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Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

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Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies at 53

The Senator representing Anambra South in the National Assembly, Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead.

Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, was said to have died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on Saturday.

He would have been 53 on September 3.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.

Ubah, who was re-elected into the 10th Senate under the Young Peoples Party, had last year defected to the All Progressive Congress.

In September 2022, Ubah escaped assassination when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State.

His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed.

He survived as the vehicle he was riding in was bulletproof.

Details soon…

Tope Omogbolagun

Tope, The According journalist, has over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues and investigative journalism, and currently covers the National Assembly, specifically the Senate

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

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Embrace dialogue, Ogun youth group tells hunger protest organisers

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Embrace dialogue, Ogun youth group tells hunger protest organisers

The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.

The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.

The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte, disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.

He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity.

” It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”

Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly, further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.

“Currently, the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.

“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.

“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.

“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.

He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.

“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.

“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.

Don faults discrimination against Muslim women

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Don faults discrimination against Muslim women

A lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, has lamented the growing discrimination against Muslim women in Nigeria.

Dr Tijani-Adenle said that Muslim women are heavily marginalised in various aspects of life, including education, employment and politics in the country.

The university lecturer said that this has many times put some women in tight corners, and are often forced to choose between their faith and career in some situations.

Dr Tijani-Adenle disclosed this on Friday in her keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the four-day 8th biennial women’s conference of NASFAT held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

She spoke on the theme of the conference “Strengthening Women Leadership through Empowerment and Islamic Values”.

Dr Tijani-Adenle said one of the most pressing issues is the restriction on the wearing of hijabs in government schools, agencies such as the police, and hospitals, among others.

She said, “Inequality in Nigerian society is a serious issue for women, especially Muslim women. For instance, Muslim girls in various schools in some places in Nigeria are denied the right to wear hijab on their school uniform.

“Why is it that a Muslim woman who is a police officer cannot wear hijab on their uniform? This is unfair. Why is it that our Muslim sisters, who are nurses, cannot wear their long skirts and hijab? Must they wear shorts before they can render healthcare service?

“Muslim women will go for an interview and pass the interview but will be denied employment because of their hijab, no matter the length of the hijab.”

The university lecturer said the government and every other stakeholder should address any form of discrimination that may not allow Muslim women to achieve their full potential.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of the State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that the current administration frowns at women’s marginalization and has constantly initiated different empowerment programmes for women in the state.

Salako-Oyedele also stressed that the Abiodun-led government has always encouraged women’s inclusion, reassuring the women that the state government will continue to ensure equal treatment between men and women in Ogun.

“Islam has always championed the cause of development in Nigeria, and we will continue to support women’s empowerment,” he said.

In her welcome address, the National Women Affairs Secretary of the Islamic Society, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, said that over 1000 participants are expected to grace the conference and that people could also join virtually across the globe.

Babalola said that the essence of the conference is to further build in women the capacity to contribute towards having a more prosperous society.

She said that the theme of the conference has been thoughtfully chosen in line with the LEAD thrust agenda of the current National Executive Council(NEC) of NASFAT revolving around leadership, empowerment, serving as an agent of change and
dawah.

Babalola explained that the 4-day conference will feature visitation to General Hospital Ijaye, Abeokuta, during when some items will be donated, sightseeing of Olumo rock and Adire Kampala market, a walk for fitness/ aerobics, a workshop on environmental sustainability where the concept of zero waste, zero plastic and backyard farming shall be discussed in details among others

Ogun youths opt for dialogue 

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Ogun youths opt for dialogue 

The Ogun Youth Assembly has declared the proposed national hunger protest scheduled for August 1 as faceless, lacking direction and a misplaced priority.

The youth group said that rather than embarking on any activity that could further make life difficult for Nigerians, the option of dialogue which is quite beneficial to all should be considered.

The Chairman of the youth group, Habeeb Whyte disclosed this at a press briefing held on Friday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Whyte said though it is within the fundamental rights of every citizen to protest, such energy should be channelled towards meaningful dialogue as progress and development are only guaranteed in a peaceful environment.

He said, “We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity. It is crucial to pursue dialogue even as we seek change through peaceful demonstration.”

Whyte, flanked by other executives of the assembly further said that though the country is going through its most difficult times, he noted that the recent Local government autonomy posed a good trend for future hopes.

“Currently the average Nigerian is enduring unprecedented hardship characterised by severely diminished purchasing power, lack of basic amenities, and a shortened life expectancy.

“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for the youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.

“While acknowledging that the dire straits affecting Nigerians can largely be traced to the policies of the Federal Government, we affirm that accountability spans all levels of government, including local authorities.

“Going forward, we want to emphatically announce that the era of lethargic local government is over. There will no longer be space for non-performing local government chairmen and ward councillors now that the nation has moved toward local government autonomy”, he added.

He however challenged the state government to as a matter of urgency, convene dialogue with the youth constituency, adding that it is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth.

“In light of this, we challenged the Ogun State Government to convene a series of public engagements with the youths across all Senatorial districts. This proposed engagement, which the Governor has since accepted is a necessary step to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that future plans and stewardship are communicated.

“We emphasised to him that this period demands more than temporary measures or palliative solutions. It is essential to implement a comprehensive, sustainable framework that empowers citizens and residents to secure honest, safer and better livelihoods.

“Government action must focus on significantly reducing the exorbitant cost of petroleum, enhancing electricity supply, and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. Additionally, increasing grant opportunities for small and medium enterprises and promoting meritocracy in all operations are crucial”, he stressed.

Dialogue with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu

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Dialogue with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu

In a bid to avert the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 19 against hunger and hardships in Nigeria, the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently dialogue with the protest organizers and review some of his administration’s policies that have caused hardship for the people to prevent the strike action from taking place.
INYA President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, in a statement made available to the press on Saturday, stressed that there is hardship in the land occasioned by hasty government policies.
The Isoko youth body also appealed to the youths and security agencies to avoid violent protests and the destruction of national and state assets.
It also appealed to security agencies to treat protesters in a civil manner if the protest goes ahead due to the failure to dialogue and engage with the protesters.
The Isoko youth body said, “Today, we are at the edge as a nation, with all aspects of existence greatly troubled, from the economy, security, socio-political, and corporate existence coming under some form of distress and perplexity.
“It is said that light exists at the end of the tunnel, but this particular tunnel seems too long that not even a flicker of light is in sight.
“It will be foolhardy to try to deny or explain the hardship which pervades the land, exacerbated by policies such as fuel subsidy removal, which many believe has produced the unintended outcome, or should we say, the exact intended outcome associated with wrong timing or hasty policy implementation, favorable only to some fifth columnists?
“Many are hungry, weak, and beggarly. The hardship is palpable, and succor seems far. The proposed protest is only a natural response, which is the least the vast majority of those who live below the baseline can do at this material time.
“Regardless, this protest can be avoided. We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to act as a matter of urgency by doing the following:
“Constructive engagement of critical stakeholders with a genuine view to providing short, medium, and long-term solutions to the myriad of problems facing the people.
“Reevaluate its priorities and address head-on issues such as inflation, insecurity, and the high cost of governance.
“Reconsider policies such as fuel subsidy removal, floating of the naira, and liberalization of our economy which have never worked in Nigeria or any part of Africa and have proven to be very injurious to individuals, families, and businesses.
“Our leaders must learn from the 2011 Arab Spring and the recent not-too-good experience of the EndSARS protest, from which Africa and Nigeria are yet to fully recover, and act in the best interest of the nation.
“To our dear youths and fellow comrades, we stand by you at this trying time.
“However, if the protest must hold, hopefully it does not, let us be reminded that though our right to peaceful protest is inalienable and guaranteed by our constitution, we do not have the right to be destructive and violent. No one benefits from the destruction of national assets; if anything, it increases the suffering which the protest stands against.
“To our gallant security personnel, we implore you not to fall to the temptation of responding with brute force to our people, should the protest hold.
“Understand that people are hungry and angry, and the least expected of you is the performance of your constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“This is a trying period in our history as a people, and together we shall overcome.”
Dialogue with protest organisers, there is hunger in Nigeria – Isoko youths urge Tinubu

Focused on your core mandate, stop seeking cheap popularity – Ogah blasts Odinkalu

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Focused on your core mandate, stop seeking cheap popularity – Ogah blasts Odinkalu

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chinedu Ogah, has cautioned the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, for criticizing Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State.
Ogah represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the lower chamber.
Odinkalu’s criticism is over the purchase of four-wheel-drive vehicles for newly ordained Catholic priests in the state.
The former NHRC Chairman, in an interview with Channels TV, said the governor’s action was an irresponsible use of public funds, especially considering the current economic challenges.
In a swift reaction, Ogah, who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions, described Odinkalu’s statement as an act of seeking cheap popularity and displaying unsolicited propaganda.
The lawmaker called on Odinkalu to focus on his human rights assignments instead of delving into socio-economic matters beyond his comprehension and area of jurisdiction.
“The professor, wanting cheap accolades and popularity, decided to put his mouth into issues that concern Ebonyi State Government. The governor has the right to buy official vehicles for reverend fathers because 98% of the population in Ebonyi State are Christians.
“These priests have been assisting the state government in bringing substantive peace to many troubled communities in Ebonyi State.
“And these people (priests) are crusading for the peace and unity of the state. Since Governor Nwifuru’s assumption of office, those areas, locations, or states that share boundary axes with Ebonyi State, where there had been crises and wars, have not had conflicts again through the implementation of the Ebonyi State Charter of Needs.”
According to the House of Representatives member, the money meant to be used to take care of large security personnel in those areas can be channeled towards evangelical activities by the priests for peace and conflict resolution.
He berated Odinkalu, saying that since he was Chairman of the Commission, he has never made his statutory report known to the National Assembly, to the President, and to the Local Government, according to the mandate of the NHRC.
“From available reports, he doesn’t have any accurate record of those he has helped in justifying their rights in prison or in the international community. He may still come now and say that the governor does not have the right to assist the traditional institutions in the state.”
Ogah further emphasized that the governor has the right, within the ambit of the Constitution, to use his security votes to ensure peace and harmony in different parts of the state.
He added that the governor was not misappropriating any funds meant for the people of Ebonyi.
According to him, Nwifuru, since assuming office, has been doing the will of the people as captured in the Ebonyi People’s Charter of Needs. He advised the professor to be focused and articulate in carrying out his core mandate.
“And as someone within the circle of the Human Rights Commission, he should give us a report of those he has defended or his achievements when he was the Human Rights boss in this country.
“It’s on record that when he was in office, about 700 individuals were to be recruited into the Human Rights Commission; how many people were recruited from Igboland or his village or community? And he has the audacity to say that our governor is misappropriating public funds. I want to call him to order to avoid delving into matters outside his core mandate.”
He challenged Odinkalu to use the opportunity to visit Ebonyi State and find out for himself what the governor has done so far to ameliorate the socio-economic situation of the people through his numerous empowerment programs and policies.
“I want to use this medium to invite him to Ebonyi State to see what the governor has done. We elected him (Nwifuru), and he is doing what we want in all aspects of life. Let him go and crosscheck the records, and he will find out that Ebonyi State is notable for the judicious management of public funds in this country.
“It’s on record that since the governor’s assumption of office, he has never borrowed or approached any financial institution for any form of loan. Instead of criticizing what he doesn’t know, the professor should appreciate what our governor is doing, which is tailored towards peace, progress, and prosperity of Ebonyi State.
“There’s peace in Ebonyi State, and the governor is strategic about it. He is empowering the people through the creation of jobs, massive employment into the state civil service and the health sector, among other areas. The governor’s policies are people-oriented, and we are happy about it.”
Focused on your core mandate, stop seeking cheap popularity – Ogah blasts Odinkalu

JUST IN: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies in London

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JUST IN: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies in London

Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah has died while in a medical trip to the United Kingdom.
Ubah, a prominent business mogul from the south-east region is also the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, which he founded in 2001.
More details coming…
The post JUST IN: Senator Ifeanyi Ubah dies in London appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Southern Kaduna people distance selves from nationwide protest

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Southern Kaduna people distance selves from nationwide protest

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has said its members will not join the planned nationwide protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued in Kaduna on Friday, the National President, Tabara Kato, explained that it would be unwise for the group to join the protest, saying that the intention and organizers of what they want to achieve are not known to them.
According to him, a well-intentioned protest cannot originate from people who just previously claimed that religion, ethnicity, and tribe forbid protests against leaders, saying that only fools embark on a journey whose destination they cannot predict.
He said, “It is more reasonable and meaningful to remain where we are and manage what we know in order to get what we need. For now, at least there is respite on insecurity with hope for improvements, the governments at both federal and state levels are operating a policy of inclusiveness, which marks a clear departure from the immediate past governments in Kaduna State under Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai and Nigeria under former President Muhammadu Buhari.”
He explained that there is hope in the future of the country and enjoined Nigerians to be patient and give the present federal and state governments time to consolidate on their mandates.
While admitting the current economic hardship, Kato said Bola Tinubu’s administration is engaging stakeholders to stem the hardship, he observed that every government wants to be successful, believing that the federal government under Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Kaduna state government under Senator Uba Sani, are no exception.
According to him, “They need time with our support to succeed in office. For now, let it be known that SOKAPU is standing with the government at both levels in contrast to participating in any protest in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and in the diaspora.
He assured that the people of Southern Kaduna are seriously ready and willing to work with anyone desiring to make Kaduna State and Nigeria peaceful and great at the material time.
Southern Kaduna people distance selves from nationwide protest

Stop trying to demarket Dangote refinery, Northern elders warn

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Stop trying to demarket Dangote refinery, Northern elders warn

The Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Prof Ango Abdullahi, has warned against frustrating and demarketing Dangote Refinery, saying it is an ill wind that would do the country no good.

The former vice-chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, raised the concerns in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday.

His concerns come in the wake of the Federal Government’s intervention in the lingering face-off between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority and the management of Dangote Refinery.

The media was awash recently with news on the difficulties being experienced by the refinery, arguably one of Africa’s largest oil plants, in securing local crude oil in the country.

But Abdullahi expressed worry that for 30 years, the vested interests that run the NNPC cartel ensured that the nation’s four refineries were rendered comatose and incapable of refining the needed petroleum to meet domestic consumption.

He noted that instead of Nigerians appreciating the popular business mogul, Aliko Dangote, for his efforts to save Nigeria the burden of continued importation of refined petroleum products, some vested interests are bent on frustrating its operations.

According to him, Nigeria has become the object of global ridicule being the only member nation of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries without refining capacity and heavily dependent on mass importation of oil and other derivatives.

The statement read, “The Northern Elders Forum is watching with sustained interest the unfolding drama being orchestrated by some powerful vested interests to frustrate the good example set by the nation’s leading investor and foremost African entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who has defied all formidable odds to build a privately-owned ultramodern petroleum refinery in Nigeria.

“This remarkable business feat, which ordinarily should instantly earn him national encomiums and accolades, has paradoxically ignited the malicious fury of enemies of our dear country, who are strategically located in the oil and gas sector of the economy. They have been wreaking havoc over the years through many subterfuges, resulting in the crippling of our nation’s refining capacity and the ruthless imposition of a ruinous regime of massive refined oil and other sundry products importation to the detriment of our national growth.

“In this wise, the lamentable and highly troubling commentary against the Dangote refinery that came out from the NNPCL and its other sister regulatory bodies smacks of a glaring attempt to de-market this epochal national achievement and premeditatedly derail the economy from the path of healthy growth and stability.”

Continuing, the Arewa leader warned that the masses who mostly bear the brunt of escalating fuel pump prices, frequent fuel shortages and joblessness would no longer fold their arms and allow a few powerful individuals to continue taking the economy of the nation hostage.

“Regrettably, it is only in Nigeria that politics is played with narrow interests as the motive force and the sole determinant, more often than not, allowed to trample the economic interest of the nation.

“The NEF, while welcoming and taking judicious note of the timely action taken by the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Heineken Lokpobri, to arrest this worrisome situation, wishes to conclude by restating our determination to stand resolutely with Dangote in defence of this gigantic business stride, which signifies the dawn of prosperity for our people,” the statement added.

FG urges MDAs to tackle corruption

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FG urges MDAs to tackle corruption

The Federal Government has urged Ministries, Departments, Agencies and bodies involved in fighting corruption to intensify their efforts and strengthen their commitment to eradicating corruption in the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), issued this directive on Friday in Abuja during the Validation Meeting of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Action Plan.

The Ministry of Justice organised the NACS validation meeting with support from the European Union/International IDEA, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Fagbemi explained that after a series of consultations, it was concluded that the NACS Action Plan should be reviewed to achieve better results.

He stated, “Following a series of consultations and collaboration among the 22 MDAs with anti-corruption and accountability mandates, it became essential to review the NACS Action Plan to ensure enhanced participation, effectiveness, and responsiveness.”

He outlined the five pillars of the NACS Action Plan, which focuses on driving both public and private sectors as well as national and subnational levels of government: prevention of corruption, public engagement, campaign for ethical re-orientation, enforcement and sanctions, and recovery and management of proceeds of crime.

Nigeria adopted the ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption in 2001. In July 2003, Nigeria joined other member states in adopting the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. Additionally, in October 2003, member states of the United Nations, including Nigeria, signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to address the rising incidence of global corruption.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, Jane Onwumere, explained that the purpose of the action plan review is to bring the strategy document to life, aiming to minimize corruption for effective and efficient service delivery.

She highlighted the progress made from the action plan, noting critical legislation such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022; the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021; and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, among others.

The event was attended by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Secretary of the Public Complaints Commission, along with other anti-corruption heads and accountability bodies.

Also present were the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), and the NBA President-elect, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), among other stakeholders.

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