Author: Gabby

The Ekiti State Police Command has declared a ban on vehicle movement throughout the state for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday. This announcement was made by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, in a statement released on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.

The restriction will be in effect from midnight until 6:00 p.m., covering all roads within Ekiti, including both intra-state and inter-state routes. The measure is part of a comprehensive security plan designed to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and violence-free electoral process.

All forms of motorized transport, such as private cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles, are subject to the ban. However, students and candidates taking part in national examinations are exempt and may travel to their test centers.

Travelers who plan to pass through the state on election day are advised to find alternative routes. Accredited officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, ad-hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and other essential service providers will be allowed to move during the restriction period as long as they carry valid identification and clearance tags.

The police spokesperson also stated that VIPs traveling with armed escorts to polling units and collation centers will not be permitted. Construction companies working on road projects in the state are advised to suspend active work for the duration of the election due to safety concerns.

Only personnel from recognized security agencies and organizations under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be authorized to provide security at polling units, collation centers, and other election-related facilities.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly criticized Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, accusing him of functioning as an anti-democratic element within the judiciary. In a statement released on Friday, Eze claimed that the judge is secretly working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Eze, Justice Lifu and similar judicial officers are being manipulated by desperate politicians who view themselves as untouchable and aim to influence court rulings against any perceived threat to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. He argued that these actions are not based on conjecture but are blatant attempts to eliminate competition.

Eze pointed out that Justice Lifu would never dare to issue a reprimand against figures like Nyesom Wike, highlighting a double standard in the judge’s conduct. He accused Justice Lifu of making a mockery of his position by becoming a cheap instrument for his benefactors, who are determined to decimate the opposition. Eze questioned whether the judge must carry out such duties for the APC at the expense of the judiciary’s integrity.

The ADC chieftain further alleged that Justice Lifu demonstrated excessive eagerness by willfully ignoring an Appeal Court order that instructed him to halt proceedings in a case seeking the deregistration of several political parties. Eze asserted that Nigeria’s judiciary has been compromised ever since the previous administration, led by Muhammadu Buhari, attacked and prosecuted Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen and other Supreme Court justices. Since then, some judges, including Justice Lifu, have abandoned their apolitical stance out of fear and have embraced alliances with civilian despots and corrupt politicians.

Despite these criticisms, Eze acknowledged that there are still courageous and patriotic judicial officers who deliver justice based on law, without bias or fear. He lambasted Justice Lifu for disregarding established judicial precedents in order to fulfill the objectives of what he termed drowning political misfits who are terrified of opposition due to their poor governance record.

Eze, who previously served as National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), commended the Appeal Court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for condemning what he described as Justice Lifu’s judicial rascality. He noted that the ultimate aim of these maneuvers is to prevent the ADC’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, from contesting in the 2027 elections, but he expressed confidence that Nigerians would thwart such plans and oust the APC from power.

He remarked that the fear of a potential Atiku-Amaechi ticket has motivated President Tinubu’s actions. Eze thanked the Appeal Court for staying the controversial deregistration judgment and praised INEC for challenging it. He concluded by calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and discipline Justice Lifu for issuing an order that further damages public perception of the judiciary and subverts the rule of law.

The Nigeria Police Force has wrapped up its security preparations for the Ekiti State governorship election, confirming that all necessary deployments are now in place. The election is scheduled for Saturday, and the police have covered all 2,545 polling units across the state, along with critical infrastructure, major routes, border areas, and other strategic spots.

CP Shogule Abayomi, the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security, announced that a multi-layered security approach has been implemented to ensure the process is peaceful, credible, and seamless. He emphasized that personnel and equipment have been stationed at polling units and other key locations to protect voters, election officials, observers, and materials.

IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu assured the public that all officers on election duty have been thoroughly instructed on their roles and rules of engagement. They are expected to act professionally, impartially, and within legal boundaries.

The police warned that any electoral offenses or actions that could compromise the election’s integrity will face penalties under the Electoral Act and other laws. Residents are urged to stay law-abiding and maintain peace throughout the voting period.

A dedicated emergency line, 080062335577, has been activated for reporting security concerns. The line will remain operational for the duration of the election, enabling quick responses and interventions.

Eligible voters are encouraged to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, while the public is cautioned against spreading unverified information that could spark panic or disrupt order. The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

With the rainy season gaining momentum and flood threats growing across the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on residents to clean out drainage systems, refrain from discarding trash into waterways, vacate high-risk flood zones, and pay close attention to early alert messages to avert unnecessary catastrophes.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, delivered the appeal while in Yobe State. She noted that the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook point to elevated flood dangers nationwide, particularly in parts of Yobe that have previously experienced displacement, agricultural losses, and damage to infrastructure.

“Citizens are advised to unclog drainage channels, stop throwing waste into watercourses, shift away from areas extremely prone to flooding when needed, and take early warning advisories very seriously,” Mrs Umar stated.

The NEMA chief also urged parents to keep young ones away from floodwaters and erosion-sensitive spots during heavy downpours. She further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, and community volunteers to help spread awareness and mobilize efforts to strengthen local readiness and resilience against floods and other perils.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly dismissed the attempted suspension of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by Chika Edoziem, the former head of the now-dissolved third administration of the Directorate of State (DOS). The group labels the move as illegal, null, and void, with no legal standing.

Kanu recently dissolved the third DOS administration led by Edoziem, appointing a fourth administration under Chris Nwaogu. In response, Edoziem claimed to have suspended Kanu as IPOB leader. However, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful stated in a Friday release that Kanu’s dissolution was final and followed the group’s governing laws.

Powerful emphasized that the IPOB Code of Conduct grants Kanu exclusive authority to appoint and dismiss officers. Any attempt to suspend the leader is not only foolish but legally impossible within IPOB’s framework. The dissolved administration’s actions are deemed gross insubordination and constitutional misconduct.

The statement further warned that individuals continuing to defy Kanu’s authority will face disciplinary measures including expulsion. It reiterated that the fourth DOS administration under Nwaogu remains fully operational and loyal to Kanu’s leadership.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Zachariah Fera Achinyan, who heads the Force Intelligence Department, has voiced strong assurance regarding the Nigeria Police Force’s capacity to manage criminal activities countrywide. He emphasized that security threats will not overpower the force, despite the various operational hurdles they face.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement and consultative gathering at the Bauchi State Police Command Headquarters, as part of a security evaluation tour of the North-East region, Achinyan acknowledged that police continue to contend with logistical and operational limitations. However, he stressed that officers stay dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and possess the professional expertise to counter changing security risks.

He noted that criminals have grown more advanced, especially with the surge in cyber-related offenses, but maintained that the force is adjusting its approaches to address new difficulties. Achinyan pointed out that lasting success in fighting crime will largely hinge on collaboration from citizens, traditional leaders, religious figures, and community organizations.

“Security cannot be achieved by the police alone. Communities must partner with law enforcement through information sharing and active involvement in crime prevention initiatives,” he stated.

Achinyan explained that his visit to Bauchi followed a directive from Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at engaging stakeholders across the North-East, evaluating security issues, and bolstering police-public cooperation. He also underscored the importance of officers maintaining professionalism and operating within legal boundaries, noting that public confidence is vital for effective policing.

Earlier, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu outlined several challenges facing the command, including insufficient operational vehicles, a shortage of arms and ammunition, inadequate surveillance tools, and limited mobility in rough terrain. Despite these drawbacks, he reported notable progress in recent months due to intelligence-driven operations and assistance from other security agencies.

Aliyu revealed that police had investigated 294 suspects for various crimes over the past six months and secured 28 convictions during that timeframe. He added that security personnel recovered multiple firearms, vehicles, and motorcycles linked to criminal activities, and rescued 29 kidnap victims during operations across the state.

The police commissioner identified banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, and youth-related violence as the primary security threats in Bauchi State. He called for increased government funding in security infrastructure and equipment. Attendees at the meeting applauded the efforts of security agencies and pledged ongoing support to enhance security throughout the state.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally expressed its opposition to the idea of receiving financial support from foreign sources for Nigeria’s security operations. During a public hearing in Abuja organized by the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, the agency argued that external funding could compromise national sovereignty, operational confidentiality, and institutional autonomy.

The hearing was convened to deliberate on two legislative proposals: one aimed at establishing a DSS Security Trust Fund, and the other seeking to create a Strategic Intelligence Management Institute. Emmanuel Daubry, representing the DSS, voiced support for the trust fund initiative, highlighting that it would ensure a steady flow of resources for intelligence activities, counterterrorism efforts, workforce development, and the procurement of state-of-the-art security technology.

Daubry emphasized that the fund would facilitate rapid resource mobilization during emergencies like terrorist attacks, civil disturbances, and other security threats. Nevertheless, the DSS recommended refining the fund’s financial framework and restructuring the proposed governing board.

The agency categorically rejected the inclusion of foreign contributions, warning that such funding might create dependencies that could expose sensitive intelligence methods, acquisition processes, and operational strategies. Daubry cautioned that international donors might attempt to shape Nigeria’s domestic security agenda, potentially misaligning with the nation’s distinct challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and abductions.

Regarding the Strategic Intelligence Management Institute, the DSS cautioned against potential overlaps with existing bodies. The service proposed that the institute’s scope should be restricted to external intelligence, foreign intelligence activities, and global intelligence collaboration to prevent redundancy. The DSS also advocated for modifications to specific sections of the bill and recommended updating its explanatory memorandum to incorporate these suggestions.

White House officials gathered on Thursday to honor a long-serving aircraft that has transported American presidents across the globe for 35 years. The ceremony marked the end of an era as the Trump administration gears up to replace the aging Boeing 747-200B with a newer model donated by Qatar.

The highly customized, heavily fortified plane, known as Air Force One when carrying the president, has been a symbol of American power. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared images of the jet on social media, with Cheung writing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. The Last Ride.”

The transition comes after the Air Force announced last month that the Qatari-donated Boeing 747 had completed modifications and flight testing.
The Presidential Airlift Group will now select the most suitable aircraft for each presidential mission based on operational needs, as reported by The Washington Post. A group spokesperson stated, “We coordinated closely with appropriate government entities to ensure all functional mission requirements were strictly met for transporting the President.”

Beneficiaries of the FG/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme in Niger State have received a strong warning against attempting unauthorized repairs on solar-powered boreholes. The caution was issued during a workshop focused on establishing Operations and Maintenance committees for water supply systems.

Engineer Elisha John, the state’s VCDP Irrigation Engineer, emphasized that the water pump is a critical component and should only be handled by qualified technicians. He noted that DIY repairs often lead to longer downtimes and can compromise water access.

John cited examples from Lavun and Guzzan where improperly handled pumps remain non-functional. He also urged communities to take good care of the maintenance tools provided and to ensure the facilities last beyond the programme’s exit.

Facilitator Engineer Daniel Shaba highlighted the health risks of poor sanitation near water points, warning that activities like washing clothes or processing cassava near boreholes can contaminate groundwater, leading to diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.

Participants shared positive feedback. Sheki Mohammed from Lavun said his committee now understands how to properly manage control panels and wiring. Fatima Jibrin from Mokwa noted that the training enables them to handle minor issues themselves. Zakari Hussani from Borgu mentioned learning about income generation through water sales.

In a decisive move addressing rising security concerns, the Kwara State Government has issued a sweeping ban on all graduation, valedictory, and similar end-of-session ceremonies across both public and private schools within the state. The directive, signed by Mrs. Bunmi Osanupin, a director in the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, was conveyed on behalf of the commissioner, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe.

The official communication, addressed to Professor Raheem Adaramaja, chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), was released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ilorin. According to the letter, the prohibition stems from the current security landscape and the imperative to ensure order, safety, and decorum in educational institutions.

The statement explicitly instructs all school proprietors, principals, headteachers, and administrators to adhere strictly to this order. Any institution found violating the directive will face appropriate penalties as outlined by existing regulations. The government urged all stakeholders to act accordingly, emphasizing that the safety of students and staff remains paramount.