Connect with us

Latest

⚔️ Operation Rising Lion: Israel Confirms Elimination Of Iran’s Top Generals — What This Means For The Middle East

Published

on

⚔️ Operation Rising Lion: Israel Confirms Elimination Of Iran’s Top Generals — What This Means For The Middle East

In a development that could reshape the strategic landscape of the Middle East, Israel has confirmed the elimination of several top Iranian military officials during a coordinated military operation dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.” Among the high-profile casualties are Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff and highest-ranking military officer, and General Hossein Salami, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to multiple Iranian and international reports.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the scale and precision of the airstrikes that struck deep into Iranian territory using over 200 fighter jets. The strikes reportedly also took out Iran’s Emergency Command leader, delivering one of the most devastating blows to Iran’s military hierarchy in decades.


💥 The Strike Heard Around the World

The IDF, in a rare and direct announcement, stated:

“We can now confirm that the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Commander of the IRGC, and the Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command were all eliminated in the Israeli strikes across Iran by more than 200 fighter jets.”

Israel described the deceased Iranian commanders as “mass murderers” and insisted that the world would be safer in their absence. That’s an extraordinary declaration, one that reinforces Israel’s long-held policy of targeted assassinations against perceived existential threats, especially from the Iranian regime and its proxy networks.


🌐 Why This Strike Matters

This is not just another military escalation in the long-running shadow war between Israel and Iran. Here’s why the implications are massive:

  1. Leadership Decapitation: By eliminating senior command figures, Israel has effectively destabilized Iran’s centralized military decision-making — at least temporarily. This isn’t just symbolic; it’s tactical warfare aimed at neutralizing Iran’s ability to retaliate or orchestrate coordinated proxy attacks.

  2. Regional Shockwaves: The fallout won’t be limited to Israel and Iran. Countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq—where Iranian-backed militias operate—may become hotbeds for retaliatory strikes, proxy wars, or spontaneous uprisings.

  3. Global Ramifications: With international oil markets, shipping routes, and diplomatic alliances tied to Middle Eastern stability, expect ripple effects far beyond the region. The U.S., EU, Russia, and China will likely issue statements, mobilize intelligence, and possibly reposition forces in response.


🚨 Retaliation Incoming?

Israel has already raised red flags. The IDF claims that over 100 Iranian drones have been launched in retaliation, likely heading toward Israeli airspace or allied targets. Though Israel’s famed Iron Dome defense system is likely to intercept many of them, saturation attacks always carry risk.

More importantly, Iran’s reaction could extend beyond drones. Cyberattacks, strikes on Israeli embassies abroad, or sabotage missions through proxies like Hezbollah are all on the table.

This could be the most direct Iranian-Israeli conflict escalation in recent memory.


⚖️ Legal and Ethical Questions Arise

As the dust settles, analysts and human rights observers are raising serious questions:

  • Was this a preemptive act of self-defense, or a disproportionate show of force?

  • What rules of engagement apply when state leaders are assassinated during peacetime?

  • Will this set a precedent for other nations to target enemy leadership directly?

Israel is betting that decapitating Iran’s top military echelons will prevent further conflict. Critics argue it may do the opposite, potentially dragging the region into a full-scale war.


🔍 What Happens Next?

In the coming days, eyes will be on:

  • Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: Will he call for restraint or vengeance?

  • Global Diplomacy: Will the United Nations or Western powers intervene diplomatically, or will this escalate unchecked?

  • Israel’s Internal Response: With its population bracing for counter-attacks, emergency response protocols and military readiness will be tested.

One thing is certain — the Middle East has entered a new chapter of high-stakes military strategy, cyber warfare, and geopolitical recalibration.


🧠 Final Thoughts: A Dangerous Dance of Power

Operation Rising Lion marks a stunning moment in Middle Eastern military history. Israel has made a calculated, deeply provocative move — one that may deter aggression or ignite a wider war. Either way, the rules of engagement between two of the region’s fiercest rivals have shifted irreversibly.

As the world watches, one can only hope diplomacy finds a voice before bombs speak louder.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Cooking Gas Prices Drop In Nigeria – See New Average Cost In July 2025

Published

on

Cooking Gas Prices Drop In Nigeria – See New Average Cost In July 2025

Cooking Gas Prices Drop

For many Nigerian households, the price of cooking gas has become a constant source of worry over the past year. Families who rely on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have been caught between rising costs and stagnant incomes, forcing some to cut back usage or switch to less efficient alternatives like kerosene, charcoal, or even firewood. But there’s finally a small relief on the horizon: the price of cooking gas is beginning to ease, at least for now…..CONTINUE READING

The Latest Figures

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average retail price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG fell from ₦21,010.56 in June 2025 to ₦20,609.48 in July 2025. That’s a 1.91% decrease month-on-month, which, while not dramatic, is still a welcome change for struggling households.

However, the year-on-year comparison tells a different story. In July 2024, the same quantity cost ₦14,261.57. That means Nigerians are still paying 44.5% more today than they did just a year ago. In other words, while the month-to-month dip is good news, the bigger picture remains one of steep inflation.

Regional Variations

Interestingly, not all states are experiencing the same reality. States like Imo, Delta, and Rivers recorded some of the highest LPG prices, while Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Kwara enjoyed the lowest. This disparity often reflects transportation costs, supply chains, and even local market competition. For example, states closer to major gas depots or coastal areas may benefit from slightly cheaper prices compared to those further inland.

The Bigger Picture – Why Prices Are Still High

To understand why LPG prices remain elevated, it’s important to look beyond the numbers:

  1. Global Energy Market Volatility – International gas prices have been fluctuating due to shifts in demand, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical issues. Nigeria, despite being a gas-rich country, still ties its domestic prices partly to global trends.

  2. Dollar Exchange Rate – Since LPG imports rely on foreign exchange, the naira-to-dollar rate heavily impacts the cost. The weakened naira continues to put upward pressure on prices.

  3. Infrastructure & Supply Gaps – Nigeria has abundant gas reserves, but limited infrastructure for processing, storage, and distribution. Until the country expands its domestic capacity, prices will remain vulnerable to external shocks.

What It Means for Nigerian Households

For families already stretched thin by rising food and fuel costs, the slight reduction in July is a breath of fresh air. As of September 1, 2025, some Abuja residents were able to refill a 12.5kg cylinder for around ₦15,000, showing that market realities on the ground sometimes move faster than official averages.

Still, the larger problem remains: energy poverty. When gas prices are high, more people turn to cheaper, dirtier fuels, which affects not only household health (due to smoke inhalation) but also the environment through deforestation and carbon emissions.

Looking Ahead

The government has consistently spoken about making gas the “fuel of the future” in Nigeria, with initiatives to deepen LPG penetration and reduce reliance on kerosene and firewood. However, for this vision to become reality, pricing must be stable and affordable. Investments in local processing, distribution, and subsidies for households could go a long way in making LPG accessible to all.

Final Thoughts

The slight dip in cooking gas prices is good news, but it’s not enough to erase the burden of energy inflation on Nigerian families. Policymakers need to act fast to stabilize the market, support local production, and shield households from volatile global energy trends. For now, Nigerians can breathe a little easier when refilling their gas cylinders — but the bigger struggle for energy affordability continues.

Continue Reading

Latest

Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

Published

on

Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

The Edo State Government is facing backlash after reports emerged that public school teachers were allegedly compelled to cut grass and perform menial jobs on the orders of the Ministry of Education.

The claim, raised by the Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights, has sparked outrage and debate across the state. According to the group, teachers were being treated as “gardeners and janitors,” a move they described as degrading, unconstitutional, and a slap in the face of Nigeria’s educators…..CONTINUE READING

Civil Society Raises Alarm

In a strongly worded statement signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group condemned the practice and threatened protests and legal action if the government does not put an immediate stop to it.

“Teachers are the backbone of society and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the minds of our children. Reducing them to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking educator in Edo State,” the statement read.

The group reminded the government that Section 34 (1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution forbids forced labour, warning that the alleged directive amounted to a breach of teachers’ fundamental rights.

The Bigger Picture: Respecting the Teaching Profession

Beyond the legal implications, the controversy highlights a broader societal issue — the undervaluing of teachers in Nigeria. For decades, teachers have battled low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of respect. Forcing them into menial jobs, civil rights groups argue, is yet another reminder of how the system undermines the very people tasked with building the nation’s future.

Rather than compelling teachers to double as gardeners, the group called on the government to employ support staff, cleaners, and maintenance workers who would be properly remunerated for such roles.

Government Responds: “It Was Voluntary CSR”

In response, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, denied that teachers were being forced into menial work. He claimed available information suggested the activities were voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by some teachers — not an official directive.

He assured the public that a full-scale investigation had been ordered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights.

“Teachers’ priority is the transfer of learning. We want to discourage in very strong terms teachers forcibly engaging in tasks that do not directly strengthen knowledge and learning outcomes,” Iyamu said.

The commissioner further noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has made strides in improving teacher welfare, citing minimum wage increments, the regularization of casual teachers, construction of teachers’ quarters, and ongoing training programs.

Analysis: CSR or Coercion?

While the government insists the practice was voluntary, the backlash reveals a trust deficit between civil society and state authorities. If indeed voluntary, why would teachers feel compelled to participate? And if coerced, what does that say about the treatment of educators in Edo?

This is not just about cutting grass — it is about respecting professional boundaries. Teachers are employed to teach, not to serve as janitors. Blurring those lines risks eroding morale in an already struggling education system.

Conclusion: Time for Transparency and Reform

The uproar over this incident underscores the urgent need for clear policies on school maintenance, transparent use of education funds, and renewed respect for teachers.

Teachers deserve dignity, not degradation. Whether this was a case of miscommunication or systemic neglect, one truth stands out: a nation that disrespects its teachers risks sabotaging its own future.

The Edo government now has a chance to not just investigate but to restore trust — by ensuring that schools are maintained by trained staff while teachers focus solely on their sacred duty: educating the next generation.

Continue Reading

Latest

Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo, Odinkalu Over 2027 Eligibility Debate: “Your Unsolicited Advice Not Needed”

Published

on

Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo, Odinkalu Over 2027 Eligibility Debate: “Your Unsolicited Advice Not Needed”

Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo

The road to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already heating up — and one of the names stirring the pot is that of former President Goodluck Jonathan (GEJ). Though he hasn’t formally declared his interest, speculation about a possible comeback has sparked fierce debate among political heavyweights, constitutional lawyers, and party insiders……CONTINUE READING

This week, the controversy reached a boiling point after Jonathan, through his cousin and confidant, Azibaola Robert, responded sharply to critics who questioned his eligibility to contest.

The Trigger: Keyamo and Odinkalu’s Warning

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and renowned human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, recently advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Jonathan in 2027. Their argument was straightforward: Jonathan has already been sworn in twice — once as Acting President (after Yar’Adua’s death in 2010) and again when he won the 2011 election — and a third attempt could face constitutional roadblocks.

According to them, such a move would not survive legal scrutiny and could plunge PDP into unnecessary controversy.

Jonathan’s Camp Claps Back

But Robert, speaking on Jonathan’s behalf, wasn’t having it. In a strongly worded statement, he dismissed their concerns as “unsolicited advice” and insisted GEJ’s eligibility had already been settled in court.

“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified,” Robert declared.

He went further, reminding both men that Jonathan has access to “more cerebral and experienced SANs” who provide sound legal guidance — making outside commentary unnecessary.

Why This Matters: The Eligibility Question

The debate over Jonathan’s eligibility isn’t new. In 2022, ahead of the last elections, similar arguments surfaced but were largely dismissed after courts ruled in his favor, affirming that his brief stint as Acting President did not count against him.

However, in politics, perception often matters as much as legality. The fact that senior figures like Keyamo and Odinkalu are still raising the issue suggests the PDP may face fresh internal and external battles if Jonathan throws his hat in the ring.

The Bigger Picture: PDP’s Zoning Dilemma

Jonathan’s rumored comeback also touches on a deeper political fault line — zoning. The PDP recently zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. On the surface, this seems like good news for Jonathan. But within the South itself, there are tensions:

  • The South-East feels it is their turn after decades of marginalization.

  • The South-South (Jonathan’s region) already produced a president in him.

  • The South-West currently holds the presidency through Bola Tinubu (APC).

A Jonathan candidacy could either energize PDP with his experience and name recognition — or fracture the South’s collective bargaining power.

Jonathan’s Silence: A Calculated Strategy?

Interestingly, Jonathan himself has remained silent on the matter. Robert stressed that his comments should “not be seen as confirmation that GEJ is running.” This silence may be strategic. By not declaring yet, Jonathan keeps speculation alive, maintains his relevance in political discourse, and allows his camp to gauge public opinion.

Conclusion: A Battle Beyond 2027

Whether or not Jonathan runs, this episode reveals a larger truth: Nigeria’s 2027 elections will not just be about candidates, but about constitutional interpretation, party unity, and regional politics. The PDP in particular faces a delicate balancing act as it tries to rebuild after its 2023 defeat.

For now, one thing is clear: Goodluck Jonathan remains a political force whose name alone can stir heated debate — even without a formal declaration. And that, perhaps, is the clearest sign that the countdown to 2027 has truly begun.

Continue Reading

Trending