Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Professor Usman Yusuf, a political commentator and member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for increasing hopelessness among Nigerians over the past year. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Yusuf expressed disappointment that Tinubu’s promise of “Renewed Hope” has resulted in greater despair, citing long lines for palliative assistance as evidence. Yusuf described the past year as marked by “deception, destitution, and hopelessness,” accusing the administration of pushing millions into poverty and out of school due to economic hardships. He also criticized the President’s economic team, calling them “tax collectors” rather than true economists, and argued that taxation does not stimulate economic growth, which only production can achieve.
2. Soldiers and Nigeria Police Force operatives took control of Banex Plaza in Wuse, Abuja, after a clash between traders and soldiers on May 18, 2024, at about 01:30 PM. Preliminary investigations revealed that the conflict started when Suleiman Ahmed, accompanied by soldiers, confronted shop owner Suleiman Ibrahim about a faulty phone, leading to a confrontation. The FCT Police Command urged calm and reassured residents to continue their daily activities. FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, confirmed that security forces had restored order. The military personnel involved were handed over to their organization for further action.
3. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash in northern Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, along with seven others, including a provincial governor. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei assured the nation that there will be no disruptions to the country’s governance, with the vice president assuming presidential powers and new elections scheduled within 50 days. The crash, attributed to poor weather, marks the end of Raisi’s nearly three-year presidency. Raisi, a significant figure in conservative Iranian politics, had a history of leading Iran’s judiciary and was considered a potential successor to Khamenei. Raisi’s death has drawn condolences and expressions of solidarity from countries across the region.
4. Oil prices stabilized on Monday, with Brent crude near $84 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate above $80, amid heightened geopolitical tensions in Russia and the Middle East. The stability follows intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and a missile strike by Houthi rebels on a China-bound oil tanker in the Red Sea. Market analysts noted that despite these geopolitical developments, including the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, oil prices remain steady due to significant spare production capacity within OPEC. Brent crude is approximately 9% higher this year due to OPEC+ supply cuts, though prices have softened since mid-April. The upcoming OPEC+ meeting on June 1 is anticipated to confirm continued production curbs. Hedge funds have reduced their net long positions on Brent crude, reflecting cautious market sentiment, and have also pulled back on bets on rising gasoline prices ahead of the U.S. summer driving season. Nigeria’s oil production has decreased to 1.32 million barrels per day (bpd) in February and 1.23 million bpd in March, with the 2024 target reduced to 1.38 million bpd due to persistent challenges like oil theft and lower production levels. The oil market remains sensitive to further disruptions, necessitating vigilance among traders and analysts.
5. Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years, achieving a historic milestone in boxing’s four-belt era. The fight was held in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, drawing an audience including sports stars like Anthony Joshua, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar. Fury initially dominated but Usyk took control, narrowly winning with scores of 115-112 and 114-113 from two judges, while the third scored 114-113 for Fury. The victory extends Usyk’s unbeaten record to 22-0, while Fury suffered his first career loss, now standing at 34-1-1. Usyk, now holding the WBC, IBF, WBA, and WBO titles, joins the ranks of legendary champions like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky celebrated Usyk’s victory, stating that the win held symbolic significance amidst Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
6. Manchester City’s Rodri has criticized Arsenal’s mentality, claiming it was why City won the Premier League title. Despite City not beating Arsenal or Liverpool in their encounters, they secured the title with a 3-1 win over West Ham. Rodri pointed to City’s superior mental strength as the key factor, suggesting Arsenal lacked the desire to win when they faced City in March. Arsenal finished two points behind City, who claimed their fourth consecutive league title. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged City’s strength but vowed that Arsenal would eventually win the title with increased determination and ambition.
7. Sean “Diddy” Combs on Sunday apologized for attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, after CCTV footage from 2016 surfaced on May 17 showing him pushing and kicking her in a hotel hallway. In a video posted on Instagram, Diddy expressed remorse and stated he sought therapy and rehab following the incident. However, Cassie’s lawyers criticized the apology as self-centered and insincere, highlighting that Diddy only apologized after the footage was released. The video, verified by CNN, shows Diddy assaulting Cassie at the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Despite the footage, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office suggested the incident might be too old to prosecute. Diddy and Cassie’s relationship began when she was 19 and he was 37. Cassie previously settled a lawsuit against Diddy for rape and sexual trafficking. Multiple other women have since filed similar lawsuits, and Diddy’s properties were recently raided as part of a federal human trafficking investigation.
