Kano: Gov. Yusuf Sends Two Commissioner-Nominees To House Of Assembly

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September 28, 2025

Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1) — Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has forwarded the names of two Commissioner- nominees to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The nominees are Abdulkarim Maude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria-designate, and Dr. Aliyu Isa-Aliyu, an Associate Professor of Allied Mathematics.

The development was announced in a statement on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.

The statement described Maude as a seasoned lawyer with vast experience in office administration, court procedures, and corporate legal practice, while Isa-Aliyu is noted as a respected academic and researcher currently serving as the Statistician-General and Director-General of the Kano State Bureau of Statistics.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf approved the appointment of Salisu Tahir as the new Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

Tahir previously held the position of Director of Public Prosecution in the ministry.

The statement quoted Governor Yusuf as explaining that the new appointments are part of his administration’s drive to bring youthful, competent, and professional individuals into public service, reaffirming his commitment to competence, professionalism, and integrity in managing the affairs of the state.

The nominations come amid recent resignation of Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Namadi, following allegations of his involvement in moves to secure bail for a suspected drug offender.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are currently probing a N6.5 billion diversion case linked to the governor’s Director-General of Protocol.

Report revealed that the scandal further deepened after the Commissioner for Community and Rural Development, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, reportedly admitted to authorising a ₦1.17 billion payment while serving as the Accountant-General, which investigators have described as fraudulent.

The State Government has consistently emphasized transparency and accountability in response to growing corruption allegations.

Anambra Governorship Election: Peter Obi Is Supporting A Non-existent LP Ticket – ADC

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 28, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Labour Party ticket for the forthcoming Anambra State Gubernatorial polls has been mockingly described as not worth more than a “tissue paper”.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, Governorship running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, at an interactive session with the media, insisted that the LP does not have any legitimate Gubernatorial flag bearer ahead of the November 8 elections in the State.

His damning assessment is, however, coming on the heels of Peter Obi’s declaration of support for Dr George Moghalu, the gubernatorial candidate of the LP.

The Source reports that Obi, the Presidential flag bearer of the LP in the 2023 general elections had, last week, not only publicly thrown his weight behind Moghalu’s ambition, but also urged members of the Obidient movement to rally behind him.

Obi’s preference in the Anambra State of battle, however, contrasted sharply with popular thinking that he would be backing Sir John Nwosu the ADC candidate.

Obi has been featuring prominently in the processes throwing up the ADC as a potent and emerging opposition Coalition platform within the political equation of the country ahead of the 2027 polls.

But reacting to the development, Dr Nwobu noted that irrespective of Obi’s support, the LP gubernatorial ticket is standing on a watery ground and a product of illegality.

“From all indications, he Peter Obi, is campaigning for the Labour Party candidate, George Moghalu. But, is that one a candidate? Does he, (Moghalu) in all honesty, believe that he has a ticket? In fact, is that one a ticket?

” From the best of my knowledge, he, Moghalu, emanated from a flawed, tainted and illegal primaries conducted by the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee of Labour Party LP.

“We are all aware that the Supreme Court had, on April 4, 2025, a day before the LP primaries, sacked Abure as the National Chairman of LP.

“This being the case, you can not stand something on nothing. If you don’t have a leadership, who then conducted the primaries from where you emerged?

“I see his running around, and campaigning as creating further confusion on the political field. He knows that what he is having is not a ticket and that he is not a candidate.”

The ADC gubernatorial running mate further noted that the leadership of the nascent opposition Coalition at all levels have been supportive of the candidacy of Nwosu.

“The truth is that the party is solidly behind us. We have held out flag-off campaign and we have been going round campaigning. What I can tell you is that it may not be convenient for us to take our stakeholders around for things like Local Government tours” Dr Nwobu noted.

The Source further reports that the duo of Moghalu and Nwosu were the only two aspirants that purchased the LP Governorship nomination forms pre-Supreme Court verdict on the leadership struggles of the party.

However, following the Apex Court’s ruling a day before the April 5 primaries of the party conducted by the Abure-led NEC, Nwosu withdrew from the LP primaries citing the purported sack of Abure by the Supreme court as a major reason.

His withdrawal inevitably threw up Moghalu ,a former National Auditor of the All Progressive Congress, APC, as the LP Governorship candidate.

Examination Malpractices: BUK Expels 65 Students

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Senate of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has expelled 57 students for involvement in examination misconduct.

The Senate also approved the rustication of other eight students and exoneration of two others

The school authorities said the decision for expulsion was taken at its 427th meeting held on September 10, 2025.

The action, according to the university, was in accordance with the General Examination and Academic Regulations (GEAR) governing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director, Directorate of Examinations, Admissions, and Records (DEAR), Malam Aminu Wada Kurawa.

Those affected were drawn from various faculties and departments of the University.

According to the statement, the Senate further noted that the case of a candidate, Yusuf Muhammad Sani (ENG/18/CIV/00065), was deferred pending the outcome of an investigation by the Senate Business Committee (SBC), which was mandated to investigate further and report back for consideration.

World News Day: NGE Fumes Over Repressive Laws Against Journalism In Nigeria

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed reservations over the cyber crimes laws which impede practice of journalism profession in the country.

The Guild also fumed over the intimidation of journalists with other repressive laws by government at all levels.

It therefore vowed that it would always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standards in the noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever means, to harass and intimidate journalists as well as impede journalism.

This was as it demanded of the government to always respect the Freedom of Information Act by freely providing journalists with requested information.

The NGE, which stated these in a statement marking World News Day, noted the challenges journalism as a profession faces in Nigeria, most especially the growing attempt to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression.

It therefore urged the government to align itself with the United Nations Universal Day for Access to Information, just as it called on journalists to shun fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda, but should uphold the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and facts.

The statement which was signed by Eze Anaba, and Onuohe Ukeh, President and Secretary respectively, specifically tasked the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists.

The NGE said; “We use this opportunity to urge the government at all levels and individuals to stop using repressive laws, to intimidate journalists.

While describing the World News Day, celebrated on September 28, as a global initiative aimed at highlighting the vital role of fact-based journalism in our societies, the NGE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom.

The NGE commended journalists in Nigeria and worldwide, who work tirelessly to bring Nigerians the truth as they recommit to the mission of promoting quality journalism and protecting the rights of journalists to operate freely.

It urged Nigerians to choose truth, facts, and journalism, bearing in mind that fact-based journalism is the foundation of a healthy democracy.

According to the NGE; “Fact-based journalism provides citizens with accurate and reliable information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

“We also urge Nigerians to stand with journalists who face challenges in their pursuit of truth, as any success in gagging the media would put in jeopardy democracy and freedom of expression,” it stated.

2027: North Central Insists On Presidency

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

As alignment and realignment by political gladiators ahead 2027 Elections continue, the push for Nigeria’s top seat took a new dimension over the weekend as the North-Central Renaissance Movement (NCRM) demanded that the Presidency be zoned to the region.

It cautioned political parties that any attempt to sideline the zone would attract electoral consequences.

Addressing Journalists in Abuja, the convener of the movement, Prof K’tso Nghargbu, said it was unjust that the North-Central, which comprises Niger, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara States and the FCT, has never produced an elected president or vice president since independence despite its sacrifices for national stability.

“It is our duty and responsibility to state clearly that the North-Central geopolitical zone seeks, requests, and demands that political parties cede their presidential ticket to our region.

“Patronising us means having our votes. Despising us means losing our votes,” Nghargbu declared.

He stressed that the zone is uniquely positioned to bridge Nigeria’s growing political fault lines and heal tensions between elites in the far North and the South.

Citing leaders from the region, Nghargbu noted that figures like Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Peoples Democratic Party had already signaled interest to contest on the PDP platform, while encouraging other credible aspirants from the zone to step forward.

“The North-Central is blessed with enormous political resources and human capital. We are capable of addressing Nigeria’s leadership challenges and driving unity at this critical time,” he added.

The group further backed the inclusion of independent candidacy in the Nigerian Constitution, describing it as a necessary reform to end the stranglehold of “money drunk and godfather drunk” political parties.

“Independent candidature is one of the answers Nigeria needs. It checks the excesses of political parties that deny genuine aspirants a chance.”

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, the NCRM maintained that zoning the presidency to the North-Central is not only about fairness, but also about securing peace, unity, and stability for the country.

Bandits Attack, Kill Village Head, Ten Others In Kwara Community

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

An early Sunday morning invasion of a community in Kwara state by suspected Bandits has led to the killing of a village head, and ten other people.

The attack, according to report, happened at Oke-Ode in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state.

A community source said the assailants stormed the area, shooting sporadically, killing, maiming and abducting an unspecified number of residents.

A member of the local vigilante group, identified as Ajetunmobi, told Sobi FM that the government had failed to tackle insecurity in the state.

His words: “We had been hearing since Saturday night that the bandits were around the community, and we sent out messages to security operatives to be prepared.

“To our surprise, this morning the attackers started from the duty post, targeting the vigilantes. Government only engages in propaganda, they did not repel the attackers as claimed.”

Among those killed were Oji, Saheed Metubi, and Baale Ógba Ayo. The bodies were said to have been deposited at the police station, while the injured were taken to the General Hospital in Share.

Alhaji Ganiyu Ajala, national president of the Oke-Ode Community Development Association, condemned the killings and called for stronger security measures.

“While commending the government on the various security measures already put in place, we call for a redoubling of efforts towards completely routing these undesirable elements from the Oke-Ode axis and the entire state in general,” Ajala said.

PSC Shocked Over Passing Of Former Chairman, Parry Osayande, DIG, Rtd

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The Source

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September 28, 2025

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The Police Service Commission says it received with shock, the news of the death of its former Chairman, DIG Parry Osayande.

In a statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, PSC’s Head, Press and Public Relations, the Commission described Osayande as “an erudite and consumate Police Officer who paid his dues as an examplary Police Officer and visionary Chairman of the Commission.”

DIG Osayande succeeded Chief Simon Okeke, who was the pioneer Chairman of the Commission. Osayande was appointed in 2007 by President Olusegun Obasanjo but inaugurated in April, 2008 during the Administration of President Umaru Yar’adua.

His tenure marked rapid growth of the Commission, including the Presidential approval for a Corporate Headquarters for the Commission now standing in the Jabi District of Abuja.

DIG Parry Osayande was fearless, focused, and had a Commanding presence, which gave the Commission, a lot of mileage during its formative period.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, said the death of DIG Osayande was a great loss for the Commission. He called on Nigerians to remember the Commission in their prayers in this trying period of losing two of its former Chairmen within a month.

DIG Osayande died early Sunday morning in Benin, Edo state.

FG Scrutinizes Credentials Of Employees

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has mandated its agencies, ministries and department to embark on verification of certificates of employees with a view to detect those with forged credentials.

The directive which, also, affect military and paramilitary groups, is meant to initiate a mandatory verification process for the academic credentials of every staff, starting from October 6.

This followed growing apprehensions expressed by academics, regarding the diminishing educational standards and the proliferation of fraudulent certificates nationwide.

In view of this, the government has mandated the country-wide enactment of the National Policy for the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank (NERD).

According to a circular issued on August 8, 2025 (Reference: 58524/111C/579) and endorsed by George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation, (SGF), all ministries, departments, agencies, and higher education institutions—across civilian, military, public, and private sectors—are required to implement the National Credential Verification Service (NCVS) for verify staff qualifications.

The circular stated that under the updated system, appointments will only be confirmed once an instant NCVS clearance verifies the authenticity of academic documents.

“Every clearance will produce a National Credential Number (NCN) along with unique security codes, which are associated with the verified documents for record management.

“This represents a shift away from the traditional approach of relying on the issuing institutions, as it introduces a centralized quality assurance system that operates independently from individual schools or potentially biased officials.”

The newly formed NERD, suggested by the National Universities Commission (NUC), will be responsible for overseeing enforcement.

In accordance with the circular, all ministries, departments, agencies, and higher education institutions across Nigeria, whether civilian, military, private, or public are instructed to submit their annual NERD compliance reports by March 30th each year.

According to a Bureau of Public Service Reforms report from 2022, Nigeria employs approximately 720,000 federal civil servants.

The National Civil Verification Scheme (NCVS), a pivotal element of the National Education and Research Development (NERD) programme, was initially introduced in March 2025 by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, after receiving approval from the Federal Executive Council.

During the launch, Dr. Alausa portrayed the NCVS as a comprehensive nationwide initiative designed to ensure quality assurance.

Its purpose is to combat academic fraud, which poses a significant threat to the education sector. This initiative addresses issues such as counterfeit degrees, fraudulent qualifications, fake certificates, and honors obtained from unaccredited institutions and diploma mills.

Again, PSC Loses Former Chairman As DIG Parry Osayande Passes

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Ayodele Oni

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September 28, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission, PSC, has again lost a former Chairman.

The irrepressible Parry Osayande, DIG, Rtd, has passed on.

Osayande’s passing came 24 hours after the remains of former Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Solomon Arase, who was, also, a former PSC Chairman, arrived Benin, Edo State for the final rites of his funeral.

Osayande’s passing, due to old age-related issues, has thrown both the PSC and the Nigerian Police Force into another round of mourning.

A Bini Prince, Osayande passed a day before his 89th birthday. Family sources say he passed after a brief illness.

The news of his death filtered in the early hours of Sunday, September 28th, 2025.

He was the Chairman of the PSC from 2008 to 2013.

He was, also, the Commissioner of Police in the defunct Bendel State (Edo and Delta State) during the Anini saga, which terrorised Nigeria in the 1980s.

A no-nonsense Police Officer, Osayande famously chose to retire from the NPF instead of compromising a sensitive and high profile murder case in Edo State.

In 2007, President Olusegun Obasanjo dragged him out of retirement and appointed him the Chairman of the PSC. He was inaugurated in 2008 during the President Umaru Yar’adua’s Government. At the end of his five- year tenure as PSC Chairman, he rejected every plea by President Goodluck Jonathan for second term as Chairman. His reason: “Have you seen a public servant in Nigeria who is 75 years old? Don’t worry, when you need my advice, send an aircraft to pick me from Benin. I will come.”

Under his watch as Commissioner of police, the infamous armed robber, Lawrence Anini, was captured and executed during the regime of former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.

A Benin-based lawyer, Jefferson Uwoghiren also confirmed Osayande’s death in a post via his Facebook

account on Sunday.

He wrote: “What a remarkable life of public service. United in service of a grateful nation. United in death. Peace Profound”.

Newly Inducted Lawyer, Chinwe Udoka, Abducted By Hoodlums In Army Uniform

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Adesina Soyooye

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September 28, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

A newly Inducted Lawyer, Peace Udoka, has been abducted by hoodlums who wore Army uniform.

Barrister Onyesom Peace Udoka was one of the 4,437 new Law Graduates Lawyers called to Bar between Tuesday and Thursday last week. She was called to Bar on Tuesday.

After her induction in Abuja, she boarded a commercial bus, Big Joe Transport, on Friday. But she never got to her destination.

Just as they drove past Police and Military checkpoints, close to the Okene Army Barracks, the bus was ambushed by men in Army uniform. They thought the men were, perhaps, on another checkpoint as it was just about 12.noon. They never thought kidnappers could operate, so brazenly, close to both a Police and Military checkpoints, which were also close to a Military Barracks.

They thought wrongly. The hoodlums swooped on them and made away with nine of them.

The Divisional Police Officer at the nearest Police Division to the scene of abduction, disclosed that the Police, in its initial effort at rescuing the passengers, successfully rescued five of them who included the driver of the vehicle.

Said the DPO as reported: “Based on efforts we put in place, we succeeded in rescuing five, including the driver.

“I think they were eight or nine in number. Only four or five are with the kidnappers. Since the incident happened, myself, the (Police) Area Commander, Army and other sister Security Agents, we went inside the bush between 6 and 6.30 in the evening same day. We are building on our efforts to get others out. The vehicle and the driver are with me.”

Barrister Onyesom is one of those still in tye custody of the hoodlums.

On how they met their unfortunate fate, the driver, who spoke in pidgin English was reportedly quoted to have said: “Before the prison yard, e get one Army barracks wey dem build newly for that Okene bush. As we pass that barracks, we now pass the Police checkpoint. E no even reach one kilometer before dem (kidnappers) come out.

“They wear soldiers’ uniforms. Two come out for my front. They shoot. Dem they shoot face-to-face. One day shoot for the back. We come dey their middle. Before they (Security Operatives) reach there, they don’t run away.

“Na six passengers dey took for my motor. The Manager for Abuja call me now say dem Don dey call them for ransom.

“Na only me dey with the Police now. Four others were Police rescue don komot yesterday night. Dey say dey wan return to Abuja.

A friend of Onyesom’s said both of them chatted on the phone till about 12 noon but that she called Saturday morning with a new number at about 7.41am, crying that she had been kidnapped.

Onyesom, a Law Graduate of Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma, Edo State, and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was headed back to Benin from Abuja when she was abducted alongside other passengers from a commercial bus.

For years, Nigeria has been afflicted by a kidnap epidemic. While thousands have, luckily, been released after ransom has been paid, others were not that lucky. They were killed even after millions of Naira in ransom were paid for their lives.