Television Nigerian

The well-known writer Wole Soyinka has been criticized by Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic missionary priest in the Gambia, for his perceived silence during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In “Prof Soyinka then vs. Prof Soyinka now,” a Facebook post, he accused the Nobel laureate of being less vocal under President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership and of remaining utterly mute throughout Tinubu’s administration.

According to Ugwu, Soyinka was outspoken under the administrations of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, calling himself a “social crusader” and “movement” who openly denounced injustices by the government.

“Then came Tinubu, a man whose academic records are in doubt and whose identity is unclear,” he went on. In his two years in government, he has led Nigeria to accumulate more debt and its people to live in various forms of hardship.

He asked what would have led Soyinka, who was once a well-known spokesperson for the people, to “suddenly become deaf and dumb” while Tinubu was in power.

Furthermore, Ugwu disagreed that Soyinka’s silence was driven by ethnic allegiance, stating that the Nobel laureate has attacked other Yoruba leaders, like as Obasanjo.

He also joked that “if this is what people mean by juju, then juju is powerful,” suggesting that Tinubu’s capacity to influence detractors would be inexplicable.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, civil society organizations, or CSOs, have urged the Senate to be open and honest in its selection process.

Newsmen were reportedly given access to the CSOs’ statement by Yiaga Africa on Saturday.

Amupitan’s candidacy, which was apparently approved unanimously by the Council of State, does not take the place of the Nigerian Senate’s obligation to carry out a thorough, exacting, and open vetting procedure, the civic organizations pointed out.

Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative, WRAPA, International Press Center, IPC, the Kukah Center, Center for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab, Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign have all signed the statement together.

The organizations believed the only way the Senate could inspire public trust was through a thorough, stringent, and transparent screening procedure.

Along with guaranteeing transparency, they also tasked the Senate with making sure the process is broadcast on television and incorporates citizen and civil society engagement in the confirmation hearings, memoranda, and petitions.

The CSOs also demanded that the Senate conduct a thorough investigation of his qualifications, public records, electoral reform vision, INEC’s institutional strengthening, and ability to maintain electoral integrity and withstand political meddling.

The Senate should also question the nominee’s strategies for resolving systemic issues, such as voter registration, transmission of results, and adherence to INEC’s rules and policies.

“In accordance with the Framework for Citizens Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process, which was previously provided to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organizations, Nigerians anticipate that the Senate confirmation process will be accessible to the public.

“This includes complete disclosure of the nominee’s qualifications, history of public service, and ability to conduct elections free from political meddling,” the statement said.

Despite stating that they recognized Amupitan’s academic and professional achievements and therefore had no objections to his nomination in principle, the groups pointed out that the current electoral situation in Nigeria necessitates an INEC that is fiercely independent, impervious to political manipulation, and steadfast in its commitment to holding credible elections.

They conjectured that the future INEC chairman, should the Senate confirm him, should have moral courage, oppose political meddling, and function better when free from political influence.

Following the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s term, the Presidency announced that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, would be the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC. We, the undersigned civil society organizations that work on democracy and elections in Nigeria and throughout Africa, acknowledge this announcement.

The Council of State, which apparently unanimously approved his candidacy, was consulted before this. It is important to remember that the Nigerian Senate’s responsibility to perform due diligence through a thorough and open screening procedure that fosters public confidence is not superseded by the Council of State’s ratification.

The Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms are just a few of the important electoral reform initiatives that support our long-standing demand for an open, inclusive, and citizen-centered appointment process.

According to the statement, “Yiaga Africa and other Civil Society Organizations are urging the Senate to make sure that Prof. Amupitan exhibits moral courage and resistance to political interference.”

Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who narrowly lost the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly election, has switched to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a dramatic change in Zamfara State politics.

At a high-profile event hosted by Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani Projects at Gusau’s Taula Arena today, the decision was made.

Shortly after Kamilu Sa’idu of the APC was proclaimed the winner of the August supplementary election for the Kaura Namoda South constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the defection occurred.

Sa’idu’s victory was certified by Federal University Gusau Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu, who reported that the APC candidate received 1,181 votes in the runoff, compared to Kurya’s 194.

In the constituency as a whole, the APC received 8,182 votes to the PDP’s 5,544, demonstrating the APC’s power in spite of the fierce competition that was purportedly supported by a multibillion-naira war chest from PDP Governor Dauda Lawal.

Kurya apparently received billions of dollars in sponsorship from Governor Dauda Lawal during the most recent election, but the governor’s shortcomings caused Kurya to be rejected.

He joined the APC after becoming disenchanted with the leadership of Governor Lawal and the direction of his previous party.

In particular, he blamed his electoral failure and the wider unrest in Zamfara on the Lawal administration’s lack of focus on security.

But in an attempt to bring peace and advancement back, he called on his supporters to stand with APC leader Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense.

Kurya’s decision may be a precursor of more defections in Zamfara’s divisive political environment, where banditry and inter-party rivalry are still prevalent.

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been supported by Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, who has stated that he will come out stronger from the ongoing accusations of money laundering made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Agbese expressed support for Bello yesterday outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, calling the trial a test of a patriot’s fortitude rather than proof of misconduct.

In a passionate speech to reporters and supporters following Thursday’s court proceedings, the member for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency called Bello a leader with unwavering integrity.

He firmly asserted that Yahaya Bello is one Nigerian who cannot and would never embezzle any money from the public coffers.

I’ve known Yahaya for more than 20 years, and I can attest to his integrity as a nationalist, patriot, and a man who is passionate about his people’s advancement.

“This is the trial of a patriot who, after dedicating his heart and resources to changing Kogi State, left Lugard House [the Kogi State Government House] in a worse state than when he arrived. It is not the trial of a corrupt politician.”

The former governor’s dedication to public service and selflessness were highlighted by Agbese.

He claimed to have known Yahaya Bello for more than 20 years and to have witnessed a man who constantly put the needs of his people before his own interests.

When Kogi took office in 2016, he was facing economic stagnation, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Bold reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, and significant investments in roads, healthcare, and education were some of the ways that Bello altered that narrative. Instead of accumulating fortune for himself, he departed office with a richer legacy of service but a smaller wallet. Nigerians need to understand that what we are seeing is a strategically planned effort to damage the reputation of a guy who dared to put government ahead of personal gain.

Nigerians should look past the EFCC’s accusations, the congressman said, calling them “a smokescreen designed to distract from Bello’s transformative achievements.”

He emphasized Bello’s administration’s transparency and financial restraint. Agbese said, “Unprecedented development occurred in Kogi State during Bello’s tenure.”

From building the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center to establishing the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba, Bello’s initiatives were concrete and focused on the needs of the local population. Kogi became safer as a result of his introduction of free education policies, empowerment of women and youth, and direct combat of insecurity.

“This is not the behavior of a man who embezzles public funds. When all is said and done, I have no doubt that Yahaya Bello will emerge from this trial stronger and with his name as a patriot intact.

Agbese urged Nigerians to assess the EFCC’s pursuit’s motivations thoroughly as well. “This case is more about settling political scores than it is about accountability,” he claimed.

People who feel threatened by Bello’s influence have targeted him because of his growing reputation as a youthful, effective leader.

Nigerians ought to wonder why a man who resigned from office without owning an offshore account or a personal residence is being pursued. The politics of envy and vendetta hold the key to the solution. However, Yahaya Bello’s truth will win out because truth is tenacious.

Agbese added, “Yahaya Bello is the hope of a new generation of leaders who put service before self.”

“This trial will only make him more determined and give him more visibility as a people’s advocate. Nigerians ought to join him in supporting Bello because doing so upholds the fundamental principle of patriotic governance.

The appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn criticism from Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts.

He expressed his regret that Nigerians are not aware of the risks they currently face as a result of Amupitan’s appointment in a post on 𝕏 on Saturday.

He criticized the populace for applauding Amupitan’s legal prowess rather than presenting him with a plan and warning him to steer clear of the purported blunders of his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In his view, Nigerians are trivializing important national issues rather than holding their leaders responsible.

“People from Nigeria,” Amadi stated. Rather than giving him a fixed agenda and cautioning him against following Mahmud’s path, they are lauding his litigation abilities. What connection exist? People in Nigeria are not quite aware of the peril they are in. Everything they do is being trivialized.

According to Babatunde Ogala, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Joash Amupitan, the recently appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was a member of the legal team that represented President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election tribunal.

Earlier this week, President Tinubu selected Amupitan to take over as INEC’s head. Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year term concluded on Tuesday. The Senate has yet to accept his nomination, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Council of State on Thursday.

Amupitan, 58, is a law professor at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and functions as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), according to what was understood.

Reports surfaced shortly after his nomination, claiming that Amupitan was one of the attorneys who represented Tinubu at the tribunal. Ogala, who oversaw Tinubu’s legal staff, however, called the assertion untrue.

SAN claimed that Amupitan’s name was never on the list of 123 attorneys who represented the president in a statement released on Friday.

“As the former coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled, not as a rejoinder, but in service to truth and public interest, to set the records straight and allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement is written.

Prof. Amupitan SAN was never a part of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, just to be clear.

The more than 123 lawyers who were officially hired for that task, sixty (60) of them were renowned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, do not have his name on them.

“No professional service, advice, or opinion was ever requested or provided throughout the entire process.

Consequently, I urge anyone spreading this myth to provide concrete proof to the contrary. As a matter of fact, anyone can verify the veracity of this statement by requesting Certified True Copies of all court documents submitted on behalf of the president-elect (as he was at the time).

Even while political speech is unavoidable in democracies, it is crucial that our participation is grounded in morality, truth, and national stability. The deliberate falsification of facts to stir up public opinion is counterproductive and only jeopardizes our peace as a nation.

During a combat patrol in Borno State’s Magumeri and Gajiram regions on Friday, troops from Operation Hadin Kai, or OPHK, killed at least nine militants.

Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai’s Media Information Officer, made this announcement on Saturday.

He claims that during the raid, N5 million in cash that had been paid as ransom was also retrieved.

The terrorists were seen scaring the residents and burning houses on fire while allegedly traveling in two trucks and 24-foot fighters. Their own troops quickly responded to the threat by launching an aggressive fighting patrol.

The terrorists tried to escape into Damjiyakiri village as the troops moved closer to the target. Foot militants were chased across a distance of around 92 kilometers, while vehicle-borne fighters scattered to an unidentified location.

Troops were able to make touch with the escaping terrorists following almost four hours of tactical pursuit. Immediately, a frontal assault was initiated, and troops opened fire on the terrorists, neutralizing five of them as the other nineteen scattered. Blood traces were seen at the collision location, indicating that some people were injured,” he said.

One AK-47 weapon (Reg. No. 06798), five magazines (three empty and two loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, an Itel cell phone, and a dagger are among the goods found during the engagement, the statement continued.

It further clarified that during the mission, the OPHK forces reported no casualties or equipment losses.

Regarding the screening of the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, Denge Onoh, the former South-East spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has cleared the Department for State Services, or DSS, of any responsibility.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Onoh emphasized that it is improper and a complete misuse of the DSS’s operations to continuously request that candidates for public office undergo the screening process. He added this should end right away.

Nigeria should go past the third-world nation practices and adopt a globally recognized standard, he suggested.

He claimed that the military junta used the DSS because the Constitution was suspended and that the democratic government had normalized and maintained the unlawful behavior.

“Checking the educational background of a president’s nominee for public office is not the constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS),” Onoh insisted.

The former presidential spokesperson emphasized that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) does not give the DSS this responsibility. Instead, the Constitution delineates specific roles, whereby the Senate carries out the formal screening and confirmation process to determine suitability, including qualifications, and the President appoints individuals for positions such as ministers (under sections 147 and 154).

“Usually, the issuing institutions (such as universities) or the Senate during hearings verify the educational credentials of such nominees, not the DSS.”

The DSS’s primary responsibilities include counterintelligence, internal security, and senior official protection, including stopping crimes that endanger national security.

Although DSS responsibilities are not specifically stated in the Nigerian Constitution, they are incorporated into the executive branch’s larger authority (Section 5). He emphasized that it excludes verifying educational credentials as a required regulatory requirement.