Author: Tunde

Constitutional Amendment Bill Hearing – Live from Supreme Court of Sierra Leone

A significant political confrontation took place in Freetown on Tuesday between the Supreme Court and Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the lead attorney for the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), during discussions about the contentious 2025 Constitutional Amendment Bill. Tensions flared as Chief Justice Komba Kamanda and Kamara clashed over preliminary objections raised by the APC legal team concerning the Bill’s passage in Parliament. After a heated exchange, the Chief Justice dismissed Kamara’s objections regarding procedural issues and filed technicalities related to Rule 92. Following this ruling, the court adjourned to consider applications to consolidate various related constitutional cases linked to the…

DAR ES SALAAM: Strengthening the savings culture is vital for enhancing financial inclusion and boosting funds within the formal financial system, according to financial institutions’ new initiatives aimed at encouraging households and businesses to save. Baraka Munisi, Chief Executive Officer of Letshego Faidika Bank Tanzania Limited, emphasised the importance of cultivating savings habits to expand access to formal financial services and foster a consistent saving culture among Tanzanians. The bank has launched a 12-week deposit mobilisation campaign called “Weka Tukuwekee!” which includes weekly cash prizes, monthly rewards of bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) rides, and a grand prize of a cargo tuk-tuk.…

El Niño is set to intensify significantly, peaking in December and potentially becoming one of the strongest events since at least 1950, according to the United Nations. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) stated that this naturally occurring weather phenomenon will raise temperatures worldwide and exacerbate the effects of climate change. The WMO’s monthly Global Seasonal Climate Update notes that El Niño will bring above-average temperatures globally and alter rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of drought and flooding in various regions. Typically occurring every two to seven years, El Niño usually lasts between nine to twelve months, alternating with its counterpart,…

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has praised the Judiciary, led by Chief Justice Komba Kamanda, for approving the live broadcast of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on constitutional matters, set for Wednesday, 7 October 2026. SLAJ welcomed the decision on Monday, 5 October 2026, calling it a vital move for transparency and public access to justice, acknowledging the significant role journalists play in keeping citizens informed. The approval came after SLAJ formally requested the live coverage on 21 September 2026, highlighting the national importance of the constitutional issues to be considered by the Supreme Court. SLAJ noted that…

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and candidate for the African Democratic Congress, has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing in agricultural exports while farmers face insecurity and manufacturers contend with high production costs. Atiku claimed that despite promises to boost the economy, the government is allowing Nigeria to export crops without sufficiently developing domestic processing jobs. He remarked, “Tinubu cannot call this reform when the people who grow our food and the businesses that should process it are being squeezed from both sides.” In a statement from Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council,…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a preliminary agreement with Pakistan that could provide approximately $1.21 billion (£1 billion) in financial support, the fund announced on Wednesday. This comes as Pakistan struggles with rising food and fuel costs and high unemployment rates. The bailout deal still requires approval from the IMF’s Executive Board. Iva Petrova, an IMF negotiator, stated that Pakistan has effectively managed the repercussions of recent conflicts in the Middle East, thanks to strong policies that have helped maintain macroeconomic stability. Pakistan’s economy recorded a 4% growth in the first three quarters of the fiscal year 2026,…

Constitutional Clarity at Stake: President Bio’s Request to the Supreme Court President Julius Maada Bio’s decision to withhold approval of the contentious Constitutional Amendment Bill has led him to refer key constitutional questions to the Supreme Court. The court will hear the matter on 7th October 2026. While this move may seem like a positive step back from conflict, many Sierra Leoneans may wonder whether this is truly a safeguard for the Constitution or if it sets the stage for further political strife. The question is significant and should not be brushed aside or dismissed with political rhetoric. The controversy…

Nigerian Footballers Making Waves in Europe As the international break approaches, ten Nigerian players are attracting attention across Europe for their impressive performances. PETER AKINBO reports on the standout talents. Calvin Bassey (Fulham) Bassey has transitioned from a solid defender to a leader at Fulham, earning the captaincy under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa for the club’s first three league games. The 26-year-old has made 105 appearances for Fulham since his July 2023 signing, scoring four goals and assisting once. His driving run in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United led to Fulham’s opening goal. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) Osimhen has made…

Thousands protested in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday against Flavio Bolsonaro, a presidential candidate and son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, highlighting concerns over Brazil’s far-right movement. The demonstration followed Flavio Bolsonaro’s success in the first round of the presidential elections, where he secured 47 percent of the vote, narrowly ahead of incumbent leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who received 45 percent. With neither candidate achieving a majority, they will compete in a run-off on 25 October. Protesters expressed fears that Brazil might witness a shift from left to right leadership, reminiscent of political changes in other Latin…