Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian government has extended its condolences to Namibia over the passing of Dr. Sam Nujoma, the country’s founding President and a key figure in its liberation struggle.

Nujoma, who led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990 and served as its first president for 15 years, passed away on Saturday at the age of 95.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement on Sunday, described Nujoma as a towering figure in Africa’s fight for liberation and unity.

“The revolutionary leader who guided Namibia to independence and became its first president reportedly passed away peacefully in Windhoek,” the statement, signed by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, read.

Tuggar hailed Nujoma as a visionary leader, Pan-Africanist, and relentless freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the emancipation of Namibia from colonial rule.

“His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and self-determination shaped Namibia’s destiny and inspired generations of Africans in the fight against oppression and injustice,” he said.

The minister also noted Nujoma’s role in laying the foundation for democracy, reconciliation, and development in Namibia, earning him global respect.

Nigeria, he added, shares in Namibia’s grief and remembers Nujoma as a true friend and steadfast ally in African solidarity.

“In this time of mourning, Nigeria stands in solidarity with the people of Namibia and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two nations. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Tuggar said.

Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president, prioritized national unity and implemented reconciliation policies that encouraged white Namibians to remain and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed willingness to negotiate with bandits on the condition that they cease attacks and surrender their weapons.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Lawal said his administration was open to dialogue, provided it was based on truth and sincerity. This marks a shift from his government’s earlier stance against any negotiations with criminal groups.

“Dialogue is not entirely off the table, but it must be anchored on truth and honesty,” Lawal said. “Many people have suffered losses, including their parents and spouses. It is essential to address their plight rather than solely focusing on the bandits.”

The governor’s statement contrasts with the firm position taken in July 2024 by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Mobilisation, Alhaji Faruk Ahmad, who had ruled out reconciliation with any bandit leader.

“We will not reconcile with any bandit leader. We will continue fighting them. Those willing to surrender should do so, and those who are not will be fought,” Ahmad had said.

Governor Lawal also highlighted recent successes in the state’s security operations, stating that over 50 terrorists were killed on Friday in Tungar Fulani, along the Zurmi/Shinkafi axis. He added that several notorious bandit leaders linked to Bello Turji, including Sani Mainasara, Sani Black, and Kachallah Auta, had been eliminated.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the fight against criminal elements. “They should either lay down their weapons or we continue with our decisive action against them,” he said.

A protest broke out in the Omagwa community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, following the alleged extra-judicial killing of a youth by a police officer.

The incident occurred when a policeman attached to the Omagwa Division of the Rivers State Police Command reportedly shot and killed Chikuma Egbule, a native of the community.

The killing sparked immediate outrage, with protesters initially attempting to deposit Egbule’s body at the Omagwa Divisional Police Station. However, they were resisted by officers at the station. The demonstrators then blocked the highway leading to the Port Harcourt International Airport and Owerri, Imo State, causing heavy gridlock.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the officer involved had been arrested, and the deceased’s body had been taken to the morgue.

“The command is aware, and the Commissioner of Police is on top of the situation. Normalcy has now been restored, and adequate security is in place to prevent any breach of peace,” she said in a WhatsApp message.

She added that the officer responsible had been detained while an investigation into the incident was ongoing.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely.

Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the case on Monday following Kanu’s insistence that she could not preside over the matter, citing her previous recusal.

Kanu, who arrived at the court premises under the escort of operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) at about 8:30 a.m., objected to the trial proceeding under Justice Nyako.

His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, told the court that Kanu maintained his position that Justice Nyako should recuse herself from the case. He noted that the IPOB leader had earlier requested the judge’s withdrawal on September 24, 2024, leading to her initial recusal.

However, the prosecuting counsel, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with its witnesses.

Justice Nyako responded that the Chief Judge had not accepted her recusal and had referred the case back to her for trial. She directed the defence team to submit a formal application if they wished to pursue the request for recusal.

Kanu has been in SSS custody since 2021 and is facing charges of terrorism and treasonable felony linked to his separatist activities.

IPOB, which advocates for the secession of the southeastern region from Nigeria, was proscribed and designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in 2017. The group recently challenged its proscription at the Supreme Court.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has renewed its call for the establishment of a special tribunal to handle electoral offences, citing delays in the prosecution of cases.

INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the commission’s first regular quarterly consultative meeting with the media.

“A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences handled by tribunals,” Yakubu stated.

He noted that electoral offences are currently prosecuted by Magistrate and State High Courts within the jurisdiction where they occur, without priority attention, as courts handle various other cases.

“Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one general election to another, which may sometimes affect diligent prosecution. It is therefore imperative to renew our call for the creation of the Electoral Offences Tribunal, which will have a specific jurisdiction and limited timeframe for the speedy dispensation of cases,” he added.