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Sgobir Times, Abuja (2026)

20/08/2026

IRAN FIRES BACK AT NEW U.S. SANCTIONS: “ECONOMIC TERRORISM”

Iran has strongly condemned the latest economic sanctions imposed by the United States, describing them as “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity.”

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected the new U.S. measures, accusing Washington of using economic pressure as a tool against the Iranian people.

Tehran argues that continued sanctions are deepening economic hardship and has repeatedly called on the United States to end what it considers an aggressive sanctions policy.

The latest condemnation comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high, keeping the sanctions issue at the centre of international attention.

The big question: Will Washington respond to Tehran’s accusations, or will the confrontation escalate further?

What do you think? Are economic sanctions an effective foreign-policy tool, or do they unfairly punish ordinary citizens? Share your opinion in the comments.

🔔 Follow the page for more breaking international news, global affairs and major geopolitical developments.

18/08/2026

Jonathan Raises Alarm Over Governors, Ex-Governors’ Presence at Off-Cycle Elections
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the growing practice of serving governors, former governors and other senior political figures converging on states during off-cycle governorship elections.

Jonathan expressed concern that the presence of powerful political actors and their large entourages during elections could create an atmosphere of intimidation and undue influence, potentially undermining the freedom of voters and the credibility of the electoral process.

The former president recalled that similar situations occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections. He said that while he was president, he took steps to prevent senior political officials from remaining in the affected states during the voting process.

Jonathan’s comments have renewed debate over the role of political leaders on election day and whether their presence in states where governorship elections are taking place could influence voters or create unnecessary tension.

He urged political actors to prioritise democratic principles and allow citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely without pressure or intimidation.

The development comes amid continuing concerns over the conduct, credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly during off-cycle elections.

Do you think governors, former governors and other political heavyweights should stay away from election states on polling day?

18/08/2026

RUSSIA & NORTH KOREA: A NEW GLOBAL POWER BLOC?

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia and North Korea are working together to build what Moscow describes as a new, more just world order.

In a message to North Korea’s foreign minister, Lavrov praised the growing military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, including the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region.

Lavrov portrayed the two countries as allies fighting on the same side against Ukrainian forces and foreign mercenaries, describing their relationship as a form of “militant friendship” strengthened by shared history and cooperation on the battlefield.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also exchanged messages with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both sides emphasizing that their strategic partnership has reached an unprecedented level.

The alliance has extended beyond diplomatic statements. Since late 2024, North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. In return, Pyongyang has reportedly received energy supplies, food, technical support and military assistance from Moscow.

North Korea’s economy also recorded growth in 2025, with analysts linking part of the improvement to increased cooperation with Russia.

The growing Russia–North Korea partnership represents a broader challenge to the US-led international system, with Moscow and Pyongyang promoting a more multipolar global order.

As their military and economic ties continue to deepen, one major question remains:

Could the Russia–North Korea alliance become an important force in reshaping the global balance of power?

What do you think — is a new world order already taking shape?

17/08/2026

BREAKING: NETANYAHU’S LIKUD PARTY HOLDS PRIMARIES AHEAD OF ISRAEL’S GENERAL ELECTION

Israel’s governing Likud Party, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is holding its internal primary elections as the country prepares for a crucial general election scheduled for October.

The primaries are being closely watched as Likud members vote to determine the party’s list of candidates who will compete for seats in the next Knesset, Israel’s parliament.

The internal contest is considered particularly significant for Netanyahu, whose political future and prospects for securing another term as prime minister could be influenced by the strength and composition of the Likud candidate list.

Reports indicate that around 140,000 Likud members are eligible to participate, with dozens of current and former lawmakers competing for positions on the party’s electoral list.

The primary comes at a challenging period for Likud. The party has faced internal divisions, while polling has raised questions about whether it can maintain its previous level of support in the upcoming election. Analysts say a shift toward more hard-right candidates could potentially make it more difficult for Netanyahu to attract centrist voters.

Netanyahu has already secured the top position on the Likud list, while changes to the party’s selection process have also increased his influence over several positions on the slate.

The outcome of the primaries will therefore be closely followed as Israel moves toward the October general election, where Netanyahu and Likud face a major test of their political strength.

💬 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you think the outcome of the Likud primaries will strengthen Benjamin Netanyahu’s chances of winning another term, or could internal divisions hurt the party in the general election?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

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17/08/2026

BREAKING: APM WINS ALL 20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMANSHIP SEATS IN BAUCHI

The Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) has announced the results of the local government elections held across the state on Monday, with the APM recording a sweeping victory.

According to BASIEC, the APM won all 20 local government chairmanship seats, as well as 319 out of the 323 councillorship seats contested across the state.
List of the Local Government Chairmanship Winners

- Alkaleri: Bappah Aliyu Mohammed – 107,482
- Bauchi: Umar Mohammed Aliyu – 125,170
- Bogoro: Zakka Luka Magaji – 25,282
- Dambam: Iliya Isah – 19,730
- Darazo: Ya’u Samaila Sade – 67,276
- Dass: Mohammed Abubakar Jibo – 35,264
- Gamawa: Ali Babayo – 54,423
- Ganjuwa: Mohammed Idris M. – 24,150
- Giade: Mustapha Alhaji Musa – 33,864
- Itas/Gadau: Dankawuwa Ya’u – 24,989
- Jama’are: Inuwa Abdullahi – 36,766
- Katagum: Yusuf Babayo Zaki – 65,626
- Kirfi: Garba Musa – 24,787
- Misau: Salisu Hussaini – 34,378
- Ningi: Yahuza Adamu Haruna – 29,387
- Shira: Saleh Hodi Jibir – 37,135
- Tafawa Balewa: Sama’ila Wakili Lere – 46,625
- Toro: Abubakar Ibrahim Dembo – 109,999
- Warji: Habibu Idris Usman – 43,066
- Zaki: Mas’ud Aliyu – 19,984

Opposition Parties Secure Councillorship Seats

Despite APM’s dominance, other political parties secured victories in some wards.

The SDP won Dandango Ward in Bauchi, while the NRM secured Darazo South Ward. The ZLP won Wandi Ward in Dass, while the YPP emerged victorious in Zirami Ward in Giade.

BASIEC Chairperson, Hajiya Jummai S. Abubakar (Gimbiyar Dass), said the commission declared the results after completing the counting, collation and verification of votes in accordance with the provisions of the electoral law.

She congratulated the successful candidates and the people of Bauchi State on the conclusion of the elections.

💬 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you think the outcome of the election will bring better leadership, development and improved governance to Bauchi State’s local governments?

Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇

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17/08/2026

BREAKING NEWS: EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER BLESSING AGGEBAKU REPORTEDLY RESIGNS

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has reportedly resigned from his position as Speaker.

Following the reported resignation, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Atu Osamwonyi, is said to have taken over proceedings during plenary.

The development has generated significant attention within Edo State’s political circles, with stakeholders and residents closely watching for further details on the circumstances surrounding the reported resignation and its implications for the leadership of the Assembly.

The Edo State House of Assembly has yet to provide comprehensive public details on the development at the time of this report.

Further updates are expected as more information emerges.

Stay with us for verified updates on this developing story.

15/08/2026

BREAKING: CHADIAN WOMAN WANTED OVER ALLEGED MURDER ARRESTED IN KANO

A Chadian national, Mahadijiria Abdoulaye, who was wanted by authorities in Chad over her alleged involvement in the murder of Nazik Mahamat Saleh, has been arrested in Kano State, Nigeria, by officers of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, Abdoulaye allegedly fled to Nigeria following the incident in which Saleh was reportedly tortured and killed on May 3, 2026.

Arrest in Kano:
She was reportedly traced and arrested on August 5, 2026, at Railway Quarters in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, following intelligence-led operations.

🔴 Returned to Chad:
On August 14, 2026, Abdoulaye was returned to N’Djamena, Chad, through Lomé, Togo, to face legal proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force said the operation demonstrates the growing cooperation between Nigerian and Chadian law-enforcement authorities through INTERPOL.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended INTERPOL NCB Abuja officers for their professionalism and effective collaboration with their Chadian counterparts.

Justice knows no borders.

What do you think about the increasing cooperation between African countries in tracking suspects who cross international borders?

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments.

13/08/2026

RIBADU LEADS SENIOR NIGERIAN OFFICIALS TO WASHINGTON FOR HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY TALKS

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has led a delegation of senior security and government officials to Washington, D.C., for a high-level Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group meeting on security.

The talks are focused on strengthening counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, reviewing progress made in their security partnership, and identifying new areas for deeper collaboration.

Among the senior Nigerian officials attending the meeting is the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, alongside other key security and government officials.

The discussions are expected to strengthen cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, counterterrorism strategies and other joint security initiatives between Nigeria and the United States.

The meeting comes as Nigeria continues efforts to strengthen its national security framework and deepen international partnerships to tackle terrorism and other emerging security threats.

🔥 WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Do you believe stronger Nigeria–US security cooperation can help reduce terrorism and other security challenges in Nigeria?

Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇

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09/08/2026

BREAKING: NIGERIA INTENSIFIES WAR AGAINST MALARIA AS CASES AMONG CHILDREN FALL SHARPLY

The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to eliminating malaria and strengthening domestic healthcare financing as Nigeria seeks to reduce reliance on external donor support.

A major milestone: Malaria parasite prevalence among children aged 6–59 months dropped from 42% in 2010 to 15% in 2025.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, says the government will build on the progress through:

Better diagnosis and treatment
Affordable, quality malaria medicines
More insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Malaria vaccines where available
Data-driven prevention strategies
Stronger domestic healthcare financing

The minister also called on state governments to increase investment in healthcare, stressing that Nigeria’s long-term fight against malaria cannot depend entirely on external donors.

Nigeria has made progress—but can the country finally become malaria-free?

👇 WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Should government focus more on PREVENTION, FREE TREATMENT, HEALTHCARE FUNDING, or PUBLIC AWARENESS?

Tell us your choice in the comments.
Share this update and help spread the message.
Follow Sgobir Times for more breaking news and health updates.

09/08/2026

IRAN OPENS MAJOR MUHARRAM & ASHURA EXHIBITION AT FOREIGN MINISTRY

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has opened a special exhibition showcasing historical documents, archival materials and research on Muharram and the Ashura uprising of Imam Hussein (AS).

The exhibition was inaugurated in Tehran in the presence of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, diplomats, ambassadors, researchers and cultural officials.

Organized by the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), the exhibition highlights historical records connected to Muharram and Ashura, offering visitors a closer look at their religious, cultural, historical and diplomatic dimensions.

Officials say Iran’s Foreign Ministry archives contain more than 50 million documents relating to the country’s foreign relations, including historical materials associated with Muharram and Ashura.

IPIS head Saeed Khatibzadeh described Muharram and Ashura as important elements of Iran’s historical and cultural identity, while highlighting values associated with the Ashura tradition, including resistance, dignity and steadfastness.

📌 The exhibition has sparked renewed attention to the historical documentation and cultural significance of Muharram and Ashura in Iran.

💬 What is your view?
Do you think preserving historical documents and archives about major religious and cultural events is important for future generations?

👇 Share your opinion in the comments.

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