Author: Andrew Rogers

Nigeria’s public universities are increasingly being renamed after political figures, a trend that continues to stir controversy across the country. Critics argue that this practice prioritizes short-term political gains over the long-standing academic identity of these institutions. The issue first gained national attention in 2012 when then-president Goodluck Jonathan unilaterally renamed the University of Lagos after Moshood Abiola. Though Abiola is widely remembered as a symbol of democracy in Nigeria, he had no direct link to the university. The decision sparked massive public protests, leading to the suspension of academic activities at the time. Many saw the move as an…

Kenya has dropped terror charges against well-known activist Boniface Mwangi, who had been arrested for his alleged role in recent street protests. Instead of terrorism, Mwangi was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition but was released on bond immediately after his court appearance on Monday. Authorities initially accused Mwangi, 42, of helping to organize violent protests on June 25 that led to clashes and the deaths of at least 19 people. These protests marked the anniversary of last year’s demonstrations against President William Ruto’s government, which also highlighted police violence. Mwangi was arrested on Saturday by the Directorate of Criminal…

A Minnesota state senator convicted of burglary has announced she will resign her position by early August. The decision follows her recent conviction on two criminal charges related to a 2024 arrest. Senator Nicole Mitchell, 50, was found guilty on July 18 of first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. The charges are connected to a break-in at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes, a city about 200 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Mitchell’s attorney confirmed that she plans to step down “no later than August 4.” Until then, she will focus on completing her current legislative work and preparing her…

Canada’s chance of meeting the August 1 deadline for a trade deal with the United States remains unclear. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized his government will only sign an agreement that truly benefits Canadians. Carney said Tuesday in Huntsville, Ontario, “The Government of Canada will not accept a bad deal.” He added, “Our goal is not to reach a deal at any cost. We want an agreement that is in the best interest of Canadians.” The prime minister described ongoing talks as “complex negotiations.” He said if no suitable deal is reached, the government will reassess and decide on next…

Reconciliation Australia has urged the new 48th Parliament to commit to unity and truth-telling for First Nations peoples. The group warned that political divisions must not slow down progress again. In a recent statement, the organisation said the previous parliamentary term was marked by culture war debates. These included discussions about the Voice to Parliament referendum, opposition leader Peter Dutton’s criticism of Welcome to Country ceremonies, and his refusal to stand before the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. On Tuesday, Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan gave a Welcome to Country at the opening of Parliament. Both Prime Minister Anthony…

Silver prices are staying close to a 14-year high, supported by strong demand and investor interest. On Tuesday, the price of silver remained firm as the US dollar weakened slightly. This, along with ongoing trade tensions, helped boost interest in precious metals. Many investors are watching global trade talks closely, especially ahead of the August 1 deadline for new decisions. There is also strong attention on US Federal Reserve policy. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is expected to speak today, and investors hope to get clues about possible interest rate cuts. Recently, Fed Governor Christopher Waller made soft comments about monetary…

A powerful ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp five-word warning to Vladimir Putin, as tensions between the United States and Russia continue to rise. The statement, delivered during a time of mounting concern over the war in Ukraine, reflects growing frustration in Washington with Moscow’s refusal to consider peace. As the conflict drags on, Russian forces continue to advance in key regions of Ukraine. Despite calls from world leaders to end the violence, the Kremlin remains firm. President Putin shows no sign of stepping back. Instead, he appears confident that his military and political goals…

Populist and nationalist views are becoming stronger in Japan. A new political force, the Sanseito party, is leading this shift. It promotes a “Japan first” vision and has gained popularity among voters who feel left behind by global trends. In Sunday’s election, the party jumped from holding just two seats in the upper house to now controlling 15. This rise is happening as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition lost its majority in the upper house. While Ishiba’s policies focus on the economy and international cooperation, many voters are turning to messages that speak more to national pride and independence.…

As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the ruling party in Lagos State says it remains confident of victory. The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will be judged fairly by voters based on its achievements and leadership, not on opposition criticism. This was stated by the Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, in response to a recent press release by an opposition party. In the statement, Oladejo dismissed claims that Nigerians would no longer support the APC, calling the opposition’s message misleading and without substance. Oladejo emphasized that Nigerians will make informed decisions when choosing their…

Australian Parliament opening events saw rare unity among political rivals during the first day of the new session, but challenges lie ahead as deeper divisions are expected in coming debates. As the sun rose over Canberra, political leaders came together in an early morning ecumenical service at Wesley Uniting Church. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley sat side by side, both reading from the words of St John: a call to love one another. The peaceful start set a respectful tone as members prepared to return to the business of governing. Outside the church, Canberra’s traditional custodians…