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Abia Gives N1 Million Each To Victims Of South African Xenophobic Attacks

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Following in the footsteps of Imo and Delta state Governments, the Abia State Government, at the weekend, announced the approval of N1 million for each of the State’s 31  South African-returnees.

 

The Nigerian authorities had last month rounded off the repatriation of no fewer than 1,400 of its citizens, displaced by months of intense and sustained violent xenophobic attacks and killings unleashed on African immigrants by South African youths

 

The Abia State Government had,  also, strongly condemned the killing of its citizen, Chika Ibe, who was seen in a viral video being suffocated to death by South African Police officers on July 23, 2026.

 

A statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Ukaoha Njoku Ukaoha, on Saturday, informed that each of the verified returnees will receive the cash to assist them in the process of reintegrating themselves into the society.

 

According to Ukaoha, a verification exercise to determine the needs and individual circumstances of returnees is underway.

 

“The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the immediate disbursement of N1,000,000.(One Million Naira) each for the 31 verified returnees of Abia state extraction who recently returned from South Africa.

 

“The approval is for immediate relief as an interim support measure ,and to reassure the returnees that the Abia State Government has not abandoned them in their moment of need”, Ukaoha stated.

 

According to the statement, a comprehensive profiling of each returnee is ongoing with a view to assessing their individual circumstances and socio-economic realities.

 

“This is to enable Government design appropriate interventions for sustainable reintegration and social protection coverage tailored towards their specific needs.

 

“The gesture underscores Governor Otti’s compassion and unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons in communities across Abia state ,and beyond.

 

“It also reflects Government’s resolve to ensure that every Abian, regardless of circumstance,is given an opportunity to recover , rebuild and contribute meaningfully to the society” the statement added.

 

The Imo and Delta  authorities had earlier approved N1 million and N 2 million respectively for each returnee from their states for the same purpose of assisting them in reintegrating themselves into the society.

Unizik Mgt Wades In, As Students Attack, Strip Lecturer Over Alleged Se&ual Harassment Of Student

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nnamdi Azikwe University

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka , Anambra State, on Saturday vowed to ascertain the actual circumstances surrounding the alleged se*ual molestation of a female student, as well as the attack and stripping of a lecturer in connection with the incident.

 

 Some angry students of the University were captured in a viral video online on Saturday,  attacking and stripping a male lecturer  accused of se*ually molesting a female student inside his office.

 

The video also showed the  female victim, looking ruffled, subdued, and with unkept hair crying, while emerging from the office of the lecturer.

 

Reacting to the development which has since attracted widespread indignation and condemnation, the management of the University said it has ordered an unfettered, and impartial  investigation into the unfortunate incident with a view to establishing the facts of the allegations levelled against the unnamed lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts.

 

The University authorities expressed serious sadness and concern over the alleged incident, while also strongly condemning the action of the students who decided to take laws into their hands.

 

In a statement by Aloysius Attah, its spokesperson the institution strongly condemned any resort to self-help and jungle justice ,no matter the level of provocation.

 

” The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has received reports of the alleged physical assault, and attack on a lecturer in the Department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts, following an allegation of attempted se*ual misconduct involving a female student of the University.

 

“Videos of the incident, which occurred within the University environment on Saturday, August 15, 2026, have since gone viral on various social media platforms.

 

“Management is deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident and strongly condemns the resort to violence, self-help or any form of jungle justice under any circumstances.

 

“The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie, has consistently reaffirmed the University’s zero-tolerance policy towards se*ual misconduct, harassment and all forms of inappropriate behaviour.

 

“At the same time, Management emphasises that allegations of misconduct must be handled through established institutional procedures and due process. No individual or group is permitted to take the law into their own hands within the University environment.

 

“Given the seriousness of the matter, the University Management has directed that an immediate, comprehensive and impartial investigation be conducted to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident”, Attah stated.

 

The statement, also, reaffirmed the University’s commitment towards  protecting the dignity, safety and well-being of both staff and students of the institution.

 

The incident  highlights the growing and disturbing cases of alleged se*ual molestations, s*x-for-grade and extortions currently rocking most Nigeria’s tertiary educational institutions .

“God, You Are My Boss” – Davido Reacts To Gov. Adeleke’s Re-election Victory

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Davido
Davido

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

David Adeleke, Superstar Afro-Beat Singer, popular as Davido, has proclaimed God as his ultimate boss who never fails him.

 

The singer, a nephew to the re-elected Governor Ademola Adeleke, was reacting to the massive  victory of  his uncle, Governor Adeleke, in Saturday’s governorship election.

 

The popular star was a very important part in the campaign team of the Governor. He campaigned no end and attracted thousands of Osun youths to the Governor’s side. He also swiftly reacted to every unjustified attack on his uncle, the Governor, and did not, especially, spare Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who mocked Governor Adeleke for his love for dancing. Davido responded by reposting Okpebholo’s alleged embarrassing School Certificate results where the Governor flunked most subjects.

 

Sitted in a living  room, in front of a television set while the result of the election was being announced,  Davido fell backwards as soon as his Uncle was announced the winner. “That Ademola Nurudeen-Jackson Adeleke having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declare the winner of the August 15 Governorship election and returned elected”, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, Returning Officer, announced.

 

Lifted up by one of his aides, Davido  then went down on his knees, looked up and addressed God, saying: “God, you are my Boss.”

Osun 2026: Police Displayed Professionalism, Orderliness – Interim Report

By
The Source
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Nigerian Police

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has concluded its monitoring of the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force during the Osun State Governorship Election held on Saturday, 15th August, 2026, across the three Senatorial Districts of Osun Central, Osun East and Osun West.

 

The harmonised interim report, according to a statement by Torty Njoku Kalu, the Commissions Head, Protocol and Public Relations, is based on field observations from Polling Units spread across the 30 Local Government Areas of the State. The exercise assessed police deployment, professionalism, compliance with election duty guidelines, inter-agency collaboration and general conduct.

 

Across the State, Police deployment was adequate and strategic, averaging four officers per polling unit. A breakdown shows an average of three officers per polling unit in Osun Central and five officers per polling unit in Osun East and Osun West respectively.

 

Inter-Agency Collaboration:

Officers of other security and safety agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) were observed complementing the Police at various polling units and at the Election Joint Operations Control Room. Inter-agency collaboration was cordial and contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the election.

 

Leader of the PSC Monitoring Team, DIG  Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), expressed satisfaction with Police conduct. He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the effective deployment strategy, which had DIG Isyaku Mohammed, Ph.D, as the Election DIG and CP Samuel Erale Etaifo as the Election CP, alongside other experienced officers, culminating in the successful conduct of the election.

 

Professionalism and Courtesy:

In terms of conduct and professionalism, police officers across the three senatorial districts were generally courteous, approachable and professional, maintaining orderliness and responding appropriately to inquiries from the monitoring teams.

 

Overall, the Nigeria Police Force exhibited a high level of professionalism, orderliness and cordiality during the election. The Commission will continue to provide oversight to ensure police conduct in election duties aligns with established professional standards.

APC Ignores President Tinubu’s Stand On Osun Election, Hints Possible Legal Action

By
Ayodele Oni
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Osun 2026 election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has reacted to the outcome of  Saturday’s governorship election, saying the process is yet to be concluded.

 

This is just as the party stated that t is currently reviewing the results before deciding on its next course of action.

 

The opposition party said the declaration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not necessarily bring the electoral process to an end.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC revealed that its leadership was carefully examining results from various wards across the state and would consult its legal team before determining its next move.

 

The party stressed that the electoral process extends beyond voting and the announcement of results, noting that parties dissatisfied with an election outcome have the constitutional right to seek legal redress.

 

The APC maintained that the process could proceed through the election tribunal, Court of Appeal and, where necessary, the Supreme Court, in accordance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

 

The opposition party said it would assess all available legal options after consultations with its lawyers.

 

While expressing appreciation to its members and supporters for their loyalty during the election, the APC urged them not to lose hope over the outcome announced by INEC.

 

The party also appealed for calm across Osun State, urging its supporters to avoid confrontations or responding to provocations from political opponents.

 

The APC further called on the Nigeria Police Force to protect its members and supporters, alleging that some of them had been subjected to harassment by individuals associated with the opposition.

 

The party assured its supporters that it was still evaluating the situation and would communicate its next step after completing its review.

 

It described the current political situation in Osun as a phase that would eventually become part of the state’s political history.

Fallout From Osun Guber Polls: MURIC Blames INEC Chairman For Oyebanji’s Loss, Says He Is Anti-Muslim

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Professor Ishaq Akintola - MURIC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Muric’s allegation has been described by not a few people, especially those on ground in Osun, as a bundle of lies and mischief

 

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, on Sunday , August 16, 2026, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of disenfranchising  thousands of eligible  Muslim women voters during Saturday’s off-circle Governorship polls in Osun state.

 

The INEC, early on Sunday, declared Governor Ademola Adeleke, the winner of the election after polling a total of 511,067 votes.

His closest rival, APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, garnered 444,815 votes to place second.

 

But, reacting after the announcement of the outcome of the election, MURIC, in a statement signed by Prof Ishaq Akintola, its Executive Secretary, expressed disappointment that thousands of Hijab-wearing  Muslim voters were, allegedly, not allowed to exercise their constitutional responsibilities. An allegation which has been denied by many, especially, those on the ground as a bundle of lies and mischief.

 

But Akintola domiciled the blame of  the outcome of the polls on the alleged action of INEC, which, according to him prevented thousands of Muslim women voters from casting their votes for their prefered candidate.

 

MURIC, while strongly condemning the development, described it as ” a targeted intimidation”

 

The Muslim advocacy group alleged that the action of the INEC was deliberate, orchestrated and primarily  aimed at coercing, humiliating and disenfranchising eligible Muslim voters.

 

MURIC stated that it is not all that surprised at the conduct of INEC ,as its Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, has been “a no-respecter of Nigerian Muslims going by his well documented anti-Muslim antecedents.

 

Referencing the INEC Chairman’s alleged role in authoring an eighty-page legal brief that led to the coming of United States America, USA, soldiers to Nigeria, MURIC insisted Amupitan cannot be trusted by Muslims.

 

The body maintained that it has verifiable evidence to support its allegations against the electoral umpire, concerning its deliberate acts of disenfranchising eligible Muslim women voters.

 

“Thousands of Muslim women who wore hijab were disallowed from voting in the Osun gubernatorial election which took place yesterday (Saturday), 15th, August ,2026. The incident was widespread.

 

“It was targeted coercion, humiliation, and disenfranchisement. A few weak and uninformed Muslim women in hijab were allowed only after surrendering by removing their hijabs.

 

“We strongly condemn this massive disenfranchisement. But we can’t but connect it to failure of INEC leadership to properly educate and instruct its regular and ad hoc staff on freedom of religion.

 

“This can only be targeted intimidation . The head of INEC himself has no respect for Nigerian Muslims, and he had been enmeshed in the Christian genocide scandal over which he was accused of writing an 80-page legal brief which brought American soldiers to Nigeria.

 

“We have concrete and incontrovertible evidence for our allegation. We have a video clip of an hijab-clad Muslim woman who complained bitterly about how she was disallowed from voting on account of hijab she wore”, Akintola stated

 

MURIC, therefore, reiterated its earlier call for the removal of Prof Amupitan as the INEC Chairman, warning that Muslims should not be blamed for what negative consequences that trail the tendency to strip Muslim women of their hijabs.

 

“MURIC reiterates its call for the removal of Prof Joash Amupitan as Head of INEC. We contend that the intimidation of Muslim women in hijab during yesterday’s election in Osun State had a direct impact on the outcome of the election .

 

“We warn that worse treatments are in the offing for Muslim voters , throughout the country in the 2027 general elections.

 

“We, therefore, alert the  Federal Government over such plans by Amupitan and his team of Muslim haters. Nobody should blame Muslims if they react to the stripping of their women in public in future elections”, Akintola warned .

Outcome Of Osun Election Reflection Of People’s Will – Obi, Atiku

By
Ayodele Oni
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Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his counterpart in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, have congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as governor of Osun State.

 

Obi, in a statement, described Adeleke’s victory as a reflection of the will of the people, saying the outcome demonstrated the power of citizens to determine who governs them through the ballot.

 

He commended the people of Osun State, particularly the youths, for their courage, vigilance and peaceful participation in the electoral process.

 

According to Obi, Adeleke’s renewed mandate was earned through his commitment to the people, compassion for their needs and achievements recorded during his first term in office.

 

He said the Osun election offered an important lesson ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging Nigerians to remain informed, participate actively and protect their votes.

 

“The lesson from Osun is clear: democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count.

 

“Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected,” Obi said.

 

The NDC presidential candidate also urged political actors to put the interests of Nigerians above partisan considerations and embrace peace, unity and the rule of law.

 

He said elections should not be treated as battles of violence but as contests based on ideas, competence, character and service.

 

Obi further urged Nigerians to use their votes to demand change, noting that citizens are directly affected by the challenges of hunger, insecurity, deprivation and economic hardship.

 

He expressed hope that the Osun experience would strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and inspire citizens to remain committed to building a just, secure, prosperous and people-centred nation.

 

Similarly, the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, describing the victory as an expression of the choice of the people of Osun State at the ballot box.

 

Atiku commended the people for their passion and peaceful participation in the election and wished Adeleke continued success in serving the people of the state.

“Osun Election Is Milestone, Not Destination” – INEC Chairman, Amupitan To Staff

By
Ayodele Oni
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Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman
Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Prof Joash Amupitan, has charged Staff of the Commission to learn from just concluded governorship election in Osun state, as they approach the 2027 polls.

 

He was addressing the staff as the Commission formally closed its #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room, following the successful conclusion of the Osun State Governorship Election and declaration of the results in the early hours of Sunday.

 

The INEC Chairman, commended staff across the Commission for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

 

Amupitan praised personnel at the Commission’s headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, polling units and technical teams for working under demanding conditions to ensure the smooth conduct of the election.

 

Describing the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, the INEC chairman urged staff to draw lessons from the exercise and apply them in preparations for the 2027 General Election.

 

He charged them to maintain vigilance, transparency, professionalism and strict neutrality, stressing that INEC staff remain critical to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy.

 

“Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality.

 

“Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,” he said.

 

Amupitan, thereafter, formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end INEC’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun governorship election.

Life Was Hard For State Workers Before Adeleke Became Gov

By
James Orji
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

There was a time when we were paid just half of our monthly salary for over twenty months. Life was hard for everyone. The whole state was practically living from hand to mouth, and the ambience was deeply melancholic.

Pensioners were not spared. Many went for months without their pensions. The situation was heartbreaking.

But God saw us through that period.

Then came another period when we neither went forward nor backwards. Things were relatively calm, but there was little to show for it. Nothing much was happening. Individually and collectively, we seemed stuck.

God saw us through that period too.

But in the past few years, something has changed.

There is peace in the land. We now receive improved salaries and our allowances as and when due. The economy of the state appears more vibrant. Many small businesses are springing up. People seem more hopeful, and there is a different energy in the atmosphere. From my own observation, people seem more relaxed; they dance more, and there is simply more happiness in the air.

In fact, look at me! I am now fat!

That was just a joke. But seriously, when a leader is humane and genuinely cares about the collective welfare of the people, it reflects on the people. And honestly, life feels considerably better than it did during those difficult years.

Then I want to talk from the perspective of a Runsgirl.

As many of you already know, I have been running the roads of Osogbo consistently, on average five days a week, for more than ten years.

So, I have quite literally run through Osogbo under different administrations.

I have seen our roads at different times. I have seen roads that were good, roads that deteriorated, roads that were rehabilitated and roads that were transformed. I have watched how accessibility, road infrastructure and the general appearance of different parts of the city have changed over the years.

Running gives you a much better perspective of a city. You don’t just pass through it in a car. You see it. You feel it. You notice the potholes, the drainage, the construction, the newly rehabilitated roads, the abandoned projects and the changes taking place around you.

And after more than a decade of running these streets, I can honestly say that I have seen the changes, not just in the roads, but in the demeanour of the common man on the streets and in the general ambience of the state.

That is why, as we approach another election, I believe we owe ourselves something more than party loyalty.

We owe ourselves honest assessment.

Who has made life better for the ordinary people of Osun State?

Who has managed the state well?

Who has improved workers’ welfare?

Who has created an environment where businesses can thrive?

Who has improved infrastructure and the physical environment?

And, most importantly, who can sustain whatever progress we have made and take us even further?

I don’t believe we should vote blindly because of party loyalty or any flimsy reason. Neither do I believe that everything is perfect simply because things are better than they used to be. There is always room for improvement, and every administration must be held accountable.

 

But I also believe that when something works, we should be honest enough to acknowledge it.

Let’s look at the evidence. Let’s examine the records. Let’s compare the alternatives. Let’s listen to what each candidate has to offer.

Then vote for the person you sincerely believe can serve the people best. After all, democracy is strictly for the people.

So, politics should be about the quality of life of the people, not the colour or design of the party’s flag.

So, who should win tomorrow’s election?

The person who has earned our confidence through genuine service, measurable results and a credible promise of even better days ahead.

That is the person I want to vote for.

 

 

Osun Gov. Election Result: Advance Payment By Nigerians To APC, Balance Will Come In 2027 – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Ademola Adeleke during 2026 Osun Election

By Ayodele Oni

 

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) has observed that the result of the Osun State Governorship election, is a clear message from Nigerians about what the 2027 elections will be.

 

The Party pointed out that the victory, came at a high cost of strong will, vigilance and resistance by the people of Osun State against the entire rigging machinery of the ruling All Progressives Congress, who was desirous of winning the state at all costs.

 

A statement on Sunday, signed by Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, stated “That the APC wanted Osun, by fair or foul means, was not in doubt to anyone.”

 

It said the desperation by APC accounted for the unceasing intimidation, assault and arrests of opposition politicians, the “kill them” directive by Senator Francis Fadahunsi and the performative invitation by the police, and his subsequent release to participate in the elections.

 

“The ruling party that is ruining the country mobilized their entire rigging machinery to Osun, with nothing left to chance, boasting that they will repeat the Edo experience, but the people of Osun State resisted their machinations and ensured the sanctity of the ballot.

 

“We must warn that the failure of national institutions to maintain unambiguous neutrality is dangerous and anti-democratic.

 

“The manifest partiality of security agencies, especially the police, and even the shameful intervention by the EFCC freezing the accounts of the state; and the intentional delay (more than two hours) in uploading the results of the 470 polling units by INEC, are acts that are not just condemnable but are actions capable of derailing democracy.

 

“While we commend the resilience of the electorate in Osun, we urge Nigerians not to rest on their oars as the 2027 elections approach.

 

“Nigerians must vote, protect and defend their votes. They must not think that having failed in Osun, the APC and its accomplices in the critical national institutions will repent of their ill deeds; they will rather seek to learn from the failings in Osun, to perfect their dark art of subverting the wishes of the people.

 

“Overall, the result from Osun is an advance payment by Nigerians against the APC, the balance will come in 2027, when Nigerians will send packing the most ineffective and destructive political class in the history of Nigeria, post-independence.

 

“Election results must be reflective of the wishes of the people freely expressed through the ballot and not the enforcement of the whims and caprices of a privileged minority of oppressors. And to achieve this, Nigerians must never forget that the price for eternal freedom is vigilance.”

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