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World Leaders Mourn Pope Francis, Praise His Legacy Of Compassion

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World leaders remembered Pope Francis as “a beacon of compassion”, reacting with sadness after the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics died on Monday.

Here are some of the first reactions to the death of the 88-year-old pontiff:

‘Stood for brotherly mankind’ – France

French President Emmanuel Macron said the Pope had always been “on the side of the most vulnerable and the most fragile” and that he stood for “brotherly humankind”.

‘A great man has left us’ – Italy

“Pope Francis has returned to the Father’s home. It is deeply sad news because a great man has left us,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.

‘A beacon of compassion’ – India

“Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development.”

‘Strong ties’ – Israel

“He rightly saw great importance in fostering strong ties with the Jewish world and in advancing interfaith dialogue as a path toward greater understanding and mutual respect,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog said.

‘Distinguished papacy’ – Ireland

“Pope Francis’ long and distinguished papacy was marked by his unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace and human dignity,” Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said, adding that he would be remembered for his “expression of pain and shame” about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church during his 2018 visit to Ireland.

‘Profound legacy’ – Spain

“I am sorry to hear of the death of Pope Francis. His commitment to peace, social justice and the most vulnerable leaves a profound legacy. Rest in peace,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said.

‘Indefatigable commitment’ – Germany

He said the Pontiff “will remain in our memories for his indefatigable commitment to the most vulnerable, for justice and for reconciliation”.

‘A faithful friend’ – Palestinian President

“Today, we lost a faithful friend of the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said, noting that the Pope “recognised the Palestinian state and authorised the Palestinian flag to be raised in the Vatican”.

‘Love and compassion’ – Egypt

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said the death of Pope Francis “is a profound loss for the entire world, as he was a voice of peace, love and compassion”.

He added that the Pope “worked tirelessly to promote tolerance and build bridges of dialogue… and was a champion of the Palestinian cause, defending legitimate rights and calling for an end to conflict”.

‘Service to humanity’ – Ethiopia

“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy of compassion, humility, and service to humanity continue to inspire generations to come,” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

‘A loss for humanity’ – Lebanon

“We will never forget his repeated calls to protect Lebanon and preserve its identity and diversity,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said.

He called Pope Francis’s death “a loss for all humanity, for he was a powerful voice for justice and peace” who urged “dialogue between religions and cultures”.

‘Servant leadership’ – Kenya

“He exemplified servant leadership through his humility, his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice, and his deep compassion for the poor and the vulnerable,” Kenyan President William Ruto said.

“His strong ethical and moral convictions inspired millions across the world, regardless of faith or background.”

AFP

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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