Headlines

Eighteen political parties in Ondo State have signed a peace accord, committing to a peaceful gubernatorial election and pledging to respect the results, provided they are deemed free and fair.

The accord, facilitated by the National Peace Committee, aims to foster a violence-free electoral process. Chairman of the committee, General Abdulsalam Abubakar, urged candidates and parties to adhere to democratic principles and avoid vote trading, emphasizing the need to sustain peace in the country.

In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, reported no security issues so far and expressed optimism for continued peace. He assured voters of improved logistics on election day and encouraged all parties to uphold the terms of the peace accord.

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Sylvester Abiodun, stated that over 36,000 police officers would be deployed to secure all 18 local government areas in Ondo State, supported by additional personnel from other security agencies, totaling 43,157 officers.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa lauded the peace committee’s efforts and pledged his administration’s commitment to upholding the peace accord and democracy. He called on other parties to maintain the peaceful atmosphere throughout the election period.

The signing of the peace accord marks a significant step towards ensuring a peaceful election in Ondo State, building on past successes in reducing election violence in Nigeria.

An Abuja High Court has dismissed a criminal summons issued on September 12 by the Wuse Magistrate Court against Edo Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, related to alleged certificate forgery.

Justice Charles Agbaza, delivering the ruling on Friday, declared that the proceedings led by Magistrate Abubakar Mukhtar were void, citing jurisdictional overreach and legal errors in issuing the summons.

Justice Agbaza sided with Okpebholo’s counsel, who argued that the summons and related proceedings were unconstitutional and infringed upon Okpebholo’s right to a fair hearing under Section 36 of the amended 1999 Constitution. The judge emphasized that the magistrate’s actions were beyond his jurisdiction.

The case stemmed from allegations by Aginbatse, an Edo State indigene, claiming Okpebholo made a false statement about his date of birth on his nomination form for the Edo governorship election. Magistrate Mukhtar had ordered Okpebholo to appear in court on September 20, shortly before the state’s election.

In response, Okpebholo’s lawyer, Andrew Emwanta, filed a motion on October 21, arguing that the criminal summons was an attempt to disqualify his client from the September 21 election under false pretenses. Emwanta sought a court declaration that the summons and proceedings were unconstitutional, alongside an order prohibiting further action by the magistrate in Case No. CR/W22/816/2024, which was initiated by Aginbatse.

Emwanta contended that as the matter was pre-election related, only the Federal High Court held jurisdiction under Section 29 of the law.

Justice Agbaza agreed with Emwanta’s argument, stating that the magistrate should have reviewed Okpebholo’s evidence before issuing the summons. Consequently, the judge barred further proceedings in the case by the magistrate.

However, Justice Agbaza noted that the magistrate retained the discretion to set a hearing date if necessary.

Residents of Ruga, a settlement along Airport Road in Abuja, staged a protest on Friday in response to the recent demolitions ordered by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The protest follows the destruction of homes and property as part of the minister’s “Operation Sweep” initiative, a campaign aimed at removing what he describes as “nuisances and criminal hotspots” within Abuja. However, residents argue that the demolition was abrupt and left them without alternatives or sufficient notice.

The Ruga community, which comprises families displaced by violence and insecurity in northern states, expressed frustration at the lack of consultation and support. Leading the protest, lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, alongside community advocate Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMark, condemned the exercise as excessive and harmful.

Adeyanju alleged that officials went beyond standard demolition practices by setting homes on fire, resulting in property losses amounting to millions of naira. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, citing the additional hardship faced by residents who had already been displaced from their original homes in states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.

“This demolition is unjustified,” Adeyanju said, urging the president to “view the situation from the perspective of these displaced residents who sought safety and opportunity in Abuja but now face new challenges.”

Adeyanju emphasized that many Ruga residents are artisans and tradespeople who have endured hardship to rebuild their lives. “These demolitions go too far,” he added, calling on the president to halt actions that marginalize vulnerable groups.

The activist also accused Minister Wike of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy by reallocating lands to affluent individuals, suggesting, “There is no public interest here; these areas are far from main roads and pose no threat. The minister’s actions seem to favor the rich over the poor.”

Community advocate Otse echoed the criticism, describing the demolitions as an “unnecessary blow” to already vulnerable residents. “This situation is unprecedented,” he said, noting that the affected areas were distant from major routes and posed no immediate concern. “Now, hundreds are homeless, and Nigeria’s economic challenges only compound their struggle.”

Otse accused the authorities of disregarding the needs of the poor, stating, “It is disheartening that the elite view the poor as expendable. Everyone deserves a place to live and a community.”

As the protest continued, residents and activists renewed calls for a compassionate approach from the FCT administration. They expressed hope that government intervention might bring an end to the demolitions and establish policies that address the needs of all Abuja residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The National Assembly Service Commission has appointed Kamoru Ogunlana as the new Clerk of the National Assembly, succeeding Sani Magaji Tambuwal, who has commenced his retirement leave.

The appointment was announced on Thursday in a statement by Emmanuel Onyigor, Deputy Director of Information for the National Assembly Commission.

Ogunlana will officially assume the role on January 2, 2025, with his appointment becoming effective on February 2, 2025, according to a letter from Engr. Ahmed Kadi, Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission.

The confirmation followed the Commission’s 610th meeting on November 6, 2024.

The Commission cited Ogunlana’s appointment as a testament to his dedication and administrative skills, urging him to fulfill the responsibilities expected in his new role.

Meanwhile, Tambuwal, who began his pre-retirement leave on November 1, 2024, has transferred his duties to his deputy, Kamouroudeen Ogundele. This transition follows reports that around thirty senior officials, including Tambuwal, are expected to retire after President Bola Tinubu declined to extend their tenures under a recent legislative change.

The Arewa Community in Southern Nigeria has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing royal dispute in Kano, urging him to preserve the integrity of the traditional institution. Musa Saidu, Chairman of the community, made the call during an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja.

Saidu attributed the crisis to political manipulation, alleging that certain politicians were exploiting the situation for personal gain, to the detriment of the revered Kano Emirate. He warned that the dispute does not serve the interests of Kano residents nor does it enhance the traditional institution’s standing.

“Kano holds significant political influence, and President Tinubu, who may seek re-election in 2027, should not allow this royal crisis to escalate,” Saidu remarked, stressing that the ongoing dispute over the Kano Emirate stool is an embarrassment not only to the state but to Nigeria as a whole.

Saidu expressed concern over Tinubu’s silence on the matter, deeming it “worrisome and wrong.” He referenced former President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention in 2020, when Buhari set up a committee to mediate between then-Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Saidu urged both Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II to reflect on the harm the conflict has done to the institution they represent, reminding them of the shared belief in divine control over power. “Allah grants power to whom He wills and takes it when He wills; let us accept this destiny in our lives,” he said.

He also called on politicians to avoid causing division among the people for personal gain.

In addition, Saidu voiced his support for the ongoing investigation into former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, praising the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its initiative. Saidu said the investigation, alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) involvement, sets an example for transparency that other lawmakers should follow, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of corruption.

“El-Rufai has advocated for transparency in governance. Now it’s his opportunity to prove his innocence,” Saidu said, advising El-Rufai to appear before the investigative committee instead of seeking legal action.

he Canadian government has ordered the shutdown of Chinese-owned TikTok business operations in the country, citing national security risks. The decision, announced on Wednesday, mandates the closure of TikTok’s offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne clarified in a statement that while the government is not restricting Canadians’ access to the TikTok app itself, it advises caution in its use. “The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the application or their ability to create content,” Champagne said. “The decision to use a social media app or platform is a personal choice.”

The shutdown targets specific national security concerns related to the operations of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd, through its Canadian entity, TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

TikTok has been under increasing scrutiny across North America and Europe due to security and data privacy issues surrounding the app.

Following the recent passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a significant restructuring of senior roles within the Nigerian Army is anticipated. Sources indicate that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to appoint Lieutenant General Oluyede as the new Chief of Army Staff, pending Senate confirmation.

A senior military official, who requested anonymity due to the current mourning period and restrictions on public discussion, disclosed that several senior officers from Oluyede’s training cohort are likely to be reassigned to key roles at Defence Headquarters following the appointment.

Addressing inquiries on possible retirements, the official clarified that no generals from the 39 Regular Course would be compelled to retire, though some may be reassigned to military institutions. Many senior officers from the 38 Regular Course, including those who served alongside Lagbaja, have already retired, but members of the 39 RC are expected to continue in redeployed positions within the Army.

In the wake of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s death, President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, as well as several state governors and prominent leaders, extended their condolences.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that sensitive election materials for the upcoming Ondo governorship election will arrive in Akure on Tuesday, November 12. This was confirmed by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a pre-election stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday in Akure.

Yakubu stated that all sensitive materials, including ballots and result sheets, would be delivered to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Akure branch early next week. Representatives from political parties and other stakeholders will inspect the materials to ensure transparency before they are dispatched to local governments and ward centers across the state.

“We have arranged for the delivery of sensitive materials for the election to arrive as early as Tuesday next week,” Yakubu said. He added that political parties and other stakeholders would be invited for an inspection at the Central Bank in Akure, and would be able to monitor the movement of these materials to local government areas and wards.

Yakubu emphasized INEC’s commitment to a credible and well-organized election, noting that all logistical arrangements for the secure distribution of materials have been completed. To ensure timely deployment, he explained that both land and maritime transportation options have been secured to facilitate access to polling units across Ondo State.

Bandits launched a series of attacks on communities in Wanke, near Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, abducting over 100 residents, including a Chief Imam. This is reportedly the second time the Imam has been kidnapped.

According to a local source, the communities were left in disarray following the assault. A survivor, who spoke to the BBC Hausa Service, described the areas as under siege, with many residents fleeing in fear of further violence.

The survivor recounted how around 50 individuals were taken from areas near Sabon Layi, while another 50 were abducted near Dogon Hayi. He emphasized that the tally of missing persons is still underway, with many locals deeply unsettled and seeking safety from further attacks.

“These terrorists were pursuing people like animals,” the witness said, describing scenes of people being chased from their homes. He detailed how bandits on motorbikes traced women to their homes, abducting them or intercepting them as they fled, before herding them into the bush.

The bandits reportedly targeted the villages of Gira, Ruwa Kusa, Dogon Hayi, and Gidan Kado, looting motorcycles, farm produce, and mobile phones. Shops were broken into, and provisions were stolen.

Residents in Wanke reportedly notified officials, but no action was taken, according to local sources. Efforts to obtain a response from the state police on the incident were unsuccessful at the time of this report.