The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

Civic group clears Fubara, says impeachment process lacks constitutional basis

An independent civic watchdog has said the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, do not meet constitutional requirements for removal from office.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Good Governance Advocacy Centre (GGAC) said its 72-hour review of the impeachment notice and accompanying claims found no evidence of gross misconduct capable of sustaining impeachment under the constitution.

The statement, signed by Dr Zaccheus Ocha, GGAC’s country representative, said the organisation conducted a legal, procedural and factual assessment of the issues raised by the Rivers State House of Assembly and concluded that the notice did not satisfy constitutional thresholds.

According to the group, the allegations cited in the impeachment letter were either unsupported by verifiable facts or related to matters within the lawful discretion of the executive arm.

“The Good Governance Advocacy Centre has concluded, after a 72-hour independent review, that there is no act of gross misconduct established against Governor Siminalayi Fubara or his deputy,” the statement said.

The organisation noted that its review examined the text of the impeachment notice, relevant constitutional provisions, financial documents referenced by lawmakers and public actions of the executive since the administration’s inauguration.

None of the issues raised, it said, met the standard of grave violation required by Section 188 of the constitution.

GGAC also linked the development to the broader political tension in the state, noting that the current situation reflects lingering disagreements between political stakeholders.

“The pattern of events in Rivers State suggests that the impeachment proceedings are not occurring in a political vacuum,” the group said, adding that the atmosphere reflects efforts by various actors to assert influence within state institutions.

The organisation said that the impeachment appeared to be used in a manner capable of intensifying tensions.

It cautioned that using the removal process in this way could undermine democratic stability, both within the state and nationally.

GGAC further noted that several issues listed in the allegations related to administrative decisions that fall within the governor’s lawful authority, adding that no court order had been contravened and no criminal infraction established.

It also questioned the pace of the proceedings, stating that the timeline raised concerns about due process, adequate response time and the appearance of a predetermined outcome.

“The rush to impeachment, without sincere effort at dialogue or reconciliation, reinforces the conclusion that the process is punitive rather than corrective,” the statement said.

The group warned that continuing along the current path could lead to prolonged instability and distract from governance priorities in the oil-producing state.

It called on lawmakers to suspend the proceedings and pursue dialogue, urging political leaders, elders and civil society organisations to help prevent what it described as an avoidable constitutional dispute.

GGAC also urged national democratic institutions to monitor developments closely, stressing that impeachment processes should be guided solely by constitutional provisions.

The group said it will release its full analytical report to lawmakers, stakeholders and the public to support transparency and adherence to due process.

January 15, 2026
Kemi Afolabi seeks help in locating lost school friend

Actress Kemi Afolabi has reached out to the public for help as she begins the search for long-lost friend, Maria Stephen Seun.

In a social media post, Kemi revealed that she has been having recurring dreams about Maria, prompting concerns for her friend’s safety and well-being.

The actress has provided some details about Maria, including her attendance at Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos (OLASS 98 set), in the hopes that someone will come forward with information about her whereabouts.

Read Also: Kemi Afolabi urges fans to protect their lives, well-being

She wrote: “Looking for my lost loved one (friend) Maria Stephen Seun. Our Lady of Apostles, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. (OLASS 98 set).

“I keep seeing Maria in my dreams, and I just want to be sure she is okay and not in any trouble whatsoever.

“Our common friend is Ebun, but I don’t remember Ebun’s last name right now.
I remember we communicated sometime here on this platform, but I don’t remember her handle anymore.

“Pls leave a message in my comment section or DM if you have information that can help locate my best friend in secondary school. lookingformylosslovedone”.

January 15, 2026
Tinubu pledges stronger welfare, logistics support for military personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured serving military personnel of unwavering commitment to improving troops welfare, logistics support and operational capacity.

Tinubu emphasised he remains resolute in ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and supported to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The President spoke through the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), at the Regimental Dinner Night held at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, to mark the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

According to a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the President said that the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day was more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represents the very heartbeat of Nigeria’s military heritage.

Tinubu said the occasion provided a unique moment to celebrate the professionalism, courage and resilience of serving officers and men of the Armed Forces, while solemnly remembering fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s sovereignty.

According to him, Nigerian troops continue to confront complex asymmetric threats with courage and professionalism, often under extremely demanding conditions, adding that the peace and security enjoyed by the nation are products of their vigilance, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.

Tinubu paid glowing tribute to fallen officers and soldiers, noting that their names are etched not only on monuments but in the fabric of Nigeria’s national consciousness. He also commended the families of the fallen, describing them as silent pillars of national sacrifice whose courage and resilience remain a source of inspiration to the nation.

“He reassured serving personnel of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to improving troops welfare, logistics support and operational capacity.

The President also emphasized that the President remains resolute in ensuring that the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and supported to discharge their constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, described the Regimental Dinner Night as one of the Armed Forces’ most cherished traditions, blending solemn remembrance with fellowship, discipline and pride in the profession of arms.

The CDS commended the gallantry and sacrifices of Nigerian troops across various theatres of operation, noting that their professionalism has continued to strengthen civil-military relations and restore public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He also acknowledged the vital role of military families, whose unwavering support, he said, remains a cornerstone of operational effectiveness and morale.

General Oluyede emphasized the importance of a whole of society approach to national security, stressing the need for sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and local communities in addressing terrorism and other threats to peace and democracy.

January 15, 2026
X introduces measures to prevent Grok from undressing images

Elon Musk-owned artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok, will no longer be permitted to edit images of real people to portray them in revealing clothing, following mounting concerns over the spread of sexualised AI-generated deepfakes in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

X, formerly known as Twitter, announced the update on its platform, saying new safeguards have been introduced to curb the misuse of the image-editing tool.

“We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok AI account from editing images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis,” the company said. “This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers.”

The decision comes just hours after California Attorney General Rob Bonta revealed that his office had launched an investigation into the circulation of sexualised AI-generated images — including those involving children — allegedly created using the Grok model.

Read Also: UK urges Elon Musk to act over ‘appalling’ Grok AI deepfakes

According to X, the update strengthens existing controls by completely blocking the editing of images depicting real individuals in bikinis, underwear, or similar attire. While image-editing features on Grok remain limited to paid users, the company stressed that the new restrictions apply across all subscription tiers.

X said the measures are designed to provide an additional layer of protection and ensure accountability for anyone attempting to use the tool in ways that violate the law or the platform’s policies. Users who try to generate or alter images of real people in revealing clothing will now be automatically prevented from doing so, in line with local laws and regulations.

Speaking on Wednesday, Attorney General Bonta said the material under investigation “has been used to harass people across the internet,” adding that it includes sexually explicit depictions of women and children.

The controversy has triggered international responses. Authorities in Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked access to the chatbot over the issue, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that X could lose its “right to self-regulate” if concerns persist.

Meanwhile, Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, confirmed on Monday that it is examining whether X breached UK law in connection with the circulation of the sexual images.

January 15, 2026
Varsities partner to address challenges
- By Adekunle Gbadebo, LASUED
The Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Monday said it was partnering with the Penn State University in the United States to address educational challenges, and boost global education collaboration.

The Vice Chancellor, LASUED, Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, made this known at the institution’s main campus in Oto-Ijanikin.

Prof. Lafiaji-Okuneye said the partnership was discussed during the meeting, which was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

She said that the MoU aimed at strengthening partnership in education, research, and innovation.

“This collaboration is anchored on a shared belief that education thrives when institutions transcend borders, exchange ideas freely, and work collectively to solve global and local challenges.

“The MoU before us establishes a robust framework for cooperation in pedagogy, faculty and student exchange, collaborative research and leadership development.

“Also mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and the sharing of educational resources and technologies,” she said.

The VC said that its partnership with Penn State University was not an isolated event, but a natural progression of the commitment to internationalisation and academics.

“This MoU is more than a ceremonial document. It is a living instrument that will foster joint research addressing educational, social, and developmental challenges.

“It will enable academic mobility and cross-cultural exchange of faculty and students.

“It will strengthen leadership, governance and strategic management capacity; support innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness in a rapidly changing global economy,” she said.

She said the institution was particularly excited about the opportunities the partnership presented.

“It presents for knowledge co-creation, comparative educational research, and the development of globally informed teaching practices that benefit both our institutions and our societies.

“We look forward not only to signing this MoU, but to activating it through tangible programmes, measurable outcomes, and enduring professional relationships,” the VC said.
January 15, 2026
PAAU matriculates over 9,000 students
- By Rabiat Abdullahi, PAAU
Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Kogi State, has held its 27th annual matriculation ceremony, formally admitting 9,000 students into various faculties and colleges.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, said the ceremony marked the official induction of newly admitted students into the academic community. She disclosed that the university received over 30,000 applications, out of which over 9,000 candidates were offered admission.

The Registrar, Dr Yahaya Segun Alilu, conducted the matriculation exercise as provosts presented students from faculties including Law, Agriculture, Arts and Humanities, Computing, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Management Sciences, Education, Media and Communication Studies, and the College of Health Sciences.

Prof. Tenuche cautioned students against social vice such as cultism, cybercrime, rape, extortion, indecent dressing, and other misconducts, warning that offenders risk expulsion.

She urged parents to remain actively involved in their wards’ academic lives and encouraged the use of on-campus hostels, which she described as safer and more affordable.

The VC also announced the introduction of a digital platform that enables parents to monitor their wards’ academic performance, assuring stakeholders of a conducive learning environment for academic excellence.
January 15, 2026
LASU to host confab on Community Psychology
- By Igbang Juliet Ikedie, LASU
Lagos State University (LASU) will host the 11th International Conference of Community Psychology (ICCP 2026) from August 28 to September 7, 2026

The Vice Chancellor of LASU and Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference on campus.

She said the conference, with the theme: “Gathering in the Motherland: Celebrating Ways of the Waters and Reconnecting to the Source,” seeks to reposition Africa as a central contributor to global psychological knowledge by reconnecting modern practice with indigenous wisdom and community-centred solutions.

She explained that the conference would be held in three phases, comprising pre-conference activities from August 28 to 30, the main conference from September 1 to 4, and post-conference activities from September 5 to 7, 2026.

Each phase, she noted, is designed to promote academic engagement, community interaction, professional networking, and cultural exchange.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello described community psychology as an action-oriented discipline that focuses on improving wellbeing at community and societal levels, stressing that the conference would address issues such as social injustice, mental health challenges, empowerment, and systemic inequality through collaborative, community-based approaches.

She said Lagos State was chosen as host due to its status as Nigeria’s commercial and intellectual hub, adding that hosting the conference at LASU further affirms the university’s role as a centre for scholarship, community engagement, and international academic exchange.

The VC noted that LASU is hosting the conference in partnership with the Nigerian Psychological Association and the Pan-African Psychology Union, with endorsements and support already received from several regional and international professional bodies, including the American Psychological Association, Psychological Society of South Africa, and universities across Africa and North America.

Addressing concerns about safety, she assured prospective international delegates that Lagos State is safe, secure, and fully prepared to host the global event, noting that the organising committee is working closely with relevant government agencies and security institutions to ensure effective safety, logistics, and immigration arrangements.

She emphasised that ICCP 2026 will prioritise inclusion and accessibility, with plans in place to accommodate persons with disabilities and participants from diverse backgrounds, while also leveraging tourism, hospitality, and economic opportunities for the state.

Prof. Olatunji-Bello called on governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and the media to partner with LASU in hosting the conference, describing ICCP 2026 as more than an academic gathering but a platform for global collaboration, innovation, and community impact.

She reaffirmed LASU’s readiness to welcome the world, stating that the conference reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and sustainable community development.
January 15, 2026
UNILAG graduates 617 First Class, 92 distinctions
- By Korede Omololu-David, UNILAG
No fewer than 617 final-year students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and another 92 will be graduating with first-class honours and distinctions, respectively, in various disciplines at this year’s convocation ceremony scheduled for next week, from Monday 19 to Friday 23, January.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, made the disclosure yesterday at a pre-convocation press conference held at the university’s Senate Chamber.

Chukwuzubelu Benedict Umeozo of the Department of Business Administration and with a perfect score of 5.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), will be graduating as the overall best of the set at the undergraduate level while Haruna Abubakar, who studied Civil and Environmental Engineering, emerged as the overall best in the doctoral degree class.

A total of 16, 506 students (for the 2024\2025 academic session) across diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate are set to graduate.

The VC noted that the founder of Slum2School Africa, Mr Otto Orondaam, will deliver the convocation lecture entitled: ‘Maximising Nigeria’s Demographic Dividend through urgent Education Reform for Global Competitiveness in the 21st Century’ on Monday at noon, while Prof. Rahmon Ade Bello, a former vice chancellor of the university, will chair the event, which will be held at the main auditorium of the university.

Prof. Ogunsola said the university will inaugurate its Multimedia Library Studio and also showcase the innovation and creative works of its lecturers and students earlier that day at the Senate Car Park.

Two distinguished professors, who have retired from the service of the university; James Olowokudejo (of the Department of Botany) and Duro Oni (of the Department of Theatre Arts), will be conferred with emeritus professorship and Prof Akinsanya Osibogun, a renowned scholar of medicine with distinguished professorship at the event.

Additionally, Professor Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin, a professor of counseling psychology and former Director of Academic Planning of the institution as well as Dr (Mrs) Taiwo Ipaye, former Registrar and Secretary to the Council will go home with a Gold Medal award for their exceptional contributions to the university and the country at large.

She added that two distinguished Nigerians, Mr Jubril Adewale Tinubu, Founder and CEO, Oando Plc and Mr Kanu Agabi, former Minister of Justice, will be conferred with the Honorary Doctoral Degree during the event.

The VC said of the total graduates, 10, 584 will be awarded first degrees in various disciplines, while 5, 184 and 119 as well as 479 will be conferred with master’s and doctoral degrees as well as postgraduate diplomas, respectively, while the remaining 140 are from the University’s Business School.
January 15, 2026
Don: why varsities must tackle poverty, unemployment
- By Temitope Adejuwon, BU
The Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, has urged higher institutions to redesign curricula to meet national needs, foster human‑capital development, promote modern economic sectors and support social‑economic mobility.

He delivered the 57th inaugural lecture of Babcock University, held at the main campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

He said universities across the country have a vital role to play in reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth.

In his lecture: “It is Time for Functional Businesses to Kill Poverty in Africa,” he noted universities can empower individuals to break the cycle of poverty by designing curricula that meet national needs.

According to him, such an approach not only prepares graduates for the dynamic demands of modern economy, but also positions universities as “pivotal contributors to national competitiveness, and economic development.”

He said universities must go beyond traditional teaching and research to become active engines of entrepreneurship and innovation hubs.

He noted that these multifaceted roles position universities as vital agents in Nigeria’s transition from a resource‑dependent economy to a knowledge‑driven society.

Citing a three‑dimensional approach of scientific, educational and cultural poverty alleviation, Prof. Asikhia said from a scientific perspective, university‑led research and technological innovation can generate practical solutions for economic challenges in impoverished regions.

He said while an educational poverty alleviation focuses on improving access to quality education for disadvantaged populations, providing financial aid, and fostering intellectual and vocational development to break intergenerational poverty, the cultural angle calls for promoting values, social cohesion, and innovative thinking that support sustainable community development and empower individuals toward long‑term prosperity.

The don sought collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register student start‑ups and enable them to operate while still in school.

He stressed the need for flexible curricula that align with the National University Commission (NUC) guidelines.

“Student entrepreneurs should be empowered to overcome traditional resource constraints, reduce operational costs and access global markets,” he added.

He stressed the need for university‑led research that addresses socio‑economic challenges and community‑service initiatives that directly benefit local populations.

“The presence of higher institutions of learning in a community should foster a unique environment where innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration thrive.

“Universities should serve as incubators for start‑ups, providing resources such as research facilities, mentorship and access to funding within the community,” he said.

The don emphasised the need for Nigerian universities to adopt a more proactive, market‑oriented approach to equip graduates with the skills and mindset necessary for self‑reliance and societal advancement.
January 15, 2026
Oniru: investment in knowledge-driven institutions vital for urban governance, others
- By Juliet Igbang, LASU
The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, CON, Abisogun II, has called for robust investment in knowledge-driven institutions to enhance urban governance and economic resilience.

The monarch delivered the 2026 Distinguished Personality Lecture Series of Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday.

The lecture, entitled: “Urban Governance and the Knowledge Economy: Strengthening Institutions for a 21st Century Lagos,” was held at the university’s main campus in Ojo, Lagos.

Lawal explained that discussions on urban governance in Africa often focus on failure and institutional weakness, noting that Lagos presents a contrasting experience.

He noted that despite rapid population growth, overstretched infrastructure, congestion, and regulatory challenges, the city has continued to function by adapting its institutions rather than relying on rigid or static systems.

According to him, governing a megacity like Lagos in the 21st century is not about perfect systems or fixed models, but about the capacity of institutions to learn, reform, and respond continuously under pressure. He stressed that population growth, technological change, climate risks, public health shocks, and inequality make it impossible for policies to remain permanent.

The monarch described urban governance in the knowledge economy as an exercise in institutional learning, where governance structures must remain flexible enough to evolve while retaining public trust, legitimacy, and stability.

He said cities that fail are not those exposed to pressure, but those unable to adapt faster than pressure accumulates.

The monarch stressed the importance of reform in Lagos’ development, stressing that progress in the state has often required dismantling systems that could no longer cope with growth and replacing them with institutions better suited to emerging realities.

He acknowledged that such reforms are often difficult and resisted, but said they have created space for innovation, coordination, and long-term resilience.

Using revenue administration as a practical example of knowledge-led governance, the monarch recalled that Lagos’ internally generated revenue stood at about N600 million in 1999, constrained by weak records, fragmented systems, and limited compliance.

He explained that deliberate institutional reforms, including the consolidation of digital revenue platforms such as the Lagos Revenue Portal and automation within the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), transformed revenue collection into a core governance function.

He said by 2020, Lagos recorded about N418 billion in internally generated revenue, far exceeding that of any other state, while more recent figures show that the state generated over N1 trillion in 2024, accounting for more than a third of total sub-national revenue nationwide.

The growth, he said, was driven by systematic taxpayer registration, digital platforms, improved data integration, and consistent enforcement rather than coercion.

Oniru explained that the strengthened revenue base has had direct governance implications, expanding the state’s capacity to fund transportation systems, waste management, health services, and social programmes without excessive dependence on federal allocations.

He added that during periods of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal capacity translated directly into response capacity.

He said Lagos’ experience during the pandemic demonstrated how revenue, data, and institutional coordination converge under pressure, noting that the state relied on real-time epidemiological data, inter-agency collaboration, and continuous policy learning to balance public health priorities with economic survival in a densely populated city.

Using agencies such as the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as case studies of knowledge-led urban governance, he explained that planning, data use, and institutional learning have improved service delivery in transportation and environmental management.

The monarch warned that cities that rely exclusively on technocratic solutions risk social alienation, while those that ignore data risk governance failure.

Speaking on the role of universities, Lawal said institutions of higher learning, particularly LASU, have a responsibility to strengthen the link between scholarship and practice.

He noted that research must engage real societal problems, while teaching should prepare students to think critically, act ethically, and navigate complexity in public life.

He advised policymakers and practitioners to view governance reform as a continuous process rather than a one-time event, stressing the need to protect, professionalise, and allow institutions to mature to manage disruption effectively.

The monarch urged youths to recognise their role in shaping cities, adding that urban development is influenced not only by grand policies but by everyday decisions taken within institutions.

Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, described the lecture as timely and relevant, noting that it aligns with LASU’s commitment to scholarship, public policy engagement, and community development.

She said it provides a platform for thought leaders to contribute ideas that strengthen institutions, inform governance, and shape sustainable urban development.

The event was well attended by traditional rulers, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, political stakeholders, academics, students, among others.
January 15, 2026