News
Hezbollah Prepares For Full-Scale Conflict With Israel, Warns Intelligence Official
By Henry Gabriel
Hezbollah, the militant group based in Lebanon, is reportedly gearing up for a full-scale war with Israel. According to an intelligence official with knowledge of the situation in the Middle East, Hezbollah has been pressuring Hamas to accept a deal brokered by the United States. This move is seen as a precursor to the rumored conflict.
Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official and regional analyst, explains that Hezbollah finds itself at a critical juncture both politically and operationally. Without a clear way out, the group may feel compelled to initiate a devastating war with Israel as a means to assert its influence and demonstrate its involvement in the Hamas deal.
Melamed, who has served in various high-level positions including as a negotiator during the intifadas, emphasized the mounting pressure on Hamas to compromise and sign the Israeli-American deal, even within Iran’s Axis of Resistance & Defiance.
The situation on Israel’s northern border has become increasingly volatile, with frequent exchanges of fire between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah. The escalating tensions have brought both sides perilously close to an all-out war, causing panic and protests among civilians in the region.
Furthermore, Melamed highlights the role of Hezbollah in supporting its partners in Gaza, which are part of Iran’s network of resistance. The group has launched aerial strikes, utilizing missiles and attack drones, targeting Israel’s northern communities. These aggressive actions have not only turned these areas into ghost towns but have also sparked forest fires in northern Israel.
While Hezbollah has achieved some success, it now faces a dilemma. There are limited viable targets remaining that would not provoke a significant Israeli response. On the other hand, Israel has been able to effectively target Hezbollah commanders, military infrastructure, and fighters without triggering a full-scale war.
Melamed emphasizes that Hezbollah is standing at a crossroads, where it may feel compelled to initiate a conflict with Israel unless it is provided with a way to deescalate tensions. This aligns with the rumors of Hezbollah pressuring Hamas to sign the ceasefire deal, allowing the group to claim credit for exerting pressure on the United States and Israel.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community closely watches the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, hoping for a peaceful resolution that avoids the horrors of a full-scale war.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…