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JUST IN: Osun SSG, five others arrested for alleged possession of N4.8m, PVCs

The Osun State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and five others were arrested, and N4.81 million, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register were recovered during a raid at his residence.

The Command, in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that the operation, carried out by its operatives on credible intelligence, was primarily aimed at apprehending a suspected gang leader, Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as ‘Ashipa,’ who was said to be on the police watch-list over alleged murder.

He said officers stormed the property in the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo, where Arowomole was found.

Ojelabi said exhibits recovered during the operation included N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two PVCs and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The exhibits, according to the Command, have been taken into police custody for forensic examination and further investigation.

Those arrested during the operation were identified as Hon. Igbalaye Teslim (SSG), 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

The police said the suspects were found on the premises during the operation and had been taken into lawful custody.

The Command said the recovery of the cash and the voter register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

It noted that ongoing investigations would determine whether offences including voter bribery contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted criminal and other offences had been committed.

‘The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities. While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences,’ the statement said.

The Command added that it would investigate the source and intended use of the recovered cash and identify all persons connected with the exhibits.

He assured residents that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour, stressing that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or public office, is above the law.

The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, obey the law, and continue to provide credible information to aid efforts to ensure peaceful, free and credible elections in the state.

Meanwhile, Osun State Government, through the Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi, berated the police for raiding the house of the SSG, calling it illegal.

He said, ‘At the time the SSG house was invaded, his ward officials were holding a meeting within the compound, while the SSG himself was attending the stakeholders’ forum organised by the National Electoral Commission.

‘The police raided the residence of the Commissioner for Energy at Ikire yesterday, ransacking the building and destroying several properties.

‘We again call the attention of our traditional rulers, the Nigeria Police Service, the Inspector General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to this escalation of targeted violence against top government officials and Accord members in Osun State. This must be stopped before it escalates into a general breakdown of law and order.’

Guterres announces 5+1 meeting on Cyprus after adequate preparation, deadline not defined (1)

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, announced on Wednesday the convention of another 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus problem, after adequate preparations on confidence building, methodology and substance, taking into account the convergences already achieved.

In statements following his joint meeting with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, at the United Nations Protected Area at Nicosia airport, Guterres said that he has the consensus of both sides and the guarantor powers to move into a five-plus-one meeting, but with an adequate preparation on confidence building, preparation on methodology, and preparation on substance, ‘because I don’t want to have more five-plus-one meetings without results’, while when asked about a deadline for the meeting, he said it was not defined.

He also noted that a solution in Cyprus is absolutely crucial, “not only to preserve the interests and the peace of the Cyprus people, but also as a factor of stability in what is becoming a dangerously instable region”.

[MORE LATER]

CNA/KCH/EAN/KA/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY

UNITED STATES-POLITICS-US congressman urges Trump to offer ‘sustained support’ for Haiti

United States Democratic Congressman Gregory W. Meeks has urged President Donald rump to offer ‘sustained support’ for Haiti amid escalating socio-economic crises facing the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

In a full committee hearing entitled ‘Confronting Haiti’s Terrorist Gangs: The Gang Suppression Force and the Path Ahead,’ Meeks, a Ranking Member of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said that, ‘for years, Haiti has endured a convergence of violence, political instability, economic collapse, and humanitarian suffering that has no parallel in our hemisphere. ‘Armed gangs control large parts of Haiti’s capital; families have been driven from their homes; women and children face gender-based violence; hospitals struggle to function; schools have closed; nearly 5.7 million Haitians – half of the country – face acute food insecurity,’ said the representative for the 5th Congressional District in Queens, New York.

‘While we may not all agree on the best approach to addressing this crisis, I believe we can all agree that US-Haiti policy – under Democratic and Republican administrations alike – has fallen short,’ he added.

He said closing that gap is not only a matter of conscience; it’s a matter of national and regional security and that helping Haiti overcome this crisis is not charity; it’s a strategic investment in a safer, more prosperous hemisphere.

‘But in doing so, we must recognize that another US-imposed solution will not work. Haiti’s future cannot be designed in Washington, New York, or Geneva. Lasting progress must be Haitian-led and accountable to the Haitian people.

‘The US should offer sustained support, and we must work with like-minded countries around the world, but as partners, not architects,’ the congressman said.

He said with proper implementation, the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force (GSF) can help Haitian authorities push back against gangs, secure critical infrastructure and create the conditions for Haitians to begin rebuilding their country.

‘I hope it’s successful. But we must also be honest about what the GSF cannot do. It cannot replace legitimate governance. It cannot substitute for long-term investments in institutions, economic opportunity, or public trust.

‘You can capture or kill gang members, but if you do not address the broken political and economic system that creates, finances and replenishes these gangs, the cycle of violence will only continue,’ he warned.

Meeks said that if the proposed 5,500 strong GSF mission is not paired with a serious political process, humanitarian relief, and a plan to reclaim gang-controlled territory, then any gains will be temporary.

Ge said security without a political and economic strategy is not a solution, it is only a pause.

‘Any security mission in Haiti must also be accompanied by disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes,’ he said, noting that humanitarian assistance must flow alongside security assistance, ‘because Haitians need food, medicine and shelter.

‘That means the Trump administration must bring forward a comprehensive strategy equal to the scale of the crisis.. The administration should start by reversing its own damaging policies. The gutting of US foreign aid has hit Haiti particularly hard.

‘And even as the administration warns Americans against traveling to Haiti, it claims the island is safe enough to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and deport some 350,000 Haitians. This is not just cruel; it’s contradictory; and it will only exacerbate instability in Haiti.’

In addition, Meeks urged the Trump administration to ‘identify and hold accountable those members of Haiti’s political and economic elite who are supporting the gangs.

‘It has failed to do so adequately, despite a Congressional mandate in my bipartisan Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act, which became law last year. Congress can do more as well.’

Meeks said he introduced the ‘SAK PASE in Haiti Act,’ with Representative Murphy of North Carolina, which would require the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter instability in Haiti.

‘Congress should pass it today, and unless Congress reauthorizes HOPE/HELP for an extended period, jobs that are a lifeline for Haitians fleeing gang violence will evaporate.’

Meeks said support for Haiti has long had bipartisan backing in Congress, ‘because the American people understand the suffering the Haitian people have endured and want to help’.

He said after the 2010 earthquake which killed more than 300,000 people, Americans across the country mobilized, ‘because that is who we are.

‘The United States has a responsibility to lead. But we must do so in a way that avoids repeating the mistakes of the past, centers Haitian voices, and delivers the partnership this moment demands.’

Last week, US Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also urged Senate Republicans to ‘stand up to Trump’s vilification of Haitians’, demanding that they rescind TPS for over 350,000 Haitians living in the United States.

‘The Haitian community is woven into the fabric of our great American family, but Donald Trump is trying to tear it apart by terminating Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status,’ said Schumer, speaking on the Senate floor.

‘As someone who takes great pride in representing the state that is home to the largest Haitian population in the country, I know just how important the Haitian community is to the American economy, to culture, to society,’ the Democrat said.

Okpebholo celebrates Archbishop Idahosa at 83

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described Archbishop Margaret Idahosa as a symbol of unwavering faith, selfless service, and enduring spiritual leadership, whose contributions have transformed lives and strengthened society.

In a statement marking the 83rd birthday of the Matriarch of the Church of God Mission International, Governor Okpebholo praised her decades of commitment to the Christian faith.

The Edo governor said her ministry has inspired generations through steadfast leadership, compassion, and dedication to advancing the Gospel.

He added that the renowned cleric’s influence extends beyond the pulpit, citing her support for her husband’s vision and her contributions to education, humanitarian service, peace-building, and community development.

According to the governor, ‘Archbishop Idahosa’s motherly guidance, wisdom, and support for the vulnerable have continued to inspire hope and positively impact countless lives.’

‘As you celebrate this significant milestone, we pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, renewed strength, abundant grace, and many more fruitful years in His service,’ the governor said.

Teodoro flags political, institutional hurdles in building PH deterrence

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro pointed to political and institutional hurdles that supposedly inhibited the Philippines’ deterrence posture.

‘It’s not effective at all. That’s why we have to adjust,’ Teodoro said in a roundtable discussion with the Inquirer on Wednesday.

‘A credible deterrence posture is not a static or a fixed number because you have to take into account what the enemy does to catch up and to overcome your system,’ he explained.

‘Political will is one of the factors. Secondly, the process of how the government works institutionally. The lack of funds is already an obstacle, but outdated civil service regulations are also another stumbling block,’ he noted in Filipino.

Teodoro cited the cases of Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, and Singapore, which spends up to 6 percent of its gross domestic product on defense.

The Philippine defense chief explained that prior to his tenure, the country’s deterrence strategy was prepared only for a ‘post-invasion’ scenario involving guerrilla warfare.

Although he noted that the defense department increased its budget by 12 percent in 2025, the funds were for maintenance and other operating expenses.

‘That’s where we usually lack because we not only have to secure the boundaries, participate in bilateral and multilateral exercises, but the most important is humanitarian assistance and disaster response,’ Teodoro explained in Filipino.

‘We’re already tied up… and we’ve nailed ourselves down,’ he further said.

‘The slower we do it (strengthening deterrence), the worse it will become for future generations after us,’ he stressed.

Cyprus expresses solidarity with Japan following earthquake

Cyprus expressed solidarity with the government and people of Japan following the earthquake that killed at least 13 people. Minister of Foreign Affairs Constantinos Kombos posted on X that he is saddened by the news of the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

”Our thoughts are with all those affected. We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Japan during the ongoing recovery efforts”, he posted.

Saddened by the news of the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

Our thoughts are with all those affected.

We stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Japan during the ongoing recovery efforts.@MofaJapan_en@CyprusinJapan

– Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) July 29, 2026

Fubara inaugurates 12 new permanent secretaries

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has charged newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to view their appointments as a call to selfless service and to work towards advancing the state’s development rather than pursuing personal interests.

Addressing the officials shortly after their swearing-in, the governor said their emergence was intended to strengthen his administration’s capacity to deliver on its mandate and leave a lasting legacy for future governments.

Fubara stressed that, as the highest-ranking career officers in the civil service, the Permanent Secretaries must provide effective leadership in their respective ministries and ensure improved service delivery.

He urged them to discharge their responsibilities with fairness, patriotism and commitment to both Rivers State and Nigeria.

‘Do right to everyone, your State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the governor charged.

He added, ‘At this particular point in time, it is my wish that your coming on board is to help this administration achieve its goal. Not personal, but goals of moving the State forward, so that when we are done with our own, I believe that your good work will help whoever is going to take over from us to also continue the good work in our dear State.’

Describing their appointments as a call to service, Fubara reminded the officials that they now occupy the pinnacle of the civil service’s managerial cadre and must justify the confidence reposed in them.

‘You are the heads of your ministry wherever you are going to be sent to. You are at the peak of the managerial cadre of the civil service, the highest of our service, so you need to do the work as somebody at the head,’ he said.

The governor cautioned against poor leadership and inefficiency, expressing optimism that the new Permanent Secretaries would reposition the ministries for greater effectiveness.

‘Don’t be at the head and make this administration suffer just like some of the ministries. So, I believe that your coming on board will bring changes and effectiveness to the system,’ he stated.

Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries and wished them success in discharging their duties.

‘I congratulate every one of you and wish you the best’.

The newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries are Mr Freddy Ndigbara, Dr Fortune Akpila, Dr Promise Oguzie, Mrs Ibisoye Lolomari Nwankwo, Mrs Ibiyemiebara Joseph Uzoma and Mrs Mercy Dagogo Iboroma.

Others are Dr Wachukwu Vincent Worgu, Mr Ifeanyi Anthony Ogboma, Dr Mina Gogo Jim-Jaja, Mr Henry Uzor, Mr Chimemum Mpi and Dr Mina Ikuru.

JAMAICA-POLITICS-President of Ghana to visit Jamaica

The Jamaica government Wednesday announced that the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, will be among the special guests for this year’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said that President Mahama will make an official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5, while Botes will visit from August 4 to 7, 2026, representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the country’s Independence celebrations. The OPM said Mahama’s visit builds on a series of high-level engagements that have strengthened ties between Jamaica and Ghana. The two countries have expanded cooperation in health, defence, trade and investment, education, culture, tourism, air services and technical exchange.

According to the OPM, the visit is expected to advance the implementation of existing agreements, deepen political dialogue and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

During his stay, President Mahama will pay a courtesy call on the governor general, hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other senior government officials, participate in a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, meet with members of the private sector and visit Seville Heritage Park.

Botes’ visit follows discussions between Prime Minister Holness and South African President Ramaphosa on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where Holness extended an invitation for the South African leader to attend Jamaica’s national celebrations.

The OPM said Botes’ visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to review existing bilateral cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

‘It builds on a longstanding relationship spanning more than three decades and follows the resumption of the Jamaica-South Africa political consultations, which continue to provide an important mechanism for advancing structured dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. In addition to meeting with government officials, the deputy minister will meet with the private sector and participate in cultural activities,’ the OPM said.

2027: APC council chairmen pledge nationwide mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election

The Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum (PLGCF) has pledged to lead a nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The forum, which comprises about 685 elected local government chairmen from 31 All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states, said the party’s success in the next general election would depend largely on the strength of its grassroots structures.

The commitment was announced during a courtesy visit by the forum’s executive council to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the forum’s Chairman and Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State, Dr Mustapha Mohammed Jibrin, described local government chairmen as the closest elected officials to the people.

‘We are the closest tier of government to the people. We understand the grassroots and possess first-hand intelligence about our communities,’ Jibrin said.

He added, ‘The success of the APC will be anchored on effective grassroots mobilisation, and that is why we have come to declare our total support for President Tinubu and his administration.’

Jibrin, a former Niger State Commissioner for Health, commended Tinubu for what he described as the administration’s commitment to strengthening local government administration and autonomy.

‘The President believes that when local governments are empowered, the dividends of democracy naturally reach ordinary Nigerians,’ he said. ‘We appreciate this commitment and have resolved to reciprocate it by mobilising massive support for his re-election.’

He also disclosed that the forum had constituted a National Working Committee to coordinate its mobilisation activities nationwide, adding that a formal endorsement rally would be held during its forthcoming national inauguration.

Jibrin also appealed to the APC national leadership to foster closer collaboration between the forum and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Echoing these sentiments, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the forum, Hon. Rawlings Dagidi, noted that local government councils are now better positioned to deliver infrastructure due to the administrative and financial reforms introduced under the current administration.

‘We are prepared to return to our various councils and mobilise not only council chairmen, but also councillors, supervisors, and the entire party structure at the ward level,’ Dagidi declared. ‘We are ready to support party activities and strengthen the APC across every community in Nigeria.’

In his response, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda praised the council chairmen, describing them as the party’s ‘greatest political assets’ and indispensable partners in securing electoral success.

‘You are nearer to the people than anyone else. You understand your communities and know what the people need,’ Yilwatda told the delegation. ‘You are the strongest pillars we have to win elections.’

Yilwatda charged all elected office-holders with taking direct ownership of political mobilisation ahead of the polls.

‘If you hold a political office, you cannot say you are not a politician,’ the National Chairman asserted. ‘If you are unwilling to mobilise people and win votes, then you should not accept political appointments.’

Commending the development projects delivered by several APC council leaders – including schools, primary health centres, roads, and water schemes – Yilwatda emphasised that vibrant local governance remains central to reducing multidimensional poverty nationwide.

He assured the delegation that the party’s national leadership, through the Office of the National Secretary, would facilitate strategic integration with the Progressive Governors’ Forum and formally brief President Tinubu on their initiative.

The visit concluded with the forum presenting branded campaign materials to the party leadership and officially naming the APC National Chairman the National Patron of the Progressive Local Government Chairmen’s Forum.