The New Diplomat

Iran’s Oil Exports Soar as Israel Attack Prompts Cargo Clearout

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:24:41 +0000

Iran’s oil exports have jumped since the nation came under attack from Israel on Friday, according to a firm that specializes in monitoring clandestine shipping. The Islamic Republic exported an average of 2.33 million barrels a day since June 13, according to data from TankerTrackers.com. That’s an increase off 44% compared with the year through […]

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Thai PM faces calls to quit after leaked phone call

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:17:32 +0000

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s coalition government is on the brink of collapse after a phone call between her and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about a festering border dispute was leaked. The leak provoked public anger and prompted a key coalition partner of the 38-year-old Paetongtarn’s Peu Thai party to quit. In the call, […]

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Matawalle, Yari, Others Borrowed Money to Steal in Zamfara, Says Gov Lawal

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:11:05 +0000

I Met Only N4m in Govt Account By Kolawole Ojebisi The governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has stated that he’s averse to borrowing money from international and other financial institutions as a conduit for siphoning public funds. Lawal made this claim when asked how much he had borrowed since assuming office during an interview […]

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Why Forecasters Can’t Agree On When Oil Demand Will Peak

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:27:19 +0000

Oil demand is proving more resilient than expected, with forecasts suggesting a plateau rather than a sharp decline. Challenges such as cost and consumer hesitancy are impacting electric vehicle adoption rates. Geopolitical events and varying energy policies continue to play a significant role in shaping global oil markets. Oil demand is set to plateau rather […]

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Mambilla Power Project: Agunloye Cries Out, Says EFCC Out To Damage my Name

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:11:01 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi A former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before an Abuja High Court, demanding a sum of N1bn as damages. Agunloye told the court that the anti-graft commission is plotting to drag his name through the mud in relation to the Mambilla […]

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Israel-Iran War: FG Reiterates Moves to Evacuate Trapped Nigerians

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:06:36 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federal Government of Nigeria says it has finalized emergency evacuation plans for Nigerians stranded in Israel and Iran amid escalating military tensions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the development on Thursday through a press statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. The ministry in its statement urged all affected […]

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Rivers N1.48trn Budget: We’ll Monitor Your Spendings, Senate Warns Ibas

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:54:25 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Nigerian Senate has vowed to keep tabs on the disbursement and implementation of the N1.48 trillion budget submitted by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.). The Red Chamber maintained that ensuring that every naira allocated in the 2025 Appropriation Bill delivers tangible results is part of […]

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Joy As Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:52:18 +0000

Elated Oba of Benin Thanks Tinubu, Buhari By Abiola Olawale The government of Netherlands has repatriated 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, handing them over to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. These treasures, looted during the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897, were received […]

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Let’s Nurture Collaborative Spirit To End Economic Dependence On Western Nations, Tuggar Urges ECOWAS Members

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:47:16 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has advised West African countries to nuture the spirit of collegiality in the subregion so as to foster economic exchange and end continued dependence on former colonial powers. Tuggar, who doubles as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States Council of Ministers, […]

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Drama As Senate Rejects NNPC Account Statements, Probes Alleged ‘N210trn Fraud

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:40:51 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has faulted the audited financial statements released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) on the grounds that it shows discrepancies totaling N210 trillion. The committee claimed that the discrepancies were discovered during a probe into the financial statements with the assistance of external auditors. The […]

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FCCPC Seals up France, Belgium, Italy Visa Centres in Abuja

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:37:17 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the visa application centres for France, Belgium, and Italy in Abuja. The FCCPC cited allegations of extortion and obstruction of investigations as the reason for the move. The operation, backed by law enforcement, targeted the TLS Visa Application Centre, which has been […]

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Ben Murray-Bruce Warns: World War III Looms As Global Powers Fight Over Territory

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 14:01:28 +0000

By Abiola Olawale In a chilling forecast, Ben Murray-Bruce, the renowned founder of the Silverbird Group and former Nigerian senator, has sounded the alarm on an impending World War III. Speaking during an interview, Murray-Bruce painted a stark picture of a world teetering on the brink of catastrophic conflict. Yet, amidst the grim prophecy, he […]

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Lagos CP Explains Why Adefarasin’s Stun Gun Is illegal

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:55:29 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has explained why pointing a stun gun at someone is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, stressing that the lethality or otherwise of the device is inconsequential. The police boss made this assertion while giving an update on the investigation involving the Senior Pastor […]

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N1.48bn Budget Defence: Rivers Administrator, Ibas Arrives Senate

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:53:09 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), is currently before the Senate for hearing on the state’s ₦1.48 trillion budget proposal for 2025. The New Diplomat reports that Ibas was accompanied to the National Assembly complex by other key officials, including members of the economic team. The delegation are defending […]

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US Reopens Student Visa Applications for International Students

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:47:11 +0000

Warns On Social Media Accounts By Abiola Olawale The United States’ State Department has announced the resumption of student visa processing for international applicants, ending a month-long suspension that left thousands in limbo. This was contained in a statement issued by the State Department, which said that as a key requirement, applicants must make their […]

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[VIDEO] Alleged Defamation: Akpoti-Uduaghan Pleads Not Guilty, Granted N50m Bail

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:47:46 +0000

Trial Adjourned Till September 23 By Kolawole Ojebisi The suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been granted a ₦50m bail by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Justice Chizoba Orji granted Natasha the bail after she pleaded not guilty for alleged defamation on Thursday. The legislator was also asked to provide one […]

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Emirate Strips Ex-Kano SSG, Ganduje’s Ally Of Waziri Title After Criticising Gov. Yusuf

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:08:28 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The political developments in Kano State may have started dictating the dynamics in the state’s traditional institution This is as the Gaya Emirate Council in Kano State withdrew the traditional title of Wazirin Gaya from a former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji. Usman Alhaji, who is also a […]

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FAAC Disburses N1.6trn To FG, States, LGs In May

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 12:03:10 +0000

VAT Revenue Rises By N100bn By Kolawole Ojebisi The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has furnished the public with the details of how it shared a total sum of N1.65 trillion among the three tiers of government as allocation for May. FAAC stated that the amount shared in May represents a decrease of N30 billion […]

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Benue Visit: Obi Blasts Tinubu for Wearing Celebratory ‘Agbada’ Instead of Mourning Attire

The New Diplomat — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:56:22 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi Former Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi has berated President Bola Tinubu for turning his visit to Benue State into a carnival by deciding to “choose optics over empathy”. Obi maintained that Tinubu’s appearance did not reflect the sobriety demanded by the occasion but rather exuded gaiety, stressing that the president […]

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EFCC Nabs ex-Plateau Speaker, 14 Ex-Lawmakers over N2.5 Billion Fraud

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:22:01 +0000

By Abiola Olawale The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has nabbed Moses Thomas Sule, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, alongside 14 other ex-lawmakers in a high-profile arrest over an alleged N2.5 billion scam. EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests in a press statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja. According […]

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How Ojukwu Breached Aburi Accord, Triggered Outbreak Of Civil War – Gowon

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:17:32 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi A former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has reflected on events preceding the outbreak of Nigeria’s civil war which happened under his watch, identifying the Aburi Accord as the last-ditch attempt that could have prevented the internecine strife. Gowon disclosed that a fundamental disagreement with the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu […]

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Benue Killings: Human Life Better Than Cow’s… Donate Ranching Land For FG, Tinubu Tells Alia

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:45:21 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians, particularly Benue residents, to team up towards fighting their enemies and safeguarding the sanctity of human life which he said “is better than that of a cow”. Tinubu also urged the Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, to donate land that the Federal government will use […]

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Oil prices fall more than 1% after Trump says Iran wants to negotiate

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:54:33 +0000

President Trump says he is still weighing a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites Crude oil futures fell more than 1% on Wednesday, after President Donald Trump said Iran wants to negotiate over its nuclear program after six days of Israeli airstrikes. U.S. crude oilfutures fell 91 cents, or 1.22%, to $73.93 a barrel, while […]

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Oshodi, Uwaifo, Dokubo, Salako, Pitan, 67 Others Shortlisted for SAN

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:49:06 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee has shortlisted 72 lawyers from a pool of legions practising the noble profession for the conferment of the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2025. This was disclosed in a public notice signed by the LPPC Secretary and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir […]

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WhatsApp Denies Sharing Data With Israel, Faults Iran TV’s Allegations Amid Ongoing War

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:41:03 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi WhatsApp has dismissed claims by Iran TV that it’s sharing confidential messages and data with its arch-rival, Israel. A WhatsApp spokesperson faulted the claims on Wednesday, saying all messages sent on the app are “end-to-end encrypted”, with only the sender and recipient able to access them. According to the spokesperson, the allegations […]

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[PHOTOS] Tinubu Visits Benue, Meets Survivors of Massacre in Hospital

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:34:37 +0000

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday visited the survivors of the brutal Yelewata attacks which left communities reeling with over 200 lives lost. The President visited the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) after landing in Benue State earlier on Wednesday. The President’s visit followed an attack on the Yelewata community in […]

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Oil Prices Inch Higher as Trump Fuels Speculation

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:05:47 +0000

Crude oil prices continue to face upward pressure as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues, raising concerns about oil supply disruptions from the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil trade, is experiencing navigation issues and shipper hesitancy due to the ongoing hostilities. Potential U.S. involvement in the conflict, […]

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2027: Tinubu’s Defeat is Certain Even If He Makes Son, Seyi INEC Boss — Dalung

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:57:18 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi A former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will be roundly defeated in the 2027 general elections even if he appoints his son, Seyi, to preside over the exercise. Dalung maintained that the recent defections of governors Umo Eno and Sheriff Oborevwori of […]

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Uproar As Mtn, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Commence Charges in USSD Directly from Airtime

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:52:24 +0000

By Abiola Olawale Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have begun the implementation of a new mode of paying the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service fee. Starting Wednesday, June 18, 2025, fees from bank transactions made via USSD codes will now be deducted by telecommunications operators in Nigeria. This comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), […]

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Police: We Recovered Stun Gun From House On The Rock Pastor, Adefarasin

The New Diplomat — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:39:08 +0000

By Kolawole Ojebisi The Lagos State Police Command has revealed the outcome of its grilling session with televangelist and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, disclosing that a stun gun was recovered from the renowned preacher. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement posted on […]

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