₦airaland Forum

Flangelo12:
Poland told US to take a hike.

"Minister Crosetto's decision ​to deny landing permission is a significant and appropriate step that confirms the validity of the concerns we raised," said Anthony Barbagallo, the Sicilian ​head of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).

Italy last week denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the ​Middle East, sources said on Tuesday, because Washington had not sought prior authorisation from the government in Rome.

According ‌to the Corriere della Sera daily, which first reported the news, "some U.S. bombers" had been due to land at the base in eastern Sicily before flying on to the Middle East, where the United States is at war with Israel against Iran.

The report did ​not specify when the aircraft were due to land but said permission was denied because the U.S. ​had not requested clearance and Italy's military leadership had not been consulted, as required ⁠under treaties governing the use of U.S. military installations in the country.

The source, who was not authorised to speak ​to the media and declined to be identified, confirmed the report to Reuters but did not specify how many ​aircraft were involved. A second source told Reuters that Italy refused permission on March 27.

"With reference to media reports regarding the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by ​the government to parliament," a government statement said.

It added all requests to use the facilities "are examined carefully, on ​a case-by-case basis" and said there were "no critical issues or frictions with international partners."

"Relations with the United States, in particular, are solid ‌and ⁠based on full and loyal cooperation."

The U.S. embassy in Rome had no immediate comment.

SPAIN CLOSES AIRSPACE

The decision came against a backdrop of tensions between Washington and some of its European allies over the war in Iran.

On Monday, Spain said it had closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous refusal ​to allow the use of ​jointly operated military bases. ⁠Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the most vocal critics of the U.S. and Israeli strikes.

By contrast, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has close ties with U.S. President ​Donald Trump and has so far refrained from taking a hard line against the ​Iran war, though ⁠she has vowed to seek parliamentary approval should Washington request the use of Italian bases.

Spain and Italy are both NATO members.

The prospect of the U.S. using its military installations in Italy for the war against Iran has sparked outrage, with ⁠centre-left opposition ​parties urging the government to block any such request.

"Minister Crosetto's decision ​to deny landing permission is a significant and appropriate step that confirms the validity of the concerns we raised," said Anthony Barbagallo, the Sicilian ​head of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD).

helinues:
I no even dey stress with engaging with them cos it be like Dem dey share bad luck. Their mentions now na straight blocking. Not even interested in whatever they want to say

Let them be talking to themselves

helinues:
I was just laughing when I saw their letters.

People who don't have any records of supporting anything that came close to reality. Them being against others is a validation. Don't just let them support you cos they have magic hand of acid

helinues:
Good development news. Smiles

Shortly after the court rose, El-Rufai was escorted out of the premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in a white Hilux vehicle.

The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, till Wednesday.

The adjournment followed proceedings that took place under tight security, reflecting heightened public interest in the high-profile corruption trial.

Counsel for the ex-governor, Ukpong Akpan, confirmed the development shortly after the session but declined to give details.

“I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” he said.

Shortly after the court rose, El-Rufai was escorted out of the premises by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in a white Hilux vehicle.

Earlier, the former governor had returned to court amid heavy security for the continuation of proceedings on his bail request.

The security arrangement mirrored the situation during his arraignment last week when he was first docked before the court.

El-Rufai is standing trial before Justice Rilwan M. Aikawa on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property as well as money laundering.

He was brought to court after spending over a month in detention, a development that has continued to draw widespread attention across the country.

The court had earlier fixed March 31, 2026, for the hearing of all pending applications, including the bail request.

However, the anti-graft agency had on March 27, 2026, released him on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Ummar El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

In a related development, the former governor was earlier on Tuesday arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kawo on separate charges.

At the State High Court, he was docked alongside one Amadu Sule on allegations ranging from abuse of office and fraud to intent to commit fraud and conferring undue advantage.

The charges, also filed by the anti-corruption commission, are separate from those before the Federal High Court.

After the proceedings at the State High Court, the commission moved El-Rufai to the Federal High Court within the same premises for continuation of proceedings.

With the adjournment, the hearing of the bail application is expected to resume on Wednesday.

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma, who passed away on Friday in Cairo, Egypt, after an illness.

Tinubu conveyed his condolences in a statement signed on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President described the late matriarch of the El-Rufai family as a woman who lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have contributed greatly to Nigeria.

Tinubu, who also lost his mother in old age, said he understands the depth of El-Rufai’s loss.

“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo.

“As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss,” the President stated.

He added, “Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead.

“I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.”

The President expressed faith that the deceased had fulfilled her earthly purpose according to divine will.

“As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker,” Tinubu said.

He joined family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with El-Rufai, praying that Allah grants the deceased Aljannah Firdaus (the highest level of Paradise in Islamic belief).

El-Rufai served as Governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 under the All Progressives Congress platform.

He had previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007 under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has described the decision to grant former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, temporary release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to attend his mother’s burial as humane.

Adeyanju stressed the need for proper legal backing.

In a statement he signed, Adeyanju noted that since El-Rufai was remanded by a court order, any temporary release should be supported by a corresponding judicial directive.

He said the move reflects a balance between enforcing the law and respecting human dignity.

“The decision to grant Mallam Nasir El-Rufai temporary release from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission custody to attend his mother’s burial is both humane and commendable but must be backed by court decision/order since he was remanded in custody on the order of the court,” he said.

Adeyanju added that such concessions should not be seen as undermining accountability but rather as lawful and compassionate measures.

“The decision to allow Elrufai to attend his mother’s funeral reflects a necessary balance between the demands of justice and respect for fundamental human dignity.

“Bail, whether administrative or judicial, should not be misconstrued as an escape from accountability, but rather as a lawful and compassionate accommodation in deserving circumstances,” he stated.

He noted that by commending the authorities for demonstrating empathy while adhering to due process.

“This action by the authorities is a welcome demonstration of empathy while upholding the rule of law,” he said.

LegendHero:
That electricity sector need huge capital that most investors no wan even put body for now.

Until they fully remove subsidy totally and allow true cost reflective tariffs, nothing meaningful go happen for that sector.

I’m sure Tinubu will remove it in his second term, he won’t just do it in this first term because of the fuel subsidy one.

If I borrow $5bn from the bank to generate and transmit electricity for instance, if you’re telling me this consumer need to pay x price and that government will reimburse me. Same government wey still owe like trillions to people in the industry, no sane person go wan put body for that kind thing.

So I won’t blame the governors for now.