He didn’t say when his father asked him, but I wonder what the old man must think in his grave. Jonathan Power is now 83 and arguably one of Europe’s most widely published columnists.

He was a young freelance journalist when his father asked him the question. Still, even if he had lived to see his son syndicated globally, including by some of the world’s most prestigious newspapers and magazines, I’m not sure his father would have retracted the question: when will you get a proper job?

Power’s father didn’t think of journalism as a job. Instead, he considered it a lens or a keyhole through which one looks at the world’s most notable jobs like engineering or medicine. A side hustle, in today’s language. That was perhaps the whole point of supporting him to study agricultural economics, a distant cousin – but a cousin anyway – of some of the world’s proper job routes, only for his son to go astray.

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More than a betrayal

I’ve known Jonathan Power for over 25 years. But I met him again in his new book When Are You Going to Get a Proper Job? It’s a chronicle of his 60 years in journalism, which helped me understand why he once told me that I’d be better off being a plumber than hoping to make money from syndicated writing. It also helped me understand why my son regards journalism with courteous disdain.

But Power’s 227-page novel-like autobiography published by Noema in 2024 is more than a son’s betrayal of his father’s wishes. It’s also about relationships, love (especially eros), travel, religion and faith in the intrinsic goodness of the human being.

When Are You Going to Get a Proper Job? divides Power’s life into three main parts: his love/family life, his travel encounters mostly related to his job as a foreign correspondent or human rights advocate, and his quest for the essence of life.

The heart is not smart

Power is a passionate husband and a doting father but a woefully unlucky lover. If you discount the tragic end of the Barnes in Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting, in which Dickie Barnes is a principal character, Power’s account of his love and marriage life reminds you of how complications and unresolved issues in a marriage can undo even the best intentions, leaving emotional scars that won’t go away, even when it’s all over.

I started reading Power’s 15-chapter book from Chapter 4, entitled “My long-time friend, Nigeria’s Big Man”, but quickly returned to Chapter 1, “I and Me.” I should have started here. While I could easily relate to Chapter 4, which deals with Power’s over 40 years relationship with one of the troublers of Nigeria, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, “I and Me” explores a more universal, human conundrum: love.

“If only I had been more lucky, wise, sensible…,” Power writes. “I never found the clarity of mind, the right sound or (the) perfect female. I died with no money in the bank.” He was talking to himself.

The women in his life

Two women dominate the first more than 20 years of Power’s love story: Anne and Mary Jane. He met Anne when they both worked on Martin Luther King’s staff, and he met Mary, the stewardess, on the plane. He was attracted to each woman for a different reason – Anne was his philosophical soulmate, and Mary, who came after, was the Beyonce missing in Anne.

When the tests came after three children with Anne and one with Mary – all girls – the gardens of the marriages were undermined by the foxes of irreconcilable individual differences. The endings were bitter. In Power’s earlier novel, The Human Flow, he quoted Chimamanda Adichie as saying, “You don’t fall in love. You climb up to love.” Power climbed but fell badly.

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Man on the road

The book is more than a failed love story told by a journalist with a heartfelt, almost naïve honesty. Power’s travel diary is remarkable, not just for his travels but also for the purpose, people, sights, sounds, and smells, as well as the impact of a few of the dramatic moments, like when he was almost stranded in the Caribbean after losing his guide, and later, his wallet.

His visits to Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, Guatemala, and India make for fascinating reading. Curiosity took him on some of these visits, but the quest for the truth, the desire to make a difference by chasing down the main actors – sometimes at significant personal risk – kept him returning to the trail.

Journalism did not discover the law of gravity, invent the submarine or split the atom. However, this improper job can also be gratifying by occasionally presenting the opportunity to change the course of history by engaging those who sometimes deploy scientific inventions or power in devastating uses.

Who knows what the world might have been if Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward hadn’t played their part in exposing Watergate or if Oriana Fallaci hadn’t tackled the Shah of Iran?

Walking a tightrope

From Chapters 3 to 10, Power writes about his relationship with former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere and how Ujamaa fell far short of its redemptive promise despite the iconic leader’s best intentions.

A chunk of Power’s diaries on his encounters with influential people is devoted to his friendship with Nigeria’s former President Obasanjo, whom he met in the retired general’s first life as military president.

The dynamic of Power’s relationship with Obasanjo is quite interesting. He stroked Obasanjo’s ego when asking testy questions, for example, about allegations of human rights abuses against Nigeria’s military – the most appalling of which was in Odi – almost spoiling the interview.

The relentless stream of presidential guests sometimes threatened his interviews. Still, he managed to navigate it as he navigated his host’s tempestuous mood by sometimes enduring his self-adulatory game of squash. Obasanjo is a bundle of contradictions, nice and nasty in unequal measure.

Yet, Power managed to get away with openly complimenting the “gorgeous breasts” of Obasanjo’s wife and teasing him about the misuse of oil money, the bane of all Nigerian governments. Did Power get a pass because he might have contributed to saving Obasanjo’s life by speaking to German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt on his behalf when Sani Abacha jailed the general on charges of coup plotting?

The spirit of Martin Luther King

Power’s visits to Brazil, where, as changes in the Amazon occurred, he observed significant shifts in power relations between peasants and clergy on the one hand and politicians, including Lula, who would later become president, on the other; his incisive conversations in New Delhi with Sonia Gandhi and Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad; and his encounter with Jimmy Carter that may have, by Andrew Young’s account, tangentially been responsible for Carter’s presidency are far more than one can get by viewing history from a keyhole.

The author’s early years of working on Martin Luther King’s staff in the ghetto slums of Chicago instilled in him the values of pursuing social change through peaceful means, fighting against injustice and discrimination, and fostering a society where everyone is treated with respect. 

Power’s views on US-Russia relations, sometimes sounding like a broken record, are also rooted in his sense of justice, respect and fair play.

 A chastened life

These values come through, whether in his journalism or filmmaking – even intruding in his love quests, which perhaps explains why, despite the cost, he prioritises a peaceful breakup with Anne over a bitter divorce. The peacenik in him even sometimes brings him into a head-on collision with his improper job, journalism, which prefers to lead if it bleeds.

The book ends the way it starts: with existential questions about love, life and meaning, viewed from Power’s Swedish soul chastened by adventures. If the world was his oyster, the book is the reader’s shucker. As I look for a proper job, the book’s unpretentiousness and light touch in attempting to answer life’s difficult questions will make me read it again.

The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.

 This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure palliative works are carried out on the already opened bridge to make it motorable .

The Ministry hereby express regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.

The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.

E-signed

Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha

Federal Controller of Works, Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.

During the visit, the President will appraise his administration's mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration's second anniversary.

This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

Recent economic strides reinforce the President's commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration's fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion.

While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.

He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)

The silence is deafening. The lack of action is appalling. As the days go by, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s life hangs by a thread while the Nigerian Police, DSS, and the Presidency under Bola Tinubu appear indifferent to the terrifying allegations she has made. She has named names, exposed the plots, and gone through the proper channels by reporting to the Inspector General of Police. Yet, her cries for protection have been met with nothing but silence.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not reveal these horrific plots to the world today for fame or sympathy. She did so because the institutions tasked with protecting her have failed to act. Where is the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, in all of this? Where are the police? Where are the DSS? Where is justice? Nigeria’s institutions are failing, and the world cannot afford to remain silent.

By now, every day that passes without an investigation, without even the invitation of those implicated, brings her closer to the very fate she fears. Her blood is crying out for justice. And if these institutions do not act now, they are effectively endorsing her death.

Selective Enforcement and Institutional Failure

Nigeria’s security apparatus is built on the principles of justice, impartiality, and the protection of all citizens, regardless of their political status or social standing. However, the silence in the face of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations reveals the hypocrisy embedded in these institutions.

Natasha has reported credible death threats from powerful figures—Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello. Yet, instead of immediately launching a full-scale investigation, the Nigerian Police, DSS, and other agencies have remained silent. Their refusal to act is not due to ignorance; it is a deliberate choice, rooted in a system that favors the powerful over the powerless.

Selective enforcement has become a chronic problem in Nigeria’s justice system. It is a disease that prioritizes political connections over truth and integrity. When ordinary Nigerians are accused of crimes, the response is swift and brutal. Yet when prominent figures are implicated, the machinery of justice grinds to a halt.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case is a glaring example of this disparity. Despite her formal complaints and public statements, the response has been a deafening silence. What message does this send to the Nigerian people? That justice is only available to those who wield political power?

The failure of the Nigerian Police, DSS, and other relevant bodies to investigate such serious allegations is an indictment of the entire system. If the institutions meant to protect the people cannot act when the threats are so explicit, what hope is there for ordinary citizens who seek justice?

Alarming Allegations By Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are not casual statements made in passing. They are direct, precise, and documented. The details she provided are chilling and demand immediate action. During her recent homecoming address, Natasha stated:

“On the 13th of March at 10:00 pm… Akpabio called Yahaya Bello. I was informed of everything… The meeting was on two folds – they told him to commence my recall and that he was going to fund it. The second thing he said was that he should try and kill me. I didn’t make this public, but I have written to the IG of Police. Akpabio told Yahaya Bello that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should happen here so that it will look as if it was the people that killed me here.”

These are not vague allegations. They are direct accusations against high-profile individuals, detailing a conspiracy to kill her and make it appear as though it was an act of public violence. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made it clear that she has reported these threats to the Inspector General of Police, but no action has been taken.

The fact that she has had to go public with such information is a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security institutions. It highlights their failure to act on credible intelligence and their apparent unwillingness to protect a woman who has dared to challenge the power structures of the nation.

The implications of her allegations are staggering. If powerful men like Akpabio and Bello are allowed to plot against her with impunity, then Nigeria’s justice system is a hollow shell, serving only those who control it.

Political Influence And The Manipulation Of Law

The legal and security institutions of Nigeria have been compromised by political influence and manipulation. Instead of acting as impartial arbiters of justice, they have become tools for the powerful to suppress opposition and eliminate threats to their dominance.

Despite the gravity of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, the Nigerian Police and DSS have failed to even question the individuals implicated. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello have not been summoned, interrogated, or even formally addressed. Why? Because their political stature affords them protection from the law.

Political influence over law enforcement agencies has created a culture of impunity where the powerful are untouchable. Akpabio and Bello continue to enjoy freedom and influence, despite allegations of conspiracy to assassinate a senator. This blatant manipulation of the law erodes public confidence in the very institutions meant to uphold justice.

President Tinubu must recognize that this culture of impunity cannot continue. By failing to act decisively, he is not only endorsing the actions of Akpabio and Bello but also undermining the credibility of his administration. The entire justice system is on trial, and the world is watching.

Systemic Rot And Corruption

Nigeria’s legal and security institutions are deeply infected by corruption. The failure to investigate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations reflects a broader pattern of systemic decay where political power trumps the rule of law.

Corruption has permeated every level of Nigeria’s justice system. From the police to the judiciary, powerful figures use their influence to bend the law to their will. Natasha’s ordeal is not an isolated incident; it is a symptom of a larger problem that has plagued Nigeria for decades.

The lack of accountability for powerful individuals is a betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic principles. When justice is only accessible to the privileged, the entire system is compromised. Natasha’s case is a wake-up call that demands immediate and thorough reform.

The culture of corruption and selective justice must be dismantled. President Tinubu, the Nigerian Police, and the DSS must act now to restore faith in the nation’s institutions.

The Global Digital Spotlight: The World Is Watching

The world is not blind to what is happening in Nigeria. The allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are now circulating across international platforms, prompting concern and condemnation from human rights organizations, media outlets, and global advocates for justice. When a serving senator makes explicit claims of assassination plots involving high-ranking officials, the global community takes notice.

Foreign governments, international watchdogs, and human rights organizations are closely monitoring Nigeria’s response. Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and others dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights of individuals are listening. Nigeria’s continued silence and refusal to investigate such credible allegations will not go unnoticed.

In a world where information spreads within seconds, Nigeria’s leaders must understand that their actions—or inaction—will be scrutinized. The international community is not only aware of the allegations but is also documenting how Nigeria’s institutions respond. Every day that passes without action strengthens the perception that Nigeria’s legal and security systems are compromised by political influence and corruption.

President Tinubu, Akpabio, Bello, and all relevant parties must understand that the global community is waiting for accountability. They must realize that these allegations cannot be swept under the rug. The failure to act will only attract more condemnation and could potentially damage Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.

Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the voices of its allies, partners, and advocates for justice. By refusing to address the allegations against Akpabio and Bello, the nation risks becoming a pariah state where political violence and intimidation are accepted norms.

Selective Justice: Why Hasn’t Akpabio Been Questioned?

Nigeria’s justice system is supposed to be impartial, equitable, and just. But the selective application of justice has become a defining characteristic of the nation’s institutions.

Why hasn’t Akpabio been questioned? Why hasn’t Bello been called in for interrogation? Why hasn’t President Tinubu demanded immediate action? These are the questions that echo through the minds of Nigerians and observers worldwide.

The failure to even question those implicated in Natasha’s allegations reflects a disturbing double standard. If the accusations were leveled against an ordinary Nigerian or a political opponent with less influence, the response would be swift and unforgiving. Police would have already launched an investigation, questioned those involved, and made arrests if necessary.

Yet, in this case, the accused are high-ranking political figures. They enjoy a level of protection that ordinary citizens cannot access. Their influence over the police, DSS, and other agencies has created a wall of immunity that shields them from accountability.

The selective nature of justice in Nigeria is a betrayal of the nation’s foundational principles. It sends a clear message that those in power are above the law. It also raises a fundamental question: If Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot obtain justice, what hope do ordinary Nigerians have?

By failing to investigate the allegations, the Nigerian authorities are effectively endorsing a culture of impunity. They are signaling to the world that justice in Nigeria is reserved for the powerful and politically connected.

The Price Of Inaction: A Risk Too Great To Ignore

Every day of inaction is a day that brings Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan closer to danger. The threats she has reported are not theoretical; they are specific, documented, and credible. Yet, the refusal of the Nigerian authorities to act sends a chilling message.

The blood of an innocent woman will be on the hands of those who refuse to act. If Natasha is harmed, it will not be the result of a random event—it will be a consequence of deliberate neglect. The police, DSS, and the Tinubu administration will be directly responsible for failing to protect her.

But the price of inaction goes beyond Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s personal safety. It speaks to a larger issue of institutional decay and moral failure. If powerful figures can plot against a serving senator without consequence, then what hope is there for ordinary citizens?

The refusal to investigate this matter undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions. It confirms that justice is only available to those who hold political power. It creates a dangerous precedent where violence, intimidation, and murder become acceptable tools for silencing opposition.

President Tinubu, Where Are You?

President Tinubu’s silence in the face of such serious allegations is both alarming and unacceptable. As the President of Nigeria, he is the ultimate authority responsible for ensuring justice, maintaining order, and protecting all citizens. His refusal to address the allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan  could be seen as a failure of leadership.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reported her allegations to the police. She has made her case public. She has done everything within her power to seek protection. And yet, President Tinubu has remained silent. Why? Is his loyalty to Akpabio and Bello greater than his commitment to justice?

By refusing to act, President Tinubu is undermining the credibility of his administration. His silence gives the impression that he is complicit in the injustice being perpetrated. If he allows political allegiances to override his duty to protect Nigerian citizens, then he has failed in his role as President.

President Tinubu must recognize that this issue will not simply disappear. The world is watching, and his administration will be judged by how it responds to these allegations. If he continues to ignore the matter, then he is inviting condemnation and ridicule on both a national and international level.

The time to act is now. President Tinubu must demand immediate investigations, ensure that the police and DSS do their jobs, and demonstrate that no one—regardless of their political status—is above the law.

Demand For Immediate Action

The gravity of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations requires immediate and decisive action. The following steps must be taken without delay:

Immediate Investigation: The Nigerian Police and DSS must, right now, initiate thorough investigations by inviting and questioning Akpabio, Bello, and all others implicated. This cannot be delayed any further.

Accountability: Akpabio and Bello must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their political status. No individual should be above the law.

Presidential Action: President Tinubu must intervene, ensure immediate investigations are conducted, and demonstrate that his administration values justice over political allegiance.

International Pressure: The international community must press Nigeria to act on these serious allegations. Silence is complicity, and global bodies must demand justice.

Protection of Human Rights: Nigeria must demonstrate its commitment to justice, democracy, and the protection of all its citizens. Anything less is a betrayal of its foundational principles.

Conclusion

If, at the time of this writing, no action has begun—no urgent investigations, no invitation of Akpabio, Bello, and others for questioning—then it must start now. Not tomorrow, not next week. Now.

President Tinubu, you are the leader of this nation. You are responsible for upholding justice and protecting your citizens. You must act now before Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s blood stains your hands and becomes a permanent scar on your administration’s legacy.

The world is watching, the Nigerian people are demanding justice, and your leadership is on trial. Act now before it is too late.

This writer does not know any of the individuals involved; the focus is solely on upholding democracy, truth, and justice.

Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has said he used the recent detention in police custody to correct misconceptions about him, especially claims that he is mentally unstable.

Naija News recalls that Portable was detained and arraigned in court over alleged conspiracy and assault of three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Speaking in an interview on Echo Room, the singer said the leader of the cell voluntarily stepped down for him to take charge, but he declined, insisting the place is not his house.

Portable also shared details about the harsh conditions in the cell, including how new detainees were often beaten, but he was fortunate to have escaped such treatment because he ‘blessed’ the prisoners in cell 4.

According to him, some of his cellmates attempted to engage him in prayers, but he refused, stating that their prayers could not be effective together.

He said, “Thank God I am a Government’s child. They said I am a crãzy person, when I got the government I told them I am not a crãzy. When I entered Cell 4, I blessed them. Normally, they beat new people in the cell; when I got there, the head of the cell dethroned himself for me to become the leader, but I said No, this is not my house. Then I asked what his offence was; he said they accused him of murder. I told him to stay beside me as long as he didn’t kill me.

“A person said we should pray; I said No, God doesn’t answer this kind of prayer. We aren’t in church. One said he had killed one person, another said he killed two people, and another said three people. I haven’t killed anyone, so our prayers cannot work together. Pray on your own.”

[NaijaNews]

Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, better known as Tuface, made a surprise appearance at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday.

He arrived at the tribunal with his new lover, Natasha Osawaru, who is the Deputy Majority Leader of Edo state House of Assemblym.

The duo appeared in court, spent some minutes, before heading out.

The tribunal is set to deliver judgment on the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.

Osawaru, the granddaughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion, got engaged by 2Face following his separation from his wife, Annie Marculey.

Since then, the singer and the lawmaker have been spotted together in public on multiple occasions.

Recently, the Edo lawmaker recently updated her Instagram bio to reflect the singer’s surname, Idibia.

The duo appeared in court, spent some minutes, before heading out.

[Dailytrust]

The Tesla electric vehicle, Model Y, has become the best-selling in China and Norway in March 2025.

Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Tesla, confirmed this in a separate X statement on Wednesday.

According to data on the revamped Model Y, performance showed that 43,370 units of the car were sold in March 2025 to become the best-selling battery electric vehicle in China.

Commenting in a terse statement on X, Musk said, “Tesla Model Y is #1 in China.”

Similarly, in Norway, a report showed that Tesla’s Model Y sold 1819 units in March alone. Also, the data indicate that 2792 units of Model X were sold in the first quarter of 2025.

Earlier, Elon Musk stated that “Tesla actually literally makes the best-selling car on Earth of any kind. That’s two years in a row.”

The development comes amid a surge in the attacks on Tesla vehicles, dealerships, storage lots, and charging stations in some parts of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, has launched a task force to kerb attacks on Tesla vehicles.

In a related development, recall that President Donald Trump recently announced a 25 percent tariff on automobile imports to boost the domestic car industry, which is expected to kickoff on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025.

[DailyPost]

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Health, Faruk Wurno, has expressed deep concern over the use of harmful traditional practices by local barbers in treating metal poisoning cases.

Wurno condemned the practice of making incisions on patients’ stomachs as a form of treatment and called for its immediate cessation.

Speaking during the presentation of government-supplied drugs for metal poisoning treatment at General Hospital Tureta on Wednesday, Wurno emphasised the need for affected individuals to seek medical attention at hospitals instead of resorting to unsafe traditional methods.

“The practice of making incisions on the stomach of patients suffering from metal poisoning must stop immediately. Instead, those showing symptoms should be rushed to hospitals for proper medical care,” the commissioner directed.

Wurno, represented by the Executive Director of the State Hospital Services Management Board, Bello Attahiru, assured that the government would distribute the essential drugs to all general hospitals handling metal poisoning cases.

Receiving the medical supplies, the Chairman of Tureta Local Government Council, Aliyu Tureta, expressed gratitude, noting that the provision of the drugs was timely.

Tureta assured that the local government would ensure proper utilisation of the medicines for their intended purpose, highlighting the council’s earlier efforts in addressing the health crisis.

The state government’s intervention is expected to curb the dangerous traditional treatment methods and improve access to safer and more effective medical care for affected patients. The first

[Punch]

La Liga said Wednesday Barcelona did not have the financial capacity to register players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor and still lack it, ahead of a decision by Spain’s sports council (CSD) over the duo’s eligibility to play.

In January Barcelona announced a deal had been reached to sell VIP boxes at the club’s Camp Nou stadium, currently being rebuilt, worth a reported 100 million euros ($108 million), which gave them the financial fair play room for new licences for the players.

La Liga said Barcelona used an unnamed auditor between December 31 and January 3 which recorded the deal on the club’s books, but their current auditor no longer includes it in the club’s interim financial statements for the first part of the 2024-25 season.

“No amount from the (VIP box deal) is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts, contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction,” said La Liga in a statement.

La Liga said they were reporting the auditor Barcelona used between December 31 and January 3 to the Accounting and Auditing Institute.

“Barcelona… did not have on December 31, 2024, or on January 3, 2025, nor has it had since that date, nor does it currently have, (the financial fair play capacity) for the registration of the players Dani Olmo and Pau Victor,” continued La Liga’s statement.

Barcelona declined to comment when asked about the matter by AFP.

On January 8 the CSD granted Barcelona precautionary permission to use Olmo and Victor, after La Liga said Barca failed to register them before a deadline at the end of December when their temporary licences they were given after signing last summer expired.

The CSD decided Olmo and Victor could be selected by Barca until they make a definitive ruling in the club’s case against La Liga and the Spanish football federation (RFEF), who did not let the club renew their registrations. The ruling is set to come on or before April 7.

The players were initially registered on a short-term basis, as Barcelona took advantage of a financial loophole following an injury to defender Andreas Christensen.

Olmo, currently injured, has played 13 times since then, scoring two goals and providing four assists, while Victor has five substitute appearances.

[Vanguard]