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Warri Federal Constituency: Don Hails HURIWA’s Call On INEC To Obey S’Court Ruling

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Warri Federal Constituency: Don Hails HURIWA’s Call On INEC To Obey S’Court Ruling

A university don, Prof. Ben Binebai, has applauded the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) for throwing its weight behind the quest for justice and fairness by the marginalised Ijaw and Urhobo communities in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.

Binebai, a professor of Theatre Arts with the Niger Delta University (NDU), lauded the rights group for condemning the alleged flagrant refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission to implement the December 2022 Supreme Court judgment “on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in the constituency.”

“This landmark judgment, delivered on 2 December 2022, was a beacon of hope for the marginalised Ijaw and Urhobo communities, who have long suffered the pangs of historical injustices and electoral irregularities,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment was a masterstroke of judicial wisdom, crafted to rectify the anomalies of the past and usher in a new era of electoral justice.

“HURIWA’s stance is a testament to the group’s unshakeable commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the downtrodden.

“By aligning itself with the grievances raised by the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, HURIWA has demonstrated its unrelenting dedication to ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are heard and their rights respected.”

He wondered why INEC and the Federal Government are allegedly subverting the ruling of the highest court in the land, stressing that the “Supreme Court ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of all wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas.”

He further said, “This judgment was a response to long-standing complaints of fictitious wards, inequitable distribution of polling units, and gross irregularities that had tilted the balance of representation against the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people.

“The judgment was a clarion call to INEC to redeem its mandate and uphold the Constitution, and HURIWA’s support for the judgment is a testament to its commitment to justice and fairness.

“HURIWA’s position is clear: INEC’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment is not only reckless but also a dangerous signal of institutional lawlessness that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Binebai insisted that any voter registration or electoral process carried out in Warri without fresh delineation is null and void, as well as a violation of the rule of law.

“I urge INEC to take HURIWA’s concerns seriously and do the needful by enforcing justice on the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation.

“The people of Warri deserve fair representation, and it is imperative that their rights are respected and protected.

“HURIWA’s stance is a reminder that the rule of law and democracy must be upheld, and I commend their efforts in promoting justice and fairness in Nigeria,” he concluded.
END

Police Rescue Victim, Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers

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Police Rescue Victim, Arrest Three Suspected Kidnappers

…..Recover Arms, Ammunition, and Cash in Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against violent crimes, with coordinated operations in Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa States leading to the rescue of a kidnap victim, arrest of three suspects, and recovery of firearms, ammunition, and millions of naira in cash.

According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Akwa Ibom State, on August 16, 2025, operatives attached to Eket Division, working with officers from Ikot Udota Division and youths of Afia Nsit, responded swiftly to a distress call on Factory Road, Afia Nsit, Eket. Their prompt action led to the rescue of one Emerson and the arrest of two suspects identified as Okon Edem Okon and Emmanuel Bassey.

A search of an uncompleted building in a nearby bush uncovered a cache of arms, including one AK-47 rifle, one assault rifle, 67 rounds of ammunition, one pump-action shotgun with six live cartridges, six magazines, and a mobile phone. Manhunt efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

Similarly, in Nasarawa State, on August 18, 2025, operatives of Garaku Division recovered a G3 rifle following a lone motor crash involving an Opel Vectra vehicle at Angwan Mayo community. The two occupants of the vehicle fled the scene, abandoning the car. A subsequent search revealed additional arms and ammunition, including one AK-47 rifle, one Type 06 rifle, one G3 rifle, three magazines, 57 live rounds, and a total of ₦6,908,150.

Following a manhunt in collaboration with the military, one suspect, Mohammed Tahir of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, was arrested. He confessed to belonging to a seven-man kidnap gang responsible for the abduction of a lawyer in Nyanya, Abuja, from whom ransom had been collected.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, commended the swift response of the operatives, the cooperation of community members, and the vigilance of citizens whose timely information proved critical. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Police Force to ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven across the country.

The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

75-year-old Grandpa Arrested As NDLEA Destroys 178,000kg Skunk In Taraba Forest

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75-year-old Grandpa Arrested As NDLEA Destroys 178,000kg Skunk In Taraba Forest

……Intercepts 104,900 tramadol caps in fuel tanker heading to Borno; 502, 280 pills of opioids concealed in refrigerator, animal feeds in Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, Maiduguri raids, recovers N7.9m cash; nabs drug kingpin with large consignment of Loud, Colorado, Meth in Ekiti

A 75-year-old grandpa Uchelue Ikechukwu was among six suspects arrested with illicit substances in raids by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in parts of Anambra state just as 30-year-old Alfa Andrew was taken into custody following the destruction of 178, 750 kilograms of skunk on his 71.5 hectares of cannabis farm in Mayodoga forest, Sardauna local council area of Taraba state.

While Uchelue was nabbed at Umudioka, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra with 26.7kg skunk on Thursday 28th August 2025, Eneh Makuo; Emmanuel Chiemeli; Uwakwe Matthew; Chukwujekwu Ehirim; Ifeanyichukwu Olisa and Odoh Chukwuma, were arrested with various quantities of opioids and skunk at Nkwelle and Amichi areas of the state.

In his case, Andrew was arrested with a Dane gun on Tuesday 26th August when NDLEA operatives supported by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Forest Security Service, Mambila Youth Vanguard and Vigilante, stormed his 71.5 hectares of cannabis farm located at Mayodoga forest, Mayosabere ward in Sardauna LGA, Taraba State, where they destroyed 178, 750 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

No fewer than 104,900 capsules of tramadol concealed in the driver compartment of a fuel tanker, suspected to be an illicit consignment going to insurgents in parts of Borno state, were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Abuja/Kaduna tollgate in Kaduna on Friday 29th August while a suspect Hassan Buba was immediately taken into custody. Another suspect Kabir Sulaiman, 45, was nabbed with 34.150kg skunk by NDLEA officers at Gwargwaje – Zaria check point on Saturday 30th August.

Following intelligence and surveillance, NDLEA operatives in an interdiction operation on Saturday 30th August arrested a major supplier of illicit opioids in Borno state, 33-year-old Uchenna Umeh shortly after he received his supplies from Onitsha, Anambra state. Recovered from his apartment at Chescon, Pompomary area of Maiduguri include 30,640 pills of tramadol 225mg; 7,940 tablets of rohypnol and a cash of Seven Million Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred Naira (N7,999,200.00) only in N200 new notes.

In Nasarawa state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 28th August arrested a suspect Abubakar Dauda, 36, with 79,040 pills of tramadol and diazepam at Abacha park, Mararaba Karu. This followed the arrest of Babangida Tungura, 47, in Lafia, with 30,410 pills of tramadol and Rohypnol as well as 38 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup concealed in a deep freezer from Asaba, Delta state on Tuesday 26th August.

A 23-year-old suspect Mohammed Ali was on Wednesday 27th August arrested in a follow up operation at Ngorore, Adamawa State following the interception of his way billed consignment of 15,000 capsules of tramadol concealed in sacks of animal feed at the Gombe mega park.

In Kano, the duo of Ashiru Garba, 20, and Aminu Abdu, 22, were arrested on Tuesday 26th August along Kano-Hadeja road, with 1.5kg skunk and 25,000 pills of exol-5 while two other suspects: Ali Muhammad, 37, and Muhammad Maishanu, 42, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 28th August along Zaria-Kano road, Gadan Tamburawa, with 8,080 bottles of a New Psychoactive Substance and 25.7kg skunk in their possession. No fewer than 250,000 tablets of exol-5 were seized from a suspect Alhasaan Musa, 25, in Zango area, Ungogo LGA, Kano by NDLEA operatives on Saturday 30th August.

A suspect Hamisu Abdullahi was on Monday 25th August arrested in a follow up operation in Yola, Adamawa state after NDLEA operatives on patrol along Mararraba Lamurde intercepted a golf saloon car marked GME 253 HP driven by Sani Suleiman and coming from Gombe state loaded with sacks of pepper, used to conceal 79 blocks of skunk weighing 58kg belonging to Hamisu.

In Edo state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Ewu-Auchi road, Etsako West LGA intercepted 64,250 pills of opioids mainly tramadol in a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and going to Okene, Kogi state, while a suspect Mohammed Halidu, 36, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Two suspects: Elves Odogwu, 45, and David Jeremiah, 35, were arrested on Wednesday 27th August when NDLEA operatives raided Queen Elizabeth, Aponmun Reserved Camp, Ondo in Ondo state where 117.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from them. A total of 164 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the base of a suspect Michael Ayodele in Mushin area of Lagos where he was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Saturday 30th August.

‎In what appears to be the single largest seizure of Loud and Colorado, two strong strains of cannabis, in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday 29th August raided Nova street, behind New Creation School, Ado-Ekiti where 5.3 kilograms of Loud and Colorado as well as 2.5grams of Methamphetamine were seized from a 42-year-old drug kingpin Ajayi Ayodeji Idowu (a.k.a Atiku).

Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to secondary school students in Onitsha during their annual holiday lessons at Ezechima Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra state; youths of Anglican Church Diocese, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; WADA advocacy visits to HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, the Akran of Badagry, Lagos State; the MD/CEO of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and his management team in Lagos; the First Lady of Ogun state, Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; and the Olofin of Isheri, HRM Oba Suleiman Adekunle Bamgbade Ayodele 111, Lagos, among others.

While commending the officers and men of Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, and Edo, Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

NDDC Boss Stresses Need To Preserve History Through Books

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NDDC Boss Stresses Need To Preserve History Through Books

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has stressed the importance of documenting historical milestones through books.

Ogbuku spoke during the launch of two books, “Pirates of the Gulf” and “The Kingfisher: An intimate portrait of environmental injustices in the Niger Delta,” written by the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.

The occasion, attended by Bayelsa State Governor Senator Duoye Diri and other dignitaries, marked the celebration of King Bubaraye Dakolo’s 60th birthday, the 25th anniversary of his marriage and the launching of his two latest books.

The NDDC Managing Director said that literature was critical to preserving knowledge in society, noting, “It helps us to document our thoughts and relate to others. Without literature, you leave your generation behind.”

Ogbuku observed that agitations for better conditions should be more of an intellectual negotiation than a violent confrontation. He commended the author for writing the two books, stating that “he has contributed to preserving history for generations to come.”

L-R: Queen Timinipre Bubaraye Dakolo; King Bubaraye Dakolo; the Bayelsa State Governor Senator Duoye Diri; Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Douye Diri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, during the launch of two books written by the King Dakolo, at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.

He encouraged all knowledgeable individuals to emulate the author by putting their thoughts in writing as a means of preserving knowledge, culture, and tradition for future generations.

Ogbuku launched the books, pledging that the NDDC would buy many copies for distribution to higher institutions in the Niger Delta region.

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, acknowledged the ‘intellectual militancy’ deployed by the royal father through his books to highlight the environmental and developmental challenges faced by the people of the oil-rich Niger Delta.

He stated: “We honour your contributions to the promotion of peace and the preservation of our rich culture. I want to acknowledge your dedication to the development and progress of Bayelsa State.”

Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Royal Father of the Day, King Pere Stanley Perediegha, as well as the Mother of the Day. Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Douye Diri, other Senators, House of Representatives members, Commissioners, traditional rulers, and academics.

King Dakolo, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, a forthright Ijaw patriot, soldier, environmental rights activist, and prolific writer, remains a role model to our younger generation for his exemplary life of service.

Diri To FG: PIA Needs Urgent Review

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Diri To FG: PIA Needs Urgent Review

…..Says Dakolo A Rare King

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has again urged the Federal Government to take a fresh look at the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in order to resolve conflicts in Niger Delta oil-producing communities arising from implementation of the legislation.

According to a press release on Saturday, August 30, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, zSenator Douye Diri made the plea on Saturday during the triple celebrations of book launch, 60th birthday and 25th marriage anniversary of King Bubaraye Dakolo, chairman of the state traditional rulers council, in Yenagoa.

The Bayelsa governor was reacting to a comment by the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who said that litigations in host communities had made it impossible for them to access monies in the Petroleum Industry Trust Fund meant for their development.

Senator Diri noted that when the PIA was a bill during the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the state presented its position that excluding the oil producing states and local councils from administration of host communities, as provided in the then bill, would result in crisis.

According to him, “the PIA, as it was designed, is a time bomb because the federal government cut off states and local government councils to deal directly with communities. It is my submission that the percentage due oil companies conspiratorially reduced from 10 per cent to 3 per cent be reviewed.

“I also call on the federal government to immediately review the aspect where states and local government were excluded from administering what is due to the communities. The states and councils are closer to the communities and it was wrong to have excluded from the administration of these communities. The current situation is a recipe for crisis and I urge President Bola Tinubu to review it.”

While congratulating Dakolo, who is the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, on the launch of his books, “The Pirates of the Gulf” and “The Kingfisher,” Senator Diri described the monarch as a rare king, and urged the younger generation to see him as a role model.

He also described Dakolo as a literary giant, who took up the challenge after his ordeal at the Nigerian Defence Academy to fight injustice in the Niger Delta, emphasising that he has made positive impact on the Ijaw nation and the country as a whole.

Diri, who launched the books with the sum of N100 million on behalf of the state government, directed the Ministry of Education to adopt The Kingfisher as part of the state’s secondary school curriculum.

“King Dakolo has served Bayelsa and Ijaw nation. Dakolo and l had been together in the Ijaw struggle. He is sound and very intelligent. He is a literary giant and l urge our youths of the ljaw nation to see him as their role model.”

In his remarks, Lokpobiri, who chairman at the event, congratulated Dakolo on his achievements, describing him as a man of many parts and a visionary leader.

He lauded the monarch for his advocacy for a better deal for the Niger Delta people through his literary works, and equally called on operators of illegal refineries to desist from their activities as these contribute to degradation of the environment.

Senator Lokpobiri also bemoaned oil communities inability to access the trust fund for their development as a result of the crisis and litigations emanating from them.

The chief launcher and Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, equally commended Dakolo for documenting his experience, which he said would create more enlightenment about the struggles of the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku, who said the commission would buy as many copies of the two and distribute to schools in the region, expressed optimism that the gesture would help to promote education.

The Pirates of the Gulf was reviewed by Dr. Ebidenyefa Nikade while Air Vice Marshal Kurotimi Obidake, representative of Major Gen.Solomon Udounwa (rtd), reviewed The Kingfisher.

North-East Governors Pledge Stronger Regional Unity, Unveil New Measures On Security, Climate, And Economy

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North-East Governors Pledge Stronger Regional Unity, Unveil New Measures On Security, Climate, And Economy

The North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening regional cooperation while tackling persistent challenges in security, climate change, and economic development.

The resolution was reached at the Forum’s 12th meeting, held in Jalingo, Taraba State, and chaired by Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State. The Forum comprises the governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the governors welcomed the growing collaboration among member states and outlined key resolutions across multiple sectors:

Security and Humanitarian Response: While acknowledging gains made in the fight against insurgency, the Forum expressed concern over ongoing humanitarian needs and infrastructural gaps across the subregion.

Climate Risks and Flood Preparedness: In anticipation of severe flooding as predicted by meteorological agencies, the governors called for community sensitization, urgent repair of damaged infrastructure, and stronger support from the Federal Government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC).

Agriculture and Food Security: Alarmed by rising costs of farm inputs, the Forum urged for increased subsidies and better planning for dry season farming to avert a looming food crisis.

Trade and Investment: To boost regional commerce, the Forum announced the hosting of the North-East Trade Fair in December 2025 at Maiduguri, Borno State, in partnership with the North-East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NECCIMA).

Energy and Infrastructure: The Power and Energy Committee of the Forum was directed to design a comprehensive Subregional Power Masterplan to expand renewable energy and address energy poverty.

Education and Institutions: The governors congratulated the University of Maiduguri on its 50th anniversary and pledged support for the relaunch of its Endowment Fund in November 2025.

The Forum further disclosed that its 13th meeting will hold in Maiduguri, Borno State, from December 12 to 14, 2025.

Governor Zulum, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, emphasized that the Forum remains a vital platform for policy alignment, regional dialogue, and collective action in the North-East.

PSC Denies Commencement Of 2025 Police Recruitment, Warns Applicants Against Scammers

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PSC Denies Commencement Of 2025 Police Recruitment, Warns Applicants Against Scammers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed reports circulating online about the commencement of the 2025 recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force, warning Nigerians to beware of fraudsters.

In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Commission clarified that it has not started the recruitment process and described the online advertorials as “fictitious and diversionary.”

Ani urged interested applicants, particularly Nigerian youths, to disregard the fake advertisements and exercise patience while the Commission finalises preparations for the official recruitment exercise.

“The current online advertorial is not from the Commission and does not in any way represent the character or content of our official statements,” the PSC stated.

The Commission further warned individuals behind such misleading publications to desist from their “dubious pastime” and allow due process to prevail.

Ani assured Nigerians that when the 2025 recruitment exercise begins, it will be conducted in a transparent, credible, and equitable manner.

Gov Diri Directs Ministry, Contractors To Expedite Work On Ekeremor-Agge Road

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Gov Diri Directs Ministry, Contractors To Expedite Work On Ekeremor-Agge Road

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Dirit, has asked the Ministry of Works and the companies handling the sand-filling and construction of the Ekeremor-Agge road to expedite action on the project, saying he remains committed to its completion before his administration winds down.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said Governor Diri gave the directive on Friday during an on-the-spot assessment of the project.

So far, about seven kilometers have been sand-filled of the 27.8km first phase from Ekeremor town to Ndoro, with a spur to Peretorugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state.

The project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

His words: “What we have seen so far is encouraging. But I want the Ministry of Works to expedite action as well as Pelfaco, the company that is doing the sand-filling, and Lubrik Construction Company, which is handling the main road construction. They have to make sure that our timelines are met.

“Our first phase target is to get to Ndoro and have a spur to Peretorugbene. If we are able to achieve that in the remaining life of this administration, we are sure that whoever that is coming next will complete the rest.

“There were some delay in starting the project, arising from my initial plan to first inaugurate the Sagbama-Ekeremor axis that we completed and thereafter partner the federal government to take the road further to Agge.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to inaugurate the Sagbama-Ekeremor portion, which was handed over to us from the previous administration. So, we thought that rather than waiting, we should start something and that is why we are here now.”

Also, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, said the two-year timeline was achievable and that the contractors have been fully mobilised.

The commissioner noted that having achieved a reasonable amount of sand-filling, the main construction work will commence next month, alongside the construction of an 80-meter bridge to Ndoro and another 150-meter bridge to Peretorugbene.

Speaking on behalf of Pelfaco Limited, Mr. Kazeem Ajala said the ongoing clearing and sand-filling work to Ndoro would be completed in April next year.

Mr. Ajala assured that with the filling of the road to a height of about 2.4 meters, there would not be concerns with flooding and expressed the company’s readiness to deliver on the contract specification, given the adequate funding provided by the state government.

Integrity Youth Alliance Counters Rariya Editor’s Allegations Against Police

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Integrity Youth Alliance Counters Rariya Editor’s Allegations Against Police

The Integrity Youth Alliance has dismissed as false and malicious a statement credited to Sani Ahmed, popularly known as Zangina, editor of the Rariya Hausa online newspaper, in which he accused the Nigeria Police Force of harassing activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group described Ahmed’s claims as a “baseless narration,” insisting that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, is a professional institution with no interest in intimidating Sowore or any other Nigerian citizen.

“The claim that Sowore is being harassed is laughable. Sowore is too insignificant to be intimidated by an institution as professional as the Nigeria Police. Any matter concerning him is strictly for the courts to decide, not for self-appointed media judges,” the statement read in part. 

The group further criticized Ahmed for attempting to project Sowore as a champion of the masses, arguing that his record shows a greater interest in personal and political ambitions than in the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

In a sharp rebuttal, the Integrity Youth Alliance also accused Ahmed of hypocrisy, alleging that his own brothers are linked to terrorist activities responsible for killings and kidnappings in Northern Nigeria. “If Zangina wishes to be taken seriously, he should call on his brothers to stop terrorizing innocent Northerners instead of fabricating lies against the Police,” the statement added.

The Alliance emphasized that Ahmed has no legal authority to declare Sowore innocent, noting that only the courts can make such pronouncements based on evidence. It further stated that it would not be intimidated by what it described as “propaganda and falsehoods.”

Observers Urge INEC To Extend CVR Deadline, Cite Low Turnout In Several States

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Observers Urge INEC To Extend CVR Deadline, Cite Low Turnout In Several States

A coalition of accredited election observers has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise beyond its scheduled deadline of tomorrow. The group, in a statement released on Friday night, advised that ending the exercise abruptly would disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who are yet to be captured in the voters’ register.

The observers noted that despite INEC’s efforts, the exercise has been marred by several challenges ranging from inadequate publicity and limited awareness campaigns by political parties and civil society groups, to logistics bottlenecks in parts of the country. They argued that these factors have combined to slow down the process, leaving many citizens, especially first-time voters, unable to register before the close of the window.

Particularly worrisome, the statement said, is the consistently low turnout recorded in some states across the country. States in the South West such as Ondo, and many states in the South East, have witnessed below-average registration figures, partly due to late mobilisation and technical hitches at some registration centres. The observers warned that cutting off the process now would amount to excluding large numbers of eligible citizens from exercising their democratic rights in the next general elections.

“Voter registration is the foundation of credible elections,” the observers declared. “INEC must not allow preventable constraints to deny Nigerians, especially the youth and those in underserved regions, the opportunity to be part of the democratic process.”

They further stressed that an extension of the CVR will not only accommodate those who have been unable to register due to system breakdowns, network failures and inadequate registration centres, but will also strengthen the credibility of the entire electoral process by ensuring wider participation.

The coalition therefore appealed to INEC to take urgent steps to extend the exercise by at least two weeks, to enable more Nigerians of voting age to complete their registration. Such a move, they argued, would send a strong signal that the Commission remains committed to inclusivity, fairness and the broad participation of citizens in the democratic process.

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