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Supreme Court sacks Abure as Labour Party’s national chairman

Bankole ABE
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Supreme Court sacks Abure as Labour Party’s national chairman

THE Supreme Court has sacked Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

The court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recognised Abure as chairman of LP.

The apex court in a unanimous judgment on Friday, April 4, held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to declare Abure as the National Chairman of the LP, having earlier decided that the case was about the party’s leadership.

The five-member panel of the court declared that issues of leadership are internal affairs of a political party over which courts lack jurisdiction. The court ruled that Abure’s tenure had since expired.

The Supreme Court ruled in favour of Nenadi Usman, a former senator who heads the caretaker committee of the LP.

The court dismissed the appeal court ruling, declaring it invalid, while dismissing the opposing appeal by Abure’s faction of the LP for lacking merit.

Recall, The ICIR reported that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in January 2025, affirmed Abure as the national chairman of the LP.

The court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, upheld the October 8 judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give the LP under Abure’s leadership all the rights and privileges accorded a political party duly registered in Nigeria.

In the judgment delivered on Friday, January, the lead judge, Hamma Barka, upheld the earlier judgment of November 13, 2024, which recognises Abure as the party’s national chairman.

The court affirmed that this decision had not been reversed by any other court.

It maintained that a previous judgment made by the Federal High Court on October 8, 2024, by Emeka Nwite was no longer valid because it was made without the court having the proper jurisdiction.

As a result, the Court of Appeal struck out that judgment and stated that its decision was consistent with other recent rulings, including one from the Supreme Court that affirmed the candidacy of an LP candidate in the Imo state governorship election.

The ICIR had reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier declared Abure as the substantive national chairman of the LP.

Delivering judgment in the suit on Tuesday, October 8, the judge, Emeka Nwite, affirmed the Abure-led leadership.

The court also recognised the March 2024 Nnewi convention that produced Abure and other executives of the party.

The judge ordered INEC to recognise Abure as the legitimate chairman of the LP, overturning the commission’s rejection of the Abure-led leadership.

INEC had earlier claimed that the LP’s national convention held in Nnewi violated the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act and failed to meet legal requirements.

The electoral body claimed Abure’s tenure as LP chairman expired in June 2024 and refused to recognise him as the party’s national chairman.

The commission stated this in response to a lawsuit filed by the LP challenging its exclusion from INEC’s refresher training for uploading party agents ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

The INEC’s legal team, led by Tanko Inuwa, a senior advocate, said that the LP’s lawsuit seeking declaratory reliefs would not be granted.

The ICIR reported in September 2024 that the crisis in the LP reached its peak when the Abure-led faction withdrew the automatic ticket it previously earmarked for the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and Abia State governor, Alex Otti, for the 2027 presidential and governorship elections, respectively.

Trump’s tariff measures pose risk to global economy, IMF warns

Ehime ALEX
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Trump’s tariff measures pose risk to global economy, IMF warns

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concerns that United States President Donald Trump’s tariff measures pose a significant risk to the global economy.

The IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, raised the concern in a statement issued late on Thursday, April 3.

She said, “We are still assessing the macroeconomic implications of the announced tariff measures, but they represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth. It is important to avoid steps that could further harm the world economy.

“We appeal to the United States and its trading partners to work constructively to resolve trade tensions and reduce uncertainty.”

Georgieva indicated that the IMF, a member of the Bretton Woods financial institution, would publish its assessment of Trump’s tariff disruption to the global economy later this month.

“We will share the results of our assessment in the World Economic Outlook, which will be published at the time of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings later this month,” she added.

The U.S. president intensified a global trade war Wednesday, April 2, slapping sweeping tariffs on imports from allies and foes alike, sending markets into a tailspin and challenging long-established free trade norms.

He imposed a 14 per cent tariff on exports from Nigeria to the U.S., arguing that Nigeria imposes a 27 per cent tariff on U.S. exports, which he said has long harmed American businesses and consumers, The ICIR reported.

Trump also introduced a broader trade policy that includes a standard 10 per cent tariff on all U.S. imports, along a 14 per cent tariff on Nigerian exports.

The new tariffs, effective immediately, apply to over 50 countries, including major trade partners such as China, the European Union (EU), India, and Japan, along with developing economies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

China and the EU have vowed retaliation against the levies, with Australia’s leader saying the new tariffs were “not the act of a friend” and would hurt the close allies’ relationship.

Shortly after Trump’s announcement, separate tariffs of 25 per cent on all foreign-made cars and light trucks went into effect, with auto parts also scheduled to be affected by May 3.

He tagged his stinging tariffs on major trade partners, China and the EU, on what he called “Liberation Day.”

This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It’s our declaration of economic independence, Trump had said.

Trump believes the tariffs would restore the U.S. economy to a lost “Golden Age,” he had maintained, stressing that for decades, the U.S. has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike.

Trump, whose mantra is to ‘Make America wealthy again, portrays his tariff measures as part of a broader effort to safeguard American industries and ensure that foreign nations adhere to “fair” trade rules.

Court restrains police, SSS from arresting Fubara’s chief of staff

Bankole ABE
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Court restrains police, SSS from arresting Fubara’s chief of staff

A STATE High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has restrained the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Director-General, State Security Service (SSS) from inviting or arresting the Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Edison Ehie.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Police Service Commission (PSC), and State Director of SSS are also defendants in the case.

The trial judge, I. Igwe, on Thursday, April 3, ruled in favour of the claimant after the defendants failed to appear, granting several orders.

The court grants the claimant permission to serve legal documents on the defendants, who are outside the court’s jurisdiction, specifically in Abuja.

He ruled that the documents can be served directly to their addresses in Abuja or by sending them via courier service to their Abuja addresses, with proof of delivery filed in court.

The court also issued a temporary order stopping the defendants from inviting, harassing, arresting, or detaining the claimant about an alleged arson incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly and statements made by a former Head of Service (HoS) in Rivers State, George Nwaeke.

The judge added that both parties must maintain the current situation until the court hears the motion. The court ruled that Ehie must also provide a ₦2 million guarantee.

The case was adjourned until April 30, 2025, for the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Recall that the former HoS, Nwaeke, granted an interview where he made some serious allegations against suspended Rivers Governor Fubara.

He claimed the governor was planning to back Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in the 2027 presidential election and even accused him of meeting with militants to orchestrate attacks on oil facilities and other assets.

A short time after, Florence, the wife of the former HoS Nwaeke, raised an alarm over the whereabouts of her husband.

Florence, who spoke in an interview on Channels TV late Friday evening, March 28 told journalists she was afraid for her husband’s safety and had no idea where he was. She further called on Nigerians for help in locating her husband.

However, Nwaeke in a separate interview contradicted the wife’s claim that he was kidnapped.

Nwaeke, in a video released in the early hours of Saturday, said he’s safe in Abuja, where he voluntarily went to report himself to security agencies over recent developments in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, Fubara, in response to Nwaeke’s claims suggested that the former HoS may have been paid or coerced to have made the “false” claims against him.

Fubara shared screenshots of chats between Nwaeke and his HoS, Ehie.

The chats revealed that Nwaeke asked Ehie for money and support, promising loyalty in return. He claimed his N500,000 salary was insufficient for his needs.

The ICIR reported that Nwaeke’s resignation as HoS was announced in a statement Tuesday morning by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

President Bola Tinubu also declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18,The ICIR also reported.

The declaration followed political turbulence in the state.

I will soon present sexual Assault evidence against Akpabio — Natasha

Mustapha USMAN
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I will soon present sexual Assault evidence against Akpabio — Natasha

THE Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has again reaffirmed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that she has evidence to support her claims and will present it in court at the appropriate time.  

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television program on Thursday night, April 3, the embattled senator addressed growing questions over whether she had proof to support her allegations against Akpabio.

She maintained that her suspension from the Senate was politically motivated and linked to her refusal to yield to Akpabio’s alleged advances.  

“At the right time and the right space, I will present the evidence that I have,” she stated. “But let me say this, when I was suspended, I wasn’t given a chance for the matter to be investigated, and the committee that was set up did not invite me.”  

Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of targeting her after she rejected his alleged advances, claiming that her suspension was orchestrated to silence her.  

She made the allegations following the altercation over the sitting arrangement that led to Akpabio ordering the sergeant-at-arms to eject her from the Senate chamber.

She said her stance towards the advances was the reason for her incessant conflicts with the Senate President at plenaries within the National Assembly Complex.

Speaking during an earlier interview on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on Friday, February 28, the female lawmaker claimed that some of Akpabio’s love proposals were made to her on the phone and face to face in her husband’s presence.

But following her allegations, the Kogi senator was suspended from the Senate in March over what the Senate described as violations of the ground rules.

However, Akpabio denied allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Dismissing the allegations, Senator Akpabio said, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. My late single mother raised me very well, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

The Senate President, who said he had been inundated with calls on the matter since February 25 and that he was aware of the growing social media discourse. He urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from concluding and instead await the court’s decision on the matter.

Although the Kogi senator, on Wednesday, March 5, submitted an official petition regarding the sexual harassment and abuse of office by Akpabio, the Ethics Committee threw out the petition, citing key procedural oversights that allegedly undermined the petition’s legitimacy.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, resubmitted the petition shortly before her suspension.

Wike: I will send condolence letters to those spreading dead rumours about me

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Wike: I will send condolence letters to those spreading dead rumours about me

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stated on Thursday that he intends to write condolence letters to those who falsely reported his death.

Wike made these remarks on Thursday, April 3, in Abuja, following an inspection of four ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory, including the International Conference Centre.

He dismissed the social media rumour alleging that he had collapsed at an event last week as the work of individuals attempting to gain cheap political points.

He said, “I don’t want to give credence to people who are only interested in carrrying rumours. First of all, I am a human being; it is not a ghost that would collapse; it is a human being that will collapse if there were any health issues. Unfortunately, I did not collapse.”

A social media post had surfaced online on March 29, claiming the minister had collapsed during a meeting in Abuja and had been flown to France.

The minister asserted that the rumours were fabricated to divert attention from revelations made by the immediate past Rivers Head of Service (HoS), George Nwaeke, regarding the explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Everyone will die one day; no one will remain forever, but it is only God who can tell you when you will die, not human beings.

“Some of those who said I would die, I can assure you that I will write their condolence letters,” he added.

On March 29, few days after he resigned as HoS, George Nwaeke alleged that the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalyi Fubara, orchestrated the destruction of the State House of Assembly and engaged in economic sabotage to undermine President Bola Tinubu.

In a video press conference, Nwaeke alleged that Fubara orchestrated the bombing of the State House of Assembly through his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

Nwaeke’s wife, Florence Nwaeke, raised concerns about her husband’s whereabouts on March 28.

In an interview on Channels TV Florence said she was afraid for her husband’s safety and had no knowledge of his location.
However, in a video released in the early hours of March 29, the former Head of Service contradicted his wife’s claims that he had been kidnapped, stating that he was safe in Abuja, where he had voluntarily gone to report recent developments in Rivers State to security agencies.

PETROAN cautions against substandard petrol importation

Ehime ALEX
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PETROAN cautions against substandard petrol importation

THE Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called on regulatory bodies in the oil and gas industry to monitor the importation of substandard petroleum products, as the renewal of the naira-for-crude agreement is delayed.

PETROAN made the call in a statement on Thursday, April 3 by its spokesperson, Joseph Obele.

It noted that as the naira-for-crude tenure had ended, the association was cautioning refinery operators to prioritise the importation of high-quality crude oil.

“We call on regulatory agencies to be on high alert and conduct thorough laboratory analysis on all crude oil imports to ensure they meet the required standards.

“We also urge the relevant authorities to ensure that refinery operators adhere to the highest standards in their operations, including the importation of high-quality crude oil,” Obele stated.

The ICIR reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) are apex regulators in the Nigerian downstream and upstream oil and gas sector.

In the statement on Thursday, Obele said the association is concerned that the importation of substandard petroleum products would compromise the quality, undermine the growth and development of the oil and gas industry, and ultimately harm Nigerian consumers.

“We urge the refinery operators to ensure that the crude oil imported meets global standards to guarantee the production of high-quality petroleum products.

“It is noteworthy that Nigerian crude oil, classified as Sweet Crude (with less than 0.5 per cent sulphur content), is among the best in the world, and we see no reason why imported crude oil should be of lower standards,” he stressed.

He said the notion that the price of petroleum products might likely increase as the naira-for-crude deal comes to an end is a serious concern to PETROAN.

“To avoid this scenario and ensure price stability and energy sufficiency, PETROAN advocates that the window for importation of refined petroleum products should remain open,” Obele said.

He, however, said PETROAN was optimistic that the recent increase in the price of petrol is temporary.

Obele noted that the federal government’s reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) encourage competition in the downstream sector, maintaining that competition is a catalyst for price reduction in any sector.

“We believe that as the market adjusts to the new realities, prices will stabilise and eventually decrease.

“To further protect the interests of our members and the Nigerian consumers, PETROAN will be vigilant and proactive,” he said.

The PETROAN spokesman hinted that the association would conduct laboratory tests on refined petroleum products to ensure its members and the public are not sold substandard products.

The Dangote Refinery on March 19 announced a temporary suspension of its sale of petroleum products in naira to oil marketers.

This comes as the naira-for-crude initiative, which started on October 1, 2024, and ended on March 31, 2025, has yet to be renewed, The ICIR reported.

The deal mandates that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in naira.

During the period, the pump prices of petrol products dropped sharply to about N860 in some retail outlets across the country.

However, following a delay in negotiations for the renewal of the deal, the Dangote Refinery on March 19 announced a temporary halt on the sale of petroleum products in naira.

Since then, the pump prices of petrol have been adjusted upward to above N900 in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja.

PSC approves appointment of Agbonika as Edo police commissioner amid Uromi killings controversy

Bankole ABE
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PSC approves appointment of Agbonika as Edo police commissioner amid Uromi killings controversy

THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Monday Agbonika as the Commissioner of Police (CP) for Edo State.

He replaces Betty Otimenyin, who was appointed on January 16, 2025.

Prior to his deployment to Edo State, where he now serves as the CP, Agbonika held the position of Commissioner of Police (Mounted Troops), Force Equitation Officer at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement released on Thursday, April 2, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani disclosed that Agbonika, who attended a posting interview chaired by PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu, was tasked with proactively addressing and reducing the crime rate in Edo State.

He was specifically directed to investigate the recent killings of 16 travelling hunters in the state, and was informed that his success in the role would depend on how he handled the suspects arrested in connection with these killings.

Furthermore, the new CP was advised to ensure the involvement of relevant police departments, and not to rely solely on tactical units.

According to the statement, Agbonika assured the commission that he would uphold the relevant laws in the discharge of his duties and would always rely on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for necessary guidance.

The new Edo CP served as Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner of Interpol, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos; DCP Operations, Ports Authority Police Command, Port Harcourt.

He also served as DCP Department of Finance and Admin, Zone 16 Yenagoa; Area Commander Ota, Ogun State; Area Commander Idiimu, Lagos; and pioneer Area Commander, Ayetoro, Ogun State, amongst other postings.

The ICIR reported that President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians condemned the gruesome murder of some hunters who were in transit by an irate mob in Uromi, Edo State.

The ICIR gathered that the victims were travelling in a Dangote Cement truck when they were waylaid around 1.30 pm in the Udune Efandion community by local security.

Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, March 28, ordered a manhunt for the killers.

Tinubu, who expressed shock at the dastardly act, directed police and other security agencies to conduct swift and thorough investigations and punish the suspected culprits.

Also commenting on the incident, a former vice president and the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, said he was deeply saddened by reports of the tragic killing that took place in Edo State.

In a tweet he posted on X, Abubakar said the protection of innocent lives must remain paramount and urged the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a recurrence of jungle justice.

In a post on X regarding the incident, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, stated that the news of the killings of travellers is deeply saddening.

According to him, such killings have become a recurring tragedy in our decaying society.

He hailed the government for condemning the incident and initiating an investigation, and urged the authorities to address the killings of Edo indigenes to ensure that justice is served for all.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has confirmed that suspects arrested in connection with the brutal killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation after the Eid-el-Fitri public holiday.

Okpebholo disclosed this on Monday, March 31, during a meeting with his Kano State counterpart, Abba Yusuf, and the deceased families. 

While speaking at the gathering, Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. 

The unfortunate killing of the travellers in Edo State has generated outrage on social media, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the ugly incident.

Accountability: ICPC unveils initiative to monitor LG funds

Bankole ABE
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Accountability: ICPC unveils initiative to monitor LG funds

THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced that it will begin monitoring funds across the 774 local governments in Nigeria.

This was disclosed during the launch of its Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme (ACPP-LG) in Abuja on Thursday, April 3.

In his welcome speech at the event, the chairman of the ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, explained that the initiative aims to detect and prevent the misuse of public funds, ensuring that resources allocated for national development are judiciously applied.

According to him, local governments play a vital role in delivering public services. However, many have struggled due to weak transparency mechanisms and the misappropriation of funds.

He said the ICPC initiative is urgent because over 60 per cent of corruption cases investigated by the commission at this level involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure.

“This decision ensures the direct disbursement of funds to local councils, removing undue state interference and creating a crucial opportunity for governance reform.

“As an anti-corruption agency, ICPC is committed to ensuring the success of this reform by enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.”

He added that the objectives of the programme are designed to strengthen financial management, governance standards, and proactive disclosure in local councils.

He stressed that key objectives include ensuring transparency in local government operations and decision-making, facilitating proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities, enhancing public communication and citizen engagement in governance.

He stated that the fight against corruption at the grassroots level is  for Nigeria’s future and urged all stakeholders to ensure that money meant for development is used for the people.

ICPC launches ACPPLG to monitor LG funds usage
A cross section of participants at the event

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, M.B. Abubakar, said the recent landmark judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the financial autonomy of local governments is a historic stride towards liberating the third tier of government from excessive state interference, thereby enhancing their effective capacity to deliver essential services to the grassroots.

He added that the significance of the judgement cannot be overstated, as it serves not only as a legal affirmation of constitutional principles but also as a moral directive towards fostering inclusive and sustainable development across the nation.

He stressed that the federal government remains resolute in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance at all levels, as encapsulated in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

He commended the ICPC for its unwavering dedication to the cause of integrity, transparency, and good governance.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Emmanuel Udende, who was represented at the occasion, said that as lawmakers, they are fully committed to enacting and strengthening legislations that promote accountability, transparency, and good governance at all levels.

He added that the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes will work tirelessly to support policies that guarantee the responsible management of public funds, ensuring that allocations meant for local governments translate into real development for the people.

He said that through oversight functions, the National Assembly will remain vigilant in ensuring that local government administrations are held accountable.

In his remarks, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Kayode Akiolu, said the unveiling of the accountability and corruption prevention programme of the ICPC was timely and relevant and draws on the truism that prevention is better than cure.

Akiolu said the local government is the third tier of government and is clearly the closest to the people and requires all hands on deck to make the system work because they possess the capacity to impact the highest number of people in the country.

“Regrettably, in spite of years of reforms, the local government system continues to struggle to deliver on its mandate of taking good governance to the people in mostly rural areas and relieving other tiers of government of avoidable pressure.

According to Akiolu, the biggest impediment to the effectiveness of the local government system was its capture by state governments.

He added that good governance is achievable in Nigeria and called for the urgent need for unity of purpose in the nation with the anti-corruption fight.

Highlighting how the assessment of the 774 local government areas will be conducted, the spokesperson of the ICPC, Demola Bakare, said the methodology will be based on five focal points, which include fiscal transparency, open procurement, human resources, corruption control, and citizen engagement.

ICPC launches ACPPLG to monitor LG funds usage
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, making a presentation at the event

Bakare said that by focusing on these areas, the ICPC aims to strengthen governance structures, enhance service delivery, and restore public trust in local governments.

The ACCPP-LG is organised by the ICPC in partnership with the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

There were goodwill messages from a former Executive Secretary of NEITI, Waziri Adio, the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Others include, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) and the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

Natasha: INEC rejects recall petition

Mustapha USMAN  and  Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Natasha: INEC rejects recall petition

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled that the petition seeking to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District has failed to meet constitutional requirements.

Following a physical count of the signatures and thumbprints submitted, INEC determined that the petition did not have enough valid signatories to trigger a recall process, as stipulated in Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In a statement issued on Thursday, April 3, 2025, after its weekly meeting, INEC disclosed that Kogi Central has 474,554 registered voters.  For a recall petition to be valid, it must be signed by more than half of this number, at least 237,278 voters.  However, after verification, only 208,132 signatures were confirmed, representing 43.86 per cent of registered voters. This figure fell short by 29,146 signatures, rendering the petition invalid.

“For emphasis, a petition for the recall of a Senator must comply with the provision of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency. The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e., 50 per cent+1) is 237,277+1, which is at least 237,278 voters.

“Across the 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas and five Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District, the Commission ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners. This translates to 43.86 per cent of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories,” the statement added.

A visualisation of the recall signature by INEC.
A visualisation of the recall petition by INEC.

INEC emphasised that the petition was reviewed in line with its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring due process and fairness. 

With the petition failing to meet the constitutional requirement, INEC stated that no further action would be taken regarding the senator’s recall.

“Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” INEC said.

It further noted that public notice has been issued by Clause 2(d) of the 2024 Recall Regulations, with the summary of the verification process made available on INEC’s official website and social media platforms.

The recall petition, submitted by a group identified as Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, was presented to INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on March 24, 2025.

It alleged that  Akpoti-Uduaghan had engaged in misconduct, abused her office, and displayed a pattern of deceitful behaviour that embarrassed the constituents and the Senate.

The petitioners claimed to have secured signatures from over half of the district’s registered voters, but INEC’s verification process proved otherwise.

With the recall attempt now officially dismissed, Akpoti-Uduaghan will continue to represent Kogi Central in the Senate.

Read how to recall your representative HERE.

Want to recall your lawmaker? Here’s how to do it in Nigeria

Lagos governor apologises over traffic chaos caused by bridge repairs

Ehime ALEX
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Lagos governor apologises over traffic chaos caused by bridge repairs

LAGOS State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has apologised to residents of the state for the severe traffic congestion experienced on Wednesday and Thursday morning, which was caused by ongoing repair work on the Independence Bridge.

He issued the apology on behalf of the state and the Federal Government, according to a statement released on Thursday, April 3, by his media aide, Jubril Gawat.

The closure of the bridge for essential repairs had left thousands of Lagosians stranded in the area.

Videos and photos of commuters stuck in the gridlock circulated widely on social media following the closure, prompting significant public criticism.

“Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu, says all the alternatives will be cleaned up more than before; More traffic officers and security operatives will be deployed to the roads as was done during the December period.

“Mr Governor also appealed to Lagosians to keep obeying traffic rules and also offices that can work from home, or work online for this period of work,” Gawat stated.

The ICIR reported on March 16 that the Lagos state government announced the shutdown of the Independence/Mekwen Bridge (inbound Marina/CMS route) for two months to allow emergency repairs.

According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the emergency repairs are scheduled to take place from Wednesday, March 19, to Monday, May 26.

During the repair work, the section of the road from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) through Bonny Camp Bridge and down to Independence Bridge would be closed to vehicular movement.

Similarly, the Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge service lane inbound Independence Bridge will not be available for motorists.

However, the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe will be open to traffic.

Motorists travelling to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way are advised to use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue inbound towards Akin Adesola Street, then proceed to Falomo Roundabout, and subsequently join Obafemi Awolowo Road to access Ring Road and continue their journeys, among other directives.

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to social media to criticise the government’s handling of the situation.

An X user, Mosebolatan, lamented why the governor is making law enforcement that should be standard practice appear like it is for special occasions, like road maintenance.

“Should a koropes [mini bus] drive against traffic anywhere? Should “double parking” happen at all?

“We all studied Traffic Management in our Civil Engineering undergrad [sic] years and it’s shameful that construction, reconstruction and maintenance works are done without proper planning,” Mosebolatan lamented.

The user added that there would be heavy traffic, but that management was key, stressing that there could be temporary and alternating lane shifts for morning and evening rush hour traffic.

Another X user, Afeez Ojuolape, further suggested that the Lagos state government could implement other time-sharing on another lane that they have not yet been concerned with repair works.

“Traffic movement from 12 am to 12 pm inward Ahmadu Bello and 1 pm to 12 am traffic movement outward Ahmadu Bello, while the alternative routes serve as the backup,” Ojuolape said.

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