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Folarin Kehinde

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FG declares Friday as public holiday

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

He urged the Muslim Ummah to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance and compassion, stressing that these values are crucial to building a united and progressive nation.

The minister also called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for the peace, security, and stability of the country while supporting government efforts toward national harmony and sustainable development.

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid offers us yet another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, promote peaceful coexistence, and imbibe the Prophet’s teachings of mutual respect and selfless service to humanity,” the statement quoted Tunji-Ojo as saying.

He further urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of government policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of all Nigerians, while wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

 

 

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JUST IN: Nigeria, Caribbean country sign visa-free travel deal

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The government of St Kitts and Nevis says it has reached an agreement with Nigeria that will allow citizens of both countries to travel without visas.

In a statement on Monday, the government described the accord as “a historic milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.”

It said the deal was concluded after high-level talks earlier this year between Prime Minister Terrance Drew and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, as well as during meetings with leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

“This is a symbolic and practical step in reconnecting our peoples. St Kitts and Nevis has long extended visa-free access to Nigerian nationals, and we are heartened that Nigeria has reciprocated in the same spirit of unity and mutual respect,” Drew said.

The prime minister added that the agreement reflects the shared vision of both governments to remove barriers and deepen ties across the Atlantic.

He thanked Tinubu for his leadership in advancing the initiative and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean relations under its Sustainable Island State Agenda.

According to the government, visa-free access is expected to boost cooperation in trade, investment, education, and tourism, further cementing the historic links between Africa and the Caribbean.

 

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Malami’s convoy attacked in Kebbi

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Youths believed to be political thugs have attacked convoy of the former minister of justice and attorney general, Abubakar Malami.

The convoy was attacked few meters away from the former Minister’s residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

He was said to be returning from a condolence visit to family of late Malam Tukur Kola, Chief Imam of Dr. Bello Haliru Jumu’ah Mosque in Birnin Kebbi, when the thugs struck along Old NITEL Road.

To quell the tension, security personnel were drafted to the scene, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat and Malami’s residence.

At the time of filing this report, supporters of the former minister were seen gathered at the front of his residence, discussing the incident.

The ruling party has condemned the attack on the former Minister’s convoy.

In a statement, Public Relations Officer of the party in the state, Isa Abubakar As-Salafi, said the party would investigate the attack so as to find out those behind it.

“I saw the report of his attack on social media. We are leaving in peace in Kebbi and we want that peace to continue to be promoted in the state by all political parties”, he said.

Reacting on the incident, Malami said he was in Birnin Kebbi to pay condolence to family of a prominent imam who passed away in Birnin Kebbi when his convoy was attacked.

“It’s painful some thugs armed with dangerous weapons and stones, attacked and destroyed vehicles in our convoy”, he said.

While speaking to journalists after the emergency security meeting held at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner of Police, Bello M. Sani said the police have commenced investigation.

The CP warned the various political parties and political figures in the state to stop any form of political gathering or campaign that may fuel crisis.

“Its not time for political campaign, we have warned political parties and politicians to stop any form of campaign because INEC is yet to lift ban on politics,” he said.

 

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2027: Peter Obi will destroy PDP – Wike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party risks self-destruction if it attempts to bring back former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into its fold.

Speaking during a media chat on Monday, Wike said the PDP had not learned from past mistakes that cost it dearly in the 2023 general elections.

He recalled that he and other party leaders had repeatedly cautioned against allowing both the presidential candidate and the national chairman to come from the North, a move he insisted was unjust and politically suicidal.

“From day one, I told my colleagues, PDP, you are shooting yourself. If you allow what is going on to continue, you’ll pay. And what did I say? You cannot have the presidential candidate at the same time as the national chairman of the party,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor accused the PDP of “stealing” both positions and ignoring calls for fairness and balance, a decision he argued contributed to the party’s loss at the polls.

“It is better now you have stolen the presidential ticket—and again stole the national chairman. I said it will purge you. And it really purged them. I have no regret for it,” he declared.

Wike insisted that the presidency must rotate back to the South to ensure equity and political stability.

According to him, the PDP’s arrogance and refusal to heed internal warnings have left the party weakened and vulnerable.

He also dismissed talks of Obi’s possible return to the PDP, describing the move as dangerous and hypocritical.

“To what? Bringing Obi to where? You want to kill the party? Obi that was abusing the party, saying it is rotten—so the party is now good enough for him? Ambition can make people even go to Satan’s house,” Wike said.

The minister stressed that such a decision would further erode the party’s credibility and destroy any remaining ideological foundation.

Wike maintained that he stood by his long-held position that equity, justice, and zoning remain the only viable path for the PDP to regain national relevance.

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“Teachers are nation-builders, Why subject them to manual labour?” Group queries Edo Government

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A rights group, Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights, has condemned the State Ministry of Education for allegedly compelling teachers in the public schools to cut grasses and engage in menial labour.

LEADING REPORTERS reports condemned the development in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, September 1, 2025 in Benin City.

The statement was signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, Coordinator General and Secretary General of the group, respectively.

The group noted that the teachers were not employed as gardeners, cleaners and janitors.

Stressing that teachers must never be forced into degrading labour, the group threatened to embark on protests and take legal action if the state government fails to stop the development.

The group insisted that the action of the government is not only an insult to the teaching profession, but also a blatant violation of human rights and labour ethics.

The group suggested that the government should employ support staff, gardeners, cleaners and janitors that must be paid adequately to handle school maintenance.

“The Edo State Civil Society Coalition For Human Rights is outraged by the disgraceful and demeaning practice of compelling teachers in Edo public schools to cut grass and perform menial labour at the directive of the Ministry of Education.

“This is not only an insult to the teaching profession but also a blatant violation of human rights and labour ethics.

“Teachers are the backbone of society and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the minds of our children. Reducing them to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking educator in Edo State.

“We state clearly that teachers are not slaves, and schools are not forced labour camps. This backward practice belongs to the dark past and must never be tolerated in a state that claims to value education.

“Any nation that treats its teachers with contempt is preparing its own burial ground. Forcing teachers into menial labour is not education reform, it is educational slavery.

 

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BREAKING: EX-IGP, Solomon Arase is Dead

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has passed away at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.

As of the time of filing this report, neither his family nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement confirming the development.

Arase, who served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, was later appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Before becoming IGP, he headed the Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, the police force’s top intelligence unit.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, and joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.

 

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Ozekhome Slams National Security Narrative, Urges Lawyers to Stand for Citizens’ Rights

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Renowned constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has delivered a scathing critique of what is popularly termed “national security” in Nigeria, declaring that it serves more as a tool to protect those in power than the citizens it claims to defend.

Speaking at an event attended by legal professionals, security personnel, and stakeholders in Enugu, Ozekhome referenced a presentation made by the Chief of Defence Staff, represented by the GOC, on national security. He dismissed the long-repeated term—dating back to the colonial era of the 1914 amalgamation—as misleading.

“What they call national security is, in truth, government security,” Ozekhome said. “It is not for you and me. It is for those in power, to protect their control over our commonwealth.”

The senior advocate noted the irony that many attendees had to travel to the event under heavy security, underscoring the lack of real safety for everyday Nigerians.

Ozekhome went further to condemn ongoing abuses by law enforcement agencies, particularly when lawyers are prevented from doing their jobs. Citing a personal experience, he recalled how the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seized ₦75 million of his professional fees during a case, sparking calls from colleagues for him to back down.

“I asked myself, when did we become so afraid that we can’t fight for our own rights, let alone those of others?” he queried. He took the matter to court and won, with the Court of Appeal affirming that lawyers are not obligated to investigate the source of their fees unless there is evidence of complicity in a crime.

Ozekhome acknowledged that lawyers must not knowingly facilitate criminal activity but emphasized that punishing a legal practitioner for doing their job without evidence of wrongdoing threatens the very foundation of justice.

He drew attention to international and regional human rights instruments—including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights—stressing that while Nigerians are familiar with these rights, they are not truly enjoying them due to the absence of good governance and basic necessities.

“Security is not just about guns or checkpoints. What about emotional, mental, educational, economic, and job security?” he asked. “Many of our people walk around wounded by a system that has failed them—but they hide it behind makeup or suits.”

He reminded the audience that human rights are inalienable and not privileges conferred by government.

“You have freedom of movement because God gave you legs. These rights are yours by nature, not by legislation,” he said.

Calling for a revival of purpose within the legal profession, Ozekhome criticized what he sees as a drift from principle to politics. He lamented that many lawyers are more focused on the next election cycle within professional associations than on real governance or social justice.

“We now politic more than the politicians,” he said. “And many no longer practice law—they practice ‘bad.’”

“Let us interrogate society. Let us challenge impunity. Let us not be lawyers only concerned with bread and butter. It is time to stand up—and stand out.”

 

 

 

 

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Katsina Governor Approves N680m for renovation of Graveyards

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the whooping sum of N680 million for the renovation of graveyards across the 34 local government areas of the state.

Radda, who announced the approval when he received royal fathers from Katsina and Daura Emirates at the Government House on Thursday evening, said the gesture would attract Allah’s blessings for the state.

He explained that N20 million has been approved for each of the 34 local government councils, amounting to N680 million, to enable them to rehabilitate graveyards in their respective territories.

“My administration has approved over N20 million for each local government council to renovate graveyards in their areas. This initiative is both a service to the people and a way of seeking Allah’s blessings for the state”, Radda said.

He, however, said all district heads in the state will now earn salaries not less than Grade Level 16 in accordance with the new law passed by the State House of Assembly.

He added that 6,652 ward heads across the state have been placed on monthly allowances, while 3,000 Imams and their deputies from Friday mosques will also be supported with stipends.

“Furthermore, Izala and Darika mosque sweepers in each of the 34 local government areas will also benefit from the allowances”, the governor stated.

Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling insecurity and strengthening traditional and religious institutions across the state to tame the scourge.

 

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FG gifts teenager who won global English contest N200,000

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government, on Thursday, gifted the winner of the TeenEagle global finals competition, Nafisah Abdullahi, N200,000.

Recall that the Atiku Foundation rewarded the TeenEagle champions, namely Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukaiya Fema, and Khadija Kalli, with fully-funded scholarships following their outstanding performance at the TeenEagle Global Finals.

The girls, who emerged as global winners in various categories of the prestigious academic competition, were recognised by the Foundation for what it described as their “remarkable success.”

At a special recognition ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suiwaba Ahmad, celebrated Nafisa’s remarkable feat and other students who excelled during the competition.

They described her as “a beacon of excellence and inspiration to Nigerian youths.”

Representing Nigeria through the Nigerian Tulip International College, Nafisa outshone more than 20,000 participants from 69 countries, including native English-speaking nations, to clinch the world title.

TeenEagle competition is an internationally acclaimed contest that evaluates students’ proficiency in the English language, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Speaking at the event, Alausa said the Federal Government was laying the groundwork for stronger foundational education to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.

He stressed that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development through increased investment in education, health, and social protection.

“You are the future of Nigeria, and you have made us proud. For the first time in the history of our nation, we have one of the highest budgetary allocations to education.

“Each time we approach the President for support in the sector, his response has been a resounding ‘yes’ because he believes in you, the children of Nigeria.

“Your success gives us the confidence to ask for more, and we will continue to do so on your behalf,” the minister said.

The minister also announced a gift of over N100,000 to Nafisa and her other colleagues who excelled in other fields.

On her part, Ahmad commended Nafisa’s resilience, intellect, and determination, pledging the Federal Government’s continued support for young talents who bring honour to the nation.

“Nigerian youths can compete and excel globally. Nafisa has demonstrated that Nigeria is blessed and can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. You are a shining example,” she said.

She urged the teenager to see the achievement as the beginning of a greater journey, while commending her parents and teachers for providing the foundation for her success.

Responding, Nafisa appreciated Tinubu and the ministers for creating an environment for her to excel while thanking her school, NTIC and her parent for the support.

 

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Police Must Not Arrest Over Civil Disputes, Contract Breaches – IG Egbetokun warns

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force against arresting individuals over civil disputes or breaches of contract, stressing that such actions violate the Police Act.

Speaking yesterday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu State, the IG represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Legal Services, Ohiozoba Ehiede reminded the Force that Section 32(2) of the Police Act explicitly restricts arrests to criminal offences.

“A person shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract,” Egbetokun reiterated, adding that no one should be detained in lieu of another person. “So, you cannot arrest a husband for an offence committed by his wife.”

The IG also addressed the recurring issue of policemen demanding “mobilisation” money before carrying out investigations, insisting that such practice is illegal and alien to the Force. “The issue of mobilisation is unknown to the Nigeria Police. Anyone asked to pay before an investigation should report to the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU),” he said, drawing loud reactions from lawyers present.

The session, themed “Citizens’ Rights and Security Concerns”, also featured the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; prominent human rights lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN); as well as Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

Moderated by Babatunde Ogala (SAN), the panel discussed widespread concerns over security, human rights violations, and the need for greater accountability in law enforcement.

Egbetokun urged Nigerians to hold officers accountable by filing complaints whenever their rights are infringed upon, stressing that the Police Force must operate strictly within the provisions of the law.

 

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