Kylian Mbappe is reportedly requesting €240million (£206m) if he is to join any club this summer.  

The PSG and France forward is currently on holiday after a gruelling but hugely successful season.

For his club, Mbappe netted 41 goals in 43 games, while he also added 13 more goals for Les Bleus across the past 12 months - which included winning the Golden Boot at the World Cup in Qatar.

However, there is currently uncertainty over his future with the Parisians after he confirmed a desire to leave the club upon the expiry of his contract in June 2024.

In a statement released earlier this month, the forward pointed to the French giant's 'shortcomings' and the departure of World Cup winner Lionel Messi as major factors in his decision not to renew his deal.

He has been linked to a whole host of clubs, including Real Madrid - who Mbappe snubbed last summer to pen a new contract - although his reported £893,000-per-week wages are seen as a potential challenge for any suitor.

And, according to Marca, the France star - who is represented by his mother Fayza Lamari - would request a package worth £206m from any club.

The report also states that long-term admirers Real never saw a move for Mbappe as being on the cards this year, and this hasn't changed since he outlined his desire to leave PSG.

There is a belief at the Bernabeu that the 24-year-old - who is one of the best-paid athletes in the world - is a 'prisoner of money' who must realise he will have to take a pay cut if he does eventually move to the Bernabeu.

Los Blancos' plan remains to approach him as a free agent next summer - a move they were very close to completing last year.

Given the lack of alternatives, and along with financial considerations, this means that despite the departure of club icon and legend Karim Benzema, Carlo Ancelotti's side are not expected to bring in another striker currently.

Last month they did complete a deal to bring in Espanyol's 33-year-old striker Joselu on a season-long loan deal. 

The former Stoke City and Newcastle flop endured a torrid time in the Premier League but has since reinvigorated his career back in his homeland.

He scored 16 times last season for Espanyol - who were relegated from LaLiga - while he has also netted three times in four caps for Spain since breaking into the national team earlier this year.  

Speculation surrounding Mbappe comes amid chaos engulfing PSG in recent days.

Boss Christophe Galtier - who is widely expected to be replaced by Luis Enrique in the role - was reportedly taken into police custody over allegations of racism while in charge of Nice and it remains to be seen what happens next.

[DailyMail]

Last month, Tottenham confirmed that Clement Lenglet will be returning to FC Barcelona after the expiry of his loan spell. But talks were understood to be continuing in the background over a possible permanent transfer.

In fact, some reports even suggested that the defender and the London club had reached an agreement in principle over his contract terms. But the talks of a transfer have gone quiet recently, casting doubts about whether Spurs do intend to sign him or not.

But the Premier League giants are waiting it out for Barcelona to possibly terminate his contract so that they can sign the defender on a free transfer this summer, reports AS.

The Spanish news publication claims Deco is currently working on two important files right now, as Barcelona look to reduce their salary mass. One of them is Lenglet, who is coming on the back of a relatively impressive loan spell at Spurs.

Tottenham were understood to be keen on a permanent transfer, but there was a difference in the valuation of the player between the two clubs.

And, the Lilywhites are now hoping that the Catalans will now terminate his contract, much like they did with Samuel Umtiti, which will enable them to sign the defender on a free transfer this summer.

The idea of Barça handing Lenglet a letter of freedom is not so far-fetched either. After returning to Camp Nou this summer, the defender is entitled to a figure of around €16 million next season in the form of wages.

That would greatly burden Barcelona, especially given the current economic situation. With that in mind, the Blaugrana might not rule out the possibility of terminating the contract of the former Sevilla centre-back, who has no future at the club.

The Catalans, though, could always wait around for other suitors. Lenglet, after all, has enjoyed a good season in the Premier League, which is bound to attract interest.

There is a possibility the club could lower their demands for the defender, so it will be interesting to see how things transpire in the coming weeks.

[BarcaUniversal]

Taking into consideration the current economical situation at FC Barcelona, it is no secret that the Catalan club is in the market to generate additional funds as well as find new arrivals to strengthen the squad for next season.

However, despite them being keen on certain arrivals that would entail significant transfer fees if they are to come to Barcelona, it is also simultaneously true that La Blaugrana will need to make significant sales in order to facilitate those transfer fees.

In comes the potential interest of English Premier League side Manchester City in one of Barcelona’s biggest stars. As per English outlet The Sun and further highlighted by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Premier League champions are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

Moreover, similar to how their city rivals Manchester United were willing to spend big on the Dutchman last year, the Mancunians are also not far behind in terms of the financial offer.

As per speculation, the Manchester City offer for Frenkie De Jong reportedly stands around a massive €104 million. The 26-year-old is currently valued at €75 million as per Transfermarkt, a value around which Barcelona paid to take him away from his previous club Ajax Amsterdam in 2019.

Having already lost club captain Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona on a free transfer, as well as other targets such as Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Declan Rice to Arsenal, Manchester City are adamant on ensuring they themselves are not left behind in terms of recruitment.

While the validity of this potential offer remains to be addressed, it must be remembered that it was only recently that Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirmed the club having rejected a €100 million offer for De Jong in the past and were happy with their decision.

[BarcaNewsNetwork]

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices and leadership position to “urgently publish details of spending of about N400 billion, so far saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol.”

A recent statement by Chinedu Okonkwo, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said the Federal Government has so far saved about N400 billion within the four weeks following the removal of payment of subsidy on petrol.

However, SERAP, in a letter signed by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged President Tinubu to “provide details of the plans on how subsequent savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, including specific projects on which the funds would be spent, and the mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that any such savings are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”

According to the rights advocacy group, “Nigerians have the right to know how the savings are spent. Publishing the details of the spending of the savings would promote transparency, accountability, and reduce the risks of corruption in the spending of the funds.”

Dated July 1, 2023, the letter reads in part: “SERAP is concerned that the savings from subsidy removal may be embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.

“Opacity in the spending of the savings from subsidy removal would have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Unless the government is transparent and accountable to Nigerians in how it spends the savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol, the removal will continue to undermine the rights of Nigerians, and increase their vulnerability to poverty and social deprivation.

“Transparency would ensure that the funds saved from the removal of subsidy are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust and confidence that these savings would be used to benefit Nigerians.

“The implementation of the National Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and spending on the programme have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.

“Publishing the details of the spending of the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy would also ensure that persons with public responsibilities are answerable to the people for the performance of their duties including the management of the funds.

“Transparency and accountability in the spending details of the N400bn saved as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol, and on the spending of subsequent savings from the removal would mean that the savings can help poor Nigerians to overcome the effects of such removal.

“It would also help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the spending of savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol and the resulting human costs would directly threaten fundamental human rights that your government has an obligation to protect.

“Your government has the legal obligations to address the effects of subsidy removal on the human rights of 137 million poor Nigerians, and to prevent and address some of the direst consequences that the removal may reap on human rights, especially given the disproportionate impact on these Nigerians.

“SERAP also urges you to promptly instruct Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor the spending of all savings from subsidy removal.

“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect poor Nigerians, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.

“Your government has a positive obligation to protect individuals against the threat posed to human rights by the removal of subsidy on petrol. Your government also has legal obligations to effectively address the aftermath of subsidy removal.

“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the spending of public funds and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public trust and confidence in governments at all levels.

“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol would be spent.

“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, there are transparency obligations imposed on your government to widely publish the details of how the N400bn and other savings from the removal of subsidy on petrol are spent.

“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution. Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” in the country.

“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.

“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.

“Similarly, articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”

[TheWill]

A coalition of non-governmental organizations, including the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), Original Inhabitant groups, and other civil society organizations (CSOs), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to address long-standing marginalization of the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Original Inhabitants by including them in his ministerial list.

The group issued a joint statement on Sunday, urging the President to rectify the historical wrongs committed against the indigenous people in the FCT.

This call came amid grievances over the alleged political exclusion and marginalization of the original inhabitants who surrendered their ancestral lands for the creation of the country’s capital, Abuja, in 1976.

“Decades-long injustices meted to the FCT Original Inhabitants include the failure to fulfill promises made by the Nigerian government in 1976 to relocate and adequately compensate them for their lands.

“47 years later, no Original Inhabitant of the FCT has held the position of Minister of the Federal Republic,” said Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director of CHRICED.

The coalition argued that the original inhabitants have been reduced to spectators in the politics and administration of their own country, with their democratic rights being denied.

“When Nigerians in other states are voting for governors and members of their Houses of Assembly, the original inhabitants and other residents of the FCT are excluded,” said Ambassador Hannatu Aze Usman-Nga, Executive Director of the Association of FCT Traditional Rulers Wives.

The coalition expressed the belief that the inclusion of FCT Original Inhabitants in key governance structures, like the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the National Assembly, and the judiciary, would be an important first step in remedying these injustices.

According to the CSOs, it would also uphold their fundamental rights under Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Another denial of the original inhabitants’ participation in a key governance structure such as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would be a continuation of the injustices they have endured for decades,” warned Chief Isaac David, President of the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO).

The group looked forward to the release of President Tinubu’s ministerial list, hoping that it will mark a turning point in the treatment of the FCT’s original inhabitants by the Nigerian government.

The coalition further called for a “big and bold step” from the President to begin rectifying the historical wrongs committed against these indigenous people.

Other signatories to the joint statement include: Mr. Festus Yakubu, President of the Original Inhabitants With Disabilities Multipurpose Co-Operative Society FCT; Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, President of the Helpline Foundation for the Needy; Mrs. Faith Nwadishi, JP, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA); Mrs. Maryamu Isah Barnabas, Director of the Mairo Women Foundation, Ushafa; Mr. Olusola Babalola, Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Development Awareness (CESDA); Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Executive Director of the Abiodun Essiet Initiative for Girls; Mr. Tijani Abdulkareem, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC); and Mr. Bassey Bassey, Executive Director of the Hipcity Innovation Hub Centre (HIPCITY).

[vanguard]

On Friday, June 30, FORMER Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor said that the Armed Force had curtailed insecurity challenges in the country under his leadership.

Lucky Irabor was at  appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January, 2021 and sacked  sacked on Monday, June 19 by President Bola Tinubu along with the other service  chiefs.

Speaking at the pulling-out ceremony held in his honour, the former Chief of Defence Staff noted that the Armed Force had mitigated the threat of terrorism and decreased the level of insecurity in Nigeria.

Stressing that President Ahmed Tinubu would grapple with nation building and national security challenges, Irabor noted he is leaving the Armed Force of Nigeria bigger, stronger and more capable.

“I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today,bigger,stronger and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions.

“In more specific terms we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and the military aid to civil authority role.

“We successfully work in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for Law and Order, critical democratic processes as well as human security and national development,” Irabor stressed.

Months earlier, the EX-CDS (then CDS) boasted that the military had recorded landmark successes in the fight against terrorism and curbed insurgency.

Delivering a lecture titled “National Defence Policy and Transitional Justice Approach in the War Against Insurgency in Nigeria” in Edo state, Irabor said that among the 51,828 Boko Haram that surrendered, 13,360 are fighters.”

Irabor had revealed that no fewer than 51,828 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members surrendered to the Federal Government of Nigeria between July 2021 and May 2022. 

Contrary to the claim of the EX-CDS that terrorism and insecurity activities reduced during the period of his leadership, statistics shows an increment.

To find out if the military has significantly curtailed insecurity since Irabor’s assumption in office  from 2021 till 2023; The ICIR used Data gathered from  SBMIntel, Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Nigeria Mourns and the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST)  to fact-check Irabor’s claim that he had significantly curtailed insecurity.

The ICIR analysed number of violent incidents gathered by SBMIntel, Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), Nigeria Mourns and the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST).

The ICIR earlier reported major issues on insecurity as Buhari’s administration wind  down its eight years tenure of leadership.

Documenting attacks on security personnels, it  identified cattle rustling as a significant contributor to rising insecurity in the country.

Showing that the insecurity challenges had caused displacement of thousands of Nigerians, it maintained insecurity is one of the major challenges of Buhari’s administration.

Did the Nigerian Armed Force curtailed insecurity as Lucky Irabor claimed? Here is what data state

A way to weigh improved security architecture is through either increase or decrease in the number of violent incidents recorded within the period of his leadership, as well as recorded death.

Nigeria Mourns, reported that 3,188 people lost their lives in violence attacks between January to December 2019.

These include lives lost during such as gang wars, clashes, extra-judicial killings, resource crisis, kidnappings and Boko-Haram/ ISWAP attacks.

It stated that 2,707  killed were civilians, while 481 were state security agents.

According to the SBMintel Quarterly Media Killing Report gathered between January to December 2020 not less than 7,070 incidents of armed violence were reported.

In the years that followed, SBMintel records 10,366 and 7,728 in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

By end of December 2022, the mortality rate of armed violent incidents have skyrocketed drastically.

A critical evaluation of the figures and compilation revealed that over 18,000 deaths were recorded in violent incidents including attacks from Boko Haram, militia herdsmen, abduction and gang clashes since 2021.

Similarly, despite the spread of insecurity and insurgency in the Northeast, ACLED data indicated that deaths registered from violent incidents between 2019 and 2020 totalled 14,407 is relatively low compared to the registered mortality rate between 2021 and 2022 (21,641).

ACLED pointed out that the mortality rate increased by 50.2% within two years as a result of insecurity.

However, NST data shows a total number of 8,340 and 9,694 people died from insecurity in 2019 and 2020 respectively, the record of mortality in 2021 shot up to 10,398 while it never decreased below nine thousand (9,080) in 2022.

Kidnapping: what has happened?

Bandits and terrorists in northern Nigeria; Niger Delta insurgents; as well as ritual killers in the west and east; have all continued to practice kidnapping, banditry, or abduction.

Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) showed a rising trend in the frequency of mass kidnappings and the overall number of kidnapping victims in the nation by analysing data gathered

Between 2019 to 2020 (two years before Irabor’s appointment); NST recorded 1,441 and 2,879 victims of kidnapping respectively.

The following, two years under the leadership of the EX-CDS Lucky Irabor administration’s leadership; Nigeria witnessed a spike in the number of mass abduction and the reign of kidnapping continues.

NST data showed that  almost 10,000 people fell into the net of kidnappers in 2021 and 2022.

Noting that 5,287 and 4,680 victims were recorded for the two years respectively , data shows that the rate of kidnapping had doubled.

As cited in Punch, a security report by Beacon Intel recorded that 7,92 persons were kidnapped in the first quarter of 2023.

This study covered the abduction recorded from January to March this year.

One of the major kidnapping cases during Irabor leadership was the abduction of Abuja-Kaduna train passengers.

Terrorists attacked the train on March 28 and killed an unspecified number of passengers before abducting dozens of others to an unidentified location, according to The ICIR.

After months of negotiations between the federal government, victims’ families and terrorists, the abducted were finally released.

Announcing the release, the minister said, “I am pleased to announce to the nation and the world that at 16:00hrs (4:00 pm) today, Wednesday 5-10-22, the seven-man Presidential Committee assembled by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Leo Irabor, secured the release and took custody of all the 23 remaining passengers held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists following the attack on the Abuja to Kaduna train on 28-3-2022.

“The nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian military under the leadership of the CDS, who conceived and guided the operation from start to finish. All sister security agencies and the Federal Ministry of Transportation contributed immensely to this operation.

[ICIR]

In a dramatic turn of events, soldiers belonging to the esteemed 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, stationed in Enugu State, found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange of gunfire with the local neighbourhood watch group in the tranquil Eke community. The intense clash unfolded within the jurisdiction of the Udi Local Government Area, leaving onlookers stunned and the situation on edge.

It has been reported that a man and his wife were purportedly shot and killed, while another individual, identified as Chinedu Okolo, suffered severe injuries resulting in the complete shattering of his penis.

Several individuals who were part of the local security network and managed to survive the attack are said to be in critical condition at a hospital whose location has not been disclosed.

During an exclusive interview with esteemed journalists, Emeka Anigbo, the Assistant Chief Security Officer of Eke Security Neighbourhood Vigilante Watch, bravely recounted the harrowing events that unfolded on Thursday night at the infamous 9th Mile Corner. Despite enduring multiple gunshot wounds, Anigbo fearlessly shared his firsthand account of the incident.

During a recent interview, Anigbo revealed that they had embarked on a mission to express their support and congratulations to their fellow colleagues who were being officially sworn in as members of the local neighbourhood watch. However, their plans took an unexpected turn when they received an urgent distress call. It was reported that a group of armed robbers had barricaded the main road that connects the well-known Catholic Church Prayer Centre (Ugwudinso) and Eke, originating from Ama breweries.

He recounted how they immediately abandoned their tantalising spread of food and refreshing beverages upon receiving the urgent call. With unwavering determination, they hastily embarked on a mission to confront the nefarious individuals responsible. However, their valiant efforts were thwarted as the heavy gridlock on the road rendered their vehicles immobile, preventing them from reaching the scene in a timely manner.

In a recent account, the individual recounted their encounter with a group of armed soldiers. According to their statement, they made the decision to park their vehicle alongside the road before proceeding towards their intended destination. As they approached the scene, they were startled to discover three soldiers brandishing weapons, who promptly commanded them to halt in a forceful manner.

In a display of compliance, we dutifully adhered to the soldiers' orders, promptly halting our movements. With a calm yet assertive tone, we informed them that we were individuals actively engaged in the noble pursuit of safeguarding our community as dedicated members of the neighbourhood watch programme. At that juncture, a request was made for our continued presence.

In a harrowing encounter, our team approached the location where the soldiers were positioned, only to be met with a barrage of gunfire. Tragically, this unprovoked attack claimed the life of one of our esteemed members, as well as the wife of an individual who had recently been inaugurated at the 9th Mile. In a daring journey back to Eke, a woman found herself astride a motorbike, accompanied by her husband.

It has been reported that despite the individuals being in their full security uniform and having properly identified themselves, a group of soldiers displayed an alarming level of aggression by opening fire at close range. This reckless action resulted in the untimely demise of both Mr. Oke and the unidentified woman.

In a shocking turn of events, a distressing incident unfolded as an individual found themselves at the receiving end of multiple gunshots while lying defenceless on the ground. Despite the clear visibility of their identification card and unmistakable uniform, one of the soldiers involved callously proceeded to inflict yet another gunshot wound, this time targeting the victim's shoulder.

A soldier persistently struck my chest while menacingly uttering the chilling words, "I will end your life today."

My life was saved thanks to the prompt arrival of police operatives from the 9th Mile corner. In a significant development, it was the police who intercepted the soldier, thereby providing concrete evidence that indeed the individuals in question are none other than the esteemed Eke neighbourhood security guards.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Post, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, vehemently refuted the accounts provided by the victims, dismissing them as nothing but falsehoods.

According to Unuakhalu, the woman who tragically lost her life was fatally struck by a stray bullet amidst a fierce exchange of gunfire between armed hoodlums and the soldiers.

In a statement, he revealed that a distress call had been received by the troops, alerting them to the presence of criminal elements operating along the Eke road. Without hesitation, they swiftly mobilised and made their way to the scene.

It has been reported that upon the soldiers' arrival, the hoodlums immediately initiated gunfire. However, the security operatives swiftly retaliated, overpowering the assailants. As a result, one of the criminals was apprehended, while two pump-action guns and a quantity of live ammunition were successfully seized. It is worth noting that a few of the culprits managed to escape by seeking refuge in a nearby bush.

In a statement, he vehemently denied the allegations circulating that the deceased was killed by soldiers, asserting that there is absolutely no truth to such claims.

In a swift response to a distress call, our brave men sprang into action, rushing to the scene to salvage the situation.

Tragically, the untimely demise of the woman has left us without the invaluable firsthand account that she would have provided, offering a precise and detailed narrative of the events that unfolded.

In a statement, he emphasised the Division's commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the incident in order to uncover the truth behind the events that unfolded.

Sierra Leone’s ruling People’s Party, SLPP has retained control of the country’s 135-seat Parliament after winning 81 seats or 60% of the membership.

According to results of the 24 June elections released in Freetown on Saturday by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) won 54 of the seats or 40%.

The two parties, which have alternated the share of political power since the end of the country’s 10-year civil war in 2002, are also expected to share the bulk of the available 493 mayoral and local council seats from the 24 June elections.

Incumbent President Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP has already been sworn in after being declared winner of the presidential poll by the ECSL with 56.17% of the votes against 41.16% scored by his rival candidate Samura Kamara of the APC.

The APC has rejected the results of the general elections and called for a rerun, alleging irregularities in the process.

It has also accused the ECSL Commissioners and some government officials of bias and called for their resignations.

The APC has further urged development partners to impose travel bans on a number of government officials, including President Bio, his wife, some cabinet ministers and security Chiefs.

The ECOWAS Observation Mission to Sierra Leone for the 24 June elections led by Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas and his counterparts of the AU, Commonwealth and the West Africa Elders' Forum, held several pre and post-election mediation meetings with major stakeholders aimed at dousing political tensions in the country.

Similar quiet diplomatic initiatives are still required to address the residual disputes and prevent Sierra Leone from relapsing into conflict after its bloody civil war that ended in 2002.

ECOWAS had deployed 95 Long- and Short-Term Observers in 15 of the country's 16 electoral districts for the 2023 elections.

Under the regional protocol on assistance to member States holding elections, ECOWAS had also provided Sierra Leone with five hundred thousand US dollars (US$500,000) to support the elections, the fifth electoral cycle with two successful transfers of power between ruling and opposition parties since the end of the civil war.

Sierra Leone, with an estimated 8.7 population is not only facing serious economic challenges characterised by high inflation and unemployment, especially among its radicalised youthful population, it is also politically polarised and highly ethnicized.

There must be something about Labour Party anchorman, Peter Obi, that continues to confound those who stand in his way. What they pretend not see is just what makes him a celebrity within and without. Sierra Leone is trending.

While Obi was busy at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja, his name was all Sierra Leoneans heard as they prepared for their own elections. Chairman of that country’s Political Parties Regulation Committee (PPRC) Abdulahi Bangura implored presidential candidates to adopt the Obi Formula.