Canada’s military is reportedly drafting contingency plans to repel a hypothetical US invasion, including insurgent-style tactics inspired by the Taliban, according to the Globe and Mail.
Senior officials told the outlet this marks the first time in a century that Canada has modeled conflict with the United States.
The move comes amid worsening relations under Donald Trump, who has floated Canada becoming the “51st state” and overseen aggressive US military actions abroad.
Officials cited lessons from Afghanistan, where lightly equipped insurgents exploited intelligence gaps to resist superior US forces.
The plans remain theoretical, but signal a dramatic shift in Canada’s defense posture.
FEARS OF U.S. STRIKES SPARK UNREST: KHAMENEI FRIDAY PRAYERS CALLED OFF!
Reports say Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s much-anticipated Friday prayers were abruptly canceled amid fears that U.S. B-2 stealth bombers might target him, underscoring how high tensions have soared between Tehran and Washington.
While Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the reason for the cancellation, speculation has been rife that growing threats of U.S. military action including talk of deploying advanced bombers over the region prompted unprecedented security concerns around Khamenei’s public appearances.
The dramatic decision comes as the region remains on edge after weeks of mounting confrontation, including warnings from Tehran that any strike on the Supreme Leader would be treated as a declaration of war.
Iranian officials have also hinted at possible retaliation against U.S. interests if attacked, signalling the deepening crisis.
NO REGRET AS MUNDUBILE LEAVES PF, FILES FOR LEADERSHIP CONTEST IN TONSE ALLIANCE
Mporokoso MP, Hon. Brian Mundubile Wrote;
Fellow Citizens,
I have today filed in my nomination papers for the position of Tonse Alliance Chairperson.
I have also paid the required K50,000 nomination fee at the Tonse Alliance Secretariat in Lusaka.
I will be contesting this position against my elder brother, Christian Democratic Party (CDP) leader Professor Dan Pule, who has also successfully filed in his nomination papers.
I welcome the level of unity and maturity exhibited within the alliance and I can only describe this process as a true demonstration of democracy.
We are going through a democratic process, a process we chose for ourselves. I am aware that my big brother Professor Dan Pule has also filed in his nomination for Tonse Alliance Chairperson. We met and agreed that whoever emerges victorious, the other must give full support. I remain fully committed to that agreement because that is what democracy demands.
My prayer is that even in the other positions, those who do not succeed should rally behind those who will emerge victorious.
This is the democracy we fought for over 30 years ago and it must be practiced not only at national level but within the alliance itself. We must demonstrate that we are democratic, united and ready to compete and support one another as we move forward.
GIVEN LUBINDA DISCUSSES THE PATRIOTIC FRONT ON CHATBACK ON RADIO CHRISTIAN VOICE
By Brian Matambo | Lusaka, Zambia
Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda appeared on ChatBack this morning, 23 January 2026, discussing a range of issues related to the Patriotic Front’s legal battles, internal democracy within the party, and the question of opposition unity as reflected in the recently concluded Chawama parliamentary by-election.
Speaking on Radio Christian Voice, Lubinda painted 2025 as one of the most difficult years in the party’s history, marked by prolonged mourning following the death of former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu and by persistent legal disputes over the leadership and control of the Patriotic Front. He explained that these court cases, many of which have been adjourned multiple times, have delayed key internal processes and created uncertainty as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
Lubinda said the party had initially planned to hold a general conference in late 2025, but that an injunction obtained through the courts prevented the meeting from going ahead. While stressing that his faction has not abandoned the Patriotic Front, he acknowledged growing frustration with the pace of judicial proceedings.
He stated that the party’s central committee has resolved that it cannot continue waiting indefinitely and is therefore considering holding a general conference under an alternative political umbrella if court rulings do not come in time. According to Lubinda, this approach is intended to ensure organisational readiness for the August 2026 elections, while keeping open the possibility of reverting to the PF name should the courts eventually rule in their favour.
On internal democracy, Lubinda addressed concerns about governance within the party and allegations that incumbency could be used to influence outcomes. He maintained that the Patriotic Front’s constitution provides for continuity of leadership until a conference is convened and does not require an acting president to step aside before contesting.
He also clarified that recent changes within the party, including removals from the central committee, were made in accordance with constitutional provisions that allow the party president to take decisions deemed necessary for the security and development of the organisation, subject to later ratification by the central committee. He further explained that the party’s electoral commission is appointed by the central committee, not by the party president, and that serving party officials or aspiring candidates are barred from sitting on that commission.
Lubinda also used the programme to clarify confusion surrounding presidential aspirations within the party. He explained the distinction between expressions of interest and formal nominations, noting that payments made so far by aspiring candidates were for expressions of interest only. Formal nominations, he said, would only be submitted after an electoral commission is appointed and the nomination window officially opened, at which point aspirants would still be free to withdraw.
Turning to the broader political landscape, Lubinda reflected on the Chawama by-election, which was won by an opposition-backed candidate. He described the result as an indicator of public appetite for political change, while cautioning that electoral success at national level would depend on the degree of cooperation among opposition parties. In his view, a fragmented opposition could still perform competitively, but a united opposition fielding common candidates across presidential, parliamentary, and council races would stand a far stronger chance of victory in 2026.
Throughout the discussion, Lubinda avoided endorsing or criticising individual presidential hopefuls, insisting that questions of popularity and leadership legitimacy should be settled through formal party processes rather than media debate or public speculation. He emphasised that decisions about leadership would ultimately rest with delegates at a properly constituted general conference.
Lubinda concluded by calling for patience among party members and supporters, reiterating that the Patriotic Front remains active on the ground and engaged in broader opposition structures. He said the coming weeks would be critical in determining the organisational path the party takes as it prepares for the next general election.
I can say with absolute confidence that any attempt to expel Hon. Brian Mundubile from PF for filing his nominations as a Tonse Presidential candidate will only embarrass the Party.
For the record, and under Zambian law, only Robert Chabinga has the authority to expel anyone from PF. Anyone else attempting to act outside this legal mandate is overstepping and inviting ridicule.
Let this serve as a word of caution: unless someone is ready to witness a mass exodus of the people from PF, I strongly advise restraint
By the way, Mundubile has merely responded to the call by Zambians to be part of a progressive group of Zambians offering themselves for leadership!
TONSE ALLIANCE OR POLITICAL AMBUSH? THE CALCULATED PLOT TO SIDELINE GIVEN LUBINDA AND DECEIVE ZAMBIANS
By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
Zambians are not blind, and neither are they forgetful. What is unfolding under the banner of the so-called Tonse Alliance is not unity of purpose, but a carefully engineered political ambush whose ultimate goal appears to be the marginalisation of legitimate leadership and the manipulation of public hope.
At the centre of this controversy stands a question that its architects have deliberately avoided: which political party does Hon. Brian Mundubile represent within the Tonse Alliance? In a constitutional democracy, leadership does not float in political air it must be anchored in a political party with a clear mandate. Yet Zambians are being asked to accept a presidential project that has no transparent political ownership.
This raises an even more disturbing question: can a person be elected President of the Republic under the vague identity of “Tonse Alliance” without a clear party structure or constitutional grounding? The insistence on pushing such an arrangement suggests either political recklessness or deliberate deception.
What is more alarming is the obsession by certain alliance members to impose leadership whose credibility to unite the nation is already in doubt. Unity cannot be preached where legitimacy is absent, and democracy cannot thrive where ambition overrides process.
The public is equally troubled by the sudden alliance of individuals who, until recently, were openly hostile to PF President Given Lubinda. Today, these same figures have regrouped not to heal divisions, but seemingly to execute a plan aimed at erasing him from Zambia’s political equation. One must ask: are principles being sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition?
The participation of State Counsel Chifumu Banda and President Danny Pule has further deepened public suspicion. Their willingness to be associated with a process many view as flawed has led to questions about whether seasoned leaders are being reduced to pawns or whether they are knowingly participating in a predetermined scheme. The danger of following a blind guide has never been more relevant.
Evidence of orchestration is visible in the internal positioning of the alliance. Dr. Chifumu Banda’s acceptance of the role of Second Vice President has effectively neutralised Danny Pule as a serious contender, reinforcing the perception that the path has already been cleared for Hon. Brian Mundubile. This is not competition; it is choreography.
Instead of building a credible opposition anchored in transparency and collective leadership, the alliance appears focused on sidelining President Given Lubinda, a leader who, alongside Hon. Chishimba Kambwili and Hon. Miles Sampa, stood firm in resisting UPND pressure when others hesitated. Today, some of those same actors are accused of political double-dealing, eager to rewrite history for convenience.
The attempt to portray President Lubinda as irrelevant is not only dishonest; it is politically arrogant. It underestimates the memory and intelligence of the Zambian people. Politics divorced from integrity inevitably collapses under its own weight.
Zambia deserves principled leadership, not political traps.
Unity built on deception is not unity at all.
NAnd history is clear: those who play games with the people’s trust eventually face political extinction.
MUMBI PHIRI BEGINS QUIET CAMPAIGN TO BECOME MAKEBI ZULU’S RUNNING MATE
By Chilufya Chewe Freelance Journalist
As the race toward the August 2026 General Election gathers momentum, competition is intensifying not only among presidential hopefuls across the political divide, but also among individuals positioning themselves for the role of running mate.
Sources within the Tonse ECL faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) have revealed that former PF Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Mumbi Phiri, has quietly expressed interest in becoming the running mate to lawyer Mr. Makebi Zulu, should he secure the presidential ticket. According to the sources, Ms. Phiri has since urged close confidants within the party to discreetly begin lobbying and mobilising support for her within PF party structures.
Meanwhile, another potential running mate has emerged within the Tonse Alliance faction led by Dr. Danny Pule. Mr. Chifumu Banda, President of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), is reportedly positioning himself as a possible running mate to Hon. Brian Mundubile, who is widely viewed as an aspiring presidential candidate within the alliance.
Insiders indicate that Mr. Banda has been quietly selling his candidature among party members, although uncertainty remains over whether he will ultimately align himself with PF faction leader Mr. Given Lubinda.
As political manoeuvring continues behind the scenes, it remains unclear which individuals will succeed in consolidating sufficient support to secure running mate positions ahead of the 2026 polls.
Observers note that the unfolding developments underscore the essence of democracy, which guarantees freedom of expression and association. Political parties, they argue, must provide platforms that allow these democratic rights to be fully exercised.
GILBERT LISWANISO’S LAMENTATION ON HOW SOME MINISTERS AND MPs HAVE FAILED OR BETRAYED PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
Zambia’s development success is anchored in mindset change, because resource-wise, God has blessed us abundantly.
For us to see real and sustained development, we must have a properly functioning Head of State, supported by a functional Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Directors, Permanent Secretaries, District Commissioners, and everyone down to the lowest level of our governance system. We got a functioning head of state but some of the accessories (appointees) have not helped him to the fullest.
Over the past four years plus of the UPND government, I have never relented in pointing out where I see things going wrong just as I did during the mischievous corrupt and brutal barbaric PF regime that ruined our nation in all angles. I know the truth is often uncomfortable in our political setup, but I was trained to speak the truth, address issues as they are, and never sugarcoat reality and there is a huge price that pays for choosing this lone path.
To date, I still argue that if everyone working with President Hakainde Hichilema had the same energy, seriousness, and commitment that he demonstrates, Zambia would have witnessed far more development than what we are appreciating today. Unfortunately, there are many rotten eggs who have deliberately slowed progress in their offices. Even worse, those appointed to supervise them have gone to sleep, satisfied because their personal lives are comfortable and they are receiving what they anticipated.
Therefore, I fully agree with Gilbert Liswaniso when he says that President Hakainde Hichilema has been betrayed by some ministers, MPs, and others who should have been at the forefront of protecting and advancing the President’s vision. These are issues I have consistently raised, and today, I thank God that I have been vindicated.
However, I must also challenge Liswaniso on one point. As Youth National Chairperson, you have direct and constant access to the President. The question is: have you been informing the President about these issues? because some of us have been consistently telling you leaders where we see problems unless you say you have been telling the president and he hasn’t taken actions then that is a conversation for another day
Zambia has enormous economic development potential, and it does not require President Hakainde Hichilema alone it requires seriousness from everyone. As the President repeatedly emphasizes, we must all produce something. Zambia can change, and we can do better if we change our mindset. But that mindset change must start from the top leadership of the country down to ordinary citizens like myself, Sikaile.
Most of them, the moment President Hakainde Hichilema appointed them, cut ties with the voters. They became arrogant, rude, greedy, and selfish, only trying to resurface now because it is campaign time.
Voters have woken up. This is why many citizens are saying, “I will vote for the President and come back.” It is purely a reaction to the behaviour of these individuals.
It is my sincere prayer that in his second term, President Hakainde Hichilema will not tolerate the incompetence and lack of seriousness that we have witnessed in some appointed officials.
You can easily see that most times the president is by himself just by the way self-centered individuals, criminals, and thieves by how loudly they try to demonize President Hakainde Hichilema left, right, and centre, while those around him never coming out to explain what the government is doing despite having all the resources available to do so.
It is the duty and responsibility of all government officials and party leaders to move around the country explaining the President’s achievements and the developments in the pipeline. There are many things that has been achieved by President Hakainde Hichilema but poorly publicized.
As I always say to those in office who have forgotten their mandate: you are there because Hakainde Hichilema is the President of Zambia—not by miracle.
LISWANISO REPORTED TO ECZ OVER ALLEGED UNAUTHORIZED CHAWAMA RESULTS, MILES SAMPA CASE CITED
By:Thomas Afroman Mwale
United Party for National Development (UPND) National Youth Chairperson, Gilbert Liswaniso has been reported to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for allegedly transmitting unsolicited and unauthorized Chawama Constituency by-election results.
Mr Liswaniso is accused of prematurely publishing poll results on his Facebook page on January 15, 2026, claiming that UPND candidate Morgan Muunda had polled 1,724 votes, while his rival Bright Nundwe had garnered 1,316 votes.
In a letter dated January 16th 2026 addressed to ECZ Chairperson and delivered to the Commission on January 22nd 2026, Lusaka resident Isaiah John Bwanga argued that the conduct by Mr Liswaniso undermined public confidence in the electoral process, posed a risk to public peace, and had the potential to cause anarchy.
Mr Bwanga stated that it is an offence to announce, publish, or declare election results without authorization from the ECZ, noting that the alleged action contravenes the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, specifically Part 7, relating to candidates and election results.
He further argued that similar action taken against Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa, who was arrested for allegedly transmitting false information regarding a fake polling station under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act of 2025, should also be applied to Mr Liswaniso.
Mr Bwanga has since demanded that the ECZ report Mr Liswaniso to the Zambia Police Service, treat the matter with the urgency it deserves and compel him to provide credible evidence to support the results he allegedly communicated on Facebook. #SunFmTvNews
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema will be the easiest incumbent to defeat in the August 13 general elections because Zambians have previously overcome far greater political challenges, Professor Boniface Kawimbe has said.
Prof Kawimbe, a former Minister of Health in the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) administration, said in an interview the country had a strong history of resisting actions that threatened democratic principles.
He noted that Zambians had successfully confronted major political struggles in the past, including the resistance to late former president Frederick Chiluba’s third-term bid, which he described as a defining moment in the defence of democracy.
“We had mammoth tasks like the struggle for independence, transition from the one-party state to a multi-party democracy, third-term bid by former president Chiluba. These were much bigger struggles than what we are facing today. No comparison at all,” Prof Kawimbe said.
Prof Kawimbe said the challenges currently facing the country were not insurmountable because Zambians had the capacity to effect political change through democratic means.
Prof Kawimbe, a member of the Council of Elders, said Zambians were not ready to journey with Hichilema beyond August 13 considering the misery and mess he had caused them over the last five years of his rule.
He said Zambians were awaiting an opposition to take over government in August and facilitate democracy, restoration of a broken economy, and personal freedoms.
“Remember, economically, we are queuing for all the essential commodities. When you are in a state of emergency, all personal freedoms are suspended and the people of Zambia are saying no, we cannot continue along these lines,” Prof Kawimbe.
He challenged opposition political parties to choose one presidential candidate and running mate and select a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) now and hit the ground.
He said the quality of life that President Hichilema and his administration was subjecting Zambians to was degrading and inhumane.
“Our message for the people of Zambia in 2026 is that there is consensus that we do not like the Zambia we have. Secondly, there is consensus that the quality of life has changed,” he said.
Prof Kawimbe said Zambians were expecting more in the August 13 general elections than just removing Hichilema.
“And there is consensus that we definitely have to do more than just removing Hichilema come August 13, 2026, we have to do more than just change the occupant of block 1. If that’s all we’ll have achieved, we’ll consider our efforts as being in vain. We really want to have a government by the people, of the people, for the people,” Prof Kawimbe said.
He said a united opposition had no choice but to choose a single flag bearer and running mate to lead and deliver Zambia from poverty, joblessness, inequalities and injustices.
“One of the things we have missed out over the years is that we have concentrated on the political stream of leadership, who are going to become our councillors, members of parliament or presidents. And we have forgotten about the technocratic stream,” he said.
Prof Kawimbe said Zambians had no patience with an underperforming government, warning that the current regime’s biggest opposition was the people.
“This time around, you have to realise that the patience of the people across the country continues to drop because of the government failures. The fuse of patience is shortening. UNIP were given 27 years, MMD 20, PF 10, UPND nobody knows but Zambians do,” said Prof Kawimbe.
No opposition leader can go neck to neck with HH – Kakoma
Charles Kakoma, former Patriotic Front – PF member of the central committee, stated that no opposition candidate currently possesses the track record needed to challenge President Hakainde Hichilema head-on in the upcoming general elections.
Kakoma cited Hichilema’s strong performance since taking office, including economic reforms, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic achievements.
He acknowledged that while several contenders may emerge, none have demonstrated the same level of consistency or public support required to mount a credible challenge.
JOHN STEENHUISEN RUBBISHES “WHITE GENOCIDE” CLAIMS, SAYS SOUTH AFRICA’S REAL CRISIS IS CRIME AFFECTING ALL RACES, RESPONDS TO COMMENTS BY US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AT DAVOS ABOUT AFRIKANER COMMUNITIES
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has strongly dismissed claims that there is a “white genocide” taking place in South Africa, calling such allegations misleading and harmful. He said the country’s biggest problem is not race-based extermination, but a severe and widespread crime crisis that affects everyone – black, white, coloured and Indian alike.
Steenhuisen was responding to renewed remarks by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who raised concerns at the World Economic Forum in Davos about the safety and treatment of Afrikaner communities, particularly farmers. Trump suggested that white South Africans are being deliberately targeted, a narrative that has circulated internationally for several years.
The DA leader said while farm attacks and violent crime in rural areas are real and must be taken seriously, it is dishonest to frame them as proof of a racially driven genocide. According to him, crime in South Africa is brutal and out of control across the board, with townships, suburbs, inner cities and rural areas all suffering from murders, robberies, gender-based violence and organised crime.
Steenhuisen stressed that the issue is a failing criminal justice system, weak policing, corruption and poor leadership, not a government policy to target any specific racial group. He warned that spreading the “white genocide” narrative creates unnecessary fear, deepens racial divisions and damages South Africa’s image globally, which can scare off investors and tourists and worsen unemployment.
He added that the real solution lies in strengthening the SAPS, improving intelligence, fixing the courts, protecting all communities – including farmers – and ensuring that criminals, regardless of who they are or who their victims are, are arrested and convicted.
In short, Steenhuisen said South Africa’s crisis is not about race, but about safety, law and order, and the failure of the state to protect its people.
Kremlin Demands Ukrainian Withdrawal From Donbas as Key Condition for Any Settlement
The Kremlin has publicly stated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Donbas region is a fundamental condition for Russia in any potential peace settlement or progress in negotiations. The statement was made by Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian president, during a briefing with journalists.
According to Peskov, Moscow considers the presence of Ukrainian forces in Donbas incompatible with Russia’s stated objectives and insists that their withdrawal is a “very important condition” for resolving the conflict. He emphasized that Russia’s position on the status of the region remains unchanged and continues to be central to its diplomatic stance.
The remarks come amid renewed international discussions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, where territorial control and security guarantees remain the most contentious issues. Donbas which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions has been at the core of the conflict since 2014 and remains one of the main obstacles to any negotiated settlement.
Ukraine has consistently rejected demands to withdraw from its internationally recognized territory, maintaining that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. No immediate response from Kyiv was issued following the Kremlin’s latest statement.
Source: Reuters (via Kremlin briefing statements reported on 23 January 2026)
US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by repeating claims of a so-called “white genocide” in South Africa during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, placing South Africa’s investment drive under an unwanted global spotlight.
Trump made the remarks during an unscheduled media briefing after his keynote address, describing the situation as “serious” and claiming, without providing evidence, that such acts are still taking place based on what he called figures and records.
The comments came at an awkward time for South Africa, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is leading a high-level delegation to Davos to attract foreign investment and position the country as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa.
South African authorities and multiple international bodies have repeatedly dismissed claims of a “white genocide” as false and misleading, warning that such narratives distort crime statistics, inflame racial tensions, and undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
Analysts warn that remarks of this nature risk hurting investor confidence and reviving discredited narratives at a time when South Africa is actively courting global capital.
PRESIDENTIAL Aspirant Brian Mundubile has filed in his nomination for the Tonse Alliance Chairperson position.
Hon Mundubile has since paid the K50, 000 nomination fee.
The Alliance recently announced that it will hold its National Convention on January 31, 2026.
Hon Mundubile will be competing against and Christian Democratic Party Leader Professor Dan Pule who has also successfully filed in his nomination papers.
The winner will be the flag bearer for the alliance in the August 13, 2026 Presidential election.
Meanwhile, FDD Leader Chifumu Banda is going for the First Vice Chairman position while Exhildah Mwenya from the New Era Democratic party wants to be the 2nd Vice Chairperson.
And Hon Mundubile has hailed the level of unity exhibited in the Alliance.
“We are going through a democratic process, a process that we chose ourselves. I know that my big brother Professor Dan Pule has also filed in his nomination as Tonse Alliance Chairman, we met and agreed that whoever emerges winner, the other one should give full support. I remain strongly committed to that undertaking because that is what democracy demands.
My prayer is that even for the other positions, those that will lose, should rally behind those who will emerge victorious. This is the democracy we fought for over 30 years ago, it must be exercised not only at national level but even in the alliance. We must show that we are democratic and ready to compete and support one another going forward,” he said.
GIVE the Patriotic Front (PF) back to its original owners because all efforts to destroy the former ruling party have proven futile because the party has remained in the hearts of its grassroots and has remained a political force to reckon with, says Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa.
Dr Sishuwa, an academician and Stellenbosch University senior lecturer says the recent Chawama parliamentary by-election, which saw the governing UPND suffer a humiliating defeat at the hands of the FDD, the special purpose vehicle for the PF and its alliance partners had proven that it was futile to try to annihilate and kill the former ruling party.
Dr Sishuwa said it was now clear that it had become a futile exercise to block the PF from participating in any election because their supporters knew who the true leaders were and that was why the former ruling party was winning each time it had fielded a candidate on any political party.
He said the Chawama and Petauke outcome had demonstrated that attempts to weaken and obliterate the PF through legal, administrative or political means have failed, as party members and supporters had continued to mobilise around leaders they recognise, even when candidates were forced to contest on alternative party tickets.
“Blocking the PF from fielding candidates does not work. The members will simply follow their leaders and support whoever they are told to support,” he said.
He argued that the by-election in Chawama had also exposed limits to vote-buying, stating that despite reports of heavy spending and distribution of food and gifts during the campaign, voters ultimately chose a candidate of their preference.
“Zambian voters are intelligent. They may accept gifts, but they still vote according to their conscience,” Dr. Sishuwa said.
Dr Sishuwa said Chawama had debunked claims that the opposition was dead, showing instead that it remains capable of winning elections even under constrained conditions.
He added that the PF’s vote share, when compared with previous elections, suggested loyalty to identifiable leaders rather than to party symbols alone. Dr. Sishuwa also touched on broader governance issues, including political accountability, saying public figures should take responsibility when they made false claims.
He said apologising when proven wrong was a sign of responsibility, contrasting this with leaders who rise to power on a diet of lies, which he described as a more serious offence against democracy. Dr. Sishuwa noted that the peaceful conduct of the Chawama by-election and the opposition victory weakened arguments that elections are routinely rigged.
He however cautioned against using a single by-election as proof that democracy is fully secure, urging a wider assessment of the political environment.
Dr. Sishuwa said the key lesson for those in power is to allow open competition. “Let the PF field candidates and defeat them fairly. Efforts to sideline them have only shown that such strategies are futile,” he said.
CITIZENS First Party President Harry Kalaba says it is saddening that farmers have to spend nights braving the rains in bank corridors as they wait to be paid by government for the maize supplied to the Food Reserve Agency.
Speaking when he featured on Radio Mano has he drummed up support for CF Mayoral candidate Aaron Zimba in Kasama last night, Mr. Kalaba said the UPND Government has taken away the dignity and respect of farmers.
He said it is unacceptable that 62 years after independence, farmers have to queue for them to access their hard earned money.
“Since independence in 1964, I have never seen farmers suffer the way they are suffering under the UPND. Firstly a farmer suffers to grow maize with the fertiliser they get in medas, secondly they spend days at FRA depots to sale their maize and now they have to suffer to get paid their hard earned money by spending nights in the cold. You can’t treat a farmer badly and expect to develop as a country. Four years in Government, the UPND have destroyed the agriculture sector. There is hunger in the country. Mr. Kalaba said.
“We warned Zambians that these people you are giving the leadership of the country, they have no experience but some were arguing but do not worry CF is coming. As CF we will ensure that farmers have adequate fertiliser, create feeders roads for farmers to easily transport their produce. We will not allow farmers to spend nights at FRA depots sleeping in the cold for them to sale their produce, FRA officers will work in shifts to enhance efficiency. We will respect and bring dignity to our farmers, ” Mr. Kalaba said.
And Mr. Kalaba urged the people of Kasama to vote for the Citizens First party mayoral candidate Aaron Zimba ahead of the January 29th by election.
He said CF is a party of choice that Zambians are looking upto to liberate them from poverty.
He said the UPND Government is wasting the time of Zambians and it has to be voted out of power in the August 13th General elections.
“UPND is not going anywhere. CF is a party of choice, the only party the people of Zambia are looking upto, to liberate from poverty, a party civil servants, the police, teachers and farmers are looking upto,” the CF leader said.
KBF MOCKS THE TONSE ALLIANCE ELECTIONS, A SHAM THAT DOESNT MEET THE BAREST MINIMUM STANDARDS
“No approved standard rules, illegal and undefined membership and rigged electoral college. It is a sham!”
He says the yellow bees will continue to mobilize and align itself with progressive forces.
“You can’t expel the PF from the group but accept individual members of the Patriotic Front into the group. That’s anarchy on their part and on Tonse Alliance part” “Ignore the so-called elections. They are a sham”
The Lusaka Magistrate Court has viewed video footage in which FRANCIS KAPWEPWE, popularly known as WHY ME, is alleged to have uttered hate speech.
The footage was presented during the testimony of Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority –ZICTA- Director of Infrastructure and Resilience, NAWA SAMATEBELE.
Mr. SAMATEBELE told Principal Resident Magistrate IDAH PHIRI that the videos, which were extracted from social media platforms, could not have been generated using artificial intelligence.
He explained that the videos were subjected to forensic analysis to determine whether they had been AI-generated, following a request from the Zambia Police to support ongoing investigations.
Mr. SAMATEBELE further informed the court that two mobile phones, believed to belong to KAPWEPWE, were submitted to ZICTA for forensic examination.
According to his testimony, forensic software identified a TikTok account named WHY ME – THE LION OF THE WORLD on one of the devices.
In this matter, KAPWEPWE is facing three counts of hate speech and of expressing or displaying hatred, ridicule or contempt against persons on the basis of race, tribe, place of origin or colour.
The court heard that on March 31, April 3 and April 8, 2025, KAPWEPWE allegedly used his TikTok account, WHY ME, to publish content directed against the Tonga people.-ZNBC
Julius Malema’s Pre-Sentencing Postponed: Final Arguments Now Set for 15 April After EFF Leader’s Conviction Under Firearms Control Act Last October
EFF leader Julius Malema will have to wait a little longer before his sentence is handed down. Pre-sentencing proceedings in his case have been postponed, with the final heads of argument now scheduled for 15 April. Malema was convicted last October for contravening the Firearms Control Act, a case that has captured national attention given his high-profile political role.
Supporters and critics alike have been closely following the developments, with the EFF vowing to continue defending their leader while opponents call for the law to take its course. The postponement adds another layer of suspense, as observers debate the potential implications for Malema, the EFF, and South Africa’s political landscape.
The upcoming April hearing will be crucial in determining the severity of the consequences Malema could face, and public interest remains high as the nation waits to see how this high-stakes legal and political drama unfolds.
ARRESTING JULIUS MALEMA WITHOUT EXTREME CAUTION COULD BE A DANGEROUS MISTAKE: Why the State Must Handle His Case Carefully to Avoid Unrest Like the Zuma Riots and the Tragic Fallout After Chris Hani’s Assassination
South Africa has painful lessons from history about what happens when the state moves against highly influential political figures without fully preparing for the social consequences.
The arrest of former President Jacob Zuma in 2021 triggered nationwide unrest, looting, destruction of infrastructure and the loss of more than 350 lives. The assassination of Chris Hani in 1993 nearly pushed the country into civil war because of the deep emotional connection he had with the black working class and the youth.
Julius Malema today occupies a similar space in the hearts of millions of young, unemployed and poor South Africans. To many of them, he is not just a politician — he is a voice of anger, frustration and hope in a system they feel has failed them.
Arresting or sentencing Malema without carefully managing the political and social impact could ignite serious instability. His support base is largely made up of young people from townships, informal settlements and rural areas who already feel excluded from the economy and ignored by those in power. Any perception that the state is “targeting” their leader could easily be interpreted as an attack on them as a generation and as a class.
This is not about whether the law must take its course — the law must always apply equally. But history shows that timing, communication and sensitivity matter. A heavy-handed approach could turn court processes into political flashpoints, just as happened with Zuma, and emotional reactions similar to those that followed Chris Hani’s killing could be triggered.
South Africa cannot afford another explosion of violence driven by anger, poverty and political identity. The Malema case must therefore be handled with extreme care, maturity and strategic foresight, because when millions of desperate young people feel their champion is under siege, the streets can become the courtroom — and the consequences can be devastating.
ARMY IS NOT FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE, CHISHALA KATEKA CONDEMNS ZYEELE’S LANGUAGE
New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka has castigated Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele over plans to exterminate and fumigate targeted illegal Miners in Mufumbwe District.
Speaking when she featured on Radio Phoenix Let the people Talk Programme, Kateka said the Army commander will do well to apologize to the Zambian people over the use of such language which brought more harm than good in other countries.
She said the words fumigated and exterminated were used in Rwanda on the Hutus and NAZI Germany on the Jews before atrocities were committed.
And Kateka has questioned whether the Zambia Police does not have the capacity to handle internal security matters.
She said the Army should not be used as the first line of defence when there is a security concern within the country adding that such is a prerogative of the Police unless they fail.
The Opposition leader has therefore questioned the motive behind General Zyeele’s utterances.
“The Army is not your first line of defence, why should you use bullets as your first line of defence, these are civilians. Internally, your first line of defence is the police, if you think there is a problem, deal with it and retrain them,” she said.
“This army commander by the use of those words, what is he trying to incite, what is he saying about those miners there, they are cockroaches? When you use those words, it means me in the army, I start to look at those like they do not matter. When they break the law, you must be able to go through a legal process. Not to be fumigated and exterminated. There is a reason the Nations world over, countries are structured like that. The Army is not your first line of defence, why should you use bullets as your first line of defence, these are civilians on civilians? Internally, your first line of defence is the police, if you think there is a problem, deal with it and retrain them……He does not end there, he then starts to issue threats against those people who threw stones. Isn’t there not a process already in place, the police picked up some people? Why should the Zambia army overstep and overreach into the realms of what the police are doing.
“This language is definitely not acceptable in Zambia. It is unfortunate and I think the commander would do well to apologize to the Zambians because, those miners when you look at the social economic factors at play in the country, they are trying to make a living just like the Kachasu Brewers when they know that is wrong…. The way we deal with these issues matters if we want to keep the peace we have been enjoying.”
And Kateka has challenged the government to tell the nation if the police have failed to handle the security concerns in the country.
“This issue of illegal miners, it is a security risk on the miners and apparently there may be some criminal elements coming in. However, it is an internal issue which should be handled by the police. When we have not seen that the police have been deployed and have failed, and yet here we are deployment the army. The Army commander says he is following orders from the president,” Kateka stated.
“The commander uses the word exterminate and fumigate. When I use the word fumigate, what comes to mind is to fumigate cockroaches and then you exterminate them mind is cockroaches, you fumigate them. In Rwanda, those words were used against the Hutus, in Nazi Germany those words were used against the Jews. In Zambia, according to our constitution, we have separation of powers in the manner our security and defence forces operate. We have clearly the Police, Army, ZNS and ZAF. We do not have ZAF coming into the place of the police and do what the police should do. The army deals with external security and if the worse comes to the worse, you can use the army especially if institutions fail. When you have criminals, it is still the police who need to sort them out. In Mufumbwe, they should go there to supplement and not to take over. The Army, when you let them loose in a nation, it can bring consequences. The way the Army commander talks, it does not even give an indication that he will show mercy. When the Army gets involved in certain operations, they are quiet about what they do. But this guy is all over the place. This is a civilian’s thing, even when they needed to use the army they should have done it quietly.”
Meanwhile, Kateka has blasted the UPND Government over their amateurish style of communicating important issues to the public.
She said the issues of President Hakainde Hichilema going on leave should have been handled in a professional manner without raising suspicion among members of the public.
Kateka is of the view that people in the current government are waiting for the President to make pronouncements before they can do their job adding that the country needs Ministers who are proactive and not just the Head of State as a starring.
“Communication is not this government’s strongest points. It is one of their weaknesses. If I were in government holding an important position like that of Minister of Information or secretary to cabinet, I would have said to the Country that the president is going on leave. We waste so much time discussing things that could be avoided if this government was effective in communicating,” she said.
“The first time this was asked, somebody from Government should have come to explain that the president is taking his annual leave. But everything with this government is a secret. We have had presidents going leave before but the difference is that it was announced. Even if he falls sick, people fall sick, there is no harm in saying the President is not feeling well, he is going to the hospital. What you communicate matters.
I think I blame his handlers, what is Cornelius Mweetwa is doing. We are so far behind, we need to be a nation that is moving forward. The problem we have as a nation has a lot to do with mindsets. I have dealt with the issue of mindsets after starting an Organisation. I was doing with young people up to the age of 40. We do not train our people to think in a certain way, that is why we need to change our Education curriculum.”
SEER 1 URGES ZAMBIANS TO SUPPORT ARMY COMMANDER AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING CRISIS
Renowned Nigerian Pastor, Andrew Ejimandu, better known as Seer 1, has issued a warning to Zambians about the potential consequences of supporting illegal mining activities in the country.
Speaking passionately about the issue, Seer 1 compared Zambia’s situation to that of Nigeria, where illegal oil drilling has fueled the rise of dangerous militancy.
Seer 1, who has been a vocal critic of illegal mining, emphasized that while some might criticize Zambia’s Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Geoffrey Zyeele, for his tough stance on the matter, or even President Hakainde Hichilema for his firm directives, the two men were ultimately acting in the country’s best interests.
He urged Zambians to support their leadership in the efforts to curb illegal mining, which he believes could have disastrous long-term consequences for the country.
He recalled the early days of illegal oil drilling in Nigeria, where the situation initially seemed harmless.
“Kidnapping started like a joke in Nigeria when a group of illegal oil drillers began kidnapping foreign expatriates,” he explained.
“At first, many people clapped for them because the government wasn’t allowing us access to our oil.”
However, Seer 1 noted that the government’s lack of action allowed the situation to escalate uncontrollably.
“What started as a joke became a widespread issue, and now kidnapping has become a fashionable crime,” he warned.
The Nigerian pastor added that militants in his home country, originally fueled by illegal oil activities, are now more equipped than the nation’s military forces.
He pointed out that, in some cases, the militants are better armed than the soldiers sent to combat them.
“If you look at the pictures of these militants, you might mistake them for military officers on the front line,” Ejimandu said.
“These are the offspring of illegal oil drilling, and in many cases, they are better equipped than our own military.”
Ejimandu urged Zambians to take the potential dangers of illegal mining seriously, stating that while politics may fuel some of the support for such activities, it should never come at the cost of the people’s lives or peace
“Let those supporting illegal mining in Zambia desist from it,” he said. “Don’t play politics with people’s lives.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian pastor called for a united effort to help Zambia combat illegal mining before it becomes too late, urging citizens to rally behind the country’s Army Commander in the battle for a safer, cleaner Zambia.
“Let us support the Army Commander in his efforts to sanitize Zambia before it’s too late,” he said.
THE ARMY’S CONCERNS ARE RIGHT ON THE SPOT, THOUGH COMMUNICATION WAS POOR
By Nkonkomalimba Kapumpe
Immediately the Army Commander issued a statement about illegal miners in Mufumbwe my first instinct was how could he be threatening to kill citizens, and my second reaction was that it’s not the job of the police. Where is he getting information that they have guns? So, I did some quick research to find out what the Army Commander was seeing that we weren’t.
First, most rebels start in Africa because the government fails to have an intelligent policy towards minerals , unpoliced communities, and an influx of foreigners buying minerals. The three conditions have been met, and he’s trying to prevent a disaster in the making. In short, the Army is scared of what’s brewing and wants to stay ahead of it. Unlike the Mines Minister and the police.
I think most of you would support us in saying that we’ve been warning about Mines Minister Kabuswe’s failure to rise to the occasion of gold being discovered all over the country. We needed a sound policy and a strong team taking over mines and areas immediately they discover minerals, and partnering with the community. This must be done fast before illegal mining grows in numbers and we start shooting people. The Army has the right to be scared or concerned. What if they start shooting back? After that, we’ll have small conflicts all over.
Already, what I’m seeing is a lot of young Zambian people finding ways to make money through mining which is good and need just to be formalised. However, the communities in the bush have no policing – it’s the Wild West, as the English say. They’re doing their own policing, meaning they’re forming their own governance systems and leadership. If left unchecked, they’ll get rich and they’ll need to protect their interests. There’s also an influx of Tanzanians, Kenyans, Indians, Chinese, and Somalis buying gold or sponsoring young people to mine. Some of them are camped there. This is an extreme security concerns, and Zambia is losing income to foreigners illegally.
Though the language was strong over the illegal mining by the Zambia Army Commander, it was just poor communication with civilians.He came out looked hungry to kill citizens in the eyes of civilians, but their concerns are right on the spot. You also dont want problems escalating that we should be involving the Army; we start to involve the Army in civil matters. it will be very difficult to get them back in the barracks. One day they will feel the politicians are wrong, even those in government; and they will be drawn to act. Let’s avoid the Army in political issues, “no it’s only the Zambia army commander speaking”; the Commander inspires his troops.
My intelligent guess is that the President didn’t even have to tell them – they raised the concern and plan, and the President agreed. The Mines Minister should give us a policy fast. Otherwise, the Zambia Army will be busy in Rufunsa, Mpika, Chingola, Ndola, Mufumbwe, mumbwe and many other places where gold has recently been discovered
The Importance of the Zambia Army in Curbing Illegal Mining, A Constitutional and National Security Imperative
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo, LLB
All governance and operational authority in Zambia is firmly anchored in the Constitution of Zambia and Acts of Parliament. National security is no exception. The Zambia Army does not operate outside the law, it exists, functions, and acts strictly within constitutional and statutory authority, particularly under Article 192 of the Constitution and the Defence Act, Chapter 106 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is therefore important that citizens are not misled into believing that lawful security operations are arbitrary or politically motivated. Zambia’s peace and stability, since independence, have been built on strict respect for the rule of law. That principle remains the cornerstone of our democracy and national unity.
Under the Defence Act, Chapter 106, the Zambia Army is legally mandated to defend the Republic and to perform such other duties as may be determined by the President in the public interest. Pursuant to Article 91(1) of the Constitution, the President of the Republic is the Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force. This constitutional authority extends to responding to serious internal threats that undermine national security, public order, and economic stability.
Illegal mining, by its very nature, threatens all three and therefore justifies the lawful involvement of the Defence Force.
The Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, has correctly identified illegal mining as both an economic and national security threat. His directive to evict illegal miners from sensitive areas such as the Lower Zambezi is a clear demonstration of the Army’s constitutional duty to protect national resources, territorial integrity, and public safety. These actions are lawful, measured, and guided by national interest, not partisan politics.
It must also be stated plainly that illegal mining in Zambia increasingly involves foreign nationals operating outside immigration, mining, and environmental laws. The Department of Immigration has confirmed arrests and removals of foreign nationals found engaging in illegal mining activities. This raises serious concerns relating to national sovereignty, organised crime, and the unregulated exploitation of Zambia’s mineral wealth, making security intervention not only justified but unavoidable.
Global experience offers painful lessons. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, illegal mining financed armed groups and prolonged violent conflict. In Sierra Leone, illicit diamonds fuelled a devastating civil war. In Venezuela, competition over illegal mining zones has led to armed confrontations and loss of state control. These examples clearly demonstrate that failure to decisively address illegal mining can destabilise nations and destroy lives.
In my view as a nation, we must therefore resist the temptation to politicise matters of national security. The actions of the Zambia Army are not partisan; they are constitutional. Peace, security, and sovereignty must always rise above political contestation. When leadership acts to protect national resources and maintain law and order, it deserves national support, not division, suspicion, or misinformation.
Zambia’s peace is hard-earned and must be jealously guarded. Supporting the lawful actions of the Zambia Army in curbing illegal mining is an act of patriotism, not politics. Let us remain united, respect our institutions, appreciate responsible leadership, and ensure that Zambia’s natural wealth benefits all Zambians, today and for generations to come.
THE ZAMBIA ARMY COMMANDER, LT. GEN. GEOFFREY ZYEELE, IS ON FIRM GROUND
By Moses Z. Mtonga
As a country, we must be honest with ourselves, we cannot allow lawlessness to take root under the excuse of tolerance. That is exactly how many of our neighbouring countries slipped into instability, small things ignored until they became ungovernable. Zambia is not that big, and if we fail to manage these situations early, the consequences will overwhelm us.
History is clear, when strategic minerals especially gold are left unprotected and poorly managed, they become a breeding ground for criminal syndicates, armed groups, and chaos. Those with access to dangerous weapons are often not ordinary citizens, and in many cases not even Zambians. This is why vigilance is not optional, it is essential.
We must be careful about what we tolerate. What we tolerate today grows tomorrow. And if left unchecked, it can overpower the very systems meant to protect us.
The Zambia Army exists to defend sovereignty, protect national resources, and preserve order. They must be allowed to do their job professionally, lawfully, and decisively, and they deserve our full support and goodwill.
Let us also be clear: hiding behind the narrative of “people just trying to survive” cannot justify actions that endanger national security. We are all citizens, equally bound by the law and equally responsible for doing what is right. Zambia belongs to all of us, and safeguarding it is a shared duty.
We commend the firm and proactive approach taken by the Army Commander. Illegal activity must be stopped, criminal networks dismantled, and order restored within the bounds of the law and the Constitution.
To our men and women in uniform, especially the special forces, We stand with you. Stay disciplined. Stay resolute. Zambia is counting on you.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Military Triggers Illegal Gold Miners Exodus From KINKONGE
Illegal gold miners in Mufumbwe District of North-Western Province have begun vacating the Kinkonge gold site following a stern warning issued by Zambia Army Commander Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, triggering a rushed exodus across what security officials describe as a growing illegal mining axis.
Footage shared by Prime TV Zambia shows groups of miners, including women and youths, boarding trucks and buses as they leave the mineral zone, signalling a sudden retreat from one of the region’s most active gold rush sites.
The development comes as the Zambia Army intensifies operations in North-Western Province, with parallel security movements reported on the Copperbelt.
Youths interviewed on the ground told Prime TV that the military had not used force but advised them to vacate the area, an approach they described as firm but non-violent. The advisory appears to have been enough to unsettle illegal mining networks that have thrived in the area for months.
Despite complying, some of the miners expressed anxiety over their livelihoods. They cited limited employment opportunities in their home districts and said informal mining had become their only means of survival.
Wilard Mambwe, one of the affected youths, lamented the closure of Senseli and other small-scale mining sites, saying many young people were now stranded without alternatives.
The exodus follows blunt remarks by Lt Gen Zyeele, who warned that illegal mining in Mufumbwe had evolved into a national security threat. He said intelligence reports point to the involvement of foreign nationals, some with military backgrounds, allegedly coordinating illegal gold extraction and smuggling operations.
Commander Zyeele warned that such actors would be flushed out, stressing that lawlessness in mineral-rich zones would no longer be tolerated.
Security sources say the unfolding events reflect a broader military push to dismantle illegal mining gangs operating across North-Western Province and the Copperbelt, areas increasingly linked by smuggling routes and organised networks.
The sudden withdrawal from Kinkonge suggests that the warning has sent shockwaves through the gold rush economy, with illegal miners opting to leave before the Army fully closes in.
As the military maintains pressure, authorities say operations will continue until order is restored, licensed mining protected, and the illegal mining axis broken.
Elon Musk has claimed that medical degrees will soon be pointless as AI-powered robots will outperform human surgeons.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO claimed that humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus will outperform the world’s best surgeons within three years.
Speaking on the Moonshots podcast hosted by Peter Diamandis, Musk argued that human doctors are slow to train, prone to error, and fundamentally limited.
“Right now there’s a shortage of doctors and great surgeons,” Musk said.
“[It takes] a super long time to learn how to be a good doctor Doctors have limited time, they make mistakes. How many great surgeons are there? Not that many,” he added.
“So don’t go to medical school?” Diamandis asked Musk.
Elon Musk on AI and robotics impact on medical care “Everyone will have access to medical care that is better than what the president receives right now. So don't go to medical school? Yes, pointless.” pic.twitter.com/Iow9tS6Gba
It wasn’t the first time Musk had predicted the end of human surgeons. In April 2025, he had already claimed that robots would soon master surgery, pointing to Neuralink’s robot, which implants ultra-thin electrodes into the human brain with a level of precision difficult for human hands to achieve.
While robotic surgery is advancing rapidly, experts warn that medicine cannot function without human judgement, accountability and ethical responsibility.
“Mama” – Davido Meets French First Lady in Paris Amid Kemi Olunloyo’s Allegations
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has arrived in France for a performance, accompanied by his elder sister and manager, Sharon Adeleke. The trip comes in the wake of renewed controversy sparked by journalist Kemi Olunloyo.
Unfazed by Drama
Olunloyo recently made headlines with damaging allegations, claiming the singer’s twins are autistic, while also trading insults with his aide, Israel DMW, and attacking his father. However, Davido appeared unbothered by the online storm as he stepped out in Paris.
A Warm Encounter
In a viral video from the trip, the singer was seen getting the attention of the French First Lady, Brigitte Macron. He affectionately addressed her as “mama” as she walked by. Hearing him, she stopped to greet the duo, sharing a brief hug with Davido and his sister before continuing.
Supporters have praised the singer for staying focused. Many mocked his critics, noting that while “keypad warriors” are busy arguing over rumors and DNA issues, Davido remains “booked and busy,” moving from one high-profile connection to another.
Presidential Ties
This follows a previous encounter where Davido met with French President Emmanuel Macron. During that meeting, the singer described France as his home and even video-called his wife, Chioma, to introduce her to the President, proudly stating, “That is my wife”. Watch the video below …..
Court Orders Verydarkman and Doris Ogala to Stop Talking About Pastor Chris Okafor
The Lagos High Court has issued a restraining order against social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (Verydarkman), actress Doris Ogala, and Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel, barring them from making any online references to Pastor Chris Okafor or his ministry.
The Injunction
Delivered by Justice M. A. Savage at the Ikeja division on Thursday, the ruling grants an ex-parte application filed by the cleric. Pending the determination of the substantive suit, the three defendants are prohibited from mentioning the pastor or his church (Grace Nation International/Liberation City) or using his images on any platform.
Ban on Private Materials
The court specifically ordered that the defendants and their agents must not publish or release any alleged private materials including chats, text messages, pictures, or videos involving Dr. Okafor. The judge also restrained them from releasing any content intended to blackmail or extort the clergyman.
Next Steps
The court granted a substituted service for the legal processes via newspaper publication and adjourned the case for a hearing on February 2, 2026.
Netizens React
The development has sparked mixed reactions on social media:
bukolaoluyemilabeauty said:
“Nigeria is always supporting paedophille and criminals 😮.”
essysala said:
“As how now!!! Nigeria my beloved country. 😂😂😂😂.”
ajamu0806 said:
“How is that possible ?!”
conyedikachi4 said:
“Omoooo,i hope Doris can adhere to this instruction.”
talknado2 said:
“Woooooooooo!!! Very nice! Thanks very much pastor. Thanks very much my Lord! Erhen wey that hoeloshi? Oya come Court come explain wetin you say pastor do you. Since you and your Barr. Marshall nor gree sue us. We don sue una oooh! Ewu Gambia. You think say na chor chor chor. Ajambene mixed with crocodile tears nor dey help. Come and prove your case. 😂.”
Bernadine Gunner, an African American woman from Camden, New Jersey who was reported missing in 2010, was found dead inside a car at the bottom of Cooper River last spring. Her remains were identified by DNA testing, ending a 14-year mystery for her family.
Gunner, 52, was last seen driving a blue 2006 Hyundai Elantra after telling family members she might take her own life, according to Fox 29. Her sudden disappearance left loved ones searching for answers for more than a decade.
A dive team located the submerged vehicle on the river bed, collecting remains that were later sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. DNA testing confirmed the remains belonged to Gunner.
Authorities have not released a cause of death, and it remains unclear how long the car had been underwater. The discovery provides some closure, though many questions about her final moments remain unanswered.
Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay expressed gratitude for the team’s work, saying, “We are grateful to all those who assisted with returning Bernadine to her family.” She added, “Missing person cases are heartbreaking because family members are left wondering what happened to their loved one.”
Michelle Obama recently weighed in on her husband, President Barack Obama, running for a third term if the law were amended, saying that she would “actively” oppose it.
Per The Hill, Obama, 62, emphasized that the current two-term presidential limit was enough during an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast that was released on Wednesday.
Though presidents are limited to two terms under the 22nd Amendment, Trump has, on many occasions, spoken about the likelihood of running for a third term, though he has also admitted that it is not permitted by law.
When the podcast host, Alex Cooper, asked Obama if her husband would be interested in running for a third term if it were allowed by the Constitution, the former first lady said, “I hope not.”
“I would be at home working against it,” Obama added. “And maybe a lot of people would be like, ‘Good, we don’t want him anyway,’” she also said.
Obama then went ahead to explain why she felt that the current two-term presidential limit is enough.
“I do believe in the need for new vision,” she said. “The two terms is not just about ‘we like them and we want’ — it’s just like, we’re changing and growing so fast. This is a hard job. And it requires new energy, new vision all the time, new ways of looking at the world,” she explained.
“There’s so many talented people out there. Why would we keep going with the same people?” Obama continued.
“How are we going to build young leaders if the same people keep doing it again, and again and again?” she also told Cooper, per The Hill.
Obama said that when leaders get older, they “live a different life as an older, established person. And I think there’s room for that wisdom, but there’s room for new ideas to come in.”
“I do believe that eight years is enough,” she said. “This new generation is coming up: They travel more, they know more about the world, they’re exposed in a different way. I’m really, really curious about their perspectives on how to fix some of this stuff.”
“I think two terms is enough for everybody.”
Cooper asked Obama if she thought that her husband “would consider running” if Trump “does change the law and runs for a third term, hypothetically.”
“I hope not,” she replied. “I would actively work against that.”
President Trump intensified his attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar in a recent Truth Social post, saying she should be jailed or deported and claiming her removal would allow her to “help to MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN.” He tied the remarks to alleged fraud in Minnesota and ongoing immigration protests.
In the post, Trump accused the Minnesota Democrat of knowing about what he described as billions of dollars in fraud linked to the state’s Somali community. He referred to Omar as a “fake ‘Congresswoman’” and said she belonged in prison or should be sent back to Somalia
Trump connected those claims to his broader stance on immigration enforcement. He praised ICE for deporting people he described as violent criminals and questioned why Minnesota leaders oppose removals, suggesting protests were driven by paid agitators and anarchists.
He then shifted back to state leadership, accusing Minnesota’s governor and Omar of using controversy to distract from what he called “18 Billion Dollar, Plus, FRAUD” in the state. Trump said his administration was already investigating the matter.
Omar has represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District since early 2019. She was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.
The comments came amid renewed criticism over Omar’s past remark referring to the country as the “U.S. God—- States.” GOP Sen. Mike Lee responded on X, saying no member of Congress should use that language and asking what consequences should follow.
Elon Musk later joined the exchange, replying that the appropriate response was “Whatever the penalty is for treason.”
Aileen Lopera, Stefon Diggs’ former partner, has dropped her paternity and child support lawsuit against the NFL player. This comes just days after her lawyer claimed a DNA test confirmed Diggs as the father, according to exclusive confirmation obtained by Us Weekly.
Lopera formally requested the dismissal of the entire case against the 32-year-old Diggs in court documents filed on January 20. Her attorney, Tamar G. Arminak, told Us Weekly, “The matter has been resolved.”
Lopera’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, claimed that Stefon Diggs was the father of her daughter, Charliee Harper Diggs-Lopera, who was born on April 2, 2024.
The suit was still active when, in September 2025, the New England Patriots wide receiver’s current girlfriend, rapper Cardi B, announced her own pregnancy, expecting her child with Diggs.
The woman, in her petition, requested the court to legally establish Diggs as the father of her baby girl, Charliee. Her claim was based on having sexual intercourse with Diggs in California, which she asserted resulted in the pregnancy.
Lopera requested the court grant her sole legal and physical custody of her daughter, allowing Diggs only visitation rights. Her petition also sought to make the NFL star responsible for paying child support, expenses related to the pregnancy, and the legal fees incurred for filing the petition.
Lopera’s attorney commented on the case to US Weekly when the lawsuit was initially filed.
“My client looks forward to the day Mr. Diggs acknowledges and provides for his infant daughter in Los Angeles,” Arminak told the outlet.
On July 17, Diggs formally responded to the lawsuit, asking the court to order a DNA test because he was unsure if he was the father. His request for “genetic testing” aimed to confirm his paternity. Should the test prove he is the father, Diggs requested joint legal and physical custody of the baby girl.
Months after that, a statement from Lopera’s lawyer, released on November 6, 2025, asserted that DNA testing had established Diggs’ paternity.
“We can confirm that Mr. Diggs is the father,” Arminak said. “And, we are hopeful that he will meaningfully contribute to the child’s life and coparent with our client who has had to do everything on her own thus far.”
The lawyer also told Page Six, “Now that the child’s paternity has been established and Mr. Diggs has acknowledged his daughter, my client hopes they can work toward being great parents to their child,” Arminak shared in a statement.
Arminak had also stated that Lopera’s case would “move forward if the parties are not able to resolve [their issue] themselves.”
A few days later, Cardi, 33, and Diggs welcomed their first child together, which was her fourth child overall.
Stefon Diggs’ legal troubles have been partially reduced, though he still faces assault charges. According to TMZ, His arraignment for felony strangulation/suffocation and misdemeanor assault/battery was postponed until February 13th, after the Super Bowl.
These charges stem from allegations by his former chef over a salary dispute. Diggs and his legal team deny the claims. He has received public support from the Patriots and his girlfriend, rapper Cardi B, who asserts the chef is lying.
AFTER it imposed sanctions on Guinea following the 2021 coup, the African Union has announced it is lifting them.
It comes after what the Union described as ‘the successful organisation of the presidential election’ in December. The Union hailed what it referred to as “the positive steps taken in the implementation of the Political Transition Roadmap in the Republic of Guinea which culminated in the successful organization of the presidential election on 28 December 2025”.
A civil society group urging the return of civilian rule has denounced the election as a “charade”, while opposition candidates said the poll was rife with irregularities.
Former junta leader Mamady Doumbouya was congratulated by the Union for his election win. In front of a crowd of tens of thousands of supporters, Doumbouya was sworn in as president on Saturday.
It comes after he ousted the country’s first freely elected President Alpha Condé five years ago.
Doumbouya has since clamped down on civil liberties and banned demonstrations, with political rivals arrested, put on trial or forced into exile.
MANDELA’S PRISON KEY, SUNGLASSES AND SHIRT CAN BE SOLD AFTER DAUGHTER WINS COURT BATTLE
A South African court has dismissed an appeal by the country’s heritage body to stop the sale and export of various artefacts connected to anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.
The 70 personal items include a cell key from Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of the 27 years he was locked up, a pair of Aviator sunglasses and one of his signature floral shirts. They were due to be exported to the US for auction.
The objects belong to his eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela and Christo Brand, a Robben Island warden during Mandela’s incarceration.
In trying to stop their sale, the authorities said they were part of the country’s heritage and were therefore legally protected from export.
The South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) first found out about the potential sale in a British newspaper article from late 2021, claiming that the key would go for more than £1m ($1.35m).
The agency then wrote to the US auction house, Guernsey, that was planning the sale to ask it to suspend the auction and return the assets to South Africa.
Other items in the lot were a copy of the 1996 South African Constitution personally signed by Mandela, one of his charcoal drawings, an ID card, a tennis racquet he used on Robben Island and gifts from world leaders, including one from former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
Mandela’s daughter wanted to use the proceeds from the sale to build a memorial garden at the late former resident’s grave in Qunu, in Mthatha, Eastern Cape province.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court of Appeal argues that Sahra’s interpretation of what items fell under the National Heritage Resources Act was overly broad.
The ruling also states that whereas Makaziwe and Brand explained in detail why their respective assets were not heritage objects, Sahra made no attempt to explain on what grounds it believed they were.
It is not yet clear whether the authorities will seek other legal avenues to block the sale. The BBC has contacted the sport, arts and culture department for comment.
Makaziwe, Mandela’s only daughter with his first wife, welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment, blasting the heritage agency for presuming “to know my father’s last wishes better than those who were beside him at the end – his family”.
“Nobody is more invested in ensuring Tata’s [Mandela’s] legacy endures in the way he would want to be remembered than those who carry his name,” she said.
She added that no decision had yet been made on what would happen to the items meant to go on auction.
Some supporters of the government’s position argued that items connected to Mandela should not be sold or exported but instead kept in South Africa for future generations.
Others believe that Mandela’s family should decide what happens to the objects.
Mandela died in 2013 at the age of 95. He led the African National Congress in its struggle against apartheid – a system of legally enforced racism – and was released from prison in 1990.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 along with then-President FW de Klerk.
Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president in 1994.
Authorities in Atlanta have arrested and charged Djimon Hounsou’s ex-girlfriend after the Beninese-American actor accused her of assaulting him when he tried to make her leave his home.
Per TMZ, Hounsou, 61, shares two children with his ex-girlfriend, Riza Simpson. New legal documents stated that Hounsou reported Simpson to police last December, claiming that she used a closed fist to hit him in the face after he attempted to make her move out of his Atlanta townhouse.
The Gladiator star also said that their children were inside the home and upstairs when Simpson allegedly assaulted him.
A warrant for Simpson’s arrest was ultimately issued, and she was taken into custody on Friday after police went to the home where the alleged assault occurred. Simpson has since been charged with two misdemeanors: simple assault and obstruction for allegedly providing false information.
Police also said that Simpson and her children were at the home when she was arrested. Officers said that when they arrived at the residence and knocked on the door, they heard the children crying, TMZ reported.
Hounsou also shares a son named Kenzo with model and fashion designer, Kimora Lee Simmons. In 2019, the Blood Diamond actor told the entertainment news outlet that he hadn’t seen his son in a while. He further claimed that he did not even get to spend Father’s Day with him.
Hounsou and Simmons ultimately got embroiled in a custody battle.
In March 2020, Hounsou opened up about an incident where his then-10-year-old son was called the N-word by another kid, Face2Face Africa reported at the time. He also revealed what he told him when he reported the incident to him.
Speaking on SiriusXM’s The Clay Cane Show, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor revealed that the incident occurred when he went to pick Kenzo from a soccer game. He recounted the incident when he was asked about how he talks to his kids about issues pertaining to racism.
“It’s tough especially if you don’t live with your kid,” he started. “Because how do you get to have those moments?”
“I went to pick up my son from a soccer game one time and he says to me some other kid called him the N-word. That’s how early it starts,” the 61-year-old actor recollected. “He’s wondering, ‘Why do you have to call me that word?’ I was wondering, ‘When do they start to get treated like a second class citizen?’”
When asked about his reaction and what he told his son, Hounsou said: “I said, ‘Which kid?’ So the kid was getting in the car and left. I said, ‘Well, don’t take that personally. Some people just feel insecure, and they just feel like they have to call you some kind of derogative, you know.’”
Dr. Gladys West, an African American mathematician whose work helped make GPS possible, has died at the age of 95. Her research shaped modern navigation systems used daily in smartphones, airplanes, and vehicles around the world.
West passed away over the weekend while surrounded by family and friends, as reported by WTVR. Though much of her work happened behind the scenes, its impact reached far beyond the scientific community.
She was born on a farm in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, during the Great Depression and grew up under Jim Crow segregation. Despite limited opportunities, West excelled in school, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class before earning degrees in mathematics.
Her academic success led her to the Naval Surface Warfare Center, where she became one of the first Black women hired. There, she spent years performing detailed calculations and developing computer programs to process satellite data.
That work helped create precise models of the Earth’s shape. These models later became a core part of the Global Positioning System, which now guides drivers, pilots, ships, emergency responders, and everyday phone users.
“This woman had so much knowledge and was just such a beautiful person,” said Marvin Jackson, Gladys’ biographer, in a 2022 interview.
TRUP DROPS BOMBSHELL: “THE UNITED STATES PAID FOR ETHIOPIA’S DAM” – NILE WATER WAR EXPLODES!
President Donald Trump just made a shocking claim that could escalate the Nile River crisis to a full-blown international incident.
WHAT TRUMP SAID:
During a White House press briefing Tuesday, Trump declared:
“You know who paid for the dam? The United States. We financed it.”
He wasn’t sure which administration approved it, saying: “I don’t know—maybe it was a Republican president, but I don’t think it was. I think it was a Democrat.”
Trump called the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) a “terrible thing” and described it as a “very tough situation” for Egypt.
He claimed the dam “stops the flow” of the Nile River, threatening Egypt’s “lifeblood” – including tourism and basic water needs.
THE REALITY CHECK:
⚠️ The GERD was primarily financed by ETHIOPIA ITSELF through bonds sold to its own citizens and Chinese loans NOT the United States
⚠️ The U.S. has been involved in negotiations between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan, but did NOT finance the $5 billion project
⚠️ Ethiopia has repeatedly stated the dam is a sovereign project for electricity generation, NOT to cut off Egypt’s water
WHAT THIS MEANS:
➡️ Trump’s comments could inflame an already tense situation between Egypt and Ethiopia
➡️ Egypt depends on the Nile for 90% of its freshwater and fears the dam will reduce its water supply
➡️ Ethiopia insists the dam is essential for development and will provide electricity to 65 million Ethiopians without power
➡️ Sudan is caught in the middle, needing both water flow AND electricity from the dam
THE DANGEROUS PART:
Trump’s false claim that America “financed” the dam could:
➡️ Give Egypt ammunition to demand U.S. intervention against Ethiopia
➡️ Fuel conspiracy theories about foreign control of African infrastructure
➡️ Escalate tensions in a region already on edge over water rights
THE TRUTH:
Ethiopia built this dam with its OWN money and Chinese support. It’s a symbol of African determination to develop WITHOUT waiting for Western permission.
Trump saying “we financed it” is either: 1. Completely false 2. A confession of secret U.S. involvement nobody knew about
Either way, his words just made the Nile water crisis MORE dangerous.
Egypt’s 100 million people need water. Ethiopia’s 120 million people need electricity. Both nations deserve solutions, not inflammatory claims from foreign leaders.
This is Africa’s problem to solve not Trump’s stage for political theater. African hype media
The uncle of British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has stated that his nephew would not want the driver involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends to be sent to jail.
The driver, Adeniyi Kayode, 46, appeared before a magistrate’s court in Sagamu, Ogun State, on Tuesday January 20, over the December crash that claimed the lives of Joshua’s close friends, Latif Ayodele, and Sina Ghami.
The magistrate, Olajumoke Somefu, adjourned the case until February 25 after the prosecution applied for a delay to enable the transmission of the case file to the Ogun State Attorney-General’s Office through the Department of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
Kayode, who was behind the wheel of the Lexus 570 SUV when it crashed into a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, is facing four charges, including dangerous driving causing death, reckless and negligent driving, and driving without a valid national driver’s licence.
Speaking with Punch, Joshua’s uncle, Adedamola Joshua, said the family was not interested in seeing Kayode sent to prison.
“Our son (Joshua) is so much deep in religion and taking everything by faith, he will not want anything to happen to the driver,” Adedamola told the publication .
“I see closeness between them, and he will not like him to go to jail because he has got his own family, and the children will suffer.
“The family is also not interested in him being jailed because an accident can happen anywhere in the world, so they should please spare this man. Let’s move forward.”
Kayode, who had been Joshua’s driver for three years, was earlier granted bail in the sum of N5m with two sureties in like sum.
The defence counsel, Abiodun Olalekan, opposed the prosecution’s application for adjournment, arguing that the defence was ready to proceed with the trial. However, the magistrate granted the prosecution’s application.
