Category: News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has initiated a legal action at a High Court in Abuja, naming the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, as a defendant. This move stems from ongoing internal disagreements over the party’s leadership, with the ADC alleging judicial bias.

The lawsuit, submitted on June 4, 2026, was filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the party’s National Welfare Secretary. Ukandu seeks to intervene in an existing case (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025) brought by Nafiu Bala Gombe against the faction led by former Senate President David Mark. The plaintiff argues that the handling of the matter by Justice Tsoho and the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, undermines trust in the judicial process.

The ADC contends that the assignment of the case to Justice Lifu has raised doubts among party members about the likelihood of an impartial hearing. Additionally, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been included in the suit, as the ADC claims the council failed to address complaints regarding the case’s management.

A civil society group, the Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), has echoed these concerns, alleging that the judiciary is being weaponized against opposition parties. GMN warned that such actions erode public confidence in the justice system and urged authorities to ensure fair treatment of politically sensitive cases.

As of now, neither the Federal High Court nor Justice Lifu has issued an official statement in response to the allegations. The NJC also remains silent on the matter. This legal development adds a new dimension to the ADC’s leadership crisis, which has drawn significant political attention ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, the NDC senatorial aspirant for Edo South, has come forward with serious allegations regarding the party’s recent primary election. In an interview on Arise Television on Friday, he claimed that the entire process was systematically manipulated to favor other candidates. Despite what he described as a deeply flawed exercise, Agbonayinma asserted that he still managed to win convincingly.

According to Agbonayinma, the rigging was extensive, yet the will of the people could not be suppressed. He stated that ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and numerous party leaders have all confirmed his victory. He questioned why the results have not been officially announced since the primaries were held on May 29th, asking what could possibly be hidden or delayed. As of June 5th, the NDC has remained silent on the outcome.

In his own words, Agbonayinma emphasized that if he had lost, he would have gracefully conceded to the rightful winner. However, since he believes he won fair and square, he demands that the party leadership allow him to proceed as the candidate. He urged the NDC to be transparent and announce the results without further delay.

Abisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, who previously sought the presidential ticket of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), has announced that the party returned ₦10.8 million of her nomination fee. However, she pointed out that ₦1.2 million remains unpaid.

The refund comes after she stepped down from the 2027 race and quit the party on May 28, citing flaws in the candidate selection process. In a statement released on Friday, she acknowledged the partial payment but insisted that deeper issues persist.

Busari-Akinnadeju claimed that party leaders tried to block her from screening and later used disciplinary measures to push her out after she refused to back a consensus candidate. She argued that the Electoral Act mandates that all cleared aspirants must agree before a consensus can be declared, and this condition was not fulfilled.

She also alleged that state chairmen were told to skip the primary and instead submit numbers to the national secretariat to engineer a predetermined outcome. According to her, the incident underscores the need for stronger protections for aspirants regardless of their financial status or political clout.

While grateful for the refund, she stressed that the focus should not be on money alone. “The refund does not fix the fundamental questions about transparency and fairness in the primary process,” she said. She thanked supporters and civil society groups for their vigilance, which she credited for the partial repayment.

Having exited partisan politics, Busari-Akinnadeju is now turning her attention to the Dare Agenda Movement, a citizen-driven initiative aimed at promoting accountable leadership and active participation in nation-building beyond election seasons.

The United Kingdom has announced a tightening of its immigration policies, which could lead to universities losing their ability to enroll international students, including those from Nigeria, if they do not meet stricter compliance benchmarks.

On Friday, the UK Home Office released a statement outlining the reforms, which are designed to curb visa misuse in study, work, and tourist categories that have been linked to a surge in asylum applications.

Under the revised rules, higher education institutions may lose their sponsorship licenses if more than 5% of student visa applications are rejected—down from the previous allowance of 10%. The Home Office further stated that schools will be evaluated based on their performance, including a required 95% enrollment rate and a 90% course completion rate, up from earlier targets of 90% and 85%.

The Home Office warned that failure to meet these benchmarks could result in penalties, including the revocation of permission to admit foreign students. It noted that high dropout rates often indicate that students are entering the illegal workforce rather than focusing on their studies, while high visa refusal rates or low enrollment suggest that some institutions are not adequately vetting applicants.

This move comes after earlier restrictions on study visa applicants from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The government also reported a 30% drop in asylum claims from international students following stricter enforcement measures.

Approximately 306,000 students whose visas are expiring have been advised to leave the UK or face deportation if they file unfounded asylum claims.

The Kano State Police Command has issued a stern warning to residents, particularly young individuals, regarding the hazardous trend of roller skating on highways, bridges, construction sites, and other off-limits locations in the Kano metropolis.

In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa expressed deep concern over the rising number of minors skating on main roads and even clinging to moving cars for excitement. This behavior, he emphasized, is extremely dangerous and poses serious risks to both skaters and other road users.

While acknowledging that roller skating is a legitimate recreational pursuit, the police underscored that major roads are built for vehicles, not for leisure activities. They highlighted that skaters have limited control and braking capabilities in heavy traffic, making collisions with cars and trucks highly probable.

The command noted that many roads and bridges currently under construction lack dedicated lanes for skating or similar activities, which further elevates the risk. It also condemned the reckless act of latching onto moving vehicles for thrill, noting that such behavior has already led to fatal accidents elsewhere in the country.

The police urged parents, guardians, school authorities, and community leaders to take proactive steps in educating children and wards about the dangers of engaging in these risky practices. The Commissioner of Police warned that anyone caught obstructing traffic, endangering public safety, or participating in harmful activities will be arrested and prosecuted.

Residents are encouraged to report instances of reckless skating to the nearest police station or via emergency hotlines for immediate action.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has raised alarm over the growing proximity of terrorists to Government Houses across Nigeria. Speaking on Friday during an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Fayemi addressed the escalating insecurity crisis gripping the nation.

He stated, “Terrorists are gradually getting closer to Government Houses. The Jihadists are not far from us. They are already at our borders.” Fayemi emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to reassess its security strategies, noting that jihadist elements are active in neighboring countries such as Benin Republic, Togo, and Burkina Faso.

The former governor called for a more robust foreign relations approach, stressing that national interest must be prioritized to counter the threat. “We must be interested in how to salvage this because of our own national interest. They are not far from us. That’s why we need to re-strategise and ensure that our foreign relations is more robust,” he added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for alleging that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde orchestrated the recent abductions in the state to embarrass President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, the party’s Southwest Publicity Secretary, Sanya Atofarati, labeled Fayose’s comments as reckless, insensitive, and a threat to political stability.

Atofarati argued that Fayose’s accusation not only demonstrates irresponsibility and provocation but also reveals his hypocrisy on security issues and public accountability. He emphasized that at a time when Nigerians face killings, abductions, and displacement by criminals, it is shameful for a former governor to exploit a national tragedy for political gain.

The PDP spokesperson called on Nigerians to reject attempts to weaponize insecurity for partisan interests, affirming the party’s support for Makinde and the people of Oyo State. He commended the governor’s dedication to security and welfare, urging unity and collaboration instead of inflammatory rhetoric driven by personal agendas.

Recall that Fayose, during a television interview, questioned the Oyo State Government’s response to the kidnappings, suggesting political motives influenced their handling. The PDP’s rebuttal underscores the party’s stance against divisive statements that jeopardize national security efforts.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced with deep sorrow the demise of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Kanayo V. Uzuegbu. The news was confirmed by police authorities, marking the end of a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

Throughout his service, AIG Uzuegbu earned accolades for his exceptional professionalism, unwavering dedication, and commitment to ensuring public safety. He joined the force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police after completing training at the Police Academy in Kaduna.

A native of Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, he held a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Port Harcourt, a Higher Diploma in Strategic Studies from the University of Maiduguri, and a Master of Science in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Nigeria. His training also included courses in counter-terrorism, human rights, law of armed conflict, and strategic leadership.

Over the years, AIG Uzuegbu served in numerous capacities, including Squadron Commander of No. 15 PMF in Ilorin, Area Commander in Owerri and Karu, Director of the Central Planning and Training Unit at Police Staff College in Jos, Commissioner of Police for Operations Communication at Force Headquarters, and Commissioner of Police for Enugu State Command. He also commanded Sector 8 of the African Union Peacekeeping Mission in El-Daein, Darfur, Sudan.

In a statement released by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the force leadership extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer, describing him as a man who brought honor to the police and served the nation with admirable devotion. The Nigeria Police Force prayed that Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has urged stakeholders to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) in a responsible manner, highlighting the importance of blending technological progress with ethical considerations, accountability, and human-centric principles as AI continues to reshape professional environments.

This message emerged during the CIPM 3rd International Academic Conference, held jointly with the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at the University of Lagos. The event was themed “Artificial Intelligence in Academia, Industry and Government: Navigating Ethics, Innovation and Impact.”

Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPM, stressed that discussions about AI should move beyond whether the technology will alter society, focusing instead on how to steer that change responsibly. He warned that innovation divorced from ethics could be harmful, making it essential for organizations to prioritize human dignity, fairness, transparency, inclusion, and accountability when integrating AI.

“Algorithms do not build trust; people do. Machines do not create culture; people do,” Gobir stated, underscoring that organizations succeed not because of cutting-edge technology but due to having the right individuals with appropriate skills and values.

Keynote speaker Prof. Sunday Adebisi described AI as the world’s new infrastructure, shaping learning, production, governance, and communication. He pointed out that while AI offers vast opportunities, Africa faces hurdles such as poor digital infrastructure, ICT skill shortages, regulatory issues, ethical dilemmas, and unequal access to technology. If left unaddressed, these challenges could exacerbate employment concerns on the continent.

Another keynote speaker, Mr. Henry Onukuba, FCIPM, called AI one of the most transformative forces of modern times, capable of revolutionizing service delivery, productivity, and knowledge access. He argued that the real question for institutions is not whether to adopt AI, but how to integrate it without compromising fairness, accountability, public trust, or human dignity. He noted AI’s potential to democratize education, allowing students in remote areas to access the same information as those in urban centers, and to address faculty shortages in Nigerian universities.

“AI will not take over your job. Your job will be taken over by someone who knows how to work smarter and more effectively with AI,” Onukuba remarked.

Prof. Oluseyi Shadare, Chairman of the Academic Conference and Head of the Department of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management at UNILAG, emphasized that the conference theme was highly relevant given the rapid changes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He observed that while AI creates opportunities for innovation and competitiveness, it also raises concerns about job displacement, privacy, inequality, and responsible technology use. He called for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government to develop AI systems that are innovative, transparent, fair, and human-centered.

Representing UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. Abdul-Hameed Sulaimon, praised CIPM and the department for organizing the conference and encouraged participants to implement the insights gained.

The conference also celebrated research excellence. Out of 47 abstracts submitted, 38 progressed to full paper presentations after rigorous review. Dr. Aramide Kuforiji was named overall best researcher, followed by Prof. Sam Bodunrin (second) and Dr. Ifeanyi Enukorah (third). These awards highlighted the conference’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, research integrity, and evidence-based contributions to human resource management and the future of work.

A key takeaway from the conference was that although AI may shape the future, people will determine its impact. The challenge for academia, industry, and government is not merely to adopt AI, but to guide its evolution and application in ways that uphold human dignity, foster innovation, and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Retired Vice Admiral Dan Preston Omatsola, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating situation in Nigeria, emphasizing that without immediate corrective measures, the country could face even graver difficulties. Speaking at an event organized by NNS Delta to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary, he highlighted the critical role of the armed forces in maintaining national cohesion and stability.

According to Omatsola, the military remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s unity, and it would be disastrous to underestimate the importance of security institutions. He stated, “The Navy and the Armed Forces, based on my experience, are the bedrock of Nigeria’s unity.” The retired officer expressed deep concern over the current trajectory, saying, “Things are going very wrong in the country. If we are not careful, it will be worse.”

He urged military, paramilitary, and other security agencies to steadfastly fulfill their constitutional duties, noting that escalating insecurity and public fear are driving communities to demand more robust security measures. Omatsola attributed many of the nation’s problems to a lack of discipline, which he described as the bedrock of effective leadership and national development. “Discipline has been absent. If I lack discipline, I cannot guide my wife or my family,” he remarked.

The retired naval chief cautioned against crafting policies or laws out of fear, arguing that decisions made under duress rarely tackle the underlying issues. “You cannot accomplish anything through fear. A law made out of fear will not endure. When creating a law, one must not be afraid,” he added. He called on Nigerians to adopt discipline, patriotism, and collective responsibility to protect the nation’s unity and prevent further security decline.

The Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations include various events recognizing its contributions to national security, maritime safety, and the defense of the country’s territorial waters.