Today’s Headlines: Portugal Suspend Cristiano Ronaldo; Kogi Councillor Dies After Days in Captivity

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation after walking out of the national team camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. The suspension was triggered automatically under federation rules, with a disciplinary council expected to determine the duration of the ban.

The 41-year-old forward faces a suspension ranging from one to six months. Despite publicly apologising for his actions, Ronaldo reportedly acknowledged that he deserved to be punished.

Rosemary Aduku, the councillor representing Ogugu Ward III in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, has reportedly died after spending several days in captivity. Her death was announced by the council chairman, Dr Ameh Williams, on behalf of the Olamaboro Executive Council.

Williams described Aduku, popularly known as Hon. Rosella, as a humble, reliable and compassionate leader who was committed to the happiness of those around her. He expressed condolences to her family, colleagues in the legislative council and the people of Ogugu district.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s 30-day petrol discount, arguing that it cannot erase more than three years of economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Speaking at the inauguration of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, Atiku called for lasting measures to reduce fuel costs, make food affordable, improve electricity supply, create jobs and support businesses. He proposed targeted government support for petroleum products refined and sold locally, with spending limits, budgetary provisions and independent audits.

Atiku also called for electoral reforms, including public access to polling-unit results, live broadcasts of collation centres and independent audits of election technology. He accused some APC-controlled governments of restricting opposition campaigns and vowed that the ADC would campaign nationwide. He further urged Tinubu to resign over the economic situation, insisting that Nigerians deserved more sustainable relief than a temporary fuel discount ahead of the 2027 general election.

Fresh anti-migrant violence in South Africa has left at least 24 vehicles burnt and foreign-owned shops looted during clashes in Soweto and Durban. The unrest followed protests against the country’s asylum application process, with tensions escalating after allegations that a foreign national assaulted a protester in Durban. Police arrested three foreign nationals over the alleged assault and fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters demanding the closure of a refugee reception centre, while gunshots were reported during confrontations in Soweto.

The violence followed a court ruling that allowed asylum seekers to apply for protection regardless of how they entered South Africa, overwhelming refugee reception offices with applicants. The Home Affairs Department announced plans to adjust its implementation of the ruling while maintaining compliance with the court’s decision. The renewed attacks have raised concerns about the safety of African migrants, with Nigeria repatriating about 2,000 citizens from South Africa this year. Nigeria and Ghana have also urged the African Union to address what they described as Afrophobia in the country.

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