Politics
Trump, Macron strike optimistic tone on Ukraine after talks
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that peace could be achieved in Ukraine. But questions remain at what cost, as the French President said that any agreement cannot amount to “the surrender of Ukraine.”
US President Donald Trump expressed hope on Monday that Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing its end.
This statement came during his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Macron mentioned that he saw “substantial progress” following discussions with his counterpart in Washington, but he warned any potential agreement with Moscow must not amount to surrender for Ukraine.
The talks between the US and French leaders come at a moment of deep uncertainty about the future of European and American relations.
What did Trump and Macron say?
France has already spoken with Britain about sending peacekeeping troops as part of security guarantees and Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin would “accept” that arrangement.
“I have asked him that question,” Trump said. “Look, if we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war.”
In an interview with Russian state television, Putin, however, gave the impression that it might not end as soon as Trump wanted.
“[The end of the war] was not discussed in detail,” he said in an interview. “We only agreed that we would move toward this. And in this case, of course, we are not refusing the participation of European countries.”
Trump also expressed hope that the conflict could be over within weeks and that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would soon come to Washington to sign a deal giving the United States valuable access to Ukraine’s minerals, which are used in key technology.
Macron said he believed “today was a turning point” in talks over how to end the war. “We share your desire to make peace,” he said about his meeting with the US president, before cautioning that “peace cannot mean the surrender of Ukraine.”
The French president was the last leader in the West to maintain contact with Putin, even after Russia invaded Ukraine. But Macron eventually lost patience after Russian forces carried out brutal operations in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha months into the conflict.
However, Macron now hopes Trump’s communication with Putin can bear fruit.
“Now, there is a big chance because there is a new US administration, so this is a new context,” Macron said. “So there is good reason for President Trump to reengage with President Putin.”
UN Assembly shows rift between US and Europe over Ukraine still exists
While all seemed well with relations in the US capital, a dramatic shift was taking place in political discourse at the UN General Assembly as the United States split with its European allies by refusing to blame Russia for its invasion of its neighbor.
Washington voted against a resolution that called out Moscow, demanding it withdraw troops from Ukraine.
The US then pushed for a UN Security Council resolution that acknowledged “the tragic loss of life throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict” but never mentioned the Kremlin’s aggression.
This resolution was subsequently adopted and Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia acknowledged “constructive changes” in Washington’s position on the conflict, compared with the Biden administration. He told the council the resolution was “not an ideal one,” but “a starting point for future efforts towards peaceful settlement.”
Ukraine on Monday marked the bleakest anniversary yet as it struggles to fend off the Russian invasion, as it enters its fourth year.
European leaders meet in Kyiv in show of support
Under mounting pressure on the battlefield and with US support looking more fragile than ever, several European leaders met in Kyiv for commemorative events. Washington did not send any senior official to the occasion.
“The autocrats around the world are watching very carefully whether there’s any impunity if you violate international borders or invade your neighbor, or if there is true deterrence,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned in the Ukrainian capital.
Trump has in recent days described Ukraine’s Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” suggested Kyiv is to blame for the war and ended Putin’s three-year diplomatic isolation by the US.
On Saturday, Moscow’s foreign ministry said that preparations were underway for a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin.
Washington officials have also indicated to Kyiv that its hopes of joining NATO are unlikely to be fulfilled and that it is unlikely that it will retrieve the land that Russia’s army occupies, which amounts to around 20% of the country.
On the battlefield, Putin’s troops are making steady progress, while Ukraine grapples with shortages of troops and weapons.
More sanctions for Russia, Merz reiterates Ukraine support
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers approved a fresh raft of sanctions on Russia on Monday.
The measures target Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” of ships that it uses to skirt restrictions on transporting oil and gas, or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain. The EU said 74 vessels were added to its shadow fleet list.
The UK also imposed new sanctions aimed at 107 businesses and individuals, designed to disrupt the Kremlin’s military supply chains.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is set to visit Washington later this week, said Ukrainian voices “must be at the heart of the drive for peace” while acknowledging Trump’s recent intervention had “changed the global conversation” and “created an opportunity.”
Nevertheless, “Russia does not hold all the cards in this war,” he said.
Friedrich Merz, likely to be Germany’s next chancellor in the wake of Sunday’s federal elections, has reiterated his support of Ukraine in a post on social media.
“Three years of Russian war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said on X. “Three years of war in Europe. For three years, we have been accompanied by the terrible images of destruction and war crimes. Europe remains firmly on the side of Ukraine. Now more than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength. For a just peace, the attacked country must be part of peace negotiations.”
March 20, 2026
The All Progressives Grand Alliance in Abia State has called on the Senate to declare the seat of the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, vacant following his resignation from the party.
The party made the call on Thursday during a press briefing in Umuahia, where its leadership, led by a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Obinna Ichita, insisted that Abaribe voluntarily resigned from APGA and was not sacked, contrary to his claim at the Senate.
Ichita argued that Abaribe’s exit from the party that sponsored his election violates constitutional provisions, stressing that there was no leadership crisis within APGA to justify his defection.
“The senator resigned in his ward. He did so voluntarily, which is his right. However, if you leave the party that gave you the platform for another party when there is no leadership crisis, that seat must be declared vacant,” he said.
He further alleged that Abaribe misrepresented the circumstances of his exit by claiming he was sacked.
“The party has documentary evidence to show that Senator Abaribe was not sacked. He resigned three months after disciplinary measures were taken against him over actions the court did not consider appropriate,” Ichita added.
According to him, the mandate belongs to the people and the party, not the individual office holder.
“They gave him the mandate on the platform of APGA, not any other party. There was nothing like ADC when he was elected. He cannot take the mandate elsewhere without consulting the people who gave it to him,” he said.
Ichita maintained that the constitution is clear on defection, noting that any lawmaker who leaves a party without a valid internal crisis must vacate the seat.
“My message to Senator Abaribe is to honourably vacate the seat instead of waiting for the National Assembly to declare it vacant. That would amount to national embarrassment,” he added.
Also speaking, the APGA State Chairman, Sunday Onukwubiri, and the party’s Public Relations Officer, Chukwuemeka Nwokoro, reiterated that Abaribe had distanced himself from the party’s activities at various levels in the state.
They insisted that he neither holds dual membership nor was he expelled, maintaining that his resignation was voluntary.
“He was invited by the party but failed to appear and was subsequently suspended in line with the party’s constitution. Three months later, he resigned,” the officials said.
Reacting, Abaribe defended his position, insisting that he acted within his constitutional rights.
“When you are no longer a member of a party by virtue of being sent away, you have the fundamental right of association to join another party,” he said.
He argued that his indefinite suspension by APGA effectively amounted to expulsion.
“If a party places you on indefinite suspension for more than six months, what does that mean? It means you have been told to go elsewhere, and that is exactly what I did,” he stated.
The senator added that the proper constitutional procedure for removing him from office would be through a recall process by his constituents.
“If the people who elected me no longer want me, the right thing to do is to initiate a recall. That is the position of the law,” he said.
Politics
Tinubu’s Reforms May Be Challenging, but They’ve Boosted Nigeria’s Global Respect — Information Minister Mohammed Idris
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that Nigeria is receiving greater respect internationally under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on Friday after attending Jumaat prayers at Yahaya Road Mosque in Kaduna, Mr Idris said, “Nigeria is indeed taking its rightful place. The country is respected more than ever before on the international scene. The reforms that the president has instituted, as challenging as they are, are meant for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
He urged Nigerians to stay calm as the government continues its efforts to restore security across the nation. Referring to the recent multiple b%mb att@cks in Maiduguri, Borno State, the minister assured that such incidents would not be allowed to recur.
“Indeed, our country is facing challenges, and the government is working tirelessly to ensure security throughout Nigeria. We have seen what has happened, particularly in Borno State. We pray to Allah to make this the last one, as the government is committed to preventing any repetition of such incidents,” he said.
Mr Idris also stressed the importance of citizens being prayerful and working together to address the country’s challenges. He encouraged both Muslims and non-Muslims to unite in the interest of Nigeria’s growth and development.
“This is a time for reflection for all Nigerians. We pray that everyone will consider this moment and recognize the need for unity, progress, and national development. All hands must be on deck for the unity of the country. As we earn respect internationally, we also hope and pray that unity will strengthen within our nation,” he added.
By Dan Opara
Following the successful conduct of the Imo State APC Congress held in Owerri, Imo State, on March 3rd, 2026, the leadership of the party has officially released the list of victorious candidates who emerged from the exercise.
The announcement, made on Friday, March 20th, 2026, came 17 days after the Congress, as gathered by ThePressman Newspaper.
According to the released list, Chief Austin Onyedebelu emerged as the Imo State APC Chairman, while Arc. Allen Enwerem was elected as the State Deputy Chairman. Hon. Onyekachi Ibezim secured the position of State Secretary, alongside 33 other members who now constitute the State Party Executive Committee, including Ex-Officio members in Imo State.
In addition, the leadership of the ruling APC across the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State has also been announced.
The Ward Party Executive Committee Members for the 305 wards are, however, yet to be fully confirmed.
Below is the comprehensive list of the All Progressives Congress State Executive Committee Members for Imo State, including their respective telephone numbers.
ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS
STATE: IMO STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
State Chairman, Chief Austin Onyedebelu, 08033101685.
State Deputy Chairman, Arc. Allen Enwerem, 08036301966.
State Secretary, Hon. Onyekachi Ibezim, 08033416291.
State Assistant Secretary, Nzenwa Nwoju, 08037717167.
State Zonal Vice Chairman I, Hon. Frank Onyejiaka, 0803314564.
State Zonal Vice Chairman II, Justice Ogu, 08072079223.
State Zonal Vice Chairman III, Dan Chike Ogu, 08037894168.
State Legal Adviser, Barr. Onyeme Promise, 08061526970.
State Assistant Legal Adviser, Barr. Godwin N. Chukwukere, 08033310076.
State Treasurer, Dr. Ben Uwakem, 08033408703.
State Assistant Treasurer, Emenike Uzo, 08098048483.
State Financial Secretary, Rex Onyemara, 07060608457.
State Assistant Financial Secretary, Engr. Innocent Obidike, 08033288662
State Organizing Secretary, Okey Ezuruike, 08033411574.
State Assistant Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Tina Anya, 08068818358.
State Publicity Secretary, Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, 08064483254.
State Assistant Publicity Secretary, Ambrose Nwogwugwu, 08135047154.
State Welfare Secretary, Chinyere Ofurum Sandra, 08069738781.
State Assistant Welfare Secretary, Cecilia Okafor, 08032462478.
State Auditor, Hon. Dan Ikpeazu, 08033263444.
State Assistant Auditor, Hon. Charles Nnorom, 08164341068.
State Woman Leader, Mrs. Ify Obi, 08060850990.
State Assistant Woman Leader, Mrs. Egondu Ewelike, 08089134418.
State Youth Leader, Hon. Franklin Chukwuemeka, 08097123456.
State Assistant Youth Leader, Hon. Innocent Onwuemenyi.
State Special (PCL), Dr. Samuelson Emehibe, 0803902102.
State Senatorial Youth Leader I, Anele Joseph, 08037794751.
State Senatorial Youth Leader II, Chris Ike, 08036034727.
State Senatorial Youth Leader III, Ifeanyi Nwannenna, 08020988164.
State Senatorial Women Leader I, Mrs. Iheako O. Elizabeth.
State Senatorial Women Leader II, Lady Martina Okere, 08036689003.
State Senatorial Women Leader III, Mrs. Franca Onuoha.
State Ex Officio I, Henry Oguguo, 08035001354.
State Ex Officio II, Hon. Alban Amasiatu, 08060564561.
State Ex Officio III, Chukwuma Onyedindere, 08037756307.
State Ex Officio IV, Chief Monday Ikokwu, 08086803626.
Meanwhile, the leadership structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State has been duly constituted, with officials elected across the State, Local Government Area, and Ward levels, reflecting a comprehensive and well-organized party framework.
At the Local Government Area level, notable individuals have emerged as party chairmen in various LGAs.
In Owerri West LGA, Mr. Chikadibia Okpe, was elected as the APC Local Government Chairman.
Similarly, in Orlu LGA, Mr. Ejike Iberame, emerged as the duly elected Party Chairman, while in Oguta LGA, Mr. Obed Onyebuchi, was elected as the APC Chairman, alongside 24 LGA Party Chairmen, to further strengthening the party’s grassroots leadership.
These developments extend across other Local Government Areas and wards, where Party Chairmen and Ward Chairmen have also been elected to provide leadership and coordination at their respective levels.
The successful emergence of party executives at the State, LGA, and Ward levels underscores the APC’s commitment to internal democracy, effective organization, and sustained grassroots mobilization across Imo State.
The release of the list marks a significant step in consolidating the party’s structure across the state, as the newly elected executives are expected to steer the affairs of the APC in Imo State moving forward.
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Benita Enwonwu in the 1970s: Model, Actress, and Daughter of Ben Enwonwu
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education2 years ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI