Morning recap: US pulls troops from Nigeria, Tinubu calls First Lady Iya Alakara, Atiku vows 2027 fight, other top stories

Security cooperation, politics, and economic tensions lead Friday morning’s headlines, as the United States withdraws most troops from a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria following the killing of an ISIS deputy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reaffirms his 2027 presidential bid after a court ruling affirms David Mark’s leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

Here are the top stories making headlines for Friday morning, July 3.

US pulls troops from Nigeria after ISIS deputy’s killing

The United States has withdrawn most of its forces deployed for a joint counterterrorism operation in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin.

However, the country continues intelligence sharing and other forms of security cooperation with Nigeria.

Read the full story: https://punchng.com/us-pulls-troops-from-nigeria-after-isis-deputys-killing/

Atiku vows 2027 fight as court clears Mark-led ADC

The Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday affirmed David Mark’s leadership of ADC, a ruling the party welcomed even as Abubakar said he would continue his pursuit of the 2027 presidency.

Atiku described the judgment, which dismissed a suit filed by a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, as victory for constitutional democracy and a rejection of attempts to use the judiciary for political ends.

Read the full story: https://punchng.com/atiku-vows-2027-fight-as-court-clears-mark-led-adc/

‘My wife, Iya Alakara,’ Tinubu playfully nicknames First Lady

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday playfully referred to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller), in an apparent light-hearted reference to the recent controversy surrounding her remarks on small-scale businesses.

The President made the remark while observing protocol during his address at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner held at the State House, Abuja.

Read the full story: https://punchng.com/my-wife-iya-alakara-tinubu-playfully-nicknames-first-lady/

Shock as Ogun Ifa priest sets self on fire, dies

Residents of Adebiopon Village in Ogun State’s Obafemi Owode LGA were shocked after a 50-year-old Ifa priest, Muritala Shodiya, allegedly doused himself with petrol and set himself ablaze in an uncompleted building.

He was rescued but later died in hospital. Police have commenced an investigation.

Read the full story: https://punchng.com/shock-as-ogun-ifa-priest-sets-self-on-fire-dies/

Dangote, importers battle as petrol holds above N1,000

Petrol prices remain above N1,000 per litre despite falling global crude prices, as Dangote Refinery and importers engage in a standoff.

The refinery cites high crude costs and urges importers to lower prices on cheaper imports, while marketers watch Dangote’s moves amid gradual reductions.

Read the full story: https://punchng.com/dangote-importers-battle-as-petrol-holds-above-n1000/