The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Court sacks Abure, orders INEC to recognise Nenadi-led leadership of Labour Party

    Court sacks Abure, orders INEC to recognise Nenadi-led leadership of Labour Party

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has voided Julius Abure’s claim to be the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

    Justice Peter Lifu, in a judgment on Wednesday, relied on the April 4, 2025, decision of the Supreme Court and declared that a former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman, is the valid leader of the party.

    Justice Lifu then ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to forthwith recognize the Usman-led Caretaker Committee as “the only valid authority to represent the Labour Party,” pending when the party convenes a national convention.

    The judgment was on a suit marked: THC/ABJ/CS/2262/2025, filed by Usman, which has Abure and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as defendants.

    Justice Lifu held that the evidence before him showed that Abure’s tenure, as LP’s National Chairman, had since expired.

    The judge rejected Abure’s contention that the subject of the suit related to the internal affairs of the LP as a political party, which are ordinarily non-justiciable.

    Justice Lifu held that the setting up of the Caretaker Committee of the LP, headed by Usman, was “a necessity” that arose from the order of the Supreme Court.

    Recall that following a leadership crisis in the LP, its National Executive Committee (NEC), of the party resolved to remove Abure as the National Chairman.

    To fill the leadership vacuum, the party constituted a 29-member caretaker committee, with the former Finance Minister, Usman, as Chairman.

    The decision was the outcome of an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party that was hosted in Umuahia by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State.

    The meeting where Abure was sacked from office was chaired by his former ally and candidate of the party in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi.

    Unhappy with the decision, Abure filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja to validate his position as the National Chairman of the party.

    In an affidavit he personally deposed to in support of the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1271/2024, Abure told the court that following the death of the National Chairman of the LP, he was lawfully elected as the Acting National Chairman of the party at a National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the party that held in Benin City, Edo State, on March 29, 2021.

    He told the court that on April 18, 2023, at the NEC meeting of the party held in Asaba, Delta State, and duly monitored by INEC, it was resolved that tenures of State Chairmen whose tenures had expired be renewed.

    He said it was at the same meeting that some members who were engaged in anti-party activities were expelled, and replacements for vacant positions created as a result of the expulsion were made.

    Abure averred that in line with a consensus that was reached at the meeting, the party subsequently held its National Convention on March 27, 2024, at Nnewi, Anambra State, where we was lawfully elected to the office of National Chairman of the LP.

    Read Also: LP crisis: INEC, Baba-Ahmed present as Abure hosts NEC meeting

    He said the party under his leadership produced candidates for the governorship elections in both Edo and Ondo states.

    While both the High Court and the Court of Appeal upheld Abure’s case and ordered INEC to recognize him, the Supreme Court nullified the concurrent decisions of the two lower courts

    In its lead judgement that was prepared by Justice Inyang Okoro, the apex court allowed the appeal that was filed by Chairman and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator Usman and Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, respectively.

    The Supreme Court equally dismissed a cross-appeal that was filed by Abure, even as it enjoined political parties to always abide by their own rules in the appointment of their officers.

    It further implored officials of political parties whose tenures have elapsed to learn to vacate their positions.

  • FG moves to slash transport fares in Delta with CNG buses

    FG moves to slash transport fares in Delta with CNG buses

    Road transport costs in Delta State are set to drop sharply following the delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses by the federal government.

    The buses, handed over on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital, to the leadership of the Delta State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

    Five CNG buses were delivered to the state through the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with similar distributions made to other states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Speaking during the handover, Secretary-General of the Delta State NURTW, Comrade Chukwuemeka Okolo, said the buses would be deployed across the state’s three geopolitical zones to ease the burden of rising transport costs.

    According to him, the dual-powered buses, which run on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), would significantly reduce fares for commuters.

    Read Also: ACCI urges FG to expand CNG, EV conversion centres, introduce subsidies

    He urged Deltans to continue supporting President Tinubu, describing the initiative as evidence of the administration’s commitment to easing the hardship faced by Nigerians.

    “We expect more of these buses, and we believe that with continuity, the benefits will be deeper and more widespread,” Okolo said.

    Receiving the buses, Chairman of the state caretaker committee, Comrade Patrick Okpandu, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the leadership of the NLC, promising that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for their intended purpose.

    Other union leaders, including Comrades Dennis Araro, Orji Ossai, Igbine Odomero, Ovo Abeke, and Peter Ojevwue, applauded the Federal Government for the intervention and for recognising the current leadership of the NURTW in Delta State.

    They expressed optimism that additional vehicles would be delivered to the state in the coming months.

  • Police arrest 47-year-old man conducting illegal INEC voters’ registration in Abia

    Police arrest 47-year-old man conducting illegal INEC voters’ registration in Abia

    Personnel of the Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested a 47-year-old man, identified as Chukwuemeka Nwaobilor, for having the voters’ registration machine of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Nwaobilor was arrested at a football field in Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state, with an INEC registration machine that was meant for the registration of voters in Isiala Ngwa South local government area.

    Unconfirmed reports noted that Nwaobilor, a staff member of INEC who works in Isiala Ngwa South, was alleged to be working with yet-to-be-named politicians from the same Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency.

    Our correspondent reports that the Nwaobilor was apprehended by the police personnel from the Criminal and Investigation Department (CID), Isiala Ngwa North Division, in conjunction with the Divisional officer and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa LGA, through a tip-off.

    He was said to have been whisked off to the Abia State Police Command Headquarters shortly after his arrest for further investigation.

    Read Also: Police arrest four suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy, causing hurt

    When contacted, a staff member of the INEC in Abia State, Mr. Victor Abraham, in a telephone interview, confirmed the arrest, but said that the management was meeting to verify the identity of the suspect.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, in a telephone interview, said, “He was caught by Police officers from Isiala Ngwa Divisional Headquarters who were acting through actionable intelligence, while he was conducting unauthorized INEC voters’ registration at Mbawsi mini stadium in Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state.

    “He confessed to being paid the sum of ₦50,000 by one Damian to carry out the act. The INEC device was recovered from him and is currently being detained at the State Criminal Department (SCID) in Umuahia, the state capital.”

    Chinaka said that the investigation into the matter is ongoing to unveil details of the suspect and his actions.

  • Wike appoints Sani Daura as SSA on protocol matters

    Wike appoints Sani Daura as SSA on protocol matters

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appointed Sani Musa Daura as his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Protocol Matters.

    A statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described Sani Daura as a seasoned civil servant with over 30 years of experience in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Protocol Department.

    Sani Musa Daura, who became the Director, FCT Protocol in 2019, will retire from the Civil Service on January 24, 2026.

    Read Also: Ganduje mourns elder statesman Sani Buhari-Daura

    The appointment, Olayinka said, takes effect from the date of his retirement from the civil service. 

  • FG takes custody of arms surrendered by 80 repentant militants in Cross River

    FG takes custody of arms surrendered by 80 repentant militants in Cross River

    The Nigerian Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), South-South Zone, has formally absorbed a cache of arms and ammunition surrendered by 80 repentant militants in Cross River State.

    The agency said the move marks another significant turning point in the Cross River state’s drive to consolidate peace and security.

    The weapons were handed over to the Centre on Monday by the Office of the Cross River State Security Adviser, following the successful disarmament of militants who had operated within the creeks of Calabar and Akpabuyo Local Government Areas.

    Speaking to journalists in Calabar after receiving the arms, the Zonal Director of NCCSALW, South-South Zone, Alex Inemah Ebimiebo, commended the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for giving priority and attention to security matters, particularly the fight against the proliferation of arms and other weapons in the state.

    Ebimiebo described the development as a testament to the effectiveness of the state government’s peace-building initiatives and collaborative security framework, noting that Cross River continues to stand out as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country.

    He also lauded the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (rtd), for his strategic leadership and strong collaboration with security agencies, which he said has translated into concrete gains in maintaining peace and stability across the state.

    He called for sustained synergy among all components of the state’s security architecture to preserve and deepen the prevailing peace.

    The NCCSALW Zonal Director disclosed that the Centre would immediately commence the statutory process for the destruction and disposal of the weapons received, in line with national and international best practices.

    Read Also: Former Cross River APC chairman bows to stakeholders, withdraws legal suit

    He further urged Cross Riverians and residents of the state to shun acts capable of threatening public peace, while reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to curbing the spread of illicit arms in Cross River State and the entire South-South Zone.

    The arms surrendered by the militants were earlier laid down under Operation OKWOK at the Atimbo Rear Area, in an exercise coordinated by the 13_Brigade of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Cross River State Government.

    The Nation observes that the repentant militants, drawn from two camps, voluntarily embraced the state’s amnesty programme, surrendering assorted weapons including rifles, guns, ammunition, explosives, speedboats and other military hardware.

    Representing the State Security Adviser at the event, Inspector Adoga David assured that the Otu-led administration would not relent in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.

    He noted that the government’s prompt response to security concerns and sustained support for security agencies have continued to boost morale and yield positive outcomes in the maintenance of peace.

  • Ojudu berates comparisons between Wizkid, Fela Kuti

    Ojudu berates comparisons between Wizkid, Fela Kuti

    Former senator Babafemi Ojudu has criticised comparisons between younger musicians and Fela Kuti, saying the late Afrobeat icon’s life and work remain unmatched.

    Ojudu’s comments came amid the ongoing feud between Wizkid and Seun Kuti, Fela’s son.

    Ojudu, on Facebook, described Fela as a movement, a revolution, and a conscience who stood fearlessly against military dictatorships.

    He noted that Fela’s legacy includes over 200 arrests, imprisonment, torture, and exile for fighting injustice.

    According to him, Fela’s music birthed Afrobeat, a genre now studied globally, and his impact on music and activism is still felt.

    Ojudu added that the comparisons with younger artists are misguided, emphasising Fela’s unique contributions to music and society.

    “Is it true that a Nigerian youngster said he is greater than Fela? I sincerely hope he was misquoted. Even if he were to live ten lifetimes, his art and his life could not measure up to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Is it in art? Is it in music? Is it in activism, courage, or originality?

    “Fela was not just a musician; he was a movement, a conscience, a revolution in human form. His music gave birth to Afrobeat, a genre now studied in universities across the world, sampled by global superstars, and performed on the world’s greatest stages. From Lagos to London, New York to Berlin, Fela’s sound reshaped global music and African identity.

    “Fela stood alone—fearless in the face of military dictatorships, unapologetic in his resistance to oppression. He used his music as a weapon against injustice, corruption, colonial mentality, and state violence. For this, he was arrested over 200 times, brutalized, imprisoned, tortured, exiled, and silenced—yet never broken.

    Read Also: Ojudu warns against import dependence, over-reliance on oil revenue

    “His mother was murdered by the state. His house, the Kalakuta Republic, was burned to the ground. His property was seized. He was flogged, beaten, and jailed from Alagbon to Panti, hounded by police and soldiers alike. Yet, after every assault, Fela returned with sharper lyrics, deeper rhythms, and more defiant truth.

    “For any young person—musician or not—to compare himself to Fela, he must first walk the corridors of Nigerian jailhouses: Lagos, Maiduguri, Benin. He must endure police cells and military tribunals. He must lose everything, go into exile, and still return with his creative spirit intact.

    “Fela was a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, bandleader, philosopher, and cultural theorist. He could play virtually every instrument in his band, wrote complex compositions lasting 15 to 30 minutes, and fused jazz, highlife, funk, Yoruba rhythms, and political poetry into something entirely original—something timeless”, he wrote in part.

    The feud started when Wizkid claimed to be a greater artist than Fela, after a trigger from Seun Kuti, who attacked his fans.

  • Delta governor celebrates Broderick Bozimo at 87, hails lifetime of service

    Delta governor celebrates Broderick Bozimo at 87, hails lifetime of service

    The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has paid a glowing tribute to elder statesman, renowned legal luminary, and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, as he marks his 87th birth anniversary.

    Oborevwori, in a statement released in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Bozimo as a towering figure in Delta State and national politics whose life has been defined by courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service.

    The governor noted that Bozimo’s contributions span decades of distinguished service to Nigeria, particularly his impactful tenure as Minister of Police Affairs, where he brought wisdom, stability, and institutional insight to a critical sector of national security at a defining period in the country’s democratic journey.

    Oborevwori further commended the elder statesman for his continued relevance in Delta State affairs, highlighting his role as a respected member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, where his counsel, bridge-building capacity, and deep understanding of the state’s socio-political dynamics have contributed significantly to peace, unity, and inclusive governance.

    Read Also: Oborevwori salutes Broderick Bozimo at 86

    According to the Governor, Bozimo’s leadership among the Ijaw people of Delta State has remained exemplary, noting that he has consistently served as a voice of moderation, dialogue, and development, earning him widespread respect across ethnic and political lines.

    The Governor said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate our father and leader of immeasurable value, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, on the occasion of his 87th birth anniversary.

    “I join his family, friends, associates, and countless admirers in thanking Almighty God for His enduring grace, protection, and strength upon his life over the past 87 years.

    “It is my earnest prayer that God will continue to grant him good health, sound mind, and divine illumination, as he remains steadfast in his lifelong commitment to service, peace-building, and the advancement of humanity and nation-building.”

    Oborevwori wished the elder statesman many more years of fulfillment, wisdom, and impactful contributions to Delta State and Nigeria.

  • Lagos Taskforce raids BRT corridors, impounds 28 vehicles, 14 okada

    Lagos Taskforce raids BRT corridors, impounds 28 vehicles, 14 okada

    The Lagos State Taskforce has impounded 28 vehicles and 14 commercial motorcycles during an enforcement operation aimed at curbing traffic violations and restoring order along designated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors across the state.

    The Taskforce spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the operation was carried out in response to rising cases of lawlessness and persistent abuse of BRT lanes, targeting commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) and private vehicle owners who unlawfully ply restricted routes, thereby endangering pedestrians and commuters.

    Speaking after the exercise, the chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the raid became necessary following complaints from residents about unsafe practices along the BRT corridors.

    He warned that allowing such violations to continue unchecked could escalate into a major security and safety threat.

    Read Also: Lagos taskforce impounds 134 motorcycles, vows crackdown on restricted routes

    According to him, the enforcement drive was part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and eliminate avoidable accidents, injuries, and loss of lives associated with illegal use of BRT lanes.

    The operation covered key areas along the Lagos–Abeokuta axis, including Oshodi, Ikeja Along, Ladipo Bus Stop, Mangoro, Adealu, Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge, Ile-Epo Bus Stop, Super Bus Stop, and Abule-Egba. Several okada operators were apprehended for plying prohibited routes, obstructing BRT bus movement, and causing public nuisance.

    In a related development, the Taskforce also arrested six suspected street urchins, locally referred to as “Omotaku,” around Dolphin Estate Road and Falomo Bridge. The suspects have since been charged to court.

    CSP Akerele disclosed that all impounded vehicles would be prosecuted, while the confiscated motorcycles would be forfeited to the state in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

    He reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations until full compliance with traffic laws is achieved across Lagos State.

  • CVR: Oborevwori, stakeholders lament low turnout in Delta

    CVR: Oborevwori, stakeholders lament low turnout in Delta

    …call for massive grassroots mobilisation

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed concern over the poor turnout recorded during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state.

    He urged stakeholders to mount an aggressive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase in January 2026.

    The governor spoke on Wednesday at a sensitisation and advocacy forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

    Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, Oborevwori described the figures from the first phase as “deeply disappointing,” noting that just over 76,000 registrants fell far short of Delta State’s population strength and democratic potential.

    He warned that voter registration is the gateway to democracy, stressing that without it, credible and inclusive elections are impossible.

    Calling for urgent action, the Governor charged traditional rulers, political leaders, religious bodies, civil society groups, youth and women organisations, market associations, and the media to take the CVR campaign directly to the grassroots.

    He made a special appeal to youths and first-time voters, describing them as the lifeblood of democracy and urging them not to surrender their future to apathy.

    Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for INEC to discharge its constitutional duties, expressing confidence that the second phase of the exercise would record a dramatic turnaround.

    Read Also: Oborevwori condoles Warri Catholic Diocese over Bishop Afareha’s death

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the engagement was convened in response to rising voter apathy and declining civic participation.

    He warned that citizens who refuse to register and vote ultimately lose the moral authority to question governance outcomes, stressing that democracy thrives only when the people participate.

    Emu urged stakeholders to energise their communities and encourage eligible residents to enrol.

    In his presentation, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the timeline of the first phase of the CVR, which commenced with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical registration across local government offices and the display of the voters’ register for claims and objections, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He explained that the CVR accommodates first-time voters, those who missed earlier registrations, applicants seeking correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those wishing to transfer their registration.

    The REC announced that the second phase of the CVR began on January 5, 2026, stressing that voter registration is a civic duty and a cornerstone of democracy, not merely an administrative exercise.

    He also cautioned against registration offences such as multiple registrations and providing false information, noting the legal penalties attached, while assuring of INEC’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and peaceful conduct of the exercise.

    The sensitisation programme, which featured a roadwalk show, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Francis Waive, member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency; traditional rulers, market women, civil society organisations, community leaders, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), ALGON, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among others.

  • CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    CEPEJ unveils 2026 plan to curb drug abuse, promote non-violent elections

    Amid growing concerns over drug abuse, cultism, and electoral violence, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ-Africa) has unveiled its 2026 strategic plan aimed at promoting non-violent elections and advancing sustainable development across the Niger Delta and other parts of Nigeria.

    The plan was presented during the unveiling of the organisation’s Strategic Partnership Work Plan in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday.

    Addressing reporters, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, stressed the urgent need to curb the rising incidence of drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices among young Nigerians, particularly pupils and secondary school students, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, education, and national development.

    Mulade said the organisation’s 2026 agenda places strong emphasis on early awareness campaigns in schools and communities to address the menace and safeguard the future of young people.

    As part of efforts to deepen democratic governance, CEPEJ also announced the rollout of a Non-Violent Election Programme, which will feature civic and voter education, deployment of election observers, training of election peace monitors, and multi-stakeholder dialogues aimed at promoting peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.

    The organisation noted that elections should not degenerate into violence, adding that voter education and peace monitoring would help reduce election-related tensions and encourage tolerance among political actors.

    According to CEPEJ, the 2026 work plan will be implemented in more than 15 states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Lagos, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory. The interventions will span peacebuilding, education, climate action, sports development, youth and women empowerment, governance, and humanitarian support.

    A major highlight of the plan is CEPEJ’s decision to re-present proposals for the establishment of State Peacebuilding Commissions in Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom States, aimed at institutionalising conflict prevention and sustaining peaceful coexistence.

    Read Also: Activist advocates Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri unity for development in Delta

    “Peacebuilding must go beyond projects. We are re-engaging state governments to establish Peacebuilding Commissions that will strengthen stability, attract investors, and create employment opportunities for youths,” he said.

    Other key initiatives include the Niger Delta Peace Support Fund, Back-to-School Educational Support Fund, climate and environmental awareness programmes, youth and women skills acquisition training, ethnic peace and unity football tournaments, ADR mediation centres, and humanitarian support for IDPs and disaster-affected communities.

    CEPEJ stressed that these programmes are critical to improving livelihoods, reducing violence and building resilience, especially in the Niger Delta, where environmental degradation, unemployment and insecurity continue to threaten development.

    CEPEJ also called on the Delta State Government to prioritise industrialisation as a pathway to economic growth and food security.

    “For Delta State’s economy to grow, we need deliberate industrialisation backed by reliable electricity. Industrial growth will create jobs, boost food security, and reduce poverty and restiveness,” the CEPEJ boss stressed.

    The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, development partners, traditional institutions and communities through communication, collaboration and co-operation, to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 plan.