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Uzodimma To Address UK House of Lords As African Leadership Magazine Honours Him

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma

 

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma will next week address  the United Kingdom’s House of Lords as part of activities marking the conferment of award on him by the African Leadership Organization, publishers of African Leadership Magazine.

 

The African Leadership Organization, chaired by the former President of Tanzania, His Excellency, Dr Jakaya Kikwete selected Uzodimma to be confered with the award for ” African Inspirational Leadership and Good Governance “.

 

The award ceremony, which will be held between July 2-3,2026, at the iconic  House of Lords ,Westminster, London, will also feature an address by the governor.

 

Uzodimma will speak on the topic, ” From Vision to Velocity: Driving Africa’s Next Wave of Growth and Leadership- The Imo State Experience.

 

In a letter by the Founder and Executive Chairman of the African Leadership Magazine, Dr Ken Giami, to Uzodimma,  the governor is expected to use that rare opportunity to share insights with the global audience on Imo transformation journey while contributing to broader continental conversations on leadership ,governance, economic resilience and sustainable growth.

 

He the  governor will also leverage the opportunity to strike strategic engagement with influential public and private stakeholders and position himself  as a leading African voice on transformational leadership and governance.

 

On why the Imo State Chief Executive merited the award,  Dr Giami explained that Uzodimma was selected based on the initiative and implementation of his shared prosperity agenda encapsulated on reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery.

 

He disclosed that Uzodimma’s distinguished leadership and transformative stewardship have repositioned Imo and established him as one of Africa’s most inspirational and forward looking sub-national leaders.

 

Part of the letter read

 

As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Your Excellency has demonstrated strategic leadership and a strong commitment to advancing governance and development within Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Through the Shared Prosperity Agenda, your administration has strengthened infrastructure, improved public service delivery, expanded opportunities for youth and women, enhanced institutional effectiveness, and promoted sustainable socio-economic development across Imo State.

 

“As Your Excellency enters the final phase of your second and final term in office, the 3R Agenda—Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery—stands as a defining legacy of transformational governance. Across the world, subnational governments that invest in infrastructure, strengthen institutions, and embrace innovation are increasingly attracting strategic partnerships and long-term investment.

 

“Under Your Excellency’s leadership, Imo State—aptly positioned as “Investment Meets Opportunities (IMO)”—has emerged as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and economic growth, anchored by the following milestones:

Infrastructure Development: Construction and rehabilitation of over 130 strategic roads, including the Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe corridors.

Energy and Industrial Growth: Advancement of the Light Up Imo Project and the development of the Orashi Special Energy Zone.

 

Digital Economy and Skills Development: Training of over 60,000 young people through initiatives such as Imo Digital City and Imo SkillUp.”

 

 By this award and  recognition,  Uzodimma has joined a distinguished circle of African leaders who have  won the awards and graced the cover of African Leadership Magazine, including H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone; H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi; H.E. Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia; H.E. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania; and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, among  others.

Women Bodies Rise Against Prof Fasina’s Ambassadorial Nomination, Urge Senate To Decline Confirmation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Abayomi Fasina
Prof Abayomi Fasina

By Ayodele Oni

 

The nomination of Prof Abayomi Fasina, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE), as an Ambassador, by President Bola Tinubu is under threat. Over 200 women organizations moved against the nomination.

 

Over 200 Women, Civil Society Groups have urged the senate to suspend Fasina’s Ambassadorial confirmation over pending court cases and other unresolved issues while he was serving as VC.

 

They have petitioned the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on the nomination.

 

They urged the committee to decline the confirmation of former FUOYE VC as Nigeria’s ambassador pending the determination of ongoing criminal and civil cases against him.

 

The petition, dated June 25, 2026, was addressed to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio through the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello.

 

Signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-convener of Womanifesto, on behalf of over 200 organisations and prominent advocates, the petition argued that confirming Fasina while legal proceedings remain pending would undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s accountability institutions and damage the country’s international image.

 

The coalition revealed that Prof Fasina is facing unresolved allegations bordering on sexual harassment, abuse of office, victimisation, human rights violations and workplace intimidation.

 

It added that criminal proceedings instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as well as civil matters before the National Industrial Court, are still before competent courts.

 

According to the petitioners, ambassadorial appointments require individuals of “the highest standards of integrity and impeccable conduct,” stressing that unresolved allegations of such magnitude should be fully determined before any confirmation process proceeds.

 

They noted that one of the allegations involves an alleged se*ual harassment complaint reportedly supported by a 37-minute audio recording, while other legal proceedings relate to workplace victimisation and abuse of authority.

 

The petitioners also referenced an earlier judgment against the administration led by Prof Fasina in a National Industrial Court case, which, according to the groups, found that the university breached an employee’s right to a fair hearing and awarded damages against the institution.

 

The organisations maintained that although every accused person is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence, the Senate’s constitutional oversight role extends beyond criminal liability to assessing whether nominees possess the integrity, character and public confidence required for high public office.

 

According to them, confirming an ambassadorial nominee, that is facing unresolved criminal and civil proceedings could weaken public trust in anti-corruption institutions and send the wrong message about Nigeria’s commitment to combating se*ual harassment, gender-based violence and abuse of authority.

 

The petitioners cited Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution, including provisions safeguarding human dignity and freedom from discrimination, as well as international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

 

They urged the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to suspend consideration of Prof Fasina’s nomination until all pending judicial proceedings have been concluded.

 

“The issue before this Committee concerns public confidence in the rule of law. It concerns the credibility of Nigeria’s commitment to accountability, human rights, gender equality and institutional integrity.”

 

The organisations said delaying the confirmation would demonstrate the Senate’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process while preserving public confidence in democratic institutions.

 

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.

 

Among the signatories are Womanifesto, Bring Back Our Girls, Women Aid Collective (WACOL), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Project Alert on Violence Against Women, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, Yiaga Africa, Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, alongside numerous other civil society organisations.

Joint Lagos-Ogun Police Security Rescues Five Kidnapped Victims, Kill Four Suspects, Arrest 84

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu has directed Commissioners of Police in States to collaborate in joint patrols as part of measures to reduce interstate criminal activities.

 

This was disclosed on Saturday by Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani, while briefing journalists on Saturday at the Police Training School in Iperu, Ogun State.

 

The briefing followed a major joint security operation by the two states  Police Commands, which led to the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the killing of four suspected kidnappers and the arrest of four others after a fierce gun battle in a forest along the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

 

They revealed that the operation also resulted in the arrest of 84 additional suspects linked to various criminal activities across both states.

 

According to Ojajuni, the victims were rescued unharmed from a forest near Ogbere along the J4 corridor, following a coordinated operation carried out under the newly launched “Operation Kosaye,” an initiative designed to tackle kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes in Lagos and Ogun.

 

He said the operation was launched on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, with support from the governors of both states.

 

 Ojajuni explained that security teams raided forests and other suspected criminal hideouts across communities including Ogere, Ijebu-Ode, Ajebandele and the J4 corridor.

 

“Officers also recovered AK-47 rifles, other assault weapons, locally made pistols, ammunition, battle axes, mobile phones and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities.”

 

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, dismissed reports claiming that bandits had taken over parts of Lagos and Ogun, saying the success of the joint operation showed that security agencies remained in control.

 

He said the exercise would continue for as long as necessary adding that the Inspector-General had directed police commissioners in neighbouring states to strengthen cooperation in securing border communities and dismantling criminal networks operating across state lines.

 

One of the rescued victims, 58-year-old Jimoh Badamosi, told journalists that he was travelling to Ibadan when armed men attacked motorists near Ogbere Forest, robbed them and forced five victims from three vehicles into the bush.

 

He said the kidnappers demanded ₦40 million from his family and ₦30 million from another victim’s relatives.

 

 According to him, they had spent less than 24 hours in captivity when they heard heavy gunfire, forcing the kidnappers to flee before police officers rescued them.

 

The police described the operation as part of a sustained effort to improve security in Lagos and Ogun and assured residents that similar operations would continue.

 

Authorities also urged members of the public to remain calm, provide credible information to security agencies and support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the region.

Uzodimma Meets intelligence Defence College Members, Seeks Stronger Collaboration Against Insecurity

By
The Source
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L-R: Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Commodore Usman Bugaje, Leader of the Defence Intelligence College Participants Course 25 when the delegation paid a working visit to the Governor at Government House Owerri, Friday, June 27, 2026.

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and improved intelligence gathering as critical measures for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

 

Speaking while receiving participants of the Defence Intelligence College, Abuja, on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Owerri on Friday June 26, 2026, Uzodimma said national security is a collective responsibility that requires seamless cooperation among all security institutions and government at all levels.

 

He commended the College for exposing its participants to practical field experience, expressing confidence that their findings and recommendations would assist governments in developing effective strategies to combat insecurity.

 

“The successes we have recorded in Imo State can largely be attributed to the smooth cooperation among security agencies. National security is not the responsibility of one agency alone,” the Governor said.

 

Uzodimma identified unemployment, infrastructure deficits and rapid population growth without corresponding economic opportunities as major drivers of insecurity.

 

According to him, economic development remains the most effective long-term solution to the nation’s security concerns.

He urged intelligence officers to strengthen coordination, share information more effectively and engage local communities to enhance preventive security measures.

 

The Governor further encouraged the visiting participants to interact with security agencies in the State and draw lessons from Imo’s experience, expressing optimism that their research would produce practical recommendations capable of improving security management across the country.

 

He thanked the delegation for choosing Imo State for the study visit and praised the sacrifices of security personnel in safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability.

 

Participants of Course 25 of the Defence Intelligence College (DIC), Abuja, have embarked on a study tour of Imo State to examine the role of operational intelligence in crisis prevention and national security.

Leader of the delegation, Commodore Usman Bugaje, disclosed that they were in Imo State to examine the role of operational intelligence in crisis prevention and national security.

 

Bugaje said the visit formed part of the College’s practical training programme, designed to complement classroom instruction with field experience. He explained that participants would interact with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to assess the State’s security architecture.

 

According to him, the findings would be compiled into a research paper containing recommendations to strengthen security in Imo State and Nigeria.

 

“We selected Imo State because of the remarkable improvements in security recorded under Governor Uzodimma’s administration,” he said.

 

Bugaje thanked the Governor for hosting the delegation and described Imo as his “second home,” recalling his previous security assignments and contributions to peace and democratic stability in the state.

 

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

Uzodimma Reaffirms Support For Cancer Advocacy As Imo Hosts FLAC

By
The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) Nigeria, while urging Nigerians to unite in the fight against cancer through increased awareness, prevention and sustained advocacy.

 

It was also on a day victims of the dreaded migrant tumour – men, women and children – emotionally narrated their ugly experiences with Cancer, leaving the guests in awe, but with the hope that Cancer cure is in sight if early detection is carried out.

 

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the FLAC delegation and later at a gala night held in their honour at the Government House, Owerri, Governor Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian services and dedication to improving cancer care across the country.

 

“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his government’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.

 

He described Imo as the “hospitality capital of the South-East,” welcomed the delegates on behalf of the government and people of the State, and assured them of their safety throughout their stay.

 

At the gala night, the Governor called for collective action against cancer, stressing that tackling the disease requires public awareness, education and shared responsibility.

 

He also commended the President Bola Tinubu- led Federal Government’s investment in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, and urged Nigerians to support ongoing health reforms.

 

“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” he said, adding that early detection as well as addressing the stigma associated with cancer are essential to improving healthcare outcomes.

 

Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate Governor Uzodimma’s consistent support for the organisation’s activities and advocacy.

 

She however noted that FLAC which membership comprises current and former First Ladies in Nigeria continues to celebrate cancer survivors every June to inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease, describing the Governor as “a special friend of FLAC.”

 

She later presented the Governor on behalf of FLAC, with an award in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the organisation’s mission.

 

The gala night was packed full with activities including music, fashion parade by the cancer survivors, jokes, cutting of cakes, photographs, presentation of gifts to the cancer survivors as well as fund raising to support the ongoing FLAC’s advocacy on the disease.

 

More than one hundred million naira was raised as was disclosed by the Chairperson of FLAC to support the organisation’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

 

The delegation included the wives of the Governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun States, Hajia Lami Ahmed Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Dauda Lawal and Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, respectively; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar; former First Lady of Oyo State/ Ambassador designate, Dr. Florence Ajumobi, among many others.

Police Launch Manhunt For Killers Of Benue Miyetti Allah Leader

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ardo Muhammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

 Gov Alia Orders Enhanced Security Around Community Leaders Involved In Peace Efforts

The Benue State Police Command has described the killing of the State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, as totally “senseless and a criminal act with the potential to undermine the peace and stability of the State.

 

This is as the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, directed security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, with a view to fishing out the masterminds.

 

The source reports that the MACBAN leader was killed alongside an associate  identified as Yakubu Isah, while returning from peace meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state on Friday, June 26,2026.

 

According to local witness accounts, Muhammad had attended the trouble-shooting meeting organized by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Ohinimini Local Government Area between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders to address recent communal clashes and security challenges in the area. 

 

However, the Fulani leader and his campanion  were  reportedly ambushed, attacked, and killed by suspected armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Council of the state while heading back their station.

 

A statement on Saturday June 27, 2026, from Udeme Edet, the  Benue state Police Command spokesperson, quoted the Commissioner of Police CP Cletus Nwadiogbu as condemning the dastardly incident as well as extending heartfelt condolences to the families, relations, friends and associates of the victims.

 

The CP also vowed that nothing will be spared in the efforts to hunt down and prosecute those behind the unfortunate incident.

 

The Command in the statement urged the people to remain calm, and avoid acts capable of escalating tension, and undermine the peace, and stability of the State.

 

Similarly, Governor Alia, while condemning the gruesome killing, described it as direct threat to the fragile peace, and reconciliation efforts ongoing across the State.

 

He charged the Police, and other security agencies in the State to take all necessary steps in locating, and apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

 

He also directed for enhanced security around community leaders, involved in the ongoing peace efforts in the State.

Gunmen Ambush, Kill Benue Miyetti Allah Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Ardo Muhammad

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has been killed by suspected gunmen.

 

According to reports, the Miyetti Allah leader was assassinated alongside a colleague identified as Yakubu Isah , while returning from a trouble-shooting meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the state on Friday.

 

Local witness accounts informed that the deceased had attended a peace meeting organized by the Head of the Police formation in Ohinimini.Local Government between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders to address  recent communal clashes, and security challenges in the area.

 

The MACBAN State Chairman, and his companion were   ambushed, attacked, and killed by armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state while heading back to their station.

 

While reacting, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Council, Honourable Maxwell Ogiri, described the incident as unfortunate and painful, noting that it has the potential of undermining peace efforts, and heightening tension in the area.

 

‘It is true that the Benue State Chairman of MACBAN was killed within Otukpo Local Government Area this afternoon.

 

“The incident has created fear and heightened tension among residents of the community and surrounding areas”, the Council Chairman stated.

 

He, however, sued for calm among the people, urging them to resist the temptation of resorting to self-help or embarking on any other action that may undermine peace and stability.

 

This was as Hon Adole Gabriel, the Chairman of Ohinimini Local Council, confirmed that the Miyetti Allah leader was an active participant at the peace meeting held in the area, before the unfortunate incident.

 

“You know there was a crisis in Ayunne community where some people were killed some time ago . The DPO of Ohinimini invited Fulani herders, and community representatives for a peace meeting, aimed at finding lasting solutions to the conflict.

 

” From what I was told, the meeting ended successfully, and everyone left in good spirit.

 

” Unfortunately, while the MACBAN Chairman was on his way back, gunmen ambushed his vehicle in Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area ,and killed him alongside another person”, Gabriel narrated.

 

Spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, while confirming the incident, informed that a full scale investigation has been launched to unravel the actual circumstances surrounding the killings,and the perpetrators.

Ondo To Revisit Cases Of Teachers Affected By Irregular Recruitment Exercise

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

‎

‎There is hope for possible fresh employment for applicants for teaching job in Ondo state that were rejected earlier over irregular appointment.

 

Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board (ODSUBEB) has announced the commencement of a verification and interview exercise for the applicants affected by the irregularities that occurred during the last primary school teachers’ recruitment exercise in the State.

‎

‎The exercise is coming following promise by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to revisit their case.

 

Some of them had already been posted to schools, worked for three months without being paid by the government.

 

It was later discovered that letters of employment issued to them were forged, culminating in the sack of some officials of the state education board and withdrawal of the affected teachers.

 

Governor Aiyedatiwa, had during this year’s Workers’ Day Celebration, graciously approved that all genuinely qualified applicants adversely affected by the recruitment irregularities be considered for absorption into the State’s public primary school teaching service.

 

‎Banjo Egunjobi, ODSUBEB spokesman stated that the Governor’s decision underscores his unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the welfare of the people of Ondo State, particularly those whose aspirations were negatively impacted through no fault of their own.

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‎”Following the Governor’s directive, a Verification Committee was constituted to conduct a thorough assessment of the credentials and recruitment records of all affected applicants.

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‎”The Committee is mandated to identify applicants who genuinely participated in the recruitment process, met the prescribed requirements, and are eligible for consideration under the Governor’s approval.

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‎”The Committee, chaired by Comrade Bola Taiwo, had met, during which it finalized modalities for the exercise and resolved to commence a comprehensive verification and interview programme across the three senatorial districts of Ondo State.”

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‎The exercise is expected to commence next week.

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He assured applicants ODSUBEB that the exercise will be conducted in a transparent, fair, credible, and merit-driven manner.

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‎”The Board remains committed to upholding due process while ensuring that every genuinely qualified applicant receives equal opportunity to benefit from the Governor’s generous intervention.

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‎”Applicants are therefore advised to report promptly at their respective venues on the scheduled dates and comply fully with all verification requirements.

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‎”Failure to appear for the exercise or inability to provide the required documents may affect an applicant’s eligibility for consideration.

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‎”The Board appreciates the patience, understanding, and cooperation demonstrated by all affected applicants throughout the process.

‎”The Board reiterates its unwavering commitment to strengthening the basic education sector in Ondo State through the recruitment of competent, qualified, and dedicated teachers who will contribute meaningfully to the development of the State’s education system.”

NDC Deregistration: We Are Waiting For The Certified True Copy Of Judgment – INEC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that it can neither comment nor act on the  court judgment which nullified the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, presided over by Honourable Justice Isah Dashen, had, on Friday, June 26 2026, ordered the INEC to deregister the NDC as a political party, after setting aside an earlier ruling in December, 2025, which had compelled the electoral umpire to register it.

 

Justice Dashen held that the 2025 ruling did not reflect the interest of a critical party in  the matter – the Peace Movement Party.

 

He consequently ordered for a fresh trial of the motion on notice that resulted in the 2025 judgment with PMP now an interested party.

 

But reacting to the development on Saturday, Adedayo Oketola ,the spokesperson for the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, informed that until the Commission will reserve action until it receives a Certified True Copy CTC of the said judgment.

 

According to him, the INEC at the moment has not been availed the CTC of the judgment, and is only aware of the said court ruling through information from the media.

 

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

 

“However, as of this moment, the Commission has not yet received the Certified True Copy CTC of the court’s order

 

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

 

” Until then, we cannot comment on the specifics of the ruling, and the public is urged to await the Commission’s position on the matter”,the statement reads.

 

However, the leadership of the NDC has not only refected the court’s decision, but has resolved to immediately appeal with a view reversing it.

 

The NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, and the National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, had also separately and collectively condemned the Court’s judgment, describing it as a huge assault  on, and set back for democracy in the country.

Nigeria Defeats Eight Other Countries, Re-Elected Into UN Body On Women

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia

By Ayodele Oni

 

Congratulatory messages are pouring in for Nigeria’s Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia who has been re-elected to the United Nations, (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW, for a second four-year term.

In what described as Nigeria major diplomatic win on the global gender equality stage Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia was re-elected to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW, for a second four-year term after defeating eight candidates from other countries.

The election was held at the UN Headquarters in New York on June 26, 2026.

 

 123 Member States, participated in the exercise, according to the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development announcement on Friday.

 

Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the victory as “a significant diplomatic milestone” that reaffirms international confidence in Nigeria’s leadership on women’s rights.

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim pointed out that the re-election builds on momentum from the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, CSW69.

 

“At that session, Nigeria convened a High-Level Event that led to eight sub-national governments — Edo, FCT, Kwara, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun and Zamfara — signing commitments to domesticate and implement CEDAW.

 

“More states have indicated readiness to join.

 

“The significance of this landmark commitment is that it brings CEDAW closer to the people.

 

“State Governments are translating international obligations into practical actions through stronger protection for women and girls, expanded access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, and greater accountability in governance,” she declared.

 

CEDAW is the UN body that monitors how countries implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

 

Nigeria’s continued seat, the Ministry said, ensures the country helps shape global standards while amplifying Africa’s voice in human rights discussions.

 

The Ministry credited the outcome to months of coordinated lobbying, bilateral and multilateral engagements, and technical preparation led by the Ministry of Women Affairs in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

 

“Special commendation went to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, for ‘diligent lobbying, negotiations, and sustained engagement.’

 

Sulaiman-Ibrahim linked the success to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has placed women, children, families and vulnerable groups at the centre of national development.

 

“The administration has declared 2026 the ‘Year of Families and Social Development’ to strengthen families, promote inclusion, and advance gender-responsive governance.”

 

The Minister also acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, for its nationwide empowerment of women across nano to medium-scale enterprises.

 

Congratulating Eghobamien-Mshelia, the Minister stated that she “carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian women and girls” into her second term.

 

The Federal Government pledged to convert the international recognition into domestic results through legal reforms, policy coherence, economic empowerment for women, stronger protection systems, and sustained advocacy.

 

“This victory belongs to every Nigerian. It demonstrates what can be achieved when visionary leadership, strategic diplomacy, technical excellence, and national unity are brought together.

 

“Our objective remains clear: to ensure that equality is not only celebrated in international fora but is fully reflected in the lived realities of every Nigerian woman and girl.”

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