The British high commission says it is collating relevant information about some Nigerians who engaged in anti-democratic actions during the elections. The commission said it was concerned by the use of inflammatory ethno-religious language by some political figures. On March 18, the governorship and house of assembly elections were held in 28 states across the country. House of assembly election was conducted in the remaining eight states. In a statement released on Wednesday, the commission said members of its observation team witnessed vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of election materials, and harassment of journalists during the governorship elections. The commission…

Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has confirmed sighting of the new crescent, marking the beginning of Ramadan 1444AH. Sultan made the announcement in a live broadcast Wednesday evening, calling on Muslim to pray for Nigeria during the holy month. He said, “Today Wednesday, the 29th day of Shaaban 1444 AH, which is equivalent to 22nd of March 2023 marks the end of the month of Shaaban. After receiving reports of moon sighting from Muslim leaders and organisations across the length and breadth of our great country, which were duly…

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE Russia hits Ukraine with missiles, drones as 'dear friend' Xi departs Russia blasted an apartment block in Ukraine with missiles on Wednesday and swarmed cities with drone attacks overnight, in a display of force as President Vladimir Putin bid farewell to his visiting "dear friend" and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Firefighters battled a blaze in two adjacent residential buildings in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, where officials said at least one person was killed and 33 wounded by a twin missile strike. In Rzhyshchiv, a riverside town south of Kyiv, at least eight people were killed and seven…

PRESS RELEASE Nigeria carried out the second round of its electoral process with gubernatorial and state assembly elections on March 18. The United States is deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states. Members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand. The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos was particularly concerning. We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens…