The New Diplomat

Irene: University of Ibadan 1983/84 M. Sc. Political Science class

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:09:02 +0000

By Bola Bolawole [email protected] 0807 552 5533, 0803 251 0193 When I first ran into the news on 28 October, 2025 on the platform of the University of Ibadan Political Science alumni association, of the transition of one Professor Irene Pogoson, I immediately fired the question: “Is this not the same Irene that was in […]

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Mapped: Every Country’s GDP Growth Forecast for 2025

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:45:40 +0000

Key Takeaways Real global GDP growth is projected to be 3.2% in 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) October update. In America, GDP growth is forecast to slow to 2% this year, but rise slightly to 2.1% in 2026. In its latest global economic growth forecast, the IMF sees world real GDP rising […]

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Ranked: The World’s Wealthiest Nations in 2025

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:37:45 +0000

Key Takeaways Liechtenstein is the richest country worldwide, with a GDP per capita of $213,713. Average earnings exceed $100,000 in Luxembourg, Ireland, and Switzerland. Today, seven of the top 10 wealthiest nations per capita are in Europe, characterized by their small populations and strong social welfare systems. While examining wealth is difficult to truly measure, […]

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Ndume faults handling of US-Nigeria diplomatic row, says Tinubu govt dominated by kleptocrats

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:26:26 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of being dominated by “kleptocrats and kakistrocrats” who, he alleged, frustrate access to the President and hinder effective governance, including Nigeria’s handling of its ongoing diplomatic row with the United States. Ndume, speaking on Arise News on Tuesday night, criticised […]

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CPC Blacklist: FG Claims 13,500 Terrorists Have Been Eliminated, 17,000 Suspects Arrested

Abiola Olawale — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:23:19 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federal Government (FG) has released an update on its ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations, claiming that Nigerian forces have killed a total of 13,500 terrorists and apprehended 17,000 suspects across various conflict theaters. The announcement comes as the government continues its efforts to be delisted from the United States’ Country of […]

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CPC Designation: US Senator Ted Cruz Set to Name Officials Behind Alleged Christian Genocide

Abiola Olawale — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:57:16 +0000

By Abiola Olawale A United States Senator, Ted Cruz, is set to intensify the pressure on the Nigerian government, announcing plans to name specific officials he alleges are complicit in or turning a blind eye to the Christian genocide in the country. This move comes on the heels of the recent decision by U.S. […]

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ASUU Warns of Fresh Strike, Accuses Education Minister of ‘Deceiving Nigerians’

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:55:32 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Jos branch, has accused the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Maruf Alausa, of making “misleading and deceptive claims” about the Federal Government’s implementation of agreements with university lecturers, warning that the union could resume its suspended strike if the issues remain unresolved within […]

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Accolades as Scholar-diplomat, Gambari, Receives Angola’s Peace Medal at the Country’s 50th Anniversary

Abiola Olawale — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 15:20:43 +0000

President of the Republic of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has announced that eminent Scholar-Diplomat, former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister and erstwhile United Nations Under Secretary-General, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has been chosen to receive a Peace and Development Medal as the country celebrates its 50th Anniversary of Independence. The New Diplomat reports that Gambari […]

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Nigeria’s Endless Insecurity: From Maitatsine-Boko Haram to Trump “Country of Particular Concern”

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:45:32 +0000

By Sonny Iroche For more than a decade, Nigeria’s northern and middle-belt states have endured relentless killings, kidnappings, and displacement. The jihadist insurgency waged by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has devastated communities and exposed the state’s inability to protect its citizens. The violence has spread beyond the […]

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Democrats sweep key US elections in rebuke to Trump

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:37:31 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Democrats notched a series of decisive wins across the United States on Tuesday, signalling a setback for President Donald Trump’s political influence ahead of future national contests. In New York, Zohran Mamdani – a Muslim and democratic socialist – is projected by NBC News to become the city’s next mayor, marking a […]

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Ex-NSO DG, former CoS to Obasanjo, Gen Abdullahi Mohammed dies at 86

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:34:07 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (retd.), a powerful figure in Nigeria’s military, political and security establishment who served as the pioneer Director General of the defunct Nigeria Security Organisation (today’s DSS and NIA), has died at the age of 86. The former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua […]

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Sudan funeral attack kills 40 as RSF gears up for new offensive

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:29:13 +0000

By Obinna Uballa At least 40 civilians were killed in an attack on a funeral gathering in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, as Sudan’s war spreads deeper into the country and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appear poised for another major offensive. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), […]

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PDP Crisis Deepens as Damagum Petitions IGP Over Alleged Violent HQ Invasion by Anyanwu’s Faction

The New Diplomat — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:47:30 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The internal turmoil rocking the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to escalate, with the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, formally petitioning the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged violent invasion of the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza. The petition, dated November 3, 2025, accused […]

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Brent Stalls at $65 as Markets Shrug Off OPEC+ Supply Signals

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:49:19 +0000

OPEC+ has failed to spark an oil price rally with its commitment to halt production hikes in the first quarter of 2026, as fears of a supply glut continue to weigh on both Brent and WTI. – OPEC+ surprised oil markets by announcing a pause in its scheduled return of voluntary cuts throughout Q1 2026, […]

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Trump and us, by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Baba-Ahmed

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:40:47 +0000

By Hakeem Baba-Ahmed I admit entertaining some doubt over the authenticity of US President Trump’s first tweet announcing that he had set in motion the process of classifying Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, again. The bit that confused me was the reference to Nigerian Christians as ‘our Christians’. The world is now familiar […]

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Tension as U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore rebukes China, backs Trump’s warning to Nigeria

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:35:01 +0000

By Obinna Uballa A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has thrown his weight behind President Donald Trump’s warning to intervene militarily in Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians continues, insisting that the U.S. will not allow China to influence its foreign policy decisions. Moore, in a statement on Tuesday amid growing concern […]

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ECOWAS refutes genocide claims, calls for unity in fight against terrorism across West Africa

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:26:58 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed allegations of genocide in Nigeria and other parts of the region, warning that such claims could inflame divisions and undermine ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. In a statement released on Tuesday, ECOWAS expressed deep concern over the rising spate of terrorist attacks […]

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Drama as Another Court Gives PDP Greenlight to Hold Scheduled National Convention

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:23:12 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken another turn on Tuesday as the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has cleared the party to proceed with its scheduled elective National Convention on November 15 and 16, 2025. The judgment was delivered in a ruling by the Presiding Judge […]

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Tinubu picks Enugu Justice Commissioner Kingsley Udeh as ministerial nominee

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:17:58 +0000

By Obinna Uballa President Bola Tinubu has submitted the name of Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, to the Senate for confirmation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The nomination was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary. Udeh […]

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Dick Cheney, powerful former US vice president and Iraq war architect, dies at 84

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:12:48 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Former United States Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at the age of 84. According to reports by the BBC and other international media outlets, Cheney died on Monday night from complications of pneumonia as well as cardiac and vascular […]

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Nine soldiers linked to Boko Haram escape from Borno military detention

Abiola Olawale — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:08:19 +0000

By Obinna Uballa A major security breach has rocked the Nigerian Army following the reported escape of nine detained soldiers from the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday. The soldiers, who were allegedly being held over alleged links with Boko Haram terrorists and involvement in arms trafficking, reportedly broke out of the military […]

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China Blasts US Over ‘Interference’ in Nigeria’s Internal Affairs

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:51:34 +0000

By Abiola Olawale China has issued a rebuke against the United States, cautioning President Donald Trump against intervening in the internal affairs of Nigeria. The Chinese government made this known following the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious freedom allegations. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, […]

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Immigration denies targeting Senator Natasha, says passport check was routine

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:19:36 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has dismissed allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that its officers deliberately seized her international passport and prevented her from travelling abroad on Tuesday, describing the incident as a “routine security check.” The New Diplomat had reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had in a […]

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“Open Your Defence By November 5 or Forfeit Your Right,” Court Tells Nnamdi Kanu

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:16:19 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an ultimatum to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, giving him until Wednesday, November 5, 2025, to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial. The final deadline, handed down by Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday, November 4, […]

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CPC Blacklist: Tinubu Orders Speedy Vetting as Ambassadorial Appointments Loom

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:13:54 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to conclude the long-awaited appointments of Nigeria’s new ambassadors. Reports emerging on Tuesday have revealed that the President has reportedly directed security agencies to accelerate the vetting process of all nominees. The development comes amid ongoing tension with the United States government over the designation […]

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VIDEO: Drama at Abuja airport as Senator Natasha accuses Akpabio of blocking her from travelling

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:10:09 +0000

By Obinna Uballa Tension flared at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating the seizure of her passport by immigration officers, preventing her from traveling abroad. In a video shared on her verified social media handle, the senator, visibly […]

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JAMB moves to expose ‘double students’, makes admission status disclosure compulsory for 2026 UTME

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:04:38 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a new rule mandating all prospective candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to declare their current admission status during registration. According to the latest JAMB Bulletin, the new directive means every candidate must state clearly whether they are already enrolled […]

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Enugu court strikes out ex-bank manager’s suit to reclaim properties bought with stolen N219m

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:10:59 +0000

By Obinna Uballa The Enugu State High Court has struck out a suit filed by Oliver Anidiobi, a former Sterling Bank branch manager convicted for stealing N219 million from Ohha Microfinance Bank Limited, after his counsel applied to withdraw the case. Anidiobi, who was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment in 2021 for forgery and theft, […]

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The Top Countries by Military Spending in Three Metrics

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:22:29 +0000

Key Takeaways America’s military budget is the largest in the world, at $949 billion in 2024. North Korea has the highest military spending per capita in purchasing power parity terms, at $9,929. In 2024, the U.S., China, and Russia were the top countries by military spending, representing more than half of the global total. Overall, […]

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$50 Oil Could Crush American Shale Growth

The New Diplomat — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:03:20 +0000

The US shale industry is at risk if West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices fall to and remain at $50 per barrel, potentially leading to a 700,000-bpd drop in output by the end of 2026. OPEC+ recently agreed to boost oil production but also decided to suspend further hikes for three months, providing a […]

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