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NUJ condemns arrest of AFP journalist, demands replacement of damaged camera

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, has condemned in strong terms the unlawful arrest and assault of an Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist, Mr John Okunyomih, by security operatives during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the Secretary of the Council, Jide Oyekunle, described the arrest and harassment of the journalist as “a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to democratic principles.”

Okunyomih was reportedly manhandled by armed soldiers and policemen who were deployed to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. The security agents also damaged his professional camera and other equipment while he was covering the protest near the Unity Fountain.

The statement demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Dantawaye Miller to identify and sanction the officers responsible for the assault.

“The harassment of journalists performing their legitimate duty is unacceptable. Security agents must be reminded that journalists are not enemies of the state but partners in nation-building,” the statement said.

He further urged the authorities to replace the journalist’s damaged camera and other work tools, stressing that such compensation would serve as a deterrent against future attacks on media professionals.

The NUJ FCT Council also reiterated its call on security agencies to respect the rights of journalists to freely cover public events without intimidation, in line with constitutional guarantees and international press freedom standards.

“While we acknowledge that he has been released, we demand that his camera and other gadgets that were damaged by the gun toting armed policemen be replaced with immediate effect.

“We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to call his officers to order and be civil in dealing with journalists performing their statutory duty,” the statement concluded.

Hearts and Roses holds cancer awareness in Owerri

…Eulogizes  Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, others for support

The wife of the Imo State Governor Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma has described Hearts and Roses Cancer Advocacy Foundation as a beacon of hope and source of inspiration in the battle against cancer and related diseases especially those affecting women and the  girl-child.

This is even as Imolites have thrown their weight behind the Hearts and Roses Cancer Advocacy Foundation established by breast cancer survivor and wife of the Vice Chancellor of the Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Dr. Chinomso Patricia Dozie.

The streets from Bank Road through the ever-busy Douglas and Wetheral Roads were completely filled as men, women and children came out in their hundreds to march against all forms of cancer.

Speaking at the end of the ‘Not just a walk, it’s a movement’ exercise held in commemoration of 2025 Pink October, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Chinomso Patricia Dozie said the First Lady of the State would have been present to flag off the exercise but for reasons of exigency.

According to her, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma was enthusiastic about the programme and had given her words of encouragement and support, even as she described the movement aimed at bringing awareness to the doorsteps of Imolites that cancer is no longer a death sentence.

She explained that the awareness walk which held on Saturday was to bring all and sundry to the fact that cancer is not limited to religion, age and gender and that early detection is key to survival.

Dr. Dozie said October was chosen as it is the Breast Cancer awareness month worldwide and that the colours worn for the movement was in consonance with the Pink October exercise, adding that even though the Foundation was relatively young, it has impacted on lives through free mammogram for hundreds of women for breast cancer screening and prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening for men.

She called on philanthropic individuals and Corporate Organizations to find ways of partnering with the Foundation so that the message that cancer is not a death sentence will reach the nooks and crannies of Imo in order to save lives.

Dr. Raluchi Emeka Obi, a participant urged women to ensure that they check themselves regularly and that the Hearts and Roses Cancer Advocacy Foundation had done a good thing by embarking on the awareness campaign against the disease.

She insisted that the Foundation will not be able to carry the message to all and sundry without assistance and called on the government and public- spirited individuals to partner with the Foundation for a better and proactive outreach programmes.

The Vice Chancellor of the Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Professor Ikechukwu Dozie, who is the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees expressed joy at being able to participate in the awareness exercise and confirmed that the Foundation was poised to break more grounds in the overall interest of humanity.

He further said aside from government, corporate organizations should also see how they can play a role by sponsoring the free mammogram and prostate screening tests, insisting that having a survivor championing the Foundation gives credence to the fact that cancer is not a death sentence after all.

The major highlight of the awareness walk was the distribution of flyers and awareness wrist bands to citizens of Imo State along the various routes, while officials from the Imo State Police Command, the Road Safety and Special Marshalls maintained orderliness on the busy roads.

Imo Deputy Governor mourns as aunt is buried

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady (Dr) Chinyere Ekomaru has mourned the demise of her beloved aunt, late Deaconess Blessing Kelechi Orakwue (née Okoka), whose remains was laid to rest on Saturday, at Asaba, Delta State.

Speaking sorrowfully at the event, the Deputy Governor urged everyone to live a selfless and purposeful life, stressing that no one knows what tomorrow holds. She expressed gratitude to the pastors and all who came to sympathise with her family, noting that the loss, though painful, must be borne with fortitude.

“You will always be in our hearts, and we love you, but God loves you more,” she said.

It will be recalled that late Deaconess Orakwue, who passed on at the age of 63, built an illustrious career in the education sector. She served dedicatedly at the Governor’s Office in Benin City before transferring to the Delta State Ministry of Education, where she rose through the ranks.

After 35 years of meritorious service, she retired and returned to the University of Benin, Edo State, where she obtained her PhD. Her passion for knowledge led her to join the Delta State University, Abraka, as a lecturer, a position she held until her passing.

The funeral attracted family members, top government functionaries, including the deputy governor of Delta State, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Chris Osakwe, Staff of Office of the deputy governor, Imo State, led by the Principal Secretary (Covering Duty) Pastor Chris Akushie, friends, and well-wishers, who paid glowing tributes to the late academic and Christian leader, describing her as a woman of virtue, faith, and unwavering dedication to the service of God.

Nnamdi Kanu: ‘Illegal, unacceptable’ – Amnesty on disruption of protests

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned in strong terms reports of security forces attempting to suppress peaceful demonstrations in Abuja, where protesters are demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement on its verified X handle yesterday, it stated that any attempt to undermine freedom of assembly is illegal and reflects an unacceptable intolerance of peaceful protest.

The organisation called for an immediate end to the crackdown and urged authorities to address the protesters’ grievances.

“Amnesty International receives disturbing reports of attempts to crackdown on peaceful protests held in Abuja, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“People must be allowed to freely exercise their right to peaceful protest. Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria police, while defending its use of tear gas, also dismissed the report that it blocked the road, saying its men only cleared the area after protesters obstructed traffic.

In a statement via his X handle on Monday, the Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police’ action was in line with a subsisting court order restricting demonstrations in certain parts of the city.

“Police teargas protesters attempting to approach Aso Villa in clear contravention of a court order restricting protesters from the Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way.

“We are the country’s foremost law enforcement agency. We carried out our mandate.

“And we did NOT block the road but cleared it after it was blocked by the protesters. This is to enable other Nigerians easy passage to their respective destinations,” Hundeyin wrote.

Protest: Security operatives fired live bullets at us – Sowore

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused security operatives of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Sowore made this known yesterday in an interview on ‘The Morning Brief’, a programme on Channels Television.

He alleged that security forces opened fire shortly after the protest began at the front of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

He also confirmed that some individuals were arrested during the incident, including Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother and his lawyer, who were allegedly beaten before being taken to the Nigeria Police Force FCT Command.

“Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, and some live bullets were fired. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us,” he said.

INEC sets PVC collection, mock accreditation ahead of Anambra gov poll

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced dates for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards and a mock accreditation exercise ahead of the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election.

In a statement signed by its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, yesterday, INEC said PVC collection for voters who registered during the recent Continuous Voter Registration exercise will run from Wednesday, October 22 to Sunday, October 26, 2025.

The Commission urged all eligible voters to collect their PVCs at their respective Registration Areas, stressing that collection must be done in person, as no proxy collection will be permitted.

INEC described the exercise as crucial for voters intending to participate in the upcoming governorship election, urging them to seize the opportunity to obtain their cards. The Commission also announced a mock accreditation exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of Anambra State.

The exercise, according to INEC, will test the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, assess its efficiency, and evaluate the process of uploading results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal ahead of the main election.

Selected polling units include Anambra Central: Awka South (Amawbia II – Igwédimma Primary School I & II), Idemili North (Nkpor II – Ububa Village Square, Ifeadigo Hall), Anambra North: Oyi (Nteje III & IV – Girls Secondary School, State Primary School), Anambra East (Aguleri II – Central School, Umunoke Public Square I) and Anambra South: Aguata (Ekwulobia I & II – Central School, Urban Girls Secondary School), Orumba North (Ajalli I – Primary School, RCM KDT School)

INEC encouraged voters in these areas to participate in the mock accreditation, saying their feedback would help fine-tune operational and technological processes before the election.

Reaffirming its commitment to operational efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder confidence, INEC assured that adequate measures were being taken to ensure a smooth and credible governorship election in Anambra state.

The November 8 governorship election in Anambra State will mark the end of Governor Charles Soludo’s first term under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

The keenly contested poll will feature major political parties, including the Labour Party, the All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party and APGA, all battling for control of the strategic South-East state, widely seen as Peter Obi’s political stronghold.

Anambra Guber: They’ve written election results, they will not succeed – Soludo alleges

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, on Monday warned against election rigging during the November 8 governorship election in the state.

Soludo disclosed this while alleging that some opposition have written election results ahead of next months polls.

Speaking during his campaign rally in Akwa, the governor warned that those who have written election results will not get away with.

According to Soludo: “We don’t want election that is mago mago, Our opponents, one of them, they know that they cannot win their polling unit, the only thing they are planning, they are planning that they already have the result sheet to write the election results.

“We will hear this ever, we are waiting for them, let them finish writing. Whether they said that they are targeting seven local governments, some say none local governments, some say 13 local governments, where they said that they would write the results and bring them in, we will be waiting for them and be clapping for them on that day to write the results and bring it.

“Is it going to happen in Anambra? Nobody has ever done that. If you do that successfully and leave Anambra, we will give you an award, not in Anambra, not here.

“This is not their land, It’s a fortress. A people determined, organized, no force on earth can thwart their will.

“And these people, they organized, they said they have written the results. They are going to import thousands of thugs into Anambra to be able to thwart the people.”

NMA demands speedy implementation of Abia medical workers’ retirement age

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA Abia State branch has called on the State government to ensure that its policy on retirement age of Doctors and other health workers from 60 to 65 years, is implemented without further delay.

The Chairman of NMA, Abia State, Dr Ezuruike Ezinwa who made the call on Monday, during a press conference heralding Physicians’ week 2025, regretted that many of his members retired without benefitting from the policy.

Dr Ezinwa who was flanked by other executive members of the association, said that allowing experienced members of the NMA to retire without benefitting due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, takes away the best hands from the system and affect quality of medical services.

While appreciating the Abia State government for meeting the Abuja declaration of 15% annual budget on health and for renovations of Primary health care centres, NMA said that such health centres must be equipped with qualified and experienced staff.

It requested that the ongoing employment of 771 health workers should be merit -based, so that unqualified people who may endanger peoples lives are not employed.

“We urge that this recruitment process be based on merit as we can not afford to toil with the Abia citizens”, said Dr Ezuruike Ezinwa.

He regretted that healthy life expectancy in Nigeria is about 55 years, and said that health workers’ density is less than half the WHO minimum.

The Abia NMA which called for strategic investment in health where policies should move from paper to practice, evidence -based, disclosed that maternal deaths are above 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live birth.

Terrorists ambush soldiers in Borno, kill battalion commander

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of the Commanding Officer of the 202 Tank Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, along with several soldiers, following a fierce confrontation with Boko Haram insurgents in the Kashimri area of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Major Appolonia Anele, troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled a planned terrorist attack but suffered heavy casualties in the process.

“Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade, on October 17, 2025, thwarted an attempted assault by Boko Haram terrorists around the Kashimri general area.

“Unfortunately, the encounter came at a cost, as the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Saidu Paiko, and a few other gallant soldiers paid the supreme price,” the statement read.

She wasn’t like this – Senator Nwoko finally opens up, accuses Regina Daniels of drug abuse

Major Anele explained that the troops engaged the insurgents in intense combat, neutralising several fighters and destroying multiple terrorist hideouts in the region.

The operation, she said, prevented what could have been a devastating attack on civilians and critical infrastructure.

“The troops’ bravery frustrated the terrorists’ plans to disrupt peace and socio-economic activities in Bama and surrounding communities.

Some of the fleeing terrorists sustained gunshot wounds as our forces maintained operational dominance,” she added.

The Army spokesperson described the fallen officers as heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the sovereignty and stability of Nigeria, assuring that their legacies would never be forgotten.

“The Nigerian Army deeply mourns these courageous men. Their sacrifices embody the spirit of service and patriotism.

“We will continue to honour their memory as we intensify efforts to eradicate terrorism from our nation,” Major Anele stated.

She further noted that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, describing them as “fathers, brothers, and sons who showed exceptional courage in the face of danger.”

Oluyede reaffirmed the military’s unwavering resolve to sustain the offensive against all terrorist elements until lasting peace is achieved in the North-East and across the country.

The Army also urged the public and media outlets to refrain from circulating images of the fallen soldiers until their next of kin have been properly informed, in order to preserve their dignity and respect their families’ privacy.

Uzodimma: Human capital development specialist – Lady Ekomaru

By Jude Onyenedogha

The Deputy Governor of Imo state, Lady Chinyere  Ekomaru has described Governor Hope Uzodimma as a human capital development specialist.

The deputy governor made this assertion on Tuesday, at the Government House, Owerri, when welcoming, on behalf of the governor, members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria to her office.

She noted that developing people with skills makes them self reliant, hence the Governor has made it one of his priorities.

The deputy governor who was delighted to receive the group, assured them of Imo State Government’s commitment to workers development and wellbeing.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma understands the needs of the people at all times. He knows that workers welfare brings out workers’ commitment and increased output.

“This informs why he renovated the Imo State Secretariate, making comfortable, the working conditions of Imo civil servants.

“Workers in Imo civil service are paid promptly, have access to free healthcare insurance, free transport to and from work and receive the highest salary in the country and are regularly sponsored on refresher courses and digital trainings.

“They formed part of the recent SkillUp Imo cohort 3 graduands on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

“The recent increase of Imo state civil servants minimum wage from 70,000 to 104,000 is unprecedented and was only possible because Governor Hope Uzodimma is an agent of workers’ welfare and motivation.

“Apart from the civil servants, Imo youths are not left out, the SkillUp Imo programme has equipped and empowered more than 40,000 Imo youths on Digital Skills, according them numerous employment opportunities in the digital world.

“Many Imo indigenes and residents are appointees of the Governor who mentors them on transparent and honest leadership through total commitment to assigned responsibilities.

“Presently, the Governor is constructing a Digital Village in Imo state, which will make Imo the digital hub of Nigeria”, the Deputy Governor stated.

She noted however, that human resource management is a herculean task, while urging the group to intensify effort in their operations, creating awareness and building capacity.

She regretted the decay in ethics and standards among Nigerian workers in several sectors and advised that efforts should be made to avoid a total collapse, remarking that seasoned personnel are retiring from the system without efficient replacements.

“Many do not believe in hardwork again, rather, seek for avenues to cut corners that will make them overnight millionaires”, the Deputy Governor said.

While commending the Personnel managers for their efforts and commitment, she also advised they help design a sustainable programme for workers’ training and discipline.

The Deputy Governor assured the group of the readiness of Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Government of Imo state to partner with them in working out  possible template to reinvigorate commitment among personnel across board.

She promised to convey some of the group’s request to the Governor for necessary action and also expressed her willingness to joining their reputable group as requested.

The leader of the group, Dr (Mrs) Ogochukwu Egbuonu,  the National Treasurer, who represented the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan, in her address earlier, thanked the Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma for the great work he is doing in the state, especially on the SkillUp Imo programme. She also expressed her gratitude to the Deputy Governor for not only assisting the Governor but for granting them a warm reception.

Dr. Egbuonu said their visit is a reaffirmation of partnership, progress and purpose, saying that the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) is the only regulatory body chartered by law to regulate and develop the practice of human resource management in Nigeria, boasting of about 20,0000 members spread across public and private sector in Nigeria, as well as United Kingdom (UK), Canada and United States of America.

She beckoned on Governor Hope Uzodimma and his Deputy Governor Chinyere Ekomaru to join the group, opining that ” Governor Hope Uzodimma is a leader of leaders”.

She further said, “as the drivers of governance and human capital in Imo State, Your Excellencies embody the very essence of what CIPM stands for: leadership, innovation and impact through people.

“Your recent initiative, where Imo state boosted entrepreneurship by graduating 10,000 youths through Digital SkillUp Programme, is a powerful testament to your visionary leadership and your unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation”.

World Cerebral Palsy Day; parents shares testimonies of how TSCF treat, help them overcome their pains

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

It was a moment of joy, hope and commendations as parents who have children with Cerebral Palsy CP thanked The Straight Child Foundation TSCF, Umuahia, Abia for the free treatment rendered to their children, adding that they were hopeless but TSCF revived their hope.

This was made known by parents, caregivers, and care providers during the CP, Parents support group meeting held to mark the 2025 World Cerebral Palsy Day at TSCF centre, World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.

The parents mostly mothers with their children gave testimonies one after the other, the hopeless situation they found themselves have given birth to children with Cerebral Palsy and how, “The Straight Child Foundation” came to their rescue and today their children are doing well.

Speaking, Mrs Naomi Nnennaya said before she joined The Straight Child Foundation her daughter Eberechi cannot work despite the fact that she had reached the age of working, noting that through the Foundation her daughter was operated and with physiotherapy she started working. She said that her only regret was that she was driven from school but that TSCF did a lot for the progress of her child.

Speaking also, Mrs Ngozi Eze said she was naive about what Celebra Palsy was all about and attributed the condition to spiritual attack. She said all changed when she came across with TSCF.

“I must confess, moving about with such children can be shameful, people look at you and shake their heads in pity. All this came to an end when I discovered the TSCF, they made us see reasons why we should be proud of such children, I overcome my shame and started bringing my child for treatment now we are seeing alot of progress”.

Chinyere Ihefor said she was lost to the condition of her child, she also said she was told by people that it was a spiritual problem and was so difficult moving around with him. She said when she got to know of the TSCF and started bringing him for treatment she began to see other children with various degree of CP and with what they were thought she got to know that it was an health issue. She said she was happy the way her son was aspected and immediately they commenced treatment on him.

Speaking, Mrs Nwaugo Ihediwa, Mrs Christy Onyedi , Mrs Chinaza Okonkwo and Mrs Ikechukwu all appreciated TSCF for the vision in the care for children with Cerebral Palsy, adding that most often because of the pain such children caused them, they loss afection for them, but through TSCF they now know the cause and how to care for the children better.

They said another good thing about the Foundation apart of the free  treatment, they also provide food item and opportunity for the children to relax.

Address the audience, the Child Program Manager, Mr Chidi Asimobi said with the various testimonies it shows that their efforts are bringing out fruit and not in vain. He said that it is obvious that the children are making progress reminding them that despite their condition their children are unique.

Contributing, Dr Peace Amaraegbulem, a therapist told the parents and caregivers to be advocate of the Foundation, he reminded them on the need to always bring their children to Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia and the TSCF at the stipulated days for the therapy of their children. She also reminded that the Foundation takes care of children with club foot

Children with Cerebral Palsy in a group photograph with parents and staff of “The Straight Child Foundation”, TSCF

Job advertisement; MOUAU warns desperate job seekers against fraudsters, employment racketeers

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU Umuahia, Abia State, who recently advertised for teaching/academic and non-teaching staff positions has warned the public to be weary of employment racketeers, and those poised to use the name of the vice chancellor to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
Ubadire Agua, Ph.D, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the university stated this through a press release, adding that on Friday, October 10, 2025 the job opportunity was advertised in two national newspapers, namely: the Guardian and Punch.
He revealed that in the advertisement, interested and suitably qualified members of the public were invited to apply for available positions through a web link dedicated for the process. He noted that the process of application is entirely online.
“Since the application portal became active, some members of the public have started contacting people they know within and outside the University, to seek their support and assistance in securing jobs in the University. In fact, people are begining to ask questions about how much money it could cost to secure jobs in the University.
“While we appreciate the robust interest members of the public have shown in starting or continuing their careers in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, it is important to alert them to beware of employment racketeers, whose stock in trade is to seize every opportunity to defraud unsuspecting job seekers.
“For the records and before lying lips and rumour mills become active and start spreading lies, we hereby state categorically that employment in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike is not for sale and there are no slots of employment reserved or allocated to any person or group of persons in the process.
“The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, has never and will never demand financial or any form of gratification from anybody in the discharge of his duties in public service.
“The public is hereby put on alert to be ready and willing to resist, refuse and expose any person or group of persons who may present himself/herself or themselves as agent/s of the Vice-Chancellor and demand financial or any other form of inducement for the purpose of securing employment in MOUAU”. The institution PRO disclosed.
He further warned the public that any job seeker who offers money to anybody in the name of the Vice-Chancellor or indeed any member of his Management team will be arrested and prosecuted for corruption.
“Similarly, any staff of the University who is found to be involved in any act that is capable of tarnishing the good image of the Vice-Chancellor and reputation of the University, as far as the employment process is concerned, will face the full weight of the disciplinary actions of the University. To be forewarned is to be forearmed’. The University image maker reiterated.

PDP govs running away from mess they created – Dickson

Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa) has accused Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, including his successor, of running away from the mess they created and decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dickson said this in response to the news that his State Governor and successor, Duoye Diri and some political leaders in the state ditched the PDP to join APC.

The federal lawmaker also used the occasion to state that being in opposition does not mean rejecting everything brought by the ruling party.

He said this while declaring support for President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as new Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said: “I am where I have been. I am where I am. I don’t believe that Nigeria should be a one-party state. And as a soldier of democracy, I’m used to the ups and downs of democratic practices and democratic life and political life especially. And I’m still as constant as a northern star.“Steadfast in the Peoples Democratic Party and working with my colleagues and friends to ensure that problems in the party are solved.

“I hope that the governors and the leadership working committee who created this mess in our party, all of them, and who instead of showing leadership, have created this mess and ensured that it has persisted for this long.

“And they are the ones now bailing out after creating the problem that they could not solve or refused to solve. It’s very sad. Very, very sad. It’s making Nigeria look small and making our country’s democracy look ridiculous.

“We don’t really know what they are pursuing or what is pursuing them. But whatever it is, it belittles our democracy and endangers our multi-party democracy.”

He further said, “I believe in a multi-party Nigeria. A plural Nigeria can only thrive on a plural democratic environment. That’s what has happened.

“But on the specifics of Bayelsa, you know, since I left and handed over to all the members who used to be part of my team, and I left, unlike others who are godfathers, I’ve not been a godfather. Left everything.“No requests, no demands, no pressure. Only being available for consultation and advice.

“As in this case, the governor consulted me several times to his credit. And I was not convinced because I didn’t see any compelling reason for a second-term governor to defect.

“I’m just using this to say that I am still standing in the PDP that gave my people (the Ijaw Nation) and the Niger Delta people an opportunity to run election, to emerge as vice president of this country, acting president of Nigeria, and president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This other party cannot do that. And I’m standing there with the PDP. If and when, if we don’t succeed in retrieving the PDP, in saving the PDP, then we’ll be part of a collective decision, which again, should not be the ruling party.

“Because I believe there must be opposition. A democracy without opposition ceases to be democracy.”

On Amupitan, he said President Tinubu has made a very good choice and he will fully support confirmation of his appointment anytime the Senate screens him.

“I will be casting my vote, I will be supporting the nomination. And as a member of the Electoral Committee, and also a member of the Senate, I will work with colleagues to ensure that the electoral reforms we are championing see the light of day, and that Professor Amupitan is confirmed as Chairman of INEC.

“We expect him, as a professor of law and a senior advocate of Nigeria, the first senior advocate to be so nominated, to understand his place in history.”

Nigeria’s inflation eases to 18.02%

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 18.02 per cent in September compared to 20.12 per cent in August,

This was disclosed by the National Bureau of Statistics yesterday, indicating the sixth consecutive month of deceleration in inflation.

According to NBS, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 14.68 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2024 (32.70 per cent), showing that the headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in September 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year.

“However, on a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate in September 2025 was 0.72 per cent, which was 0.02 per cent lower than the rate recorded in August 2025 (0.74 per cent). This means that in September 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in August 2025,” disclosed part of the report.

Food inflation rate in September 2025 was 16.87 per cent on a year-on-year basis. This was 20.9 per cent points lower compared to the rate recorded in September 2024 (37.77 per cent) and Core inflation (All items less farm produces and energy) stood at 19.53 per cent in September 2025 on a year-on-year basis; declined by 7.9 per cent when compared to the 27.43 per cent recorded in September 2024.

Reps to probe oil firms over local content law violations

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Corporate Social Responsibility, Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Midstream), Finance and Justice to probe oil companies operating in the country, especially Imo State, over alleged violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010.

This decision followed the adoption yesterday during plenary of a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor by Imo lawmaker, Hon Chike Okafor.

In 2021, the Senate, through its Committee on Local Content, accused a Korean firm, Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited, of violating Section 31 of the NOGICD Act 2010, noting that the law required a Nigerian citizen to understudy any position held by a foreigner working in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

Similarly, host communities in oil-producing companies had at one time or another, kicked against the flagrant violations of the Petroleum Industry Act, calling the government’s attention to the need to protect the environment from the harmful effects of oil exploration.

The NOGICD Act was enacted to promote the utilisation of Nigerian human and material resources and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry.

The PIA 2021 is the legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing of dividends to concerned stakeholders.

Apart from these legal frameworks, the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act authorises state governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services.

Addressing his colleagues on Wednesday at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Okafor explained that several foreign and local oil companies operate oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State.

According to him, these companies include Seplat Energy Plc, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited and WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited.

Others include Associate Oil and Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited, Chorus Energy Limited, TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.He said, “The House is aware of the persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and the state government regarding the failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state valuable economic activity and employment.

“We are concerned about the systematic failure of these companies to prioritise the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010.

“The House is worried about the refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services.

“We are also aware of the obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies.

“Another issue is the non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.”

According to the lawmaker, the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, “May lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupting production and harming the national economy and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State.”

The motion was supported by the lawmakers when it was put to a voice vote by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, as the House mandated oil and gas companies operating in the state to henceforth comply with the NOGICD Act in the areas of indigenous employment, contract awards, and establishment of operational offices.

The House also directed the companies to comply with the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the PIA, 2021.

The House also mandated the companies operating in the areas to grant “Unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties, engage in genuine dialogue with host community leaders to address grievances and ensure peaceful coexistence.”

It further charged its Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring to invite “The Chief Executives of the seven concerned oil companies, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and the Chairman of Imo State Internal Revenue Service for questioning.”

Grant Nnamdi Kanu state pardon, to write your name in gold, APC chieftain begs Tinubu

The Director General of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Digital Force, Ikeagwuonwu Klinsmann, has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant a state pardon to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in the spirit of national reconciliation and renewed hope for unity.

Klinsmann made this appeal in a statement issued from Stockholm, Sweden, on Tuesday, describing President Tinubu as a leader with a heart of gold whose politics is guided by compassion, inclusiveness, and national unity.

The party chieftain stated that releasing Kanu would demonstrate statesmanship and advance the President’s vision of healing divisions across Nigeria.

“At a time when Nigeria is navigating sensitive political and ethnic fault lines, the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would represent a bold step toward healing the scars of division and restoring confidence among the people of the South-East,” Klinsmann said.

According to him, the President’s recent decision to pardon several convicts and political detainees had already shown his magnanimity and leadership spirit.

He recalled that following the death of Pope Francis, he had previously urged President Tinubu to seize the moment as a divine window for reconciliation by freeing Kanu in honour of the Pope’s commitment to mercy and forgiveness.

He also referenced judicial pronouncements questioning the legality of Kanu’s continued detention and called on the President to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution.“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu through a state pardon will not be an act of weakness but of visionary leadership. It will calm tensions in the South-East, revitalize trade in cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Enugu, and restore investor confidence in the region,” Klinsmann stated.

Rights group kicks as Nigeria Police withdraws rape charge against Indian national

A rights group, Initiative Against Human Rights Abuse and Torture, INAHURAT, has condemned the withdrawal of a criminal rape charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force against an Indian national.

The Indian allegedly raped a United States citizen, Ms. Malory Henry, his colleague at a Makurdi-based agro processing company, on March 30, 2023.

A petition about the alleged rape was investigated by the police, leading to the filing of a charge numbered MHC/42C/2023, on May 11, 2023 at a Benue State High Court.

Barrister Maxwell Opara, who addressed journalists on behalf of INAHURAT on Tuesday, said after trial commenced in the rape case, the prosecutor suddenly announced that the charge is being withdrawn, on the instruction of the Inspector General of Police.

Opara said, “The Prosecution duly called its witnesses, including the IPO and the victim. The Defendant’s no-case submission was dismissed on 13th May 2024, and the matter was ripe for defence on 26th July 2024.

“Shockingly, the prosecuting counsel, E.O. Ochayi, Esq., on that day informed the court that the Inspector-General of Police had instructed the withdrawal of the charge. This led to the discharge of the Defendant, not on merit, but purely on the administrative fiat of the Inspector-General. (We have the record of proceedings). We have the signal emanating from the Legal FORCID Department of the Police which further confirms that the directive for withdrawal originated from the IGP himself.”

Opara said the action allegedly taken by the IGP amounted to gross abuse of power and office, breach of oath of office, obstruction of justice, and promotion of lawlessness and loss of public confidence.

“The IGP interfered with a subsisting judicial process, usurping the constitutional role of the judiciary by directing the withdrawal of a case already part-heard and judicially seized.

“The withdrawal of the charge without lawful justification sabotaged the work of the prosecution and denied the victim her right to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended 2011. Such conduct encourages foreign nationals to treat Nigerian soil as a lawless terrain where justice can be bought or influenced. Diplomatic Injury to Nigeria vis a vis U.S. Relations: The victim being an American citizen, this act undermines Nigeria’s international image and sends a dangerous signal that sexual violence against foreign nationals can be swept under the carpet through state connivance,” Opara said.

He added that the, after investigating a complaint on the matter and obtaining certified true copies of police investigations and court proceedings, has written to the President, Attorney General of the Federation, Senate President, Speaker House of Representative, Minister of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission to request immediate disciplinary proceedings against the IGP for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and obstruction of justice.

The group equally asked the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure the relisting and reinstatement of Charge No. MHC/42C/2023 before the High Court of Benue State, so that the matter can proceed to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law.

It further demanded a presidential directive reaffirming that no police authority has the power to interfere with any ongoing judicial proceedings without lawful justification or the approval of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Opara noted that the case represents not only an assault on a helpless lady and a “brutal rape” of the Nigerian justice system but also a dent on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

“If an Inspector-General of Police can, by a mere directive, nullify a valid criminal proceeding midway of a grievous crime of rape, then the rule of law has been replaced by the rule of men.

“We therefore implore the President, Attorney General of the Federation, Senate President, Speaker House of Representative, Minister of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission to act swiftly to restore confidence in our justice system, protect the dignity of victims of sexual violence, and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to both human rights and the sanctity of judicial independence,” he added.

The rights group said it would involve the international community if the authorities concerned refused to take action.

Woman bags seven years for human trafficking in Bayelsa

A Bayelsa State High Court has sentenced a 29-year-old woman, Mariam Omokiri, who hails from neighbouring Delta State, to seven years imprisonment for human trafficking.

The convict will also pay a fine of one million naira for trafficking, exporting and promoting prostitution of young girls, the court said.

The court gave the judgment yesterday on charges brought by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Other Related Offences.

The convict was arraigned before the court sometime in January 30 this year for organising and trafficking four girls from Bayelsa State to Mali and Senegal for prostitution.

The court ruled that the offences contravene the provisions of Sections 13(1)(2)(b), 13(4)(a)(c), 14(b) and 18 of the Trafficking In Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.

While delivering judgment, Justice Doris Adokeme held that from the totality of the evidence by the prosecution, she was “satisfied that the prosecution has successfully proved its case against all the defendants.”

Adokeme said that the offence of trafficking in persons is a very serious offence which has negatively affected the image of the country internationally.

Reacting to the judgment, the Acting Commander of NAPTIP Bayelsa State Command, Fadewara Timiebiowei, represented by Charles Emomotimi said, “This will send a signal that Bayelsa is not a safe haven for human trafficking activities.”

He equally encouraged parents and guardians to report all forms of human trafficking to NAPTIP Bayelsa Command or other security agencies.

On Monday, the Rivers State Police Command busted a child trafficking syndicate that preyed on young mothers and vulnerable pregnant women, stealing their babies and selling them to waiting buyers.

According to the command, the four-member gang was led by an ex-convict, Blessing Jack, who had previously been arrested, prosecuted, and jailed in Calabar, Cross River State, for a similar crime.

PDP Forum suspends Imo, Abia chairmen for alleged sabotage

The Forum of State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended the chairmen of its Imo and Abia State chapters over alleged acts of sabotage aimed at disrupting the party’s forthcoming National Elective Convention.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the forum held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the PDP FCT Secretariat in Abuja, under the chairmanship of Sir Edward Percy Masha, Acting Secretary of the forum.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the newly appointed Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi of Edo State, and Secretary, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the forum accused Hon. Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Hon. Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia) of colluding with external interests linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to derail preparations for the PDP’s National Convention scheduled for November 15–16, 2025.

According to the statement, the two chairmen had recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention, a move the forum described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.

Their suspension, it said, followed a unanimous decision by members present.

The meeting, attended physically by 25 state chairmen and virtually by seven others, also appointed Dr. Aziegbemi as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.

In its resolutions, the forum condemned what it called the APC’s “undemocratic and desperate efforts” to intimidate PDP leaders, including governors, senators, and lawmakers, into defecting. It warned that such actions posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and risked creating a one-party state.

The forum further passed a vote of confidence in the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party.

It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with them to rebuild and reposition the PDP as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sign language interpreters undergo training ahead Anambra election

A nongovernmental organization, TAF Africa, has trained 25 sign language interpreters in Anambra State to aid electoral inclusion in the forthcoming governorship poll in the state.

The training which was funded by European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN II, Programme, was in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The two-day training for members of the Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria, ASLIN, Anambra State Chapter commenced yesterday, featuring presentations from both TAF Africa and INEC. It was aimed at ensuring that the election is inclusive for people with all forms of disability.

Senior Programme Officer, TAF Africa, Mr George Anwayi, who was one of the trainers stated that the group aims to ensure that all persons of voting age, who are eligible to vote, are captured, as disenfranchisement of any segment of voters may mean advantage for the wrong candidate.

He said: “According to WHO, there are about one billion people with disabilities in the world. In Nigeria, there are about 30 million people with disabilities, and that forms about 16 percent of the population.“This people are subject to abuse, stigma, prejudice, and media discrimination, most times from a young age. They are most likely to experience adverse socio economic outcomes than persons without disability.

“This presentation explores how disability and the electoral process interact, with a focus on specific legal provisions designed to ensure inclusion

“For Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), participation in elections is often directly affected by physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers, impacting their fundamental right to vote and be voted for. That is the reason we are here.”

In his own presentation, the Head of Department of Electoral Operations in INEC, Mr Ejikeme Ejimofor, commended TAF Africa for the training, insisting that inclusivity in elections is the hallmark of democracy.

He said: “This training for sign language interpreters is a master stroke, and we thank TAF Africa for it. We do not want to leave anyone out in the election process, and we are very aware that if you fail to vote, you have already voted for the wrong person. So it is good that you mobilize everyone to be able to vote

“Voting in all the 5,720 polling units will commence as early as 8:30 am. We will do our best to treat people with disabilities with preference. Not only people with disabilities, we will consider pregnant women and aged people. We will continue to support processes like this to ensure that the people’s votes count.”

Ejimofor warned Nigerians about simple acts that can render their voters’ cards invalid, saying the cards should be treated as important belongings and not carried about at all times.

“Treat your voters card with respect. It should not be a regular identification card for you. The way you treat your international passport should be the way you treat your voters card.

“You can’t collect it and put it in your wallet and carry in around, sometimes you sit on it or keep them on the dashboard of your car and all the sun is on it. The card has an antenna and once you crack it, you are damaging the information in it and that isn’t good,” he said.

 

‘Your reward no longer in heaven’ – Gov Okpebholo assures Edo teachers

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured teachers in the state that under his watch their reward is no longer in heaven.

The reports said that the governor gave the assurances yesterday during the presentation of appointment letters to 5,000 newly employed teachers.

Okpebholo who personally presented the letters to the teachers, emphasized the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no.

“So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he said.He said with the presentation of the appointment letters, the teachers who had been on contracts since have now been officially absorbed into the State Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The governor who acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, said the employment underscored his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

It was gathered that 4,500 of the teachers were employed under the EdoStar programme of the former Governor Godwin Obaseki administration while 500 others were newly recruited by the state government.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for the teachers’ perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” he added.

Iyamu, who highlighted some of the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noted that the construction of over 68 schools within one year is aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

He further disclosed that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

Mba’s defection to APC’ll strengthen South East’s integration into national politics – Uzodimma

…Receives Enugu gov into party

By Jennifer John

The Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum of Nigeria, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Tuesday, led other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) political party in the South East zone and Nigeria at large to receive the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mba into the APC fold.

Speaking while welcoming all dignitaries to the official declaration ceremony in Enugu, Uzodimma who doubles as the Chairman, South East Governors Forum, congratulated Mba for his decision to join APC, which he described as wise and bold.

He made it clear that the action of the Enugu Governor will help to strengthen the excellent work of President Bola Tinubu in the leadership of Nigeria, adding that leaders of the South East were happy with the development, as it will help to strengthen the South East’s integration to the national politics of the Nigeria.

“We are very delighted and excited to receive the governor of Enugu State into our family. Earlier this morning, he addressed the world and informed us of his decision to join the All Progressives Congress.

“We in this part of the world, the South East are very excited and very happy”, the Progressive Governors Forum Chairman enthused.

Recall that, through his dogged effort, Uzodimma who was the only APC Governor in the South East when he came onboard has been able to lure Ebonyi State into APC before the 2023 general election, while the entrance of the Enugu State Governor is an eloquent testimony to his dogged effort to enlarge the coast of the APC in the South East and by so doing strengthen the region’s integration into Nigeria’s national politics.

He had repeatedly made bold to state that his mission and desire is to ensure that all the state’s in the zone collapse into the national ruling party. The entrance of the Enugu Governor is a bold step forward towards achieving his earnest heart desire.

President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who delivered his speech, welcoming Governor Mba and his supporters to the APC, assuring them of equal opportunity with old members of the party.

Other dignitaries in attendance included, the APC National Chairman, all APC Governors from across the country, former Governors of Enugu State and leaders of APC in the South East zone.

Uma Ukpai’s death, a huge loss to Nigeria — Uzodimma

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Uma Ukpai, the renowned Nigerian preacher, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.

In a condolence message, Governor Uzodimma also noted that Dr Ukpai’s departure is a significant blow to the global Christian community, especially the Pentecostal family, where his brand of evangelism left a lasting mark.

He recalled that the fiery preacher, known for organising large crusades across continents, channelled his intellectual gifts into building institutions such as schools, hospitals, and charitable centres.

“I admired him for his brand of evangelism which had no boundaries. I admired him for his faith. I also admired him for his resilience and deep intellectualism,” Governor Uzodimma wrote.

The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum further said that Dr Ukpai used his evangelism to foster national unity by promoting messages of patriotism and shared identity.

According to him, although Dr Ukpai hailed from present-day Abia State, he settled and built his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in a practical demonstration of belief in one Nigeria, united by common destiny. From that base, he reached out to the world.

Governor Uzodimma added that a remarkable feature of Dr Ukpai’s ministry was his focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than personal glorification.

“By setting up a non-denominational ministry, the late evangelist demonstrated in practical terms that Christian unity is not only feasible but desirable. We have truly lost a great soldier of Christ,” he declared.

He urged other Christian leaders to emulate the late preacher’s broad-mindedness and use their platforms to promote unity and healing across the country.

Governor Uzodimma extended his condolences to the Ukpai family and all Nigerians, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed evangelist’s soul.

 

Beauty, fashion enhance health- Lady Ekomaru

…hosts Beauty, Fashion Summit team

By Jude Onyenedogha

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady (Dr) Chinyere Ekomaru has posited that beauty and fashion help to enhance health and prolong life.

The Deputy Governor made this assertion in her address to the organizing team of Beauty and Fashion Summit, slated for November 2025 in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The team was led by the convener of the summit, Mrs Faith Raymond, who doubles as the founder of the Beauty and Fashion Academy.

She counted them lucky to be in the current generation, known as Gen Z, where they are allowed freedom to explore their talents, creativity, fashion and beauty to any level and mode they desire, unlike in her own generation when there was lots of restrictions.

Lady Ekomaru stressed that the present state government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma has created an enabling atmosphere for youths to explore their talents in different fields, including beauty and fashion, with the creation of Ministry of Youths Development and Talent Hunt, Ministry of E-Government and Digital Economy, the Skill-up Imo programme, among others avenues.

She congratulated the team for the effort which she noted will positively engage young ones and keep them away from crime, assuring them of her willingness to attend the summit, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Earlier in her address, convener of the summit, Faith Raymond, informed the deputy governor that the summit was intended to provide an empowering platform for learning, collaboration and innovation.

“Your Excellency, our goal is not just to host a successful summit, it is to build a movement that places Imo State on the map as a hub for creativity, dignity and economic advancement, adding, “with a projected audience of 1000 attendees, and strong community engagement,  this summit has the potential to boost tourism, inspire youth-led innovation and foster greater industry visibility for our dear state “.

Raymond disclosed that the summit will bring together; beauty and fashion professionals, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, students and aspiring creatives, to explore themes around digital transformation, sustainable fashion, personal branding, leadership and wellness.

She added, “In addition to the knowledge sharing session and industry showcases, the 2025 summit will also spotlight and honour the most outstanding students of the year from the beauty and fashion academy”.

She listed other events that will feature during the summit to include; skill-based competition for emerging makeup artists, where the top three winners will receive start-up kits and seed grants to support their transition into entrepreneurship.

Imo Deputy Governor commends health workers

… Highlights Gov Uzodimma’s achievements in health sector

The Deputy Governor of Imo state, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, has commended the efforts of health workers across the state, describing them as vital partners in the government’s drive to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Speaking in her office, during a courtesy visit by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Imo State Branch, on Monday, the Deputy Governor highlighted the numerous achievements of the Governor Hope Uzodimma’s led administration in the health sector.

According to her, the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved special salary structures for health workers, constructed ultra-modern hospitals, provided a comprehensive health insurance scheme for the citizenry, and embarked on the rehabilitation and upgrade of 305 health centres across Imo State.

“It remarkable that the 305 health centers were earlier rehabilitated in 2020, upon Governor Hope Uzodimma’s assumption of office as Governor of Imo state and we are today, witnessing another round of rehabilitation and upgrade in 2025”, the Deputy Governor said.

She also noted the successful accreditation of courses and departments at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu (IMSUTH), also the establishment of oxygen plant and other equipments at the health institution, describing the feat as a milestone in the state’s medical education and healthcare delivery.

“The upgrade of Federal Medical Center, Owerri to Federal University Teaching Hospital was achieved through the spirited efforts of our Governor to ensure that Imolites have access to quality healthcare facilities.

“Health is essential to everyone, and the trust we have in our health workers means everything to this administration. I urge all medical and health workers to take their duties seriously by attending trainings and seminars that will further improve their service delivery.

“All the ongoing reforms in the health sector is aimed at having more doctors and other health professionals, improved health facilities, access to affordable and quality healthcare in the state, which will ultimately drive Imo State to universal health coverage in no distant time”, the Deputy Governor stated.

Earlier, the leader of the union, Comrade Ezenwa Francis, said the courtesy visit was aimed at establishing a working relationship with the Deputy Governor and the Imo state Government. He expressed the union’s appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his continued support to the health sector and for granting the Imo health workers in the state, an increased minimum wage, while adding that as “Oliver Twist” they need more intervention from the administration.

Tinubu unveils ₦1trillion investment in solid minerals sector

In a bid to diversify the economy and reduce over-dependence on oil, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced ₦1 trillion investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The president made the declaration while delivering the keynote address at the 10th Edition of Nigeria Mining Week 2025, in Abuja, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

He noted that the ₦1 trillion commitment, which is the largest government-led mining initiative in the nation’s history, was drawn from the ₦4.5 trillion increase in the 2025 federal budget.

The President said the landmark investment, which was in alignment with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, will fund geo-scientific exploration, geological surveys, and critical infrastructure needed to unlock mineral-rich regions.

“This is the most significant single investment in Nigeria’s mining industry by any administration,” adding that, “We are turning the wealth beneath our feet into prosperity in our hands.”

Commending the sectoral progress made, Tinubu noted that the revenue generation of

He, however, attributed the brilliant performance of the sector to new policies, tighter regulations, and the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, a special-purpose vehicle designed to attract capital, form joint ventures, and boost local mineral processing.

The President then re-emphasised his administration’s zero tolerance for unsafe or environmentally harmful mining practices, stressing that “natural resources must enhance lives today and for future generations. Mining should heal and build, not hurt or divide.”

Reaffirming the National Assembly’s support for the sector, Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong Sampson, expressed readiness of the legislative arm to provide legislative backing for the President’s mining reforms.

He assured that the Senate would continue to enact progressive laws and provide oversight to sustain investor confidence and transparency. “Our focus is to unlock the full potential of this sector through enabling policies and strategic partnerships.”

Sampson then expressed optimism that ongoing reforms under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would position Nigeria for global competitiveness.

He, however, identified collaboration among government, industry players, and communities as the only way to achieve inclusive growth.

He said, “What we need for every sector is collaboration, not conflict,” adding that, “We have no excuse not to make the best of our country’s natural endowments.”

In his address, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the sector’s rapid growth, now contributing about 4.6 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as proof of the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s reform-driven agenda.

“From all available evidence, our policies are working. But we couldn’t have achieved this without the cooperation of stakeholders,” he said.

Reps want Emefiele’s forfeited Abuja duplexes allocated to low-income earners, IDPs

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to prioritise low- and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable Nigerians in the allocation of 753 forfeited duplexes in Abuja, once linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The resolution was passed yesterday during plenary after the adoption of a motion sponsored by Jafaru Leko, a lawmaker from Bauchi State.

It was  reported  that the uncompleted estate, located in the Lokogoma district of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was handed over in May by Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, following a presidential directive for its completion and public allocation.

While moving the motion, Leko said the recovered estate presents a major opportunity to reduce Nigeria’s housing deficit, estimated at over 17 million units, particularly in urban areas like Abuja.

“If properly managed, the estate could meaningfully contribute to addressing the severe housing deficit in Nigeria, particularly in urban centres like Abuja,” the lawmaker said.

He, however, warned that without a clear, transparent, and equitable framework for distribution, the property risks ending up in the hands of “privileged elites”, undermining the essence of the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

“Without a transparent, accountable, and equitable framework for allocating such public assets, the recovered properties risk falling into the hands of privileged elites, defeating the purpose of asset recovery and denying ordinary Nigerians access to decent housing,” he said.

Leko stressed that ensuring citizens’ welfare through access to adequate housing is a constitutional responsibility of government at all levels, as enshrined in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution.

“The absence of a publicly available beneficiary selection process or legislative oversight over such transfers may erode public confidence in the sincerity of the government’s anti-corruption and social justice programmes,” he added.

After contributions from several members, the motion was adopted through a voice vote at plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Consequently, the House directed the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to design and publish a transparent and inclusive allocation framework for the recovered estate, giving priority to low-income earners, IDPs, and vulnerable groups.

The ministry is also to submit a comprehensive report to the House within 60 days detailing the proposed use, allocation criteria, and beneficiary selection process.

Additionally, lawmakers urged the ministry to establish a national database of forfeited assets to enable public tracking and civil society oversight, a move they say will promote accountability and strengthen public trust in the government’s anti-corruption initiatives.

Senate sets Up 12-man committee to counter US genocide claims against Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has constituted a 12-member ad-hoc committee to advise the legislature on how to respond to growing international concerns over alleged United States-backed claims of persecution of Christians in the country.

The decision followed a closed-door session yesterday, where lawmakers deliberated on recent claims by the United States Government suggesting possible acts of genocide targeting Christians in some parts of Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the formation of the committee, said the team would develop a comprehensive position paper to be presented to both the Executive and the Senate.

The document, he noted, must be backed by “verifiable facts and statistics.”

“There are misconceptions that need to be corrected,” Akpabio said. “We are dealing with a complex terrorist threat, and it’s important that our counterparts in the U.S. understand that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims.”

Members of the committee include: Senators Victor Umeh, Yemi Adaramodu, Aniekan Bassey, Niyi Adegbonmire, Abdul Ningi, Titus Zam, Tony Nwoye, Tahir Munguno, and Asuquo Ekpenyong, among others.

The Senate’s move came amid increasing diplomatic scrutiny and the potential implications of such allegations on Nigeria’s global reputation and interfaith relations.

Earlier, the upper chamber resolved to engage with the United States Congress to address and counter what it described as “misleading narratives” portraying the country’s security challenges as a Christian genocide.

The resolution followed a motion raised by Senator Ali Ndume, which sparked a broader debate among lawmakers on the international perception of Nigeria’s internal security issues.

In his contribution, Akpabio proposed that a smaller delegation of lawmakers visit the U.S. to directly engage American lawmakers and clarify Nigeria’s position. He stressed the need for discreet diplomacy, saying such meetings should be held privately to ensure frank discussions.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim also called for a more informed approach to national security. “Our counterterrorism efforts must be guided by knowledge-based strategies,” he said.

Lawmakers agreed that while international concern over Nigeria’s security situation may be well-intentioned, much of it stems from misinformation that paints a distorted picture of the country’s realities.

The ad-hoc committee is expected to submit its report within a specified timeframe to shape Nigeria’s legislative stance and guide its engagement in ongoing international discussions

Nnamdi Kanu Protest: Ohanaeze Youth Council urges Igbos to close

The Ohanaeze Youth Council ,(OYC), has urged all Igbos doing business in different parts of the country to close their shops and companies on Monday, 20th October 2025, in solidarity with the peaceful protest march to Aso Rock for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

The OYC said that the peaceful protest which will be led by human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, is to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Kanu.

A statement made available to Journalists yesterday by the OYC National President, Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, said the nationwide solidarity action is a moral and patriotic duty, and a peaceful declaration that the Igbo nation stands firmly with truth, justice, and the rule of law.

“We cannot continue business as usual while a son of Igboland remains unjustly detained against multiple subsisting court judgments ordering his release,” Igboayaka said. Igboayaka who alleged that bandits were granted amnesty in the North, expressed surprise that such was happening at the same time Nnamdi Kanu is still being held in detention.

According to him, the situation is ethnic injustice and political persecution against Ndigbo and other marginalized tribes.

Alleged sexual harassment: Suspended UNICAL Don knows fate Nov 17

Ndifon who is the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), accused of harassing some female students of the school sexually.

The suspended professor closed his defence after calling two witnesses to counter the allegations levelled against him and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, by the anti-corruption commission.

While Ndifon was the first defence witness (DW-1), CSP Babagana Mingali, a forensic analyst who works at the laboratory of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was the DW-2.

Justice Omotosho had, on March 6, 2024, dismissed the no-case submission filed by Ndifon and Anyanwu against the ICPC charge.

The judge, in a ruling, held that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the duo.

The judge, therefore, ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to enter their defence.

The ICPC, in the alleged sexual harassment charge, preferred a four-count amended charge against Ndifon and Anyanwu, who was earlier a member of his team of lawyers.

They were accused of alleged sexual harassment, cybercrime and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The ICPC alleged that Ndifon, while serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL, asked the female diploma student, identified as TKJ and a star witness, to send him “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs of herself” through Anyanwu, one of the lawyers of the defence, was joined in the amended charge filed on Jan. 22, 2024, by the commission on the allegation that he called the star witness on her mobile phone during the pendency of the charge against Ndifon to threaten her.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

The anti-corruption commission had, on Feb 14, 2024, closed its case against the suspended professor Anyanwu.

ICPC counsel, Akponimisingha, told Justice Omotosho after Bwaigu Fungo, the 4th prosecution witness, a forensic and intelligence analyst with the commission, was cross-examined by the defence lawyer.

Mathematics no longer compulsory admission requirement for Arts students

The Ministry of Education has said that credit in mathematics in the Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, would not longer be a condition for admission for students studying arts and humanities courses in universities and polytechnics.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry, Folasade Boriowo, yesterday in Abuja.

Report had it that for years, admission seekers in arts and humanities, like their contemporaries in sciences and social sciences, have been mandated to have five credits, including mathematics and English language, to secure admission into higher institutions.

“The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.

“The new framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies across the country as follows:

“Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

“Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.

“Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

“Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs,” the statement said.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the reform as a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education.

Aiyedatiwa clears N1.4bn gratuity arrears of LG retirees, primary school teachers

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has flagged off the payment of ₦1.4 billion to pensioners who retired from the local government and primary school system in 2014.

Aiyedatiwa while speaking at the flag-off  in Akure, described the gesture as a continuation of the bulk gratuity payment initiative he introduced while serving as Deputy Governor, aimed at clearing the backlog of unpaid entitlements and restoring confidence among retirees.

He explained that the disbursement followed his administration’s structured payment process, which uses the year of exit from public service as the sole qualification criterion, to ensure fairness, transparency and predictability.

According to him “I started this even when I was Deputy Governor. I presented a case to the then Governor, which he approved for us and we started that initiative of saving money.

” Periodically, any time we have an allocation that is good enough, we put some money aside to settle the gratuities of our retirees. This will continue now that we are fully in charge as Governor.

“This exercise being undertaken is in line with our payment process, which has the year of exit from public service as the only factor for qualification for payment.

“We thank God Almighty for enabling us to restore hope to our pensioners, who before now had lost hope of ever being paid their gratuity in full after meritorious service to the state and humanity in general.

“The bulk payment for the 2014 set of pensioners we are flagging off today further demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable sections of our population, in line with this administration’s policy thrust.

“Our desire to adopt and consistently apply the year of exit as the sole qualification for bulk payment is to make the process transparent and predictable and to ensure no one is discriminated against.”

The governor added that the bulk payments for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 sets under his administration were unprecedented in the history of the state.

He said, “Today, we are exiting 2014, and very soon, we will exit 2015, and so on, until everybody is cleared.

” Since our assumption of office, we have paid serious and deliberate attention to the welfare of pensioners in Ondo State.

” The state is one of the few in Nigeria to grant an upward review of a flat rate of ₦30,000 to pensioners, to cushion the effect of the global economic meltdown affecting Nigeria.”

Aiyedatiwa maintained that the government does not consider the prompt payment of pension allowances as an achievement but as a moral and constitutional duty.

He said, “Most times, we feel reluctant to list prompt payment of pension allowances and consequential adjustments as achievements, because payment of monthly pensions to our senior citizens is our obligation.

Man allegedly ingests poison, takes own life

A 45-year-old man, identified as Ambrose Mkpati, has allegedly committed suicide after ingesting a poisonous substance suspected to be Sniper in Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The incident was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama yesterday.

According to Makama, the tragedy occurred late on Sunday, October 12, in Topland Community, Gbazango area of Kubwa.

It was gathered that the victim’s niece, Ms. Gania Karim, received a distress call around 11:02 p.m. informing her that Mkpati, a citizen of Benin Republic, had taken the poisonous substance and was in critical condition.

With the help of neighbours, he was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where a doctor on duty confirmed him dead on arrival.

“A bottle of the suspected substance was reportedly recovered at the scene, while his body has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for preservation and possible autopsy,” Makama wrote.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Bandits attack travelling family, injure five

Armed bandits have attacked a family travelling along the New-Bussa–Babanna road in Niger State, leaving five people injured.

The incident was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama yesterday.

According to the post, the attack happened around 4 p.m. on Sunday near Ehka Kuka/Audu Fari village.

“The victims identified as Alhaji Fatayi Raheemi, 38; his wife; and other family members, Fatima Nurudeen, 27; Munirat Isyaka, 25; Aishat Ismail, 25; and Rashidat Fatayi, 30 were travelling in a Mercedes-Benz car from New-Bussa to Babanna town when the bandits opened fire on their vehicle.

“The shooting caused the car to veer off the road, leaving all the occupants with varying degrees of injuries,”Makama wrote.

Residents said security operatives later arrived at the scene and evacuated the victims to the Primary Health Centre in Babanna, where they are currently receiving treatment.

The damaged vehicle was recovered to the Babanna Police Station, while efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers.

Police arrest 105 suspects, seize over 5,000 illicit drugs in massive raids

In a major offensive against drug trafficking, the Jigawa State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 105 suspects during simultaneous raids across the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the development yesterday at the police headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

Adam said the coordinated raids targeted drug hotspots statewide, adding that officers “left no stone unturned” in the effort to stamp out illicit drug activities.

According to him, the operation led to the recovery of more than 5,000 illegal substances, including cannabis and other hard drugs.

Among the seized items were 2,541 units of Exol, 1,146 units of D-5, 270 packets of Tramadol, and over a thousand wraps of cannabis, including one full block.

Other confiscated substances included 269 units of Diaxer, 153 Pregabalin capsules, and 82 units of Farin Malam, along with various others such as Diazepam, Vegakris, and Calidon’s.

Police also recovered ₦92,460 in cash and additional intoxicants such as rubber solution, “suck and die,” and dry gin from the suspects.

“This bust sends a strong message to those engaged in the illegal drug trade,” SP Adam said, urging residents to support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.

“Our fight against narcotics is ongoing, and we need everyone on board,” he added.

Governor, Peter Mbah dumps PDP for APC

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), for the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Governor Mbah made his defection public in a televised broadcast yesterday.

He said, “Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.”

Mbah said he joined the PDP to help transform Enugu and restructure the state’s political landscape.

“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead.

“This concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically and how we secure the future of our project and our people.

“Leadership sometimes demands painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”

Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest: Group warns IPOB, Sowore against destruction of govt facilities

The Progressives Unity and Development Forum, PUDF, has cautioned the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore against the planned nationwide protest aimed at pressuring the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu.

It would be recalled that Sowore had insisted that the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march to the Presidential Villa would hold on October 20, describing the date as “sacrosanct”.

But in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Abraham Nwanchukwu, the Progressives Unity and Development Forum expressed concern that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums and political opportunists who might use the event to unleash violence and attack government buildings.

“Sowore should be told now, before the D-day, that similar protests in the past spiraled out of control, with hoodlums taking advantage to loot and destroy public and private properties,” the statement warned.

The group cited previous incidents in Kano, Kaduna and Lagos where peaceful demonstrations turned violent and resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure.

“Against this background, we are calling on IPOB, Sowore, and other supporters of the planned protest to shelve the action and adopt more civic and responsible means of engagement,” the statement added.

“Nobody has a monopoly of violence, and we are issuing this warning to prevent any action that could provoke counter-reactions or endanger national peace.”

The group urged security agencies to remain vigilant and appealed to Nigerians to avoid being used by those “seeking to destabilize the country under the guise of activism”.

Anambra Gov Poll: We’ll guard all sensitive materials like our lives – INEC

…Says 2.803m registered voters to participate

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), yesterday, expressed its readiness for the governorship poll scheduled to hold in Anambra state on November 8.

“We will guard all the sensitive materials like we guard our lives,” the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, stated at a dialogue session with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in Abuja.

Equally at the strategy meeting convened by the Policy & Legal Advocacy Center, PLAC,  was a representative of the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu.

Speaking on INEC’s preparedness for the impending poll, the REC, Dr. Agwu, disclosed that a total number of 2.803 million registered voters are expected to participate in the election.

“Before the end of this week, about 140, 907 newly registered voters will get their Permanent Voters Card,” the REC stated, adding that 978 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines have been reserved for the election that will take place in 5,720 polling units in the state.

“All the ballot papers and the result sheets are polling unit specific. What it means is that you cannot use a material meant for one polling unit in another unit.

“We will open poll by 8:30am and close by 2:30pm. That does not mean that those that were already on queue before the closing time would not be allowed to vote. All those on the line must vote, even if the exercise last till 6pm.

“As for the sensitive materials, I will be at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. The Election Official, EO, will document what he received from me before he goes. The EO must sign for everything he gets from me at the CBN.

” When the EO gets to the LGA, he must also document what he gave out. We have charged all the BVAS,” she added.

Continuing, the REC, said: “Some of the materials are safely in our possession. My store officer locked the place they are kept. I also bought my own key and locked the door again. It is stored in a strong room. You cannot break it except you pull down the house. “We have trained all the security personnel. The training took place last week for all the security personnel in the three senatorial districts.

“We have 16 political parties contesting, with 16 candidates and their deputies. We published the names in the 21 LGAs and our state offices as well as personal data and details of the candidates to enable the public to make their observations or to lodge complaints. “The law required that we should publish the final list. We have followed everything as provided by law.”

However, she decried the failure of some registered voters to come out on election day.

“Some people, on the day they are supposed to vote will rather go to the market. Some will be in the beer parlour or football field permutating who will win and who will not win. “To say that they don’t want to vote because their votes will not count, are mere frivolic assertions. Come out and vote first. Out role as INEC is only to act as the referee,” she added.

On his part, the CP of Anambra state, who was represented by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP, Ekulu Remijius, assured that there would be adequate security for the election

“We have done all our simulations and they are top notch. Off circle elections usually come with both positives and negatives.

“Those in the negative will want to infiltrate the state. They may be sponsored to come in to cause mayhem.

“On the positive side, it will also be flooded with security security operatives, such that people may ask if it is war.

“On the eve of the election, all the roads will be blocked. Only those that are accredited with tags will be allowed to move.

“On the day before the election, that is November 7, police will roll out its personnel. We call it a show of force.

“By the time you see what we roll out, those coming to cause problems will caution themselves. All the known blackspots will be raided.

“There are some communities and LGAs in the state that we have identified as blackspots. All the areas will be raided, especially where hard drug smokers hibernate.

“Some bad guys may want to use the election time to plan a jail break. So, we will provide adequate security around the correctional center.

“Military will also block all the boundary towns to ensure there is no infiltration. After the election, all the security formations will collapse at the collation center to ensure that we have a formidable security arrangement.

“I know that there is not going to be any problem because the state will be overwhelmed with police officers, not just from Anambra state.

“For the post election, if there is anything that comes up, like protest, police has all it takes to handle it,” the Anambra CP added.

Earlier in his remarks, the Convener of the Situation Room, Mr. Y. Z. Ya’u, said the essence of the meeting was for civil society organizations to interface with INEC on its level of preparedness for the scheduled gubernatorial poll.

Confusion as PDP National Chairman, Legal Adviser clash in court over suit seeking to stop convention

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, took a new dimension at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday as the National Chairman, Umar Iliya Damagum and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, disagreed in open court.

During the hearing of a suit seeking to stop the party’s planned National Convention, instituted by three aggrieved members, Damagum and Ajibade battled for several minutes over who has the power to appoint a lawyer to represent the party.

While Damagum, who was physically present in court, in a letter he personally signed, mandated Chris Uche, SAN, to represent PDP in the suit, Ajibade, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, insisted that he was the only authority that can appoint legal representation for the party.

When the matter was called before Justice James Omotosho, Joseph Daudu, SAN, announced appearance for the three plaintiffs, namely Austin Nwachukwu, Imo PDP chairman, Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia PDP chairman and Turnah Alabh George, PDP Secretary, South-South.

Trouble however started when Chris Uche, SAN, with more than five other SANs, announced appearance for PDP, a move that was immediately countered by Ajibade, the PDP National Legal Adviser, who also announced appearance for the same party.

In the drama that ensued, Uche informed Justice Omotosho that he had a letter from the PDP National Chairman appointing him to represent the party in the suit.

But Ajibade replied that he is the sole authority vested with power by PDP Constitution to appoint legal representation for the party and cited some judgements to that effect.

Apparently taken aback by the development, Justice Omotosho stood down the hearing of the matter for 10 minutes for the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser to go out of the courtroom to put their house in order.

At the end of the 10 minutes, the two parties reported that they were unable to reconcile on legal representation, prompting Uche to seek for a short adjournment to enable the National Chairman and the National Legal Adviser reconcile their differences.

At this point, Daudu, who stood for the plaintiffs, pleaded with the judge to go ahead into the hearing of his clients’ matter if, on the adjourned date, the two parties are unable to resolve their differences.

Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, 2025, for hearing of the matter.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho joined Umar Iliya Damagum, Ali Odefa and Chief Emmanuel Ogidi as 7th, 8th and 9th defendants in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025.

They were joined in two separate applications argued by their respective lawyers, Paul Erokoro and Audu Anuga, all SANs.

Erokoro, while arguing for Damagum’s joinder, informed the court that he is a necessary party on account of his being the National Chairman of PDP, Chairman of the National Working Committee, NWC, Chairman of the National Executive Committee as well as the Chairman of the Convention committee.

North West, South West lead in Tinubu’s ministerial appointments – FCC boss

…says Tinubu’s cabinet reflects fair zonal spread

The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has disclosed that the North West and South West geopolitical zones lead in the composition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal cabinet.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a workshop themed “Strengthening Leadership and Management Excellence in the Federal Character Commission in Line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Oladele said data compiled by the Commission indicates a fair and equitable spread of ministerial and top government appointments across the six geopolitical zones, in accordance with the Federal Character Principle.

He noted that the analysis confirmed that the President’s appointments were guided by fairness, inclusivity, and national balance.

According to the FCC data, the current cabinet composition shows:

North Central: 8 ministers (16.32%), North East: 7 ministers (14.28%), North West: 12 ministers (24.48%), South East: 5 ministers (10.20%) and South South: 6 ministers (12.24%). This brings the total number of ministers to 49.

Oladele explained that the Commission also reviewed the distribution of Directors-General, Executive Secretaries, and Chief Executives across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to further assess compliance with the Federal Character Principle.

He stated: “North Central has 19.5%, North East 14.7%, North West 22.1%, South East 12.4%, South South 12.8%, and South West 18.5%. These figures demonstrate a fair spread in line with the spirit and intent of the Constitution.”

He further highlighted that a similar balance was observed in the distribution of Federal Permanent Secretaries across the six zones:

“From our data, North Central has 8 (19.5%), North East 7 (17.1%), North West 7 (17.1%), South East 6 (14.6%), South South 7 (17.1%), and South West 7 (17.1%).”

Oladele said the data, drawn from the Commission’s internal compliance monitoring exercise, reflects deliberate inclusion under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that it underscores the administration’s commitment to national balance and adherence to the Federal Character Principle.

He also revealed that the Commission has commenced reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in federal appointments through digital data tracking, inter-agency coordination, and performance evaluation.

“We are upgrading our compliance monitoring systems to real-time platforms so that all MDAs can be assessed on adherence to Federal Character guidelines. This will make the process more transparent and accessible,” he stated.

Oladele added that the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of senior management and reinforce professionalism in public service delivery, aligning with the Commission’s renewed focus on leadership and institutional excellence.

 

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