₦airaland Forum

17 years ago, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush during a Baghdad press conference, shouting, “This is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog.”

Bush dodged both shoes, and al-Zaidi was swiftly detained. The incident became a symbol of Iraqi dissent against the U.S. occupation, and al-Zaidi was later sentenced to prison but released early for good behavior.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the prosecution of popular TikTok streamer Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, following a viral video showing him livestreaming while driving, an act that ended in a road crash.

Reacting to the video, Mohammed, in a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a ‘growing trend of reckless road use by some celebrities, content creators, and social media influencers who, in the quest for online attention, deliberately flout traffic regulations and endanger lives.’

The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Sunday alleged that the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, paid about $5m for the secondary school education of his four children in Switzerland, calling for a full investigation and public explanation.

He said, “I’ve actually had people making complaints about a regulator who has actually put his children in secondary school. And that secondary school education, which is six years, four of them cost Nigeria $5m. I mean, you cannot imagine somebody paying $5m for educating four children.”

“From Sokoto, where he comes from, people are struggling to pay N100,000 for school fees. A lot of children are at home, not going to school, because of N100,000. I cannot understand why somebody who has worked all his life in government, and he has four children whose school fees he has paid $5m for,” he added.

US actor and wrestler John Cena fought the final fight of his 16 match retirement tournament in Washington on Saturday night, bringing to a close an illustrious 24-year career that saw him become one of wrestling's biggest and most recognisable stars.

The 48-year-old announced his retirement back in July 2024, telling fans at the time that his "body hurts" and is "screaming to close the chapter".

It has been confirmed however that he will remain a part of the WWE family, after he signed a five-year deal to be an ambassador.

Fans gave Cena a standing ovation at the end of Saturday's match and he left the ring, for the final time, to thunderous applause.

South African leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema, has sparked widespread reactions across Africa after a viral video shared on X of him dismissing the possibility of a U.S. visa ban.

The firebrand politician insisted that he would rather visit fellow African nations particularly Nigeria than seek approval from Western governments.

Speaking at a recent EFF rally, Malema declared that the movement’s positions, which often challenge U.S. foreign policy, might provoke Washington, but that he would never retreat because of American displeasure.

“When we do that, you must know we are doing that against America. It will never like that. But are we going to retreat because America doesn’t want us to do that? Never,” he told cheering supporters.


“Even if America decides that I should no longer enter America, it’s okay. I will enter Zimbabwe. I’ll enter Botswana. I’ll enter Nigeria. I’ll enter Africa—my home.”

In a humorous moment, he praised Nigerian cuisine over Western food.


“Why should I be concerned about people who are going to feed me beggars and make me fat, when I can go to Nigeria and eat jollof? Nice, nom nom,” he said, recalling a warm reception in Enugu State where he was served jollof rice and pepper soup by the governor.

Malema continued with his trademark fiery delivery, declaring, “I’m a guy who is sweating but will not stop. Sweating but not stopping. That’s how nice Africa is.”


His comments come amid increasing speculation that U.S. and U.K. authorities may impose travel restrictions on him due to his stance on land reform, anti-imperialist rhetoric, and calls for radical economic transformation.

Rather than shy away, Malema used the moment to emphasise African solidarity as a counterweight to Western influence.

Malema concluded by shrugging off potential visa threats.

“So you want to threaten me that you won’t give me a visa to America or give me a visa to London. I don’t care.”

The Ghanaian government has deported three Israelis after the West African nation decried the "mistreatment" of its nationals by Israel.

"Following the ill treatment and unjustified deportation of three Ghanaian nationals by Israeli authorities, the government of Ghana has been compelled to retaliate by deporting three Israelis who arrived in Ghana earlier today," Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

Ghana added that it will "continue to safeguard the dignity of its nationals and also that of other nationals."

Earlier, Ghana said its nationals were subjected to "inhumane and traumatic" treatment at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv city on Sunday.


Accra said in a statement that it was "appalled" by the conduct of Israeli authorities, noting that since Sunday, Ghanaian nationals arriving in Israel had been "deliberately targeted" for harsh scrutiny.

Ghana's foreign affairs ministry further said its citizens were detained without a justification.

Among them were four members of a parliamentary delegation attending the Annual International Cybersecurity Conference in Tel Aviv city.

Their release reportedly came only after more than five hours of what the ministry described as "strenuous diplomatic intervention." The remaining three travellers were deported on the next flight and have since returned to Ghana.

In its latest statement, Accra said it had agreed to "resolve the matter amicably" with Israel.

The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has vowed to continue dancing, saying it does not in any way interfere with his duties as governor.

Adeleke is well known for his energetic dancing moves, which have earned him the nickname “the dancing governor.” His love for dancing has often attracted criticism from political opponents who question his seriousness in office.

But Adeleke, who is seeking re-election in 2026 on the platform of the Accord Party, insists that his dancing will have no impact on his political fortunes.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, the governor said, “I will keep dancing because I love to dance, I love to praise my God, and that doesn’t change anything. So, I will still dance, praise my God, and do my work.”

Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer the affairs of society. More often, it is the followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy.