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- October 10, 2025
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New INEC Chair must resist political influence – Nwagwu
Public accountability and democratic reforms advocate, Ezenwa Nwagwu, has urged the newly nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Ojo-Amupitan, to resist political influence and manage diverse interests to restore credibility. Nwagwu made the call on Thursday when he featured in an interview programme on Arise Television. He also urged the
New INEC Chair must resist political influence – Nwagwu
Public accountability and democratic reforms advocate, Ezenwa Nwagwu, has urged the newly nominated chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Ojo-Amupitan, to resist political influence and manage diverse interests to restore credibility.
Nwagwu made the call on Thursday when he featured in an interview programme on Arise Television.
He also urged the Nigerian Senate to conduct a transparent and rigorous screening of Prof Amupitan, stressing that only a strong, credible and independent leadership can rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The president has made the nomination, but the nominee still has to be profiled by the secret police and then presented to the Council of State.
“That oversight mechanism needs to be more transparent. I’m worried that all we ever hear is that the Council of State unanimously approved. It would have been better if we knew whether there were votes or dissenting opinions,” he said.
According to him, the Senate committees on intelligence, electoral matters and anti-corruption must engage the nominee thoroughly rather than simply endorsing him.
- Uncategorized
- October 10, 2025
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Amupitan can’t claim ignorance of law – Lawyer
A lawyer, Barrister Chidi Onah, has said the about to be appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, should not give excuses for not knowing the law. In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, Onah said Amupitan, being a professor of law, is expected to operate strictly within
Amupitan can’t claim ignorance of law – Lawyer
A lawyer, Barrister Chidi Onah, has said the about to be appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, should not give excuses for not knowing the law.
In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, Onah said Amupitan, being a professor of law, is expected to operate strictly within the confines of the law and uphold high ethical standards in his new role.
The remark comes after the National Council of State approved the nomination of Amupitan as the new Chairman of the INEC.
President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to him, Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit.
“Professor Amupitan is a lawyer, so he knows the law and is bound or supposed to operate by the law. He would not give excuses for not knowing the law and would not have moral reasons not to do what is right,” Onah stated.
He noted that Amupitan’s academic and administrative experience, having served as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, and Chairman of a university governing council, positions him as a capable manager of men and resources with a proven track record.
Onah expressed optimism that Amupitan’s appointment could bring positive reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, given his depth of knowledge and experience in legal and institutional administration.
“Professor Amupitan has attained the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor of a university. This implies he is a manager of men and resources and an administrator with a proven track record,” he added.
- Hot News
- October 10, 2025
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Free Primary Education, Ladder Out of Poverty, Says Tinubu
Free Primary Education, Ladder Out of Poverty, Says Tinubu
*Lauds UBEC’s impact on 20m school children
President Bola Tinubu said the free primary education schemes launched across country in 1955, 1957 and 1960 respectively by the Premiers of the Western Region, Eastern Region and Northern Region served as a ladder out of poverty for many Nigerians.
He said the free primary education policies by the nation’s founding fathers constituted a bridge to dignity for countless families across the country.
President Tinubu spoke as the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the 70th anniversary of the launch of Free Universal Primary Education in Nigeria held on Thursday in Lagos.
The platinum jubilee was organised by the Independent Newspapers Limited as part of the 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education (UBEC), Aisha Garba, Tinubu lauded the foresight of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello and urged governments across the country to follow in the footsteps of the founding fathers.
According to the President, “Our founding fathers did not merely launch a programme—they defined a national identity that Nigeria’s greatness is rooted in the enlightenment of all.
“Anniversaries summon us to fidelity. The torch lit in Ibadan (on January 17, 1955) must not dim. It is the duty of every government to renew the covenant that schooling is the right of every Nigerian child. Under this administration that renewal has a name: the Renewed Hope Agenda. It is not a slogan, but the organising principle of this administration — to make education once again the engine of national renewal, the guarantor of equal citizenship, and the path to shared prosperity.
Weighing in on the challenges posed by the huge numbers of out-of-school children across the states, Tinubu said “Education is not just a social service. It is a national security imperative, economic growth strategy, and moral duty.
“Every Naira we invest in education is an investment in Nigeria’s future. The youth are our greatest asset, but also our most significant test. We cannot stand by while our children are out of school. We must guarantee access and learning. We must deliver equity and quality. Anything less would betray the covenant made seventy years ago.”
He restated the commitment of his administration to place education at the centre of policy, financing and governance.
Citing the example of milestone reforms in the education sector under the watch of Aisha Garba, the President observed that “The Universal Basic Education Commission has evolved from a grant administrator to a true system reformer.”
UBEC, he said, “now focuses on increasing equitable access to basic education in all parts of Nigeria, improved quality learning, stronger financing and institutional reform nationwide.
“As a result of these reforms, within a year, twenty-eight states have accessed 70% of the many years of unaccessed federal matching grants. These funds have now been unlocked to accelerate further investments in education, to improve access, and quality in every state in Nigeria.
“We have doubled the government budgetary allocation to Basic Education and have mobilised over $1 billion in development finance for education, reaching millions of children and teachers who are already benefiting from initiatives that improve quality, access, and strengthen education systems for long-term sustainability.
“Within two years, over 500,000 teachers have been trained to reach one million by next year.
“Over 20 million children in basic education are being positively impacted with ongoing interventions.”
The President urged “Development partners, teachers, parents and other key stakeholders continue to play invaluable roles in basic education.
“Your steadfast support is deeply appreciated, and your contribution remains essential to our shared mission,” said the President.
*Lauds UBEC’s impact on 20m school children President Bola Tinubu said the free primary education schemes launched across country in 1955, 1957 and 1960 respectively by the Premiers of the
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- October 10, 2025
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Certificate scandal: Senate not responsible for screening nominees — Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has clarified that the Nigerian Senate is not responsible for screening ministerial or other nominees forwarded by the presidency for confirmation. Ndume stated this while reacting to the controversy surrounding the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down earlier this week following
Certificate scandal: Senate not responsible for screening nominees — Ndume
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has clarified that the Nigerian Senate is not responsible for screening ministerial or other nominees forwarded by the presidency for confirmation.
Ndume stated this while reacting to the controversy surrounding the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down earlier this week following allegations of certificate forgery.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Ndume explained that the Senate’s responsibility is limited to confirming nominees after relevant security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services, DSS, have completed their background checks.
“We are not screening, get this clear. Screening and confirmation are two different things. Before the president sends a candidate to the Senate, several processes are involved, including checks by the DSS. The DSS has to clear the person first,” he said.
The senator noted that issues of forged certificates were widespread across different sectors of the country, not just in politics.
“This issue of forgery is a big problem in Nigeria. It’s not just among politicians. Everyone has classmates, including Nnaji,” Ndume added.
He recalled that the Senate had in the past rejected a nominee after the DSS raised a red flag during its background check.
“Last time, the DSS brought a report against someone and we rejected the person. So don’t say we are not doing our job. We don’t do screening, we only confirm,” he said.
Ndume emphasised that the Senate relies solely on security reports before taking decisions on presidential nominees.
Certificate scandal: Senate not responsible for screening nominees — Ndume
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- October 10, 2025
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How Arise News anchor’s murder suspects got arms – Police
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says the armed robbery gang responsible for the killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, sourced their weapons from a supplier in the Niger Republic. This was contained in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday. According to her, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate
How Arise News anchor’s murder suspects got arms – Police
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says the armed robbery gang responsible for the killing of ARISE News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, sourced their weapons from a supplier in the Niger Republic.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday.
According to her, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate procured its firearms — including a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a pistol — from an arms dealer operating across the Nigeria–Niger border.
“All the suspects are from Kaduna and Katsina States and have confessed to obtaining their weapons from a yet-to-be-identified supplier in the Niger Republic,” Adeh said.
The police listed the arrested suspects as Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).
The police spokesperson further explained that the suspects confessed to carrying out operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo and Zuba, before the robbery that claimed the lives of Arise News anchor and the security guard.
“They have also confessed to participating in other armed robbery operations at Katampe 1, a hotel in Apo, and another in Zuba, all within the FCT, ” the statement added.
Adeh said further investigations confirmed that Hassan Shamsudeen fired the shot that killed the security guard during the attack.
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- October 10, 2025
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INEC: Amupitan won’t tell Nigerians to go to court – EFCC ex-director
Former Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ayo Olowonihi, has expressed optimism that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Ojo-Amupitan, would ensure Nigerians truly elect their leaders through credible and transparent elections. Olowonihi expressed this optimism on Thursday, while responding to questions in an interview
INEC: Amupitan won’t tell Nigerians to go to court – EFCC ex-director
Former Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ayo Olowonihi, has expressed optimism that the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Ojo-Amupitan, would ensure Nigerians truly elect their leaders through credible and transparent elections.
Olowonihi expressed this optimism on Thursday, while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television.
According to him, the nominee possesses the courage, integrity, and dedication needed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Amupitan is the INEC chairman who will let Nigerians elect their leaders. He’s not going to be the kind of chairman who tells people to ‘go to court.’ He’s a hard worker, a man of character and integrity, and the tougher the job gets, the harder he’ll work,” he said.
The retired EFCC director further stated that Amupitan’s long career in academia and law has prepared him to lead INEC with fairness and resolve.
INEC: Amupitan won’t tell Nigerians to go to court – EFCC ex-director
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- October 10, 2025
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Abia govt orders Aba mechanics, auto parts dealers to relocate to new site
All mechanics and auto spare parts dealers operating along school/Clifford Road, Hospital Road, Jubilee Road, and Azikiwe Road in Aba North, Aba South and Obingwa LGAs of Abia State have been ordered to relocate to Ovom Industrial Mechanic Cluster, Ogbor Hill. The directive, which was issued by the Commissioner for Industry and SME, Mike Akpara,
Abia govt orders Aba mechanics, auto parts dealers to relocate to new site
All mechanics and auto spare parts dealers operating along school/Clifford Road, Hospital Road, Jubilee Road, and Azikiwe Road in Aba North, Aba South and Obingwa LGAs of Abia State have been ordered to relocate to
Ovom Industrial Mechanic Cluster, Ogbor Hill.
The directive, which was issued by the Commissioner for Industry and SME, Mike Akpara, said the relocation should be complete on or before 15th October 2025.
He told the dealers to comply accordingly as enforcement will commence after October 15, 2025.
The Commissioner said that the one year grace period the State government earlier granted the traders to relocate had elapsed since May, 2025.
He explained that the directive aims to decongest Aba metropolis and ensure a safer, organized, and business-friendly environment for all.
“Dealers are strongly advised to comply before the deadline, as enforcement will commence thereafter”, said Akpara.
Abia govt orders Aba mechanics, auto parts dealers to relocate to new site
- Hot News
- October 10, 2025
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ATCO Homes Petitions EFCC over Irregular Ibeju-Lekki Land Deal
ATCO Homes Petitions EFCC over Irregular Ibeju-Lekki Land Deal
Sunday Okobi
Lagos ATCO Homes, a Lagos-based real estate development company, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged irregularities and fraudulent activities in a land transaction involving the Daramola family, acting on behalf of Bolorunpelu Onigbedu Village of Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
According to the petition made available to the media yesterday by ATCO Homes’ Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bartholomew Egbochie, ATCO Homes stated that it legally acquired its estate land in 2020 from the Daramola family of Bolorunpelu Onigbedu Village Excision situated within the 35.73 hectares covered by a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) dated April 24, 2015, registered as No. 78 at page 78 in Volume 2015H of the Register of Deeds at the Lagos State Lands Registry, Ikeja.
“However, years after the valid transaction, the same family allegedly applied to the Lagos State Government to adjust the boundary of the titled land without the company’s consent or participation,” he
stated.
The real estate firm stated that the move effectively shifted the titled coordinates to a different location, leaving ATCO’s originally acquired and developed estate outside the title coverage, thereby creating both legal and investor conflicts.
ATCO Homes’ Group Managing Director, Egbochie, described the development as “a deliberate breach of contractual trust and title integrity,” stressing that it has confused subscribers who purchased plots in good faith.
He further revealed that the Bolorunpelu family executed a Deed of Rectification, registered as No. 24/2784 at the Lagos State Lands Registry, Alausa, in July 2024, without notifying or involving ATCO Homes. Egbochie added, “ATCO Homes was never carried along in any rectification process. Yet, the family altered the land boundaries and title coordinates in a way that jeopardised our legal interest and that of our subscribers.
“We have petitioned the EFCC to investigate and prosecute all parties involved, to protect investor confidence and restore integrity in Lagos’ real estate sector.”
ATCO Homes reaffirmed its commitment to due process, transparency, and lawful real estate operations, noting that its legal and compliance teams are actively engaging with both the EFCC and the Lagos State Ministry of Lands to ensure full accountability.
The company urged its subscribers and investors to remain calm and confident, assuring them that their investments remain safe and valid, as discussions with relevant authorities are ongoing to safeguard all title interests and maintain public trust in Lagos’ real estate environment.
Sunday Okobi Lagos ATCO Homes, a Lagos-based real estate development company, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged irregularities and fraudulent activities in a land transaction
- Football
- October 10, 2025
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BETJARA Doubles Your First Deposit With Its 100% Sports Welcome Bonus
BETJARA, a rising star in the online sports betting arena, is thrilled to unveil its 100% Sports Welcome Bonus offer for new customers making their first deposit on the platform.…
- Biz & Economy
- October 10, 2025
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De-dollarization: Not so fast. what it means for Africa
On April 13, 2023, Brazil’s President Lula asked in Shanghai: Why must global trade rely on the dollar? His question—who decided the dollar’s post-gold standard supremacy? —still resonates. The post…