as Wike, Fubara, and suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule made a joint appearance at a funeral in Wike’s hometown—their first public outing since the peace deal.