The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appointed Onsachi Idris as his Senior Special Assistant on Procurement

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to the statement, Idris, who retired from the civil service on April 24, 2026, “is a seasoned public servant with over 30 years of experience in administration, finance, and public sector procurement management.”

The statement noted that Idris was appointed Director of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Procurement Department in July 2021, following his earlier role as Director of Common Services (Procurement) in August 2019.

The statement said Idris “played critical roles in overseeing procurement processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards” during his time in office.

It added that “over the years, Idris has gained extensive experience across key administrative and procurement functions, contributing to institutional efficiency and service delivery.”

The statement stated that the appointment takes immediate effect.

According to a report by Telegraph, on Thursday April 23, 2026, Israel’s defence minister has declared the country stands prepared to resume military operations against Iran, but only upon receiving authorisation from the Trump administration, as tensions between the two nations continue to simmer beneath a fragile ceasefire.

The statement came amid fresh alarm in the Iranian capital on [date], after Iranian state media reported that explosions were heard above Tehran and air defence systems were activated across the city. The developments immediately triggered speculation of a new Israeli strike, drawing swift attention from regional observers and international monitors tracking the volatile situation.

However, a source within the Israeli military moved quickly to dismiss those claims. Speaking to Israeli outlet Ynet, the source firmly stated that Israel had not carried out any attacks on Iran, offering a direct contradiction to the wave of concern that had swept through diplomatic circles following the reports from Tehran.

A ceasefire between the two countries has been in effect since April 8, and Israeli officials have so far indicated no public breach of that agreement. Despite this, the defence minister’s earlier remarks have raised serious questions about how durable that truce remains, particularly given its apparent dependency on political decisions emanating from Washington.

The reference to a required “green light” from the Trump administration underscores the degree to which Israeli military calculations are now intertwined with American foreign policy direction. Analysts note that this framing places significant weight on Washington’s posture toward Tehran, effectively making U.S. political will a trigger mechanism for potential renewed hostilities in the region.

Iran has not officially responded to the Israeli defence minister’s statement at the time of reporting. The sounds heard over Tehran, while alarming to residents and regional watchers, remain unexplained by Iranian authorities beyond initial media reports of activated air defences.

The situation reflects the precarious nature of the current ceasefire, with both nations maintaining high military readiness even as formal hostilities remain paused. Observers warn that the combination of unexplained aerial activity and bellicose ministerial language represents a dangerous mix that could rapidly destabilise the existing arrangement.

A diplomatic row has emerged between Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Kenya’s President William Ruto over their contrasting views on Africa’s economic realities.

The controversy began when Tinubu, during a working visit to Bayelsa State, defended his administration’s economic reforms despite growing concerns over rising fuel prices and the cost of living.

Speaking at the inauguration of key infrastructure projects, the President urged Nigerians to remain optimistic, stating that the country was better off than some of its African counterparts.

“It is very important that we are honest with our people. Yes, I hear you from various angles of the economy. The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off,” Tinubu said.

He added, “Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries and what they are going through. We will not look back. We will continue to find way to ameliorate the sufferings of the vulnerable.”

Naija News reports that the Kenyan leader has since criticised Nigeria’s economy and made controversial remarks about its English usage.

The exchange has since generated widespread reactions, particularly on social media, as citizens weigh in on the comments by both leaders.

Ruto Fires Back
Responding in a now-viral video, Ruto rejected Tinubu’s comparison, highlighting Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, particularly its persistent electricity supply issues.

He also took a swipe at Nigeria’s English usage, using humour to underscore his point.

“Our education is good. Our English is good. We speak the best English in the world. If you listen to a Nigerian speak English, you’ll need a translator. We have the best human capital anywhere in the world,” Ruto said.

The exchange comes at a time when many African countries, including Nigeria and Kenya, are facing economic strain.