The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has said the commission has learned lessons from some of the shortcomings in the Edo State election.
Yakubu, who was in Akure, the Ondo State capital, ahead of the November 16 governorship election, said the result management and in the area of logistics for the election.
Speaking with reporters at the airport, Yakubu said he was in the state for the assessment of the preparation for the November 16 governorship election.
According to him, “We are here, essentially, to observe what is happening and to acknowledge the good work that the office has done. Over the next few days, we will be meeting with political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies.
“One of our planned activities includes further accreditation of voters, which will take place in 16 polling units across six local government areas within the three senatorial zones of the state. “This is primarily why we are here. Additionally, as part of the activities already outlined, we will hold a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, and the following day, the National Peace Committee will invite all stakeholders to participate in the signing of the National Peace Accord. This is the essence of our visit.”
On the lessons learned from the Edo State governorship election and previous elections, Yakubu said, ” I have learned valuable lessons, not only from the last election but also from previous ones. Essentially, there are two key challenges.
“The first is logistics — ensuring that polling units open promptly on Election Day. The second challenge is result management. My assurance to voters in Ondo State is that they will witness significant improvements in these areas.”
President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, officially inaugurated the seven new ministers cleared by the Senate last week Thursday.
President Tinubu swore them in at a ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by senior government officials, marked the addition of fresh leadership to Tinubu’s administration.
These new ministers will be instrumental in addressing pressing national issues across key sectors, including infrastructure, security, and economic stability. It would be recalled that President Tinubu reshuffled the cabinet on October 23, 2024.
The cabinet reshuffling ushered in seven new Ministers while four others were sacked. The new ministers and their portfolios are as follows: Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour & Employment; Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Others are: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment (Trade and Investment); Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister for Livestock Development; Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education
Their appointments come as part of a broader government restructuring to boost efficiency and accountability.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Sunday confirmed the death of an adult male in a multiple-vehicle accident on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency’s Permanent Secretary who confirmed this in a statement, said that several others were also injured in the accident.
He said the accident happened at Ile-Epo Bust Stop, Oko-Afa, Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
“The agency in response to distress calls through the 767 and 112 toll-free lines at 09.33hrs, activated its emergency response team from Igando base.
“Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was discovered that several cars were involved in the accident.
“The accident involved a fully laden truck, registration number FFF 754 XB, a white Toyota, Hummer bus, owned by Cross Country Transport, registration number, MUS 210 YJ, laden to capacity with passengers.
“Other cars involved were a Volkswagon commercial bus, registration number LSR 166 YE and a Nissan car, registration number unknown,” he said. Oke-Osanyintolu said while an adult male died in the incident several other injured persons were rushed to nearby hospitals by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
“Further investigations revealed that the incident occurred as a result of reckless driving on the side of the truck driver who lost control at high speed, resulting in a crash into the three affected vehicles.
“Safety measures were activated by the agency to safeguard responders during the operation. Traffic control measures were also activated at the scene to ensure vehicular movement along the carriageway.
“All three affected vehicles have been towed to Morogbo Police Station. The truck has been towed off the incident scene to allow for free flow of traffic along the axis,” he said.
He added that FRSC officials had deposited the corpse in the morgue before the arrival of the agency’s response team.
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the continued detention of #EndBadGovernance protesters.
Daily Trust had reported how 76 protesters who were arrested during the August 1 to August 10 #EndBadGovernance demonstration were brought to a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday.
Among the protesters arranged were some minors, who appeared visibly malnourished after spending months in detention.
The incident has sparked criticism both domestically and internationally.
Weighing in on the development, CNG in statement on Saturday by its national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said the “detention and arraignment of those frail, malnourished and hapless children have exposed the government as a desperate entity that is determined to de-market and embarrass Nigeria before the international community while presenting its credentials for medals in gross inhumanity.”
The statement said: “The continued detention and mistreatment of these minors is a gross violation of their basic rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly. CNG strongly condemns this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for the welfare and dignity of young citizens.
“The treatment these children are receiving highlights a troubling failure of state actors to prioritize the welfare and rights of its most vulnerable citizens, children, especially when their “crime” was to demand better governance and accountability.
“It is disheartening that in a country with a history of resilience and promise, minors are being made to endure starvation and harsh conditions while awaiting trial for daring to speak up for their future. This is not only a violation of domestic law but also contravenes international human rights principles protecting children from harm and unlawful detention.
“Ideally, those children are supposed to be treated first as victims of state abuse and deprivation whose leaders have failed to provide the necessary leadership that can mold them into better members of the society as they are a direct outcome of our decayed system.
“It is shamefully despicable that criminals and bandits that are holding the entire country to ransom do not face such stringent consequences for their actions.
“Evidently, the Government has consistently proven that people’s problems and deteriorating situations are not part of its priority because of its disregard for the daily hardships of its citizens. Increasingly, frequent blackouts have become a norm across the country, severely impacting homes, businesses, and essential services which became worse with the recent blackout.”
It continued: “The elimination of fuel subsidies and constant raising of fuel prices have pushed the cost of living to record highs, making basic necessities even harder to afford. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the populace by providing feasible alternatives or relief, the government’s priorities appear to be detaining, abusing and crushing the vulnerable children that need support and protection to grow into responsible adults.
“Unfortunately, hunger and starvation have become weapons against defenseless and malnourished teenagers. It is clear that the government’s neglect of essential services and its catastrophic economic policies have strangulated millions in a state of uncertainty, desperation, and disillusionment in which these minors belong. These children must not be targeted as the scapegoat for expressing their frustrations as Nigerians have never gone through such dehumanizing and cruel policies that this administration promotes.”
CNG therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the minors detained for participating in the protests.
“We demand that the government prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement over intimidation, especially with young citizens who represent the future of this nation.
“In the interim, we urge relevant agencies and civil society organizations to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to these detained children to mitigate further health risks. The protection of children is non-negotiable, and we implore the authorities to treat these young citizens with the compassion and respect they deserve,” the statement added.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Works and the Federal Ministry of Works will today hold a stakeholder engagement meeting on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project .
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofarmata announced the meeting in a press statement released on Friday in Lagos.
Expected at the parley, which holds at Orchid Hall, Eko Hotel, Lagos at 12:00 p.m, are representatives of renowned firms in the construction industry, government officials, community leaders and civil society groups.
The Minister of Works , Senator David Umahi will brief the gathering on the progress of the coastal road , a legacy project of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government , and also receive feedbacks from the public.
A similar meeting on the project was held last week in Akure, Ondo State.
The Edo State Government has confirmed the arrest and detention of five treasury officials, including Accountant-General Julius Anelu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The arrests, which were confirmed in a statement from State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, have raised concerns within the government about a potential attempt to disrupt state operations. The statement, titled “Edo Accountant-General, Four Others Invited by EFCC Over Already Repaid Loan Facility, Officers Detained to Cripple Governance,” detailed the circumstances surrounding the officials’ detention.
Nehikhare explained that the EFCC’s invitation, dated October 28, 2024, requested the officials to appear at the EFCC office in Benin to answer questions related to a repaid agricultural loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).
According to Nehikhare, while the invited officials complied by visiting the Benin office, one officer who was no longer a signatory to state accounts was later released.
However, the EFCC then detained a replacement signatory, transferring several officials to its Abuja office. The EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and appears to be following a script with serious implications for democracy,” Nehikhare stated. He alleged that the detentions could paralyse the state government, especially as the current administration’s term ends on November 12.
Nehikhare condemned the EFCC’s actions, urging the agency to release the detained officials.
“Governor Godwin Obaseki leads a transparent and accountable government,” he said. “Unconstitutional actions should not be used to hinder the operations of this administration.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo has denied any involvement in the arrests.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Godswill Inegbe, Okpebholo claimed that the allegations were “a concoction” by members of the PDP and the outgoing administration.
Inegbe countered that the arrests were an EFCC measure to prevent unauthorised withdrawals from state accounts.
He added that recent allegations of looting by the outgoing administration were consistent with reports of theft from the Government House and various state ministries.
“With the EFCC’s intervention and the arrest of officials tied to government accounts, Edo residents are now seeing the scale of corruption within the outgoing administration,” Okpebholo’s statement read.
The North Central Youth Council (NCYC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC) by expeditiously assenting to the bill creating the commission into law when passed by the National Assembly.
NCYC President, Sunday Asuku made the call on in Abuja during the inauguration of the pioneer National Executives Council, State Coordinators and Honourary Advisers under the chairmanship of Senator Philip Aduda, Senate Minority Leader of the 9th Assembly.
Asuku also called for the adoption of a North Central Security Outfit to address the security challenges being faced in the region, including the farmers/herders clashes impacting negatively on its food production capabilities.
He said: “In the same spirit, we earnestly appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lend his support to the North Central Development Commission Bill.
“This commission is essential to addressing the unique developmental needs of our region and providing the framework necessary to accelerate our growth and stability. “We also urge our Governors and Stakeholders to rally together, united in their commitment to this cause, to ensure that the President lends his consent to the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC).” The NCYC President lamented the problem of insecurity within the North Central geopolitical zone, insisting that addressing the security challenges remained paramount.
He said: “We strongly believe that adopting a North Central Security Outfit will greatly enhance the effectiveness of our security strategies. By establishing a dedicated security presence, we can better protect our communities and make significant strides toward eradicating insecurity within the region.” Asuku added that this would also drastically curb the menace of tribal and ethnic war as it has been practiced in other regions with proven track records and positive results, and that North Central should not be an exemption.
He, however, commended the governors and security agencies across the North Central region for their ongoing efforts in addressing the security challenges that have plagued the communities.
“Their commitment have led to a significant reduction in insecurity, bringing relief to our people. We urge these agencies to continue in their mission with even greater intensity, working towards a time when peace and safety are the hallmarks of our region,” he said.
The North Central youths applauded President Tinubu for approving the proposed Youth Confab initiative, saying this would provide a critical platform for young people to engage in dialogue, share ideas, and contribute meaningfully to issues of national importance.
They noted that the initiative embodies a new chapter for the youth of Nigeria, and “we are inspired to support this vision with all our energy and resolve.”
The youths lauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for his leadership role and fatherly figure to the entire youth in the region regardless of their tribe, religion or political affiliation.
According to them, Akume has demonstrated immense capacity by empowering and sensitising youth and always opening their eyes and minds to the prospects of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
They said: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued dedication to the youth of this nation. The appointment of one of our own as the Minister for Youth Development in the person of Comrade Ayodele Olawande has further demonstrated his continuous confidence in the capabilities of young Nigerians and also reinforces his vision of a nation where youth play a central role in governance and national development.”
The Police said its operatives have neutralised six hoodlums in a crackdown against criminal elements in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi state.
The police operatives also recovered arms and ammunition during the operations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Awwal Musa, stated this at a news conference on Friday in Bauchi.
“The Command neutralise six hoodlums, recover firearms and ammunition in Ningi axis.
“Apprehension of a suspect for illegal possession of two AK-47 rifles and 343 rounds of ammunition
“Mop-up of illegal firearms from public spaces and arrest of suspects in connection with criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide,” he said.
He reiterated commitment to suppress criminal activities across border communities in Alkaleri, Ningi and Toro LGAs.
According to Musa, the command is collaborating with sister security agencies and quasi security outfits enhancing community policing and partnership with local stakeholders.
Kemi Badenoch, former business secretary in the United Kingdom has been elected leader of the Conservative Party. She was declared the winner at an event in central London on Saturday after defeating rival Robert Jenrick by 53,806 votes to 41,388, Yahoo reports.
Badenoch, who was raised in Nigeria, is the first black woman to lead a major party in the UK.
The North West Essex MP will replace former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as leader of the Opposition and seek to chart a path back to power for the Tories after their disastrous electoral outing in July.
During her campaign, Badenoch vowed to return the Conservatives to “first principles” and launch a series of reviews in the coming months to shape a new policy platform.
She is also the sixth Tory leader in less than eight and a half years and faces the challenge of uniting a fractured party.
In her victory speech, Badenoch told members it was “time to tell the truth” and “get down to business”.
Her “first responsibility” as the new Tory leader “is to hold this Labour government to account,” she said.
“Our second is no less important – it is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government.”
All eyes will now turn to who Badenoch chooses for her shadow cabinet as she sets out the the future shape of the party.
Only a third of Conservative MPs backed Badenoch in her leadership win.
Badenoch previously said she would offer a frontbench job to all six of her rivals in the leadership race, including Jenrick.
But shadow home secretary James Cleverly, who came third in the race, has already ruled himself out of a frontbench role.
The Conservative Party face a significant challenge, with just 121 MPs after an election that saw the party lose seats to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform.
A YouGov poll published ahead of the result found four in 10 voters had an unfavourable view of Ms Badenoch, including 29% of Conservative voters, while Britons were more likely to think Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer would make a better prime minister.
About five out of the no fewer than 125 defendants brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja for arraignment collapsed on Friday few minutes after the commencement of proceedings.
The defendants, who are mostly teens, were brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu for arraignment on terrorism charge filed against them by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
They were alleged to have participated in the last #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State, during which they allegedly chanted anti-government slogans and carried foreign flags.
According to one of the defence lawyers, Marshall Abubakar, the defendants were charged in two batches of 76 and 49.
Read Also: Court dismisses suit seeking NDDC Chair Ebie’s sack Shortly after the first batch was called, the defendants were mounting the dock when some of them suddenly fell down, causing confusion in court, a development that prompted the judge to suspend proceedings.
Abubakar blamed the development on hunger and ill-health on the part of the defendants. He said most of the defendants were mostly teens of about 12 years old.
He said: “All these young children are sick and hungry. They have been kept in police custody for weeks without food and proper medical care. They are sick and need proper attention. That is the cause of these unfortunate developments.”
