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Adeleke Relocates Aderogba’s Widow, Kids To Osogbo, Grants them full Scholarship

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Esa Oke Killing

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has relocated Tolulope Aderogba, the widow of  a slain Accord Party member and her children to the State Capital, Osogbo. The relocation is in fulfilment of the Governor’s pledge to take full charge of the welfare of the widow and her children as well as provide maximum security for them. 

 

After the murder of her husband, Mrs Aderogbo had given a detailed account of how her husband was killed. 

 

She mentioned the names of the personal assistant to Hon Wole Oke and the town’s youth leader who, she said was present throughout the killing.

 

On her arrival at Osogbo, she was in need of medical attention for which the governor approved  immediate medical attention.

 

In addition to relocating the family to the state capital, Governor Adeleke granted full scholarship to the four children of the slain Party member as well as full  accommodation. 

 

The process to  relocate the family was coordinated by the spokesperson to the Imole Campaign Council, Hon Pelumi Olajengbesi and a member of the House of Assembly representing Obokun state constituency, Hon Adewumi Adeyemi Irekandu. 

 

The fear for the safety of the widow prompted the relocation of the family which was completed on Friday evening.

 

Earlier, Olajengbesi had  handsomely donated for the upkeep of the bereaved family. 

 

The family, on relocation, was, also, visited by Governor Adeleke who assured them of their safety and care. He also promised that Aderogba’s killers will be arrested and prosecuted.

 

Adeleke: “I am happy the widow and children are now fully secured here at the capital. We have made all arrangements for the schooling and other needs of the family. The state will ensure their safety, care and justice for the late Aderogba.

 

“I am monitoring the implementation of the directives by the Inspector General of Police through the Deputy Inspector General of police. It is getting to 72 hours after the meeting. 48 hours ago, the Deputy Inspector General of Police also held an operational meeting with the service commanders in the state.

 

“We expect immediate action to implement directives of the Inspector General of Police. I am hoping that no police officer will defy an openly conveyed instructions and operational orders duly issued by the IGP”. 

 

Earlier the Governor had informed the Police authorities that some members of Esa Oke communities are still being threatened because of their support for Accord Party. He urged the Police to take care of the situation before another murder is recorded.

Osun Violence: Anybody Found Culpable Will Be Arrested And Prosecuted – IGP Disu

By
The Source
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0
Osun Security meeting

 

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate end to political killings and violence in Osun State.

 

DIG Adegoke Fayoade disclosed this to Governor Ademola Adeleke after a marathon closed door meeting at the Government House.

 

Governor Adeleke,  in his response, demanded that the stoppage of the violence must be accompanied by arrest and prosecution of political thugs responsible for the killings and maiming of several Osun residents.

 

Accompanied by the AIG Zone 11, the State Commissioner of Police and top police officials from the Command and Zone 11, the DIG, South West, who is also the Head of Police ICT Department, said he was despatched to Osun State on the orders of the IGP to investigate ongoing cases of violence alongside consequent instructions.

 

According to him, the IGP delivered the following message:

 

“The Commissioner of Police and his men have been instructed that never again should any act of brigandage take place in this state. The IG has directed the AIG and the CP to take charge and ensure that this act of violence, that is already giving the population apprehension and fear, is not allowed to occur again.

 

“I have also directed the AIG and the Commissioner of Police on the order of the IG, that any act of murder or brigandage or any unlawful act perpetrated in the state must be fully investigated. Anybody found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted.

 

“I want to assure you that the Osun state forthcoming elections will be conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere.

 

“We can recall the last election in Anambra, just last Saturday Ekiti election was conducted under a very peaceful atmosphere and we don’t want anything different from that in Osun State. That is the standard that has been set and that is the standard we are going to follow.

 

“Your Excellency, I am assuring you that the police will live up to the expectation. The police commissioner and his men will perform their duties in line with the constitution and in line with the rule of law. We are not going to allow anybody to violate the law of the land and cause any havoc or any uneasiness in the state.

 

“We, the police must rise up to the occasion, put our men on their toes, restrategize, so that all these challenges can be tackled. I have addressed the officers and men of this command, and we have restrategized. I have given them the message from the IGP that they must rise up to the occasion and put an end to all these acts that are embarrassing the country.

 

“I also went to see the Ataoja of Osogbo to assure him that all these security challenges are going to be tackled.

 

“We don’t want a situation where Osun State will be taken over by bandits, criminals and thugs. We don’t want a situation whereby the state will be made unsafe for economic activities. Now that we are approaching election time, we need absolute peace in the state. We don’t want any act of violence, any act of murder, whatsoever.

 

“Until recently, the state has been peaceful, but as elections are approaching, we are starting to witness some acts of gangsterism, almost taking over the state.

 

“The IG specifically asked me to come and inform you, Your Excellency, that we are not oblivious of this happening, that we are determined to put a stop to it.

 

*Violence Must Stop And Culprits Must Be Prosecuted – Gov Adeleke*

 

Responding to the address of the DIG and lamenting unholy partnership between some police officers and Osun APC political thugs, Governor Adeleke submitted that violence must not only stop, culprits must be fished out and prosecuted.

 

“You are in this state at a time negligence and partisanship of some of your officers have worsened political violence in the state. You visit us at a time some policemen are openly known to be collaborating with political thugs to unleash violence on our people. Your official entrance comes at a time when we have recorded three unresolved political murders in the last few weeks, namely Eluyera at Ikire, Ezekiel at Ilobu and Aderogba at Esa Oke. There has been no single arrest.

 

“In Osun today, political thugs drove round the town, shooting sporadically, attacking innocent residents. They destroyed Accord billboards. Yet, the police command looks the other way. Even when the suspects are well known, there have been no single arrests. Only in Osun state do we have police operatives eager to arrest Accord members on the most minor of grounds but has yet to arrest a single suspect in a series of murders and gun attacks.

 

“I welcome you to Osun state where unfair policing has been upgraded to direct partnership between some elements in the police and APC political thugs. Our administration has confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police to sustain the peace and stability of our dear state but we seek enforcement of the law without fear or favour.

 

“The Commissioner of Police has demonstrated lack of willingness and capacity to act fairly and without partisan bias. The general consensus among Osun people is that the Commissioner of Police is compromised and should be moved out of the state. Osun seeks fair policing, impartial policing and policing based on respect for rule of law. We are not asking for any favour other than fair protection of lives and properties.

 

“We task you to convey our position to the police leadership of which you are an integral part. Osun people want free and fair polls. Our people seek a peaceful environment to cast their votes. We need the reshuffling of the state police command to secure impartial policing.

 

“I have listened to the message from the IGP. We wait to see the outcome of these interventions. We count on you to stop the spate of killings. Your state police commissioner has failed us”, the governor told the DIG and his team.

 

Credit: Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the State Governor.

“I Sold Mr Ibu’s Property With The Support Of His Children” – His Wife Okafor Clarifies

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Mr Ibu and his wife

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Stella Okafor, wife of the late Nollywood star, John Okafor, popular as Mr Ibu, has rejected widespread claims that he unilaterally disposed of her husband’s assets, thereby rendering his children vulnerable.

 

The Source reports that the social media space in the last couple days has been awash with reports that Stella sold her husband’s property, and mismanaged the proceeds leading to  the late actor’s children facing difficulties, including dropping out of school, due to inability to pay tuition, and other fees.

 

The allegations  were triggered by an appeal for public assistance by the late Nollywood actor’s family to enable them sort out pressing family issues, including utility bills ,and children school fees.

 

But reacting to the allegations of profligacy, Mrs Okafor in an interview with content creator, King Mitchy, insisted that the sale of the late actor’s property was conducted jointly with his children (Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor), as well as in line with a valid court order.

 

According to her, contrary to speculations, the decision to dispose of the property was a unanimous one, not hers alone, and was carried out in due compliance with a court ruling.

 

She emphasized that the transaction processes, including documentary evidence are readily available for public scrutiny.

 

“I have to show you this document. This is a court order . We – I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order.

 

“Every evidence is here. We sold them. I am not the one that sold the house” she pleaded.

 

This was as she revealed that she has been engaged in online marketing of jewelries since her husband’s death, to eke out a living, and cater for the family.

 

According to her, she had muted, and tried to venture into the business when her husband was still alive but was discouraged by him , because of her involvement in full acting.

 

“I have a page online where I sell jewelry ,and I am still selling my jewelry . When I wanted to start this business ,my late husband stopped me because I was acting . My late husband was my colleague in the industry.” Stella stated.

 

Reacting to the case of a young man who had publicly claimed to be one of the children of late Okafor, but was denied financial support, Mrs Okafor noted that disagreement and family feuds over money began almost immediately after the funeral of the late actor.

 

She alleged that some unnamed members of the family ,had insisted she should surrender the money donated by well wishers during burial arrangements, a demand which she vehemently rejected.

 

According to her, she had insisted that the money was primarily meant for the upkeep.of the children.

 

” Before they sold the land ,we were still in the village ,and they were with me the money that was given to me during the burial.

 

” They ( family members) insisted that I should share the money with them. I told them that this was money given to me for my children . Why should I come and share it with you people?”, Stella stated

 

To lesson financial pressure ,Mrs Okafor disclosed her plans to vacate her current residence ,which said she can longer afford.

 

She emphasized that she moved into apartment due mainly to security concerns , noting that the accommodation is too expensive to maintain..

 

“I did not intend to come to this place. It was because of pressure ,and security ,but I am packing out” she declared.

Imo Gov Seat: “I Have Come To Take My Turn, Let Others Give Way” – Anyanwu (SamDaddy)

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Senator Samuel Anyanwu - Sam Daddy

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The National Secretary of the Nyesom Wike-backed factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has staked his claim to the Governorship seat of Imo State, declaring”: It is my turn to govern Imo State”.

 

At the formal inauguration of a Support Group, Polling Unit Movement for Sam Daddy on Saturday  in Owerri, Anyanwu, who was defeated by Governor Hope Uzodinma during the off-circle gubernatorial polls of November 11, 2024, vowed to go toe-for-toe with anyone and group of individuals that dare to stop his ambition through any conceivable foul  means.

 

Tracing the history of the PDP in the State, Senator Anyanwu recounted that among the four leading progenitors of Imo PDP namely Senator Uzodinma, Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha ,and himself, all have gone ahead to  occupy the State’s seat of power, remaining himself.

 

“We were four strong PDP men; myself, Hope Uzodinma, Ikedi Ohakim, and Emeka Ihedioha.

 

“As God may have it, all of them have  governed Imo state, remaining myself. I have come to take my turn, and I believe other contestants will give way”, he declared.

 

While acknowledging that power is not freely given but taken, Anyanwu admonished his supporters to remain focused and committed, assuring that he is ever determined to put in his all in the quest to realise his ambition.

 

He expressed the confidence that the PDP, as the main opposition party will use the 2027 general election as launch pad to reassert itself in the governance space of the state.

 

He noted that the PDP is presently reinventing itself, and witnessing renewed unity, stability and growth.

 

“Luckily, the PDP today is growing stronger, and more united. Our membership is also increasing in thousands.

 

” I tell you without mincing words PDP is the only party our people believe so much in and we won’t let Imo people down”, Anyanwu stated.

 

He urged members of the Support Group, to immediately commit themselves to massive and intensive grassroots mobilisation, with a view to strengthening and entrenching the party ahead of the election.

 

The PDP National Secretary, however, cautioned against any attempt to engage in election manipulation, vowing that any moves to compromise polls will vehemently be resisted.

 

” Listen to this: there is nothing they know that we do not know. And there is nothing they have which we do not have.

 

“Whichever way they want it, we are equal to the task . But can assure them that their rigging tactics will not work this time around.

 

“We have surrounded our men at every polling unit who will mount surveillance on the ballot and secure it till results are announced in our favour”, he boasted .

NDC Accuses INEC Of Blocking The Uploading Of Candidates’ Names To Portal

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

 

Still seeking a way out of the Court judgment ordering its deregistration, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of denying it the access code required to upload the names of its candidates to the commission’s nomination portal.

 

The allegation comes as the party races to stop the enforcement of a Federal High Court judgment ordering its deregistration, raising new questions about its participation in future elections.

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the date for the release of the access code to political parties to Monday, June 29, to enable them to upload the names of their nominated candidates for the 2027 general election.

INEC had planned to release the access code on Friday, June 26, but sources from the commission and political parties said the release was shifted to Monday to ensure a smooth uploading of the access code.

 

Speaking on the development, the NDC’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, stated that the party visited INEC to obtain the access credentials needed to complete the mandatory online submission of its candidates.

 

He alleged that officials of the commission told the party they would “get back” to them, leaving it unable to complete the upload before the court’s deregistration order took effect.

 

Director maintained that the party’s failure to upload its candidates was not due to any fault of the NDC, but was caused by its inability to obtain the required access code from INEC.

 

He disclosed that the party would return to the commission to make another request, while simultaneously pursuing legal action to suspend the enforcement of the court judgment.

 

“We will go back there by tomorrow. I believe by tomorrow we must have filed a stay of execution in court,” he said.

 

According to the NDC spokesperson, the party’s legal team has already commenced the process of filing an application for a stay of execution to prevent the immediate implementation of the deregistration order pending the determination of its appeal.

 

Until such an application is granted by the court, the judgment directing the party’s deregistration remains in force.

DSS Clears, Releases Nura Idris, Wrongly Linked To Boko Haram, Gives Him N3 Million Compensation

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Idris Nura

By Ayodele Oni

 

After spending two years at detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS), a suspect wrongly linked with Boko Haram terrorists, Nura Idris  has been released.

 

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered the immediate release of Idris linked to Boko Haram terrorists.

 

Idris was also compensated with N3 million monetary compensation to meet his immediate needs, aside the DSS DG promise to help the wrongfully detained herder in his business, a practice common with the DG.

 

The setting free followed a DSS investigation review panel that cleared Nura Idris of allegations of collaboration with Boko Haram terrorists.

 

According to a security source, the farmer and animal rearer from Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was arrested by a sister security agency in Suleja, Niger State, in June 2024, for alleged links with terrorists, and was thereafter transferred to DSS custody.

 

Following a thorough review of Nura’s case, the DSS investigation panel found no basis for the charges against him, prompting the DGSS to order his immediate release and payment of compensation.

 

Receiving the compensation, Nura thanked the DGSS for what he described as a kind gesture, saying the money would help him restart his life.

 

“I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” the source quoted Nura as saying.

 

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received Nura upon his release, also expressed appreciation to the DGSS for his compassion and generosity, and assured that the compensation would be put to good use.

 

 “When such cases are recorded, the DSS would usually follow up with the detainee, provide psychological and medical support, after which the Agency would further set up any business of the victim’s choice”, another source disclosed.

 

The release is part of an internal review exercise which the DSS began last year.

 

The exercise is aimed at reassessing prolonged inherited cases to ensure that erroneously detained individuals do not remain in detention.

 

“The setting free and compensations across multiple cases underscores the DSS’s growing reputation for institutional integrity and humanness.

 

“The Service under the current DG, has continued to show that safeguarding national security and citizens must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens.

 

“Recall the case of Sunday Ifedi and his wife, Calista who were arrested on 8th November 2021 and detained in Wawa facility, three years before the appointment of the current DG in August 2024,” added the source.

 

Sunday was released on 16th December, 2025, after the review of detainees ordered by the DG cleared him of ties with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the DG awarded him N10 million as compensation.

 

“Importantly, plans are underway by the DSS to rebuild a restaurant in memory of Ifedi’s wife, Calista, who died while in custody in a detention facility in Wawa.

 

 The initiative is to compensate Sunday for the allegations that his late wife operated a restaurant being patronized by IPOB, for which they were arrested.

 

 This brings to bear, over thirty cases that have since been reviewed with over N300m paid as compensation,” the source disclosed.

 

It would also be recalled that, barely one one month after ordering the release and payment of N10 million compensation of one Abuja-based business woman, Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe, in October 2025, the DSS boss ordered the release of one Kenneth Okechukwu Nwafor, arrested in July 2022, for his alleged involvement in the activities of the proscribed IPOB.

 

 Five other detainees wrongfully linked to IPOB were by the same directive of the DG, released and each given an initial N2 million cash compensation.

 

Last month, the DSS also released a Yobe State resident, Ya’u Mohammed, after investigations confirmed that he had no connection to terrorism.

 

Following his release, the Service provided initial financial support worth N2 million to assist his reintegration and restoration of his livelihood.

 

“There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration,” stated the source, adding, “these are the kind of measures the DSS is using to build public trust.”

Police Arrest 10 Over The Killing Of Benue State Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Leader

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

No fewer than 10 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack and killing of  the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN, Ardo Risku Mohammad.

 

The MACBAN leader was on Friday, June 26, 2026, ambushed and killed alongside an associate, Yakubu Isah, while returning from a peace meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council of the State. 

 

The peace meeting was  organized  between Fulani and Ayunne community leaders at the instance of the Head of Police formation in Ohinimini Local Government Area to address recent security challenges in the area.

 

The Miyetti Allah leader and his colleague were however ambushed, attacked, and killed by armed hoodlums within Okudu Community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state while heading back to their station.

 

The Benue State Police authorities, who described the killing as “totally senseless and a criminal act capable of undermining the peace and stability of the State”, vowed to  hunt down the perpetrators.

 

Governor Hyacinth Alia had, also, in his reaction directed security agencies to carry out unfettered investigation into the incident, with a view to fishing out the masterminds.

 

In a statement from Udeme Edet, it’s spokesperson, the Police Command informed that the arrest of the suspects was sequel to what it described as intensive intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations conducted on Saturday night, June 27, 2026, in Otukpo.

 

The Police, also, described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing general investigation into the dastardly killing of the Fulani leaders.

 

Those apprehended are Titus Thyodenda 25, Utibe Sam 20, Owoicho Ameh 18, Sunday Useni 21 , Sunday Ogbanje 46, Daniel Raphael 23 , Adokole John 24 , Samuel Ogazi 32, Agbo Daniel ,and Onazi James 30.

 

This is as the state Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, lauded the efforts of operatives ,and investigators for their response and professionalism.

 

He described the arrest of the suspects as a major step towards ensuring justice.

 

CP Nwadiogbu while reassuring residents of adequate protection, noted that investigations are ongoing with a view to identifying and arresting others linked to the killings.

Kogi: Father Beats Teacher To Death For Allegedly Disciplining Child

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Nigerian Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Kogi State Police Command has said it is on the trail of a  father who attacked, and inflicted fatal injuries on a female teacher with Brains Minds Nursery and Primary School in Ugbamaka ,Okpo District of Olamaboro Local Council of the State.

 

Abdullahi Ishaka, whose child  was allegedly disciplined, reportedly stormed the school on June 18, 2026, alongside two women, and attacked the teacher – 30-year old Maryam Usman.

 

According to a statement from Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the Command’s spokesperson, the assaulted teacher who was initially rushed to an Ugbamaka- based facility for medical attention,  succumbed to her injuries at Iko-Ojo Hospital in Okpo where she was later transfered on June 25, 2026.

 

The Police informed that concerted efforts are underway to track down fleeing Ishaka, and all those responsible for the unfortunate incident.

 

The suspect, according to the police, has been on the run since the day of the attack on the deceased.

 

However, the police assured that nothing will be spared in the efforts to hunt down the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.

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

By
The Source
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0
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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0
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.

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