Home Blog

NDC deregistration: Jega advises Tinubu to act like Obasanjo

coic
-
0
NDC deregistration: Jega advises Tinubu to act like Obasanjo

Frontline political analyst, Mahmud Jega, has advised President Bola Tinubu to openly condemn the attitude of some judges towards opposition political parties and against Nigeria’s democracy.

He warned that if opposition parties are prevented from participating in the 2027 general elections, Nigerian democracy is in danger.

“The growing perception that there is a concerted effort to weaken opposition parties before next year’s election is becoming undeniable,” he said. “If this is allowed to happen, it could be the beginning of the end of democracy in Nigeria.

He said It was important for the President as the head of the country’s most powerful institution, the Presidency, to dissociate himself from it and discourage anything that undermines democracy.

Speaking on Arise Television, Jega said, “After what happened in PDP, politically it [judgement against NDC] is very significant, because unfortunately it adds to the widespread and growing perception that there is a concerted effort orchestrated by somebody to stop all the opposition parties from contesting next year’s election.

“After what happened in PDP, after what is happening in ADC now, it has come to NDC, not to talk about Labour Party, NNPP, SDPC and a small party like PRP. Once it produced a presidential candidate, some people went to court and the whole matter.

“So there is a perception that there is a concerted effort to stop all the opposition parties from contesting the election next year. Now, actually that will be like the end of democracy in Nigeria if we don’t have an opposition party.

“I don’t know who is behind this, but it is very important for the presidency, because it is the most powerful institution in the country, to distance itself and discourage what is happening.

In 2001, when PDP was in power and the opposition ANPP then was coming here to hold a convention in Abuja, and the convention was on Saturday, and already thousands of people were here, they had been campaigning everywhere for party offices, and then on Friday afternoon, a judge of the Abuja High Court, issued an order stopping the convention, and they all had to scatter.

“After a few days, President Obasanjo had his monthly media chat and he was asked about that and he said ‘it is wicked, it is wicked’, he said it thrice, that was very important.

“It was a message, very important. And because of that, maybe the National Judicial Council took steps, and the judge was actually either retired or sacked. It’s very important that the presidency do something similar right now.”

Stakeholders Urge Tinubu To Strengthen Customs Leadership Structure

coic
-
0
Stakeholders Urge Tinubu To Strengthen Customs Leadership Structure

The Arewa Youths Advocate for Good Governance, a political pressure group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to commence a strategic presidential intervention to guarantee stability in the leadership composition of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The Youths, on Saturday, expressed fears over the imminent leadership vacuum that might exist in a short time. The national coordinator of the group, Adamu Muhammad Abdullahi, said that “impending leadership vacuum in Nigeria Customs Service” gives the group a concern while the nation is faced with border insecurity.

Abdullahi said the group has closely observed developments within the Service and is gravely worried by the imminent retirement of a “significant number” of senior management officers within that period.

“Nigeria is undertaking far-reaching economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. At such a delicate stage, institutions responsible for revenue generation, trade facilitation and border management need stability, policy continuity and experienced leadership,” the argued.

It in its view, The NCS has grown to be one of the Federal Government’s best revenue generating institutions. “It is also in the vanguard of fighting smuggling, securing Nigeria’s borders, easing legitimate trade and backing national security operations.”

The youth group said that simultaneous exit of several experienced management officers, without a carefully managed transition strategy, could create avoidable leadership gaps, disrupt institutional memory, slow ongoing modernisation programmes and affect operational efficiency at a time when Nigeria can least afford such uncertainty.

It called on the President to consider a strategic and legal intervention that will ensure stability within the Nigeria Customs Service and prevent the reversal of the significant gains made in recent years.
Such intervention, they say, may involve taking a phased approach to leadership transition, maintaining significant institutional expertise where legally allowed, and making sure that succession planning is aligned to the national interest rather than the administrative calendar alone.

“We’re not an advocacy group for people. “We are fighting for institutional continuity,” the group said.

“We therefore call on the Presidency, the National Security establishment, the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential implications of a mass leadership transition within the Service before irreversible decisions are made.

They commended President Tinubu’s commitment to institutional reforms and expressed optimism that the administration would continue to focus on decisions that strengthen the country’s economic structure and security architecture.

NDC Crisis: Seriake Dickson Says Court Judgment Won’t Stand

coic
-
0
NDC Crisis: Seriake Dickson Says Court Judgment Won’t Stand

Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Seriake Dickson, has described the Federal High Court order directing the deregistration of the party as illegal and vowed to challenge it through legal means.

Reacting to the judgment delivered on Friday by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Dickson said the court order had no legal merit and was meant to undermine the credibility and progress of the NDC.

The ruling is a threat to the multi-party democracy of Nigeria and an attempt to shrink the democratic space of the country, he said.

“All I can say is that the order has no legal merit and is intended to impact the foundational credibility and efforts of our party. It is illegal and will not be upheld.

“It is anti-democratic in nature, against multi-party democracy and intended to narrow and stifle the democratic space. “It will be resisted by all of us and all lovers of democracy in Nigeria,” Dickson said.

He said the party had engaged a team of lawyers to take immediate steps to set aside the court order, and called on members, supporters and candidates to remain calm and continue their political activities.

Dickson said he was confident the party would overcome the legal challenge and insisted the ruling would not derail its preparations for future elections.

He also challenged the legal status of the applicant, an association called the Peace Movement Party, contending that it was not a registered political party or an association that sought registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 2025.

He thought that the association was not interested in the subject matter of the suit and was not a necessary party.

Dickson also claimed the court action was sponsored by unnamed persons who were threatened by the rapid growth of the NDC, saying the progress the NDC has made within five months has unsettled its opponents.

He said the party would explore all judicial options to reverse what he described as a judicial error and reiterated the NDC’s resolve to deepen multi-party democracy in Nigeria.

NCC Moves to Strengthen Local Smartphone Manufacturing With Fresh Incentives

coic
-
0
NCC Moves to Strengthen Local Smartphone Manufacturing With Fresh Incentives

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a package of incentives targeted at promoting the local production of smartphones, tablets and other telecommunications equipment as part of efforts to make digital devices more affordable and increase access to technology across the country.

The Chairman of the NCC Governing Board, Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe, said the Commission was taking a more active role in driving industrial growth by creating an enabling environment for investors to establish device manufacturing plants in Nigeria.

Policy measures, including tax holidays and streamlined customs processes, would back the initiative to lower production costs and boost local manufacturing capacity, he said.

Effective regulation is still crucial to ensure consumers access to quality and affordable digital devices, according to Olorunnimbe.

“Regulation and market integrity are what make a market affordable to begin with. They are its precondition. A phone is only genuinely cheap if it’s real, if it’s safe, if it works and if it has the warranty the buyer can trust,” he said.

He observed that Nigeria has made considerable progress in telecommunications coverage, but the high cost of smartphones still prevents many citizens from participating in the digital space.

The NCC chairman said cutting the cost of devices would complement ongoing investment in network infrastructure and help bridge the country’s digital divide.

He also advocated moving away from the traditional model of outright phone purchases, saying more flexible financing arrangements will make devices accessible to a larger segment of the population.

“Do away with the notion that a Nigerian has to buy a phone outright, in one payment, on the day. “It’s not how it works anywhere else in the world,” he added.

Olorunnimbe said locally made smartphones, routers and MiFi devices would be incorporated into the Commission’s digital inclusion programmes as part of the broader strategy.

He said the devices are likely to have embedded links to educational platforms as part of the NCC’s zero-rated education programme, enabling students and other users to access learning materials without paying for data.

In addition, the devices will provide direct access to key government digital services, including civic registration, tax administration and e-health platforms, to improve citizens’ access to essential public services.

The initiative, he said, is not only about expanding access to the internet, but also ensuring that digital connectivity translates into better educational opportunities, improved public service delivery and greater economic participation.

The NCC said the policy is a demonstration of its commitment to fostering the development of indigenous technology while supporting Nigeria’s drive for a more inclusive and self-reliant digital economy.

INEC Reacts To Court Ruling On NDC Deregistration

coic
-
0
INEC Reacts To Court Ruling On NDC Deregistration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would take an informed and lawful decision in accordance with the directives of the court after its legal department receives the Certified True Copy of the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which nullified the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The Commission, according to a statement issued on Saturday by its Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, said it was aware of media reports on the June 26 judgment.

The electoral umpire, the statement said, could not comment on the specifics until its legal department got and reviewed the court’s decision.

The statement read, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aware of reports circulating in the media about the judgment delivered on Friday, June 26, 2026, by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside an earlier order concerning the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

“However, up to this time, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s order.

“Once the legal department of the Commission receives and meticulously studies the CTC of the judgment, INEC will take an informed, lawful decision in compliance with the directives of the court.

We cannot comment on the details of the ruling until then, and we encourage the public to await the Commission’s formal position on the matter.”

Obioha Insists Peter Obi Must Be On 2027 Presidential Ballot

coic
-
0
Obioha Insists Peter Obi Must Be On 2027 Presidential Ballot

Rev. Dr. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha, Leader of Njiko Igbo Forum, has warned that Nigeria might not successfully conduct the 2027 general election if Peter Obi is prevented from appearing on the presidential ballot.

The comment followed the judgement of the Federal High Court on Friday, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deregister Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a political party.

Justice Isah Dashen, who delivered the judgment in Lokoja, according to reports, held that the earlier judgment of the court affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, PMP, which claimed ownership of the logo adopted by the NDC.

The judge ruled that the PMP was not added as a party in the original suit despite its claim over the disputed logo.

Obioha said the agency had suffered a setback in public confidence because of what he described as inconsistent decisions and accused the current administration of weakening the institution.

He said: “The citizens of this country, the genuine citizens of this country, who are looking up to a democracy that would have been meant to be sustained and maintained are not looking at the courts at all.

“Now we have no respect for the judiciary in Nigeria. The judiciary in Nigeria is full of inconsistencies. Then, adding to the leadership of this country, the APC government of this country, that influenced what they have done since they came into power, especially since Tinubu came into power.

He has damaged the judiciary, he has messed them up.

“As for the political arrangements or pronouncements by the courts, we don’t trust them anymore because they are one of the arms of government that are weak, that should be strengthened.

“If Peter Obi is frustrated and is not on the ballot there will be no election in 2027. This is not a threat. That’s the way it’s going to turn out. I’m trying to… You can call it prophecy, if you like. I’m a reverend. Whatever you want to call it, I’m just warning Nigerians.”

“If Peter Obi, with all the struggles and the level he is now, is frustrated not to be on the ballot, there will be no election in 2027.

“And on the 29th of May next year, Tinubu will not be the president because we are tired of the system. We are weary.

“We are strangulated and the rest will be story about this country called Nigeria.”

Rivers Assembly Faults Fubara Over Late Submission Of Spending Proposal

coic
-
0
Rivers Assembly Faults Fubara Over Late Submission Of Spending Proposal

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara for submitting the state’s 2026-2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework “nine months behind the timeline prescribed by law.”

He said that the lawmakers approved it only in the interest of the state.

The reports indicated that the lawmaker voiced his reservations on Friday’s plenary, 24 hours after the MTEF was read on the floor of the House.

Amaewhule, in a statement by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, said that Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 mandated the MTEF to be laid before the House in September 2025, four months before the start of the next financial year.

“However, in the interest of the state, the House thought it expedient to deliberate on the document, which is a precursor to the State’s 2026 Budget Estimate, even though the year is already half gone,” the statement said.

It said the lawmakers looked into the assumptions in the MTEF and agreed that if well executed, would be in the interest of the people of Rivers.

It added that the Speaker put the question and members voted affirmatively “based on the MTEF being given positive consideration by members.”

On Friday, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Gift Worlu, through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, on alleged imminent security breach, threats to lives, destruction of property and attempt to forcefully take over property by some persons in the local government area.

Amadi while presenting the petition urged the House to look into the matter and take necessary steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

The Assembly last met in February, when it vetted commissioner nominees sent over by the governor before adjourning indefinitely.

Thursday it was reconvened after about three months.

Uba Sani Critic’s Arrest Sparks Outcry As Amnesty Demands Release

coic
-
0
Uba Sani Critic’s Arrest Sparks Outcry As Amnesty Demands Release

Amnesty International has condemned the arrest and continued detention of Mr. Jonah Bonet, better known as “Pompo,” and called the arrest arbitrary and a violation of his right to freedom of expression.

In a statement issued on its official X account on Saturday, the rights organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release of Bonet.

Amnesty International said Bonet was arrested just for criticizing the Kaduna State Government and Governor Uba Sani in a viral video on social media.

Mr. Bonet is innocent of any crime and his arrest is a clear abuse of power. “It is his right to criticise any official of the government, whatever his position or status,” the organisation said.

Armed operatives attached to “Operation Fushin Kada” invaded Bonet’s residence in Abuja at about 8:15 p.m. on June 23, 2026 and whisked him away at gunpoint in the presence of his wife and kids, Amnesty said.

The organisation also claimed that Bonet’s family and legal representatives have been denied access to him, while security agencies have refused to reveal his whereabouts.

It accused Nigerian security agencies of failing to follow due process and of allowing themselves to be used to suppress dissent through arbitrary arrests and detentions.
“Nigerian security agencies must always uphold due process of law and not become a tool in the hands of politicians by carrying out arbitrary arrest, detention and other undue restrictions of the rights of individuals to the legitimate exercise of their freedom of expression and opinion,” Amnesty said.

The group also accused the Kaduna State Government of heightening repression by cracking down on critics, warning that it was creating “a toxic climate of fear” in the state.

It further accused Governor Uba Sani of intolerance to criticism, insisting that no citizen ought to be punished for expressing opinion on elected public officials.

Amnesty International also warned of what it called increasing intimidation of Nigerians who use social media to comment on political and social issues, saying attempts to stifle online criticism are a violation of basic human rights.

The organisation urged the authorities to immediately release Bonet and respect the rights guaranteed under Nigerian law and international human rights standards.

At the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and security agencies have not responded to the allegations by Amnesty International.

Nigerians Turning Remi Tinubu’s Honest Counsel Into Controversy, Says Igbokwe

coic
-
0
Nigerians Turning Remi Tinubu’s Honest Counsel Into Controversy, Says Igbokwe

APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe has lambasted Nigerians over the attacks on First Lady, Remi Tinubu after she encouraged Nigerians to consider small-scale ventures such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli.

Remi made the remarks while speaking with journalists after the second quarter meeting of the Renewed Hope Initiative with the wives of state governors at the State House, Abuja on Wednesday.

On the activities of the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady said the programme had been giving out grants, not loans, to vulnerable Nigerians to enable them start businesses and better their livelihoods.

“We’re trying to give hope, and starting Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money,” she said. Nothing to start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli. We didn’t loan it to them, we gave it to them as a grant.

“So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best we can. I have given what we have at hand, and I keep on giving.”

However, many Nigerians interpreted the advice as an insult and took to social media to lambast Remi Tinubu.

Reacting to the backlash, Igbokwe on Saturday in a post on his Facebook page attacked the netizens asking why the First Lady is being attacked for giving honest advice.

The present generation frightens me to the marrows, he wrote. An honest advice HE Oluremi Tinubu gave to young Nigerians on how to help themselves has become a tool to abuse and to pour invectives.

Truth, even spoken, is a tool to unleash scurrilous drivels in the Social Media.

We go learn las las. Look at the empty heads and headless mobs dancing naked in the public space right and left. Awon werey everywhere. I am ashamed”.

Lagos-Ogun Police Crackdown: Four Kidnappers Neutralized, Four Hostages Rescued

coic
-
0
Lagos-Ogun Police Crackdown: Four Kidnappers Neutralized, Four Hostages Rescued

Four armed kidnappers have been killed by police operatives during a joint operation between the Lagos and Ogun Police Commands codenamed ‘Operation Kosaye’.

The operation, which was an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu and supported by the governors of Lagos and Ogun, also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers when operatives stormed Area J4 Forest, Ogbere, Ogun State on Friday night.
In a rescue operation involving over 300 police men, five travelers abducted at the Ogbere axis of Lagos-Sagamu-Benin Expressway on Thursday evening were successfully rescued.

During operation, sophisticated firearms such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally-made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, communication equipment and other items were also recovered.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Bode Ojajuni, told journalists at the official launch of ‘Operation Kosaye’ at the Nigeria Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, on Saturday that the joint operation was a security initiative between the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands.

The codename of the operation, which literally translates to “there is no hiding place for criminals” in the Yoruba language, was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police with the full support of the governments of Lagos and Ogun states, which have provided the necessary logistics to ensure its success, he said.

The Ogun CP who was flanked by his Lagos State counterpart, Tijani Fatai said the main objective of the joint operation was to stamp out kidnapping and other violent crimes in the two states.

“It is also targeted at clearing forests, hideouts and other criminal enclaves across the vast border communities between Lagos and Ogun states.

“We are here to reassure members of the public that the police are committed to restoring confidence and ensuring safety of lives and property.

“Many criminal hideouts have been busted from the operations so far. I can tell you there are no known victims being held by kidnappers in the operational areas of this exercise as I speak.

“Our operatives have swept and cleared several forest corridors and border communities spanning both states. These include the Kara Bridge axis, Long Bridge corridor, areas around Sagamu, Ogere and other adjoining communities, extending to Ikorodu and bordering settlements. We have also destroyed criminal hideouts, cleared illegal shanties used as cover and arrested several suspects.

One of the major breakthroughs recorded during the operation was the rescue of five kidnapped victims along the Ijebu-Ode corridor following the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

“Four suspected kidnappers were neutralised and four others arrested in the course of the rescue operation. In addition, 84 more suspects were arrested in the ongoing operation in Lagos and Ogun states.

“We are therefore appealing to members of the public not to panic whenever they see heavy deployment or movement of police personnel. The operation is ongoing and our officers will sustain the offensive against criminal elements.

“We also urge the public to report any persons seen with suspicious gunshot wounds or any information that may assist ongoing investigations.

The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to the protection of residents of Lagos and Ogun states and the eradication of all criminal elements in our communities, Ojajuni said.

CP Tijani Fatai of Lagos State Police Command, said in his remarks that he was happy that the joint operation had started yielding significant results.

He noted that the operation had commenced as criminal elements had established camps in thick forests and border communities connecting Lagos and Ogun states, some of which he said were hideouts for kidnappers and other violent criminals.

“The objective of this joint operation was to deny the criminals the possibility to use these forests as safe havens. Our personnel have methodically combed these areas, dismantled criminal camps and re-established security in the corridors concerned.

“This exercise is not a one-time operation. It is ongoing and will continue as long as needed to assure that people in both states can go about their lawful business without fear.

“We want to assure the people of Lagos and Ogun that the Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to securing every part of these states. “The Inspector-General of Police has provided the necessary leadership and operational support for the success of this initiative.

“I also want to sincerely appreciate the Governors of Lagos and Ogun states for their unalloyed support, particularly in providing the logistics to make this operation effective.

The results are self-explanatory. You have seen the victims rescued, the suspects arrested, the firearms recovered, and other evidence displayed here today. These achievements show that this is a serious and coordinated effort to address insecurity.

“This collaborative approach among neighbouring state police commands shall continue and I believe, shall be replicated across other parts of the country where similar security challenges exist”, CP Tijani submitted.

123...2,781Page 1 of 2,781
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv