TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 2025

Tinubu Leads Others in Tributes for Late Statesman, Christopher Kolade

He lived a life of integrity, service and humility, says president Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, Obi, Gbajabiamila, Okonjo-Iweala, others honour statesman at service of songs

Sunday Ehigiator

President Bola Tinubu, yester-

day, led prominent Nigerians to pay tributes to the late elder statesman and diplomat, Dr.

Christopher Kolade, CON, during a Service of Songs and Night of Tribute held in Lagos.Others who spoke of their memories of Kolade at

the event included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide

Amid Opposition Protests, Cameroon’s Paul Biya Re-elected

Sanwo-Olu, presidential

at 92... Page 23

www.thisdaylive.com

L - R : Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, during the president’s audience with the new Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.... yesterday

If reports about recent happen- ings in the Peoples Democratic

Continued on page 23

Amupitan: Court Can’t Continue to Decide Election Winners, It Must Be at Polling Units

Vows to reduce pre-election litigations, seeks support at 56th NALT conference Says with sound legal frame work, necessary reforms, losers won’t hesitate to congratulate winners

The new Chairman of Indepen- dent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, yesterday, said the country could no longer afford a situation where the courts would continue to decide winners of elections. Amupitan

said elections must be won and lost at the polling units.

Addressing participants at the 56th Annual Conference of Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT), held at the University of Abuja, Amupitan expressed his determination to work towards reducing preRaheem Akingbolu

Continued on page 23

THE TRANSITION AT AFREXIMBANK...

New President of Afreximbank, Dr. George Elombi (left), and immediate past President, Dr. Benedict Oramah, during the handing and taking over in Abuja…recently

Oluyede;

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

ACCESS BANK SME ROUNDTABLE...

L-R: Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank, Mr. Abiodun Olubitan; Head, SME North, Access Bank, Mrs. Njideka Esomeju; CEO, Skydream Interior, Mr. Hillary

Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Chizoma Okoli; GMD, Bridan Resources, Mr. Daniel Efereyan; MD, Movadek Nigeria Limited, Engr. Christabel

and Unit Head, Strategic Communications, Access Bank, Mrs. Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu, during an exclusive SME roundtable held in Abuja…recently

ADC: FG Manipulating Food Prices for Political Gains

Insists govt weaponising hunger, destroying local production

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday faulted the federal govern- ment’s claim of increased local production of food, arguing that many farmers, especially in the northern part of the country, have been displaced by bandits, while those still active could not afford the skyrocketing cost of fertilisers and other critical inputs.

Also yesterday, the opposi- tion coalition party assured Nigerians that the party would return governance to the people of the country.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned the rationale behind hoarding imported food while mil- lions go hungry, calling it

a deliberate weaponisation of poverty for political gains.

The party called for a complete overhaul of the country’s agricultural strategy, calling for policies that protect local production, promote food price stability, protect the lives of farmers, and pursue long-term food sovereignty.

The ADC said it was deeply concerned by the federal government’s alleged misleading narrative around the so-called drop in food prices.Furthermore, the party said contrary to what was being celebrated in official circles, the reality on the ground, as confirmed by voices of strug- gling farmers and families across the country, was that the Bola Tinubu government was manipulating food prices and weaponising hunger for political gains.

According to Abdullahi, ‘’The reported drop in the prices of some food items is artificial, and a result of import waivers that have flooded the market with cheap foreign food.

“It is neither evidence of sound policy nor proof of

Promises to return governance to the people

increased local production. And while that may offer momentary relief in food prices, it has, and will, come at the heavy cost of sabotaging local farmers who can no longer compete due to soaring input costs, especially fertilisers, and

Kayode Tokede

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Com- mission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has hailed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a clear reflection of the country’s renewed policy direction and commitment to transparency.

Lotus Bank Sues 45 Banks Over N1.13bn Lost in System Glitch

Wale

Igbintade

Lotus Bank Limited has instituted a lawsuit against 45 banks in Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Lagos, in a bid to recover the sum of N1,133,808,604.31 allegedly lost during a system failure on its E-Bills Pay platform.

In its Motion on Notice filed before the court, Lotus Bank stated that the incident occurred on July 20, 2024, following a “rollback fix” carried out on its E-Bills Pay system, which resulted in a “system glitch.”

The bank disclosed that the affected customers exploited the glitch to move funds into accounts domiciled with the 45 banks now joined as defendants in the suit.

The defendants include PalmPay Payment Services Ltd, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank Ltd, OPay Digital Services Ltd, Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Kuda Microfinance Bank

The malfunction, the bank said, allowed 718 customers to make unauthorised withdrawals and transfers from their accounts even though they did not have sufficient balances.

Ltd, FairMoney Microfinance Bank Ltd, Sterling Bank Ltd, and First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, amongOtherothers.institutions named are Stellas Digital Bank Ltd, Renmoney MFB Ltd, Unity Bank Plc, FCMB Ltd, Jaiz Bank Plc, Polaris Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Providus Bank Ltd, TAJ Bank Ltd, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, Sparkle MFB Ltd, Kredi Money MFB Ltd, Alternative Bank Ltd, Paystack Payments Ltd, and Momo Payment Settlement System.

FATF last week announced the delisting of Nigeria from its grey list of countries with deficiencies in anti-money laun- dering and counter-terrorism financing

Speakingframeworks. on a programme monitored on national television, he said the development would significantly enhance investor confidence and attract more foreign investments.

“It means so much for us in the capital market; it means so much for us in the financial system. It brings about something that we have been craving for – investor confidence

worsening‘’Additionally,insecurity.

we

find it particularly strange and dishonest for the government to claim that its policies are encouraging domestic production at a time when many farmers have been displaced by bandits, and

those who remain are barely able to afford the cost of planting.

“How can production be increasing when the rural economy is under siege by bandits, and the costs of planting are now beyond the reach of the average farmer?

SEC DG: Nigeria’s Delisting from FATF Will Boost Investor Confidence

“The release of Nigeria from the FATF grey list means that investor confidence would be boosted. Delisting from that grey list sends a very strong signal to investors and trad- ing partners that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and countering of financing of terrorism regula- tions,” Agama said.

He described the delisting as a “welcome call to new investments,” saying it would further strengthen productivity and growth in the Nigerian economy.

After implementing a 19-point action plan, the FATF removed Nigeria from the list more than two years later, acknowledging the country’s progress in tighten- ing its AML/CFT framework. Agama described the devel- opment as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity, and global credibility and commended Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and her team for their diligence in implementing the country’s action plan.

Tunji Bello Hails Court Rulings Upholding Consumer Rights

James Emejo in Abuja

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, yesterday commended the recent court rulings that upheld consumer rights in the country.

Bello, specifically referenced the Lagos High Court’s award of N5 million in damages against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and the Enugu High Court’s decision declaring Peace Mass Transit’s “no refund” policy unlawful. He hailed the courts for ensuring fair outcomes that strengthen consumer

confidence and accountability in the marketplace, noting that the judgments underscored the strength of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), 2018, which empowers consumers to seek redress and compels service providers to main- tain lawful standards of fair service delivery.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

Chukwuma Okoro;

Ekeocha;

PHOTO KINGSLEY ADEBOYE.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ACTION...

L-R: Jessica Emenike of Investment Operations, STL Asset Management Limited; Head Business Development, STL Trustees Limited, Sade Ademokunwa; Chief Executive Officer, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (COPE), Ebunola Anozie; Managing Director/CEO, STL Trustees Limited, Funmi Ekundayo, and Investment Banking Senior Analyst, STL Capital and Advisory Limited, Bolatito Olujobi, during the corporate social responsibility initiative where free breast cancer screenings were offered in Lagos…recently

Kyari: FG Targeting Cheaper Farm Inputs, Community Silos to Sustain Drop in Food Prices

Says

fertiliser,

irrigation, fuel costs under

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has expressed satisfaction with the recent drop in food prices across the country, noting, however, that the federal government’s focus was now on tackling the high cost of

farm inputs such as fertiliser, irrigation systems, and fuel to sustain the progress.

He stated this while speaking with journalists after attending a Senate public hearing in Abuja, The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Chaired by Senator Salihu Mustapha (Kwara Central), organised the forum

review

Unveils

to enable stakeholders make input into three proposed bills.

They are the Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion into Flour Production) (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (5B. 254); The National Food Reserve Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2023 (SB. 139): and the Rice Development Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill,

plans for community-based storage to curb post-harvest losses

2024 (SB. 541)

Kyari said Tinubu’s administration was working out mechanisms to make critical agricultural inputs more afford- able and accessible to farmers through credit facilities and partnerships with the private sector.

He said, “I’m happy with

Zainab Bagudu Harps on Early Release of Funds, Prudent Use for Cancer Treatment

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Former First Lady of Kebbi State and Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Bagudu has urged State Gov- ernors, State House Assembly members and development partners to be prudent in the use of funds meant for cancer treatment.

She said with early release of funds meant for the fight against as well as its treatment, this gesture would achieve zero tolerance of the deadliest disease called cancer in the entire African continent.

Bagudu, who made the

call yesterday, during the 11th Medicaid Cancer Awareness Walk in Abuja, to raise awareness about the disease, said cancer survivors have a place as research has proven that many are responding to treatments.

At the 11th edition of the walk themed, “One walk, one fight, one mission,” Bagudu reiterated that, from early detection, many are improv- ing, as well as creating more confidence in the fact that cancer is not only curable, but can also be prevented.

She commended the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi

Tinubu, for maintaining and supporting the initiative and its tradition of creating awareness about cancer, while noting that “all that is needed most in cancer care is awareness.”

According to her, “Thou- sands of people from different places converge here to create awareness, and also to show the world that survivors of cancer have a place.

“Here we have a lot of them improving and creating more confidence in us that cancer is not only curable, but it can also be prevented.

“I want to also use this opportunity to call the govern-

Tinubu Felitates Ex-First Lady, Margaret Shonekan, on 84th Birthday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has sent warm greetings to the former First Lady, Chief Margaret Shonekan, as she clocks 84 on October 28, 2025.

The President, in a release issued on Monday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,

celebrated the wife of the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of United African Company (UAC), whose exemplary humility and kindness continue to inspire.

According to President Tinubu: “Mrs Shonekan

devoted her entire career to the strengthening of public institutions, with a focus on promoting effective service delivery, providing qualitative and reliable educational assessments for students, encouraging academic and moral excellence, and promoting human resource development.

ment, State, National Assembly, and development partners to use the released funds and support these gestures to achieve zero tolerance of the deadliest disease called cancer in the entire Africa.”

In her speech, the Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman, said this was proof that when Nigerians, particularly women, come together, there’s nothing that can’t be achieved, adding that cancer was beatable.

the crash of food prices but it’s the inputs that we’re working on. Fertilizers, irrigation, fuel, and other essentials.

“We are trying to create mechanisms that will allow farmers to access credit and, at the same time, cheaper products for farming.”

The minister explained that the government’s intervention in the input supply chain would not be limited to staple crops alone but would also cover other key agricultural produce such as onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

“When we talk about fertilizer and inputs, it won’t be only for staple food; it’s for everybody, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and other agricultural crops,” he added.

On the issue of post-harvest losses, a major challenge affect- ing Nigeria’s food security, Kyari disclosed that the ministry has initiated a legacy project that focuses on storage facilities at the community level rather than the large urban silos that have long dominated government

policy.

He added, “We have already made a legacy project on post- harvest losses, which includes storage at the community level, not the silos that are situated in urban areas.

“We are driving a new harvest silos programme where about 85 percent of storage will be located within rural communities to replace the old, inefficient silos.”

Kyari revealed that the new initiative was being supported through two key funding frameworks, the New Growth Infrastructure Fund and the National Agriculture Development Fund, both of which aim to improve Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and reduce food wastage.

According to him, commu- nity-based storage would not only cut post-harvest losses but also strengthen the country’s food chain, ensuring that surplus produce can be preserved and released during periods of scarcity to stabilise prices.

Assets valued at millions of naira are rotting away at various locations across the country as the planned auction of the items by the Ministry of Water Resources failed to hold.

The items which included unserviceable earth-moving machines and other heavy-duty industrial equipment had been abandoned at various sites by the ministry for several years, where they have been overtaken by weeds.

Findings indicate that many

of the machinery are located in the Gurara Dam in Niger State, Upper and Lower Benue in Doma and across other sites.

The ministry, in a publication dated August 20, 2025, signed by Moses Jo-Madugu, Chairman of the Board of Scraps and Unserviceable Items Committee, announced its plan to carry out an auction of the items.

But sources said the planned auction was stalled due to an alleged conflict of interest among senior ministry officials.

Speaking on the development, the President, Nigeria Associa-

tion of Auctioneers, Musa Kurra, said the ministry appeared to be playing games over the planned disposal of the items, noting that the officials have refused to follow the due process. He stated that: “Since August 20, 2025 when the ministry published an advertorial in the Blueprint Newspaper about the planned auction of the heavy-duty machinery and other scraps and unserviceable assets, the officials have kept mum. They refused to release further information about the auction.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

LAWYER

LAWYER

#EndSARS, #FreeNnamdiKanu: LessonsandChallenges

Quotable

‘The Judiciary remains the last line of defence against impunity. The fight against economic and financial crimes cannot succeed, if the Judiciary falters.’ - Honourable

Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON, Chief Justice of Nigeria

Whether Mandatory Requirement of Legal Representation is Applicable in all Criminal Matters

Page IV

Chidinma Ojukwu: Court Grants Defence Access to Crucial Evidence in Super TV CEO Murder Trial

Page V

Sanwo-Olu, Fagbemi, Others, Call for United African Front Against Human Trafficking Page V Ex-Banker Fined N4m for Producing

Electoral Act Amendments: Fruitless Debates, Headless Proposals

Shifting the Burden of Proof to INEC in Election Petitions

Last week, we heard about the Senate’s Electoral Amendment Bill 2025, which is said to include several proposals, such as early voting for those involved in election-day duty; making the electronic transmission of results mandatory; shifting the burden of proof in election petitions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and giving prison inmates voting rights. The last two proposed amendments, caught my attention.

I’m not quite sure that I understand, how shifting the burden of proof to INEC in election petitions, makes legal sense. This proposal could be borne out of the fact that being able to win an election petition as a Petitioner, even with a compelling case, is usually more than an uphill task, and mostly unsuccessful - see Wike v Peterside (2016) LPELR-40036 (SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KekereEkun, JSC (now CJN); Maku v Al-Makura & Ors (2016) LPELR-48123(SC) per Walter Onnoghen, JSC (later CJN).

Though the burden of proof in election petitions can be discharged on a balance of probabilities, proving electoral malpractice or INEC’s non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022 (EA) can still be a Herculean task. In Wike v Peterside (Supra) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC (now CJN), the Apex Court held that the Petitioner “must prove it polling unit by polling unit, ward by ward, and the standard of proof is on the balance of probabilities. He must show figures that the adverse party was credited with, as a result of the non-compliance”. Also see Section 135(1) of the EA. Most Petitioners are unable to provide the results and polling agents to testify, from each and every polling unit they complain about.

For example, during the proceedings in the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), the Petitioners complained of about 18,000 polling units. One Petitioner had only 13 witnesses, out of which only 3 filed their statements on oath alongside the Petition. Specific polling units were not named, results weren’t tendered, nor did polling agents attached to each polling unit complained about, testify. The PEPT concluded that, those who testified were not octopuses with tentacles extending to all the polling units and collation centres in Nigeria, and that they could only testify about the polling units where they had been physically present. That relying on third party information to analyse results of polling units where they weren’t physically present, amounted to presenting hearsay evidence, which is inadmissible in law. See Sections 37 & 38 of the Evidence Act 2011 (EVA). Also see Atiku & Anor v INEC & Ors (2023) LPELR-61556(SC) per John Inyang Okoro, JSC. Alongside this arduous task, another reason sometimes advanced for the seemingly disadvantageous position of the Petitioner, is said to be INEC’s sluggish or seemingly reluctant attitude towards providing materials to Petitioners to support their election petitions. But, can this be enough reason to turn legal procedures upside down? I think not. If the Senate is enacting an amendment stating that, as a result of the time lines set in Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the Constitution), INEC is obliged to make available all materials requested for by parties to election petitions within 5 days that such requests are made, to ensure that constitutional deadlines for filing process related to the petitions are met, that is understandable and required, because of the aforementioned complaint of sluggishness on the part of INEC. However, there are two principles of law that easily come to mind, which make this proposed amendment to shift the burden of proof in election petitions to INEC, sound somewhat bizarre: 1) Section 168(1) of the EVA which has a presumption of regularity of official acts; and 2) The maxim, he who alleges must prove. It is trite that election petitions are ‘sui generis’, meaning that they are in a class of their own, unique, and they do not fit into the normal civil or other procedure classification, but, have their own separate rules. See Atiku & Anor v INEC & Ors (Supra). In Buhari & Anor v Yusuf & Anor (2003) LPELR-812(SC)

onikepo braithwaite

onIkePo BrAIThwAITe

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com

The Advocate

“However, there are two principles of law that easily come to mind, which make this proposed amendment to shift the burden of proof in election petitions to INEC, sound somewhat bizarre: 1) Section 168(1) of the EVA which has a presumption of regularity of official acts; and 2) The maxim, he who alleges must prove…. Saying that INEC should discharge the burden of proof….results declared by INEC will not be taken as prima facie correct, and INEC will now have the burden of proving they are correct….Every election conducted will then be challenged by all Petitioners….it is akin to saying that INEC is guilty, until it proves itself innocent - the inquisitorial system…..akin to putting INEC in the position of the Petitioner who has to prove their case! That would be weird”

per Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo, JSC, the Supreme Court held thus: “So, an election petition is neither seen as a civil proceeding in the ordinary sense nor, of course, a criminal proceeding. It can be regarded, as a proceeding sui generis”. But, would being sui generis be to the extent that, basic legal principles are turned on their heads?

How would this shift in the burden of proof to INEC even work? What does the burden of proof on INEC’s part entail?

In Alagbaoso v INEC & Ors (2023) LPELR-59702 (SC) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC, the powers of INEC to organise, undertake and supervise elections were restated. If INEC’s role in an election petition goes beyond presenting the results it has declared or making available the relevant BVAS machines, result sheets etc when asked for same, and it extends to disproving the Petitioner’s claims, wouldn’t this be tantamount to INEC, a supposedly neutral party whose constitutional role is to conduct elections, descending into the arena? See Section 78 of the Constitution and Alagbaoso v INEC & Ors (Supra).

1) Presumption of Regularity of Official Acts

In Ucha & Anor v Elechi & Ors (2012)

LPELR-7923 (SC) per Olabode RhodesVivour, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter

the Petitioner who alleges foul play, to prove the irregularity alleged. See Ogbuanyinya & Ors v Okudo & Ors (Supra) on whom lies the duty to rebut the presumption of regularity. Saying that INEC should discharge the burden of proof, isn’t just tantamount to stripping the Commission of the presumption of regularity for official acts, it is akin to saying that INEC is guilty, until it proves itself innocent - the inquisitorial system, as opposed to the adversarial system Nigeria purportedly operates, where an accused person is supposed to enjoy a presumption of innocence until proven guilty - see Section 36(5) of the Constitution.

2) He Who Alleges Must Prove In Ucha & Anor v Elechi & Ors (Supra) per Mahmud Mohammed, JSC (later CJN), the Supreme Court held that “the onus remains on the Petitioners to prove and establish their claims on their own evidence, without relying on the weakness of the case of the Respondents”. This is a restatement of the cardinal legal principle that, he who alleges must prove his/her assertion. Also see Agbakoba v INEC & Ors (2008) LPELR-232 (SC) per Christopher Mitchell Chukwuma-Eneh, JSC. Shifting the burden of proof on INEC, is akin to putting INEC in the position of the Petitioner who has to prove their case! That would be weird.

alia that: “The results declared by INEC are prima facie correct….”. Similarly, in Ogbuanyinya & Ors v Okudo & Ors (1990) LPELR-2294(SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia thus: “….where there is no evidence to the contrary, things are presumed to have been rightly and properly done. This is as expressed in the common law maxim in latin: omnia praesumuntur rite esse acta. This presumption is very commonly resorted to and applied, especially with respect to official acts”.

The implication of shifting the burden of proof to INEC is firstly, that the presumption of regularity of elections is removed, meaning that results declared by INEC will not be taken as prima facie correct, and INEC will now have the burden of proving they are correct Every election conducted will then be challenged by all Petitioners, even when they have absolutely no grounds to stand on, since they no longer have to prove their allegations, as that burden would have been shifted to INEC, to prove that it conducted good elections. Normally, INEC’s conduct of elections and declaration of results have a presumption of regularity unless it is proven otherwise, which would mean that the burden of proof should be on

Isn’t it elementary that it must be the person who alleges in his/her election petition that an election is irregular, or that there was non-compliance with the EA, that must prove the reasons behind that allegation? See Section 131-134 of the EA and Maku v Al-Makura & Ors (Supra) per Walter Onnoghen, JSC (as he then was). But, with this proposal, it appears that all a Petitioner has to do is present a petition with unsubstantiated allegations, fold their arms and leave INEC to be the one to disprove the allegations. So, for instance, if a Petitioner alleges that the Respondent’s credentials are forged, forgery is a criminal offence that has to be proved beyond reasonable doubt by the person who alleges it. With this shift in the burden of proof, would it then be INEC, who didn’t make the allegation, that must prove that the certificate is forged? Sounds strange.

I believe that this is a matter that requires deeper consideration, as the consequences of this proposal will most likely result in absurdity.

Prison Inmates' Voting Rights

The EA Amendment Bill, proposes voting rights for prison inmates. There is probably nothing altruistic, about this proposal of voter’s rights for prison inmates. Every Nigerian knows that, the conditions in the Correctional Facilities are deplorable. In a piece I wrote in 2017 titled “Imprisonment in Nigeria: A Fate Worse than Death”, I compared the conditions in Nigerian prisons to that of Antanimora Prison, Madagascar, one of the worst prisons in the world. See Sections 17(2)(c) & 34(1) of the Constitution on the right to dignity and humane treatment. So, since Government, including the Legislators, do not appear to be particularly concerned about the welfare of inmates, why would they be concerned about whether they vote or not? It is obvious that this proposal must be driven by the self-interest of politicians, possibly a way to garner more votes. Call me cynical or sceptical, but, it is more likely that the reason for this proposal is so that the prisoners can be manipulated to vote in whatever way the powers that be may desire.

Generally, many countries do not allow prisoners to vote, possibly because there is a belief that committing a crime takes away the right to vote. Some countries such as Norway and Denmark, however, do allow prisoners to vote. In the US, voting rights for prisoners vary from State to State. But, even where prisoners are free to vote, they face obstacles trying to complete the voting process.

Conclusion

While some of the proposed amendments to the EA may be welcome, what would be most welcome is, in reality, a stronger and much improved electoral process. Nigeria needs to learn from the mistakes of the 2023 general election outing, and concentrate upon perfecting the electoral process, instead of encouraging a fresh round of fruitless national debates. After all, the 2027 general elections are almost upon us; the party primaries will be conducted in 2026.

Inec chairman, Professor Joash ojo Amupitan, SAn

Whether Mandatory Requirement of Legal Representation is Applicable in all Criminal Matters

Facts The case arose from a petition to the EFCC by Alhaji Danlami Abubakar, PW1, against the Respondent, a civil servant at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The Respondent represented that the Federal Government was offering leasehold on landed properties nationwide, and sold three bidding forms to Alhaji Abubakar at N15,000.00 each. He further induced PW1 to pay N4 million as commitment fees for three properties in Makurdi. Contrary to his assurances, the Respondent failed to deliver the properties, prompting the petition to the EFCC, and the subsequent arrest of the Respondent.

On 7th October, 2016, the Respondent was arraigned before the High Court of Benue State, Makurdi, on an amended 11-count charge under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the Penal Code, 1963. The Prosecution called five witnesses, including Alhaji Danlami Abubakar, and tendered several exhibits. At the close of the Prosecution’s case, the Respondent applied for an adjournment to enable him make a No-Case Submission. However, after several adjournments, he failed to make a No-Case Submission or open his defence. Consequently, on 19th January, 2018, the trial court convicted him, sentenced him to 12 years imprisonment, and ordered restitution in the sum of ₦4 million to PW1 .

Dissatisfied with the judgement of the trial court, the Respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Judicial Division. The lower court set aside the conviction, and discharged and acquitted the Respondent for failure to prove the charges against him. Unhappy with the decision of the lower court, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues for Determination

The Supreme Court considered the four issues raised by the Appellant as apt for determination of the appeal. The issues are:

(1) Whether the lower court had the jurisdiction to consider and set aside the decision of the trial court based on a Notice of Appeal that was fundamentally defective?

(2) Whether in view of the entire circumstances surrounding the proceedings before the trial High Court, the Respondent can be said to have been denied a fair hearing?

(3) Whether the decision in Josiah v State (1985) LPELR-1963 is applicable in this case?

(4) Whether the trial court can convict on the evidence of a single witness (PW5)?

Arguments

On the first issue, the Appellant contended that the Respondent’s Notice of Appeal at the lower Court was fundamentally defective, having been filed in respect of Suit No. MHC/97C/2018, whereas the Judgement appealed against arose from Suit No. MHC/97C/2016. He urged the court to declare it incompetent and a nullity. The Appellant argued further that where an appeal is in respect of a non-existing decision, the appellate court will lack jurisdiction to adjudicate on it. He relied on UBA PLC v BTL INDUSTRIES (2006) 19 NWLR (PT. 1013) 61, among others. The Respondent countered the submissions above, contending that since the defect in the Notice of Appeal did not occasion a miscarriage of justice or mislead the court, and the parties on the subject-matter of the appeal, such defect would not render the Notice of Appeal invalid. While urging the court to do substantial justice and not justice on the basis of technicalities, the Respondent argued further that since the Appellant did not raise any objection to the said Notice of Appeal at the lower court and in fact, fully participated in the proceedings, it is too late to raise an objection against the Notice of Appeal. He cited the authority of OKPEH v STATE (2017) LPELR-42487. On the second issue, the Appellant argued that the lower court erred in law when it held that the Respondent was denied fair hearing, as such was baseless. The Appellant’s argument was premised on the fact that the Respondent had full opportunity to defend himself, but failed to do so. It was submitted that despite 7 adjournments granted to enable him file an address after his Counsel failed to represent him, the Respondent failed to act. As such, he could not claim denial of fair hearing, relying on decisions such as A.G. RIVERS STATE v UDE (2006) 17 NWLR (PT. 1008) 436; UKACHUKWU v PDP (2014) LPELR22115(SC). The Respondent, on his part, argued that the trial Judge denied him fair hearing by refusing a further adjournment after his Counsel failed to appear on health grounds. He argued that the foreclosure of his defence was premature, particularly as his former Counsel had

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 11th day of april, 2025

Before their lordships

Mohammed Lawal Garba adamu Jauro

Moore aseimo abraham adumein Festus Obande Ogbuinya abubakar Sadiq umar Justices, Supreme Court SC/1433c/2019

Between FedeRaL RePuBLIC OF NIGeRIa aPPeLLaNT And

SuNday OdeH

Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Umor, JSC

withdrawn his appearance in the matter, leaving him without adequate representation; and thus, such refusal occasioned a miscarriage of justice relying on SALU v EGEIBON (1994) 6 NWLR (PT. 348) 23, 40; and AKINGBOLA v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (2018) 14 NWLR (PT. 1640) 395, 414.

Regarding the third issue, it was argued for the Appellant that the principle established in JOSIAH v STATE (Supra) as to an accused person’s mandatory entitlement to a legal practitioner when charged with a criminal offence is not applicable in the instant case, because the accused was charged with a non-capital offence and, in fact, was given the opportunity to defend himself with seven adjournments. The Applicant relied on UDO v STATE (1988) 3 NWLR (PT. 82) 316, in support of his position. The Respondent argued differently on this issue, submitting that, as held in JOSIAH v STATE (1985) 1 NWLR (PT. 1) 125, failure to assign Counsel to an unrepresented accused amounts to a denial of fair trial. He argued that the trial court failed to follow this binding precedent and thereby breached the doctrine of stare decisis, while placing reliance on TAMESHWAR v THE QUEEN (1957) AC 476 AT 486.

On the fourth issue, the Appellant, relying on ANTHONY IGBO v STATE (1975) 1 ALL NLR (PT. II) 70 AT 74 and METROTOHUM v STATE

“It is clear that an accused person can elect to represent himself in person, except where he is bing charged with a capital offence, or an offence with life imprisonment. Even where it is so, the duty of the court is to inform the accused person who elects to defend himself in person, of the risk of such election”

INC v NMA (2012) 18 NWLR (PT. 1333) 506; UWAZURUIKE v A-G FEDERATION (2013) 10 NWLR (PT. 1361) 105; and OLLEY v TUNJI & ORS (2013) 10 NWLR (PT. 1362) 275. Technical defects, as in this case, the error in the suit number, cannot be said to go to the root of the case or rob a court of jurisdiction.

Deciding the second issue which on fair hearing, the Supreme Court held that the trial court did not deny the Respondent his right to fair hearing, in view of the circumstances of the proceedings at the trial court. The Supreme Court, quoting the statement of the Respondent as captured on page 103 of the Record of Appeal thus - “I do not have any defence. I still want an adjournment”- held that the court cannot continue to adjourn ad infinitum. Therefore, it cannot be said that the trial court failed to give the Respondent fair hearing, but rather the Respondent failed to present his defence each time the trial court gave him the opportunity to be heard, based on established principles in BIO v STATE (2020) LPELR-50258(SC); MAGNA MARITIME SERVICES LTD. & ANOR v OTEJU & ANOR (2005) 14 NWLR (PT. 945) 517 (SC); INAKOJU & ORS v ADELEKE & ORS (2007) LPELR-1510(SC), among others.

Further, relying on OGUNSANYA v STATE (2011) 12 NWLR (PT. 1261), as well as the aforementioned established cases, the Supreme Court reiterated that the Respondent had full opportunity to present his defence, but he refused in deliberate attempt to delay the proceedings. The court was fully persuaded that seven adjournments within nine months is enough opportunity for the Respondent to prepare and present his defence in the case at the trial court, and having failed to do so, he cannot complain of denial of his right under Section 36(4) and (6) of the 1999 Constitution.

ReSPONdeNT

(1992) 7 NWLR (PT. 254) 443, argued that a conviction may be based on the testimony of a single material witness. The Appellant contended that the trial court rightly relied on the cogent and compelling evidence of PW5 to convict the Respondent, and urged the Supreme Court to set aside the decision of the lower court. The Respondent posited otherwise. He contended that the prosecution failed to prove the offences of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery, beyond reasonable doubt. The Respondent argued that the evidence of PW5 did not establish the link between the Respondent and the alleged forged documents, and that PW1, the nominal complainant, failed to adduce credible proof of payment of N4 million. He relied on the case of NWATURUOCHA v STATE (2011) LPELR-8119 (SC) and STATE v CHUKWU (2021) LPELR-56610 (SC).

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

In resolving the first issue, the Supreme Court held that the Notice of Appeal filed at the lower court was competent, notwithstanding the error in the suit number; and as such, the error did not make it fundamentally defective. The court reasoned that, error in the suit number is a mere clerical error that did not prejudice the Appellant in any way. Also, the grounds of appeal and issues for determination in the Notice of Appeal filed at the lower court were directly tied to the judgement, in the case in which the Respondent participated at the trial court. Similarly, the Appellant was not misled, as it filed a Respondent’s brief and fully participated in the proceedings without objection until after judgement. The error is a mere irregularity, that the Appellant has waived. It does not affect the validity of the Notice of Appeal, filed at the lower court. Their Lordships held that to hold that the said error in the suit number makes the Notice of Appeal to be fundamentally defective, will amount to elevating technicality over the doing of substantial justice - MARINE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES

On the third issue, the Supreme Court held that the lower court erred in law when it held that the failure of the trial court to allow the Respondent’s case to be conducted by a legal practitioner, as held in Josiah v State (Supra), was fatal to the case of the Appellant. In reiterating the well-established principle of law in Josiah v State (supra), the Supreme Court explained that the mandatory requirement of legal representation for a Defendant applies only when the Defendant is being tried for capital offences, if unrepresented. However, Section 267 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, does not impose the duty on the court to ensure that an accused person is represented by a legal practitioner in all cases. It is clear that an accused person can elect to represent himself in person, except where he is bing charged with a capital offence, or an offence with life imprisonment. Even where it is so, the duty of the court is to inform the accused person who elects to defend himself in person, of the risk of such election.

In the present case, the Supreme Court noted that the Respondent faced fraud charges, not capital offences, and received terms of imprisonment, rather than death or life imprisonment applicable in capital offences. He was given adequate opportunities to secure Counsel, but repeatedly sought adjournments. The distinction lies between lack of opportunity for representation, and failure to utilise available opportunities. Therefore, Josiah v State (Supra), is inapplicable, and the lower Court wrongly relied on it. The issue was therefore, resolved against the Respondent.

Lastly, on the fourth issue, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the trite principle of law that cogent and credible evidence of a single witness is enough to convict a Defendant, as long as such evidence establishes the guilt of the Defendant beyond reasonable doubt, and provided the law does not require corroboration before conviction can be sustained. The Supreme - LASE v STATE (2018) 3 NWLR (PT.1607) 502. In this case, PW5, the Deputy Director of the Presidential Implementation Committee, gave uncontroverted evidence that the Respondent was allocated a single apartment, and that the alleged letters of offer and treasury receipts were forged. His testimony established all the elements of forgery as laid down in ALAKE v STATE (1991) 7 NWLR (PT. 205) 592 and BABALOLA v STATE (1989) 4 NWLR (PT. 115) 264. These elements were corroborated by PW1, which further reinforced the Respondent’s culpability. In the final analysis, the Supreme Court set aside the judgement of the lower court, and restored the conviction and sentence of the trial court in Charge No: MHC/97C/2016.

Appeal Allowed.

Representation

H. G. Erahabor (with the fiat of the Attorney-General of the Federation) for the Appellant. Prof Agbo J. Madaki with S.E. Abu, P.R. Dajane and Maryan A. Madaki for the Respondent.

Honourable Abubakar Sadiq Umor, JSC

Chidinma Ojukwu: Court Grants Defence Access to Crucial Evidence in Super TV CEO Murder Trial

Stories by Steve Aya

In a pivotal development in the murder trial of Super TV CEO, Michael Usifo Ataga, the Lagos State High Court has mandated the release of crucial physical evidence to the defence team of the prime suspect, Chidinma Ojukwu. The ruling, delivered by Justice Yetunde Adesanya, marks a significant turn, as the case transitions from the prosecution's arguments to the defence’s effort to counter the charges of murder, conspiracy, and stealing.

The court's decision came after a formal application by Ojukwu’s lead Counsel, Onwuka Egwu, who argued that access to specific exhibits was indispensable for preparing their defence. The defence had sought a trove of digital devices, including mobile phones and laptops belonging to both the deceased and the Defendants, asserting that these items are central to establishing their client's version of events.

The list of requested items, painted a picture of the digital footprint at the heart of the case.

From the late CEO’s iPhone 12 Pro Max and MacBook Pro to Ojukwu’s own iPhone 11 Pro and a collection of other phones and laptops, the defence aims to scour the devices for evidence. This legal move underscores the increasingly digital nature of modern criminal investigations, where a single piece of data can alter the course of a trial.

Trial Judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya,

clarified that not all the requested items remained in the custody of the prosecution. However, she firmly anchored her ruling on a fundamental legal principle: the right of every accused person to a fair trial, and the ability to adequately prepare a defence. This affirmation reinforces the judicial system's commitment to due process, even in the most sensational of cases. In immediate compliance

with the court's directive, prosecution Counsel, Yusuf Sule, handed over three key items - an iPhone 7, an iPhone 11, and an HP laptop - to the court for official release to the defence. This transfer of evidence signals the start of a critical new chapter in the long-running trial, as Ojukwu's legal team begins its forensic examination of the materials. The court proceedings were not without drama, as

only the third Defendant, Chioma Egbuchu, was physically present. Chidinma Ojukwu and her co-accused, Adedapo Quadri, were notably absent, with their legal teams citing the planned nationwide protest as the reason. This absence added another layer of complexity, to a case that has captivated the Nigerian public since its inception in 2021. With the evidence now changing hands, the legal battle intensifies. The court

has adjourned the matter, setting a series of dates in October and November 2025 for the continuation of the trial. All eyes will now be on the defence team, as they analyse the newly acquired exhibits, building their case to prove the innocence of their clients in the death of Michael Ataga, whose body was discovered in a Lagos service apartment, allegedly in the company of Ojukwu.

Sanwo-Olu, Fagbemi, Others, Call for United African Front Against Human Trafficking

The coastal city of Lagos played host to a landmark gathering of African leaders, jurists and anti-trafficking advocates, who say the continent stands at a pivotal moment in the fight against the twin scourges of human trafficking and ritual abuse.

The two-day inaugural Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking convened by the Lagos State Ministry of Justice in partnership with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute of Pepperdine University (USA) with the theme: “A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice”, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja. The

colloquium brought together, delegates from across Africa and beyond.

In his opening address, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu set a resolute tone for the gathering, urging African nations to form a cohesive strategy against heinous crimes that transcend borders. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Governor described the colloquium as a "defining moment for Africa’s collective conscience".

“This evil knows no boundaries. We must confront and defeat the dangerous myths that fuel ritual abuse

myths that wrongly link power or success to the taking of human life”, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated, “Our people are not for sale, our children are not sacrifices, and our future will never be built on fear or blood”.

Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, revealed that between 2022 and 2024, over 4,700 victims of trafficking were rescued and supported in Lagos State alone. To illustrate the grim reality of human trafficking and ritual crimes, he further emphasised that ritual killings and trafficking have evolved into "organised,

commercialised, and transnational crimes", requiring an equally sophisticated and cross-border response.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, delivered a forceful commitment from the Judiciary, vowing that perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law. “The Lagos Judiciary will ensure that anyone found guilty of trafficking or ritual abuse, faces stringent punishment in accordance with the law”, Justice Alogba declared. Tracing the origins of these crimes back to the history of slavery, the CJ described human trafficking

Ex-Banker Fined N4m for Producing Cannabis-Laced Drink

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a former Banker, Joy Awosika, to pay a fine of ₦4 million, for producing a locally brewed beverage laced with Cannabis Sativa. Justice Musa Kakaki, who delivered the judgement on Wednesday, found the 45-year-old guilty of unlawfully producing and distributing a narcotic substance, and ordered the forfeiture of three vehicles used in the illicit business to the Federal Government. The vehicles include a white Volkswagen van marked AKD 510 YJ, a white and

green Toyota mini truck, LSC 999 YK, and a yellow Ford van AKD 511 YJ. Awosika’s conviction followed her guilty plea to a two-count charge, filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). According to the charge, she was arrested on September 10, 2025, at the Caritas Event Centre, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, Lagos State, with 6,096 litres of a beverage known locally as “skuchies”, which laboratory tests confirmed contained Cannabis Sativa, a narcotic drug prohibited under Section 11(c) of the

NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation 2004. Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Bahari Abdullahi, reviewed the facts of the case and tendered exhibits, including samples of the beverage and vehicle registration documents, which the court admitted in evidence. He urged the court to convict the Defendant, and order the forfeiture of all assets used in committing the offence, describing the case as “a reminder that drug crimes are evolving in new and dangerous forms”. In her plea for leniency, defence counsel, Chief (Mrs)

Lilian Omotunde, told the court that her client was a single mother of four, and is a Master’s degree holder in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She explained that Awosika turned to the illicit trade after losing her banking job and the subsequent collapse of her personal business, adding that she had shown deep remorse and was battling health challenges.

Justice Kakaki, after considering the plea and the submissions of both Counsel, held that while the offence was serious,

the Defendant’s personal circumstances warranted a measure of compassion.

He therefore, sentenced Awosika to pay ₦4 million in lieu of imprisonment, and ordered the permanent forfeiture of the three vehicles as “instruments of crime”.

The judgement underscores the NDLEA’s ongoing crackdown on unconventional drug trafficking, particularly the use of locally brewed drinks to conceal narcotics, a trend officials say, is becoming increasingly common across urban centres.

as a business driven by profit and ritual abuse as a "grim offshoot" of this exploitation. He stressed that effectively addressing the problem, requires tackling the deep-seated social and cultural beliefs that justify the exploitation of human beings.

A recurring theme at the colloquium was the need to combat not just the criminals, but the cultural silence and spiritual manipulation that enable them. The DirectorGeneral of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta L. Adamu Bello, represented by Mr Josiah Emerole warned that traffickers increasingly exploit cultural fears and spiritual oaths to control their victims. “These oaths are enforced not with guns or chains, but with deep-seated cultural fears. Ritual abuse has not disappeared; it has only evolved, crossing borders and complicating trafficking investigations”. This sentiment was further re-echoed by the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was represented by Miss Ezinne Nwokoro, who reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to legislative reforms and stronger partnerships

with NAPTIP.

Chidinma Ojukwu

L-R: Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Hon. Bonu Solomon; Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba; Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN; Lagos State Solicitor -General and Permanent Secretary, Hameed Oyenuga; Director, Sundreau Global Justice Institute, Pepperdine, University, California, USA, Prof Cameron MC Collum, and Representative of the Minister of Justice, Ezinne Nwokoro

#EndSARS, #FreeNnamdiKanu: Lessons and Challenges

Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the #endSaRS protests, many youths trooped out in abuja last week to protest the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). despite the court order procured by the Police to limit the protest, youths still trooped out in huge numbers. The Police quelled the demonstrations, allegedly utilising excessive force and arrested some of the protesters, including one of Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyers, aloy ejimakor. While many believe that Nnamdi Kanu should answer for the heinous crimes he and his group are alleged to have committed, others are of the view that his continuous detention is discriminatory and politically motivated, and keeping him locked up ‘sine die’ won’t make for peaceful resolution of issues. Those in support of Nnamdi Kanu’s release, organised a protest to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the October 2020 #endSaRS Protests. Some of them ended up being arrested by the Police, others, brutalised. Going by how the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest played out, questions are being asked by the public, whether any lessons were learned by Government and law enforcement agencies on how to handle protests, and if there have been any positive outcomes, whether in terms of Police reform or the benefit of citizens. Samson Itodo, okechukwu Nwanguma and Emmanuel onwubiko express their opinions on these issues in this discourse

Lekki to Kanu: Unlearned Lessons in a Nation Still Searching for Justice

Samson Itodo

Based on recent protest trends, the month of October is gradually emerging as Nigeria’s month of protests and civic activism. October 2025 marks the fifth anniversary of the #EndSARS protest, the first anniversary of the #EndBadGovernance protest, and this year has been heralded with the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest, a clamour for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been in detention despite a retinue of court orders directing his release. These

protests are coming against the background of State repression, shrinking civic space and State capture of accountability

institutions. The response of State authorities to the protests epitomises the crisis of political injustice, and they reinforce

“This pattern shows that the Government sees peaceful protests, not as a way for people to express their opinions, but as a threat to their lives. There is no way to justify the excessive force used against Free Kanu protesters, by saying it was for security or public order reasons. It is a form of systematic intimidation meant to discourage people from getting involved in politics, and make State violence against dissent seem normal”

the urgent need for the Nigerian State to adhere to its human rights obligations enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution and international norms and standards. It would seem that dissent, and democratic expression are increasingly criminalised, especially when such dissent is expressed against the unjust and arbitrary exercise of State power.

Did the Protest Achieve its Set Objective?

The protesters were unequivocally clear with their demand – Free Nnamdi Kanu and respect subsisting orders of court directing his release. The Government has ignored these orders, and he continues to remain in detention in the Department of State Services since his extradition from Kenya in 2021.

In response to the protest, the Government secured a court order to restrict the locations of the protests and prevent the protesters from approaching the presidential villa, the planned destination for the protests. The Government also deployed heavy security, to disrupt and demobilise the protesters. Key leaders of the protests, including

Mr Kanu’s brother and Lawyer were arrested and remanded in the Kuje prison. The teargassing of the protesters and arrests, were reminiscent of the brutality that signposted the #EndSARS protests five years ago.

A new twist also emerged with Nnamdi Kanu’s trial. He was reported to have sacked his Lawyers, and sought to represent himself and Omoyele Sowore, one of conveners of the protests was arrested in the court premises a day after the protests, for alleged violation of a court order restricting the protests to certain parameters of the FCT.

Going by this metric, the demands of the protesters were not achieved. But, that does not connote that the protest was unsuccessful. Assessing the effectiveness of protests as a tool of democratic expression by focusing on the policy outcome, could reduce or oversimplify public protests. In fact, it presents an incomplete picture of the power of protest as a tool for galvanising, articulating and amplifying public discontent. Recent protests in the global south demonstrate how citizens, especially young people, have turned to the streets and online platforms as an

#endSArS, #FreeNnamdiKanu: Lessons and challenges

arena of political contention in direct response to democratic erosion. Street and online protests have become a primary means for engaging political elites, reclaiming power, and holding leaders accountable. The protests reflect widespread public discontent and demonstrate the resilience of citizens in challenging authoritarianism and resisting democratic decline. Despite brute force and political repression by State authorities to suppress dissent, citizens’ resilience and persistence continue to fuel protests and the demand for a new social compact.

In this instance case, the protests succeeded in highlighting the political cost of the continued detention of Kanu and the disregard for the rule of law. The defiance expressed by the protesters, represent the courage and resilience that makes democracy deliver for the people. It sends a message to the political class that citizens are not docile and despondent, to the extent they tolerate every ounce political oppression and lack of institutional accountability. The posture of the Government to ignore court orders weakens the rule of law, and this could breed public resentment, and the consequences are too dire for the Nigerian State to handle, in view of the recent developments in the subregion and the alleged/ rumoured coup plot that hit the public space this month.

Additionally, aside from renewing public debate on the issue, it galvanised citizens and fostered cross-ethnic solidarity. Traffic and normal businesses were disrupted in Abuja and the South East on the day of the protest, due to heavy security deployment. The US mission in Nigeria closed down its Embassy on the protest day, and its staff deferred to remote work. The frustrations with Government’s response catalysed solidarity amongst Nigerians, who started viewing the unending trial as pernicious political victimisation.

Did the Police (and Security Forces) Use Excessive Force to Quell the Protests?

There is overwhelming evidence that the security agencies used excessive force, to demobilise the protests. The pattern is similar to the Lekki Toll Gate incident, that was being commemorated that same day. It was a sad reminder that Nigerian security forces didn't learn much from the #EndSARS tragedy. Sowore says that, the response was immediate and disproportionate. About ten trucks full of security personnel, including police, military, and civil defence workers, showed up at the protest site at Transcorp Hilton not long after the protesters got there. Without warning, or provocation, and despite the protesters stated

peaceful intentions, security forces allegedly opened fire with live ammunition and tear gas canisters. Using excessive force against unarmed protesters peacefully exercising their constitutional rights, is a clear violation of both domestic law and international standards for policing protests. The Constitution of Nigeria protects the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and protest. International human rights standards, such as the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, say that brute force should only be used as a last resort, when there is an immediate threat to life. There was no such threat from the protest, on October 20. The protesters were not armed, they were well-behaved, and had promised to be peaceful in public. But, security forces used what are basically battlefield tactics, against civilians who were taking part in a democratic venture.

In addition to the violence, security forces arrested some of the protesters. It was reported that Kanu's younger brother and his Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, were beaten before being taken to the FCT Police Command. There were also reports that journalists covering the event, were harassed and arrested. This is reprehensible and unacceptable,

“When the Police or security forces deploy brute or excessive force to quell people’s protest, it delegitimises the Police as an institution of public protection….Where the State treated the protests as a security threat rather than a civic demand, it ceded the moral high ground to protestors, and revived old grievances about the criminalisation of dissent”

given the critical role of press freedom in democratic societies. The heavy security presence throughout Abuja, represented excessive and intimidating deployment. Citywide traffic jams happened when major roads, like Shehu Shagari Way, were blocked off. Access points to the Three Arms Zone, the National Assembly, the Federal Secretariat, and the Presidential Villa were all locked down with a lot of force. Eagle Square and Unity Fountain, were turned into virtual military zones. This militarisation of public spaces, which was supposedly meant to stop a peaceful march, made it clear that the Nigerian Government is afraid of its own people and will use all its power to suppress dissent.

It is disappointing that five years after security forces allegedly shot peaceful protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, killing or injuring many people and traumatising others, similar methods are still being deployed to quell public protests.

The Lagos incident with Opeyemi Adamolekun, Executive Director of Enough is Enough, who tried to lay flowers at Lekki Toll Gate to honour the victims of #EndSARS, may have been the most telling. Security guards stopped her from doing this simple symbolic act, because they were afraid of even flowers. This pattern shows that the Government sees peaceful protests, not as a way for people to express their opinions, but as a threat to their lives. There is no way to justify the excessive force used against Free Kanu protesters, by saying it was for security or public order reasons. It is a form of systematic intimidation meant to discourage people from getting involved in politics, and make State violence against dissent seem normal.

Both Nigerian and international

law say that force must be necessary, appropriate, and gradual. Before using physical force, security forces should try all other options first. Any force used, must be the least amount needed to achieve legitimate law enforcement goals. The response on October 20, did not pass any of these tests. Also, the Government got a questionable court order that limited protests in some parts of Abuja. This raises questions about the independence of the courts, and the use of courts to violate constitutional rights. Even if the order was valid, it didn't allow Police to use violence to break up protests, or justify the use of live ammunition. When the Police or security forces deploy brute or excessive force to quell people’s protest, it delegitimises the Police as an institution of public protection.

Lesson Not Learned

Five years after #EndSARS, Nigeria faces a sobering truth: the fundamental issues that sparked that movement remain unresolved. State violence against protesters continues unabated. For President Tinubu, the Kanu situation presents both challenge and opportunity. His recent pardon of 175 convicted criminals, including many guilty of serious offences, raises the obvious question: why not Kanu, who was cleared by an appellate court? It's clear that the morals don't match up. But, cynically, Kanu's release could be a political move before the 2027 elections, as it could ease tensions in the Southeast and demonstrate respect for the law.

As we remember #EndSARS and see the violent end of the Free Kanu protest, we should ask ourselves what kind of country we want Nigeria to be. One where the Government decides what is fair, where peaceful protests lead to gunfire, and where the law only

#endSArS, #FreeNnamdiKanu: Lessons and challenges

applies when it is politically useful? Or one where constitutional rights matter, courts are respected, and people can ask for accountability without fear of violence from the State?

Samson Itodo, Human Rights Defender, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa

#EndSARS at Five, Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest and the Unfinished Struggle for Justice in Nigeria Okechukwu Nwanguma

When citizens recently planned a peaceful protest in Abuja to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu - who has remained in prolonged detention despite multiple court orders directing his release - the Nigeria Police, once again, showed its reflexive hostility to dissent.

In a move that has become all too familiar, the Police hurriedly approached a High Court and obtained an ex-parte order restricting protests in certain parts of the city - especially the areas reserved for the powerful and privileged. Even though that order was never served on the protesters, the Police preemptively blocked key roads, fired tear gas at peaceful demonstrators, and unleashed chaos on ordinary citizens.

This episode exposes a disturbing truth: Nigeria’s courts have become convenient instruments for the executive to validate illegality and suppress dissent. The Police, rather than upholding the law, now act as an extension of political power - protecting authority, not citizens.

The irony is painful. Five years after young Nigerians risked everything to demand an end to Police brutality, the same Force continues to use excessive force against citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.

From #EndSARS to “Free Nnamdi Kanu”: The Cycle of Repression October 2020 was a defining moment, in Nigeria’s democratic journey. The #EndSARS protests united a generation around a simple demand: End Police brutality and reform the Police. The Government’s response was cosmetic. SARS was disbanded, but SWAT emerged almost immediately - old wine in a new bottle.

The protests, initially peaceful, were met with violence. The tragic events at the Lekki Tollgate remain a scar on the nation’s conscience. Five years later, nothing has fundamentally

changed. The same patterns of abuse, extortion, and impunity persist.

The violent response to the Free Nnamdi Kanu protest shows that the lessons of #EndSARS were never learned. Instead of reform, we have seen a regression - where peaceful dissent is criminalised, and courtrooms are used to silence citizens.

Why Police Reform Keeps Failing

Nigeria’s failure to reform its Police, is not due to a lack of ideas or laws. The Police Act 2020, enacted one month before #EndSARS, promised a people-centred Police service anchored on accountability and respect for human rights. On paper, it was historic. In practice, it remains largely ignored.

Political interference continues to define leadership appointments, favouring loyalty over competence. Chronic underfunding and corruption sustain a system, where Officers depend on complainants and suspects to fund investigations.

Recruitment is compromised by bribery and patronage, while oversight bodies like the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Complaints Response Unit (CRU), lack independence and resources.

Police welfare remains deplorable - poor pay, collapsing barracks, no healthcare or psychological support.

A demoralised and impoverished officer, cannot embody professionalism or integrity.

Justice for Victims: Still Elusive

The judicial panels set up after #EndSARS heard heart-wrenching

“This episode exposes a disturbing truth: Nigeria’s courts have become convenient instruments for the executive to validate illegality and suppress dissent. The Police, rather than upholding the law, now act as an extension of political power - protecting authority, not citizens”

testimonies of torture, extortion, and extrajudicial killings. Some recommended compensation and prosecution, but, five years later, very few have been implemented.

Victims’ families still wait for justice, while perpetrators continue to serve - and sometimes get promoted. This sustained failure deepens public mistrust, and violates Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights law.

A Policing System Stuck in the Past

The problem goes deeper than rogue officers or bad leadership. It is structural. Nigeria’s Police was created by colonial authorities as a Force of control, not service - a tool to enforce order, not justice. That legacy endures.

Despite constitutional promises, the Police still see themselves as rulers, not servants of the people. Citizens, in turn, view them with fear, not trust. This mutual hostility erodes public safety, and weakens democracy.

What Must Change

Nigeria Police does not need another rebranding, or task force. The path to genuine reform is already clear:

1. Implement the Police Act 2020 - fully and faithfully.

2. Ensure merit-based recruitment and leadership appointments.

3. Improve Police Welfarehousing, healthcare, and fair pay are rights, not privileges.

4. Strengthen accountability bodies - give the PSC and CRU real independence and resources.

5. Respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest - Democracy cannot thrive where dissent is criminalised.

The Unfinished Struggle

The Free Nnamdi Kanu protest was more than a demand for one man’s release; it was a demand for the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights. The Police response was a grim reminder that the spirit of #EndSARS remains alive - because the injustices that

birthed it, persist.

Five years on, Nigeria still stands at a crossroads. It can continue on the path of repression and hypocrisy, or it can choose accountability and reform.

The message remains clear: Nigeria does not need new slogans or uniforms. It needs justice, accountability, and political will. Until that happens, #EndSARS will remain an unfinished struggle and a haunting reminder of a nation still at war with its own citizens.

Criminalising Protest Undermines Democracy

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) therefore, condemns in strong terms the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and several other peaceful protesters by the Nigeria Police Force during the recent Free Nnamdi Kanu protest in Abuja.

According to the Police, the protesters were arrested for allegedly violating a court order restricting protests in certain areas of Abuja. The Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, claimed that Sowore “led the protesters into a restricted area”, describing his arrest as an act of “fair play”.

RULAAC considers this justification, both troubling and legally untenable. The right to peaceful assembly and expression is guaranteed by Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and reinforced by Articles 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act - now part of Nigerian law. These rights cannot be suspended or overridden by any administrative or judicial order, inconsistent with the Constitution. It is ironic and hypocritical that the same Nigeria Police and Government that routinely flout valid court orders - such as those directing the release of Nnamdi Kanu or awarding compensation to victims of humanrights violations - now hide under

Yemi Adamolekun being harassed while trying to lay a wreath at Lekki Tollgate in honour of the #endSArS Victims

#endSArS, #FreeNnamdiKanu: Lessons and challenges

the cover of a court order to suppress a constitutionally protected peaceful protest. Selective obedience to court orders undermines both the rule of law, and public confidence in the justice system.

Peaceful protest, is not a crime. It is a legitimate democratic tool, for citizens to express dissent and demand accountability. Criminalising protest or targeting human rights defenders like Sowore for exercising or facilitating constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, is a dangerous step toward authoritarianism.

RULAAC calls on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately and unconditionally release all arrested protesters, and to desist from actions that violate citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association. We also urge the Judiciary to resist being used as an instrument for the suppression of civil liberties.

Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy, while it continues to punish citizens for demanding justice and compliance with the rule of law.

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)

The Nexus Between #Free Nnamdi Kanu's Protests and #EndSARS

Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko

"Democracy is a poor system; the only thing that can be said for it is that, it's eight times as good as any other method. It's worst fault is that it's leaders reflect their constituents - low level, but, what can you expect.?"Robert A. Heinlein.

Introduction

On October 20, 2025, Nigerians who took to the streets to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu; and to remember the unfinished business of #EndSARS five years after a movement that shook the nation, found themselves confronting a familiar and grim choreography: peaceful assembly met with the instruments of force. What began as a surge of civic memory and a plea for justice, quickly became another painful reminder that the promise of reform has been more rhetorical than real. My purpose in this piece is not merely to rehearse the day's chaos; it is to interrogate the political logic that produced it, to ask whether the protest achieved its aims, and to weigh the State’s response, against the benchmarks of restraint and the rule of law.

Free Nnamdi Kanu Demonstra-

tions

The Free Nnamdi Kanu demonstrations of October 20, were not isolated acts of agitation. They were a convergence of two national wounds: the fallouts from the #EndSARS uprising of October 2020, and the ongoing contestations over the detention and prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). For many in the Southeast and beyond, Kanu symbolises a grievance that refuses to disappear; a perception that the State wields criminal law selectively, and that some political prisoners are punished for the ideas they embody, rather than unlawful acts they committed. For others, the spectre of secession is a security threat that must be contained. Into this combustible mix the fifth anniversary of #EndSARS poured fresh fuel: families of those killed in 2020 still seek accountability, and a generation that once believed in the transformative potential of protest has watched promises dry up into reports and investigations that have led to few consequences. The combination made October 20 less a protest than an insistence that the state confront its own unresolved violence. Did the protest achieve its set objective; the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, or at least a substantive shift in public pressure, strong enough to move the music of power? The short answer is no. Courts continued their business; the criminal process against Kanu advanced; and within days, the State was pursuing organisers and participants in court. Arrests

“Police welfare remains deplorable - poor pay, collapsing barracks, no

healthcare or psychological support. A demoralised and impoverished officer, cannot embody professionalism or integrity”

were made, including high-profile detentions reported at courts and protest sites, and the Police have filed suits against organisers, alleging offences ranging from criminal conspiracy to disturbing public peace. Those outcomes point to an immediate failure, if the metric is the literal release of a detainee.

But, to measure the protest only by the immediate output is to misunderstand the rhythms of democratic pressure, in a polity where institutions are slow and levers of power are jealously guarded. Protests, especially those aimed at political prisoners, rarely deliver instant legal outcomes. They aim to change the political temperature, to focus attention domestically and internationally, and to build networks of solidarity that can alter the calculus over time. By that broader measure, the protests did force a national conversation back onto the front pages and court dockets, drawing in civil society, some media organs, and foreign missions issuing security alerts. Whether that conversation translates into concrete legal or policy gains, remains to be seen.

But, technique matters as much as ends. The organisers (a motley coalition of activists, human rights advocates, and citizens sympathetic to Kanu's plight) sought to tap the moral clarity that animated #EndSARS: the insistence that the State be held accountable, and that justice be more than a slogan. The symbolism of staging this demand on the fifth anniversary of #EndSARS, had an elegiac force. It was as if the country was being asked to read one long sentence; sentence that opens with “remember” and ends with “act”. Yet, the State, rather than engaging that sentence, chose to silence it with teargas, water cannons, and forceful dispersal in several cities. Reports from Abuja and other centres show Police deploying teargas and armoured vehicles, blocking major

roads and arresting demonstrators, journalists and even some Lawyers who had come to observe or support the protests. Where the State treated the protests as a security threat rather than a civic demand, it ceded the moral high ground to protestors and revived old grievances about the criminalisation of dissent.

The question of whether the Police used excessive force, is not merely semantic; it is the hinge on which the legitimacy of both protest and State response turns. International human-rights standards permit the policing of assemblies to prevent violence and protect public order, but, they require force to be necessary, proportionate, and a last resort. Video footage and eyewitness accounts from the October 20 gatherings, indicate that teargas and water cannons were used in densely packed civilian spaces, that journalists were caught up in the clamps, and that some demonstrators reported bullets being fired. If live ammunition was discharged at a protest where the majority were singing, carrying flags, and asserting demands, then the deployment of such force would be difficult to defend as proportionate. Even the use of teargas inside congested urban settings (with vulnerable bystanders, the elderly and children present), risks more harm than the preservation of public order. The Police insist they acted to prevent a breach of the peace and to enforce court orders; the protesters and many human-rights groups say the response was heavy-handed and vindictive, betraying a pattern of using force to suppress legitimate civic expression, rather than to protect life. That tension is precisely what renders the State’s approach, both legally and politically hazardous.

Beyond the immediate tactics, we must confront the broader systemic failure that allows such a standoff to repeat itself. Five years after a mass movement that demanded sweeping reform of policing, the State apparatus has not delivered meaningful

omoyele Sowore (left) and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

#endSArS,

accountability. Families of those killed in 2020 continue to wait for justice; internal investigations have produced reports and recommendations that evaporate into institutional inertia.

The same Police formations that were accused of brutality in 2020, are today deployed to disperse protestors in 2025. When institutions tasked with upholding rights are themselves the instruments of rights violations, the citizenry's recourse narrows to protest, litigation and international appeals. None of these remedies, are substitutes for an internal cultural and structural reform of security agencies; the kind of reform that requires political will, sustained oversight, and the courage to discipline errant officers. The repeated resort to force, is symptomatic of a State that has not internalised the civic learning moment of 2020.

Consider also how the law is weaponised, in these conflicts. The charges arrayed against Kanu (and the State’s invocation of terrorism legislation), transform what might be political speech and agitation into crimes of national security. That legal framing narrows the space for dissent, and justifies a securitised response. When the Police then profile those who march for Kanu as conspirators or as inciters of public disorder, they make legal proceedings themselves an extension of the political contest. Courts become arenas where the state's narrative is pressed, and defendants must navigate an uneven terrain where public sympathy and judicial procedure do not always align. Recent filings and remands in courts against organisers and participants reveal this dynamic: charges that were once the province of criminal law are now deployed as deterrence against political mobilisation. The longer-term consequence is chilling: citizens may learn that protest carries a cost, not only in teargas and arrests, but in prosecutorial attention and potential criminal records.

The media's role, meanwhile, was telling. Journalists covering the demonstrations reported arrests and rough treatment; some had equipment seized, or were prevented from recording events. When the press is impeded in this way, the public's right to know is curtailed, and the very accountability that protest seeks, is undermined. The memory of DJ Switch's livestream five years ago, remains a potent example: live reporting can puncture official denials, and create an evidentiary record that compels investigation. The State’s heavy-handedness towards journalists in 2025, risks replicating the erasure of truth that many Nigerians fought to reveal in 2020. That pursuit of transparency is not a luxury — it is a democratic necessity.

What does responsible civic action look like, in this fraught context? For organisers, prudence does not mean timidity. It means planning protests that minimise risk to bystanders,

Lessons and challenges

coordinating with independent observers, notifying authorities to reduce friction, and preparing legal support for arrested participants. For the State, responsibility means resisting the reflex to securitise dissent, investing in public order capabilities that respect human rights, and allowing avenues for political expression, even when unpopular. Most of all, it means taking public grievances seriously: prosecuting credible allegations of State violence, implementing the recommendations of credible inquiries, and engaging in dialogue with dissenting voices. Without those changes, every anniversary of #EndSARS risks becoming another flashpoint, another set of families who will wait yet another year for answers that never come.

As a human rights activist and a journalist, I do not romanticise protest. I recognise its limits and its hazards. But, I know too that in a polity where the instruments of accountability are weak, protest remains an essential corrective. The Free Nnamdi Kanu demonstrations did not secure immediate legal victory; they did, however, perform a societal function; they reminded the nation and the world that the questions raised in 2020 about State violence, accountability and selective justice have not been answered. To dismiss those demonstrations as mere lawlessness, is to refuse the moral labour that civic life requires.

Going Forward

“For many in the Southeast and beyond, Kanu symbolises a grievance that refuses to disappear; a perception that the State wields criminal law selectively, and that some political prisoners are punished for the ideas they embody, rather than unlawful acts they committed. For others, the spectre of secession is a security threat that must be contained”

What must happen next, is both procedural and political. The courts must be allowed to run their course, with full respect for due process; if the State believes it has a strong case, let it present its evidence transparently, and let the defence respond without intimidation. Simultaneously, the Police and other security actors must be subjected to scrutiny, for their conduct on October 20 and in the years since #EndSARS. Independent probes, with the power to make findings and recommend sanctions, are nonnegotiable if trust is to be rebuilt. Civil society must insist on these instruments of accountability, and international partners should support mechanisms that are locally led, but, internationally credible.

In defining the balance between order and liberty, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The State’s resort to teargas and arrests as the primary answer to civic demands, is a short-term tactic that deepens the long-term crisis. Conversely, a robust, rights-respecting approach to protests (one that protects lives, allows expression, and disciplines abuse), can convert moments of rupture into opportunities for reform. If the fifth anniversary of #EndSARS taught us anything, it was that Nigerians will not be placated by platitudes. They will measure words against deeds. The test now is whether the Government will respond with genuine reform, or repeat the pattern of repression that breeds the next confrontation.

Conclusion

I close with a practical imperative: those who govern must remember that legitimacy is not a permanent endowment; it is an earned trust that must be replenished daily. Arresting activists, journalists and protesters may suppress a demonstration,

but it cannot silence the questions that created it. The only path to durable peace and order is through justice; justice that is seen to be done, anchored in law, and delivered without fear or favour. Until that occurs, Nigerians will have every reason to return to the streets, to demand what is owed them: truth, accountability, and the right to civic life unmarred by State violence.

The Nigeria Police as currently constituted, is at its lowest level ethically. First and foremost, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu violated the Federal Civil Service law and the Constitution to unilaterally extend the service years of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who clocked 60 years two years ago and according to the extant federal civil service law, he ought to have gone back home as a retiree. However, Tinubu breached every employment law by extending the tenure of the head of the Police, whose operatives under his watch have become more incompetent, inefficient, ineffective and grossly corrupt. Tinubu, through his Federal Attorney-General, got the weak National Assembly to amend the Police Act of 2020, and got it retroactively applied to benefit Egbetokun who was the chief security officer to Tinubu during his eight years in Lagos state as Governor. So, we now have a Police Force that is absolutely unqualified to be regarded as reform minded.

In effect, the core reasons for the #EndSARS protests have not been achieved, because due to gross indiscipline and lack of professionalism, the Police still massively engage in flagrant human rights violations, extrajudicial killings of detainees, and brutality against citizens.

Emmanuel Nnadozie

Onwubiko, Founder, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA); Past National Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria

Nnamdi Kanu's Lawyer, Aloy ejimakor

KEN OPARA: GAIM 6 Is Not Just a Promo, It’s a Movement for Financial Empowerment

To revitalise the culture of saving and drive financial inclusion, Fidelity Bank Plc has amplified its flagship initiative, the Get Alert in Millions Season 6 (GAIM 6) savings promo last November. What began as a nine-month campaign has now been extended to a transformative year-long movement, boasting an expanded prize pool of N189 million. Dr. Ken Opara, the bank’s Executive Director for Lagos and the South-West, and Chairman of the GAIM 6 Promo, shares insight on why this extension is far more than a marketing push—it is a strategic pillar in the bank’s mission to empower Nigerians. Dr. Opara highlights the customer demand that fuelled the extension, the key milestones achieved in reaching underserved communities, and the digital innovations distinguishing GAIM 6 as a cornerstone of modern retail banking and the exciting cash prizes available to eligible participants. Excerpts:

GAIM 6 has been extended. What informed this decision, and what does it mean for existing and prospective customers?

The extension of GAIM 6 to November 30, 2025, was a direct response to overwhelming customer feedback. Many requested more time to participate, and we listened. With full regulatory approval, we increased the total cash rewards from N159 million to a record N189 million. This extension means more opportunities for both new and existing customers to win life-changing prizes, including the N10 million grand prize. At Fidelity Bank, we are thrilled to keep the excitement going. Our customers asked for more chances, and we delivered. GAIM 6 is not just a promo. It is a movement for financial empowerment.

How has GAIM 6 contributed to Fidelity Bank’s broader financial inclusion goals, especially in underserved communities across Nigeria?

GAIM 6 has been instrumental in deepening financial inclusion across the country. Through targeted draws for NYSC corps members, women, children, and market clusters, we’ve reached segments often excluded from formal banking. The campaign has onboarded thousands of new customers, many from rural and semi-urban areas, and encouraged dormant account holders to reactivate their accounts.

Tell us more about GAIM Season 6. Can you give an estimate on how many Nigerians have benefited from this initiative?

Since we launched the campaign in November 2024, we have disbursed a total of N139 million to 4,396 customers across various draw categories, which include: 80 winners who have received a total of N80 million in monthly draws; 900 students who have received N9 million in Flex draws; and 27 youth corps members who have received a total of N13.5 million in NYSC quarterly draws. We have also given out a total of N100,000 to 10 women in the International Women’s Day draw; a total of N100,000 to 10 customers in the Workers’ Day Draw; a combined sum of N100,000 to 10 SWEETA account holders in the Children’s Day Draw; also N10,000 to 1,550 market activation winners totaling N15.5 million, as well as a total of N9 million to 1,800 winners in Weekly Consolation draws.

What innovations distinguish GAIM 6 from previous editions, and how do these reflect Fidelity Bank’s commitment to digital transformation?

GAIM 6 has introduced several innovations, including commemorative day draws such as Workers’ Day, Women’s Day, and Children’s Day draws. We also have draws for different categories of customers, including NYSC quarterly draws and Flex draws. We have also added free Financial advisory services via the Fidelity SME Hub to the bouquet of benefits for winners this season. All these reflect our commitment to driving financial inclusion and empowering our customers to meet their lifestyle goals.

How does GAIM 6 align with Fidelity Bank’s strategic vision for retail banking leadership in Nigeria?

GAIM 6 is a cornerstone of our

retail strategy. It supports our financial inclusion goal by promoting a healthy savings culture, rewarding loyalty, driving digital adoption, as well as expanding our footprint in underserved regions.

What role has customer feedback played in shaping the design and execution of GAIM 6?

Customer feedback has been pivotal. The extension itself was a result of direct requests. We also adapted our communication strategy to leverage local languages, market activations, and digital remarketing to better resonate with diverse audiences. Dormant account holders were re-engaged based on behavioral data.

What steps do customers need to take to participate and stand a chance of winning the remaining prizes?

For prospective customers, all they

need to do is open a Fidelity savings account through any of our digital channels or visit the nearest branch and get any of our e-channels. Additionally, customers are expected to fund their accounts with as low as N10,000 for a chance to win in the monthly draw and N20,000 for a chance to win in the grand draw. For existing savings customers, all they need to do is fund their accounts with as low as N10,000 for a chance to win in the monthly draw and N20,000 for a chance to win in the grand draw. Additionally, they are expected to get any of our e-channels.

What safeguards are in place to ensure transparency and fairness in the promo’s reward system?

That’s a very good question, as transparency is a cornerstone of the GAIM promo. All draws are conducted electronically and supervised by representatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), staff of the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority, and media practitioners. Our draws are also streamed online. All these lend to fairness, credibility, and public trust.

GAIM 6 has created thousands of winners. Can you share a particular story that stands out for you in the promo?

Sure. While we have recorded several winners with impactful stories, the case of Mr. Kizito Nnamdi Onunkwo is an interesting one for me. Here’s a customer who won twice in different monthly draws, taking home a cumulative N2 million. For me, this speaks to the transparency of the campaign and the fact that eligible customers can win multiple times in the campaign. Again, we have seen specific cases of winners who deployed the prizes they won from the promo to transform their businesses.

Looking ahead, what can customers expect from future promos or initiatives that build on the success of GAIM 6? Customers can expect more inclusive campaigns targeting youth, SMEs, and rural communities. We also have in the pipeline initiatives to enhance their digital experiences with gamified savings and loyalty rewards. I should also mention that we have integrated financial education into our campaigns to help winners grow their wealth. For us, it’s not just about winning. It is about building a secure financial future for every Nigerian.

Adefeko: PAPSS Saving Africa Over $5bn Annually, 19 Nations Join Continental Payment Network

Sunday Ehigiator

The Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Olam Agri, Ade Adefeko, has said that the PanAfrican Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is saving African countries more than $5 billion annually in transaction costs.

Adefeko, in a statement disclosed that 19 nations have joined the continental payment network backed by the African Union (AU) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

He noted that the system, which facilitates crossborder payments in local currencies, is transforming how Africans trade and is crucial to advancing the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, “This unified backing is crucial, as the system is regulated by the PAPSS Governing Council (PGC), a body composed of the Central Bank Governors from participating countries. This ‘College of Governors’ provides robust oversight, ensuring the platform’s stability, security, and alignment with national monetary policies.

“What began as a successful pilot in the

West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) has scaled at an impressive pace. As of 2025, the PAPSS network has expanded its footprint across four regions, connecting 19 countries, with over 150 commercial banks and 14 payment switches. This now includes a significant presence in North Africa, with countries like Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia on board, alongside growing corridors in East and Southern Africa.”

He added, “This year, 2025, has been a critical turning point for Africa’s payment sovereignty with the launch of two gamechanging products. The ‘PAPSSCARD’, Africa’s first continental card scheme, was launched in June to challenge the dominance of foreign card networks. Hailed as a ‘bold move toward financial sovereignty’, the card aims to keep processing, fees, and data within Africa.

“While regional systems like the East African Payment System (EAPS) and COMESA’s Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS) have existed for years, their adoption has often struggled, limited by fragmented liquidity and a lack of interoperability. This

is where PAPSS provides a critical solution. By leveraging PAPSS, these regional systems can be connected, allowing it to act as a ‘network of networks’ that provides the final, continental net settlement layer they previously lacked.”

The future, experts say, lies in the collaboration between these regional systems and the continental PAPSS platform.

“This synergy is the key to creating a truly unified African payment market, moving from isolated pockets of trade to a seamless flow of capital. The economic impact is staggering: PAPSS is forecast to save the continent more than $5 billion USD annually in payment transaction costs, money that was previously lost to fees for currency conversions and routing payments through offshore correspondent banks.

“The initiative has been championed by Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), who has described PAPSS as a ‘transformational’ tool for achieving African financial sovereignty. His vision has been to create a system that allows an African to buy goods from another African country using their local currency,” he said.

Nigerian Breweries Completes 100% Integration of Distell Nigeria

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB) has completed 100 per cent integration of Distell Nigeria into its operations. The integration followed the full acquisition of the company by NB in March 2025. The Corporate Affairs Director of NB, Mr. Uzodinma Odenigbo, disclosed this to journalists in Lagos. Odenigbo revealed that

NB has completed the installation of a stateof-the-art manufacturing line for Distell brands at its Ibadan brewery and has since commenced the manufacturing of Distell wines and spirit brands, including Chamdor, 4th Street.

He said: “I am pleased to announce that we have now completed the full integration of Distell Nigeria, and we have now installed a state-of-the-art

facility in our Ibadan Brewery for the production of the Distell Wines and Spirit Brands.

He explained that the full integration is in line with NB’s ambition to become a ‘Total Beverage Company’, which goes beyond beer.

Odenigbo added that the full integration has now expanded NB’s brand portfolio to include wine, spirits, and readyto-drink (RTD) brands.

Financial Inclusion: GOXI, Others to Host Microinsurance Conference

Small businesses and vulnerable households in Nigeria are set to benefit from fresh ideas on how to expand access to microinsurance, as Goxi Microinsurance prepares to host its 3rd Annual Conference in Lagos.

The event, it said in a statement, will be held in partnership with the Microinsurance Network. Microinsurance Network is the international multistakeholder platform for experts to work together on key areas of development in inclusive insurance

This year’s theme, “Reflection on Microinsurance in Nigeria for Inclusive Growth,” will

drive discussions on how affordable insurance can shield low-income families, traders and MSMEs from unexpected financial shocks.

Goxi said it has a track record of paying out claims to victims of market fires, accidents, and social crises.

“Over the past five years, the company paid over N636 million claims to vulnerable low income holds in Nigeria.

Microinsurance in Nigeria has come a long way, but we must do more to ensure that vulnerable households and small businesses are adequately protected,” said Shina Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Goxi Microinsurance.

Industry watchers note that many traders still operate without protection, leaving them exposed when disasters strike. The conference will explore digital solutions, genderfocused products, and community partnerships that can close this gap and support economic growth. When a market fire or accident happens, insurance should not be a luxury. It should be a lifeline,” said Gbadegesin.

Goxi’s efforts, Gbadegesinsaid, have earned it recognition, with several awards as the Leading and Excellent Microinsurance in Nigeria.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea),

(Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic

Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Director of Corporate Operations, Axxela,Tuoyo Ejueyitchie; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Axxela,Timothy Ononiwu; Country Manager, Great Place to Work Institute, Nigeria, Otamere Elegon; and Head, Corporate Services, Axxela, Ngozika Achebe, at the official presentation of the Great Place to Work Certificate to Axxela in Lagos...recently

Kayode Tokede

Transnational Corporation Plc, yesterday announced its third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2025 with N124.5billion profit before tax, representing about N105.5billion reported in the third quarter (Q3) ended September 30, 2024. The result and accounts

Q3: Transcorp Group Reports 18% Increase in Profit to N124.5bn PRICES

posted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that Profit After Tax closed Q3 2025 at N91.4 billion, about 21 per cent increase over N75.9 billion in Q3 2024.

The Africa’s leading listed conglomerate, in its unaudited Q3 2025 financial results, delivered strong growth across business lines as the

FOR

Group recorded N413.4 billion in revenue, a 39 per cent growth from N297.7 billion in Q3 2024.

The group maintained its strong growth trajectory, driven by the company’s resilient business strategy and operational excellence.

The Group Company Secretary, Atinuke Kolade in a statement stated that

all operating units of the company recorded significant growth, with the increased power generation capacity at the Group’s power plants and expansion in the hospitality revenue stream with the inclusion of the 5,000-capacity Transcorp Centre Abuja.

According to Kolade, the Group maintained a gross profit margin of 48per cent,

reflecting disciplined cost management and strategic pricing across its business units, underpinned by a strong ethos of operational efficiency.

Commenting on the Q3 2025 results, Chairman, Transnational Corporation, Mr. Tony Elumelu, in a statement said, “Transcorp’s robust revenue and earnings

delivery, demonstrates the opportunity in the Nigerian economy. “Our diversified portfolio continues to offer investors access to key drivers of Nigeria’s growth opportunity. As the macro-economic climate improves, the Group is well positioned to take advantage of Nigeria’s extraordinary potential.

TRADED ASOF OCTOBER /27/25

Grassroots Development: How Obio/Akpor Council is Strategising for Better and Effective Leadership

In anticipation of change and greater development at the grassroots level, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, in collaboration with Gershon’s Gate, a legal firm, organised a three-day intensive training for the legislators of the council on understanding the duties and responsibilities of councillors for the sustainability of the nation’s democracy. Blessing Ibunge reports

In less than two months in office, the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State deemed it fit for its legislators to go through rigorous training to understand their roles in carrying out activities that affect the development of their wards. The LGA, which is the second highest in generating Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) across the 774 LGAs in Nigeria after Lagos Island, led by its Chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, in partnership with Gershon’s Gate, a legal firm, organised the training, bringing in experts who sensitised the lawmakers on the duties of the third-tier legislative assembly.

A Reflection of Good Governance

The Obio/Akpor LGA Chairman, Dr. Worlu, said the workshop became necessary to educate and inform the legislators, some of whom he said are greenhorns in politics and even in legislative business, so they could understand that there is work to be done, and that such work can only be done with proper knowledge and understanding.

He said the resource persons had done a good job by exposing the lawmakers to the basic functions of a councillor and the need for them to pursue those functions with energy, integrity, purpose, and transparency.

Worlu, who was present at the training, said: “Since we came into office, we have been doing our best to run the affairs of the council as put on our shoulders, but we felt that a day like this was necessary so we can expose ourselves to the relevant laws and procedures for conducting legislative business. I want to say that this event is very important,” and urged participants to take the workshop as seriously as is necessary so that, in the end, they could reap the full benefit, which he believes will influence development across the LGA.

He said: “We cannot run the government successfully and effectively without a legislature that is grounded in the business of legislation, advocacy, or representation, as well as making sure that all our communities get the dividends of democracy. The legislature also has a responsibility of oversight, and so I want to encourage us to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us know that the responsibility ahead of us, or in front of us, is enormous, and we cannot go outside the law in doing whatever it is we may want to do.”

He noted that they must follow the law in policy formulation, execution, and review.

“We must ensure that the expectations of our people are not cut short, and we must work together in making sure that we don’t only meet those expectations, but that we exceed them, and exceed them well.

“We believe that when they are this equipped, they will be able to do a good job of collaborating while overseeing the executive to bring about the much-needed dividends of democracy to the people of the local government. I am personally happy with what is happening. I have enjoyed so far a very robust working relationship with the members of the council.”

Urging the legislators to take the programme very seriously, anticipating the impact it holds on their services in representing their wards, Worlu said: “I want to also thank our resource persons for the good work that you have done so far, putting together this programme within a very short period of time. We also recognise the support and the presence of some of our former legislators here, and I want to say to God Almighty be all the glory for making this day possible.”

Building Capacity for Grassroots Democracy

A facilitator and partner in the training, Mr. Iche Wordu, Managing Solicitor at Gershon’s Gate Law Firm, said they are partnering with the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council to onboard the newly elected councillors so that they can start their work.

Wordu said as a law firm: “We made a proposal not just to the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council but to some other local government councils. The Obio/Akpor local government chairman sat down with us, discussed the details and the content of the seminar, and was pleased with it. We also run a centre within our firm for political education and development. So, this is part of the work that the centre has initiated and is taking around the local governments to give the newly elected councillors the capacity to do their work effectively.” He said: “Our ambition is to empower the councillors to be able to do their work effectively. Nigeria needs people who understand what democracy is

and who can practise it in the real way democracy should be practised as they do all over the world.”

Benefits of the Training for the Councillors

One of the resource persons at the workshop, Mr. Igoh Wopara Owhonda, referencing Section 7 (1) and (3) of the Nigerian Constitution during his presentation, said the legislators can impact positively on the laws that govern society, informing the councillors that: “You are the third tier of the government, and as a vital tool, you are expected to represent the people in channelling responsibilities into development. At the grassroots level, it behoves you to ensure peace in your local area of duties.”

Owhonda, who is a legal luminary, told the 17 councillors at the workshop to engage fully in the betterment of the people they represent, saying: “You should know that you are people of power and must use that power properly to ensure that it benefits your subjects at your various wards of representation.”

In an interview with THISDAY, Owhonda, who took the participants on Understanding the Duties and Responsibilities of Councillors for the Sustainability of our Democracy, explained that: “It’s one thing to be a councillor, elected as a councillor. It’s another thing to know what it is, what your duties are as a councillor. So, what I taught them there is that as a councillor, your powers are derived from the Constitution, and you have certain duties and obligations which you are meant to carry out for the people in your ward.

“Now, some of those duties are making laws that make life easier for the people of your ward. You know that the way our country is structured, the local government is at the grassroots. It’s the basis upon which the entire country is built. So, if the basis is faulty or weak, the structure itself can fall. The councillors should know that they are people of power and that they must use that power properly to ensure that it benefits those who are with them.”

Speaking on the issue of oversight, the legal luminary said: “They have an oversight function, which means if the executive chairman goes outside his

powers, they have a duty and an obligation to rein him in and say, ‘Sir, you can’t go this way; it is outside your powers.’ Basically, this session I had with them was for them to understand that they do have a duty and obligation to the persons they serve at the grassroots.”

Appreciating the LGA leadership for putting up the workshop, and seeking that such a programme be replicated across the 774 LGAs in the country, Owhonda stressed: “People should know what their councillors should do for them. We sit down and say it’s from the top. No. We have three levels of government, and each one should be held accountable. So, this kind of programme should be replicated across the nation. Let people know, especially councillors, what their powers are.”

Towards Sustainable Governance

Another resource person, Mr. Amaechi Kelechi, said the workshop will go a long way in bringing about sustainable governance and development in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council.

Amaechi explained that the training will build the councillors’ capacity on issues around budgeting and oversight, rights and privileges, the new National Tax Act 2025, and how they can effectively have a harmonious and constructive relationship with the Executive Arm to the benefit of their wards, ensuring there is less conflict.

“We also took them on conflict resolution, how they can map their stakeholders and engage with stakeholders at the ward level for effective legislative work. The essence of the workshop is to make sure that most of the councillors who are first-timers are abreast of what they ought to do when they get to the council so people do not begin to undertake responsibilities that are not theirs. They are not supposed to undertake duties that are not statutorily their responsibility and which might end up creating conflicts between the legislative assembly and the executive arm of the Obio/Akpor Council.”

He continued that after the workshop, it is expected that “they (councillors) will be able to use their regulative skills and knowledge to impact on the people at the grassroots, to ensure there is duty and social services that the people enjoy more and more of the dividends of democracy.

Group photograph of the Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Dr Gift Worlu and councillors, during the three-day training organised for the legislative assembly of the Council in Rukpokwu, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State

(3rd left) Head of Local Government Administration, Obio/Akpor presenting a certificate of participation to the Leader of the Obio/Akpor Legislative Assembly, Rexmilia Amadi, at the end of the training

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Despite Slow Growth, Nigeria’s Gas Output Jumps 11% , Domestic Deliveries Rise

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After two years of sluggish performance, Nigeria’s gas sector has rebounded in 2025, recording a 11 per cent increase in total production and notable gains in domestic consumption, according to latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The figures showed that gas production rose from an average of 6.84 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCF/D) in 2024 to 7.61 BSCF/D

this year, underscoring a recovery driven by renewed government focus on production ramp-up, infrastructure investment, and improved regulatory oversight.

The rebound marks the country’s most significant annual growth in gas output since 2022, when production averaged 6.91 BSCF/D before dipping in the subsequent two years. NUPRC attributed the 2025 recovery to new policy interventions and the operational resurgence of key upstream assets that had previously suffered from

underinvestment and logistical constraints.

Beyond higher volumes, domestic deliveries climbed to 27.4 per cent of total production, up from 25.9 per cent in 2024 and 23.9 per cent in 2022, representing a cumulative 14.6 per cent growth in domestic gas allocation within three years.

This rise may not be unconnected with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” agenda, which prioritises local gas supply for power generation, industrial feedstock, and residential use.

According to the

commission, gas delivered to Nigerian homes and industries grew from 1.65 BSCF/D in 2022 to 2.08 BSCF/D in 2025, a 26 per cent increase, supported by the steady completion of midstream projects such as pipelines and processing plants, allowing more molecules to reach endusers.

“In the past five years, gas operations have demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady growth despite industrywide challenges. Following a temporary dip in output

between 2022 and 2024, gas production rebounded in 2025 to a daily average of 7.61 Billion Cubic Feet per day in response to the many initiatives of the government towards production ramp up.

“This recovery has been matched by the commitment to the domestic market, with gas deliveries rising consistently from 1.65 BCF/D in 2022 to 2.08 BCF/D in 2025, ensuring more Nigerian homes and industries benefit from clean and reliable energy. Export performance also

strengthened, recovering from 2.33 BCF/D in 2023 to 2.67/D BCF in 2025, reinforcing our position as a depend-able supplier to international markets. In the same vein, export performance did not also fare badly despite rising local consumption. Gas sales to international markets accounted for 35.2 per cent of total production in 2025, slightly higher than the 34.2 per cent recorded in 2023 but down from 38.3 per cent in 2022, the data showed.

LCCI: Nigeria’s N4.46trn Livestock Import Bill in 5yrs Reflects Weak Domestic Investment

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed concerns over the rising importation of livestock products that reached N4.46 trillion between 2020 and June 2025, having rose from N454.52 billion in 2020 to N1.49 trillion in 2024.

The LCCI said that Nigeria

imported N815.03 billion worth of livestock products against an export of N51.57 billion in H1’25 and N1.49 trillion in 2024.

The LCCI expressed this concern in its quarterly review of the state of the economy where it attributed the trend to weak investment in domestic livestock production.

Referring to recent NBS

data, the President of LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said that “Nigeria imported N815.03 billion worth of livestock and related products in the first half of 2025, while exports stood at N51.57 billion, resulting in a N763.47 billion trade deficit.

It said, “Between 2020 and mid-2025, total livestock imports reached N4.46 trillion, up from N454.52

billion in 2020 to N1.49 trillion in 2024. These figures underscore Nigeria’s dependence on external supply to meet both domestic and industrial demand. We have the technical knowledge and skills, but we are not investing enough to boost the local economy.”

The LCCI also warned that the continued influx of cheaper foreign livestock

products, often priced lower due to stronger foreign currencies and lower production costs, is undercutting local producers, reducing patronage, and forcing many small agribusinesses to shut down.

Idahosa said that “Nigeria’s weak production base mirrors structural inefficiencies.

Average milk yield from local cows remains below

1.5 litres per day, while the country produces only about 600,000 metric tonnes of milk annually, against a demand exceeding 1 million tonnes. Consequently, Nigeria spends over $1.5 billion yearly on dairy imports according to the report from Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD).”

How SROL is Redefining Sustainable Mining in Nigeria

Benson Onwusa, Olufemi Olubi, David Mbrekpadiaha and Bolaji Alayande,

Present key takeouts from the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week

Across the world, businesses are redefining what responsible growth looks like. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards have moved from the margins to the mainstream, shaping how companies create value and how investors, consumers, and regulators measure success. This global shift was reflected at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week, where conversations on sustainability took centre stage.

In mining, ESG is not optional — it is essential. For decades, the sector has grappled with issues such as environmental degradation, community displacement, and governance gaps. Today, governments and investors are reimagining mining not just as extraction, but as a driver of industrialization, job creation and shared prosperity.

Nigeria is no exception. Through partnerships with international development agencies, multilateral organisations, and private investors, the government is attracting capital to build a more sustainable, value-driven mining ecosystem, one that connects local development to global markets seeking ESG-aligned products.

Leading this transformation is Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, the Segilola Gold Mine. SROL is redefining what responsible mining looks like in Nigeria, leveraging technology, investing in communities, empowering local talent, and embedding sustainability into every layer of its operations.

SROL’s commitment to sustainability began well before the first shovel hit the ground at the Segilola Mine. From the outset, the company assessed its potential impact and identified the material sustainability issues that would guide its operations; insights that shaped its first sustainability report and

L-R Sustainability Officer, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), Benson Onwusa; Sustainability Analyst, Onyen Corporation, Elizabeth Akiboye; Senior Geologist, SROL, Olufemi Olubi; Social and Community Officer, SROL, Bolaji Alayande and Environment Lead, SROL, David Mbrekpadiaha; at the 2025 Nigeria Mining Week recently held in Abuja.

continue to inform its evolution.

A core part of this journey has been SROL’s adoption of technology to enhance transparency and decision-making. In 2023, the company partnered with Onyen, a sustainability reporting platform, to streamline how data is collected, analysed, and reported.

“Onyen helps us collect data across a wide range of sustainability topics, align with international standards, and analyse trends that inform better decisions,” says Benson Onwusa, SROL’s Sustainability Officer.

These digital tools are now integral to SROL’s broader growth strategy. The company’s successful 2024 drilling campaign expanded exploration across Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, extending mine life and positioning SROL for sustainable regional growth.

SROL has also deployed drone-based aeromagnetic surveys to improve exploration efficiency while minimising environmental disruption.

“Using drone aeromagnetic surveys has dramatically reduced our exploration time, lowered personnel costs, and minimised environmental disruptions,” Olufemi Olubi, Senior Geologist at SROL, explains. “By reducing the need for extensive groundbased surveys, we have also lessened the impact on local communities and ecosystems.”

Central to SROL’s sustainability strategy is its investment in local talent. With 99% of the workforce for the Segilola Gold Mine being Nigerian, the company prioritises capacity building to ensure that host communities benefit directly from its operations. This commitment strengthens local expertise, retains value within the country, and aligns with national development goals.

Workforce safety is equally paramount.

In 2024, SROL recorded a significant drop in occupational incidents following the introduction of anomaly reporting systems, integrated job planning, and open site communication.

“Our safety onboarding programs are mandatory for all visitors and personnel,” David Mbrekpadiaha, Environment Lead at SROL, reveals. “Regular hazard identification and safety awareness training ensure everyone is equipped to mitigate risks.”

This culture of vigilance and accountability has reduced accidents, improved operational continuity, and built trust with surrounding communities. It also earned SROL the 2024 CIPM Nigeria Oscar for HR Best Practice, a recognition of its people-first approach to leadership and governance.

vSROL’s sustainability efforts also extend beyond the mine site as the company has completed 23 community projects and held over 120 stakeholder engagements to promote transparency and trust. Among its most impactful initiatives are its Livelihood Restoration Programs (LRPs), which provide sustainable income opportunities through fish, vegetable, and cocoa farming projects.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

‘LFZ Remains Best Investment Destination for Nordic Businesses in Nigeria’

Lagos Free Zone, has been described as the best investment destination for Nordic companies in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, disclosed this during the Nordic Nigeria Connect 2025 held in Lagos.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the event, Ladoja explained that the Zone offers business predictability and proper organisation for investors who intend to do business

in Nigeria, unlike other places where they are more likely to be confronted by infrastructural or regulatory barriers.

She stated that for Nordic companies that see Nigeria as a potential hub for business, Lagos Free Zone remains the ideal destination as it offers the proper infrastructure, enabling environment, and logistics capacity needed to thrive.

“In Lagos Free Zone, we have a deep-sea port with state-of-the-art equipment. So, if you come to the Zone and have your business set

up, it becomes easy for you to export, thus addressing the issue of delays and timing. With that, you can bring in your raw material seamlessly, effortlessly, all in the same place. So, with other access roads and coastal road being put in place, alongside plan

to connect the axis through rail, many of these constraints would have been taken care of. Looking at it from a regulation perspective, we are creating our own single window where all the regulators you need to do your business are

concentrated in the zone,” she added.

She observed that the Tinubu administration’s two major policy reforms—the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate—have created a more transparent, marketdriven economy and brought back a sense of predictability in the investment climate for foreign investors. She maintained that the reforms have inspired cautious optimism in the economy, witnessing headwinds turning into tailwinds.

NNPC Elated as Ekperikpe, Mshelbila Emerge Chair, Scribe of Gas Exporting Nations

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has congratulated President Bola Tinubu for his role in the emergence of

NERC Ends Consultation on Draft Net Billing for Excess Power Generators

The public consultation on the Draft Net Billing Regulations has concluded in Abuja, marking the final stage of a nationwide stakeholder engagement process led by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in partnership with GIZ and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The consultation marked the culmination of a process that began on September 4, 2025, when NERC first invited public submissions

online, followed by a physical session in Lagos last week, and concluding in Abuja.

At the event, NERC Commissioner for Research and Data Analytics, Dr. Yusuf Ali, underscored the commission’s resolve to build a more inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking electricity market.

He noted that the Net Billing Regulation represents an important step toward enabling prosumers—consumers who generate excess electricity to

inject their surplus energy into the national grid at fair value.

This, he explained, aligns Nigeria with emerging global standards that incentivise private investment in renewable generation while improving grid resilience.

“We are not here to defend any document; this is a draft meant to evolve through robust debate. While some believe that Nigeria is not ready for this regulation, we can’t let perfection get in the way of progress,” he said.

Also, Programme Manager for Energy and Circular Economy , Green and Digital Economy Section, Delegation of the European Union to the FGN and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, also commended NERC for its leadership and vision.

He emphasised that the net billing regulation aligns with the EU’s Green Deal objectives and reflects global best practices adapted to Nigeria’s unique market realities.

Nigeria’s candidate, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, as the new Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

The national oil company described it as a historic moment for Nigeria and a testimony to the federal government’s gas agenda aimed at utilising natural gas as a major fuel for industrial growth and economic development. Mshelbila, who was elected at the Forum’s 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar, succeeds Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel as the 5th scribe of the global organisation, which has been a leading voice in positioning natural gas as a cornerstone of global sustainable development.

A statement by the NNPC quoted its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari as saying that: “NNPC Ltd. is proud of what Mshelbila has achieved at Nigeria LNG, where he has worked tirelessly to transform Nigeria’s vast gas reserves into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates, serving domestic needs and global markets in the process.” He also congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as president of the 2026 GECF ministerial meeting, saying the minister has been at the forefront of championing efforts to harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for industrialisation and economic development.

Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja

Oluchi Chibuzor

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

APC Pre-empts Gov Mutfwang’s Defection Move

In this piece, seriki Adinoyi examines the rationale, intrigues and consequences of the all Progressives Congress pre-empting the defection move by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on the Plateau.

Arecent stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the Plateau during which attendees resolved to reject possible defection plan of Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the party has drawn mixed reactions from political observers in the state.

The meeting which was attended by APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; former Governor of the state, Senator Simon Lalong; erstwhile Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase; former Governor Joshua Dariye; a former Minister, Dame Pauline Tallen; Managing Director/CEO of the North Central Development Commission, Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil; serving and former lawmakers, and hundreds of party faithful resolved to permanently close the door against Mutfwang.

Announcing the resolution, Yilwatda, who contested and lost the 2023 governorship election to Mutfwang, called on a former Deputy National Secretary of the APC, Festus Fuanter, to move a motion on the issue.

Fuanter later said: “We don’t want anybody coming to our party. You do your thing, and we’ll do ours. Having put that behind us, I want the media to make it very clear that we are unanimous in our resolve to win the 2027 elections decisively. We don’t need support from any other party. If their 2023 election campaign director and other defectors are already here, we have nothing to fear. We have people from all zones in the state, and APC is a winning team.”

While some see the decision as curious and born out of bitterness from past defeats in 2023 general elections in which Yilwatda lost woefully to Mutfwang, others have described the move as intriguing and very strategic to ensure that the Governor’s reign is brought to an end in 2027.

Either way, the APC must be careful not to shoot itself on the foot. Absolute power, they say, corrupts absolutely.

Proponents of the resolution believe that with Yilwatda now on the high seat of the APC with enormous powers at his disposal, it was high time he took his revenge on the Governor. They have however cautioned the APC national chairman to tread carefully reminding him that pride goes before a fall. They believe that leaders must learn to keep the past behind them to be able to forge ahead, as those who constantly live in the past are unable to see the beauty of the future.

Reacting to the curious resolution of the stakeholders meeting, a support group within the ruling APC, Renewed Hope Advocates of Nigeria (RHAN) cautioned Yilwatda not to allow his “personal hatred for Governor Caleb Mutfwang over his defeat in 2023 to endanger President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election prospects on the Plateau.”

In a statement by the National Coordinator of RHAN, Prince Miaphen, the group expressed “deep concern” that while the President and the APC national leadership were busy reaching out to opposition governors across the federation, Yilwatda on the other hand is busy closing doors against a Governor.

Decrying the outcome of the meeting as reckless, Miaphen also said the decision was self-serving and politically suicidal.

He said, “At a stakeholders’ meeting recently held in Jos and presided over by the National Chairman of APC himself, a motion was not only moved but unanimously adopted to bar the incumbent Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, from joining the APC.

“The same meeting that enthusiastically endorsed President Tinubu’s second term bid paradoxically decided to block a sitting governor who could have been one of his strongest electoral assets in the North

Central region.”

According to Miaphen, the decision “exposes the growing disconnect between the Plateau APC leadership and the President’s national vision”, warning that “any political strategy that alienates Plateau’s sitting governor is both short-sighted and dangerous to the party’s national interest.”

He noted that under Tinubu, Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented political inclusivity, citing the alignment of governors from Cross River, Ebonyi, and Enugu states as examples of the President’s bridge-building strategy.

He described Nentawe’s actions as a “dangerous contradiction” that calls into question his political maturity and loyalty to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Rhan also reminded the President of the bitter lessons of 2023, when the APC lost Plateau despite having former Governor Simon Lalong as a sitting Governor and Director-General of Tinubu’s campaign.

Although the Governor on his part has repeatedly dismissed defection speculations, reaffirming his loyalty to his party, the stakeholders’ “fears” stem from recent gale of defections in which two of Mutfwang’s colleagues, Enugu

State Governor, Peter Mbah and his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri dumped the PDP to join the APC, and also with many reports suggesting that Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas may do same.

Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Mutfwang, Gyang Bere, has described the development as laughable, wondering why the stakeholders have suddenly developed migraine over what does not exist. He added that the stakeholders are running when no one is after them.

Bere said, “To whom did the governor make an attempt to join APC? Who among the APC members did Mutfwang approach to join the party? I learned that they made a comment that Mutfwang is sitting on a stolen mandate. During the 2023 election, how many members of the House of Assembly did the APC have? How many National Assembly seats did they win, if not for the court?

“As far as we are concerned, the people of Plateau State are with Governor Mutfwang. They believe in him because he has restored confidence and good governance in the state. There’s no local government or senatorial zone in Plateau where the governor’s footprints are not seen.

“We know very well that the people of Plateau are with Governor Mutfwang, and he has made it clear that his political movement is determined by God and the people of Plateau State. So, we don’t want to join issues with anybody. The governor knows what he’s doing and remains with

Either way, the APC must be careful not to shoot itself on the foot. Absolute power, they say, corrupts absolutely. Proponents of the resolution believe that with yilwatda now on the high seat of the APC with enormous powers at his disposal, it was high time he took his revenge on the Governor. They have however cautioned

the APC national chairman to tread carefully reminding him that pride goes before a fall.

the people of Plateau. He holds them in high esteem and he’s very assured of victory in 2027. There’s no one that can overturn what God has planned for the Governor ahead of the 2027 election.”

According to Bere, the APC should be excited if the Governor decides to grace the party by joining the fold, stressing that he has the capacity to win the 2027 election with or without switching parties, reminding the APC that the power to choose the Governor still rests with Plateau electorate. He added that as much as the Governor has enormous respect for President Tinubu and the First Lady over their show of love to the state in the past two years, he was not going to allow himself to be intimidated by some unstable stakeholders who will soon be divided into shreds by their own selfish ambitions.

He said rather than joining issues with some amorphous stakeholders, the Governor has decided to focus on how to better the lots of the people he governs and indeed the electorate that will decide their next Governor.

Mutfwang’s camp has described the stakeholders decision as proud and haughty, noting that as a sitting Governor who has raised the bars with his immense performance on the Plateau in the past two years, Mutwang cannot be dismissed with a wave of hand.

The Governor’s supporters reminded the stakeholders that even with Senator Simon Lalong on the seat as Governor with enormous powers in his hand, and also as the Director General of President Tinubu Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2023 elections, the APC still lost out in both the governorship and presidential elections despite all the support the party got from its national headquarters.

They observed that Lalong did not only loose the governorship seat to the PDP but also failed to secure the Senate seat for Plateau South senatorial zone until the court snatched it from the PDP and handed it to him on a platter of gold. They also reminded Tallen that as a then Minister, she was not under any form of sedation when Mutfwang swept votes from her doorsteps.

“This goes to show how much Plateau electorate possess a mind of their own. They are the one who will again decide who their next Governor will be”, they assured.

Pundits on the Plateau have also warned the APC of self-aggrandizements, noting that these stakeholders were all there, and indeed with the power of the incumbency in their hands, when Mutfwang from the opposition went ahead to trash them.

Also reacting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State denied any plan by Governor Mutfwang to defect, describing the claim as baseless.

The party’s Southern Zonal Chairman, Hon. Simon Domle, said “Governor Mutfwang has never attempted and will never attempt to decamp to the APC because there’s nothing to gain there. Mutfwang doesn’t need to join the APC to win elections. The governor didn’t seek acceptance into the APC, let alone being rejected.

“APC as a party is just a vehicle standing on a flat tyre in Plateau State. If a vehicle is standing on a flat tyre and you are driving it, the vehicle is not going anywhere. That vehicle will soon be condemned because the tyre cannot carry you, and it will make a lot of noise.

“What is the sense in saying a sitting governor who won his election legitimately has been rejected by another party? As far as this governor is concerned, a performing governor, he is not even listening to the noise the APC is making. It’s an empty claim that will not happen. Plateau has PDP as its political inheritance. The governor is not moving anywhere.”

All eyes are now on Mutfwang to pull the surprise string.

mutfwang

LAUNCH OF BODY SHOP NIGERIA LAGOS STORE...

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Doctors’ Union Mobilises for Indefinite Strike, Orders Members to Hand over Patients

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

As part build-up to its Novem- ber 1 nationwide industrial action, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members to hand over patients to other health workers.

THISDAY gathered that the association has asked all Centre Presidents and General Secretaries to convene emergency congress meetings to brief members on the resolutions reached at the National Executive Council meeting regarding the strike.

NARD further advised the doctors to use the days leading up to the strike date, “to hand over patients, engage traditional and religious leaders, and sensitise the public and media on the reasons for their action.”

“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” it said.

The aggrieved doctors stated that their declaration followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier

This followed a five-hour extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held penultimate Sunday, where the council resolved that the federal government had failed to meet the association’s demands despite a 30-day ultimatum issued last month.

The NEC demanded the immediate payment of outstanding 25 percent/35 percent CONMESS arrears and other pending financial entitlements owed to our members.

In a communique jointly signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdumajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said its members would embark on a nationwide indefinite strike beginning from November 1

“The NARD hereby declare a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike commencing at 12:00 AM (midnight) on Saturday, 1st November 2025.

“All Resident Doctors in federal and State tertiary health institutions nationwide are di-

rected to withdraw their services completely and indefinitely until the federal government and affected State governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing our demands,” it added.

It accused some individuals in and outside government of harbouring “exploitative plans” against resident doctors, adding

that the union would collectively resist such moves.

The NEC further stated that “19 points are our minimum demands, and there is no going back. The notice for the strike will be out maybe later today or tomorrow.”

NARD had earlier given the federal government a one-month deadline from September 26,

2025, to address unresolved issues affecting the welfare and training of resident doctors and medical officers across the country.

The association had also raised concern over the nonpayment of the outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent upward review arrears of CONMESS, which should have been settled

by the end of August 2025, despite several engagements with the Federal Government.

NARD had also described as unjust the dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, saying the action came amid widespread burnout and the ongoing migration of medical professionals abroad.

EU, SCG, Stakeholders Seek Solution to Increasing Cases of Drug, Substance Abuse

and Counselling professionals in both private and public schools to stem the tide.

With the alarming rate of drug and substance abuse in the South-south, stakeholders at a dialogue meeting in Yenagoa, among other measures, advocated a community-based approach to prevention and curbing of the menace.

They also recommended the engagement of Guidance

UBA to Spotlight Digital Marketing Strategies for SME Growth at Business Series

Nume Ekeghe

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is set to host another edition of its quarterly UBA Business Series for 2025, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs through digital marketing.

Themed “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” the session will hold on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the UBA Head Office, Marina, Lagos.

The bank in a statement noted the event will bring together

leading industry experts and digital marketing strategists who will share practical insights on how businesses can create compelling content that drives engagement, builds customer trust, and delivers measurable growth.

Social Media influencers and entrepreneurs including Digital Creator and Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi); and Digital Influencer,

Enioluwa Adeoluwa, will be part of the panel who will share their experiences on how they built great online communities on the continent.

Participants will learn first-hand how to leverage storytelling, social media, and data analytics to strengthen their brand presence and convert audiences into loyal customers.

There will also be live question and answer segments, allowing both online and virtual participants to gain tailored advice on how to grow their businesses effectively.

The stakeholders made the demand in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, at a one-day multi-stakeholder state-level dialogue, themed, “Community-Based Approaches to Prevention of Drug Abuse in Bayelsa, State.” It was part of the European Union-funded project, titled, “Community-Centred Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta.”

The multi-stakeholders state-level dialogue organised

by Search for Common Ground (SCG) and funded by the European Union (EU), lamented the increasing rate of drug and substance abuse and also suggested a quick action plan to engage both government, security agencies, and community leaders to end the scourge.

The dialogue engaged representatives from the Bayelsa State government, heads of security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Civil Defence Corps, civil society organisa-

tions, community-based organisations, among other group.

The stakeholders called for collective approach to the eradication of drug abuse.

Participants called for the establishment of a Bayelsa Multi-Stakeholder Drug Prevention Taskforce, with clear terms of reference and allocation of seed funding for a pilot package to commit the personnel.

The stakeholders pointed out that community-centred approach reduced demands, weakened criminal recruitment, and strengthened peace.

Citing Ongoing Road Construction, TCN Says Parts of Abuja to Witness Power Outage for 3 Weeks

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday announced that there will be prolonged electricity outages in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing ongoing road construction by the Federal

Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The disruptions which will extend to roughly 20 days will see power supply to the affected areas constrained during the exercise, with the outages lasting from around 9am to 5pm daily.

A statement signed by the TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, stressed that TCN regretted any inconvenience that this may cause affected electricity consumers and appealed for understanding to enhance infrastructure development within the FCT.

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Qasar Qayyum, Chief Revenue Officer, The Body Shop; Sepideh Paddock, Business Manager, Middle East and Africa, The Body Shop; Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist; Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner; Mrs. Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd, MBE, General Manager, The Body Shop Nigeria; and Mr. Edward Nnadi, CEO and Chairman, Jean Edwards Group, at the launch of The Body Shop Nigeria Lagos store hosted at the British Residence, Lagos, last Thursday

Amid Opposition Protests, Cameroon’s Paul Biya Re-elected at 92

World’s

oldest president wins

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest serving ruler, secured an eighth term in office yesterday vote results showed, as the main opposition challenger who has also claimed victory reported gunfire near his home.

Biya, 92, won 53.66 per cent of the vote, against 35.19 per cent for his former ally, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the Consti- tutional Council said. A new seven-year term could keep

53.6% of votes Set to hit 100 years at the end of new tenure

the veteran leader in power until he is nearly 100.

Opposition protesters have clashed with security forces repeatedly over the past week after partial results suggested Biya was on course to win the October 12 vote. There was no immediate comment on the result from the government, which has rejected opposition accusations of irregularities, a Reuters report said.

After the results were announced, Tchiroma wrote on Facebook that two people were

killed after shots were fired at civilians outside his home in the northern city of Garoua.

He did not say who had fired the shots or comment directly on the election result. Reuters could not confirm his account independently. Last week he said he had won the election and would not accept any other result.

The result raised the prospect of more confrontations between opposition supporters and security forces, a day after at least four people died in clashes

Amup ITA n: C O ur T C A n’ T C O n TI nue TO De CID e eL e CTIO

election litigations in Nigeria. He urged legal experts to work with the commission to reform the electoral system.

Insisting that “the court could not continue to determine elections”, he said elections would be won at the polling units if proper law framework was put in place.

He reaffirmed his commitment to uphold integrity, fairness, and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

in Cameroon’s commercial capital Douala .

“We expect unrest to escalate as Cameroonians widely reject the official result, and we cannot see the Biya government lasting much longer,” said Francois Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics.

“Biya now has a notably shaky mandate given that many of his own citizens don’t believe he won the election,” Murithi Mutiga, Africa Programme Director at the International

Crisis Group, told Reuters. “We call on Biya to urgently initiate a national mediation to prevent further escalation,” Mutiga added.

Biya, 92, took office in 1982 and has held a tight grip on power ever since, doing away with the presidential term limit in 2008 and winning reelection by comfortable margins.

“ (I) hereby declare elected President of the Republic, having obtained the majority of the votes cast, the candidate, Biya, Paul,” Clement Atangana,

President of the Constitutional Council, said.

Tchiroma is a former government spokesperson and employment minister in his late 70s who broke ranks with Biya earlier this year.

While promising to curb the rising tide of pre-election litigations, which he said “have long burdened Nigeria’s elec- toral process”, he pointed out that if necessary reforms were made, losers in elections would not hesitate to congratulate the winners.

Amupitan said, “This is a momentous occasion because this event has simply brought me before my mentors, my col- leagues and mentees in the legal education community and I’m not in doubt you will be ready to offer constructive advice when and where necessary.”

T I nubu Le ADS OTH er S

hopeful, Peter Obi, and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The event, which brought together political leaders, business executives, clergy, and members of the diplomatic corps, was organised to honour the life and legacy of the respected broadcaster, corporate icon, and public servant, who died on October 8, 2025 at the age of 93.

Representing the president, his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described Kolade as a man of “honour, integrity, and compassion,” whose life exemplified excellence in public service and private enterprise.

Tinubu regarded Kolade as one of the few Nigerians, who “bestrode both worlds with confidence, diligence, and distinction”, highlighting his remarkable contributions as Managing Director and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The president stated, “Few people have bestridden the arenas of public service and private enterprise with such dexterity, confidence, and diligence as Dr Kolade. He was a principal figure in Nigeria’s business world and a patriotic public servant, who left a legacy of achievement for those who came after him to build upon.

“His work through the

Christopher Kolade Foundation, particularly for persons living with sickle cell, remains one of the most significant humanitarian contributions in our Tinubucountry.” said though Nigerians mourned Kolade’s passing, “We are comforted that Dr Kolade lived a full life of purpose, leaving a trail of integrity, faith, and compassion that will continue to inspire generations.”

Party (PDP) were anything to ponder, there are evident indica- tions that the opposition party has yet to learn from its travails as the party, yesterday, denied a former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, the purchase of the nomination forms for national chairmanshipUnfortunately,race.refusing to take the situation in his strides, Lamido has immediately hinted of his resolve to head to court to challenge the development many believed could hamper the party’s national convention billed for next month in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Curiously, the National Secretary of the party, Samuel Anyanwu, has claimed that only a copy of the national chairman form was printed and that the nomination forms had already been handed to governors to distribute.

The national secretary lamented his ordeal, stating that the party hierarchy moved against him because he insisted that he wanted to recontest for

The INEC chairman said law remained a vital instrument of social and political engineering, stressing that national development and economic sustainability are impossible without strong legalHefoundations. explained, “Law is not merely a set of rules but the foundation upon which societies build progress. It guides ethical governance, fosters economic opportunities, and upholds citizens’Amupitanrights.”acknowledged that

Obasanjo, in an emotional tribute, described Kolade as a trusted friend, patriot, and exemplary public servant.

He recalled persuading him to take up the post of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, because he needed “a man whose integrity could stand the test of time” to handle Nigeria’s complex diplomatic relations.

The former president said, “Chris doesn’t angle for any-

the office of national secretary.

Also, for his role in rejecting the adoption of the former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, as the the consensus candidate for the post of chairman, the office of the National Organising Secretary, Bature Umar, has been shut.

However, Lamido has said he was heading to court to challenge the party’s decision to deny him the right buy and contest the national chairmanship nomination form.

Lamido, who arrived the PDP national secretariat at 11.25am, headed straight to the National Organising Secretary to purchase his nomination form but discovered that the office of national Organising Secretary was locked.

He left there to move to the office of the National Secretary office, where he met the National Organising Secretary, Umar, with Anyanwu.

while the National Assembly had made progress in amending the Electoral Act, more needed to be done to strengthen the framework for credible elections.

He said, “There is little INEC can do by way of policy if the law does not support us. I will work closely with the legislature to ensure we have enduring electoral laws that all Nigerians can be proud of.”

Calling on legal scholars to support the commission through constructive criti- cism, research, and advocacy,

thing. I had to beg him to take that appointment. He was the man I could trust to manage Nigeria’s image abroad and our relations with the UK. He did that with distinction and dignity.”

He narrated humorous and reflective moments they shared during Kolade’s diplomatic tenure in London, ending with an emotional recollection of one of their last meetings:

Lamido told both of them that he came to purchase his National Chairman nomination form.

But the duo of Anyanwu and Umar told Lamido that they were not aware of anything on the sales of convention forms as the chairman of the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Governor Ahmed Fintiri, had taken over the sales of all convention forms.

Anyanwu further said as the national secretary who was the Chief Administrative officer of the party, he had not seen the colour of the nomination forms, saying, “I don’t know whether the forms are black or white ‘’

At this stage, Lamido inter- jected, saying, “Does it mean that I should go to Adamawa State to pick my nomination form? The sale of forms is supposed to take place at the national secretariat of the party. This is the constitutional position. The sale of the forms should not be personalised.’’

On his part, Umar told Lamido that since Friday last week, when he read the posi- tion of the Northwest rejecting

Amupitan said, “Look at me as your ambassador. I need your prayers.”

He emphasised the im- portance of patriotism and collective responsibility, saying Nigeria’s progress depends on effective leadership and commitment to national ideals.

Quoting Kenyan scholar, Professor Patrick Lumumba, Amupitan reminded partici- pants that Africa’s rise was tied to Nigeria’s realisation of its potential.“Whenever Nigeria provides leadership, Africa takes its right- ful place. One way of fixing Nigeria begins from gatherings like this,” he stated.

Amupitan, who described NALT as “a movement for mentorship and national rebirth,” thanked the association for its support and promised to revisit before the end of the conference.

He urged participants to uphold the ideals of justice, truth, and nation-building through the law.

Earlier, National President of NALT, Professor Oluwole Akintayo, called for the repositioning

Tanimu Turaki as the consensus candidate, his office had been under lock and key.

He explained that it was for this reason that he came to inform the National Secretary of the Anyanwudevelopment.interjected that he would investigate who locked his office and ordered it opened immediately.

Speaking much later, Lamido said he was heading to court to challenge the denial of his right to contest for the office of the national chairman.

Fielding questions from newsmen, he said, “Well, I went to the office of the National Organizing Secretary, which is normally the office where the forms are sold, and the office was locked.

“I think it was officially locked, you know, because of his my position. So, I met him with the Secretary of the Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. I said, ‘Look, I’m here to buy the form.’

‘’Both of them said they had

of law as a central instrument for Nigeria’s national develop- ment, economic renewal, and democratic integrity.

Akintayo said, “The rule of law must serve and build the foundation of market efficiency and the engineering of human dignity. As law teachers, we have the privilege and duty to ensure that our students, the next generation of jurists and policy makers, internalise this delicate balance.”

He stated that the law must move from being a “passive spectator” to an “active architect” of national progress. Akintayo stated, “Our theme, National Development and Economic Sustainability in a globalised world, could not be more timely and more consequential.

“It situates us at the intersection of law, economics, and governance, challenging us to interrogate the role of law not as a passive spectator, but as an active architect of Nigeria’s de- velopment aspirations in an era defined by global integration,

Continued on page 27

no idea where the forms are, not even how they were printed or the kind of forms they are. They had no idea where they were being sold.

“So, I found it a little bit weird that the custodian of the system, who is the National Organising Secretary, is also being locked out because I’m coming in. So, they may not be able to go into the office.

‘’I went to the national Secretary of the party, and the two of them were there. They said, ‘Look, we have no idea what is happening about the party nomination, sales of the form, or even how they are printed, or the kind of forms.’ So, I’m now stranded.’’

Asked whether he made any effort to reach members of the National Organising Committee, Lamido said, ‘’I am not aware of this announcement. It’s a family affair. I mean, it’s entirely for the family. There is no controversy. There is no division. There is no

Continued on page 30

President Paul Biya of Cameroon

THREE CROWN MUM OF THE YEAR GRAND FINALE...

L-R: Sales Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc, Mr. Olusanya Adesanya; Marketing Manager, Three Crowns Milk, Mrs. Chioma Igwe; winners, Three Crown Mum of the Year 2025, Mrs. May Wala, Mrs. Ugwu Edith Uzoamaka, and Mrs. Nwakire Amarachi Ujunwa; and Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mrs. Maureen Ifada, at the Three Crown Mum of the Year Grand Finale in Lagos…recently

Amid Growing Digital Risks, National Assembly Reaffirms Resolve to Pass Child Online Safety Bill

Report says 90% of Nigerian children endangered on internet

Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Hon. Olumide Osoba, yesterday, reaffirmed the determination of the National Assembly to ensure passage of the Child Online Access Protection Bill (2023) within the next three months.

Describing the bill as a national emergency for digital safety, Osoba said, “The internet has become a space where children encounter daily harm; every sector needs to play its part in building a culture of online responsibility.”

His assurance came on a day a new Gatefield State of

Online Harm in Nigeria report revealed the scale of the digital menace in the country.

The report disclosed that 50 per cent of users experienced online harms regularly while 90 per cent of children faced online risks.

The findings were unveiled at the Gatefield Child Online Safety

Forum, convened in Abuja, with support from Paradigm Initiative and Luminate. The gathering brought together policymakers, regulators, and civil society organisations to address the growing threat of online harm.

Speaking at the forum, the lawmaker, who sponsored the bill, said, “After COVID, the

House sat and discussed all that we witnessed. We saw how our children were exposed to predators, and the figures show that 90 per cent of our children are victims — which should scare everyone.”

child protection online.

Ojukwu urged stronger accountability from global tech platforms.

Experts said the country needed coordinated action on platform accountability, digital literacy, and regulation.

Unremitted Development Funds: Isoko Communities Threaten to Halt

Piqued by the deplorable state of their various communities following decades of neglect by oil companies operating in their land, stakeholders in Isoko, Delta State, are threatening to shut down the operations of the companies in their domain.

Oil Exploration

Essentially, the proposed legislation establishes a legal framework for safeguarding minors in digital environments, and mandates the prompt removal of illegal content, platform accountability, and penalties for non-compliance by internet service providers and digital platforms.

According to them, their disappointment particularly stems from the fact that nearly two years after the inauguration of AIO Host Community Development Trust (AIO HCDT) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 nothing has happened. By the Act, oil companies are expected to channel three per cent of their Operating Expenditure (OPEX) to the HCDTs for the development of the host communities.

“But as we write this, even the five per cent that is to enable a proper take off has not been released let alone those for infrastructure and reserve.

Conveying the grievances of the stakeholders via a statement issued on Sunday on behalf of Isoko Grassroot Mobilisers, Erere Okpako and Angela Akpofa explained that of these funds, 75 per cent is earmarked for infrastructure development while 20 per cent and five per cent are for investment and administrative purposes, respectively.

“The various communities are visibly disturbed thus calling for a review of any relationship that exists between them and the oil companies, particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Productions Limited (NEPL), operators of Oil Mining Lease (OML 26) and the new players, Sterling Global. Unless something urgent is done, operations and activities of these companies

NHRC Decries Surge in Violation of Freedom of Religion, Conscience, Thought

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the growing violation of right to freedom of religion, conscience and thought as guaranteed under the nation’s constitution.

Speaking at the presentation of the September 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard on Monday in Abuja, the Execu-

tive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said: “In the forgoing month, the NHRC has recorded human rights violations which have impacted or impeded the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion, conscience and thought as guaranteed under the Constitution. Attacks on places of worship, worshippers and religious persons were recorded across seven states.”

He added that: “The NHRC is unaware of the recent conversations on whether or not there exists a form religious genocide in Nigeria.

“We believe that the situation presents an opportunity for national conversation on the normative and legal underpinnings of the right to freedom of religion as the invisible glue that holds the fabrics of Nigeria.

may not be guaranteed,” Isoko Grassroot Mobilisers said.

According to the group, “the AIO HCDT has been working without tools, not even office accommodation.

“Indeed, so many meetings have been held with the NEPL in Warri and Ozoro with the hope of resolving all grey areas but back and forth have been the ordeal of the HCDT and now the communities say enough is enough.”

Osoba said, “For every child we fail to protect, a digital preda- tor succeeds. We must create a system that empowers us.”

In her remarks, Senior Programmes Officer at Paradigm Initiative, Khadijah El Usman, described the issue as “both an urgent and moral obligation.”

Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, stressed that the bill will set new standards for responsible data handling and

Key recommendations called on tech platforms to employ local moderators and face real penalties for failing to act on harmful content; integrating digital literacy into school curricula to help children recognise scams, understand algorithms, and protect privacy; and establish a Digital Citizens Charter to define online rights andOtherresponsibilities.recommendations included clarifying and updating the Cybercrimes Act while fast-tracking the Child Online Access Protection Bill (2023).

Presenting the new data, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, Shirley Ewang Olanrewaju, stated that the lack of platform accountability continued to create real-world harm.

Observe Ethics when Reporting Children, FG, UNICEF Urge Journalists

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, on Monday, stressed the need for journalists to observe principles of ethics when reporting issues affecting children.

The UNICEF and the ministry made the call at the opening of a Two-Day Training of Media Practitioners on Ethical Journalism and Children Rights Reporting, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The training which was

organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with the UNICEF and drew participants from South West states of Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ondo.

In her keynote address, the UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Of- fice, Celine Lafoucriere, said that ethical reporting about children was imperative to ensure their rights were not compromised in pursuit of catchy headline She said: “At UNICEF, we believe that every child has the right to be seen, heard, and

protected. Ethical reporting is not just a professional standard, but it is a moral imperative.

“It is about ensuring that children are portrayed with dignity, that their stories are told with care, and that their rights are never compromised in the pursuit of headlines or money making.

“Our expectation is clear, that you leave this training not only with new skills, but with a renewed commitment to uphold the highest standards of journalism, especially when it comes to children.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

PRESENTATION OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AMBASSADOR AWARD...

L-R: Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar; and Director, Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (CDRMDS), University of Port Harcourt, Professor Mbee Daniel Mbee, during the presentation of the Disaster Risk Reduction Ambassador Award to the Director General, NEMA, by the Director, CDRMDS, University of Port Harcourt, at NEMA Headquarters, Abuja…recently

AGF Denies Abusing Court Process in Alleged Criminal Defamation Suit against

As court adjourns to December 1 for hearing objection motion

The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has denied allegations of abuse of court process in the trial of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The federal government had on June 19, 2025, arraigned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama Abuja, on a three-count criminal charge bordering on defamation against the Senator President, Godswill Akpabio, and the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

But the senator in her response to the charge, accused the federal government of abuse of court process, following the filing of a similar charge against her at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The court had at the last sitting fixed October 27, for

hearing in the defendant’s objection to her trial based on the alleged abuse by the prosecution.

But, at Monday’s proceedings, the AGF faulted Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim that the charges filed against her before the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, Abuja, amounted to an abuse of court process.

The prosecution stated that contrary to the defendant’s claim the charges were duly filed upon comprehensive and conclusive investigations and after a prima facie case has been established against the defendant.

In its counter affidavit to the senator’s Notice of Preliminary Objection, the federal govern- ment also denied claim that the defendant’s petitions were not investigated.

While at the FCT High Court, the federal government had filed criminal defamation charge against the Kogi Central senator,

at the Federal High Court. She is standing trial on alleged cybercrime offences, for accusing Akpabio and Bello of plans to have her killed.

But, in the counter affidavit, the prosecution stated that contrary to her claim, the three-count charge before the High Court of the FCT

was filed against her “after a thorough investigation of the case and a prima facie case was established.”

Further according to the prosecution: “The three-count charge was preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in

the bona fide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and in the best interest of justice.

Onyebuchi

As part of effort to strengthen public awareness and compliance with child immunisation, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), has intensified advocacy and field activities across the city to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases. The sensitization campaign commenced last week with

a media parley at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Center, where the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, rolled out plans to create more awareness on the ongoing Child Immunisation Campaign (Measles-Rubella) under the Child Rights Act, 2003.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the FCT Mandate Secretary on Health Services and Environment, Mrs. Bola Ajao, said the field

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The resumption of trial of the detained Biafra nation agita- tor, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, witnessed another drama, as the defendant, abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence in the alleged terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government. Kanu had last week

stunned the Federal High Court in Abuja and other people following his trial when he sacked his entire legal team and decided to defend himself in the sevencount amended terrorism charge.

He had in an application filed last week also listed some serving and former governors, ministers and heads of security agencies he prayed the court to summon to testify in his defence.

Also, at the proceedings of October 24, Kanu had pleaded with the court for

“The actions and conducts of the defendant/applicant (Natasha) contravened the penal code law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The criminal charge against the defendant is borne out of the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force.

Alleged Terrorism Charge: Kanu Makes U-turn on Defence, Maintains He Has No Case to Answer

time to receive and study his case file for his defence, claiming that he was yet to receive the case file from his former lawyers.

Justice James Omotosho in granting the request, fixed October 27, for the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to open his However,defence. when the matter came up on Monday, Kanu informed the court that he has gone through the case-file and has realised that there is no valid charge against

him to warrant entering a defence.

“There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence”, he stated.

Responding Justice Omo- tosho explained to Kanu that in a criminal trial, the defendant only has three options after the prosecution has closed its case; the first option was for the defendant to make a no-case submission and when overruled, the defendant is then required to enter a defence.

Underaged Candidates: JAMB Approves Admission for 85 Exceptional Students FCTA Engages Religious Leaders on Immunisation Against Diseases

advocacy visits commenced on Friday, targeting various mosques and Islamic centers across Abuja, including the Ansar-ud-Deen Society and Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Foundation.

She said the exercise continued on Sunday with similar visits to major churches such as the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Christ Holy Church International.

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has approved the admission of 85 underage candidates, those who will be below 16 years by September 2025, after a rigorous and comprehensive screening process conducted under its exceptional admission policy. According to the Board, in a

statement by its Public Com- munication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the 85 candidates were adjudged qualified following a meticulous evaluation and have been duly notified to proceed to their respective institutions to complete their admission process and print their individual JAMB admission letters.

JAMB explained the excep-

tional admission policy aligns with global best practices, where underage cases are treated as rare exceptions rather than the norm.

In the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a total of 2,031,133 candidates applied for admis- sion, out of which 41,027 sought considerations under the special underage category.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Ezigbo in Abuja

China Mining ConferenCe...

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake (middle) among other dignitaries at the China Mining Conference where Alake spoke on the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share” in Tianji, China...recently

Amid Bolstering Bilateral Trade Relations,

Confidence, UK’s Body Shop Debuts in Lagos

Nigeria, UK trade hits £7.9 billion

James emejo and Michael olugbode in Abuja

The UK’s Body Shop has announced the opening of a new store in Lagos, following the brand’s successful debut in Abuja in March.

The development further demonstrates the growing

investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, and attests to efforts by Nigeria and the UK to deepen trade and investment ties.

Already, bilateral trade between both countries reportedly stood at £7.9 billion while Nigeria stands as the UK’s second-largest trading

partner in Africa as well as leading export market on the continent.

Speaking at the launch ceremony hosted at his Residence, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter said, “The Body Shop’s arrival in Lagos marks more than a business

expansion. It’s a powerful symbol of the deepening UK-Nigeria trade relationship.”

In a statement, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer/ Communications Lead, Ndidiamaka Eze, Baxter added, “With bilateral trade now at £7.9 billion and rising, Nigeria stands as the UK’s

Tinubu Meets New Service Chiefs, to Be Decorated, Sworn in After Senate Approval

President Bola Tinubu, yes- terday, met with the newly appointed service chiefs in his office at State House, Abuja.

The meeting was the first between the president and the service chiefs since their appointments last Friday.

The service chiefs arrived the Forecourt of State House about 3:55pm with the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt General Olufemi Oluyede, who until his new appointment served as Chief of Army Staff. Oluyede led the service chiefs

to the president’s office upstairs.

Although details of the meeting were not made public, THISDAY learnt that the meeting served as an opportunity for the service chiefs to meet with the president and get the necessary briefing from him as their Commander-in-Chief.

It was also gathered that the swearing-in of the service chiefs and decoration with their new ranks would be after their confirmation by the senate in line with the constitution.

The CDS will become a full General (four-star general) while the three service chiefs

will be promoted to Lt General or its equivalent in Navy and Air Force (three-star General).

Already, the president had forwarded the names of the new service chiefs to Senate for screening and there were indications that the red chamber might confirm them this week.

Tinubu had last Friday an- nounced sweeping changes in the military hierarchy, naming Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff to replace General Christopher Musa.

Major General W. Shaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff,

Osun Monarch Begins Review of Conferment of Chieftaincy Titles in Ijesaland

ejiofor alike

The Palace of the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland in Osun State, His Royal Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has announced the commencement of a review of the processes governing the conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ijesaland.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Palace Secretary, Mr.

Samuel Komolafe, the Palace explained that the review is in fulfillment of the avowed promise by the revered monarch to ensure equity, fairness and justice on all matters concerning the progress of Ijesaland

The statement gave notice of the review process to all chieftaincy title holders in Ijesaland, particularly those conferred with titles during the reign of His Imperial

Majesty, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, especially those that are inconclusive.

In the statement, the Palace made specific mention of the cases of High Chief Ibitoye Adeniyi (Obaala of Ilesa); High Chief Saka Fapohunda (Ogboni of Ilesa); High Chief Omoniyi Ojo Ogunyemi (Lejoka); High Chief Gbenga Igbaroola (Arapate) and High Chief Busuyi Onigbogi (Lejofi).

Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke became Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas took over as Chief of Naval Staff.

Major-General E.A.P. Undi- endeye retained his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The presidency, while an- nouncing the changes, charged the new appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them by enhancing professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship within the armed forces.

second-largest trading partner in Africa and our leading export market on the continent.

“We’re especially proud to see this franchise led by Shalom Lloyd MBE, a dynamic British-Nigerian entrepreneur whose work in skincare, healthcare, and women’s empowerment reflects the kind of innovative, purpose-driven partnerships we champion. Her collaboration with The Body Shop is a shining example of the impact UK-Nigeria cooperation can achieve.”

Also, Chief Executive/ Executive Chairman, the Body Shop, Mike Jatania, said, “Expanding into Lagos marks another step in The Body Shop’s global growth strategy. As we accelerate our presence across high-potential markets, West Africa plays an important role in shaping the future of our business.

“Lagos, as a dynamic commercial hub, allows us to connect with a new generation

of consumers who share our belief that beauty can be a force for good.”

The company’s General Manager, Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd MBE, said, “This is not just about opening a store, it is about deepening trade ties, creating opportunities, and showing the world what happens when values-driven business meets one of the most vibrant cities on earth.”

The statement noted that the shop brings ethical, naturally inspired beauty to the country’s commercial nerve center following the successful launch in Abuja and a national e-commerce site earlier in the year.

The new opening marks an important step in the brand’s commitment to West Africa and its broader global growth strategy, the statement added.

The new store in Lagos, located at Ikeja City Mall, brings the number of jobs created by the brand in Nigeria to over 20.

NDLEA, Army Officers Attacked at

Ukpuje by Drug Barons

Chinedu eze

A combined team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and army personnel in the early hours of yesterday, came under attack at Ukpuje Town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, a community said to be notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking.

Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander of Narcotics Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a statement said that as the team

advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety, he said.

“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery,” Ofoyeju disclosed.

He commended the bravery of his officers and the army

personnel involved, saying,

“Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation.

“Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no lives were lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”

NDLEA explained the raid in Ukpuje was part of a broader strategy by the agency to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety, noting that illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.

Deji elumoye in Abuja

TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CEOS OF FEDERAL GOVT PARASTATALS...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Patient Oyekunle; her counterpart in Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmoud; Director General/Chief Host, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Mrs. Funke Femi Adepoju; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi

Esther Wilson-Jack; Professor Simon Akaayar; representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Member, House of Representatives, Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan; Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr. Olabode Agoro; and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr. Alfred Abbah, during the opening ceremony of the 13th cohort Mandatory Training Programme for the Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals and Agencies, held at ASCON Headquarters, Topo Badagry…recently

Babachir Lawal: APC Now Haven for EFCC Fugitives

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and National Vice Chairman of African Democratic Congress(ADC), Babachir Lawal, said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had become a haven for individuals evading prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking during an ADC stakeholders’ meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, at the weekend, Lawal predicted that both APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would be defeated in the 2027 general election, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current governance.

“It is my belief that more patriots will soon join us even as the PDP self-destructs and the APC becomes a haven

technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical realities.”

According to him, law structures incentives, mediates relationships, and institution- alisesAkintayoaccountability. added that every serious national conversation must engage with the legal frameworks that enabled development.

The NALT president urged law teachers to engage in schol- arship that impacted society beyond academia, citing the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who taught that true professionalism means “doing something outside yourself, something to repair tears in your community.”

Akintayo decried Nigeria’s economic hardship, rising inflation, and unemployment, stating that these have deepened inequality and tested the coun- try’s governance framework.

He expressed concern over

for EFCC fugitives,” he said.

Lawal accused APC of being unrealistic, alleging that the party is accustomed to predetermining election outcomes.

“This is pure delusion because it will not happen. Nigerians will back us to frustrate any criminal manipulation of the 2027 election results,” he asserted.

Lawal, however, warned that not every politician defecting from other parties would be accepted into ADC, “lest they corrupt our ideals with attitudes imbibed from their corrupt, undemocratic home parties.”

He described ADC as “a party of visionaries and patriots who are fed up with the direction of the country under the leadership of PDP and APC.

“Every patriotic Nigerian

the increasing number of law graduates and the pressure it placed on professional standards and ethics.

Akintayo described as “a proud moment” the appoint- ment of Amupitan, a NALT trustee and former dean, as INEC chairman. He said the appointment offered the association an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to strengthening electoral ju- risprudence and democratic governance.

“Electoral justice lies at the foundation of democratic legitimacy and sustainable development; a credible electoral system strengthens national cohesion and promotes public trust,” he said.

Akintayo challenged par- ticipants to interrogate how far Nigeria’s legal order had evolved to sustain inclusive growth and support innovation in a globalised economy.

now understands that our country has reached the edge of a cliff. The ADC offers Nigerians an opportunity to make a U-turn, recalibrate, and redirect our governance

toward a progressive, peoplecentric system.”

The former SGF also took a swipe at the Adamawa State government, saying in over six years of Governor Ahmadu

Fintiri’s administration, there are “no people-oriented projects”.

He stated, “All we get from over six years of PDP gover- nance is a couple of flyovers

carrying scanty traffic despite billions of naira accruing to the state.

“Sometimes, I wonder whether the money leaves Abuja for Yola at all.”

Jega: Nigeria’s Democracy Risks Collapse Without Electoral Integrity

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, yesterday in Abuja, warned that Nigeria’s democracy risked collapse unless urgent measures were taken to restore integrity and public trust in the electoral process. Jega stated this in a keynote address titled, “Elec- toral Integrity as a Panacea for

“These are urgent impera- tives. The answers must come from us, the teachers, the thinkers, and the custodians of Nigeria’s legal consciousness,” he said.

He commended the University of Abuja for hosting the conference for the first time since its establishment in 1988 and urged law teachers to mentor the next generation to use law as a tool for justice, inclusion, and national transformation.

Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of NALT, Professor Ademola Popoola, warned that globalisation, though hailed as a force for progress, had deepened inequality and left many developing nations worse off.

Popoola urged scholars and policymakers to rethink global economic policies and craft inclusive frameworks that promoted justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Democratic Development in Nigeria,” at the 9th Convoca- tion Ceremony of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in affiliation with the University of Benin.

Jega said democracy could not thrive where elections were manipulated, institutions were compromised, and citizens lost faith in the process that determined their leaders.

Quoting former United Na- tions Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, Jega stated, “Power, and the competition for power must be regulated. It is not enough for governments to create institutions; politicians must respect and safeguard

“Four days before he passed, we spoke. He was his usual self: jovial, smiling, and full of life. I didn’t know he was saying goodbye. May his soul rest in peace,” Obasanjo stated.

Okonjo-Iweala, who joined virtually, praised Kolade as “a man of faith, courage, and conviction” who inspired generations through his leadership in public and private life.

She recalled how Kolade defended her reform work while serving as Nigeria’s High Commissioner and how he and his wife supported her family.

Okonjo-Iweala stated, “Uncle Chris was calm, dignified, and unwavering in his convictions.

the independence and profes- sionalism of election officials, judges, and courts.”

The former INEC boss lamented that 25 years after Nigeria’s return to civil rule, the country’s democratic journey had remained “challenging, if not disappointing,” because the electoral process had consistently failed to inspire confidence or produce truly representative leadership.

He said, “For a quarter of a century, Nigeria has been muddling through democratic development with aspirations for consolidation. But these aspirations have been constrained by enormous challenges, chief among them, the question of

I know he is resting peacefully with the Lord.

“He and his wife treated me like family, always guiding and cheering me through good and bad times. I know he is resting peacefully with the Lord.”

Airtel Africa’s Group Vice President for Corporate Communications and CSR, Emeka Oparah, in his tribute, described Kolade as “a legend of integrity, discipline, and humility.”

Recounting a personal encounter from his Cadbury days, Oparah recalled how the late diplomat once called his wife at dawn to apologise for sending him on

electoral integrity.”

Jega, who oversaw the 2011 and 2015 elections, stated that periodic elections alone did not make a Accordingdemocracy. to him, “Elections that lack integrity undermine democracy, weaken public trust, and lead to governance failure.” He warned that when politicians manipulated the process, the outcome inevitably produced unresponsive leaders, who would fail to deliver good governance.

“Only elected officials who truly reflect the genuine choices of the electorate can drive governance that protects citizens’ rights and aspirations,” he added.

an early assignment to Aso Rock, describing the gesture as a testament to his humanity and respect for others.

Oparah said, “That simple gesture summed up who Dr Kolade was: a man deeply respectful of others, regardless of status. People like him never die; they live forever in the hearts of those they inspired.” Born in 1932, Kolade distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in ethics, leadership, and corporate governance. He served with integrity across broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and business, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, humility, and service.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Amup ITA n: C O ur T C A n’ T C O n TI nue TO De CID e

n W I nner

pOLLI ng u n ITS

INAUGURAL EDITION OF THE EXECUTIVE WOMAN SUMMIT...

L-R: Founder and Chairman of Eventful Limited, Mrs. Yewande Zaccheus; wife of the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Founder of Women’s Lifestyle Hub and Convener of The Executive Woman Summit (TEWS), Mrs. Bola Matel-Okoh; and Founder of The Chair Centre Group, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, at the inaugural edition of The Executive Woman Summit held in Victoria Island, Lagos…recently

Tinubu Vows Nigeria Will Retain Major Value from Africa’s $120bn Oil, Gas Investment

President Bola Tinubu has revealed Nigeria’s ambition to retain a large proportion of value from about $120 billion worth of invested capital in hydrocarbon resources in Africa in 2024. Tinubu said this would be achieved through aggressive refining and distribution networks that would create a corresponding market for the humongous investments.

The president spoke yesterday in Lagos, while declaring open the 19th Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Energy Week, with the theme, “Energy Sustainability: Growth Beyond Boundaries and Competition.”

Tinubu lamented the lack of access to capital in Africa, despite holding over $4 trillion investable funds. He pledged his administration’s support for Dangote Refinery to enable it achieve expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), from the existing 650,000 bpd capacity.

Represented by Minister of

hassle. You know, if you don’t get organised, how will you run a political party?

Meanwhile, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) of the PDP, has put on hold the screening of aspirants for the 2025 Elective National Convention, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025 due to unforeseen circumstances.

A new date would be communicated once fixed.

The NCOC regrets any in- conveniences caused by the postponement.

In a statement by Fintiri, PDP said, ‘’All Aspirants and members of our party should note the foregoing and be guided accordingly.

‘’The NCOC remains committed to delivering a

State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Tinubu said by 2024, data showed that African countries collectively invested about $120 billion worth of hydrocarbon resources, with no corresponding market for it. He said this meant Africans were not getting the full value they should because of their limited refining capacity and weak distribution networks.

According to him, most of the money goes back to countries outside Africa that invested in these resources.

Tinubu explained, “The target of the Nigerian government is to see how we can retain a large proportion of this capital within our borders. That is why Nigeria is planning to launch the West African Petroleum Market. The idea is to make Nigeria the refinery and distribution hub for the entire continent.

“The whole of Africa is waiting for Nigeria to take the lead as a major supplier and distributor of petroleum

credible, hitch-free 2025 Elective National Convention on Saturday, 15th to Sunday 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.’’

In a related development, the PDP, has charged all relevant government agencies, particu- larly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies, as well as the judiciary to come clean and ensure a hitch-free National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, next month.

The PDP, in a statement by its Convention Media and Publicity Sub-Committee in Bauchi, demanded that agencies must demonstrate patriotism and professionalism in discharging their duties before, during and after to National Convention

products. Recall that every volume of petroleum product imported into Nigeria eventually finds its way across the West African regional market.”

Announcing what he termed a good news for Nigeria and Africa, the president said the International Energy Agency (IEA) had now acknowledged the need for sustained upstream investment after years of campaigning for a net-zero vision, a campaign that threatened the value of oil and gas globally.

He said the 2025 IEA Report clearly showed that the world needed to invest about $540 billion annually in upstream oil and gas to avoid a global energy crisis by 2050.

Tinubu added, “So, those who have been promoting the net-zero narrative are now realising that without adequate oil and gas investment, the world will face an energy crisis. Oil and gas currently account for over 50 percent of global energy demand, and by 2050, the world’s GDP will still depend heavily on hydrocarbons.

“Going by this new global narrative, if we combine investments across the entire value chain — upstream, midstream, and downstream — the world will need to invest over $700 billion annually to avoid an energy crisis by 2050. That’s good news for Nigeria.

“The discussion has always been about energy transition, but we must understand why we are transitioning and how to fund it. While sustaining investment in oil and gas, we must also expand those investments and use the proceeds to finance renewable energy. Even if we want renewables, we still need oil and gas money to fund them.”

According to the president, Africa, with its population of about 1.5 billion people, is already a ready-made market for energy products.

He said that was the reason the continent currently imported over 120 million litres of petroleum products daily.

However, Tinubu said Dangote Refinery’s expansion to 1.4 million bpd was part of the effort to serve West Africa and the entire continent, pledging his administration’s full support to the realisation of the expansion drive.

“The federal government will fully support Dangote to achieve this. That is one of the reasons petrol subsidy was removed. With subsidy in place, the private sector cannot grow,” the president assured. He observed that the downstream and midstream sectors would only grow when the private sector mobilised capital and invested locally.

Continues online

The founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Foundation, Atedo Peterside, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the

in order for it to be peaceful and credible.

The PDP Media and Publicity Sub-Committee alleged that there were growing fears among the party’s supporters that the All Progressives Congress (APC), might use judicial processes to either stop or postpone the Convention.

While the party stressed that it maintained confidence in the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, it added that it would continue to monitor the Commission’s actions before, during, and after the elections.

The statement read: “These fears are not unfounded. Going by APC’s antecedents, the possibility of using inter and intra-party destructive elements to thwart the PDP’s November

leadership of its former chairman Mahmood Yakubu as a “national disgrace”.Peterside spoke during a television interview yesterday

convention cannot be ruled out.

“Covertly and overtly, these elements, operating within and outside the PDP, are willing to go to any extent to serve the selfish interests of their masters in the APC. They must be reminded that nemesis will catch up with them sooner than later.”

The Sub-committee further alleged that such actions were part of a plan to manipulate the 2027 general elections and establish a one-party state, pav- ing the way for dictatorship.

It also expressed concerns over the potential misuse of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to disrupt or prevent the lawful gathering of its members during the convention.

while reacting to the recent change in INEC’s leadership.

President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman, succeeding Yakubu, whose two-term tenure ended in October.

Amupitan was sworn in as INEC chairman on October 23, a week after his confirmation by the Yakubu,senate.who took office in 2015, served as the country’s chief electoral officer for nearly a decade.

When asked about his expectations from Amupitan, Peterside said, “I will never say never, but the INEC that was led by Mahmood Yakubu was a national disgrace.”

“You just have to go on their IReV. If you have time, I will take you there myself and show you result sheets they upload—mu- tilated, sometimes with figures changed, and in some cases, they even forget to change the words,” he added.

He also criticised the judiciary

for failing to uphold integrity in electoral matters and backed calls for reforming the Electoral Act to transfer the burden of proof from petitioners to INEC.

“I heard former governor Dickson saying in the senate that we have to amend the Electoral Act in some important way,” Peterside said.

“See, this is where our judiciary has not lived up to the required standards. I agree with Senator Dickson that the burden of proof should shift to INEC.

“You can’t allow a situation where INEC can do anything, bring out rubbish results — mu- tilated and everything — and then argue that it’s for the victim to prove that what they’ve done is wrong, when even a blind man can see that what they’ve done is Petersidewrong.” said many Nigerians have lost confidence in both the electoral commission and the judiciary, warning that citizens might resort to self-help in future polls if trust is not restored.

Peter Uzoho

B IYA , Okpe BHO l O An D T H e n ew Serv I ce cHI ef S

bondage”“Whateverhappens I think we should worry more about the future of Cameroon. After Paul Biya, what next? The country is already on its knees. Corruption. Violence. Bad governance. Biya does not want peaceful change. He seems to be stoking the fire of violence. It is just unfortunate that most adults in Cameroon have never known any other leader.”

‘I don’t think the Nigerian government should congratulate him. President Tinubu must stay away from his inauguration. Nigeria must show leadership by sending a strong message to Paul Biya. The African Union and ECOWAS must condemn the theft of the people’s vote.”

“I beg. Leave matter. Nigeria will congratulate. Nigeria will attend. Even Trump will send a delegation. Are you not aware that Trump wants to do a third term in 2028? His strategists are working hard at it. And Trump who says he is the chief peacemaker in the world would rather rule the United States forever. This thing is not just in Africa. Trump is the dictator in the United States.”

“There is God. Of that, I am sure.”

“Stop blaming God. It is all about power. Most leaders have learnt not to take chances. Look at our own President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has learnt to seize the moment when he can.”

“He will not dare try tenure elongation in this country. It will not work here.”

“You can’t be too sure. We used to say America is the bastion of democracy. Look at what Trump is doing and he is getting away with it. The US Government has been shut down for about a month, simply bccause it is either what Trump wants or nothing else. Canada runs an advert featuring Ronald Reagan and condemning Trump’s tariffs. Canada gets slammed with an additional 10% tariff, bringing the total amount of tariffs against Canada to 45%. I am not even talking about that. I am talking about how President Tinubu has swiftly changed the service chiefs, leaving behind only the Director of Military Intelligence.”

“Nobody saw that coming.”

“That is power. There was some rumour and speculation about some elements in the military toying with the idea of a coup. Whether it is a rumour or whatever it is, Tinubu has acted swiftly. He has refused to allow what happened in Mali, Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea Conakry, Mali and Madagascar to happen under his watch. No time for nonsense.”

“I understand many senior military officers are going to lose their commission on account of the appointments, especially officers from Courses 38 and 39, and a few from Course 40, about 60 Generals in all.”

“Yes. That is expected. It happens whenever there is a change of guards.”

“Do you think changing service chiefs will make any difference? General Buhari changed his service chiefs. It was same of the same.

These new service chiefs have been part of the system. What new magic can they perform? And besides, the Chief of Defence Intelligence who has been retained, could he be the one who snitched on his colleagues, and he got rewarded?”

“I don’t know about that. I guess that must be classified state secret. What I can state is that changing the service chiefs is a smart move by President Tinubu. He has applied the shock and surprise strategy in a very deft manner. And I do not share the view that it would be same of the same. Give General Christopher Gabwin Musa his flowers. As Chief of Defence Staff, he made a lot of difference. We should urge the new Chiefs to prove that they deserve their elevation, and that they can make even better difference. I have looked at their profiles. They are all battle-tested. General Oluyede used to be Chief of Army Staff. He provides a sense of continuity. He has to show us what he’s got. The President says he wants to strengthen the country’s security architecture. Fine. We want to see results.”

“The opposition says the President acted out of fear, cowardice and panic.”

“The opposition can say what they like. When it is their turn, and they hear rumours of a coup, let them sleep on it. The new Service chiefs should tackle banditry, insurgency and terrorists with renewed vigour. They must clear all the spaces that have been taken over by criminals. It must be possible for the people in Nigeria’s food basket zones to go to the farm. They have a duty to restore hope.”

“But you know nobody can try a coup in this country. Democracy has come to stay.”

“I don’t know what you know. My strong

Tr IB u T e TO A n Ir O k O : Dr. cH r ISTO

astonishingly, he asked to speak to my wife.

My wife, though momentarily horrified by the gravity of the call, composed herself. Dr. Kolade then apologized to her for disturbing her sleep and taking her husband away at such an ungodly hour, assuring her that he would ensure my return home that very same day. (In my mind, I naughtily wondered why the “old man” just deftly blocked any fun overnight stay in Abuja!)

I completed the mission, delivered the letter, and returned to Lagos, adding a successful Aso Rock visit to my CV! Hehehe!

Weeks later, while watching NTA Network News, in Abuja on a different assignment, the news broke: Dr. Christopher Kolade had been appointed the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2002-2007).

I called immediately to congratulate him. Instead of accepting the praise, he thanked me for “making it happen.” Confused, I asked how. He reminded me how, just weeks earlier, I had graciously delivered

view is that those in positions of authority should pay more attention to good governance and lead the people right. I don’t like what is going on in Edo State for example. If I were from that state, I will hide my face in shame. But I don’t know whether they have enough people in Edo State who are capable of shame.”

“I have friends from Edo State and they are responsible, decent people. What is the matter?”

“Their Governor is the matter. Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has given a new definition to the art of sycophancy. He has directed all his Commissioners and Advisers attending the State Executive Council Meeting, if they are dressed in a native attire to wear the Tinubu Emilokan cap. Whoever flouts the order will be suspended.”

“Wonderful”

“He says he owes his election to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that he is determined to deliver 2.8 million votes to the President in the 2027 election.”

“So, it is the President who voted for him. Where are the people of Edo State? He even knows the exact number of votes that he will deliver to President Tinubu. God, the people of Edo State have suffered. A dress code for commissioners and advisers. I have never heard of that”

“The way that Governor is going, he will soon issue the same directive to all traditional rulers in Edo State. Whoever does not comply will have his staff of office withdrawn!”

“Nice one. Let him try that. I actually do not understand why he is being more Catholic than the Pope. There are four APC Governors in the South West. I have not heard them dictating

that their commissioners should wear the Asiwaju cap. Not even in Lagos, the main stronghold of Tinubu’s politics. But in Edo State, Okpebholo is erecting Tinubu billboards across Benin. I hope he is using his personal funds, and not state resources to fund that ugly sycophancy. Roads are in bad shape in Edo State. He is not repairing roads. He is erecting billboards for Tinubu.”

“I hear the Presidency has rejected those billboards as a violation of the nation’s electoral laws either in Edo State or anywhere else across the“Butcountry.”nobody has removed the billboards. Every Governor is looking for one way or the other to curry favours from President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. But the law is clear. Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 states that “the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”

“Keep quoting the Electoral Act. You are on your own.”

“We have a new INEC Chairman. He is a Professor of Law. He should wield the big stick against whoever flouts the law.”

“He should arrest persons who are campaign- ing for President Tinubu. Is that what you are“Yes.saying?” The reign of impunity must stop. This is why civil society is asking for an Electoral Offenders Commission. Professor Amupitan should insist on that.”

“Very good. Very good.”

“I mean it”

“I know. Except that I do not know who you want the authorities to arrest. Definitely not Okpebholo who has immunity.”

“His agents do not enjoy any immunity.”

“They are obeying their Governor’s directives.” “That is no defence. No right-thinking man should obey an unlawful order.”

“So, if you were a Commissioner in Governor Okpebholo’s cabinet, you will argue with him and disobey him.”

“This is about integrity.”

“I know. We are saying the same thing. Just imagine yourself getting fired and you will go and live with integrity in your house.”

“No integrity anywhere. And yet members of the National Assembly want to create six additional states, one in each geopolitical zone, which would now mean 42 states of the Federation.”

“More bureaucracy. More local governments. More trouble. More Governors. More First Ladies. There will be no end to it.”

“We do not need more states. We need good persons in government who will serve the people, and not their personal interests. We need our states to become viable centres of productivity, not new centres of conspicuous consumption.”

“I cannot agree more.”

always revered and now celebrate never die; they live forever in the hearts and minds of millions whose lives they touched by their exemplary conduct. And so it is with Dr. Christopher Kolade. Every single testimony speaks to his integrity and forthrightness and I dare add his remarkable fortitude, having survived the immense pain of his sons who predeceased him. He bore his losses with exemplary grace and dignity. Therefore, on behalf of my family and myself, I express profound gratitude for the lessons learned from his life of exemplary leadership and service as well as his fatherly love. Lest I forget, CK did come with a great sense of humor, sometimes diabolical, especially when masked by his sometimes unsmiling face. That unsettled only the uninitiated.

May his illustrious soul rest peacefully inAndparadise. may his memories be always s blessing to all who knew and loved him.

•Emeka Oparah is Group Vice President, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Africa

PresidentPaulBiya

EdostateGovernorMondayOkpebholo

SERViCE oF SonGS AnD niGhT oF TRiBUTES FoR LATE DR. ChRiSTophER KoLADE...

L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, at the

TUESDAY WITH REUBEN ABATI

Biya, Okpebholo And The New Service Chiefs

“They say President Paul Biya has been declared winner of the Presidential election in Cameroon. The man has been in power since 1982. At 92, he is the oldest President in the world. Now that the Constitutional Court has given him another tenure of seven years in office, it means he will be President till almost 100. What exactly is wrong with us in Africa?”

“It means Paul Biya is likely to die in of- fice. What you have in Cameroon is not a democracy. It is a monarchy. It is a mockery of democracy. You asked the right question. Truly something is wrong with us in Africa. We are not okay at all. Do you know that Paul Biya only showed up once to campaign. African dictators have adopted a new style. They campaign with effigies. Biya did it in Cameroon. Museveni has done the same in

Uganda. It was his effigy going about waving to the people. He is o sick, so big, so disoriented he even says it is the Gen Z youths that want

him in power. You can be sure he too will be declared winner. In Cameroon how can a man who never campaigned for votes win 53.66% of the votes.”.

“Will he get away with it? Where are the people?”

“Paul Biya has been getting away with impunity since 1982. He is likely to get away with it. But this may also be the beginning of his end. On Sunday, the people took to the streets in Yaounde, Garroua, Maroua, Douala, Maiganga, Yagoua, Kaele and Bafoussam. Four persons were killed. About 30 opposition politicians and activists have been arrested and detained. There is tension in Cameroon. Tchairoma Bakary, leader of the main opposition party who leads the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon party and the Union for Change has threatened that he would not accept a stolen vote and that his party won

the election. He has called on the people to defend their mandate”.

“That is a familiar response. If Bakary is not careful, he will be arrested and detained for challenging the Constitutional Court. Bakary used to be the spokesperson and spin doctor for this same Biya. He was Communications Minister for ten years, 2009 to 2019. He helped to create the Cameroonian monster. The establishment will find an excuse to arrest and jail him.”

“But the people. Democracy is about the people.”

“They have started killing the people. May be there will be sustained protests in the separatist Anglophone regions, and heightened Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North. But Biya will have his way.”

“We pray that God should intervene and save the people of Cameroon from Biya’s

Tribute to an Iroko: Dr. Christopher Kolade, One of Africa’s Finest Sons!

What more can be said about Dr. Christopher Olusola Kolade that hasn’t already been said? His exceptional life of discipline, dignity, modesty, respect, service, selflessness, achievements and integrity has long made him a towering figure—a legend seemingly awaiting canonization.

I’ve personally written many tributes celebrating him over the years and recommending his peculiar lifestyle to all. So, when the news broke on October 10th that the inimitable, inspirational iroko had fallen—that Dr. Kolade had embarked on his final journey from this sublunary abode to his rightful place in paradise—I was extremely sad yet unrestrained in my gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for a lifetime well-spent. Waking up miles away and hours ahead

of Nigeria in the UAE, I began the day by posting fond stories and photos on

Facebook, with the privileged information I had (without giving away anything). So none, but one curious judge, initially got the memo. Legends, after all, are not expected to die.

Then, the news officially broke. The outpouring of tributes and heartfelt reminiscences that followed were unparalleled. It would be an understatement to say that the profound impact of his passing has been felt globally. Even the heavens above felt it as the angels rejoiced, if I could speak for them, and justly too, that one of their own was headed back home to eternal bliss.

Lest my words run short in celebrating this African, nay, global icon, I must quickly share one encounter that perfectly illustrates or captures the profound humanity and humility of this man who I first met and

immediately admired when I joined Cadbury Nigeria as Media Relations Manager in 1994 and he the Executive Chairman.

It was in 2002. I was tasked with an urgent, significant mission: deliver a confidential letter from the Chairman, Dr. Kolade, to President Olusegun Obasanjo at the fabled Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. This meant picking up the letter that evening and catching an early morning flight.

The alarm woke me pre-dawn. As I prepared to leave home at 5.00 am, my phone rang. It was Dr. Kolade. He apologized profusely for disturbing my sleep and for whatever disruption the trip was causing. He gave clear instructions for navigating the Villa protocol. Then,

President Paul Biya of Cameroon

LateChristopherOlusolaKolade

Service of Songs and Night of Tributes for the late Dr. Christopher Kolade held at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, yesterday