On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
By Abioye Tosin Lawrence
Orion Times — March 2, 2026
Tehran / Global: The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has formally declared that pursuing retaliation after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not only a legitimate right but a moral duty of the nation.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media on Sunday, President Pezeshkian described the assassination, attributed to joint military strikes by the United States and Israel as a “historic crime” that demands a firm and decisive response. He said the government and all patriotic Iranians will work to ensure justice and accountability.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers avenging the perpetrators and those who ordered this crime, both a duty and a legitimate right, and will devote all its strength to fulfilling this great responsibility,” Pezeshkian said.
An Escalation of Regional Tensions
The death of Ayatollah Khamenei, a central figure in Iran’s political and religious leadership for decades, has triggered a serious escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
In the hours following the attack:
Iranian military units, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, launched a series of retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the Gulf region.
Tehran publicly vowed to use “force the world has never seen” against those it holds responsible, including Washington and Tel Aviv.
These actions have resulted in the temporary closure of airspace in several Gulf countries, disrupting international travel and raising fears of broader conflict.
Global Reactions and Diplomatic Strain
Governments around the world have reacted with concern. Several foreign ministries have urged restraint from all sides, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region and endanger global security.
Analysts say the situation presents a complex geopolitical challenge:
Regional allies and rivals are reassessing their positions amid rising uncertainty.
Global powers are weighing diplomatic, economic, and military risks as tensions threaten to widen.
Some experts suggest that Iran’s call for vengeance reflects both a domestic political imperative and a strategic move to assert strength in the face of external pressure.
What This Means Moving Forward
The coming days could shape the future of Middle Eastern security and influence international relations for years to come. Key questions now include:
Will diplomatic channels be able to contain the conflict?
How will allied nations respond to Iran’s vow of retaliation?
What impact will the instability have on global energy markets and regional alliances?
For now, the world watches as Iran stands firm on its stance that revenge, in this context, is both a country’s right and its duty.
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