Just in: Edwin Clark dies at 97

A former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Edwin Clark, is dead.

A statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark for the family said the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader died at 97 on Monday night.

The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday 17th February, 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

Nigeria should apologise to Canada over visa requests for over 70 officers – Odinkalu

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, criticized Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers after they were denied visas by the Canadian Embassy.

Odinkalu remarked that the CDS and the top officers who are outraged about being denied visas to attend the Invictus Winter Games should be ashamed of themselves.

He questioned the rationale behind sending a delegation of over 70 officers, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, to Canada for the Invictus Winter Games while Nigeria is grappling with severe insecurity.

Odinkalu also questioned when Nigeria, a tropical West African country, started observing winter or participating in winter games.

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Additionally, he questioned why a large delegation of top military officers, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, applied for visas for this trip without the knowledge of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to him, instead of admitting a significant mistake and apologising, Nigeria has what he described as a disgraceful lineup of senior cabinet members, led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

“In a series of posts on his X page on Sunday, Odinkalu said, ‘Senior officials of @NigeriaGov who should be ashamed of themselves are frothing that Canada denied visas to the #CDS.

“’How does anyone justify a delegation of over 70 officers led by the CDS to #InvictusWinterGames? When did #Nigeria start doing winter?!

“’And why would a delegation with the Chief of @DefenceInfoNG at its head be applying for visas for an official trip behind the back of @NigeriaMFA? How foolish & irresponsible are we supposed to be?

“’Instead of acknowledging a terrible @OwnGoal & apologising, we have a disgraceful line-up of senior cabinet members, led by @NuhuRibadu & including freelancing ministers, making the government look more stupid.

“’We may be lawless but other countries are not obliged to follow us in that.

“’Instead of abusing Canada, @NigeriaGov owes them an apology.

“’Additionally, in a proper system there will be an investigation as well as consequences for those who have brought this kind of embarrassment upon the country.

“’These people should stop disgracing themselves.’”

Nigeria should apologise to Canada over visa requests for over 70 officers – Odinkalu

85 Nigerians cleared for deportation from US, FG seeks fairness

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the United States to ensure a dignified and humane process for the deportation of Nigerian immigrants.

This appeal was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a statement released by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, expressed concerns over the emotional and financial toll on Nigerians affected by the new U.S. administration’s deportation plans.

201 Nigerians in immigration camps 

She revealed that approximately 201 Nigerians are currently held in U.S. immigration camps, with about 85 already cleared for deportation.

“If deportation must occur, it should be carried out with dignity,” the minister stated.

She emphasized the need for affected individuals to be given adequate time to manage their assets and personal affairs before repatriation.

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“Will they be bundled onto planes and sent back without regard for their circumstances?” she questioned, highlighting the trauma deportation inflicts not only on the individuals but also on their families in Nigeria, who rely on their remittances for survival and education.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also raised concerns over the potential suspension of the U.S. Drop Box Visa System, which simplifies visa applications for genuine travelers.

She urged the U.S. government to reconsider any plans to suspend the policy and issue an official statement clarifying its position.

This call comes amid growing anxiety among Nigerians, particularly parents of over 14,000 Nigerian students studying in the U.S., who fear possible changes to student visa policies.

Regarding the future of USAID programs in Nigeria, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that while an outright suspension has not been confirmed, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are anxious for clarity.

She appealed for the continuation of USAID initiatives, citing their critical role in addressing humanitarian challenges across Nigeria and Africa.

The minister commended the post-COVID-19 trade relations between Nigeria and the U.S. and encouraged further investments in Nigeria’s mining sector.

She also called for the reactivation of the ‘Silent Secretariat’ to facilitate bilateral assessments and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

In response, Ambassador Mills clarified that the Drop Box Visa Policy has not been suspended but is under review as part of the new administration’s policy adjustments.

He assured that USAID remains committed to life-saving initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid, despite challenges faced by some NGOs.

On the issue of deportation, Mills stated that repatriated Nigerians would be returned to Lagos, with no consideration for alternative destinations like Port Harcourt or Abuja. He explained that the first group of deportees would include convicted criminals and individuals who have violated U.S. immigration laws, some of whom had their appeals denied.

Mills reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to enhancing trade relations with Nigeria, stating, “This administration will focus more on trade and commerce to sustain our strong relationship.” 

The ambassador also expressed concerns about democracy in Africa, the withdrawal of three Sahel countries from ECOWAS, and the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region. He reiterated the U.S. government’s support for democratic governance and regional stability.

85 Nigerians cleared for deportation from US, FG seeks fairness