US Congress Debates Trump's War Powers Amid Iran Conflict
So some lawmakers now want to reassert the role of Congress, which under the US constitution is the only body that can declare war. –This issue of whether there was an imminent threat from Iran is at the heart of the debate over the war that Trump has now begun with Israel. At a news conference Monday, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth used the word “war” to describe the conflict with Iran, not just a limited military intervention. The 1973 War Powers Act states that Trump must now obtain permission from Congress if he wants to keep fighting beyond a 60-day time limit. Republican congressman Thomas Massie, one of few in Trump’s camp that speaks out regularly to challenge him, condemned the Iran war on Saturday.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 20:34 UTC
One dead as Nigerian tugboat sinks in South Africa
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Photo: Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu via X, July 2025South African authorities have confirmed the rescue of 12 crew members from a Nigerian tugboat that sank off the country’s coast late Saturday night, with one person confirmed dead and five others still missing. The tugboat, identified as LEO, was said to have had 18 persons on board. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed on Monday that the South African Ministry of Transportation had formally notified Nigerian authorities of the incident. “The South Africa Ministry of Transportation informed us of this development.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 20:10 UTC
Oil & Gas Prices Surge Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions
Global oil and gas prices climbed sharply on Monday as Iran continued missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in retaliation for ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel, raising fears of wider disruption to energy supplies. As reported by the BBC, natural gas prices spiked by nearly 50 per cent after state-owned QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas production following alleged military attacks on its facilities. In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, Aramco temporarily shut down its major oil refinery at Ras Tanura after it was hit by a drone. A senior official at the refinery confirmed the development to The PUNCH, noting that the adjustment followed recent volatility in global crude oil prices. Five energy experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday, warned that Nigeria could witness further increases in petrol and diesel prices if crude oil prices climb above $90 per barrel.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 19:17 UTC
'Punch the monkey' makes an appearance on 'SNL' Weekend Update
To close out Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update, Colin Jost introduced the night's final guest: Punch the monkey's mom. It was Sarah Sherman, in a bikini-fitted monkey costume, who portrayed the absentee mama as a trailer-trash harlot. Sherman's "Mama Punch" immediately clarified that she didn’t abandon Punch-kun under tragic circumstances — she simply didn't want him. From there, the segment unfolded exactly how any Sarah Sherman Weekend Update appearance does. Then Punch-kun himself showed up, played by Marcello Hernández, whose sheer cuteness cracked Sherman immediately.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:43 UTC
FG blames technical hitch for February salaries delay
The Federal Government has blamed a technical hitch for the delay in the payment of February salaries to treasury-funded workers, announcing that disbursement had commenced nationwide. In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation said it had started paying affected workers after resolving the issue that disrupted the schedule. “The Office explained that the delay in the payment of the February 2026 salaries was due to a technical hitch, and it has been tackled, and necessary measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.”The clarification followed concerns among federal workers over the late payment of their February salaries, which are typically credited before the end of the month. The OAGF also disclosed progress on outstanding wage awards, stating that part of the arrears had been cleared. The unions accused the government of withholding funds meant for workers, alleging that relevant agencies were prepared to process payments once the Ministry of Finance released the required funds.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:35 UTC
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Nigeria: ICPC Lists Seized Items in El-Rufai Raid
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has listed electronic devices alleged to be capable of intercepting telephone communications and sensitive security documents among items seized during a search of the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the agency says in court filings. According to an affidavit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, ICPC operatives …
Source:The Guardian
March 02, 2026 17:33 UTC
US issues security alert to citizens in Nigeria over Iran hostilities
Protestors hold portraits of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as they gather to protest against the US and Israel attack of Iran and the killing of the Supreme leader in front of Israel Consulate in Istanbul on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)The United States government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria following escalating hostilities between the US and Iran. In a statement on Monday, the US authorities warned Americans abroad to remain vigilant in the wake of ongoing military operations involving Iran. Department of State Security Updates for US Citizens’ WhatsApp channel for further information. He also called on Iranian citizens to take control of their government once military operations were concluded.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 17:19 UTC
‘Uncomfortable truth’ about Punch the monkey’s heartbreaking story going viral
A psychologist has discussed the 'uncomfortable truth' about Punch the monkey’s heartbreaking story going viral. The psychologist addressed the 'selective empathy' discourse regarding Punch's story (Anadolu / Contributor / Getty Images)Another commented: "Humans are so performative. "On selective empathy, I do not think most people care more about animals than humans," Dannielle said. That is why it hits so hard, so fast, and why it spreads," Dannielle explained, noting that there is also an 'uncomfortable truth' at bay too. The psychologist made sure to note that welfare varies widely between zoos, and not every animal shows these behaviours.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 16:40 UTC
Police Council Confirms Olatunji Disu as Substantive IG
The National Police Council has unanimously endorsed the appointment of Olatunji Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police. “Yes, they have unanimously endorsed Disu as IGP,” Onanuga saidPUNCH Online reports that Monday’s gathering began at about 2:15 pm when Tinubu arrived at the Council Chamber. The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment. “The Police Council Meeting is on Monday,” one of the sources said. Disu, 59, has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on Wednesday following Egbetokun’s exit.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 16:23 UTC
Executive order: FG begins direct remittance of oil revenues to FAAC
The Federal Government has commenced the implementation of Executive Order 9 of 2026, which mandates the direct remittance of oil revenues to the Federation Account Allocation Committee. This followed the directive of President Bola Tinubu on the remittance to FAAC and the inaugural meeting of the implementation committee for the executive order. “For this reason, the Committee approved a defined transition period for the operationalisation of direct payments by contractors of profit oil, royalty oil, and tax oil into the Federation Account. During the transition period, the Committee will issue clear, standardised guidance to ensure an orderly changeover,” the statement added. The minister added that the committee would continue to provide coordinated guidance and timely updates as implementation progresses.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 14:44 UTC
Israel PM Netanyahu’s office targeted, says Iran Guards
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Mondaythat their missile attacks have targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli air force commander. “The office of the criminal prime minister of the Zionist regime and the headquarters of the regime’s air force commander were targeted,” the Guards said in a statement carried by Fars news agency. It said Kheibar missiles were used in the attack. Meanwhile, Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, appointed Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnelreza as acting defence minister after his predecessor was killed in Israeli-US strikes. “By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister,” said deputy for presidential communications Mehdi Tabatabaei in a post on X.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 13:21 UTC
Iranian drone hits UK military base runway in Cyprus
An Iranian drone hit the runway of a UK military base in Cyprus on Monday, prompting the EU to vow solid backing for member states as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran spread. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said that just after midnight (2200 GMT), “a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the military facilities of the British Bases in Akrotiri, causing minor material damage”. Our homeland does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation,” Christodoulides said earlier. Britain agreed on Sunday to allow the United States to use British military bases to fire “defensive” strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and their launchers. The Royal Air Force Akrotiri base is a British overseas territory near the southern coastal city of Limassol.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 12:44 UTC
Several US warplanes crashed in Kuwait, defence ministry says
Motorists drive along a street as smoke rises from a reported Iranian strike in the area where the US Embassy is located in Kuwait City on March 2, 2026. Black smoke was seen rising from the US embassy in Kuwait City on March 2 after the latest volley of Iranian strikes, an AFP correspondent saw. (Photo by AFP)Several American warplanes crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning, but their crew survived, Kuwait’s defence ministry said, as Iran pressed on with a third day of strikes in the Gulf. “Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived,” a defence ministry spokesman said in a statement, adding that the cause was under investigation.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 11:14 UTC
Adeshina Wins Historic Big 12 High Jump Hat-Trick
Texas Tech high jumper, Temitope Adeshina, says she was spurred to win a third consecutive Big 12 indoor conference title by her rivalry with Kansas State jumper Sharie Enoe, who finished second in the final, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Adeshina secured her third straight Big 12 indoor high jump crown after clearing 1.96m on Friday, equalling the second-best mark in her school’s history. In doing so, she became the first woman in Big 12 history to win three consecutive indoor high jump titles since Rylee Anderson achieved the feat between 2021 and 2023. She currently holds the NCAA’s top high jump mark of 1.96m, which ranks fourth globally. She first cleared 1.97m at the NCAA Championships in June 2024 before equalling the mark at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships last season to qualify for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Source:Punch
March 02, 2026 09:46 UTC