The U.S. National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, has warned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to refrain from making disparaging remarks about U.S. President Donald Trump.

Waltz issued this warning on Friday as pressure mounted on Zelensky to negotiate mineral rights in exchange for Washington’s continued support in defending Ukraine against Russia.

Tensions between Trump and Zelensky over the proposed mineral deal—which Kyiv has rejected—as well as Washington’s outreach to Moscow, have escalated this week, with both leaders exchanging sharp criticisms at press conferences and on social media.

Zelensky has accused Trump of succumbing to Russian disinformation, while Trump, in turn, has blamed Zelensky for the war and labeled him a dictator who refuses to hold elections.

“Some of the rhetoric coming out of Kyiv, frankly, and insults to President Trump were unacceptable.

President Trump is obviously very frustrated right now with President Zelensky—the fact that he hasn’t come to the table, that he hasn’t been willing to take this opportunity that we have offered,” Waltz said.

Ekwutosblog reports that the United States remains a crucial financial and military supporter of Ukraine. However, Trump has unsettled Kyiv and its European allies by initiating talks with Moscow, which they fear could result in a settlement favorable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The dispute has become personal, with Trump falsely claiming that Zelensky is unpopular among Ukrainians, while Zelensky has countered by accusing Trump of operating within a Russian disinformation narrative.

Tech tycoon and Trump supporter Elon Musk weighed in on Thursday, asserting that Ukrainians despise their president and backing Trump’s decision to exclude Zelensky from discussions with Russia.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Zelensky stated on Thursday that he had a productive meeting with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reacted after former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), admitted the late Chief MKO Abiola was the winner of the June 12, 1993 election.

IBB made the admission during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, on Thursday.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.

“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch,” IBB said.

Obi, who was present at the event, wrote on his verified X account: “Today, I had the gracious honour of attending the launch of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s long-awaited autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

“IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship and private sector growth remain immeasurable.

“Under his leadership, Nigeria witnessed substantial growth, particularly in the financial sector. He played a key role in fostering a united and equitable Nigeria, and economic landscape, ensuring policies that strengthened national cohesion and economic development.

“Documenting such experiences is a welcome development, as it allows us to learn from those who have served and left a lasting impact on the nation. I look forward to reading this book, which undoubtedly holds valuable lessons. As someone committed to continuous learning, I will always align myself with knowledge drawn from documented experiences and historical records as well as contributing to the legacy library.

“Two Key Takeaways from the Keynote Address and IBB comment on the 1993 election.

“The 1st is the keynote Speaker’s notable quotation in French, “Rien n’a changé” meaning “Nothing much has changed.” In the case of Nigeria, we are worse off than we were during IBB’s era. Using our contemporary peers as a benchmark, when IBB left office in 1992, countries like Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ghana were all in the low Human Development Index (HDI) category—just like Nigeria. Today, however, these nations have advanced to medium and high HDI levels, while Nigeria remains in the low HDI category, having either stagnated or declined.

“The Keynote speaker’s comment that Ghana has remained a truly democratic country for the past 30 years, with leadership transitions that reflect the genuine votes of the people. Unlike Nigeria, where electoral outcomes often fail to reflect the people’s will, Ghana has witnessed instances where ruling party candidates conceded defeat, respecting democracy in its truest form.

“Lastly of the most profound moments of the event was IBB’s admission that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12 election. This acknowledgement is a step toward national healing, unity and progress of our nation.

“I hope that one day, other key players in Nigeria’s democracy will find the courage to recognize the true winners of past elections, allowing our nation to tell its story with honesty and reflection.”

Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Thursday grounded the plenary over her seat that was changed without her consent.

Ekwutosblog reports that the plenary which was being presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, was midway into proceedings when the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order.

Monguno drew the attention of the Senate President to “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s improper seating position of the lawmaker.”

Monguno, had hardly concluded a point of order before Natasha engaged in a shouting melee before she was surrounded by the Sergeant-AtArms in a bid to excuse her from the plenary.

Amid the confusion, the Senate President’s attempt to calm nerves was bluffed as the female lawmaker insisted to know, “reasons why her seat was changed without her consent.”

The chaos was controlled after the public address systems were shut and normalcy was restored afterwards.