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A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has said he took a vow to destroy Peter Obi’s Obidient movement because he (Obi) was his project.
Omokri said he was responsible for Obi’s vice-presidential candidacy in 2029. His position, however, contradicts Atiku Abuabakar‘s account of how Obi became his vice in the 2019 election.
Naija News reported that the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clarified that former President Olusegun Obasanjo chose Obi for him.
He said Obasanjo suggested Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Chukuwuma Soludo, but because they were not members of the PDP, Obi was chosen.
In an interview with News Central on Thursday, the controversial social media influencer alleged that members of the Obidient movement attacked him, his wife and his child.
“I took a vow to destroy that movement because Peter Obi was a project of mine. I was responsible for Peter Obi becoming the running mate to Waziri Atiku Abubakar in 2019. I’ve said this publicly. I’ve got the documents. I’m a meticulous record keeper,” he said.
Speaking on the alleged attack on his family by alleged members of the Obidient movement, Reno said he received too many death threats.
“Peter Obi’s movement, Obidients, started attacking me, threatening me, insulting me. That was OK. But then they moved from myself to my family. I just had a daughter at that time. There were multiple death threats.
“They came to my house in the United Kingdom. They trailed my wife and me when we were jogging. They found out my jogging route and pursued me, threatening me,” he stated.
According to him, it was when the former Governor of Anambra State could not take action after he complained to him about the alleged attack on his family that he decided to use “whatever political machinery I have to destroy that movement“.
Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the eldest daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away.
Naija News gathered that Bisola, who was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, died in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 42.
According to Daily Post, she passed away in the United Kingdom.
Until her passing, she served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
Confirming the news, the former governor’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Tunji, stated to journalists in Ibadan: “Yes. It has been confirmed.”
More details to follow…
The Nigerian Electoral College has requested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guarantee that the recall procedure for the suspended senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, follows the established guidelines.
INEC had communicated the commencement of the process in a letter to the Kogi Central Senator, Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday.
“Pursuant to Section 69 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, I write to notify you of the receipt of a petition from representatives of registered voters in your constituency seeking your recall from the senate,” the letter read.
The notification added that, “The notification is in line with the provisions of clause 2 (a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.”
In a statement by its Executive Director, Kunle Lawal, the organisation urged INEC to conduct the process transparently and fairly.
It cautioned that any efforts to undermine or politicise the recall process could damage the integrity of democratic institutions.
The group also urged all stakeholders to uphold the legal framework and allow the process to unfold without interference.
“We emphasise that INEC must conduct this process with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to its guidelines, ensuring that the will of the people is not manipulated.
“Any attempt to short-circuit or politicise the recall process would undermine the credibility of our democratic institutions.
“As a non-partisan institution, the Electoral College Nigeria does not take sides in political contests but remains committed to educating Nigerians on their rights and responsibilities.
“We urge all stakeholders to respect the legal framework and allow the process to run its course without interference,” the statement read.
The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Ftr festival after the completion of the Ramadan Fast.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who extended heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
The statement, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, conveyed the Minister’s warm wishes and urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues cultivated during Ramadan – self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the significance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity as key elements in fostering a harmonious society.
The Minister further encouraged Nigerians to use the festive period for prayer, focusing on the peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation. He expressed hope that the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would serve as a catalyst for unity and cooperation, bridging divides across religious and ethnic lines.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less-privileged through acts of kindness and charity—keeping in line with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed May 8, 2025, for judgment on applications filed by MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) concerning the former’s DStv and GOtv price increases in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho set the judgment date after hearing arguments from the legal teams of both parties.
Nairametrics previously reported that Omotosho had issued an order restraining the FCCPC from taking “any administrative steps” against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its announced price increases for DStv and GOtv.
This order was granted in an ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s lawyer, Moyosore J. Onibanjo (SAN), against the FCCPC, under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025.
The FCCPC had earlier summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the rationale behind the price adjustments.
The Commission directed the company’s Chief Executive Officer to attend an investigative hearing on February 27, 2025, expressing concerns over frequent price hikes, potential abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.
The FCCPC also warned that failure to justify the price increases or adhere to fair market principles could result in regulatory sanctions.
On his part, MultiChoice’s legal team, led by Onibanjo, filed an ex parte motion seeking an interim injunction to prevent the FCCPC and its officers from prosecuting MultiChoice based on the letter dated March 3, 2025, pending the resolution of the interlocutory injunction motion.
They also sought an order restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or representatives from sanctioning or penalizing MultiChoice concerning its price increases until the interlocutory injunction motion is determined.
Onibanjo argued that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where the prices of goods and services are not regulated.
He contended that the FCCPC Act and other relevant laws do not empower the Commission to regulate prices or require businesses to obtain approval before adjusting their service costs.
What transpired in court
- During the resumed hearing, FCCPC’s counsel, Prof. Joe Agbugu SAN, explained that MultiChoice had notified the Commission on February 25 about a contemplated price increase effective from March 1, thereby acknowledging the FCCPC’s supervisory role.
- He stated that the FCCPC invited MultiChoice for further investigation, but the company requested to reschedule the meeting from February 27 to March 6, 2025.
- He said the FCCPC agreed to the new date but instructed MultiChoice to temporarily hold off on implementing the price increase.
- Prof. Agbugu emphasized that there was no issue of price regulation or fixing at the time MultiChoice initiated the legal action.
- He asserted that the FCCPC is authorized by law to regulate abuses of dominant market positions, especially when such abuses affect Nigerian consumers.
- He argued that the FCCPC can set an “authorized price” against a dominant player in line with provisions in the FCCPC Act.
- He urged the court to dismiss MultiChoice’s case.
- In rebuttal, Onibanjo SAN described the FCCPC’s concerns about excessive pricing as an afterthought.
- He pointed out that the FCCPC’s letter focused on price increases, a matter he added the Commission lacked the authority to regulate.
- He reiterated that the power to regulate or fix prices can only be exercised with presidential approval, which the FCCPC would then enforce publicly.
He called on the court to uphold MultiChoice’s position against the FCCPC. After hearing from both parties, Justice Omotosho reserved judgment, with a decision expected on May 8, 2025.
Background
Recall that MultiChoice had informed customers of a planned price increase for its DStv and GOtv packages, scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025. The proposed adjustments included:
- DSTV Compact: Increase from N15,700 to N19,000 (a 25% rise).
- DStv Compact Plus: Increase from N25,000 to N30,000 (20% hike).
- DStv Premium: Increase from N37,000 to N44,500 (20% increment).
- GOtv Supa Plus: Increase from N15,700 to N16,800, among other adjustments.
These increases came less than a year after a previous hike in May 2024, which the company attributed to inflation and rising operational costs.
The planned increases elicited reactions from Nigerians, who expressed concerns over the lack of viable competition in the pay-TV market.
In response to the proposed increases, the FCCPC summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain the rationale behind the price adjustments and later filed a lawsuit against the company at a Lagos High Court, alleging violations of regulatory directives and obstruction of an ongoing inquiry.
[Nairametrics]
Africa’s economic landscape in 2025 is shaped by visionary leaders who have amassed significant wealth through diverse industries. Here are the top five richest billionaires making headlines:
1. Aliko Dangote – Net Worth: $28 Billion
Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s industrial magnate, maintains his position as Africa’s richest individual. His conglomerate, Dangote Group, spans sectors such as cement, sugar, and flour. A monumental project, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery near Lagos, valued at $20 billion, is set to transform Nigeria’s oil industry by producing 650,000 barrels per day, exceeding the nation’s fuel needs by 150%.
2. Johann Rupert – Net Worth: $10.7 Billion
South African billionaire Johann Rupert chairs Compagnie Financière Richemont, renowned for luxury brands like Cartier and Montblanc. His strategic vision has solidified his status in the luxury goods sector.
3. Nicky Oppenheimer – Net Worth: $8.4 Billion
Nicky Oppenheimer, a prominent figure in the diamond industry, formerly held a 40% stake in De Beers, the world’s leading diamond producer. His influence in mining has left an indelible mark on the sector.
4. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Net Worth: $8.1 Billion
Nigerian industrialist Abdulsamad Rabiu leads BUA Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. His business acumen has propelled him to the forefront of Africa’s manufacturing industry.
5. Prateek Suri – Net Worth: $1.4 Billion
Prateek Suri, founder of Maser Group and MDR Investments, has earned the moniker “Technology Tiger of Africa.” His ventures in consumer electronics and strategic investments in Africa’s mining and infrastructure sectors have been pivotal in the continent’s technological advancement. Notably, Suri owns luxury mansions in Lagos and a fleet of yachts and has recently invested in Teakwood and luxury yacht ventures in Africa. Under his Leadership, he made the biggest acquisition in Africa of $5bn, making him the richest Indian in Africa.
These individuals exemplify the dynamic and diverse nature of Africa’s economic landscape, each contributing uniquely to the continent’s growth and global presence.
[Guardian]
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has anonymously adopted a referendum for the creation of additional twelve (12) local government areas to the current thirteen (13) LGAs.
Lawmakers during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Abakaliki, argued that creating additional 12 LGAs in the state will bring government closer to the people to ameliorate their sufferings.
The proposed local government areas include Ikwo South and Ikwo North from Ikwo LGA, Ekumenyi from Abakaliki LGA, Ebyia from Izzi LGA and Ndiagbo from Edda LGA.
Lawmakers also proposed Ishielu South local government from Ishielu LGA, as well as Akaeze, Ukaba, and Effium from Ivo, Onicha and Ohaukwu LGAs respectfully.
Ezza-South, Ezza-North and Afikpo LGA are also envisaged to produce Izzikworo, Amohai and Imoha local government areas.
The referendum when becomes law, will bring LGAs in the state to 25 and expected to reduce the development and economic crisis of the people.
The measure also promises to bridge perceived imbalance in LGA distribution in consideration of the land mass and population density in each local government area.
The motion for the adoption of the request was moved by the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Edda West, Hon. Nkemka Okoro-Onuma and was seconded by member representing Ikwo North State Constituency, Hon Ifeanyi Nwakpu.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa put the motion to vote where it was unanimously adopted.
[Leadership]
Death has snatched Abisola Kola-Daisi, wife of Kolapo Kola-Daisi and the eldest child of late Oyo Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi unannounced.
Bisola succumbed to a brief illness while in the United Kingdom.
Abiola’s demise re-echoes the words of English poet and playwright, Williams Shakespeare, who described the world a stage and each person plays his part and leave.
With the exit of Abisola, a huge void is created in the heart of her mother — Florence Ajimobi. Like the biblical reference, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die.
Her death comes five years after the death of her father in 2020.
Abisola was fondly called Abi-KD, and celebrated her birthday on March 12.
She is the founder of Florence H Luxury and the Chairman/CEO of Grandex Nigeria Limited.
Abisola was born March 12, 1981.
She attended the British School of Lomé, Togo where she learned to speak French fluently – before moving to the United States of America to obtain an AA Degree from Santa Monica College.
She later earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, and an MBA from the United Kingdom. In 2022, she completed a Master’s degree in the power and influence of positive influence at Harvard Business School.
After graduating from college in the United States, Abisola worked as a Senior Manager (Retail) at Victoria’s Secret before returning home to complete the National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria. In 2008, she joined Saje Shipping, a subsidiary of MRS Oil and Gas as the Senior Manager – Finance and Administration.
Abisola was a Special Adviser to Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
She has been married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi, son of a billionaire industrialist from Ibadan since 2010 and blessed with three lovely children.
After their engagement ceremony on the 5th of November 2010, Bisola and KP’s wedding took place on 6th of November 2010 in Ibadan, Nigeria.
It was a beautiful ceremony as the Islamic wedding rites were completed and Bisola and KP were joined as husband and wife in the presence of their family and friends
Abisola touched lives and impacted communities through her philanthropic deeds, and was active in various charitable causes.
She founded the AKD Foundation and the AKD Kids Foundation to care for orphans and homeless children in Nigeria. She is also a patron of the ABC Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by her mother, in Ibadan.
[Thenation]
Former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Willie Obiano, Chief Primus Odili, has backed the endorsement of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for re-election by the Minister of Works, Chief Dave Umahi.
During the flag-off of the access road to the 2nd Niger Bridge at Ogbunike near Onitsha, Umahi commended Soludo’s development efforts, declaring that the governor faces no real opposition in the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Describing Soludo’s achievements as remarkable, Umahi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that if he were from Anambra State, he would support Soludo for another term.
Odili echoed Umahi’s sentiments, emphasizing that in just three years, Soludo has delivered impressive results that should earn him overwhelming support from Anambra voters.
“The endorsement from Umahi, whose tenure as Ebonyi State governor was transformational, carries significant weight,” Odili said.
“Governor Soludo has completed major projects without borrowing. If he is given another term, the chances of completing ongoing developments are even greater.”
He added that while opposition parties may struggle to acknowledge Soludo’s achievements, the results speak for themselves.
“The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is not in a hurry to relinquish power in Anambra. Instead, we are strengthening our bond with the people through visible performance that no amount of rhetoric can discredit.
“Anambra residents know that the APGA-led government under Soludo is committed to building a safe, viable, and prosperous state. Umahi’s advice to the opposition should be taken seriously in the interest of the people.”
Odili also highlighted the impact of the Agunechemba security initiative, which has significantly reduced crime in the state, paving the way for development.
“With the decline in abductions, murder, and robbery, Soludo’s government now enjoys greater public support. The people appreciate his efforts to transform Anambra into a livable, smart megacity.
“Umahi’s words may be difficult for the opposition to accept, but they reflect reality. A simple drive around Anambra is enough to convince anyone that Soludo’s solutions are working and that the people have fully embraced his vision,” Odili concluded.
[Vanguard]
Oluseun Onigbinde, Chidi Odinkalu to discuss suspension of elected officials on EIE’s ThursdayTalks
Admin
Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, a civil society organisation, says the legal, political, and democratic implications of “silencing elected voices” will be examined in the upcoming edition of ‘ThursdayTalks’.
ThursdayTalks is a monthly online discussion with thought leaders on issues affecting Nigerians and the country.
The conversation is an initiative of EiE in partnership with BudgIT and TheCable.
This edition, billed to hold on Thursday, March 27 is themed: ‘Suspended Voices, Silenced Mandates: What Next for Democracy?’
Stakeholders will explore the recent suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state; suspension of the legislature in Rivers, suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central; and how such actions impact citizen trust, legislative independence, and accountability.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Fubara; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all members of the Rivers assembly, due to prolonged political crisis in the state.
In a statement, EIE said this month’s conversation will have Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, NewsCentralTV programme director, as moderator; and Opeyemi Adamolekun, EIE’s executive director, as speaker.
Other speakers are Oluseun Onigbinde, global director at BudgIT; and Chidi Odinkalu, a human rights activist.
The online conversation will last from 5-7pm.
[TheCable]
More...
The move by the House of Representatives to strip vice president, governors and their deputies of their immunity while sparing the president, has sparked debates among stakeholders who have faulted the logic of the proposed legislation by the Green Chamber.
The stakeholders including political scientists, civil rights activists and politicians, while speaking on the proposed amendments argued that both the president and the vice president are usually elected on a joint ticket, hence, should enjoy the same privilege.
Among those who spoke is a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, Dr Aminu Hayatu and a human rights activist cum former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani.
According to them, what is good for the president is also good for the vice president, hence, any proposal to remove immunity must affect both the president and the vice president.
Daily Trust reports that the House of Representatives yesterday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the constitution to strip the vice president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.
The bill was among the 42 considered and passed through second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The House had on Tuesday passed 39 constitution amendment bills for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative actions. The accelerated passage of 42 more bills yesterday increased the number of constitution amendment bills passed for second reading to 81.
Sponsored by Rep. Solomon Bob (Rivers PDP), the bill is seeking an amendment of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to guard against abuse of office and to ensure transparency in governance.
The long title of the proposed legislation reads, “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify the immunity conferred on the President, remove the immunity conferred on the Vice President, the Governors and their deputies, in order to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office and for Related Matters”.
The lawmaker said the bill seeks to “promote accountability in public office” by removing the immunity currently granted to the vice president, governors and their deputies.”
The draft bill states that it seeks to amend Section 308 of the principal Act by substituting a new subsection (3) as follows: “This section applies to a person holding the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Vice President only when acting as President in line with Section 145 of this Constitution.”
In subsection (4), it proposes that “The foregoing provisions of this section shall be inapplicable where the person to whom this section applies is acting in an unofficial capacity or where the conduct of the person is beyond the powers of his office or the conduct is criminal in nature”.
President should not be spared from losing immunity
Reacting, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Bayero University Kano, Dr Aminu Hayatu, faulted the amendment bill seeking to strip vice president, governors and their deputies of immunity, describing the move as unnecessary.
He queried the rationale behind advocating for the removal of immunity for only the vice president while the president is allowed to retain immunity, adding that both of them are usually elected on a joint ticket.
“So, the question is, this is a joint ticket. So, why are you isolating someone that is also a party to the ticket? If you are doing that, do it to the governors alongside the deputies and the president with his vice president. I mean, that makes sense because it’s a joint ticket. They were not elected separately. So, all this is something that I think is unnecessary.
“What we need to focus on is whether the executive should maintain that privilege of immunity or not. That should be the subject of debate. Not that some individuals, you know, are being considered while others are being spared. The same reason the vice-president or the deputy governor is there is to assist the president or the governor. And then, it’s the same duty and function that they are performing as assistants to these executive positions; the number one position in the state or in the country.
“So, it is, I think, for me, an unnecessary exercise because we are battling with bigger problems that we should focus on. Constitutional amendment is something that should happen with deep insights, not like the one of immunity of the president or the deputy governor and what have you. So, I am opposed to this and I am a frontline critic of this.”
Also speaking on the matter, a rights activist and former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani, faulted the removal of immunity for only the vice president while the president is allowed to enjoy immunity.
Sani in a post via his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) said: “The positive aspects of removing immunity for VP and governors is that nobody will be above the law; the negative aspect of it is that it can be used to witch hunt VPs and governors.”
He, however, argued that if the VPs must lose their immunity as proposed by the amendment bill, the president must not be spared.
“If a VP should have no immunity, whoever is the President should not have it also.
Sani urged Nigerians to “show interest in it (the proposed amendment bill) before it’s too late.”
Bill to increase Lagos LGAs from 20 to 57
Among the bills passed is the proposal to increase the number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State from 20 to 57.
The bill, jointly sponsored by Reps James Abiodun Faleke, Babajimi Benson, Enitan Badru and 19 others, is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to accommodate the 37 Development Area Councils of Lagos State as full-fledged Local Government Areas, increasing the total number of Local Government Areas in Lagos State to 57 and the total number of Local Government Areas in the federation to 811, and for Related Matters (HB. 1498)
Daily Trust reports that the move is aimed at making the 37 existing Local Council Development Areas in the state full-fledged LGAs.
It would be recalled that the creation of LCDA by then administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was the state governor in 2004, pitched him against then President Olusegun Obasanjo, who stopped allocations to the state following the development.
Obasanjo had directed states that created new local government areas at the time to revert to the former structure or risk stoppage of their statutory allocations.
While most of the affected states reverted to the old councils for their allocations to be restored, Lagos State remained resolute in sustaining the new councils.
The failure of then Governor Tinubu to heed to the presidential order led to the stoppage of allocations to the state.
Tinubu stood his ground and headed to the Supreme Court to challenge the action where he eventually won and the allocations for Lagos State were subsequently released.
Bills for death penalty review, power devolution, others pass second reading
Among the bills passed for second reading were those seeking a review of the framework for Local Government Administration, review of death penalty law and citizenship by investment.
One of the bills seeks to amend the constitution to transfer control of natural resources—including mines, minerals, oil fields, and geological surveys—from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
Sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Kingley Chinda, Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, and Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, the bills (HB. 200, 1310, 1446 & 1546) aim to grant state governments a greater role in resource governance.
Another set of bills propose the transfer of fingerprints, identification, and criminal records from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List (HB.1411, 1403 & 1918).
Additionally, Hon. Babajimi Benson introduced a bill (HB.1406) to allow states to collect road tolls, while Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere’s HB.1431 seeks to move the construction of non-trunk ‘A’ roads to the Concurrent List.
Another bill (HB.2060), co-sponsored by Benjamin Okezie Kalu and Muhammed Mukhtar, proposes the inclusion of tourism on the Concurrent List to boost the industry’s development at the state level. Another bill (HB.1412) seeks to insert piracy and high-seas crimes into the Exclusive List, reinforcing Nigeria’s maritime security.
Also, HB.1543, sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and Hon. Marcus Onobun, aims to move quarantine-related matters from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List, potentially enhancing states’ responses to health emergencies.
Meanwhile, HB.1512 seeks to allow states to manage water resources within their jurisdictions and ensure financial autonomy for local government councils.
State creation and local government reforms
The House also considered multiple bills seeking the creation of new states, including Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti, among others.
On local governance, HB.1669, sponsored by Hon. Dibiagwu Eugene Okechukwu, aims to reinforce local government autonomy. Conversely, HB.1215 proposes removing local governments as a constitutionally recognised tier of government and placing their creation and funding under state governments.
Traditional institutions and citizenship rights
HBs.203 & 71 propose formal recognition of traditional rulers’ advisory roles in governance, while HB.1195 & 1422 seek to extend citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women. HB.2059 proposed a Citizenship by Investment scheme for foreign investors meeting a set financial threshold.
Also passed were bills revising penalties for capital offences (HB.2120), defining acts of torture (HB.1194), and ensuring free, compulsory basic education as a constitutional right (HBs.1661 & 1206). Additionally, HB.1517 seeks to clarify conditions for declaring a state of emergency, among others.
Why bills got accelerated passage —Reps spokesman
Meanwhile, the House has explained the rationale behind the accelerated passage of the constitution amendment bills through second reading without the general principles of the bills being subjected to debate by the lawmakers.
Speaking to our reporter, the House spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi said the House gave the bills accelerated passage through second reading based on resolution taken and recommendations by the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment.
He added that the measure was to expedite action and the process of the constitution review exercise, adding that the House Rule allows members to take such actions that may ease the work of the House.
According to him, the House needs to speed up the work of the committee ahead of the public hearings of the bills and other activities.
He further said it was in line with the deadline set by the committee to round off its work on the constitution review exercise.
Daily Trust reports that the constitution review committee chaired by the House Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has set December 2025 as the deadline for the conclusion of the constitution amendment exercise.
[DailyTrust]
T.D. Jakes, The Senior Pastor of the Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, has revealed that the life-threatening medical emergency he suffered last year was a heart attack.
The 67-year-old was preaching in his church last November when the incident happened.
Midway through speaking, Jakes paused onstage and was shaking after lowering the microphone.
The much respected cleric was then helped off the stage by church officials.
Jakes said he did not feel any symptoms of a cardiac arrest, but doctors later told him he was preaching with only half of his heart working.
“I didn’t really realize what was happening to me onstage until I got to the hospital in an ambulance and fussing that it happened onstage, by the way, because I didn’t want it to happen, and the doctor leaned over my ear and said, ‘You had a massive heart attack,'” Jakes told Craig Melvin on TODAY.
“The reason I didn’t realize it was because I had none of the symptoms that they say.
“No numbness, no sharp pain, no anything. I just kind of drifted off to sleep. I didn’t know what it was, but I almost died.
“(The doctor) said five minutes later, I’d have been dead on arrival.
“The right side of my heart had completely stopped getting blood at all.
“As long as I was up preaching, I felt fine. But when I sat down, the adrenaline dropped, and it exposed the fact that I was preaching with half of my heart closed through a clot. And they had to go get it,” he added.
[DailyPost]
Seasoned actor Hanks Anuku has shared thoughts on remarriage, revealing that he’s interested in finding love again but with a non-Nigerian.
Anuku said experience with his ex-wife from Asaba has left him traumatised, making him wary of Nigerian women.
In a recent interview on Nollywood Hardcore, Anuku explained that his previous marriage failed due to compatibility issues.
He emphasised that he’s seeking a deeper connection with someone who shares his values and interests.
Anuku revealed that he finds himself more compatible with Caucasian women with whom he had friendships in the past.
Anuku’s preference for Caucasian women is rooted in his experiences abroad where he had many female friends from that background.
He has a particular fondness for blonde women and in contrast, his past marriage was marred by his ex-wife’s constant demands for money and her jealousy over his acting career.
Anuku, who has been separated for over 10 years, said: “My marriage failed because we were not compatible. It was a wrong marriage. She is not the mother of my kids. But I had a stepdaughter she came with from a previous relationship.
“I have been separated for more than 10 years. I’m not married to anybody yet but I have another lady who has two kids for me. She has a son and daughter for me and they live together with their mother. I’m not married again. I’m not married after separating from my first wife. I don’t want to get married to any Nigerian. Because I went through a lot of psychological trauma and all that. I never expected that I was going to be separated from her. It hurt me. But I had to move on.
“I thought I had a chance to get married again but it never happened. The mother of my kids is not the kind of woman I want to get married to. So, we are just friends. She has two kids for me don’t mean I have to marry her. She is just my friend. I’m doing what I can. I like to be married and be happy in the marriage. I have dated for a couple of years and I know that she wasn’t going to be my wife. I like to be in love with somebody and not just be infatuated. Agape love, the greatest of love is what I want in any woman I’m going to get married to.
“It’s not that I don’t want to get married, I’m just scared of Nigerian women. Overseas, I had Caucasian female friends. If I had to go back, it would be a bit too late now. Maybe, if I go on vacation and I find a friend… I found myself a lot more compatible with Caucasian women. When I was overseas, I never dated any coloured woman. Blonde women are my specs. They never bothered me until I came to Nigeria.
“My ex-wife is a Nigerian woman from Asaba. I was in love with her. We were in school together but she was always demanding money. And she also asked me to stop acting because she was jealous of other women being around me. I told her I couldn’t stop acting.”
[TheNation]
…Intrigues, as dark forces plot to truncate credible polls in 2027
…Why President Tinubu should be concerned about the credibility of polls
…Nigeria’s history of encouraging electoral malfeasance by side-stepping the law
…How dependable institutional memory can deliver effective election management
…The challenge of rebuilding confidence in INEC
Vanguard can authoritatively confirm that there is a plot to compromise the 2027 general election through the instrumentality of appointing a yes-man as a replacement for Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the National Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Yakubu’s tenure ends in November of this year when he will have served two terms.
What Vanguard cannot confirm is when the plot began.
At press time, Vanguard investigations revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to be fully boarded on the plot’s platform.
However, forces pulling the strings from outside Aso Rock Presidential Villa are known friends of the President.
They are also working with powerful Aso Rock insiders.
The arrowhead of this move is a former South-South governor and a member of the class of 1999.
This comes at a time the credibility of the Election Management Body is suffering a massive discount due to the 2023 general elections and the off-season elections it has conducted since then.
One option being pursued for the plot to succeed is the nomination and confirmation of a malleable individual as Yakubu’s successor.
A number of names (withheld by Vanguard) is already being put forward for possible consideration.
Unfortunately, the individuals positioned by the plotters had served as National Commissioners of the Commission, and Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, who did not dress themselves in shining armour during their tenure.
In fact, the seemingly plausible consideration for their choice is the extent of their malleability, which would mean an erosion of INEC’s credibility in conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Nigerians recall with nostalgia how the 2003 and 2007 general elections went, culminating in the public admission by a beneficiary of the 2007 sham presidential election, late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, that there were flaws in the election that brought him to power.
Flouting constitutional provision
Under a democracy with a written Constitution, unlike the British parliamentary system where the Constitution is unwritten, the power exercisable by any elected or appointed state official like the President must derive from the Constitution; otherwise, it is null and void.
That is why Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) declares unambiguously: “This Constitution is supreme, and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons, (including the President) throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
INEC is established under Section 153 of the Constitution.
The mode of appointment of the Chairman and members is provided for under Section 154(1) and (2) of the Constitution only. In exercising his power to appoint the Chairman or members of INEC, the Constitution mandatorily says, “the president shall consult the Council of State”, and such appointment again “shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.”
The Constitution established INEC as genuinely independent and clearly stated under the Third Schedule, Paragraph 14, that its members “shall be persons of unquestionable integrity” and “shall not be members of a political party.”
Recently, card-carrying members of the ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, were appointed as Commissioners in INEC. Unfortunately, this practice did not start with the APC.
Avoiding former President Buhari’s blunder
On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, something very curious but strangely indecipherable, happened when President Muhammadu Buhari, who rode on the back of the vigour and determination of Nigerians to engage change, threw INEC into a cesspit of needless controversy, by not appointing a substantive national chairman for INEC until the tenure of the largely reformative Professor Attahiru Jega ended.
Acting in line with statutes and order of seniority, Jega had handed over to Ambassador (Dr.) Ahmed Wali to head and supervise the activities of the commission until a substantive chairman is appointed “in consultation with the Council of State” – as stated by the constitution.
However, within 24 hours, Buhari, who had just been sworn-in, barely 36 hours earlier, overruled Jega and appointed a familial, nay filial relation, Mrs Amina Bala Zakari, as acting head of INEC.
The Head of The Civil Service of The Federation at that time, Barr. Danladi Kifasi, who conveyed the appointment in a letter, said the appointment was with effect from 30th of June, 2015 until the appointment of a substantive chairman.
At that time, both Wali and Zakari were National Commissioners of INEC.
But in terms of seniority, Wali trumped Zakari.
Interestingly, Buhari, who had been declared winner of the presidential election of March 2015 and who ought to have been briefed by his transition team on appointments he needed to make immediately he assumed office, either had no clue about what was happening in INEC or had made up his mind to appoint a family member as INEC chairman.
The furore Buhari’s misstep generated in the country at that time threw INEC under the bus and it took several investigative stories by Vanguard, accompanied by opposition from patriotic activists in the country to stop Buhari from appointing his ‘sister’ as INEC chairman.
It was not until Wednesday, October 21, 2015 — almost four months after — that Buhari appointed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as substantive INEC chairman, after a series of lobbying and counter-lobbying to get a ’suitable replacement’ for Jega.
That ‘suitable replacement’ conducted the two controversial 2019 and 2023 general elections – whereas the former was immersed in a controversy over the presence of a server in INEC, the latter suffered incalculable damage when its much- touted BVAS and IReV platforms were rendered ineffective.
There are five clear months ahead for President Tinubu to seek and appoint a fitting replacement in the mould of a Jega, as was done in Ghana, when Kwadwo Afari-Gyan’s tenure ended, and Madam Jean Mensa was appointed to continue the good works Afari-Gyan started.
Why President Tinubu should be concerned about the credibility of polls
Aso Rock insiders have reliably informed Vanguard that President Tinubu understands the importance of credible polls.
According to a source close to the President, “his declaration that NYSC members should be used to support the conduct of the coming census is not just about saving cost alone but about ensuring credibility of the process. It is the same way he is looking at the appointment of who will succeed Professor Yakubu. He wants a credible process, and he wants to help ensure that Nigerians’ confidence in INEC is not shaken”.
There is a positive history about this.
Nigerians remember President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan because of his legacy of the free, fair, and credible general elections in 2015. That is why he enjoys international recognition as a credible election observer.
Before Jonathan, former head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar enjoyed plausible international recognition after he handed over to a civilian administration and completed a transition programme that saw a credible election process in 1999.
Owu-born former military and civilian president Mathew Okikiolakan Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo continues to enjoy international acclaim because of his 1979 transition programme, which birthed the Second Republic. This was when African Heads of State were transmuting into civilian presidents.
These speak to global recognition of the critical role credible elections play and the primacy of integrity of the leader under whose watch such elections are conducted or vice versa.
The Nigerian Electoral laws about the best in Africa but require operators with integrity
Like many African countries that subscribe to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD, peer review democratic process and the AU Charter on Democracy and Good Governance, Nigeria has domesticated the same norms and standards and even gone further to extend their utility in the Nigerian context by innovating with processes such as Biometric electronic voters register, the use of electronic transmission of election results from polling units and several other amendments to the electoral rules approved by political actors based on experiential recommendations to improve the integrity of the electoral process.
Yet, despite these innovations, which, in many instances, are well ahead of other electoral legislative frameworks in Africa, operators often falter or are pressured to falter in implementing the framework’s provisions and guidelines.
How dependable institutional memory can deliver effective election management
The Akwa-Ibom and Abia instances demonstrated the important impact of human agency, which contrasted with the Adamawa scenario.
These contrasting scenarios, along with the dogged fashion demonstrated in Akwa Ibom by REC, Mike Igini, in pursuing the prosecution of two university professors for electoral offences and the actions of Professor Nnenna Oti in Abia, refusing to be cowed into announcing a fraudulent result, are stark comparisons to the actions of Adamawa REC, who, against electoral guidelines, decided to announce a fictitious governorship election result.
In the same vein, removing one Chidi Nwafor as Director of ICT negatively impacted the 2023 general elections, particularly the embarrassing malfunctioning of the IREV, the inviolability of which Professor Yakubu had boasted.
Then there is the non-re-appointment of Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, a National Commissioner in charge of Operations who saved the Anambra elections from manipulation — even from internal sabotage — and represents a blight by not acknowledging and promoting appointees who have demonstrated a high sense of integrity.
Even the late Professors Eme Awa and Humphrey Nwosus’s team of electoral operators still have some living members.
Whereas they may have advanced in age, Professors Adele Jinadu, a former National Commissioner, and Tonnie Iredia, NEC Director of Public Affairs, are still alive and their institutional memory would be invaluable to the Tinubu administration.
The Nigerian electoral process requires a root and branch reform beyond policing election malpractice and fraud, one steeped in appointing and retaining those with a proven track record of diligence and probity.
The appointment of tested and trusted hands will assist in de-escalating the competitiveness of elections, and the process may become more manageable in terms of procedures, including minimising the influence of political actors in determining how election laws are formulated and approved.
Such reforms and several others recommended and widely accepted by citizens as necessary for election integrity should be championed by the Tinubu regime as someone who rose to leadership under a process of resistance to election annulment.
Obtaining the public’s support for such revival will be a significant step towards greater legitimacy, as will appointing credible election managers to steer such reforms to the EMB.
Former Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, who battled forces against the commission, ensured that the 2015 general elections enjoyed credibility while working with some trusted National Commissioners and RECs.
Curiously, some of those with whom Jega delivered the 2015 election were gradually eased out of the system.
More curiously, Vanguard investigations have revealed that the Buhari administration’s deliberate policy is to cease re-appointing some of the most truculent adherents to the rule of law and the electoral guidelines of INEC.
That was why the general elections of 2019 suffered disputations over the issue of the INEC Server, which suddenly became non-existent after being approved, budgeted for, and bought.
This was even after the national chairman had openly boasted that a server would warehouse the results of that year’s elections.
The challenge of rebuilding INEC and the vanishing tribe of Nigerian voters
Apart from 2003, when 39 million Nigerians were said to have trooped out to vote, a figure representing 69.1%, the population of Nigerians who vote at every general election cycle has continued to dwindle (See box). In 1999, 29.8 million people were said to have voted (52.3%); in 2007, 35.4 million voted (57.5%) and the election was considered a rape on free, fair and credible polls; in 2011, 38.2 million voted (53.7%); in 2015, 28.6 million voted (43.7%); in 2019, 27.3 million voted (34.8%); and in 2023, 24 million voted (26.7%).
So, why have the figures been shrinking?
A combination of factors, ranging from voter apathy occasioned by a lack of trust in INEC and the continuing hardship voters face on the day of the election, to logistical issues that appear not to be improving, election day violence that scares voters away, and a growing frustration on the part of voters that their votes do not count, is responsible.
The problem may get worse in 2027 because, for all the promises and assurances given by Professor Yakubu about the inviolability of BVAS and IReV, promises that galvanised millions of Nigerians to show interest in the election, their hopes were dashed once it was discovered that some results were not uploaded.
To avoid this, weaknesses in pre-election matters need to be strengthened; post-election dispute resolution reforms need to be implemented, and BVAS and result transmission need to be strengthened.
If President Tinubu can see to the implementation of some of these recommendations and a few others, he may be building a legacy of probity and integrity.