The US State Department has condemned a Brazilian Supreme Court order for the house arrest of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on trial over an alleged plot to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order Monday, saying Bolsonaro had failed to comply with restrictions previously imposed on him by the court, including use of social media and cell phones.
The court decision comes at a time of tense relations between Washington and Brasilia, with the case against right-wing populist Bolsonaro being seized on by US President Donald Trump as a threat in trade negotiations.
On Monday, the US State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs accused Justice Moraes of using “Brazil’s institutions to silence opposition and threaten democracy,” in a post on X.
“Putting even more restrictions on Jair Bolsonaro’s ability to defend himself in public is not a public service. Let Bolsonaro speak!,”said the post.
“The United States condemns Moraes’ order imposing house arrest on Bolsonaro and will hold accountable all those aiding and abetting sanctioned conduct,” it added.
The court order said Bolsonaro recorded speeches to be posted on other users’ social media accounts in which his ankle monitor is visible, which Moraes said defied an order prohibiting “exploitation of interviews or public or private speeches posted on third parties’ social media.”
Bolsonaro will serve house arrest at his residence and will not be allowed to have visitors, except for his attorneys and people authorized by the court. The former president is also prohibited from using a cell phone, directly or through third parties.
In February, Jair Bolsonaro was charged in connection with an alleged coup plot to overturn the results of the 2022 election and keep his opponent, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, from taking power. Part of the coup plot, prosecutors allege, involved a plan to potentially assassinate Lula, his vice president and a minister of the Supreme Court.
Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing.
Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro, has criticized the trial against the former Brazilian president, calling it “politically motivated,”something authorities in Brazil have rejected. Last week, he signed executive actions imposing a 50% tariff on Brazil, after threatening to do so if the country did not end the trial against Bolsonaro.
The US has also sanctioned Justice Moraes for what it considers “serious human rights violations,”and announced visa restrictions against him and other court officials over Bolsonaro’s trial.
President Lula last week slammed the US for imposing the tariff on Brazilian exports and for sanctioning the Supreme Court justice. He accused the American government of interfering in Brazil’s justice system, a move he called “unacceptable.”
The 8th Adamawa State House of Assembly has introduced 51 bills and successfully passed 20 into law within two years, a legislative milestone described as unprecedented in the history of the state.
Some of the bills that have been signed into law by the Executive Arm include the Adamawa State Appropriation Law 2024, Adamawa State Information Technology Development Agency Law 2024, Adamawa State Teachers Service Commission Law 2024, and Adamawa State Health Supplies Management Agency Law 2024.
Others include the Adamawa State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Ganye Law 2024, Adamawa State District Creation Law 2024, Adamawa State Water Supply and Sanitation Services Law 2024, and the Adamawa State College of Nursing Sciences (Repeal and Re-enactment) Law 2024.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Bathiya Wesley, disclosed this achievement during a courtesy visit by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yola, the state capital.
While commending the newly elected executive members of the chapel, the Speaker expressed confidence in their ability to discharge their duties diligently.
“Journalists, as watchdogs of the society, play a unique and professional role in informing, educating, and entertaining the public. It is a well-known fact that journalists in Adamawa State enjoy a cordial working relationship with the government and the legislature,”Wesley noted.
He emphasised the importance of sustaining this relationship, stating that no government can succeed without the support of the media.
The Speaker also praised the media’s swift reporting during the recent flooding in the state and the government’s equally prompt response to the crisis.
Wesley urged journalists to continue adhering to the ethics of the profession by reporting objectively and responsibly.
Earlier, the Vice Chairperson of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Mrs. Golfa Francis, who led the delegation, lauded the collaborative relationship between the Chapel and the House of Assembly.
She commended the Speaker’s commitment to grassroots development and his synergy with the judiciary, which she said has positively impacted governance in the state.
In the past two years, the House of Assembly has also deliberated and adopted several motions and resolutions, including: a vote of confidence on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, a vote of confidence on Speaker Bathiya Wesley,
Others are a resolution to hold a legislative retreat for members of the 8th Assembly and a resolution urging the government to employ more qualified teachers in state schools.
These developments underscore the Assembly’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Adamawa State.
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been honoured with the International Peace Award by the Global Peace Movement International.
The international award is in recognition of Senator Akpabio’s contributions to global diplomacy and parliamentary excellence, according to Global Peace Organisation.
“Global Peace Movement International is delighted to announce that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the esteemed Senate President of Nigeria, has been honored with the prestigious International Peace Award.
“This distinction is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision as an Executive Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and one of the esteemed Commissioners worldwide. His pivotal role in restoring Nigeria’s IPU membership, a distinction lost over five decades ago, is a monumental achievement that showcases his dedication to reinstating Nigeria’s prominent position on the global stage.
“This feat has not only elevated Nigeria’s international status but also underscored Senator Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to fostering global cooperation and understanding.
“The Global Peace Movement International takes great pride in recognising and honoring Akpabio’s remarkable achievements, celebrating his profound impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape and his tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and cooperation. His exemplary leadership and enduring legacy are shaping a brighter future for our beloved nation, Nigeria.”
The Global Peace Movement International said it will present the International Peace Award to Senator Godswill Akpabio in August 2025.
In a bid to improve the technical ability of coaches in Nigeria in tandem with best global practices, the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has completed an International D coaching course in Abuja.
Speaking after the programme, Technical Director of the federation, Bala Mohammed said the course will help build the game of handball from the grassroots, as the ‘D’ license is the minimum standard for IHF licenses.
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”This is one of the technical trainings to guide the younger generation. Also, the International Handball Federation has stated that you cannot practice without having the ‘D’ license to practice,” he added.
He further called on the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to give equal support to other sports federations, especially the Handball Federation.
Resource person Ryan Almeida described Nigeria as a potential hub for the growth of handball in the entire continent of Africa.
The Angolan, who commended the participants, said the coaches have displayed a lot of zeal, which he finds key to the successful application of what they have learned during this period.
”It’s been days of hard work, a lot of work and intensive training, theoretical and practical activities, and also written exams. IHF has a very good development plan or project for the growth of handball in Nigeria. Nigeria has potential because it has a lot of people and the growth of hardball in Africa. My work has been to teach them the scientific side of handball because they know a lot about handball, and they have talent,” he said.
A total of 16 coaches, 8 male and 8 female, took part in the week-long exercise where they were awarded with an IHF D coaching license.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has charged All Progressive Congress (APC) social media influencers to showcase the achievement of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
Goronyo made the call at the opening ceremony of a one day capacity building training organised for the social media influencers in Sokoto State.
The training sponsored by the Minister is aimed at developing the capacity of new media influencers for accurate reporting and effective promotion of the agendas of APC administration at all level in Sokoto.
Goronyo emphasised the need to showcase the achievements of both the state and federal governments in implementing their agendas during the occasion.
He explained that the media plays a vital role in changing individual perspectives regarding the various projects being executed across different sectors.
Visionary Leadership
He commended the visionary leadership of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for the initiatives they brought to the state.
The Minister urged the participants to use the opportunity and change the strategy that would continue to change the perception of people toward APC success at all level in the country.
Role of Media
The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, emphasised the role of the media in political struggles, adding that the Sokoto State Government is at the forefront of involving media professionals in all aspects of governance.
Represented by his Deputy, Idris Muhammad Gobir, highlighted the developmental strides in the state and also urged the state APC media influencers to stand firm against the propaganda of the opposition party within the state.
Also speaking, the APC Chairman, Isah Sadiq Achida, urged social media influencers to improve the way they promote the developmental initiatives of the Ahmad Aliyu administration, noting that numerous projects need publicity to challenge the previous administration under the opposition party.
The Director General to the Sokoto State Governor on Media, Malam Abubakar Bawa, stated that both Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remain committed to improving the capacity of media practitioners.
Director General of Communication Strategies and Event Management to the Nasarawa State Governor, Dr. Yakubu Lamai delivered a lecture on the dangers of fake news and propaganda, as well as the importance of protecting and supporting the ruling government.
In their separate remarks, Chairman of Goronyo Local Government, Zubairu Yari Goronyo and Special Advisor on Economic Matters to Sokoto State Governor, Dr Bashir Muhammad Achida acknowledged that it was essential to understand that social media today is a powerful tool for achieving goals and winning elections.
They described the training as a golden opportunity for participants to enrich themselves with knowledge and expertise.
The technical session was presided over by Honourable Nasiru Aminu Bazza, Senior Special Assistant to the state Governor on new media, and Hon. Abdullahi Hashimu, Chairman, Sokoto State Social Media Organisation.
Other presenters were Umar Garba Dan Anini, and Aminu Aliyu Sabon Garin Dole, a veteran journalist in the state.
The theme of the training is “Enhancing the Capacity of Social Media Influencers Towards Promoting the 9-Point Agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,”
The Kogi State Government has approved six months of paid maternity leave for mothers and 14 days of paid paternity leave for fathers in the state.
Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, the Commissioner for Health, announced this on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Lokoja, during events marking World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2025.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Steven Momoh, Abdulazeez stated that the policy aims to support breastfeeding mothers across the state by creating an enabling environment for them to care for their infants and promote healthy development.
“The paid leave will enable mothers to breastfeed exclusively, giving babies the best nutrition and protection from early childhood illnesses,” he said, adding that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to raising breastfeeding awareness and supporting maternal health.
The policy also allows fathers to bond with their newborns and support their partners during the critical early stages of parenthood.
Abdulazeez described the measure as a significant step towards fostering a breastfeeding-friendly environment in Kogi, demonstrating the government’s dedication to supporting working mothers and promoting optimal infant feeding practices.
“This move will improve health outcomes for mothers and children and could serve as a model for other states,”he said.
He highlighted that this year’s WBW theme, “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” underscores the need for robust community support for mothers.
“Breast milk provides the best nutrition, protects babies from illness, and supports healthy physical and mental development,” he noted, adding that breastfeeding also benefits mothers by aiding postpartum recovery, reducing cancer risks, and helping to space pregnancies.
The commissioner urged religious and traditional leaders to back the government’s efforts and promote breastfeeding within their communities.
The Rivers State Government in Southern Nigeria has welcomed the formal recognition of Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City by the Society of Energy Editors (SEE).
During a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Society, led by its Chairman, Malam Yakubu Lawal, to the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas described the designation as a significant affirmation of the city’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
He emphasised that the reintegration of Port Harcourt into the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) will unlock transformative economic opportunities, attract foreign investment, and solidify the city’s standing in the global energy arena.
Vice Admiral Ibas said Port Harcourt, home to Nigeria’s first oil well, two functional refineries, the Indorama Petrochemical Plant, extensive pipeline networks, and a strategic maritime corridor to the Gulf of Guinea, remains the cornerstone of the nation’s energy industry.
“Port Harcourt is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s energy sector.” Our potential re-admission into the WECP, joining elite energy hubs like Houston, Aberdeen, and Doha, will redefine global perceptions, showcase our stability and innovation, and open doors for trade, partnerships, and energy tourism.
“We are fully committed to rebranding Rivers State and transforming Port Harcourt into an international energy hub. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, fostering an enabling environment for business, innovation, and sustainable growth,” he declared.
The administrator commended the Society of Energy Editors for its initiative to commemorate 70 years of Nigeria’s oil industry, an event that will spotlight Port Harcourt’s evolution from an oil discovery site to a global energy force.
He pledged his administration’s full support for the anniversary and urged stakeholders to collaborate in accelerating the city’s WECP re-admission.
Extending an invitation to the global energy community, Vice Admiral Ibas highlighted Port Harcourt’s readiness to lead Africa’s energy future. “We invite investors, innovators, and partners to join us in shaping a sustainable, prosperous energy ecosystem that benefits not just Nigeria but the entire continent.”
In his remarks, Malam Lawal, Chairman of the Society of Energy Editors, lauded the Rivers State Government’s commitment to energy excellence.
“Designating Port Harcourt as Nigeria’s Premier Energy City is a historic step, one that honours our past while securing our future in the global energy landscape,” he stated.
With this landmark recognition and the push for WECP membership, Port Harcourt is poised to redefine its role in the global energy economy, driving investment, innovation, and long-term prosperity for Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The United States and the Rwandan government have agreed that the African country will accept up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S., a spokesperson for the Rwandan government disclosed. This is as President Donald Trump’s administration takes a hardline approach toward immigration.
The Rwandan official disclosed that the agreement was signed by U.S. and Rwandan officials in Kigali in June, speaking anonymously, adding that Washington had already sent an initial list of 10 people to be vetted.
Yolande Makolo, the spokesperson for the Rwandan government said “Rwanda has agreed with the United States to accept up to 250 migrants, in part because nearly every Rwandan family has experienced the hardships of displacement, and our societal values are founded on reintegration and rehabilitation.”
“Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement. Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare, and accommodation support to jumpstart their lives in Rwanda, giving them the opportunity to contribute to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world over the last decade.”
The White House and State Department had no immediate comment. The Department of Homeland Security referred questions to the State Department.
President Donald Trump aims to deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and his administration has sought to ramp up removals to third countries, including sending convicted criminals to South Sudan and Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.
Rwanda has in recent years positioned itself as a destination country for migrants that Western countries would like to remove, despite concerns by rights groups that Kigali does not respect basic human rights.
In May, the foreign minister said Rwanda was in the early stages of talks to receive immigrants deported from the United States.
The Trump administration argues that third-country deportations help swiftly remove some migrants, including those with criminal convictions. Immigration hardliners see third-country removals as a way to deal with offenders who cannot easily be deported and could pose a threat to the public.
Opponents have criticised the deportations as dangerous and cruel, since people could be sent to countries where they could face violence, have no ties and do not speak the language.
Rwanda will be paid by the United States in the form of a grant, the official said, adding that the grant letter was finalised in July. The official declined to say how much the grant was for.
The U.S. and Rwanda could extend the agreement beyond 250 people by mutual consent, the official said, adding that those deported to Rwanda do not have to stay in the country and can leave anytime they choose.
Kigali will only accept those whose prison terms are complete or who have no criminal case against them, as no agreement with Washington would allow people to serve out their U.S. sentence in Rwanda, the official said. No child sex offenders will be accepted.
The Trump administration has pressed other countries to take migrants. It deported more than 200 Venezuelans accused of being gang members to El Salvador in March, where they were jailed until they were released in a prisoner swap last month.
The Supreme Court in June allowed the Trump administration to deport migrants to third countries without giving them a chance to show they could be harmed. But the legality of the removals is being contested in a federal lawsuit in Boston, a case that could potentially wind its way back to the conservative-leaning high court.
Western and regional leaders have praised President Paul Kagame for transforming Rwanda from the ruins of the 1994 genocide that killed more than 1 million people into a thriving economy. Rights groups have accused him of abuses and supporting rebels in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, accusations that he denies.
Rwanda has also engaged in peace talks led by the Trump administration to bring an end to fighting in eastern Congo. The two African nations signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington in June, raising hopes for an end to fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands more this year.
The agreement to accept migrants deported from the U.S. is not the first such agreement Rwanda has reached. Kigali signed an agreement with Britain in 2022 to take in thousands of asylum seekers, a deal that was scrapped last year by then newly-elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer. No one was sent to Rwanda under the plan because of years of legal challenges.
The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike has clarified the FCT Administration’s decision to revoke land allocations at the Abuja Technology Village, stating that the move was essential to pave the way for the ambitious Abuja City Walk project, modeled after the renowned Dubai City Walk.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike revealed that the supposed investors of the Abuja Technology Village had failed to develop the site as per the agreement entered with the government. Instead, he lamented, they were engaged in land-grabbing activities.
“The FCTA provided the infrastructure for more than 20 years, and nothing has been done. You go there, they have rented out the place, you see where NNPC tankers are parked, and they collect money. So many people are now claiming to have C of Os. I said okay, I must resolve this problem. There is nothing called Abuja Technology Village”Wike asserted.
He expressed regret that despite the FCT Administration providing necessary infrastructure for over two decades, developers had not laid a single foundation stone and were instead leasing out the land for financial gain.
Providing insight into the proposed Abuja City Walk, for which an MOU was recently signed with a private investor, the Minister explained that he was inspired by the development at the Dubai City Walk during his visit to the Gulf city.
He reaffirmed government’s desire to provide world-class infrastructure of international standard.
“We are privileged to have travelled. Then when you go to some of these cities, you say, wow! What is difficult that we cannot replicate these in our cities too? These are cities that you can find everything that improves the lives of the people and then will improve the economy and create jobs”,
The Minister further explained that the Abuja City Walk will improve the lives of residents, create jobs, and bring overall development to the FCT.
The Dubai City Walk
Wike expressed confidence in the investors involved in the Abuja City Walk, noting their commitment to provide drawings and making the payment for necessary fees.
He further disclosed that performance clauses have been introduced into the agreement, with the first phase of the project slated for commissioning next year. This multi-billion-dollar investment, he believes, will significantly transform the city’s landscape and boost employment.
Policy Shift
Addressing efforts to mitigate land grabbing by unscrupulous investors, the Minister announced a policy shift introducing clear timelines for development.
“Land not developed within the stipulated period will revert to the FCTA,” he said.
The Minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the revoked land of the University of Abuja, asserting that the institution had occupied the land for many years without development.
He maintained that the 4,000 hectares remaining for the university was more than adequate, dismissing claims that a significant portion was comprised of rocks. He highlighted that development activities, including the EFCC academy, are now springing up on the reallocated land.
On the newly renovated conference centre, Mr. Wike revealed that barely a month after its reopening, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, has already generated over N1.2 billion in revenue for the government, a significant increase in revenue compared to the N50 million annually remitted by the center’s previous managers.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center
It will be recalled that the conference center was officially reopened by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025, following a period of closure for renovations.
Looking ahead, the Minister assured residents of more impactful projects beyond recent commissioning exercises and listed ongoing road projects in various Area Councils, rural water projects, and the extensive rehabilitation of schools.
He countered assertions that the FCTA was solely focused on “brick and mortar” projects, explaining that road projects, especially in the Area Councils, were prioritised based on consultations with stakeholders, including traditional rulers and the youth.
On the education sector, Wike challenged critics to visit rehabilitated and furnished schools in rural areas, offering logistical support for press tours to witness the administration’s achievements.
He promised to commission ten school projects, particularly in rural areas, to demonstrate government’s commitment to educational development in the FCT.
While acknowledging the funding challenges faced by the Area Councils, he stressed that the FCT Administration has been providing vital interventions in school rehabilitation and teacher remuneration.
The Minister also highlighted the FCT’s substantial workforce and the increased financial outlay required for maintenance, particularly with the recent minimum wage increment.
He called on FCT representatives in the National Assembly to advocate for a special intervention fund, citing the inadequacy of the one percent allocation from the Federal Government’s share of the federation account.
While acknowledging that not all problems can be solved in a short time, the FCT Minister, however, reaffirmed the current government’s commitment to good governance and the positive impact on residents’ lives.
On the issue of unpaid ground rent, the Minister issued a stern warning that the FCT Administration would soon resume the seal-off of defaulting properties following the expiration of the two-week grace period, undeterred by sentiment.
He questioned why affluent individuals were unwilling to pay ground rent while demanding infrastructure provision.
Shifting to national politics, Mr Wike reiterated his stance as a PDP stakeholder and his support for the ruling APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the last elections.
He clarified his decision not to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating his conviction that President Tinubu would win and possesses the capacity to provide needed leadership.
Responding to President Tinubu’s description of the PDP as a “sinking ship” and former Governor Ayo Fayose’s characterisation of the party as a “carcass”, Wike acknowledged the President’s right to his opinion but took exception to Fayose’s comment.
He conceded that the PDP, as an opposition party, had failed to put its house in order, a situation he had predicted.
Wike however, affirmed his continuous membership in the PDP, vowing to insist on doing the right thing and refusing to leave the party.
Regarding the ADC coalition movement, the Minister dismissed it, describing its members as politicians known for decamping from one party to another, driven by personal ambitions. He questioned their claims of wanting to “rescue the country,”citing their past performance in government.
On his reconciliation with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Similayi Fubara and expectations of restored democratic governance in the state, Barr. Wike stated that the peace deal signifies good terms with the governor upon his return to office.
He added that, to his understanding, the President does not wish to extend emergency rule due to public sentiment.
When asked about supporting a PDP presidential candidate from the South or President Tinubu in future elections, the FCT Minister reaffirmed his conviction in President Tinubu’s leadership qualities and courage, citing the removal of fuel subsidies despite opposition and challenges as a demonstration of his commitment to doing the right thing regardless of backlash.
The Sokoto State Government has acquired nine ultrasound machines and three X-ray machines to improve healthcare services in general hospitals across the state.
Dr Faruku Wurno, the Commissioner for Health, announced this during an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Monday.
He stated that the ultrasound machines have been distributed to nine general hospitals, with the three X-ray machines allocated one to each of the state’s three senatorial districts.
“The people don’t have to travel to Sokoto for investigations,”Wurno said, noting that these efforts will reduce the need for rural patients to travel to the state capital for diagnostic services.
Wurno highlighted that the health sector has seen significant revival under Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration, which inherited a sector “in the Intensive Care Unit”but has since repositioned it for efficient service delivery.
He explained that the government has adopted a dual approach, investing in both curative and preventive healthcare to enhance health outcomes statewide.
A comprehensive needs assessment revealed critical gaps, leading to the development of a strategic framework addressing challenges at primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels.
Additionally, Wurno noted that 10 general hospitals are undergoing phased rehabilitation, with many facilities now equipped with new beds, incubators, solar-powered systems, and 24-hour water supply through boreholes and overhead tanks.
The government is also prioritising the completion of two previously abandoned general hospitals in the Dange-Shuni and Wamakko Local Government Areas.
“This government is not just reacting alone; we plan for programmes to serve as game-changers, because health is wealth,” he said.
