The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Long road to new agreement

    Long road to new agreement

    At last, it is hurrah to the commitment of President Bola Tinubu-led government for bringing  hope, relief and a breath of fresh air  to the nation’s  education, with the  unveiling of  a renegotiated agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

    The  ripples hitherto created by contentious 2009 Agreement will be laid to rest, perhaps, since  the Federal Government has demonstrated the will to rewrite the sector’s narrative.

    Observers described it as turning point  in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, signalling the intent and resolve of President Bola Tinubu to ensure  accessible, quality and uninterrupted academic calendars.

    But it was a tortuous journey to the signing of  the latest agreement, one strewn with obstacles to say the least.

     Previous attempts to review the 2009 Agreement were fruitless despite the intervention of four committees.

    The agreement  due for renegotiation in 2012, after three years, dragged on due to disagreements from both the Federal Government and ASUU.

    The  government had established a committee led by Wale Babalakin, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and erstwhile pro-chancellor of the University of Lagos, in 2017 to review the 2009 agreement but the committee was unable complete the review.

    Another committee headed by Chairman, Committee of Pro-chancellors, Prof Munzali Jibril in 2020 under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari was also set up.

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    In 2021, the Munzali committee working with the union produced recommendations in a draft agreement within three months.

    The  government then  rejected the salary structure proposed by the committee, with the  insistence there were no funds  to pay university teachers.

    With no headway in sight, the Buhari-led  administration created  another committee headed by the late Emeritus Prof Nimi Briggs.

    On June 16, 2022, the Briggs Committee submitted a draft agreement to the government, terming it a product of collective bargaining, but the government didn’t implement the recommendations.

    This culminated in the 2022 industrial action which lasted October, prompting the National Industrial Court to order a suspension of the strike after a suit was instituted against ASUU by the Federal Government.

    In 2024, erstwhile Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman inaugurated the Yayale Ahmed-led committee to handle the renegotiation of agreements with university – based unions.

    This led to the signing of this present agreement, and fresh breath of hope.

    The journey from the 2009 FGN-ASUU Agreement to the 2025 renegotiated settlement demonstrates the ultra-complex nature of sanitising  Nigeria’s public university system. The  2009 Agreement served as a  crucial starting point to an anticipated bright future, though the foot dragging on implementation tainted the whole system and generated much furore all the years.

    Observers wait with bated breath to see if this current settlement will signal the death knell to incessant strikes and disruptions in the nation’s education space.

  • Wike-Fubara feud: More Rivers lawmakers opt for reconciliation

    Wike-Fubara feud: More Rivers lawmakers opt for reconciliation

    • Monarchs step in

    More members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have joined the train of those calling for the termination of the ongoing impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.

    Similarly, traditional rulers in the state have constituted a team to seek a solution to the political crisis.

    It was also learnt that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political party that both the governor and the majority members of the House of Assembly belong to, has intervened.

    Yesterday, two lawmakers – Barile Nwakoh (Khana Constituency 1) and Emilia Amadi (Obio/Akpor Constituency II) – appealed to their colleagues to conditionally withdraw the impeachment proceedings.

    They said that although the governor and his deputy might have violated the constitution, pleas by respected leaders to the Assembly cannot be ignored.

    Their appeal came two days after the Minority Leader, Sylvanus Nwankwo (Omuma Constituency), and Peter Abbey (Degema Constituency) had pleaded with other colleagues to temper justice with mercy.

    However, the four lawmakers did not dissociate themselves from the impeachment notices signed by 26 lawmakers.

    The move by the lawmakers to stave off the impeachment is conditional.

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    The governor is expected to respect the Constitution in his conduct of state affairs.

    The mediation committee set up by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) early in the week and chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), also swung into action by making consultations with the two warring camps.

    Sources said Fubara has demonstrated a readiness for a truce by reaching out to the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for reconciliation.

    The governor issued a directive to members of his camp to stop making public comments against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and avoid heating up the state.

    Fubara and Odu were served with impeachment notices by the Assembly last week over allegations of gross misconduct.

    The lawmakers gave them seven days to respond to the allegations.

    A member of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), who spoke on the Rivers crisis, said the party had launched an intervention into the impasse to prevent the depletion of its governors’ forum.

    He said it is the duty of the party leadership to reconcile the governor and the lawmakers, who are chieftains of the ruling party.

    A source said that, based on the party’s intervention,  the Assembly may reconvene to put the impeachment process on hold and seek a political solution.

    Yesterday, the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers raised a nine-man Reconciliation Committee to end the crisis and persuade the lawmakers to withdraw the impeachment notice.

    The committee, which was inaugurated by the Chairman of the council, Eze Oha Apara IV, Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, is chaired by His Majesty, Dr. Suanu Baridam, while His Majesty, Eze Nwachukwu Nnam Obi, is co-chairman.

    Other members of the Committee are Eze Uchechukwu Isaiah-Elikwu, Eze Leslie Eke, Dr. Samuel Amaechi, Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo, Eze Onyekachi Amaonwu, King Agolia Aboko, and Eze Nwankwo Nwankwo.

    Darlington Owiriwa will serve as secretary.

    A statement by Baridam said:  “In view of the sensitive nature of the issues before the public, we appeal to supporters of all factions, social media enthusiasts, and the general public to moderate their comments in order not to escalate the situation.

    “We further urge citizens to refrain from acts likely to cause a breach of the peace in the state.”

    Lawmakers call for political solution

    At a news conference in Port-Harcourt, the state capital, Nwako and Amadi, who called for a political solution, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wike for their interventions.

    They traced the genesis of the crisis to the violation of the Constitution by Fubara and Odu and the governor’s refusal to adhere to agreements he reached under the supervision of the President.

    The duo appealed to their colleagues to embrace a political solution if Fubara can demonstrate his readiness to respect agreements and obey the constitution.

    They said: “We speak for ourselves and not for the House, as we do not have the leave to speak for the House of Assembly.

    “We are part of the notice of allegation of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy governor because they truly infringed several times on the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “The governor has seriously abandoned the agreement entered into in the past with the supervision of Mr President in a bid to find a lasting solution to the constitutional infractions. This casts serious doubts on why any person should trust him.

    “However, we have been inundated with calls from some of our leaders and Rivers people begging that we seek a political solution to this problem created by the governor and his deputy.

    “We hereby state our willingness to look at a political solution rather than an outright removal of the duo. We call on our members to also consider this approach.

    “We did not say this as a sign of weakness, but because we have forgiving hearts and as mothers.

    “It is our hope and expectations that assurances will come from the governor and the deputy governor that they will retrace their steps and govern in line with the constitution and keep all agreements entered into with the supervision of Mr President.

    “We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political leader of Rivers, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the good people of Rivers for their encouragement and support.”

  • SEC, Police ally to tackle Ponzi scheme, fake cryptocurrency operators

    SEC, Police ally to tackle Ponzi scheme, fake cryptocurrency operators

    Are you a Ponzi scheme promoter, fake cryptocurrency operator and Forex trader? If yes, this alert is for you.

    A strategic partnership has been entered into by the  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to check your activities, safeguard investors and the nation’s capital market.  

    The tie will lead to the establishment of the SEC-NPF Task Force to act as a “rapid-response unit” against emerging fraud in the country.

    SEC’s Director -General   Emomotimi Agama made this known after a high-level meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in Abuja yesterday.

    Agama, who said the meeting was specifically convened to address the rising tide of sophisticated investment scams in the country.   pointed out that   ‘’bad actors’’ often hide their fraudulent activities behind complex financial jargon.

     “They cloak their deceit in the glamorous but misunderstood language of cryptocurrency and forex trading. They target the vulnerable, the optimistic and the simply unsuspecting, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives, depleted pensions and broken trust.

    ‘’This is not just a financial crime; it is a social menace that erodes public confidence in our entire financial system,” the SEC boss said.

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     The Director-General described   SEC as the “sentinel at the gate” of the formal markets but noted that regulatory oversight alone is insufficient to stop criminals who operate outside legal boundaries. He indicated that a gap exists between identifying  ‘’these scammers’’ and bringing them to justice, a space that the new partnership aims to eliminate.

     He said:“This is where our authority, as the SEC, meets its necessary complement: your power, your reach, and your mandate. The Nigeria Police Force is the primary law enforcement agency with national presence, the investigative muscle, and the constitutional authority to track, apprehend, and bring these criminals to justice.

    ‘’Where we identify the illegality and the regulatory breach, they(Police) possess the apparatus for criminal investigation, arrest, and prosecution

    To modernise the fight against  ‘’criminal syndicates,’’   SEC proposed a collaborative framework built on joint intelligence, capacity building, and a national public awareness campaign.

      Agama specifically called for a dedicated SEC-NPF Task Force to act as a “rapid-response unit” against emerging frauds. He also requested a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Police Cyber Security Unit to monitor digital threats.

     Turning to Egbetokun, he said: “Mr Inspector-General, the fight against financial crime is a fight for the soul of our economy. It is a fight for the widow who has lost her savings, the youth lured by fake crypto promises, and the retiree seeking a safe return.

    ‘’SEC cannot win this fight alone. The Police should not have to decipher these complex schemes without specialist support. Together, however, we form an impenetrable shield

      IGP Egbetokun expressed the readiness of the Police to back  SEC’s enforcement drive. He acknowledged that the commission’s success is a pillar of the broader national economic recovery strategy.

    “Your role in the Securities and Exchange Commission is very crucial to the Nigerian economy, and with our supervision and support from the government, we will ensure economic recovery and growth. If the police unit in SEC is strengthened, it is going to make so much impact in your enforcement drive,” the IGP said.

     The Police Chief also used the opportunity to celebrate the capital market’s recent performance, noting that the crossing of the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark is a huge achievement for the country.

    “That is a huge one, and on behalf of the entire police force, I congratulate you on this great achievement. I am happy to also hear from you that you are ready to strengthen the police enforcement unit that is attached to the SEC. On this note, I approve the collaboration with the Cyber Security Centre of the NPF,” Egbetokun said.

  • U.S. pauses immigrant visa processing for Nigeria, Ghana, 73 others

    U.S. pauses immigrant visa processing for Nigeria, Ghana, 73 others

    The Trump administration is placing an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, further restricting the legal routes for entering the United States.

    The State Department yesterday said the administration wants to bring “an end to the abuse” of the system “by those who would extract wealth from the American people” by using welfare and public benefits.

    President Donald Trump has sought to limit both illegal and legal crossings into the U.S. since returning to office, and his administration has already halted immigrant visa processing for people from Brazil, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.

    The order takes effect on January 21, but a full list of the 75 countries is yet to be released.

    “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.

    The department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will pause the visa processing while it reassesses its procedures “to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits,” Piggott added.

    According to the Associated Press, the State Department has instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the affected countries.

    READ ALSO: Rage therapy

    But the suspension will not apply to non-immigrant, temporary tourist, or business visas.

    In recent months, the State Department has increased restrictions on migration from countries Trump has deemed a threat to national security, including Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and several countries in Africa.

    After an immigrant from Afghanistan was charged in November with the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, the administration banned or limited the entry of nationals of 19 countries.

    In December, it expanded the travel ban to people from five additional countries and those travelling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents.

    Asylum cases, citizenship processing, and green card applications for immigrants from the initial 19 countries in the ban have also been paused.

  • Dangote Refinery expansion begins

    Dangote Refinery expansion begins

    All is set for the commencement of the planned expansion of Dangote Refinery production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd in the next three years. 

      The move, according to refinery management,   comes alongside investments in petrochemicals such as polypropylene, base oils and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

    The management also reaffirmed its commitment to supplying Nigerians with premium-quality petrol (PMS) that meets global standards, in line with its vision of ensuring energy security for Nigeria and Africa.

     It added that despite global price fluctuations, its increased domestic refining capacity has shielded Nigeria from extreme volatility in international crude and product markets, helping maintain relatively stable pump prices.

    The management also highlighted the crude-for-naira arrangement as a strategic measure to conserve foreign exchange and support  naira’s stability.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Refinery, David Bird, at a media parley yesterday, also restated  that the refinery would be listed on the NGX “soon.” 

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      Bird did  not give the volume of equities to be listed. Recall that the President, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, had at a media briefing last year, hinted that the firm was ready to “give Nigerians the opportunity to buy and own the refinery by as much equity as they want to give them a sense of ownership that it is their own.” 

    Although silence still surrounds the listing date, feelers from the facility indicate that this may commence in the second quarter of this year.

    Bird’s optimism of a three-year timeframe for the Refinery’s expansion is hinged on a replication strategy, which he noted is designed to avoid the cost overruns and delays that often plague large energy projects.

    “We are firmly of the belief that we can bring this expansion online within three years. If achieved, the expansion would rank among the fastest large-scale refinery builds globally, underscoring Dangote Group’s ambition to position the facility not just as a national asset, but as a globally competitive refining hub,” he said.

    According to him, the Refinery will pursue what he described as a “roofless replication” of its existing configuration, essentially copying the current design without reopening detailed engineering work.

    This, he added, would allow the company to fast-track procurement and construction by relying on proven specifications rather than redesigning systems.

    “Once you let engineers go back into an expansion, they often start to tinker, and that sends you back into months or years of detailed engineering. The idea here is replication. We will not need to reengineer, so we can get straight into ordering long-lead items and commencing construction,” Bird explained.

    The expansion timetable rests on two sets of parallel activities beginning immediately. For instance, the company intends to place orders for long-lead procurement items, such as major equipment and process units,  with the goal of completing those purchases this month. 

    According to Bird, one of the key advantages of the project is that most of the groundwork has already been done; the land earmarked for the expansion has been reclaimed, raised and prepared in advance, eliminating a major source of delay typical in large industrial projects.

    He said: “If you look at the landscape, you can see that the land has already been raised by more than a meter compared with where it was in the past. All of that pre-investment has been done. None of the normal site-preparation timelines really apply here.”

    Bird noted that because of early preparation, the refinery expects to see structural steel “coming out of the ground” as early as the end of this year, a milestone that would normally take much longer to reach on a greenfield site.

    He emphasised the facility’s advanced design and operational flexibility, which enables sustained high output even during scheduled maintenance.

    Bird explained that Dangote Refinery delivers world-class fuels meeting Euro V specifications to the Nigerian market, marking a decisive shift from the era of substandard imports.

    “Our ability to export refined petrol to Europe and jet fuel to the Middle East underscores the quality and global competitiveness of our products.

    “With our scale, efficiency, and product quality, we are positioned to compete globally while meeting Nigeria’s domestic needs. This investment fundamentally transforms Nigeria’s energy, industrial, and economic landscape,” he said.

    The refinery operates a 24-hour loading system with capacity to evacuate over 1,000 trucks daily, ensuring uninterrupted nationwide distribution. Daily offtake has at times exceeded 52 million litres, reflecting strong market demand and improved logistics efficiency.

    Describing the project as a “continent-building investment,” Bird expressed pride in its transformative impact:

    “It’s no exaggeration to say this is a continent-building project. I arrived in August and stand on the shoulders of giants who have achieved incredible milestones to turn this part of Lagos into what has the potential to become a world-scale industrial hub.”

    He added that the Refinery which is now focused on stabilisation and ramping up capacity,   delivered more than 50 million litres of products per day in the second half of 2025, occasionally exceeding 52 million litres.

    He attributed the performance to the Refinery’s unique design and the strategic foresight of Dangote Group founder,   Aliko Dangote:

    “We’re not just a traditional refinery. Thanks to Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision, we have the infrastructure to operate as a complete merchant refining, blending, and trading platform. Our feedstock is 100 per cent seaborne, giving us flexibility to process a wide variety of Nigerian and alternative crude grades,” Bird said. 

  • Bago: we will bomb bandits in Niger forest within two months

    Bago: we will bomb bandits in Niger forest within two months

    Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has vowed to reclaim the vast Kainji Lake forest from terrorists who have turned the area into a stronghold.

    He declared that his administration would deploy decisive measures to flush out criminal elements operating there.

    The governor directed residents living in hamlets and settlements within and around the Kainji Lake axis to relocate within two months to prevent casualties when security operations commence.

    Hours after Bago vowed to flush out the insurgents, suspected terrorists launched another deadly attack on the Kabe community in Borgu Local Government Area.

    Bago talked tough during a condolence visit to the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, at his palace in New Bussa, following deadly attacks on communities within the Emirate.

    “We will take over the forest, burn it down if necessary, smoke them out completely and reclaim it.

    “We will not stop until the forest is cleared and made habitable again for legitimate activities,” the governor vowed.

    He said the planned evacuation of communities was a difficult but necessary decision aimed at avoiding collateral damage.

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    The governor stressed that the state government, working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies, was determined to dismantle terrorist camps entrenched within the Kainji Lake forest.

    According to him, the forest has become a haven for terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements who exploit its vastness and proximity to international borders to launch attacks on innocent communities.

    Bago expressed concern over the unregulated influx of people into the Borgu Emirate.

    He warned that the lack of profiling has worsened insecurity and enabled informants to undermine security operations.

    “The issue of informants is a serious one. People come into these communities without proper identification, and it has become a major security challenge. This must stop,” he said.

    He urged the Emirate Council, traditional rulers and community leaders to rise to their responsibilities by working closely with security agencies to identify suspicious movements and expose collaborators aiding terrorist activities.

    The governor extended his condolences to the Emir, the affected communities and families of victims killed in the attacks, praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for their loved ones.

    Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, pledged the full cooperation of the Emirate with government and security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute informants and collaborators.

    He described security of lives and property as non-negotiable and assured that the Emirate would leave no stone unturned in supporting efforts to restore peace.

    The Emir thanked Bago for the visit and reaffirmed the Emirate’s support for policies and programmes of the administration aimed at improving the welfare and security of the people.

    The Borgu Emirate covers Borgu Local Government Area, headquartered in New Bussa, and Agwara Local Government Area, headquartered in Agwara.

    It consists of about 250 villages, communities and settlements, with approximately 163 in Borgu LGA and 85 in Agwara LGA.

    Terrorists invade Borgu community

    Hours after Bago’s visit, suspected terrorists launched another deadly attack on the Kabe community in Borgu.

    The assailants invaded the community at about 10 p.m., riding on several motorcycles and firing gunshots sporadically, forcing residents to flee their homes in panic.

    Sources said the attackers killed an 85-year-old woman, identified as Amina Adamu, abducted an unspecified number of residents and looted food items from homes in the community.

    As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of abducted persons could not be confirmed, as many residents were still missing.

    The latest attack has heightened fears among residents, coming just days after terrorists reportedly slaughtered more than 40 traders at Kasuwan Daji market, located a few kilometres from Kabe community.

    The incident underscores the persistent security challenge in the Borgu axis and the urgency of the planned military and security operations announced by the state government.

    Security agencies were said to be monitoring the situation, while affected residents called for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.

  • NJC appoints Oyewole as Supreme Court Justice

    NJC appoints Oyewole as Supreme Court Justice

    • Council clears Osun CJ, Delta judge of misconduct

    • Uzodimma directed to reconstitute judicial council

    The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the elevation of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole of the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court and the appointment of 35 judges for courts across the country.

    The decisions were taken at the NJC’s 110th meeting held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

    Justice Oyewole in 2009, famously convicted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George for money laundering, during his service at the Lagos High Court.

    NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, who made the appointments known, said in addition to Justice Oyewole, who currently presides over the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal, the Council approved 27 candidates for appointment as judges of various States High Courts.

    Of the 27, six were recommended for the Borno State High Court; four for Niger State High Court; one each for Benue and Taraba states; six for Plateau State High Court; four for Delta State High Court; and five for Ekiti State High Court.

    The NJC also recommended the appointment of six Kadis to the Sharia Courts of Appeal in Niger, Taraba and Katsina states. Three Kadis were approved for Niger State, two for Taraba State and one for Katsina State.

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    The Council recommended the appointment of two judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State.

    According to the statement, the recommendations followed a rigorous screening process that included the consideration of public complaints and interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee, in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers.

    Recommended judges

    For the Borno State High Court, the recommended candidates are: Mustapha Mallam Babagana, Hadiza Grema Mustapha, James Peter Bwala, Zannah Tijjani Babakura, Alkali Alhaji Umar Dunoma, and Yahaya Alhaji.

    For the Plateau State High Court, the nominees are: Andrawus Maikai, Tongret Nanman Nkwap Kparbong, Diane Ngummai Mantu, John Ishaku Bature, Gavou Musa Mallan, and Kingsley Mangai.

    For the Ekiti State High Court, those recommended are: Olanike Caroline Adegoke; Julius Sunday Bamidele Ajibare; Julius Akinyede; Stephen Rotimi Anoma; and Adefunke Helen Bamise.

    For Niger State High Court, the nominees are: Adamu Ahmed Abubakar, Bala Ndajiwo Gambo, Sa’adatu Abubakar Wushishi, and Sulaiman Buhari.

    For Delta State High Court, the recommended candidates are: Jonah Akporuaro Sam-Oligida Otite, Ukuli Jereoma, Boeye Irene Adamidenyo, and Otome Benjamin.

    For Taraba State High Court, the Council recommended Babagari Mansura Mohammed.

    Sharia and Customary sourts

    For the Niger State Sharia Court of Appeal, the recommended Kadis are: Usman Abdulrahman Aboki, Ya’aba Muhammad Mohammed, and Nasir Ibrahim.

    For the Taraba State Sharia Court of Appeal, the approved Kadis are: Muhammad Yakubu and Yahaya Abubakar Aliyu.

    For the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal, Mustapha Salisu Mutawakkil was recommended.

    For the Delta State Customary Court of Appeal, the recommended candidates are: Bridget Onome Ojeikere and Stella Ovuorieroro Okah.

    Other decisions

    The Council also approved the extension of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice I. O. Agugua, by three months.

    It called on the Governor of Imo State to immediately commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.

    The NJC stressed the need for the prompt appointment of a substantive Chief Judge to ensure stability, safeguard judicial independence and promote effective administration of justice in the state.

    The Council cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, of allegations bordering on financial recklessness, diversion of funds and judicial misconduct.

    The decision followed the consideration of a report by a three-member Investigation Committee set up to probe several petitions filed against the Chief Judge by a staff member of the Osun State Customary Court of Appeal and Chairman of the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Mr. Eludire G. Kunle, alongside three others.

    Similar petitions were also filed by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; Mrs. Temitope Opeoluwa Fasina; and a joint petition by the Osun State Attorney-General, Oluwole Jimi Bada, and four purported members of the State Judicial Service Commission.

    The petitioners alleged, among others, unilateral suspension of judiciary staff, selective promotion, stoppage of training programmes, disobedience of court orders and misappropriation of funds, including alleged diversion of N7.4 million meant for judges’ and magistrates’ retreat, N5 million robe allowance and proceeds from e-affidavits.

    The committee held several sittings during which all parties were represented by counsel and called witnesses.

    It ruled that the petition by the Attorney-General and others was incompetent, as issues concerning the membership of the Judicial Service Commission were already before a court.

    However, it held that the remaining petitioners had the requisite locus standi.

    It found that the suspension of judiciary staff followed due process and did not amount to misconduct, while issues of training and promotion fell within the statutory responsibilities of the Judicial Service Commission.

    The committee also found no evidence that Justice Ojo diverted robe allowances, misappropriated funds or personally benefited from the transactions complained of.

    It concluded that none of the allegations amounted to judicial misconduct or a breach of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers.

    The Council accepted the committee’s recommendations in full and dismissed all the petitions.

    In another decision, the NJC dismissed a petition against a judge of the Delta State High Court, Hon. Justice Gentu E. Timi, over alleged professional misconduct arising from a chieftaincy dispute.

    The petition, filed by Prince Mbanefo Nwoko (KSC), was withdrawn before the Investigation Committee commenced sitting, following the resolution of the dispute after the presentation of the staff of office to his client by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. The Council consequently discontinued the matter.

    The Council also reversed the one-year suspension without pay earlier imposed on Hon. Justice Jane E. Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division.

    Justice Inyang had been suspended for breaching Rule 3(5) of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers over the grant of ex parte orders at the interlocutory stage for the sale of assets belonging to Udeme Assets Limited while he was a judge of the Federal High Court, Uyo Division.

    However, upon review, the Council found that the decision complained of was already on appeal at the time the petition was filed and that the petition was instituted outside the six months allowed under its policy. The suspension was therefore set aside.

    Out of 39 petitions considered by the Council’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, 26 were dismissed for lack of merit, seven were recommended for further investigation, while two judicial officers were cautioned.

    The Council reiterated its warning against the indiscriminate grant of ex parte orders and advised Heads of Court to exercise caution in assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges.

    It also constituted a committee to consider the request for review submitted by nine dismissed judges of the Imo State Judiciary, but declined to entertain a fresh petition against the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, having previously disposed of similar issues.

    The Council approved the voluntary retirement of Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi, Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State, and Hon. Justice Obientobara Owupele Daniel-Kalio, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division. It noted with regret that Abdullahi passed away shortly after submitting his notice of retirement.

    The NJC also announced the deaths of judicial officers who passed away between November and December 2025, including Justice Oluwayemisi Ikeolupo Adelaja of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Kubwa, Abuja, and Umar Ibrahim Abdullahi, former Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Plateau State.

  • Repurposing Nigeria’s Abandoned Oil and Gas Assets for Energy Storage: A Geoscientist’s Perspective

    Repurposing Nigeria’s Abandoned Oil and Gas Assets for Energy Storage: A Geoscientist’s Perspective

    Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has generated vast subsurface infrastructure over several decades—hundreds of wells and reservoirs that once powered economic growth but are now depleted, idle, or abandoned. Deborah argues that while these assets are often framed solely as environmental liabilities, recent developments in Nigeria’s energy landscape suggest they may instead represent an underutilized strategic opportunity.

    She notes that recent reports show Nigeria’s crude oil production continues to fluctuate despite renewed upstream investments, while initiatives such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) are beginning to convert previously wasted gas into usable energy. Together, these trends highlight a structural challenge: capturing gas is only part of the solution. Without reliable storage capacity, gas supply and gas demand remain misaligned, limiting the long-term impact of flare reduction and gas commercialization efforts.

    Deborah Agbamu is a Nigerian-born geoscientist with an undergraduate degree from the University of Lagos. She subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Geology from Kansas State University in the United States and is currently a researcher at Baylor University in Texas, USA. Drawing on this background, she spent over four years working in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where she contributed to seismic interpretation, petrophysical evaluation, volumetric analysis, and subsurface risk assessment for exploration and field development projects. This combination of hands-on industry experience and exposure, as well as advanced academic research shapes her perspective on how Nigeria can responsibly and safely re-use its subsurface assets.

    In her graduate research in the United States, Deborah focuses in part on modeling gas flow in both conventional and tight reservoirs. A central component of this research is the study of gas relative permeability, which governs how gases move through porous rocks and directly controls containment, efficiency, and long-term performance in underground storage systems. While global attention today is increasingly directed toward carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen storage as part of emissions reduction and energy transition strategies, she emphasizes that natural gas storage remains a mature and well-established technology that has been safely implemented for decades in depleted oil and gas reservoirs worldwide.

    From her assessment, Nigeria possesses hundreds of mature and depleted fields with existing wells, seismic data, and historical production records. These reservoirs have already demonstrated their ability to trap hydrocarbons over geological time and could potentially be repurposed for underground energy storage—whether for natural gas captured through flare reduction programs or, in the future, hydrogen. Such storage would allow Nigeria to smooth supply fluctuations, support power generation and industrial use, and maximize the value of gas that would otherwise be wasted.

    However, she cautions that repurposing subsurface assets without rigorous geoscientific evaluation carries serious risks. Poorly characterized reservoirs may leak, compromise groundwater, or experience geomechanical failure. This is where advanced subsurface modeling becomes indispensable. By integrating seismic interpretation, petrophysical data, structural analysis, and fluid-flow simulation, geoscientists and engineers can evaluate storage integrity, quantify uncertainty, and identify risks before projects move from concept to execution.

    Beyond energy security, Deborah highlights that the benefits extend further. Properly designed storage projects can reduce methane emissions, lower long-term remediation costs, and extend the economic life of existing infrastructure. They also create opportunities for Nigerian geoscientists and engineers to apply advanced analytical skills locally, strengthening national technical capacity and reducing reliance on imported expertise.

    Nigeria’s energy transition, she concludes, does not require abandoning its subsurface legacy. It requires rethinking it. With deliberate investment in data quality, modeling, and geoscientific expertise, abandoned oil and gas assets can become part of a safer, more resilient, and forward-looking energy system—one that aligns environmental responsibility with practical energy needs.

  • Next Awujale may be named in 14 days

    Next Awujale may be named in 14 days

    • 85 Fusengbuwa princes in race for stool

    • Family head urges Ogun govt, kingmakers to select best

    • KWAM1 not part of nomination process

    The next Awujale of Ijebuland may emerge in the next 14 days, the Olori Ebi of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, who is also Otunba Jadiara, Lateef Owoyemi, has said.

    Otunba Owoyemi gave the indication while answering questions from reporters after the conclusion of the nomination process.

    The nomination meeting held at Bisi Rodipe Hall, GRA, Ijebu Ode, was attended by representatives of Ijebu Ode Local Government led by the Secretary, Abiodun Oke-Adebanjo.

    Other leaders of the ruling house at the meeting included Deputy Olori Ebi, Otunba Adedokun Ajidagba, Chairman, Chief Fassy Yusuf, among others.

    Although 95 princes and princesses had shown interest in the stool of Awujale of Ijebuland, only 85 went through the nomination process.

    Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM1, was not part of the nomination process, as his name was not one of the 85 nominations mentioned.

    Owoyemi said everybody who went through the nomination process had signed a bond that there would be no litigation after the process.

    He said the names of those who scaled the nomination process would be submitted to the Afobaje (Kingmakers) today.

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    “It was a peaceful process. It is now the turn of the Afobaje to do their traditional work of selecting the next Awujale.’’

    He said the Afobaje would pick one of the candidates as the next Awujale and subsequently the ruling house would forward his name to Ogun State Government.

    “I pray God to guide them in the exercise so that they can give us an Awujale that will make Ijebu Ode great.”

    Asked how the choice would be made, Otunba Owoyemi said: “The one that the oracle will pick is among the 85 that went through the nomination process.

    “The kingmakers will select the best king for us.

    “We thank God that there was no commotion throughout the process. Everything went smoothly, there was no rancour. Everything has ended well. So we look forward to the next stage.

    ‘’We hope the kingmakers and Ogun State Government will do well to select one candidate among the nominees that aligns with the yearnings of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, their ancestors and Almighty God as revealed by the Oracle (Ifa).’’

    He said the next stage is now for them to transmit the names of the candidates to the kingmakers to do justice to the selection process.

    Chief Yusuf thanked God that the anxiety and the apprehension were over.

  • Katsina okays planned release of 70 suspected bandits in order

    Katsina okays planned release of 70 suspected bandits in order

    The planned release of 70 suspected bandits on trial for their alleged involvement in banditry is aimed at consolidating the peace deal between communities affected by insecurity in 15 local government areas of the state and repentant bandits, the Katsina State government has explained.

    It maintained that such tactics are adopted in war situations globally.

    The government said the deal had led to the release of at least 1,000 persons held captive by the suspected bandits in various attacks.

    On January 2, this year, a letter came to the open detailing the state government’s plan to secure the release of the suspected bandits facing criminal trials for their involvement in banditry related activities.

    The letter, classified as “SECRET,” was issued by the Ministry of Justice and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar.

    In the letter, the state government, through the ministry, sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspected terrorists.

    The letter, which was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, indicated that a list of 48 individuals accused of banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Justice ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.

    According to the letter, the planned release of the suspected terrorists was to facilitate “their release from detention, as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between the frontline local governments and the bandits.”

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    The government also said while some of the suspects were standing trial before the Federal High Court,others remained in detention awaiting trial at various magistrates’ courts across the state.

    Umar added that a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before various high courts across the state was submitted, seeking their release under the same peace arrangement, urging the state Chief Judge to take “necessary action” to that effect.

    It was gathered that the request falls within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Danmusa, said the government did not do any wrong, advising any one who felt displeased with the decision to seek legal redress.