Kwara elder statesman, APC chieftain Kunle Sulyman, dies

A prominent elder statesman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Kunle Sulyman, has died.

Family sources confirmed that the respected lawyer and political figure passed away on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the age of 81.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

Sulyman was widely regarded as one of the influential voices in Kwara politics and public affairs, earning respect across political and professional circles for his contributions to the legal profession and governance in the state.

A native of Ilorin, Sulyman built a long-standing reputation as a lawyer and political actor who participated actively in the evolution of the state’s political landscape over several decades.

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He was known for his outspoken views on governance and his involvement in grassroots political mobilisation.

The deceased was also a leading figure in the APC in Kwara State and was associated with political advocacy movements within the state, including the “O to ge” political movement that reshaped the state’s power dynamics in 2019.

Sulyman’s influence extended beyond politics. He was recognised as a respected community leader within the Ilorin Emirate and was known for mentoring younger politicians and professionals.

In September 2024, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq celebrated Sulyman on his 80th birthday, praising him for his service to the Ilorin Emirate and his commitment to supporting younger generations.

He was also the father of Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State.

Tributes are expected to pour in from political leaders, legal practitioners and community stakeholders across Kwara State and beyond as news of his death spreads.

Funeral arrangements were yet to be announced at the time of filing this report.

Kwara elder statesman, APC chieftain Kunle Sulyman, dies

UK Announces Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

The United Kingdom has announced temporary airspace restrictions and enhanced security measures in Windsor ahead of the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled for next week.

According to Thames Valley Police, the restrictions are part of a comprehensive security operation being coordinated with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household, and other partners to ensure the safety of dignitaries, residents, and spectators expected during the high-profile visit.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of the Thames Valley Police Joint Operations Unit said the airspace restrictions are only one component of extensive security preparations for the visit.

He noted that security agencies have considerable experience policing major royal events in Windsor and that significant planning and preparation have gone into ensuring the safety of the event.

Authorities explained that Windsor Castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction throughout the year, but the measure will be temporarily extended on Wednesday, March 18, to strengthen security for President Tinubu’s state visit.

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The temporary no-fly zone will be enforced from 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. in coordination with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and aviation authorities. Officials warned that any aircraft or drone operator who violates the restriction could face arrest and prosecution under the Air Navigation Order.

Beyond the airspace controls, authorities said a large-scale policing operation will be deployed across Windsor during the visit. This will include armed police units, mounted officers, specialist search teams, road-policing units, and neighbourhood patrol teams.

Security agencies will also deploy Project Servator teams, a specialised policing strategy designed to deter and detect criminal activity through unpredictable patrols and public engagement.

In addition, authorities confirmed that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other protective security measures will be activated to safeguard the event.

Police also announced that several road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from March 17, with possible traffic disruptions around Windsor town centre as preparations for the visit intensify.

Some footpaths and pedestrian crossings may also be temporarily restricted during ceremonial processions connected with the visit.

Residents and visitors have been advised to plan their movements ahead of time and follow official traffic guidance during the period of the state visit.

Police further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through 101, while emergencies should be reported via 999.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu are expected to be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle from March 18 to March 19, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The visit is expected to attract tight security arrangements and ceremonial events, typical of state visits hosted by the British monarchy.

UK Announces Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

MURIC Hails FG for Suspending Fuel Importation, Urges Full Crude Supply to Local Refineries

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for suspending the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, into the country, describing the move as a bold step towards strengthening local refining capacity and achieving energy independence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the group, Ishaq Akintola, praised the government for what he described as a strategic decision that could help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to MURIC, the suspension of petrol imports follows a noticeable boost in local refining activities, particularly with the operational improvements recorded in domestic refineries. The group said the development signals a positive shift in Nigeria’s petroleum sector after decades of reliance on foreign refined products despite being a major crude oil producer.

Akintola noted that the policy could help conserve foreign exchange, strengthen the naira, and create more jobs within the country’s oil and gas sector. He added that the decision aligns with long-standing calls by stakeholders for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s local refining industry.

The Islamic human rights group, however, urged the Federal Government to go further by ensuring that 100 percent of Nigeria’s crude oil production is supplied to local refineries before any export commitments are considered.

According to the statement, prioritising local refineries with crude supply would guarantee steady production of refined products, stabilize domestic fuel availability, and reduce the recurring fuel scarcity experienced across the country.

MURIC also called for strict monitoring and transparency in the implementation of the policy to ensure that local refineries operate efficiently and that the benefits of the decision reach ordinary Nigerians.

The group expressed optimism that if properly implemented, the suspension of fuel imports and prioritisation of local refining could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in petroleum products.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude oil producer, has historically relied heavily on imported refined petroleum products due to the long-standing challenges faced by its state-owned refineries. However, recent developments in the sector have raised hopes that increased local refining capacity may significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

MURIC Hails FG for Suspending Fuel Importation, Urges Full Crude Supply to Local Refineries