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“Mr President Has Cast A Warm Blanket Over Me, Pulled Me Back From The Harshness Of Yesterday’s Cold” – Pardoned Farouk Lawan

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Farouk Lawan with Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

“I lie prostrate, utterly humble in my heart and entire being, grateful for the mercy which Allah (SWT), through Mr  President and my country have shown me”

Former House of Representatives Member, Farouk Lawan, who served a five-year jail term for bribery, but was granted full Presidential Pardon on Thursday, October 9, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, has thanked the President, profusely, for giving him a new lease of life.

“Mr President has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold”,  he wrote in an emotional post on his Facebook page.

Lawan is one of the 175 persons granted Presidential prerogative of mercy approved by the Council of State which sat on Thursday, on President Tinubu’s  recommendation.

In a statement Thursday night after his pardon was made public, a humbled Lawan took to his Facebook page to thank President Tinubu.

He wrote: “To a fatherly, compassionate, and decisive political leader, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, God and history shall remember you.

“Mr President has cast a warm blanket over me, pulling me back from the harshness of yesterday’s cold. A day like this is not for a long treatise.

“I lie prostrate, utterly humbled in my heart and entire being, grateful for the mercy which Allah  (SWT), through Mr President and my country have shown me.”

The road to jail began for the former House of Representatives Member, Bagwa/Shanano Federal Constituency, Kano, when he was accused by businessman, Femi Otedola, of demanding the sum of three million US Dollars from him to remove his former company, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, from the list of companies allegedly involved in the Petrol subsidy scam in 2012.

Lawan was the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee set up to probe the alleged fraud.

Nobody can forget the video of Lawan, in a native attire, babaringa,  hiding wads of Dollar notes underneath his cap. He never knew it was a string operation between Otedola and Security Agencies when he took part of the money from the businessman.

Lawan, on arrest, was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC on a seven count charge of bribery which was reduced to three.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court convicted him on all three charges and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment on June 22, 2021.

He appealed his conviction. And, in February 2022, a Court of Appeal, discharged him of two out of the three charges, and reduced his jail term to five years.

Lawan appealed to the Supreme Court, which sustained the Court of Appeal’s ruling in January 2024.

After his five-year jail term, he was released in October 2024.

On the day he was released, Lawan stepped out from prison, wearing a babariga, slid into the driving seat of a high profile SUV, and drove off.

On Thursday, October 9, 2025, President Tinubu renewed his hope, and granted him full presidential pardon. “My hope is renewed” a grateful Lawan exclaimed.

Late AVM Obierika’s Wife Arrives Abuja

By
The Source
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Late AVM Obierika

By Gideon Njoku

The widow of Air Vice Marshal Osita Obierika, rtd,  arrived Abuja this Friday morning, on British Airways.

The well respected senior officer died in- flight aboard a British Airways flight en route Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Heathrow Airport, London.

The flight was expected to arrive about 5.00am Monday, October 6, having left by 11.00pm Sunday, but it was diverted to El Prat Airport, Barcelona, Spain, when the Pilot declared an emergency over Obierika’s health.

By the time it landed in Barcelona, the efforts to save the life of the AVM which began on board the aircraft continued but he passed on.

His body was deposited at a funeral home in Barcelona pending when it would be brought back to Nigeria after protocols.

At the time of filing this report, it  was not confirmed if his wife who was on  with him when he passed on, came in with his body or not but  a number of Nigerian Airforce Officers, retired and serving, were at the Airport to receive her.

On the day he passed on, a number of them were, also, at the Airport to welcome the AVM, and were waiting when the news  of his passing in-flight was relayed to then.

AVM Osita Obierika, an accomplished officer, popular as Professor because of his academic prowess, was a native of Enugu Ukwu, Anambra State.

He died of cancer which he battled for about three years.

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Argentina Roasts Flying Eagles, Eliminate Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Flying Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

Six-time champions, Argentina eliminated the Flying Eagles of Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday night, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago. The team walloped Nigeria 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago.

Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan.

 Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.

 An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area.

Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.

Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time.

Carrizo however compounded Nigeria woes and misery with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.

Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute, taking the game beyond the reach of the Seven Time African Champion.

The defeat meant the Flying Eagles have been eliminated from this year’s championship, as the Coach Aliyu Zubairu are expected back in Nigeria tomorrow.

Ibom Air Passenger Steals On Board, Arrested

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ibom Air

By Adesina Soyooye

A passenger on an Ibom Air flight, was arrested on Thursday.

The Passenger, male, who boarded the flight from Uyo to Abuja, was arrested for stealing a large sum of money from a carry-on luggage of another passenger, a foreigner, put in an overhead locker.

He was sitting just across the owner of the luggage, but, at a point in-flight he stood up as if he wanted  to take something from his own bag.

But just as the flight landed, the owner of the luggage, while trying to retrieve it from the overhead locker, noticed that his luggage had been tampered with.

On a closer look, he noticed that his money was also missing.

He raised an alarm and an Air Hostess, who saw when the suspect stood up and rearranged  a luggage around that compartment, pinpointed him as a possible suspect.

When confronted, he denied, but he was forced to submit to a search. That was when the stolen money was recovered from him.

He was quickly escorted down the aircraft and handed over to Security Operatives on ground while other passengers booed at him.

At the time of filing this report, Ibom Air has not issued any official statement.

Borno Gov. Zulum Gives Igbo Health Worker House,  Employment For Son

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mrs Marbel Ijeoma Duaka

By Ayodele Oni

The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana  Zulum, has rewarded excellence and dedication to duty of an indigene of Anambra state as he presented a fully-furnished two-bedroom house to a health worker, Mrs Marbel Ijeoma Duaka.

Also, her son, Anthony, a graduate of Banking and finance, was offered a job at the state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.

While handing over the house key to Duaka, the governor said she has been working at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Mafa for more than two decades and never left the town, even during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“She has been working here for over 24 years and has never left Mafa for a single month. During the Boko Haram crisis, most people fled the town, but she stayed throughout the conflict despite being a non-indigene.

“She has treated most of my family members, including my mother. The allocation letter should be issued in your name. Do not leave Mafa, even after you retire.”

“Your son, Anthony, will be given automatic employment at the Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. His employment starts with immediate effect,” he added.

Mrs Duaka is among the 72 teachers and health workers that received housing units at a ceremony inaugurated by the governor in Mafa Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum had in October 2022, rewarded another Igbo teacher, Mrs Obiageli Mazi from Abia State, with a house for her hard work and punctuality after 31 years of service in Borno State.

Responding on behalf of her family, Mrs Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, described the day as the “happiest” in her life.

Mrs Duaka said, “Today is the happiest day for me because His Excellency has honoured me and appreciated what I have been doing in Mafa. He has been so good to me.”

“He provided me with a scholarship to study BSc in Health Education, today he has given my son a job and given me a house. I am truly grateful.”

Tinubu Grants State Pardon To Major General Mamman Vasta, Herbert Macaulay, Ogoni Nine, Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lateef Fagbemi - AGF
Prince Lateef Fagbemi, AGF

By Ayodele Oni

One of Nigeria founding fathers, Herbert Macaulay, jailed by Colonial Masters for alleged misappropriation of funds over 100 years ago, is among those that received President Bola Tinubu’s State Pardon on Thursday.

The President approved the exercise of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy for 175 individuals, following the endorsement of the Council of State during its meeting on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.

The approval came after a presentation by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who conveyed the President’s recommendations based on the report of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Apart from Macaulay, others  are: Maj-Gen. Mamman Vatsa (retd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the Babangida Regime who was executed by that regime for alleged Coup plotting, the Ogoni Nine and Ogoni Four.

A source at the meeting confirmed that “Herbert Macaulay and Vatsa are among the two major figures on that list.”

Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, was twice convicted by colonial authorities.

In 1913, he was jailed for alleged misappropriation of funds from an estate he managed as a surveyor. In 1928, he was sentenced to six months in prison with hard labour for sedition after his newspaper, Lagos Daily News, published controversial claims during the Eleko agitation — a case often referred to as the “Gunpowder Plot.”

Vatsa, a poet, military officer, and member of the Supreme Military Council, was executed on March 5, 1986, following his conviction by a secret military tribunal for an alleged coup plot against the regime of then Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, his longtime friend. Like Babangida, he hailed from Niger State.

His trial and execution have remained subjects of national controversy, with recurring calls for a posthumous pardon.

Of the 175 individuals granted clemency,

82 received full pardons,

65 had their sentences reduced, and

7 death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment.

Briefing Journalists after the meeting, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State reiterated that the decision reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to justice, fairness, and correctional reform.

The Council, chaired by President Tinubu, also ratified key appointments, including Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Niger State) as Chairman of the National Population Commission, and Tonge Bularafa (Yobe State) as Federal Commissioner representing Yobe in the Commission. Both appointments received unanimous approval.

CNPP Congratulates Professor Joash Amupitan on Nomination as INEC Chairman

By
The Source
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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan2

 — Urges Him to Uphold Integrity, Restore Public Confidence in Electoral Process

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination and unanimous approval by the National Council of State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the development as another opportunity to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the CNPP, Comrade James Ezema, the umbrella body of registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria commended the President and the Council of State for the choice of a seasoned legal scholar and administrator with a track record of professionalism and integrity.

The CNPP urged Professor Amupitan to remain a man of honour and good report, noting that public expectations are high and that his performance in office will be judged by his commitment to impartiality, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

“Professor Amupitan must remember that Nigerians are yearning for a credible electoral process that reflects the true will of the people,” the CNPP said. “We urge him to ensure that he leaves the office of INEC Chairman with his integrity intact and his reputation untainted, by serving the nation with courage, fairness, and sincerity of purpose.”

The statement emphasized that the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election in November will be a test case and an opportunity to redeem the image of INEC as an impartial electoral umpire. According to the CNPP, how INEC conducts that election will set the tone for public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Anambra election will be the first major poll under Professor Amupitan’s leadership,” the statement continued. “It will provide him and the Commission the chance to demonstrate a new commitment to credibility and efficiency in the management of elections. The entire nation will be watching to see if INEC can truly rise above political pressures and logistical failures that have undermined past elections.”

The CNPP further called on civil society organizations, the media, and ordinary citizens to take active interest in all electoral processes, stressing that democracy can only thrive when the people maintain vigilance and defend their right to choose their leaders.

“We urge Nigerians to remain eternally vigilant, participate actively in the electoral process, and be ready to protect their votes in all elections beginning from the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election,” Comrade Ezema said. “Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone but by the collective resolve of citizens to demand accountability and transparency.”

The CNPP reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to promote electoral integrity, peaceful participation, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“Our democracy will only endure when institutions like INEC earn the people’s trust,” the statement concluded. “We believe Professor Amupitan has the opportunity to make history by restoring faith in the ballot, ensuring that every vote counts, and leaving behind a legacy of honour.”

Signed:
Comrade James Ezema
Deputy National Publicity Secretary
CNPP
October 9, 2025

Tinubu Says Late Cadbury Chief Executive, Kolade Was Among Finest Nigerians

By
Ayodele Oni
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Christopher Kolade

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has described the late Chief Christopher Kolade as one of the finest men ever produced in Nigeria.

The President, while reacting to Kolade ‘s death on Thursday, stated that “I received with profound sadness the news of the passing of the inimitable Dr Christopher Kolade, a broadcaster and boardroom guru, who is one of Nigeria’s intellectual treasures.

“Dr Kolade, 92, was a custodian of our enterprise history, especially concerning corporate governance and human resources management. He was a principal figure in reputable institutions like the Lagos Business School.

“He was among the finest of men. He was exceptionally brilliant, statesmanly, diligent, and had unimpeachable integrity.

“Dr Kolade was not only a boardroom icon, serving as one-time chief executive and chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, but he was also a patriot and an uncompromising advocate of transparency and accountability in governance.

“He served Nigeria dutifully, with honesty and great dedication. From working as a colonial-era education officer to serving as Nigeria’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, Dr Kolade left ineffaceable stamps of distinction in every endeavour, whether in the boardroom, on panels, or public office.

“I recall his many humanitarian interventions through the Christopher Kolade Foundation, especially his support for sickle cell patients, a cause to which he donated a chunk of his earnings.

“Dr Kolade’s passing is agonising, yet we must celebrate his life and legacy. He lived an exemplary life and immortalised himself in his uncommon service to our nation and humanity.

“He will remain an inspiration for us and for many generations. He was a representation of the true Nigerian, selfless and resilient. May God Almighty, whom he served so faithfully, grant him eternal rest.”

Sultan To Northern Govs. “Stop Organizing Economic Summits, Shift To Actual Development”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abubakar Sa’ad III - Sultan of Sokoto

By Ayodele Oni

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIAN), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has challenged Northern leaders that too many economic summits do not translate to physical development.

Rather, the Sultan charged them to go beyond the tradition of attending economic summits and take concrete steps that will translate into job creation, rehabilitation of industries and infrastructures and partnership with foreign investors.

The Sultan of Sokoto stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the opening of the first International Business and Investment Summit in Bauchi held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre.

The theme of the economic summit is “Building a Resilient Economy: Optimising Investment and Partnerships.”

He urged Northern leaders to undertake honest review of the numerous investment summits that had taken place across the region over the years and take a definite developmental plans.

“We have attended economic summits in Kaduna, Kano, Taraba, Abuja and many others over the past decade. We have convened countless investment summits in the North.

“We have heard lofty speeches, signed MoUs, and made grand declarations. But where are the results? How many factories have we revived?

“How many youths have found jobs? How many investors who came to our summits actually stayed?”Sultan Abubakar said

The Sultan proposed a comprehensive evaluation of past Northern investment summits, beginning with Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Gombe, and Borno, among others.

He also said that such a review would expose systemic weaknesses — from poor follow-up mechanisms and weak monitoring frameworks to the lack of infrastructure, policy consistency, and security challenges that often scare away investors.

According to him, “We need to track the journey from promise to progress. Every MoU signed must have a visible footprint. Investors should not return home with handshakes alone.

“We must create an environment where investment thrives — with roads, electricity, and security in place.

He commended Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed for driving the summit, saying that the turnout for the summit was encouraging urging him to ensure that before he leaves office in 2027, he organise a follow up  in order to consolidate whatever positive outcomes.

Prof Amupitan Nominated INEC Chairman By President Tinubu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN)

By Ayodele Oni

On the request of President Bola Tinubu, the National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The new Chairman hails from Kogi State, North Central Zone of Nigeria.

President Tinubu presented Amupitan as his nominee to fill the vacant position following Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s exit on the completion of his two-term tenure. Professor Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

President Tinubu told the Council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and, assured the Professor is apolitical.

Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, born on April 25, 1967, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987.

He was called to the bar in 1988. He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014)

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