Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, on Saturday opened up on her Nigerian origin, referring to the African giant as “My country”.

Meghan, who came into the country with Prince Harry on Friday, thanked Nigerians for welcoming her and Harry to “my country,” sharing that a DNA test recently revealed that she is “43 per cent Nigerian.”

DAILY POST gathered that Meghan spoke at a programme organised by women in leadership, co-hosted by the Head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

According to Daily Mail, Duchess, who arrived at the summit almost an hour late, told the audience: “I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country … my country.”

She revealed that she discovered her Nigerian heritage via a genealogy test, saying the first thing she did after the result was “call my mum, because I wanted to know if she had any awareness of it.”

She noted that her visit to the country has given her a better understanding of being a Nigerian

She said, “Never in a million years would I understand it as much as I do now. And what has been echoed so much in the past day is, ‘Oh, we are not so surprised when we found out you are Nigerian”.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has recounted his observation at the Nigeria Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna State.

Recall that the Duke visited the hospital on Friday as part of his itineraries to engage with the nation’s wounded and injured military personnel and their families.

Naija News reports that Prince Harry, while giving his remarks at a reception organised by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, said the morale of the 50 wounded and injured service personnel was low.

According to him, the injuries of the wounded soldiers are defining their current lives, notwithstanding he met a few service personnel that had smiles on their faces.

He said, “I will tell you a story from yesterday when I visited the Kaduna Hospital. I met with approximately 50 wounded and injured service personnel.

“50 of them were lying down in the hospital on their bed, and I am sure anyone wouldn’t mind me saying that morale was low.

“I can see it in their faces and I can see it in their eyes — That as far as they were concerned, their injuries were now defining their lives.

“Now, there were two that were a little different. They had smiles on their faces. One of them was doing push ups on his bed, and I was intrigued, and I remembered them because I saw them in Germany.

“What it reminded me of is the power of seeing what is possible post-injury. These individuals witnessed it themselves and they came back to have new operations.

“They knew their lives were not going to be defined by the injuries of the past, and that is what this is all about. That is what this new centre that you are building is going to be all about as well.”

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubarkar, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating Peter Obi’s move from PDP to the Labour Party (LP).

Naija News recalls that Peter Obi was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 presidential election but dumped the party for the LP ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The former Governor of Anambra State later became a reckoning force in the last general election, securing over six million votes.

Since the PDP and Labour Party lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 election, the leading opposition has yet to resolve its internal crisis.

In an interview with Nigerian journalist, Seun Okinbaloye, on the Mic On podcast, Paul Ibe disclosed that Atiku was ready to zone the PDP presidential ticket to the Southeast.

However, Wike frustrated the move, insisting that it must be zoned to the Southern region in general because of his personal interest, which forced Peter Obi to leave the party.

He said: “Wike had promoted the zoning of the presidency to the south. Atiku Abubakar had said that he was prepared to get himself off the ticket if the party zoned the ticket to the Southeast.

“Wike frustrated that effort because he believed that if it was zoned to the south, not the southeast, he would be in the best position to be able to get the ticket.”

The immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has shared some fresh details about the political crisis rocking the state.

Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), submitted that he made a mistake in supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara to emerge as his successor.

Speaking on Saturday at the grand civic reception held at Ogu-Bolo in honour of Chief George Thompson Sekibo, Wike begged for God’s forgiveness as well as the people’s forgiveness for making an error in judgment.

Speaking further, the FCT Minister vowed to correct his mistake at the right time.

Wike said: ”I want to say this clearly, in life we have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time. I am a human, I am bound to make a mistake. So forgive me for making a wrong judgement. So nobody should kill.”

Speaking further on the current political crisis rocking Rivers State, Wike called out the camp of Governor Fubara, saying no injunctions obtained at 2am or 4am would stop the law and due process from taking its course in the state.

“If they like they can go to anybody by 2am or 4am to get injunction. The law will take its course. We must follow due process,” Wike said.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said he is ready to undergo a probe over the controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

He said there was nothing to hide about the project, stating that due process was followed and the necessary approvals and documentation were obtained for the project to commence.

Recall that the House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to probe the N15 trillion project and said it would set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the project and submit a report within four weeks.

The House’s resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved during plenary by Austin Achado, the member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State.

In a chat with The Punch, the minister said he is ready to face the House of Representatives committee set up to probe the project. Umahi added that he planned to ensure the exercise was televised live for all Nigerians to see.

The former Governor of Ebonyi State also said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that the loan obtained to complete the project did not follow due process was untrue.

Umahi, however, added that the matter was before the National Assembly, noting that he would not want to comment on it.

He said, “I am ready to face the National Assembly to defend the project. I will not want to say anything now until I meet with the senators and House of Reps members. It will be live, so you will also hear it. It will be live so that Nigerians will see it.”

Naija News reports that the highway project, which is a 700-kilometre turnpike infrastructure, has attracted commendation and condemnation since the Bola Tinubu administration approved it in February.

The 10-lane coastal road was designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states before culminating in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has written all the foreign missions in the country to comply with the directive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to charge payment for visa and consular services in naira instead of dollar.

Tuggar has already met with a few envoys who sought more clarifications on the EFCC’s advisory.

It was learnt that the EFCC advisory against dollar-denominated service was necessitated in part after some embassies adopted N1,800-N1,900 exchange rates to a dollar.

An embassy was found to have set up an account unit where visa applicants were paying cash in dollar for services outside the conventional banking system.

Some embassies are understood to have started implementing the EFCC’s advisory on naira policy for consular services.

It was gathered that the EFCC has entered into an understanding with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for prompt remittance of the funds generated by the embassies to their home countries at official rate.

In an April 5, 2024 advisory to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, had asked government to stop foreign missions in Nigeria from charging visa and other consular services in foreign denominations.

He also advised all embassies to adopt Nigeria’s regulatory regime in fixing the exchange rate of the cost of their services.

He said the commission has observed the violation of Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

A top source told newwmen that the Minister of Foreign Affairs asked all foreign missions to implement the EFCC advisory.

The source said: “The Federal Government has adopted the advisory of the EFCC which is backed by the CBN Act. In line with this, the Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has formally written all embassies to charge and accept payment for visa and consular services in naira.

“In fact, the Ambassador of one of the missions collecting dollars for consular services demanded an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for clarifications on the new policy. Tuggar, who met with the affected envoy, said there is no going back on the naira policy.

“But the EFCC has also reached an understanding with the CBN for the prompt remittance of all consular fees collected at the official exchange rate to the embassies or countries. The Federal Government will not default in remitting funds.”

It was gathered that the EFCC issued the advisory following discovery that some embassies had adopted N1,800 to N1,900 exchange rates for applicants for visa and consular services.

“Some embassies went beyond official and parallel market rates in fixing exchange rate for consular services. They were charging as high as N1,800 to N1,900,” one source said.

“A foreign mission was even collecting dollars in cash from visa applicants. The practice was outside the banking system.

“From feedback, some of the embassies are already charging for consular services, including visa, in naira. We will not relent in ensuring full compliance by all missions.

“There is a desk monitoring compliance with the naira-for-visa policy. Any infraction will be reported to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The advisory, signed by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, reads in part: “…I wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign Missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States Dollar ($).

“This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts ‘with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

“It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’.

“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is therefore illegal.”

The commission added: “The refusal by some Missions to accept the Naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal but represents an affront on the country’s sovereignty symbolised by the national currency. It undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.

“This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.

“In the light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all Missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.

“Please accept, as always, the assurances of my highest consideration and respect.”

Attend to enquiries on money laundering, others within 24 hours, EFCC boss tasks bankers

The EFCC boss has also urged bankers to respond to the commission’s enquiries within 24 hours to aid its investigations.

“I don’t want to be charging banks alongside suspected criminals, because doing so can wreak havoc on the economy. It will even discourage investors from coming to the country,” Olukoyede said during a roundtable with compliance officers of banks in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

He added: “Our intention is to use the anti-corruption fight to bolster the economy. So, we must work together to save this country.”

Represented by acting Zonal Director, Ilorin Command Harry Erin, Pastor Olukoyede said: “We need to find a common ground to work together. You have a responsibility to fight corruption.”

The EFCC chair also expressed concerns over the use of fintech (private banking) by criminals to perpetuate crimes.

The anti-graft czar charged bankers to take the issue of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and “Know Your Customer’s Business” (KYCB) seriously, as the two requirements would help to keep fraudulent customers on the radar.

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has explained the reason behind the political crisis in the State.

According to Ehie, the issue in Rivers State started when a small group of political leaders wanted sole authority over the State’s resources.

He said this during a thanksgiving service on Saturday for the Supreme Court victory of the governor in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.

“The problem we have in the state is that 11 persons said they will control the resources of Rivers State. These 11 persons now called 20 others to allocate resources to themselves,” he said.

The jubilant thanksgiving, held at Western County High School Ahoada, began with a choir performance followed by a sermon, with the preacher admonishing Governor Fubara to remain dedicated to serving the people.

Ehie, spoke on behalf of Gov Fubara, warning the Governor should not be underestimated because of his age.

He said: “We are going to teach them a lesson of political arithmetic. What that small boy will do to you you’ll know that khaki no be leather.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has admitted his mistake supposedly about his successor and begged people of Ogun/Bolo local government area to forgive him.

He has also emphasized that at no point did he tell anybody to worship him, stating that people should be appreciative of those or whoever that is instrumental to their elevation.

Minister of the FCT, Wike, spoke on Saturday at St. Martins Church Field Ogu town in Ogu/Bolo LGA, for the grand civic reception held in honour of George Thompson Sekibo, who celebrated 20 years of meritorious service at the National Assembly and 36 years of his life in public service.

The minister said that God cannot come down to help people, but would use somebody to accomplish that, condemning ingratitude in the lives of some individuals.

Wike stated: “My dear people, I came because I respect people who appreciate what God has done for them; who appreciate what God has used people to do for them.

“God does not come down. God uses people to help people. So, when you have been helped, you appreciate Him and, then, God will know you have appreciated Him.

“I have never told anybody to worship me. Nobody can worship man. All of us believe that we only have one God. And it is only that God we will worship. And will continue to worship that God.

“But, as politicians, we appreciate people who have helped us. Is it not correct?

“Ogu/Bolo people, when I came to ask you to support me, you supported me. Did I worship you? But, I have to appreciate you. I have to thank you. If you did not support me, I would not have been in the position where I am.
I never said I would worship you. Did you tell me to worship you? So, how did the issue of worship come?

“I want to say this clearly, in life, we may have made a mistake. You have made and there is nothing anyone can make about. I have made a mistake. I own it up. And I ask God to forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But, we will correct it at the appropriate time.

“I am a human being. I am bound to make a mistake. My judgment can be wrong. So, forgive me for making a wrong judgment. That is life. So, nobody should kill himself.”

To the lawmaker representing Ogu/Bolo constituency in the House of Assembly, Wike declared:

“Let me say this clearly, Arnold, don’t be frightened that anybody would remove you as an Assembly member. Nobody will remove you as Assembly member.

“Most of you don’t understand. This (politics) is our work. What l am doing is to make them fear, to make them angry. I have no other job than to make them to be angry everyday, to make them make mistake everyday. And they will be in trouble everyday. So, don’t worry yourselves.

“If they like, they can go to anybody by 2am, 4am to get injunction. The law will take its course. We are not afraid. We followed due process. We must follow due process.

“We are not going to harm anybody. We are not going to give money to anybody to buy arms and kill anybody. We won’t do that.

“As you see me, I think well. You see, I came with Senator Magnus Abe. I work with people who have brain. In politics, when people who have brain disagree, they agree.

Wike taunted those saying they would bring him, saying nobody could do that.

“When you are in charge, you are in charge. So, don’t worry”, urging them to calm down because everything would be over.

He, however, advised Ogun/Bolo people to forget the abuse coming from their detractors, noting that one must be alive for people to abuse him.

“At the appropriate day, that day when the result would be announced, we will know who is who. Don’t worry yourselves. We have defeated them severally.

“No amount of propaganda can help you. Ogu people have shown loyalty. And I want to thank you.”

The FCT minister declared that he knows how to handle the people he described as “buccaneers”, stressing that he would continue to handle them.

He acknowledged that it is not easy to be in power, saying that it is only those who lack knowledge of why they are in power give excuses.

“When you want to do bad, you say there is too much pressure on you, saying they say I should bring N20 billion, N10 billion, N100 billion. They want to run away from fulfilling the promises you made to people.

“Look at all the council chairmen; look at all the Assembly members. These are young men, whom I talked to, spoke to that all these things are for the interest of all of us. Do it. And they all did it. Today, somebody says they are nobody. Will you accept that?

“Look at Assembly people sat down in their various constituencies. You never brought a dime. I never knew you were so rich; I never knew your father was a managing director of Shell before and now you are feeding Assembly people, paying their children’s school fees. I never knew that. It’s unfortunate.”

Wike reiterated that he would not abandon Ogu people, emphasizing that from 1999 to 2014, no governor in the state had recognized the traditional institution in Ogu/Bolo, but he broke the jinx.

The FCT minister berated traditional rulers in the area who failed to be appreciative of the person who lifted them up.

“I have maintained peace. And I will continue to maintain peace. And I want all of you to continue to maintain peace. There will come a time when nobody can tell me that I would not live in my house. Nobody can tell me that I cannot go to my house. Maintain peace and follow law. Follow due process.”

In an attempt to promote religious tolerance, a Muslim man shared photos of himself and his Christian wife praying in their respective ways, but the gesture backfired, sparking controversy and criticism from followers.

The photos, posted on social media, depict the husband and wife praying in the same room, with the woman kneeling in the Christian tradition and the man on a prayer mat, following Islamic practices. After their separate prayers, the couple embraced, symbolizing their unity despite their religious differences.

“My wife and me. Christian and Muslim relationship,” the man captioned the photos, aiming to showcase the harmony in their interfaith marriage.

However, the well-intentioned gesture was met with backlash from some Muslim followers, who criticized the man for not converting his wife to Islam. They argued that such a relationship is forbidden in Islam, rendering the marriage unlawful.

In response to the criticism, the man explained that while he and his five daughters are Muslim, his wife is still learning about Islam and has not yet converted. This explanation did little to assuage the concerns of his followers, who maintained that the marriage is illegitimate according to Islamic teachings.

The controversy has reignited the debate surrounding interfaith marriages and the challenges of reconciling religious beliefs with personal relationships. While some have applauded the couple’s display of mutual respect and tolerance, others insist on adhering to religious doctrines that prohibit such unions.

As the conversation continues online, religious scholars and community leaders have weighed in, offering their perspectives on the matter. Some have called for greater understanding and acceptance of interfaith marriages, while others have reiterated the importance of upholding religious principles.

The incident has shed light on the complex dynamics of navigating different belief systems within personal relationships and the ongoing need for open dialogue and education to promote religious harmony and tolerance in diverse societies.

Prince Harry and his team visited the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna to interact with wounded soldiers who are receiving treatment.

The Duke of Sussex is in Nigeria with his wife to champion the Invictus Games, which Harry founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. 

Nigeria joined the Invictus Community of Nations in 2022  becoming the first African country to join.

Prince Harry’s visit to Kaduna came 68 years after his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II visited the state during the time of the late Premier of Northern Region Sir Ahmadu Bello.