General News
Paris Denies Role in US-Israel Actions, Urges International Mediation
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot held talks on Monday with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to address the escalating war involving Iran, with both sides agreeing to pursue efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
According to a statement from the French Foreign Ministry, the two diplomats committed to working toward a political solution that would ensure collective security while also taking into consideration the aspirations of the Iranian people.
During the conversation, Barrot placed responsibility for the current escalation on the Iranian government, accusing it of launching unjustified attacks against several countries in the region.
He further criticised Tehran for failing to comply with resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, particularly those concerning its nuclear programme, ballistic missile activities, and support for non-state armed groups.
Barrot also faulted the Iranian leadership for rejecting what he described as good-faith multilateral negotiations.
The French minister clarified that France was neither involved in or informed in advance about the recent military actions carried out by the United States and Israel.
He stressed that disputes between nations should prioritise international institutions and diplomatic mechanisms, noting that the use of force must align with established global frameworks.
Both ministers agreed to maintain open lines of communication as developments unfolded.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally forwarded a list of nine commissioner nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, directed the nominees to submit their credentials for legislative review as part of the confirmation process.
The nominees are Datonye Alasia, Tonye Bellgam, Temple Nwofor, Peters Nwagor, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree, and Amairigha Edward Hart.
According to the statement, the nominees are required to submit forty copies of their curriculum vitae (CV), along with photocopies of their academic and professional credentials. They are also expected to provide evidence of compliance with their tax obligations.
“All documents should be forwarded to the Office of the Clerk of the House at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters,” the statement read.
The move comes nearly a month after President Bola Tinubu held a meeting with Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja, amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
The submission of the commissioner nominees is seen as a significant step in strengthening the state’s executive council following recent political developments.
General News
US-Israeli Airstrikes Reportedly Kill Iran’s Acting Defence Minister Hours After Appointment
Iran’s newly appointed acting Defence Minister, Seyed Majid Eb Al-Reza, has reportedly been killed in fresh U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, less than 48 hours after assuming office.
According to emerging reports on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Al-Reza was targeted in strikes carried out in Tehran. Iranian authorities have yet to issue a detailed official statement confirming the circumstances of his death, but multiple sources indicate he was among the latest high-profile casualties in the escalating conflict.
Al-Reza was appointed on March 2, 2026, by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as interim defence minister. His appointment followed the killing of his predecessor, Aziz Nasirzadeh, who died in earlier U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Those earlier attacks also reportedly claimed the lives of senior Iranian figures, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, Army Chief Abdol Rahim Mousavi, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
If confirmed, the killing of two successive defence ministers within days would mark an unprecedented blow to Iran’s military leadership and signal a dramatic intensification of hostilities between Tehran and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
The reported strikes come amid widening regional tensions, with both sides trading accusations over targeted attacks on strategic installations and leadership structures.
Analysts warn that the continued decapitation of Iran’s top command could provoke further retaliation and deepen instability across the Middle East.
The investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended the medical director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital and two other doctors following preliminary findings linked to the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, son of renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence in the management of the deceased, who died on January 7, 2026, after complications arising from preparatory medical procedures.
Based on its findings, the council suspended Tunde Majekodunmi, medical director of Euracare; Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist; and Atinuke Uwajeg, chief medical officer of Atlantis Hospital.
The affected practitioners have been barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
The panel’s secretary, Enejo Abdu, disclosed that evidence of professional misconduct was also found against 10 other doctors at Atlantis Hospital after reviewing complaints, written responses, and sworn testimonies.
However, the council clarified that the report remains preliminary and does not represent a final judgment. All affected medical personnel will undergo a full hearing before a tribunal, which will deliver the final decision.
Eight doctors were cleared of wrongdoing during the review of the 21 medical practitioners involved in the case.
The investigation concluded during the panel’s 25th session held on February 17 and 18 in Abuja, while a coroner’s inquest into the incident is scheduled to commence on April 14, 2026.