Introduction:

As I stand in the seventh decade of my life, I am reminded of the profound wisdom that comes with age. Having navigated the complexities of life, including marriage, I have come to realize that there is more to existence than the daily troubles and intrigues that can engulf us. It is from this vantage point that I write to my dear nieces and friends, who are currently struggling in their marriages, urging them to elevate their perspective and seek a more transformative path.

The Quagmire of Marital Turbulence:

Marriage, as beautiful and sacred as it is, can sometimes become a quagmire of troubles and intrigues. The daily noises and challenges can be overwhelming, making it difficult to see beyond the immediate struggles. It is easy to get caught up in the conjugal escapades and dramas, losing sight of the bigger picture. But I urge you, dear friends, not to get stuck in this miry clay. There is a more solid ground to operate from, a ground of growth, transformation, and fruitfulness.

The Invitation to Elevate:

I invite you to join me on this journey of elevation, where we can co-create a brighter, more expansive reality. This requires embracing a mindset shift, one that recognizes that there is more to life than the daily marital troubles. It requires seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your purpose. It requires cultivating a sense of independent agency, absorptive capacity, and digital competence.

The Power of Independent Agency:

Independent agency is the ability to think, act, and make decisions that align with your values and purpose. It is the capacity to take ownership of your life, to be proactive rather than reactive. When you operate from a place of independent agency, you begin to see that you have the power to choose how you respond to the challenges in your marriage. You begin to realize that you are not a victim of circumstance, but a co-creator of your reality.

The Importance of Absorptive Capacity:

Absorptive capacity refers to the ability to absorb and integrate new knowledge, ideas, and experiences. It is the capacity to learn, adapt, and evolve. When you cultivate absorptive capacity, you begin to see that there is a world beyond your immediate marital troubles. You begin to realize that there are new ideas, perspectives, and experiences waiting to be discovered.

The Role of Digital Competence:

Digital competence refers to the ability to effectively use digital tools and technologies to achieve your goals. It is the capacity to leverage the power of technology to amplify your message, connect with others, and access new opportunities. When you cultivate digital competence, you begin to see that there are new ways to connect, communicate, and collaborate. You begin to realize that there are new opportunities waiting to be seized.

Conclusion:

Dear friends, I urge you not to get stuck in the miry clay of marital troubles. Instead, I invite you to join me on this journey of elevation, where we can co-create a brighter, more expansive reality. Remember that you have the power to choose how you respond to the challenges in your marriage. Cultivate independent agency, absorptive capacity, and digital competence. Seek a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your purpose. And always remember, there is a more solid ground to operate from, a ground of growth, transformation, and fruitfulness.

As you navigate the complexities of marriage, remember that you are not alone. There are others who have walked this path before you, and there are others who are walking it with you now. Seek guidance, support, and wisdom from those who have gone before you. And always remember, the power to elevate and transform your marriage lies within you.

Embracing a Growth Mindset:

To elevate beyond marital turbulence, it's essential to adopt a growth mindset. This means recognizing that challenges and setbacks are opportunities for growth, learning, and improvement. It means being open to new experiences, perspectives, and ideas. And it means being willing to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.

Cultivating Self-Awareness:

Self-awareness is critical to navigating marital challenges effectively. It involves developing a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, values, and behaviors. It means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your triggers and patterns. And it means being honest with yourself about what you want and need from your marriage.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence:

Emotional intelligence is vital to building a strong, resilient marriage. It involves developing self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. It means being able to recognize and manage your emotions, as well as those of your partner. And it means being able to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and

build a strong, supportive relationship.

Conclusion:

Elevating beyond marital turbulence requires a willingness to grow, learn, and transform. It involves adopting a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering emotional intelligence. And it means being open to new experiences, perspectives, and ideas. By embracing these principles, you can build a stronger, more resilient marriage that brings joy, fulfillment, and happiness to your life.

Remember, my dear friends, that you have the power to choose how you respond to the challenges in your marriage. You have the power to elevate beyond marital turbulence and build a stronger, more resilient relationship. Don't be afraid to seek guidance, support, and wisdom from those who have gone before you. And always remember, the power to transform your marriage lies within you.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some of the marital challenges you're currently facing, and how are you responding to them?

2. What are some areas where you'd like to grow and improve in your marriage?

3. What are some strategies you can use to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset in your marriage?

Action Steps:

1. Take time to reflect on your marital challenges and identify areas where you'd like to grow and improve.

2. Seek guidance, support, and wisdom from those who have gone before you.

3. Start cultivating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset in your marriage.

Building a Stronger Marriage:

Building a stronger marriage requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and learn together. Here are some additional strategies to help you build a more resilient and fulfilling marriage:

- Practice effective communication:

Communication is key to any successful relationship. Make sure to listen actively, express yourself clearly, and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.

- Cultivate intimacy and connection:Intimacy and connection are essential to a healthy marriage. Make time for regular date nights, romantic getaways, and other activities that bring you closer together.

- Foster a sense of teamwork: Marriage is a partnership, and it's essential to work together as a team. Support each other's goals, dreams, and aspirations, and work together to overcome challenges and obstacles.

- Practice forgiveness and understanding: No marriage is perfect, and conflicts are inevitable. Practice forgiveness and understanding, and work to resolve conflicts in a constructive and respectful manner.

Conclusion:

Elevating beyond marital turbulence requires a willingness to grow, learn, and transform. It involves adopting a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering emotional intelligence. By building a stronger marriage and practicing effective communication, intimacy, teamwork, and forgiveness, you can create a more resilient and fulfilling relationship that brings joy, happiness, and fulfillment to your life.

Remember, my dear friends, that marriage is a journey, not a destination. It takes effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and learn together. Don't be afraid to seek guidance, support, and wisdom from those who have gone before you. And always remember, the power to transform your marriage lies within you.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some areas where you'd like to improve your communication with your partner?

2. How can you cultivate more intimacy and connection in your marriage?

3. What are some ways you can work together as a team to overcome challenges and obstacles?

Action Steps:

1. Schedule a regular date night with your partner to cultivate intimacy and connection.

2. Practice active listening and effective communication to resolve conflicts and improve your relationship.

3. Work together with your partner to identify and overcome challenges and obstacles in your marriage.

Overcoming Marital Challenges:

Every marriage faces challenges, and it's how you overcome them that matters. Here are some additional strategies to help you overcome marital challenges:

- Identify the root cause: Before you can overcome a challenge, you need to identify the root cause. Take the time to reflect on the issue and understand what's driving it.

- Communicate effectively: Communication is key to overcoming any challenge. Make sure to listen actively, express yourself clearly, and work together to find a solution.

- Seek outside help: Sometimes, you may need outside help to overcome a challenge. Don't be afraid to seek counseling, therapy, or coaching to get the support you need.

- Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential to overcoming marital challenges. Let go of grudges, resentments, and anger, and work towards healing and moving forward.

Building a Stronger Marriage:

Building a stronger marriage takes effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and learn together. Here are some additional strategies to help you build a stronger marriage:

- Schedule regular date nights: Regular date nights can help you reconnect, strengthen your bond, and create lasting memories.

- Practice gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help you focus on the positive aspects of your marriage and cultivate a more optimistic outlook.

- Show appreciation: Showing appreciation for your partner can help you strengthen your bond, build trust, and create a more positive and supportive relationship.

- Celebrate milestones: Celebrating milestones, such as anniversaries, birthdays, and special occasions, can help you create lasting memories, strengthen your bond, and build a more resilient marriage.

Conclusion:

Elevating beyond marital turbulence requires a willingness to grow, learn, and transform. It involves adopting a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering emotional intelligence. By building a stronger marriage, overcoming marital challenges, and practicing effective communication, intimacy, teamwork, and forgiveness, you can create a more resilient and fulfilling relationship that brings joy, happiness, and fulfillment to your life.

Remember, my dear friends, that marriage is a journey, not a destination. It takes effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and learn together. Don't be afraid to seek guidance, support, and wisdom from those who have gone before you. And always remember, the power to transform your marriage lies within you.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some areas where you'd like to improve your marriage?

2. How can you cultivate more intimacy and connection in your relationship?

3. What are some ways you can work together as a team to overcome challenges and obstacles?

Action Steps:

1. Schedule a regular date night with your partner to cultivate intimacy and connection.

2. Practice active listening and effective communication to resolve conflicts and improve your relationship.

3. Work together with your partner to identify and overcome challenges and obstacles in your marriage.

Transcending Marital Challenges through Faith:

As people of faith, we believe that our marriages are not just earthly unions, but sacred covenants ordained by God. When we approach our marriages from this perspective, we can transcend the materiality of ongoing circumstances and tap into a deeper, spiritual reality.

The Power of Faith in Marriage:

Faith has the power to transform our marriages inprofound ways. When we exercise faith, we:

- See beyond the immediate: Faith enables us to see beyond the current challenges and circumstances, and to envision a brighter future for our marriages.

- Access divine wisdom: Faith gives us access to divine wisdom, which guides us in navigating life's complexities and making decisions that align with God's will.

- Experience supernatural strength: Faith imparts supernatural strength, enabling us to persevere through trials and overcome obstacles that might otherwise seem insurmountable.

- Cultivate a sense of hope: Faith fosters a sense of hope, which is essential for building resilience and navigating life's challenges with confidence and optimism.

Practical Ways to Transcend Marital Challenges through Faith:

So, how can we apply our faith to transcend marital challenges? Here are some practical strategies:

- Pray together: Regular prayer can help you and your partner connect on a deeper level, align your hearts and minds, and access divine guidance and wisdom.

- Seek spiritual counseling: Consider seeking guidance from a spiritual counselor or mentor who can offer wisdom and support as you navigate marital challenges.

- Study Scripture together: Studying Scripture together can help you and your partner develop a shared understanding of God's design for marriage and His plans for your relationship.

- Practice forgiveness and mercy: Faith teaches us to forgive and show mercy, even in the face of challenging circumstances. By practicing forgiveness and mercy, you can create a more positive and supportive marital environment.

Conclusion:

Marital life is not just about navigating material circumstances; it's about cultivating a deeper, spiritual connection with our partners and with God. By exercising faith, we can transcend marital challenges, access divine wisdom and strength, and build a more resilient and fulfilling marriage.

Reflection Questions:

1. How has faith impacted your marriage, and what role does it play in your relationship?

2. What are some ways you can apply your faith to transcend marital challenges?

3. How can you and your partner work together to cultivate a deeper, spiritual connection in your marriage?

Action Steps:

1. Schedule regular prayer time with your partner to connect on a deeper level and access divine guidance.

2. Seek spiritual counseling or guidance from a trusted mentor or counselor.

3. Study Scripture together to develop a shared understanding of God's design for marriage.

Concluding Remarks:

As we conclude our discussion on elevating beyond marital turbulence, we are reminded that marriage is a journey, not a destination. It takes effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and learn together. We've explored the importance of adopting a growth mindset, cultivating self-awareness, and fostering emotional intelligence. We've also discussed the role of faith in transcending marital challenges and accessing divine wisdom and strength.

As we reflect on our discussion, we are reminded that:

- Marriage is a sacred covenant: Our marriages are not just earthly unions, but sacred covenants ordained by God. As such, we must approach our marriages with reverence, respect, and a deep commitment to one another.

- Growth and transformation are possible: No matter what challenges we may face in our marriages, we have the power to choose how we respond. We can choose to grow, to learn, and to transform our relationships into something more beautiful, more resilient, and more fulfilling.

- Faith can be a powerful catalyst: Faith can be a powerful catalyst for transformation in our marriages. By exercising faith, we can access divine wisdom, strength, and guidance, and cultivate a deeper, more spiritual connection with our partners.

As we move forward, let us remember that:

- We are not alone: We are not alone in our marital journeys. We have the support of our partners, our families, our friends, and our faith communities. Let us lean on one another, support one another, and uplift one another as we navigate the ups and downs of married life.

- We have the power to choose: We have the power to choose how we respond to the challenges in our marriages. Let us choose to grow, to learn, and to transform our relationships into something more beautiful, more resilient, and more fulfilling.

- We can create a brighter future: We can create a brighter future for ourselves, our partners, and our families. Let us work together to build stronger, more resilient marriages that bring joy, happiness, and fulfillment to our lives.

May we emerge from our discussion with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper understanding of the power of faith and growth in our marriages, and a commitment to creating a brighter future for ourselves and those we love.

** Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the USA and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the USA

Michael Schwarz

God created the universe and placed the deepest mysteries of its workings far beyond human comprehension.

Thus, when scientists propose that a naturally occurring phenomenon could explain something characterized as a miracle in the Bible, we may — without denigrating or even dismissing those scientists’ claims — nonetheless rightly attribute the event in question to God’s will.

According to the UK’s Daily Mail, computer modeling now shows that “a combination of wild weather and fortunate geology can explain every detail of the biblical account” of Moses’ parting of the Red Sea.

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” (Exodus 14:21)

Indeed, sustained 62 mile per hour winds for a period of several hours could have parted the Red Sea. And those winds from the east would have created a three-mile-wide passage through the water.

Moreover, if the Israelites fleeing Egypt crossed at the Gulf of Suez, then the relatively shallow waters and flat surface below would have aided in the crossing.

Finally, when the winds diminished, the water would have rushed back in and overwhelmed the pursuing Egyptians.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.’” (Exodus 14:26)

On the whole, the Daily Mail’s story certainly makes for interesting reading.

Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God?

Furthermore, it describes a discovery that hardly qualifies as the only encounter between science and the Bible.

For instance, theologian Tom Meyer, author of the 2023 book “Archaeology and the Bible: 50 Fascinating Facts That Bring The Bible to Life,” has described a veritable “tsunami of evidence” that “overwhelmingly points to the reliability in the accuracy of Scripture.”

In other words, archaeological evidence supports the existence of people and events mentioned in the Bible.

Of course, the real question lurking in the Daily Mail’s story involves divine intervention.

The skeptic, even if compelled to acknowledge the Bible’s historicity, will gladly latch onto that question. After all, if timely winds and “fortunate geology” could have explained the Israelites’ escape, then what role did God play?

Here we run headlong into the very core of Christian theology.

In his satirical masterpiece, The Screwtape Letters, legendary Christian author C.S. Lewis addressed the question of miracles from the perspective of Screwtape, a literary demon who always referred to God as “the Enemy.”

Screwtape described “men’s prayers today” as “one of the innumerable coordinates with which the Enemy harmonizes the weather of tomorrow.”

That wonderful phrase — “harmonizes the weather of tomorrow” — does two things. It provides a conceptual link between prayer and the Red Sea parting. And it reminds us of something in God’s nature that science can never explain.

In short, God exists outside of time. He has no past, present, or future. Thus, what human beings reckon as a moment in time constitutes part of God’s continuous act of creation.

The sheer scope of the known universe reinforces this mystery of time. After all, when we gaze at the night sky, we see the universe not as it now exists. Instead, we see it as it existed when the light left those stars, in some cases billions of years ago.

One suspects, in fact, that God has built this mystery of time into creation for a reason. Whatever that reason, it ought to inspire humility, even in scientists, who have an important job to do but who also, no matter how hard they try, will never succeed in unraveling mysteries that God does not allow them to unravel.

If timely winds aided Moses in facilitating the Israelites’ escape, then those winds — like all else in the natural world — came from God.

Western Journal

Seven vessels carrying imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, are scheduled to arrive at Nigerian seaports between March 17-23, 2025, according to documents obtained from the Nigerian Port Authority.

These vessels are transporting 115,000 metric tonnes (equivalent to 154.22 million liters) of fuel through three seaports: Tincan and Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos, and Calabar port in Cross River State. This increase in imports comes as the landing cost of imported PMS has reportedly decreased to N797 per liter.

The surge in imports coincides with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery's suspension of petroleum product sales in naira, following stalled renegotiations of the naira-for-crude agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Domestic refiners have expressed concerns, with Eche Idoko, National Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria, suggesting this development could undermine efforts toward achieving energy security. Some industry observers believe certain stakeholders are displeased with Dangote's price reductions and are using "monopolistic talks" to justify returning to full importation.

Despite improving local refining capacity, Nigeria continues to rely heavily on imports. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently confirmed that the country's three operational refineries produce less than 50% of daily petrol consumption, with the deficit filled by imports.

The NPA document also revealed that during the same period, the Dangote refinery imported 654,766 metric tonnes of crude oil.

The scheduled vessel arrivals include:

- March 17: Three vessels (20,000 metric tonnes each) at Dangote terminal, Tincan, and Calabar seaports

- March 20: Watson vessel (20,000 metric tonnes) at Ecomarine terminal

- March 21: Binta Saleh ship (5,000 metric tonnes) at Tincan port

- March 22: 15,000 metric tonnes vessel at Calabar port

- March 23: 15,000 metric tonnes vessel at Eco marine terminal

Meanwhile, depot owners continue to increase petrol loading costs. Recent data shows price increases at several major depots, including Rainoil, MEN, Pinnacle, Aiteo, and Nipco, with prices rising from N835 to approximately N860 per liter.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Additional materials from Punch

Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. On Thursday, the National Assembly approved the president’s decision through a voice vote, a move that has sparked widespread controversy and condemnation from various quarters.

In a statement on Friday, Obi described the approval as a reflection of Nigeria’s fragile democracy, which he labeled as "transactional" and "devoid of genuine opposition." He argued that the absence of a functional opposition undermines democratic principles, stating, "What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organized criminality."

Obi contrasted Nigeria’s political system with those of South Africa and Indonesia, where proportional representation ensures fair seat allocation and prevents elected officials from switching parties without consequences. He proposed that Nigeria adopt similar mechanisms, suggesting that the Senate’s 109 seats should be redistributed to reflect a more balanced representation: 44 for the All Progressives Congress (APC), 33 for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and 27 for the LP. He also recommended a similar redistribution in the House of Representatives.

Senators Speak Out Against Voice Vote and Lack of Open Debate

The approval of the emergency rule has also drawn criticism from within the National Assembly itself. Seriake Dickson of the PDP, representing Bayelsa West, revealed that senators who opposed the declaration were prevented from openly debating the issue during plenary. Dickson, who walked out of the session before the vote, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of silencing dissenting voices. He described the process as lacking transparency and called for a more robust debate on such critical constitutional matters.

Similarly, Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), condemned the use of a voice vote to approve the emergency rule. She argued that the Nigerian Constitution requires a two-thirds majority for such decisions, which cannot be accurately determined through a voice vote. Kingibe emphasized the need for a roll call or electronic voting system to ensure transparency and accountability.

Northern Elders Forum Calls for Reversal of Emergency Rule

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has also weighed in on the controversy, urging President Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the NEF argued that the situation in Rivers does not warrant such a drastic measure. The forum accused the president of acting on personal vendettas rather than public interest, warning that the abuse of political power poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The NEF called on the federal government to find a peaceful and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State, emphasizing the importance of negotiation, mediation, and adherence to the rule of law. They also criticized the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and urged the government to restore democratic processes in the state.

A Call for Judicial Intervention and Democratic Accountability

As the controversy continues to unfold, many critics, including Dickson, have pointed to the judiciary as a potential avenue for intervention. Dickson expressed hope that the courts could address the constitutional issues raised by the emergency declaration. Meanwhile, Obi and other opposition figures have called for systemic reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, including laws to prevent party defections and ensure fair representation.

The approval of the emergency rule in Rivers State has exposed deep divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape, with many questioning the integrity of the National Assembly and the broader democratic process. As the debate rages on, the focus remains on holding elected officials accountable and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in the face of political crises.

Israel orders IDF to seize more Gaza territory if Hamas doesn't release hostages

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to seize more territory in Gaza if Hamas continues to refuse to release the hostages. Earlier this week, the IDF resumed the war in Gaza after a nearly two-month-long ceasefire that saw the release of 33 hostages.

"If the terrorist organization Hamas continues to refuse to release the hostages, I have instructed the IDF to seize additional territories, while evacuating the population, and to expand the security zones around Gaza for the benefit of protecting Israeli communities and IDF soldiers, through permanent Israeli control of the territory," Katz said in a statement. "As Hamas continues its refusal, it will lose more and more territory that will be annexed to Israel."

If Israel follows through on Katz’s threat of partial annexation, it would be the biggest shift to the status quo in Gaza in almost 20 years. In 2005, Israel evacuated Gaza and even sent in the IDF to physically take Israelis out of their homes. A year later, Hamas took control and has ruled over the Strip ever since.

Katz also said that Israel will continue Operation "Strength and Sword" with increasing intensity until Hamas releases the hostages. Additionally, he affirmed Israel’s adherence to the proposal put forth by U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, which involves getting all hostages, alive and dead, out of Gaza in two phases.

The Trump administration is standing by Israel’s military decisions. This is a very different approach than the one taken by the Biden administration, which supported Israel militarily and diplomatically, but also put pressure on the country to limit civilian casualties in Gaza.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that President Donald Trump "fully supports Israel and the IDF in the actions that they’ve taken in recent days." The president previously warned Hamas that there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not released.

"Hamas could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose war," NSC Spokesman James Hewitt said on Thursday. "These terrorists bear total responsibility for this conflict and the resumption of hostilities. Every death would have and could have been avoided had Hamas accepted the 'bridge' proposal Special Envoy Witkoff offered last week."

While fighting the war against Gaza, Israel is also experiencing internal turmoil. On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that a vote to dismiss the head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s version of the FBI, had passed. Current Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar will serve in the role until April 10, but that could change depending on when a replacement for him is found.

Netanyahu claimed he could not trust Bar, according to a statement from his spokesperson cited by Axios. In a letter distributed by the Shin Bet, Bar dismissed the claim and said the motives behind his firing were baseless. On Friday, Israel's Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction preventing Bar's dismissal, which will remain in place until the court can hear petitions against the dismissal.

Fox News

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of blowing up Russian gas pumping station

Russia and Ukraine accused each other on Friday of blowing up a Russian gas pumping station in a border area where Ukrainian troops have been retreating, amid talks over a proposed U.S.-backed moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure.

Video footage showed a blaze at the Sudzha facility, which is located inside Russia several hundred metres from the Ukrainian border.

It is inside a pocket of Russian territory that had been captured by Ukrainian forces last year, but which Moscow has mostly recovered in heavy fighting in recent weeks. Russian troops pushed Ukrainian forces out of the nearby town of Sudzha last week.

Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine's troops had left the pumping station and blown it up in their retreat. Moscow described this as a violation of the moratorium on attacks on energy infrastructure, which it said it has abided by since a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Kyiv said Russian forces had blown up the facility themselves as a provocation, describing Russia's accusations as fake.

Putin agreed to the pause in attacks on energy facilities during his phone call with Trump, when Putin rejected a proposal for a more comprehensive 30-day ceasefire. Kyiv says it is prepared to accept the proposal if hammered out formally in talks.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said it had opened a criminal case over what it called "an act of terrorism" which had done "significant damage" to the gas transit facility, which once took Russian gas to Europe.

The Ukrainian military accused Russian forces of shelling it with artillery in a false flag "provocation".

"The Russians continue to produce numerous fakes and seek to mislead the international community," the Ukrainian army General Staff said in a statement.

Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian president's chief-of-staff, said: "Russian attempts to deceive everyone and pretend that they are 'adhering to the ceasefire' will not work, as the fake (news) about the strikes on the gas station will not work."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the idea that Russia would destroy its own energy infrastructure was "absurd."

Reuters could not independently verify the accounts of the situation at the plant or the cause of the blast.

Peskov said earlier on Friday that Putin's order for Russian forces to temporarily halt attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine remained in force, and the Sudzha explosion showed Ukraine could not be trusted to keep its word.

Separately, a new explosion rocked an oil depot in Russia's southern Krasnodar region on Friday where firefighters had been trying to extinguish a blaze that had broken out on Tuesday after a Ukrainian drone attack hours after Putin spoke to Trump.

"During the extinguishing process, due to depressurisation of the burning tank, there was an explosion of oil products and release of burning oil," Russian regional authorities said on the Telegram messaging app.

The fire spread to another tank, and the fire area increased to 10,000 sq metres (108,000 sq feet), they added - more than twice the original size of the blaze. More than 450 firefighters were trying to tackle it, and two had been injured.

Russia has pounded Ukraine's energy grid throughout the war, causing frequent blackouts affecting civilians and industry, arguing that civilian infrastructure is a legitimate target because it helps Ukraine's war effort.

More recently, Kyiv has also been launching attacks on Russian oil and gas targets, which it says provide fuel for Moscow's forces in Ukraine and funds Russia's military.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

What is known about Ukrainian sabotage of Sudzha gas metering station

Kiev deliberately blew up the Sudzha gas metering station located a few hundred meters from the border in the Kursk Region just after midnight on March 21, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

TASS has compiled the main information about the incident.

Circumstances of explosion

- On March 21, at about 12:20 a.m. Moscow time (9:20 p.m. GMT on March 20), Kiev deliberately blew up the Sudzha gas metering station through which Russian gas is pumped to Europe, the ministry said.

- The Ukrainian troops used the facility as a secure logistics point while the station was under their control.

- The Russian Defense Ministry called the blowing up of the gas metering station a "deliberate Ukrainian provocation" that should be seen as part of a general series of recent attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure aimed at derailing US President Donald Trump's peace initiatives.

Criminal case

- Investigators have opened a criminal case in connection with the Sudzha gas metering station incident, Russian Investigative Committee Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko told TASS.

- During the preliminary investigation, all those involved in the crime will be identified and brought to justice, Petrenko added.

- The facility suffered significant damage as a result of the explosion.

Reuters/Tass

"It's a matter of taking the side of the weak against the strong, something the best people have always done." - Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Not as many people know the popular novel Uncle Tom's Cabin (1852), which depicts the harsh conditions experienced by enslaved African Americans, as they know its author, Harriet Elisabeth Beecher Stowe (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896). She was an American author and abolitionist. Coming from the religious Beecher family, her book reached an audience of millions as both a novel and a play. It became influential in the United States and Great Britain, energizing anti-slavery forces in the American North while provoking widespread anger in the South.

As an abolitionist—someone who sought to abolish slavery—and advocate for the full emancipation of enslaved people, Harriet stood by the weak. There is virtue in standing by the weak and vulnerable. It is also a core Islamic virtue, exemplified by Prophet Muhammad's actions and teachings. A virtue rooted in compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable. He stood for the oppressed, including the poor, orphans, and widows.

But Natasha is neither poor nor a widow. The beauty who made heads turn on her first day in the Senate (recall the senator who had to be called to order when he started talking about her beauty on the Senate floor) is also not voiceless.

But despite a beauty so astounding that a former senator, who was also a minister, had to confess to the world that: “The beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her,” and that “there is no way, when she is passing, that a man will not look at that woman,” my leaning towards her is because she is the underdog, and I am one person who loves to pitch his tent with the underdog. Some say this predilection is rooted in compassion, empathy, justice, and a commitment to protecting those who cannot defend themselves.

However, Natasha is an Amazon who can defend herself. Ask Yahaya Bello. I am sure he would tell you she is "one hell" of an uncommon woman he would never want to have as an opponent. And this is why I laughed when the Senate President (SP), Godswill Akpabio, lamented that her actions had traumatized the Senate. That ₦15 billion clinic he plans to build for senators should be a Trauma Centre because, with Natasha, as the Americans would say, "he ain't seen no trauma yet."

Even her name, Natasha, is uncommon in Nigeria. Though well-known and commonly used in Ukraine, it is Russian. It is a diminutive form of the Latin name Natalia, meaning "born on Christmas Day" or "birthday of the Lord." She might have gotten that name courtesy of her Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenko, from Rakitna, Chernivtsi, in Ukraine. But without a doubt, her beauty was inherited from her mother. It looks like it is not only the beauty she got from her mummy but also her fighting spirit. Did you not see how Ukraine took on Mighty Russia? We are not talking about the wisdom, but the "balls" to not back down from a fight.

Again, that fighting spirit may have come to her from two sides. Barrister Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, born on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin, was sired by a Nigerian Igbira father, Dr Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, from Ihima, of the Emani clan in Kogi State. The Igbira are known warriors, but those of Iheme, particularly the Emani, are more dreaded.

Many people tend to assume that Natasha was suspended—a suspension that is under contention—for six months because she alleged that the SP harassed her sexually. No, the "gadfly" belle of the red chamber was hammered with a six-month suspension purportedly because she went against a Senate rule. And going against Senate rules means your constituency would pay for it by your suspension! But we know West Idahosa, revealed that he heard the SP instructing that Natasha’s suspension be prepared even before the Ethics Committee deliberated on her “crime.”

One may want to know where the other female senators were when their colleague was being hounded. Rightly or wrongly, there is an unwritten law for kindred to look out for each other, even if they would talk the truth to themselves behind closed doors later.

However, those waiting to see that may wait till “Thy Kingdom Come” because Nigerian women are not known to stand by their ilk. Sarah Jibril can attest to that. Despite her advocacy for the emancipation and empowerment of Nigerian women and children, she got only one vote (apparently hers) at the 2011 Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential primary elections despite the many female delegates who voted. She fared better four years earlier when she got four votes.

Some would say most Nigerian women prefer to behave like the women in the following story: “Soldiers entered a village and raped all the women. Only one resisted a soldier, killed him, and cut off his head! After the soldiers completed their mission and returned to their barracks, all the women came out of their houses with torn clothes, crying, except her! She exited her house with the soldier's head in her hands. Her look was full of pride, and she said, ‘Did you think I would let him rape me without killing him or him killing me?’ The women in the village looked at each other and decided that she should be killed so that their husbands would not ask them why they did not resist like her! She was attacked and murdered. They murdered Honour so that shame could live.”

Perhaps this is why Bisi Fayemi, former First Lady of Ekiti State, condemned former senators Florence Ita-Giwa and Biodun Olujimi and serving senator Ireti Kingibe for not supporting Natasha. “Senator Kingibe, Olujimi, and Ita-Giwa's submissions on Senator Natasha are very disappointing,” she said.

There was a senator who even dragged the name of his former governor into the fray to score a point and perhaps look good in the SP's books, but his governor punctured his balloon; we have not heard from him since.

Most senators behaved like conspiring vultures circling over a kill to take their share of the flesh!

Beyond all this, one can see why women, the beautiful and the not-so-beautiful ones, are sceptical of joining politics, and why husbands, the good and even the not-so-good ones, are afraid to let their wives associate with politicians.

Natasha’s travail reveals that the opposition in Nigeria, whose vibrancy should be seen in the legislative house, is dying, if not dead. No senator from other parties was seen standing by her. It was a day when supposed vibrant senators went MIA (Missing in Action). And that is how they will each be picked, pecked, heckled, and cowered into a state of “Sidon look.”

The opposition, or probably all Senators, should read the story of the rat who called a meeting of farm animals in panic and told them that the farmer had set a rat trap. The pigeon, chicken, goat, and cow all “sympathised” with him but insisted it was his problem since they were not rats. The story ended tragically for them, minus the rat.

Natasha’s story is a lesson for all, not only politicians. Learn to fight your battles discreetly and gather enough facts. The moment your opponent not only deciphers but sees where you are going, you are a goner.

** Hassan Gimba, anipr, is the CEO/Publisher of Neptune Prime.

Police in Tennessee, United States, are looking for a crew of crooks who made off with $400 worth of cannabis oil from a local gas station convenience store — while armed with a menacing pair of pythons.

Surveillance footage released by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office shows the thieves at a truck stop on Highway 138 in Denmark, with one holding one of the snakes near the clerk at the counter, according to a new report by WREG-TV News.

One witness told the outlet it was a frightening experience.

“They were just waving them around and putting them on the counter,” store customer Mayur Raval said. “One person brought in one snake first, and then after that he brought in another snake. One is white and one is brown or a mix.

“They pulled their car up to the front of the door,” Raval told WREG. “I think they planned to successfully come here and rob the store. The snake is a weapon, you know.”

The crooks then snatched the cannabis oil and took off, fleeing the scene in a small four-door sedan.

Oddly enough, it’s not the first robbery by snake in the Volunteer State.

Last year, 26-year-old Reginald Cook was charged with attempted robbery when he tried to rob a Memphis gas station with a 5-foot snake — only to find himself out-gunned, the outlet said.

The Shell station clerk pulled out a gun and called 911.

New York Post

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about democratic processes, both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State through voice votes, bypassing the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority. The decision has fueled accusations that the National Assembly is acting as a rubber stamp for the executive, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the lack of transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions.

Constitutional Breach and Lack of Transparency

Section 305(6)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that a state of emergency declared by the president must be approved by a two-thirds majority of all members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This would require 240 votes in the House and 73 in the Senate. However, during Thursday’s plenary sessions, both chambers opted for voice votes, making it impossible to verify whether the constitutional threshold was met.

The House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, approved the emergency rule after a debate that saw lawmakers propose amendments to the declaration. Similarly, the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, conducted an 80-minute closed-door session before emerging to approve the measure via a voice vote. Neither chamber disclosed the actual number of lawmakers who supported the motion, leaving Nigerians in the dark about whether the required two-thirds majority was achieved.

Prominent Nigerians, including banker Atedo Peterside and activist Dele Farotimi, have condemned the use of voice votes for such a critical decision. Peterside stated on X (formerly Twitter), “A two-thirds majority cannot be achieved via a voice vote. Members voting for or against the resolution to ratify the President’s emergency actions must identify themselves and cast their votes individually.” Farotimi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the vote must be clearly counted to ensure constitutional compliance.

Widespread Criticism and Accusations of Rubber-Stamping

The approval of the state of emergency has intensified concerns about the National Assembly’s independence, with many Nigerians accusing the legislature of being a mere rubber stamp for the executive. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of transparency undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach in state affairs.

The South-South Governors’ Forum has also weighed in, expressing concern that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for declaring a state of emergency. In a statement signed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the Forum emphasized that the crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than executive intervention.

Details of the Emergency Rule

President Tinubu’s declaration suspends Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed as the sole administrator of the oil-rich state during this period.

The South-South Governors' Forum has expressed deep concern over the recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling into question the constitutional basis for the decision and urging a return to dialogue and legal processes to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who chairs the Forum, the governors acknowledged the President's constitutional duty to maintain law and order across Nigeria. However, they argued that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the threshold for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Constitution stipulates that a state of emergency may be declared under specific conditions, such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to the nation, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers. The Forum emphasized that the political disputes between the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly do not align with these criteria.

The governors also raised concerns about the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State, noting that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the State House of Assembly under Section 188. They suggested that these constitutional guidelines may not have been fully considered in the current situation.

"The political disputes in Rivers State should ideally be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat," the statement read.

A Call for Rescission and Dialogue

The Forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency as a critical step toward reducing tensions and establishing a foundation for lasting peace. They urged all parties involved to remain calm, uphold peace, and adhere to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The moment for dialogue is now," the statement emphasized, underscoring the need for constructive engagement to resolve the crisis.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum's commitment to securing peace and stability in the South-South region, while urging the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to the crisis in Rivers State.