Today’s Headlines: You’re the Egypt Nigerians Won’t Return To — Atiku; Close Up Your Borders — Trump

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his comments on fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the president has failed to appreciate the economic difficulties Nigerians are facing.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made his position known in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

The criticism followed Tinubu’s comparison of calls for fuel subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt. Atiku argued that the president’s remarks showed little understanding of the hardship caused by rising fuel prices.

According to Atiku, Tinubu appeared to celebrate the removal of the subsidy as an achievement without adequately considering its impact on ordinary citizens.

He maintained that higher fuel costs have placed additional pressure on households, particularly those struggling to afford food, transportation and other essential needs.

Atiku also argued that Nigerians should not be lectured about accepting economic policies that have made daily life more difficult. He used the Egypt reference to accuse the president of ignoring the concerns of citizens seeking relief from rising living costs.

The disagreement highlights the continuing political debate over fuel subsidy removal and the government’s economic reforms. While the administration has defended its decisions as necessary policy changes, opposition figures have continued to question their effects on the population.

United States President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for unrest in France, urging European countries and French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen border controls.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Monday, Trump maintained that immigration was responsible for the protests and violence reported in parts of France. His comments followed similar remarks he made the previous day.

Trump said he had previously warned Macron that allowing large numbers of people to enter the country could create serious problems. He urged the French leader to reconsider the country’s approach to immigration.

The protests reportedly began amid public frustration over rising prices and later developed into violent confrontations in Paris and other French cities.

Trump’s remarks have again brought immigration policy into the spotlight, particularly as European governments face debates over border security, migration and the economic pressures affecting residents.

However, his comments reflect his own assessment of the unrest, and the reported demonstrations also involved concerns about living costs.

Bangladesh has requested an explanation from Saudi Arabia following the execution of two Bangladeshi citizens in Mecca.

The man and woman were executed last Wednesday after being convicted of an offence described by Saudi authorities as an indecent act inside a mosque. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry did not publicly provide further details about the specific conduct involved.

Officials in Dhaka said Bangladesh had not been informed of the death sentences before the executions took place.

The government is seeking information about the alleged offence, the judicial process and the circumstances surrounding the cases. Its next steps will depend partly on the explanation provided by Saudi authorities.

The development has raised questions about communication between the two countries regarding the legal treatment of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.

China has criticised a United States government decision to prohibit federal agencies from using artificial intelligence products developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek.

Beijing argued that the restrictions went too far in the name of national security, as competition between the two countries over artificial intelligence continues to intensify.

The US Department of Homeland Security announced restrictions covering DeepSeek products and certain third-party tools developed using its technology, citing concerns about the potential exposure of sensitive information to China.

The dispute reflects wider tensions between Washington and Beijing over technological competition, data protection and national security.

As both countries invest heavily in artificial intelligence, restrictions on technology developed by foreign companies are becoming an increasingly important part of their broader strategic rivalry.

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