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  • Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos State, Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has accused some senior military officers of shielding illicit drug peddlers in parts of Apapa.

    He also alleged that some wealthy individuals in the community were financing the illegal trade.

    Saliu, in a statement on Sunday, identified a location known as Gidan Drama in Marine Beach, Apapa, located near Tego Army Barracks, as a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

    Describing the area as a hideout for notorious criminals, the council chairman said various offences, including the sale of illicit drugs and stolen goods, are perpetrated there. He alleged that some military officers shield the suspects from arrest and sometimes threaten or detain council officials on legitimate duties.

    Saliu spoke during the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council held at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach. 

    He urged the Lagos State Government and well-meaning organisations to acquire the Gidan Drama site for the construction of a secondary school, lamenting rising insecurity in the LCDA. 

    According to him, criminals often fled into the area after committing offences, making arrests difficult.

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    He alleged that council officials attempting to carry out enforcement operations in the area are often intimidated or detained. He cited an instance where three LCDA staff members were allegedly arrested and taken to a military base before they were released following intervention.

    Saliu also expressed concern over the involvement of elderly residents in drug trafficking, noting that two suspects were recently arrested during a police raid, with one allegedly concealing drugs in her wrapper.

    He lamented the impact of the criminal activities on the future of young people in the area, stating that the absence of adequate educational infrastructure worsens the situation. 

    The LCDA boss appealed to stakeholders to support the establishment of a secondary school at the site, describing it as a way to curb criminal activities and improve educational opportunities.

    Saliu commended the Corona Schools Trust Council for its efforts in promoting access to education and urged the organisation to extend similar interventions to Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, noting the absence of a senior secondary school in the area.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adedoyin Adesina, said the organisation has been addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

    She disclosed that 75 children have been enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egun community in Bariga LCDA within three years. She added that the initiative would be replicated in the Gangare area of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.

    Adesina said 25 children were being enrolled in the first phase of the programme, with another 25 to be enrolled next year and an additional 25 in the third year. She noted that the council also supports the families of enrolled children and their schools to ensure sustainability of the programme.

  • Fed Govt reopens Tsamiya border in Kebbi to strengthen regional trade

    Fed Govt reopens Tsamiya border in Kebbi to strengthen regional trade

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to secure border governance and facilitate transit trade, following the Federal Government’s approval to reopen the Tsamiya border corridor in Kebbi State

    This was made known during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the Government House, Kebbi State.

    The engagement, which brought together security agencies, traditional leaders, economic operators, and international customs representatives, provided a strategic platform to examine practical measures to strengthen Nigeria’s northwest border architecture while ensuring that legitimate trade flows seamlessly under strict compliance protocols.

    The reopening of the corridor underscores the Service’s ongoing drive to balance national security priorities with trade facilitation objectives, particularly along critical land routes and the River Niger corridor that connects Nigeria with neighbouring countries.

    Speaking during the engagement, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of structured inter-agency and cross-border collaboration in addressing evolving transit trade and security challenges.

    According to the CGC, “Criminal elements operate through cooperation, shared resources, and organised networks. This makes it imperative for security agencies to work together in a coordinated manner to effectively counter such threats.”

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    He noted that the Service is actively engaging customs authorities from the Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin, supported by the political will of President Bola Tinubu and President Patrice Talon, to resolve longstanding transit trade issues through coordinated Customs-to-Customs cooperation.

    “Diversion of goods in transit is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is a cross-border challenge that requires coordinated enforcement, clear guidelines, and strict compliance to ensure that goods reach their intended destinations,” Adeniyi stated.

    The CGC explained that the Tsamiya Corridor will operate under enhanced monitoring driven by ICT interconnectivity systems, strengthened profiling of licensed customs agents, and close surveillance of goods in transit. He warned that any truck found outside the approved route will be seized, and offenders prosecuted in line with transit regulations, referencing recent prosecutions as evidence of the Service’s firm enforcement approach.

    He commended the Kebbi State Government for fostering a coordinated security environment. He acknowledged the contributions of retired senior customs officers from the state to the development of the Service and national security.

    In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting Customs and other security agencies by providing logistics, infrastructure, and community engagement in border areas.

    “The Kebbi State Government remains committed to prioritising security and creating an enabling environment for security agencies to operate effectively, while ensuring that border communities benefit from sustained development,” the Governor said.

    The stakeholders’ engagement attracted immediate past governor of Kebbi State and the Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, former governor Usman Dakingari, Customs officials from the Republic of Benin, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and key economic operators, all expressing confidence that the renewed collaboration will enhance border security, strengthen regional trade, and position Kebbi State as a strategic hub for lawful economic activities.

  • EPL: Haaland scores late penalty as Man City stun Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield

    EPL: Haaland scores late penalty as Man City stun Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield

    Erling Haaland scored a dramatic 93rd-minute penalty as Manchester City pulled off a stunning comeback against Liverpool to keep the Premier League title race alive.

    A battling win for Pep Guardiola’s second-placed side cut Arsenal’s lead at the top to six points, with 13 games remaining.

    Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute equaliser had initially cancelled out Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb free-kick 10 minutes earlier.

    Then in added time, Matheus Nunes was bundled over inside the box by Liverpool keeper Alisson and referee Craig Pawson pointed to the spot.

    Haaland made no mistake, as he scored his 21st Premier League of the season to send the visiting fans wild.

    City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma then made a brilliant save to deny Alexis Mac Allister – a minute before City had the ball in the net again through Rayan Cherki’s finish from inside his own half, with Alisson out of his goal after supporting his side’s attack.

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    But the effort was ruled out after a video assistant referee (VAR) check, with Szoboszlai instead sent off for fouling Haaland before the ball rolled in, and a free-kick awarded to City instead.

    Either way, it didn’t matter as City won at Anfield for the first time since 2021, but in front of fans for a first time since 2003.

    City dominated possession in the first half but failed to make it count by taking their chances, with Alisson making a good block to deny Haaland in the first minute and again later in the half.

    Their front three of Haaland, Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush constantly asked Liverpool’s defence questions but lacked that ruthlessness in front of goal.

    It took 25 minutes for Arne Slot’s side to have an attempt on goal themselves, but they were much better after the break, with Hugo Ekitike twice coming close to the opener.

    First, his right-footed strike went narrowly wide with Donnarumma beaten, and minutes later, Salah found Ekitike with a superb sliced cross but the Frenchman’s header drifted agonisingly wide.

    With a draw no good for City, the game opened up and Ruben Dias came close with a shot, before Florian Wirtz was denied by a terrific block from Marc Guehi at the other end.

    Somehow the game remained goalless until the 74th minute when Szoboszlai stepped up to score his ninth goal of the campaign with an absolute belter from a set-piece – in the same manner that he did against Arsenal here in August.

    But unlike that day when Liverpool held on for victory, City showed tremendous resilience to complete a memorable comeback.

    With speculation about his future, it remains to be seen if Guardiola has managed his last game for City at Anfield.

    But if he has, he will end with a rare win. This was his 11th visit and his only previous win (D4 L6) came here in 2021, when the game was played without fans due to the pandemic.

    This was also only City’s third league win at Liverpool in 23 meetings as they completed a notable first league double over their rivals since the 1936-37 campaign.

    BBC

  • Niger Delta Digital Museum unveiled in Abuja as stakeholders call for history centre

    Niger Delta Digital Museum unveiled in Abuja as stakeholders call for history centre

    Stakeholders from government, the diplomatic corps, the creative sector, and development organisations have called for increased investment in technology and historical preservation in the Niger Delta following the unveiling of the Niger Delta Digital Museum in Abuja.

    The museum, which merges history, technology, and innovation, was presented as a platform to safeguard the region’s cultural heritage while positioning it for economic relevance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Edward Brisibe, founder of Project-Delta and curator of the museum, explained that the initiative aims to reconnect the people of the Niger Delta with their roots and prepare younger generations for opportunities beyond the oil sector.

    Addressing dignitaries, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), diplomats, development partners, and media representatives, Brisibe emphasised that the region’s global importance predates petroleum discovery.

    He recalled that the Niger Delta, historically known as the “Oil Rivers,” once dominated palm oil exports, supplying more than the rest of Africa combined. “Our relevance did not begin with crude oil, and it will not end with it,” he said.

    Brisibe also highlighted the region’s abundant gas reserves, extensive coastline, fertile land, and youthful population as key assets for future growth.

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    He advocated for the creation of artificial intelligence laboratories, technology hubs, and a permanent, world-class history museum to further enhance the Niger Delta’s developmental prospects.

    Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick, described the exhibition as a valuable learning experience, noting that it offers unique insights into the region’s history through art and storytelling.

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Anne Nenadi, Director of Tourism at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, stressed the importance of culture and tourism in preserving local narratives and projecting Nigeria’s heritage on the global stage.

    The launch of the digital museum underscores the potential of combining technology and heritage preservation to create economic opportunities and strengthen cultural identity in the Niger Delta.

  • Music artiste, three crew members found dead in Lagos studio

    Music artiste, three crew members found dead in Lagos studio

    …police arrest one, commence probe

    A popular music artiste, Matthew Ogundele, and three of his crew members have been found dead inside a Lagos studio.

    The crew members were identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya, and blogger Matthew Awosanya, alias JoesTv.

    The deceased were said to have been discovered on February 4, around 11 am, in the studio located at HFP Shopping Complex, Abraham Adesanya in Ajah.

    It was gathered that the artists had gone to Ajah to perform in a three-day birthday party allegedly organized by the owner of the studio, Olanireti Akinbola.

    The deceased, it was learnt, performed on February 3 and decided to sleep in the studio when they finished around midnight.

    According to sources, they were given food by the owner’s husband that night, who is said to be the one who noticed something was amiss around 11 am the next day.

    Sources alleged that a possible suffocation from a generator placed directly opposite the studio door could be responsible for their death.

    They were allegedly found unresponsive with blood coming out of their nostrils, ears, and mouth, but no violent mark seen.

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     “The convener invited some gospel artistes to minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started on Monday.

    “Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

    “It was the following morning that we heard that their bodies were found in the studio.

    “Her husband was the one who raised the alarm after knocking the studio door several times with no response coming from inside.

    “A generator was on and placed directly opposite their sleeping locations. So, it is suspected that this probably caused their death, but nothing has been concluded yet,” said a police source.

    Contacted, the Lagos Police Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, saying it was reported on Wednesday, February 4, at Ajah Division, adding that it was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba.

    “One suspect identified as the organizer of the event is currently in custody. Investigation is ongoing while we await the autopsy report,” said Adebisi.

  • PAGMI gains momentum as mining marshals flush out thousands of illegal miners in Kebbi

    PAGMI gains momentum as mining marshals flush out thousands of illegal miners in Kebbi

    The Federal Government’s Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI) has received renewed momentum following a sweeping crackdown that dislodged thousands of illegal miners from designated mining sites in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    In a tightly coordinated, multi-agency operation, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force, reclaimed mining locations that had been illegally occupied for months by unregulated operators.

    Officials said the operation led to the complete displacement of thousands of illegal miners who had taken control of PAGMI sites, running large-scale operations that went far beyond artisanal mining. Heavy-duty excavators, crushers, and, in some instances, explosives were deployed indiscriminately—practices that triggered widespread land degradation, known cases of water pollution, and heightened insecurity in surrounding communities.

    Residents of Yauri described the illegal mining surge as a slow-burning crisis. “Our farmlands were being destroyed, and the river we depend on was turning brown,” said a community leader who requested anonymity for security reasons. “We lived in fear because strange faces came in daily, armed and unaccountable.”

    Environmental experts familiar with the area warn that such unregulated mining practices often leave behind contaminated soil, unstable pits, and polluted waterways, compounding long-term risks to agriculture, public health, and livelihoods. Local sources said abandoned pits had already claimed lives, particularly during the rainy season.

    The scale of the environmental and security threat, officials noted, compelled federal authorities to intervene decisively, deploying the Mining Marshals to protect the integrity of PAGMI and restore lawful order to the mining corridor.

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    Speaking after the operation, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah, described PAGMI as a deliberate policy intervention designed to formalise artisanal mining, empower host communities, and ensure that mineral resources translate into shared economic benefits rather than chaos.

    “PAGMI is about inclusion, structure, and sustainability,” Mr Attah said. “Those genuinely interested in mining must register and operate within known legal frameworks. Anything outside that endangers lives, destroys the environment, and fuels insecurity.”

    He added that beyond enforcement, the initiative prioritises environmental remediation, community participation, and continuous monitoring—elements often absent in illegal mining operations.

    According to officials, the NSCDC Mining Marshals have been directed to maintain constant surveillance and routine patrols across the reclaimed sites to prevent reoccupation, while working with relevant agencies to assess environmental damage and support recovery efforts.

    The Yauri operation, analysts say, reflects a broader federal push to sanitise Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, curb revenue leakages, and dismantle the informal networks that have long turned artisanal mining zones into hubs of environmental abuse and criminal activity.

    For communities once trapped between poverty and predatory mining interests, residents say the intervention offers cautious hope. “If PAGMI is allowed to work the way it was designed,” one local youth leader said, “then mining can finally benefit our people instead of destroying our land.”

  • University of Cambridge Returns 116 Benin Artefacts to Nigeria

    University of Cambridge Returns 116 Benin Artefacts to Nigeria

    The University of Cambridge has formally transferred ownership of 116 Benin artefacts from its Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) collections to Nigeria. The artefacts were handed over to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which manages them under an agreement with the Benin Royal Palace.

    According to NCMM, the decision follows a formal request made in January 2022 for the return of artefacts looted by British forces during the sacking of Benin City in 1897. The University’s Council approved the claim, and authorisation from the UK Charity Commission was subsequently granted.

    The physical transfer of most of the artefacts will be arranged in due course, while a small number will remain on loan and on display at Cambridge to remain accessible to museum visitors, students, and researchers. The move aligns with similar commitments by museums in the UK, US, and Europe to return cultural heritage items to their countries of origin.

    The 116 objects, primarily brass with some ivory and wooden sculptures, were taken during the British ‘Punitive Expedition’ of February 1897, which followed a violent trade dispute the previous month and resulted in the looting of the Benin Royal Palace.

    Speaking on the development, Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of NCMM, described the transfer as a pivotal moment in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the University of Cambridge, highlighting the importance of restoring cultural heritage to its rightful custodians.

    The return of the artefacts is expected to strengthen historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and the UK while providing opportunities for research, education, and public engagement in both countries.

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    According to him, “This development marks a pivotal point in our dialogue with the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, and it is our hope that this will spur other museums to head in a similar direction. The return of cultural items for us is not just the return of the physical object, but also the restoration of the pride and dignity that were lost when these objects were taken in the first place. We would like to thank the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, for all her invaluable support in making this happen, and we applaud Cambridge for taking this step in the right direction. We look forward to welcoming the artefacts back home soon.”

    On his part, Professor Nicholas Thomas, Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, said, “It has been immensely rewarding to engage in dialogue with colleagues from the National Commission of Museums and Monuments, members of the Royal Court, and Nigerian scholars, students, and artists over the last ten years. Over the period, support has mounted, nationally and internationally, for the repatriation of artefacts that were appropriated in the context of colonial violence. This return has been keenly supported across the University community.”

    As one of several UK museums with significant holdings of material taken from Benin in 1897, the MAA has been involved in long-term research and engagement projects in partnership with Nigerian stakeholders and representatives from the Royal Court of the Benin kingdom, as well as artists, academics, and students from Nigeria.

    MAA curators have participated in study and liaison visits to Benin City since 2018, meeting the Oba, members of the Court, state and federal government leaders, and cultural representatives. The University also hosted the Benin Dialogue Group in 2017 and welcomed NCMM and Royal Court representatives to Cambridge in 2021.

  • Oyo @50: Family queries omission of Adedibu’s name from Oyo merit award list

    Oyo @50: Family queries omission of Adedibu’s name from Oyo merit award list

    • …says late politician made significant contributions to Oyo, Nigeria

    The family of the late Ibadan political leader, High Chief Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu, has raised concerns over the omission of his name from the list of personalities recommended for state honours during Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

    The family described the exclusion as a significant oversight and called for an urgent review.

    In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Committee on Award Ceremonies for Important Personalities in Oyo State, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, and signed by the head of the Adedibu family, Prof. Abass Adedibu (JP), the family expressed disappointment that the late politician’s name was missing from the list reportedly submitted to Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “It was discovered from the list of awardees recommended to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, that Late High Chief Alhaji Lamidi Akanji Ariyibi Adedibu was missing,” the letter stated.

    The family highlighted the late Adedibu’s significant contributions to the political development of Oyo State and Nigeria. They noted his role in the establishment of the Alakia Airport in 1979 and his influence in the political processes surrounding the 1992 primaries involving the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

    The letter also recalled recognition by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly described Adedibu as the “Garrison Commander of Nigerian politics.”

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    Prof. Abass Adedibu emphasized that such an omission should not have occurred and urged the committee to rectify the oversight by including his name and tendering an official apology to the family.

    The Adedibu Dynasty further warned that failure to address the matter promptly could compel the family to escalate the complaint directly to Governor Makinde, questioning the objectivity of the recommendations and the committee’s review process.

    The family’s appeal underscores the enduring influence of High Chief Adedibu in the political landscape of Oyo State and the importance of appropriately acknowledging his legacy in state recognitions.

  • Senior Advocate faults Sharia Council’s call for INEC chair’s removal

    Senior Advocate faults Sharia Council’s call for INEC chair’s removal

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Sebastine Hon, has faulted the recent call by a group, the Sharia Council of Nigeria, for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN).

    Hon, who described that call as an unguided request, argued that it is ridiculous because it amounted to an invitation to President Bola Tinubu to breach the provisions of the Constitution.

    Quoting extensively from the Construction, the senior lawyer added, in a statement on Sunday, that the reasons advanced by the group in support of its request are mere blackmail and untenable constitutionally and empirically.

    Hon contended that contrary to the erroneous position of the group, INEC’s Chair could only be removed from office by the President, acting on the provisions of the Constitution and the requirements of the National Assembly.

    Part of the statement read, “I have observed with shock the call made by the Sharia Council of Nigeria for the removal or resignation of Prof. Joash Amupitan from office as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “The reasons advanced by the Council are, with respect, not tenable constitutionally and empirically.

    “Subsections (1) and (2) of section 157 of the Constitution provide that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission ‘may only be removed from that office by the President acting on an address supported by two-thirds majority of the Senate praying that he be so removed for inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.’

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    “From the above provisions, not even the President has power to remove Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, from office with the wave of the hand: he has to subject his decision to the approval of at least two-thirds of members of the Senate.

    “Secondly, the removal must be based on the stated constitutional reasons: ‘For inability to discharge the functions of the office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct.’

    “The guiding and controlling phrases here are ‘inability to discharge the functions of his office’ and ‘misconduct.’

    “None of these reasons has been raised by the respected Sharia Council of Nigeria. Let me also make it clear that the phrase ‘or any other cause’ in the provision is not at large, but owes its origin to the parent phrase ‘for inability to discharge the functions of the office.’

    “This means that Prof. Amupitan must, for this provision to affect him, have been unable to perform the functions of his office due to any other cause apart from ‘infirmity of mind or body.’

    “No other permissible interpretation, to the best of my knowledge, could be made of these extant provisions.

    “To be more specific, the Nigerian Constitution, in particular, section 157(1) and (2), the only provisions dealing with removal from office of the INEC Chairman, does not contemplate such removal being based on a prior public opinion expressed by the occupant of that office.

    “It will amount to doing grave and damaging violence to the Constitution if such interpretation is imputed to those crystal-clear provisions.

    “Further still, those provisions contemplate removal from office for actions or inactions of the occupant thereof while in office and not for infractions that took place prior to his assumption of office.

    “Pray, how did Prof. Amupitan assume office in the first place? Again, resort would have to be had to the provisions of the Constitution and empirical facts.

    “Section 153(1)(f) of the Constitution has established INEC, while section 158(1) thereof makes the said INEC, inter alios (amongst others), ‘not to be subject to the direction or control of any authority or person.’

    “INEC, having been so established, Section 154 of the same Constitution makes it mandatory that its Chairman shall ‘be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

    “From undeniable facts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on November 9, 2025, nominated Prof. Amupitan to that office. On October 10, 2025, the National Council of State, made up of the President (a Muslim), the Vice President (also a Muslim), all former Presidents/Heads of State (some of whom are Muslims), the Chief Justice of Nigeria (herself a Muslim), the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (also a Muslim), the Attorney-General of the Federal (another Muslim) and Christian and Muslim State Governors, unanimously approved the appointment.

    “State House press statement issued on that same October 10, 2025, quoted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State (himself a Muslim) as describing Amupitan as “a man of integrity.”

    “After the unanimous clearance by the National Council of State, the Senate, in compliance with the above-adumbrated provisions of the Constitution, also unanimously confirmed the appointment on October 16, 2025.

    “It is remarkable to note that the Senate of Nigeria is made up of a large number of Muslims, but none objected at all to this confirmation during the over two hours’ screening exercise.

    “The sudden realisation by the Sharia Council that Prof. Amupitan had decried genocide against Christians in Nigeria by Muslim extremists; hence is not fit to occupy that office, therefore, amounts to an afterthought.

    “A very dangerous precedent will also be set if this tendentious objection is accepted.

    Save if the Sharia Council has any other reason to oppose the continued functioning of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman, the fact that he decried genocide against Christians in Nigeria is not strong enough to make him leave office.

    “All the high officers of the Federation named above presumably carried out proper investigations on his person before unanimously proposing and or confirming his appointment, are not inferior Muslims.

    “Besides, Prof. Amupitan has not committed any of the listed infractions that would make him lose office, as spelt out under section 157(1) and (2) of the Constitution.

    “Consequently, I vehemently oppose calls for the removal from office of Prof. Amupitan as INEC Chairman. I also strongly counsel him not to succumb to this blackmail by voluntarily resigning from that office.  

    “Rather, I hereby suggest to him to take this unfounded suspicion of possible bias against Muslims in the conduct of the affairs of his office as a springboard that would spur him to side more with justice, fair play and neutrality, which are the basic and compulsory requirements of his office,” Hon said.

  • UniAbuja governing council promotes 21 to rank of professor

    UniAbuja governing council promotes 21 to rank of professor

    The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, known as Yakubu Gowon University, has approved the promotion of 21 academic staff to professorial rank.

    Sixteen senior academics were elevated to the rank of professor, while five others were promoted to associate professor across a wide range of disciplines and areas of specialisation.

    Acting Director, Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Governing Council is chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso.

    The statement revealed that the promotions were ratified at the 81st Extraordinary Meeting of the Governing Council held on Thursday, 5 February, and Friday, 6 February 2026, following the consideration of favourable external assessment reports on the candidates’ scholarly publications.

    The promoted academics cut across several fields, including clinical pharmacology, science education (physics), electrical engineering, endocrinology, Islamic studies, nephrology, clinical anatomy, dermatology, guidance and counselling, English language education, educational administration and planning, taxation law, geography and environmental management, public administration and e-governance, political science and international relations, and philosophy.

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    The statement indicated that the promotions have different effective dates ranging from 2020 to 2025.

    Congratulating the newly promoted academics over the weekend, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, described the development as a reflection of their dedication to scholarship, research, and academic excellence.

    He said the university would continue to strengthen its internal processes to ensure the timely processing of external assessment reports and the promotion of deserving academics in line with established guidelines.

    The VC said, “After many years of rigorous academic work and favourable external assessment, these promotions are well deserved. I congratulate the beneficiaries and encourage them to continue making meaningful contributions to the growth of the University. We expect greater scholarly output and academic leadership from them.

    “The University will continue to support and recognise staff who demonstrate diligence and commitment to teaching, research, and community service.”