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Court of Appeal Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Governorship Mandate

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A Court of Appeal located in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has affirmed Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s election as the state’s governor.

The appeals of all appellants, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were unanimously dismissed by the three-member appellate court on Thursday for lack of merit.

The Court of Appeal maintained the previous ruling of the lower court, reaffirming the election of Dr. Olayide Adelami and Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the governor and deputy governor of Ondo State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proclaimed Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Olayide Adelami of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winners of the November 16, 2024, governorship election, which was upheld by the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on June 4, 2025.

However, in their appeals against the tribunal’s ruling, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Social Development Party (SDP) asked the appellate court to declare the results of the November 16, 2024, governorship election null.

This came after the ruling of the Ondo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on June 4, 2025, which upheld the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, dismissed the petitions of a few political parties.
The three presiding judges, Justices Nimpar Yargata, K.I. Amadi, and I.M. Sani, unanimously rejected the appeals one after the other because the appellants had not provided evidence to support their allegations of noncompliance with the Electoral Act.

According to the Justices, the appellants were unable to demonstrate how their claims impacted the election in the several voting places, wards, and local government districts where the election was held, therefore failing to prove their claims against the election.

The parties’ assertions of extensive irregularities in the various voting units were not supported by any credible witnesses called to the tribunal, hence the court also decided that the parties had abandoned their arguments.

In order to declare Dr. Aiyedatiwa and Dr. Adelami the elected governor and deputy governor of Ondo State, the Court of Appeal upheld the tribunal’s rulings in every case and assessed the appellants N1.5 million in costs.

In response to the verdict, Governor Aiyedatiwa praised the justices of the Appeal Court for their meticulous review of the cases and their comprehensive, unanimous rulings.

In addition to thanking God and the people of Ondo State, he said that the Appeal Court’s ruling had upheld the people’s will.

According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, “I give glory to Almighty God who used the good people of Ondo State and orchestrated this journey from the beginning.” As the eighth democratically elected governor of this state, we were voted in by more than 366,000 citizens on November 16 of last year.

The Appeal Court has now confirmed the tribunal’s validation of that mandate. Although certain political parties attempted to use the backdoor to overturn the people’s decision, the court has performed its duty by preserving the decision reached by the majority of voters in each of the state’s 18 local government districts.

Read Also: Going Back to Natural Foods and Simple Meals

For their assistance, Governor Aiyedatiwa also thanked his deputy, his legal staff, and APC leaders and members.

The PDP and others’ claims were denied by the tribunal led by Justice Benson Ogubu, which declared that “the petitions against the victory of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were worthless and unmerritorious and were accordingly dismissed.”

In response to the ruling of the Appeal Court, APC state chairman Engr. Ade Adetimehin advised the PDP and other appellants to simply stop pursuing frivolities, citing the lack of substantive evidence to support their allegations.

He advised them to adopt a sportsmanlike attitude and advised them to go and get ready for the upcoming election.

“I don’t think they will still go to the Supreme Court because I don’t see anything substantial in their claims,” Adetimehin stated.

In the upcoming years, the state will hold another election, so they should just quit wasting time and money and start getting ready for it. They ought to concede the match.

Going Back to Natural Foods and Simple Meals

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“The report from Euromonitor is supported in Nigeria by the products that are sold there, including water melon, pineapple, apple, strawberry, oranges, limes, lemons, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and more. These fruits are now considered luxury items in the market.”

According to a recent analysis by Euromonitor International, the coronavirus (COVID-19) has made health and food safety a top priority, raising calls for more openness in food procurement and transportation.

According to the research, this has accelerated trends about food origins and conventional, well-known components that provide both nutrition and usefulness, encouraging a return to the basics.

It makes the case that returning to the basics also brings essential ideas to the table, such as inexpensive nutrition and accessibility in the framework of universal wellness. “Now, with disposable incomes declining due to COVID-19, this becomes crucial,” it continues.

Local sourcing is prioritized.

A resurgence of interest in locally produced goods has been accelerated, the report claims. It reads: “Since a few years ago, elder generations have been calling for the use of local products, food produced on local farms, and country of origin claims. Because it is transparent, high-quality, and safe, as well as a way to boost the local economy, the pandemic has increased interest in locally sourced food.

Since the pandemic, numerous programs have been launched to promote regional food production. One such project is “Support your locals,” a Dutch program. In the end, the goal is to support the local economy and community by assisting local food producers and promoting short and hyperlocal supply chains. Businesses like Maaltojdboxen Groningen, which provides organic produce, meat, and fruit cultivated by regional farmers in the Groningen province to customers’ doorsteps, are made possible by this program.

Both conventional and natural knowledge

It goes on to say: “Health has become a top priority for consumers, and traditional products that are naturally useful (like turmeric or ginger) and nutritious (like ancient grains like buckwheat and amaranth) are gaining popularity. As the focus shifts from treatment to prevention and the need for targeted functionality as a crucial aspect of health has increased, the idea of “food as medicine” is now more important than ever.

An angle from Nigeria

The research by Euromonitor is supported in Nigeria by the products that are sold in the country’s food market, including fruits like water melon, pineapple, apple, strawberry, oranges, limes, lemons, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and more. These fruits are now considered luxury items in the market.

In certain circumstances, prices have quadrupled or doubled. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now well-informed about the health benefits of these products. And using these foods as basic ingredients, food processing companies are creating new products. As a result, farmers are able to make more money at the farmgate.

Read Also: Dangote Applauds Tinubu’s Reforms for Boosting Private Sector Growth

Traditional methods of preventing diseases where nutrition is important are becoming more and more popular. The Health and Nutrition Survey by Euromonitor International indicates that in 2020, 48% of consumers worldwide look for traditional and natural ways to prevent disease, while 30% use over-the-counter medications.

According to the report, “natural” claims have been used by packaged food manufacturers to target this positioning in recent years. Companies that use traditional and well-known ingredients that contribute to a variety of functions will profit from the growing demand for natural and traditional solutions in relation to preventative health.

Consideration of inclusive nutrition and value reevaluation

The 2020 economic downturn in many nations, according to Euromonitor, “brings attention to affordable and accessible nutrition.” With food at the core of consumer requirements, it is a universal human right. It will be essential to make healthy food accessible in order to promote optimal nutrition for all facets of society.

Even before the pandemic, there was a growing demand for private label and reasonably priced wellness products, and the worldwide lockdowns only increased this demand. With declining discretionary incomes, this demand is anticipated to persist.

With a 5.5% market share in China’s milk formula market, Junlebao is a prime example of added-value innovation at inclusive price points. In categories like organic and formulas for newborns with specific needs that are often marketed to high-end consumers, Junlebao has introduced affordable products.

Dangote Applauds Tinubu’s Reforms for Boosting Private Sector Growth

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Additionally, the naira-to-dollar exchange rate is starting to stabilize, which has been beneficial. The market has become somewhat more predictable as a result of the decrease in volatility.

The president of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his measures that are reviving private investors’ faith in Nigeria’s economy.

Over the weekend, he made the comments while Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, visited the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and Dangote Fertilizer Limited in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Dangote commended the Nigeria First policy and the Naira-for-Crude plan as daring and revolutionary measures that might revive the economy more quickly than anticipated, and he commended President Tinubu’s efforts to address the problem of crude supply issues to domestic refineries.

“I think it is important to express our gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for making sure that the crude oil supply has improved. It is especially admirable that he has insisted that all transactions involving crude oil be made in naira. Crude must be priced and bought in our local currency if we are to successfully fulfill market demand, which we can do,” he stated.

The prominent industrialist observed that the naira-to-dollar exchange rate has become somewhat more stable as a result of these measures and other economic reforms. As the results of the changes became more apparent, he expressed hope that the naira will continue to appreciate in the upcoming weeks. He claims that increased market predictability has boosted trust in the investment climate and assisted investors in making wise business decisions.

Additionally, the naira-to-dollar exchange rate is starting to stabilize, which has been beneficial. The market has become somewhat more predictable as a result of the decrease in volatility.

This is a positive trend for those of us in the business sector since it makes better planning possible. We may anticipate a more favorable exchange rate in the future as market conditions continue to improve,” he stated.

In order to enhance collaboration between security and regulatory authorities and enable more seamless operations under the Naira-for-Crude program, Dangote also praised the Federal Government for launching the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative. He underlined that, in accordance with President Tinubu’s order, the OSS has greatly lowered bottlenecks and made it possible to resolve problems in real time.

A One-Stop Shop has been formed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, and it is operating with diligence. I have no doubt that the government plans to implement this approach in other areas, especially to expedite the clearing of products, which is a crucial economic function.

“At this time, loading is not giving us any serious problems. The Navy, NIMASA, NPA, and all other pertinent agencies have been consolidated under one roof. Efficiency has been increased as a result of this collaboration. Every problem is resolved quickly under the direction of Mr. Zack Adedeji, the Technical Committee Chairman, who is performing admirably.

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The business tycoon also said that the refinery will be deploying 4,000 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tankers as part of a new program to distribute petroleum products more effectively and sustainably. He clarified that the action would lower logistics expenses and guarantee that Nigerians would receive goods closer to their homes and at more reasonable costs.

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in the meantime, reiterated the FG’s dedication to encouraging domestic investment and resolving the difficulties encountered by regional businesses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering emphasis on domestic investment is the reason we are here today. As you know, we hosted the first-ever Domestic Investment Summit on Monday. Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a prominent investor who has contributed an incredible amount of money to Nigeria’s growth, invited us to this meeting today,” she remarked.

Dr. Oduwole praised the refinery as a historic endeavor, pointing out that even governments are hesitant to take on projects of this magnitude. According to her, the administration is showing genuine support for domestic investors by implementing doable measures to ease restrictions and promote expansion.

He has taken on a project of this kind, which even governments are sometimes reluctant to take on. This is a serious matter for our administration. As a leading domestic investor and a well-known advocate for African investment internationally, we are here to fully support him.

“We are showing our commitment by taking action; our support is not just words. By praising and supporting individuals like Alhaji Dangote who prioritize Nigeria, we are inspiring more domestic investors. Our time, focus, and effort are all perfectly in line with our priorities, so this is not just empty talk.

“For this reason, we have devoted a whole day to fully focusing on this project—the Dangote Refinery.”

In order to lower business costs and promote industrial development, she continued, the Federal Government is constantly interacting with stakeholders and examining legislative and regulatory frameworks.

Champions League 2025/26: Full List of Qualified Teams, Match Schedule, Broadcast Details & More

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With 29 elite clubs already qualified for the 36-team league phase, the pace to qualify for the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League is quickening.
Through the playoff rounds, the final group of clubs for the Champions League campaign will be determined.
Everything you need to know about who is competing, what will happen next, and how to follow the competition is provided below.

August 4th: The Champions League playoff draw is the next big event on UEFA’s schedule. It will take place at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday, August 4.

To join the top 29 already qualified, the final seven teams will be decided by this pivotal draw.

Seeding details and procedural rules are released at 08:30 CET on the same day, and fans may watch the draw live on UEFA.com.

However, there is one more obstacle to overcome before the playoffs: the third qualifying round, which consists of first-leg games on August 5 and 6 and return legs on August 12 and 13.

Clubs Verified for the 2025–2026 League Phase
Arsenal (ENG), Atalanta (ITA), Athletic Club (ESP), Atletico Madrid (ESP), Barcelona (ESP), Bayer Leverkusen (GER), Bayern Munich (GER), Borussia Dortmund (GER), Chelsea (ENG), Galatasaray (TUR), Juventus (ITA), Inter Milan (ITA), Liverpool (ENG), Manchester City (ENG), Marseille (FRA), Monaco (FRA), Napoli (ITA), Newcastle (ENG), Olympiacos (GRE), Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), PSV Eindhoven (NED), Real Madrid (ESP), Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL), Slavia Prague (CZE), Sporting CP (POR), Tottenham Hotspur (ENG), Villarreal (ESP)

The number of teams will reach 36 after the seven clubs from the playoff round join the previously stated clubs.

How the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League operates: The top eight teams advance straight to the Round of 16 following the league phase.

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Teams in the bottom eight are ousted, and there is no Europa League safety net.

The eight remaining slots in the Round of 16 are decided by a knockout playoff between teams seeded 9th and 24th.

The final bout takes place in Budapest, and the format then shifts back to the traditional two-legged knockouts.

Champions League 2025–2026: Important Dates to Keep in Mind
August 12–13 (second legs), August 5–6 (first legs) is the third qualifying round.

Round of Playoffs: August 19–20 (first legs), August 26–27 (second legs)

League Phase Fixtures Draw: August 28
Schedule of League Phase Matches: September 16–18–January 28, 2026

Elimination Round: February 17–25

Final Draw for Knockout: February 27

16th round: March 10–18

Final Round: April 7–15

April 28–May 6 is the semi-final date.

Final date: May 30, 2026

Budapest, Hungary’s Puskás Aréna will host the 2026 UEFA Champions League final on May 30. The arena can hold 67,215 spectators and will host the Champions League final for the first time.

How the 2025–2026 Champions League campaign should be followed:
Fans can follow all of the qualifiers, matches, and updates in real time on websites like Flashscore as the trip to Budapest gets underway, while UEFA.com will continue to provide official coverage and draw results.

A number of additional channels, including Sky, Amazon Prime, DAZN, Canal+, TNT Sports, SuperSport, beIN, and Paramount+, will also provide live game coverage.

New Air Peace Route from Abuja to London Strengthens Nigeria’s Diplomatic Ties

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Nigeria’s largest domestic airline, Air Peace, has stated that it will start offering direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports on October 26, 2025, thus solidifying Abuja’s status as a global diplomatic center and political capital.

Nigeria’s soft power projection, international collaboration, and diplomacy will all be significantly impacted by this momentous event, which is the first time a Nigerian airline has established a direct connection between the Federal Capital Territory and two of the UK’s top international airports.

According to a statement from the airline, return tickets for the route would start at N1 million and include a substantial baggage allowance.

In order to increase accessibility for corporate leaders, diplomats, international development workers, and the larger Nigerian diaspora, this pricing plan was developed.

The direct route to London removes a long-standing logistical congestion for Abuja, which is home to more than 100 foreign embassies, multilateral organizations, and international nongovernmental organizations.

Prior until this, most diplomatic missions had to depend on foreign airlines or connecting flights via Lagos in order to reach the UK, which added complication and time to the journey.

According to Mr. Efe Osifo-Whiskey, spokeswoman for Air Peace, “this is not just an aviation breakthrough; it is a strategic alignment with Abuja’s diplomatic identity and Nigeria’s sovereign aviation ambitions.”

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“It establishes a smooth link between the political and economic core of the United Kingdom and the administration center of Nigeria.”

A single Air Peace itinerary allows international travelers to connect via Abuja thanks to the route’s through-ticketing from several Nigerian locations, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Yola, Port Harcourt, and Warri. In addition to decreasing dependency on foreign carriers and several layovers, this strengthens ties within Africa and around the world.

Nigeria’s larger objective of establishing aviation independence and regional leadership is furthered by Abuja’s classification as an intercontinental aviation hub. In addition to serving as the seat of government for the country, the Federal Government has stepped up efforts in recent years to establish Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja as a diplomatic and logistics hub.

Following Air Peace’s successful Lagos–London debut in 2024, which compelled a long-overdue market correction in international airline pricing and empowered Nigerian travelers, the Abuja–London route comes right after. The decision was largely hailed as a victory for aviation autonomy and the preservation of foreign cash.

The new route will simplify entry to Abuja for conferences, summits, and official visits, expedite mission turnaround times, and lower logistical costs associated with organizing multilateral engagements for the diplomatic community, international nongovernmental organizations, and bilateral institutions.

By boosting domestic carriers’ ability to connect both within and outside of Africa, it also supports the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) ambition.

According to the airline’s statement, “Air Peace continues to redefine what is possible in African aviation.”

“This new route makes Abuja an even more important gateway for business and diplomatic exchanges throughout West and Central Africa, not just for Nigeria.”

Aviation, hospitality, and diplomatic protocol service stakeholders are preparing for increased capacity as Abuja gets ready for more foot traffic from this new air corridor. This confirms that the capital is not only hosting international conversations but is now directly connecting to the starting point of many of them.

Abuja Housing and Land Titling: FCTA Moves to Eliminate Corruption and Boost Transparency

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The purpose of establishing investigating committees is to rectify anomalies, increase public confidence, and return to the initial monetization strategy.

In a daring attempt to promote accountability and transparency, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) established two committees to examine the land titling of park plots in Abuja and the sale of homes owned by the Federal Government after it was discovered that previous transactions had numerous irregularities.

Officials claim the action is a direct reaction to ministerial orders following the identification of “serious infractions and deviations” from the authorized procedures controlling the sale of government properties in the capital.

The revelation was revealed by FCTA Director of Land Administration Chijioke Nwankwoeze during the weekend’s inauguration event for the two vetting committees at his office.

He said the committees were formed with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s consent to address systemic shortcomings and rebuild public trust in the management of land and housing.

A statement detailing the violations found was signed by the FCTA’s Assistant Director of Information and Customer Service, Badaru Yakassai.

These include difficulties that have weakened trust and efficiency in Abuja’s real estate transactions, such as deviations from the authorized monetization mandate, subpar verification procedures, late payments, poor interdepartmental cooperation, and egregiously inadequate documentation.

“The committee’s objective is to restore accountability, transparency, and order in accordance with the federal government’s initial framework for sales and monetization policies from 2003 to 2005,” Nwankwoeze stated.

Under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the first committee was expressly tasked with auditing the sale of federal government properties to ascertain conformity with the monetization strategy. The goal of that program was to establish a systematic and open procedure for civil officials to turn government-owned properties into privately held assets.

But according to new research, there were several irregularities in the process, including purported record tampering, incorrect distribution, and speculative purchases by people and organizations who weren’t the intended policy goal.

Read Also: Why Legal Action Against Sitting Governors, President May Breach Constitution – Part 3

A controversial topic given the FCT’s continuous urban growth, the titling of specified park plots will be the focus of the second committee. For land titling to be in line with the FCTA’s present land reform goal, it will collaborate closely with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

“This is an audacious and irrevocable move,” Nwankwoeze said.

In addition to making sure that these assets are managed in the public interest, the administration is totally dedicated to resolving outstanding concerns pertaining to the sale of government property and the use of public land.

With the full political support of the FCT Minister, he said, the committees were provided with precise terms of reference, deadlines, and institutional support to enable them to efficiently fulfill their mandates.

The decision is deemed appropriate by those involved in land management and real estate. A forensic investigation of the monetization process and a comprehensive overhaul of land titling procedures have long been demanded by numerous experts due to the fact that property ownership in the FCT is frequently entangled in opacity, overlapping claims, and inadequate paperwork.

According to analysts, the system’s reopening might also draw reliable investments, lower the possibility of corruption in government asset transfers, and unlock substantial economic value in Abuja’s real estate market.

Nwankwoeze claims that the heightened inspection is a component of larger reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which prioritizes academic integrity, economic

Why Legal Action Against Sitting Governors, President May Breach Constitution – Part 3

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Thus, it baffles me why the vast majority of the respondents’ attorneys in the deluge of petitions that followed the 2007 general elections, for instance, arrived in the Election Tribunals believing that the petitioners or plaintiffs needed to establish their claims beyond a reasonable doubt. Many of them, regrettably, found supporters in most tribunals, which is why the processes were drawn out and never ended. The politicians have gotten the message: go ahead and work with law enforcement and INEC to rig the system so that the opposition is not burdened with proving its case beyond a reasonable doubt!

For what reason should an Election Tribunal function similarly to a Crime Tribunal? A tribunal’s only option regarding any established crime in an election suit is to recommend to INEC, as stated in Section 144 of the Electoral Act, 2022 [which is equivalent to Section 157 of the Electoral Act, 2006]: “The Commission (INEC) shall consider any recommendation made to it by a tribunal with respect to the prosecution by it of any person for an offence disclosed in any election petition.”

Injustice in Nigeria has undoubtedly been committed and sustained by the Supreme Court’s decision in Unongo v. Aper Aku, which established the loophole that permits election petitions to virtually run indefinitely! The judiciary has been given election authority instead of the electorate. Election malpractice, bribery, corruption, and political perfidy have all been promoted by it. It has promoted “do or die” politics, according to which we shall be in power and battle from the mountain while the opposition party will fight from the valley for however long it takes. How could an extra-constitutional ruling be anything more?

I’ll say it again: Nigerian courts are not empowered to permit electoral proceedings against the president or a current governor. Election suits can only be heard by the courts prior to the Electoral Commission’s declared winner being sworn in as president or governor. Because of this, the Nigerian Constitution of 1979 or 1999 stipulates that only four circumstances can result in the resignation or death of a governor or president, or in the impeachment of a current one.

The 1999 Constitution’s s.146 (1)(2), which is substantially the same as the 1979 Constitution’s s.134 (1)(2), is as follows for any confusion: 146. (1) In the event that the President is removed from office for any cause under section 143 or 144 of this Constitution, including death, resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity, or any other reason, the Vice-President will assume the President’s duties. (2) In the event that a vacancy arises under the conditions outlined in this section’s subsection (1) while the vice president’s office is also vacant, the Senate President will step in as president for a maximum of three months, during which time a new president will be elected to serve the remaining term of the previous occupant. Permanent incapacity is covered by s.144, whereas impeachment is covered by s.143. Impeachment and permanent disability are lengthy procedures, unlike death or resignation, which is why they are emphasized. The Nigerian Constitution’s founders never considered removing an incumbent governor or president due to a court-ruled nullification of an election.

A governor or the president, by virtue of s.308 of the constitution, is not a compellable witness; no court in the land can subpoena him, I stated in the opening section of this speech. The court has the authority to order the attendance of any contender, including the president-elect or the governor-elect. Additionally, I noted that “subsections 5 to 8 inserted into s.285 of the 1999 Constitution following the 2010 constitutional amendment exercise are in utter conflict with s.191, s.146, and s.308(1a), and run contrary to the intention of the framers of the constitution.” A state governor’s or president’s term cannot be extended by election petition proceedings. Because they are against natural justice, common sense, and the framers’ intent, subsections 5 to 8 of s.285 should be overturned by the courts.

The Supreme Court must go back and change its mind. In the case of Unongo v. Aper Aku (1983), we cannot even claim that the court committed a legal error because it was functioning outside of the constitution. However, we should consider the Lord Chancellor’s remarks when the British House of Lords voted to eliminate the absolute binding power of their own verdicts on legal matters in 1966, even if we accept that the highest court just made mistakes in the law.

According to their Lordships, precedent is a crucial basis for determining the law and how it applies to certain situations. It gives people a framework for the orderly development of legal standards and at least a certain level of assurance that they can rely on when conducting their affairs. However, their Lordships acknowledge that a too rigorous regard to precedent can both unnecessarily impede the proper development of the law and result in unfairness in a given case. As a result, they intend to change their current procedure and, although they will still consider earlier rulings from this House to be legally binding, deviate from them when it is appropriate to do so. It is not the intention of this pronouncement to influence precedent-setting outside of this House.

At this point, the Nigerian Supreme Court must take advantage of the first chance it has to reverse itself intrajudicially.

And how can we get out? According to Section 233(5) of the 1999 Constitution, any Nigerian citizen or fellow countryman with an interest in this issue may request permission from the Supreme Court to join any election petition involving the president or any governor if and when the case reaches the highest court. The application will ask the Supreme Court to halt, dismiss, or put on hold legal action against the president or a governor due to a lack of jurisdiction.

“The court will not listen to a busybody who is interfering in things which do not concern him, but it will listen to an ordinary citizen who comes asking that the law should be declared and enforced, even though he is only one of a hundred, one of a thousand, or one of a million who are affected by it,” the late Master of the Rolls, the legendary Lord Denning, wrote in The Discipline of Law. This statement provides guidance on the issue of locus standi, which will inevitably arise upon such an application by any concerned citizen or other person having an interest in the matter. Therefore, it can be claimed that the new approach has produced an actio popularis in England, which allows an average citizen to enforce the law for the good of all.

Read Also: Nine Confirmed Dead as Boat Overturns in Jigawa, Rescuers Save Others

Let’s say we have a popular movement in Nigeria. The Supreme Court of Nigeria should not continue to make mistakes. At page 275 of Adegoke Motors vs. Adesanya, [1989] 13 NWLR, pt.109, 250, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa immortalized the following: “We are final not because we are infallible; rather, we are infallible because we are final.” Because they are human, the justices of this court are prone to mistakes. Being blind to this clear fact will undoubtedly be shortsighted hubris. It’s also true that this Court’s shrewd rulings have the potential to accomplish immeasurable good. Similarly, the Court’s errors might cause irreversible injury. Learned counsel should therefore have the guts and bravery to request that a decision be overturned when it seems to them that it was rendered per incuriam in this Court. This Court is able to overrule itself, and it has done so in the past because it firmly believes that it is preferable to acknowledge mistakes than to continue making mistakes.

How much more leeway do the five months allowed under s.178(2) or s.132(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which stipulate that a presidential or gubernatorial election may be held 150 days prior to the swearing-in date, have if the 1979 election issue could be resolved?

Nine Confirmed Dead as Boat Overturns in Jigawa, Rescuers Save Others

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Jigawa State saw tragedy on Sunday, July 27, 2025, when a boat accident in Taura Local Government Area claimed the lives of nine people, primarily young girls.
The event was confirmed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in a Thursday update posted on its official 𝕏 handle.
NEMA’s Kano Operations Office reports that the victims were traveling in a canoe from Digawa Village in Jahun LGA to Zangon Maje Village in Taura LGA when the boat overturned at approximately 7:00 p.m.

According to the statement, “NEMA Kano Operations Office Assesses Boat Mishap at Zangon Maje Village, Taura LGA, Jigawa State, 30th July 2025,” there were 17 people on board when the incident occurred.

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According to the findings, the unfortunate event happened on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at around 7:00 p.m. According to the agency, the vessel sunk in the middle of its journey from Digawa Village in Jahun Local Government Area to Zangon Maje Village in Taura LGA, carrying 17 passengers, the most of whom were young girls.

NEMA reports that local divers who rushed to the incident managed to save eight of the passengers alive. Regretfully, the deaths of the other nine passengers were verified.

Together with members from the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (JSEMA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and local government, the agency has subsequently carried out a thorough evaluation of the disaster.

In reaction to the event, NEMA and its partners conducted a community sensitization program, emphasizing the use of life jackets and other safety precautions when traveling by water.

NEMA further stated, “NIWA also donated life jackets to the community as part of the response efforts.”

The organization reaffirmed the need for rigorous adherence to water travel regulations, particularly in rural areas where canoe dependence is still prevalent.

NDLEA, Ministry of Education Collaborate on Drug Education for Students

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On Wednesday, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), led a delegation of his management team to a meeting with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, in Abuja. The agreements reached between the two agencies include mandatory drug integrity testing for students attending tertiary institutions and a review of the current secondary school curriculum to incorporate drug education.

While stressing the terrible impact of substance misuse on the nation’s children, Marwa had praised the minister for his proactive attitude to his work during the meeting.

The battle against illegal drugs, he said, is a battle for the souls of young Nigerians.

The goal of our visit is to work with this prestigious ministry to support our joint efforts to combat drug use in Nigeria. Schools and educational institutions will essentially be the focus of our attention.

The fact that this ministry is responsible for the supervision of millions of our youngsters is quite important.

We are all aware of how widespread the drug problem is in Nigeria. We are genuinely engaged in a battle for our children’s souls. Currently, we also know that drug use is making criminal activity worse.

For example, Boko Haram, terrorism, banditry, and so on. “We know that without drugs, they would not be able to do what they are doing, because they would not do all these criminal activities in their right senses,” the expert said.

Thus, in our own small way, we are helping to combat the nation’s insecurity. Today, we have continued to deliver deadly blows to the drug cartels through law enforcement operations.

Through the asset forfeiture, arrests, convictions, and seizures, we are certain that we are doing everything in our power.

“We have arrested 40,887 criminal elements, convicted 8,682, and seized 5,507 metric tons of illicit drugs in the last two years, all with the support of President Bola Tinubu.”

Indeed, since January of last year, we have collected almost one billion opioid pills, primarily tramadol, valued at about N1 trillion.

President Tinubu has also authorized the construction of one model rehabilitation center in each of the nation’s geopolitical zones, Marwa said, adding that the president is also supporting the agency’s plans to construct seven rehabilitation centers in addition to the 30 that are currently spread across NDLEA commands nationwide.

He stated that in order to effectively combat the threat of substance misuse among Nigerian youth, he would like the Ministry and NDLEA to work together in three crucial areas.

The first recommendation we have, he said, is to examine the secondary school drug education program.

We’ve been informed about this in the past, but given the complexity, dynamic nature, and new psychoactive substances that have emerged, we believe it’s time to reevaluate the drug education process.

Additionally, we were considering proposing the implementation of independent drug misuse prevention programs in secondary schools.

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This time, the focus is on self-contained programs, parent involvement, lectures, competitions, and other activities rather than the curriculum.

The third thing we were considering was implementing a drug-testing program in higher education because we want a mechanism to maintain the cleanliness of our campuses.

Several vice chancellors have independently approached us to ask for our advice and to participate in administering drug tests to their students.

We now recommend random testing, drug testing for new students, and drug testing for students returning from vacation.

Knowing full well that there would be repercussions if they use drugs and are discovered, this will encourage the kids to abstain from doing so.

Furthermore, rustication is not a necessary outcome. In response, the minister praised Marwa’s dedication to serving Nigeria and his unwavering commitment.

We appreciate your service to Lagos. In addition, General Buba Marwa has dedicated his life to fighting for this nation. His service to the nation has continued since I first met him thirty years ago.

His passion was evident in the manner he outlined the nation’s issues and what he wanted us to accomplish. As he was speaking, I took notes, and it seemed as though I had seen his prepared remarks beforehand. I really appreciate you coming to visit us.

The drug epidemic, he said, is a serious issue that has to be addressed immediately.

“Youth who use drugs refuse to attend school, and even when they do, they do not receive a useful education.

And what happens when the day is over? They are less able to think critically. It drastically impairs their capacity to make wise choices in later life. They are thus no longer employable. What comes next? That vicious loop has sprung upon you. They are not working. They don’t benefit from it.

They only engage in criminal activity. You are likely to have a dysfunctional family after you start using drugs. It is a serious threat that we must address as soon as possible.

Dropping Shettima Could Jeopardize 2027 Bid – Former Minister Cautions Tinubu

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According to Adebayo Shittu, the former minister of communications, President Bola Tinubu’s chances of winning reelection could be harmed if Kashim Shettima is removed from consideration as his vice presidential candidate in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview on AIT on Wednesday, Shittu revealed this, emphasizing that the vice president is doing a great job and that no one on the winning team has to be changed.

He said that the much-discussed Muslim-Muslim ticket shouldn’t be used as an excuse to replace the former governor of Borno State.

He insisted that Shettima’s appointment was justified, claiming that he is an exceptionally bright vice president.

“I’m not sure what he’s done to make folks concerned that he would behave differently.

Additionally, I do not believe Shettima should be pre-verified to be on Tinubu’s squad. We need to exercise extreme caution if such proposals come from any sources.

There will undoubtedly be numerous disturbances, and the prospect of a second Tinubu presidency would be jeopardized. The victorious team will have to go on. People who don’t do anything wrong aren’t punished.

“When the Muslim-Muslim ticket was first promoted, I can assure you that all those, especially the Christians who were unhappy about it, have not lost anything as a result of it,” he said in response to the question of whether the Muslim-Muslim ticket was the likely cause of those encouraging his change.

I can guarantee you that more Christians in the South have received excellent postings than Muslims, despite the fact that I am a Yoruba-born Muslim and a very fervent APC supporter.

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The boat has paid off so well that I don’t understand why anyone would want to upset it.

The APC should not take any opposition group for granted, he said, in reference to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a potential challenge to the ruling party.

“Every political group must be treated seriously because these individuals are Nigerians, politicians, and human beings.

We are in a free environment as well. rights to freedom of action and association. Therefore, I do not undervalue any gathering.

“We do have reason to unite at this point as the APC,” he continued.

As you remember, we were able to flourish as APC mostly due to two reasons. First and foremost was the degree of corruption the PDP was displaying as a government.

Then there was the subpar performance of the previous administration. Thus, all governments need to be alert and respond to their opponents’ responses in a suitable manner.