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Shehu Sani Scolds Presidency, Says Catholic Bishops Speak Truth To Power

By
James Orji
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Catholic Bishops

Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has thrown his weight behind the Catholic Bishops, describing them as one of the conscience of the nation, a moral compass who have never hesitated to speak truth to power.
Senator Sani’s remarks come amid a growing debate over recent comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja, on the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Onaiyekan revealed that members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, during a recent meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, expressed concern over the worsening economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians. He also alleged that the President was not receiving an accurate picture of the realities confronting ordinary citizens.
The cardinal further warned that the administration’s determination to secure victory in the 2027 general election “by all means” could raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral process, given the advantages of incumbency and access to state resources.
The comments sparked an immediate reaction from the Presidency. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, dismissed the cleric’s remarks as politically coloured, arguing that Onaiyekan spoke for Catholics alone and not for the wider Christian community. He also defended President Tinubu’s assessment of the economy, insisting it was backed by verifiable facts and official statistics.
Joining the conversation, Shehu Sani rejected suggestions that the Catholic Bishops had become partisan. In a post on his X account, the former lawmaker said the bishops have maintained a consistent tradition of challenging leaders, from the days of military rule through successive democratic administrations.
According to Sani, the Catholic Bishops have always placed truth above politics, regardless of who occupies the nation’s highest office.
“They have never been partisan,” he wrote, adding that every president they have visited receives a gift of bitter kola rather than olive oil—a symbolic gesture reflecting their commitment to offering honest counsel instead of praise.

Sani stressed that the bishops’ enduring reputation as fearless critics of government underscores their role as a moral compass in Nigeria’s public life, one that has remained unchanged across different administrations.

Obasanjo vs Atiku: APC Backs Ex-President

By
James Orji
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Olusegun Obasanjo

The ruling All Progressives Party, APC has thrown it’s weight behind former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his clash with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to APC General Secretary, Ajibola Basiru what Obasanjo said that Abubakar should not be taken seriously over his presidential ambition cannot be ignored by Nigerians. Basiru made the remark to The Punch newspapers.

Abubakar is running for the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The two former leaders have been engaged in a war of words following a recent remark by Obasanjo that he made a huge mistake by chosing Abubakar as his vice while he served as Nigeria’s leader between 1999 and 2007.

The former president made the comment last when during an interview with ace entertainer, Charles Okputa also known as Charlie Boy.

Obasanjo describe ms his former vice as a subverter and corrupt politician, describing Abubakar as a huge mistake to his administration.

Abubakar had on his part, reacted saying Obasanjo was only expressing his anger against him because he truncated his Third Term presidency agenda.

Wading into the war of attrition, APC said nobody can know Abubakar better than his former boss, saying what Obasanjo said about him, that he’s a corrupt politician is not far from the truth, warning that the former vice president cannot be trusted with power.

Basiru said the former  president has said many things about Abubakar that cannot be totally ignored, saying Obasanjo is in a best position to know who the “former vice president is.” adding that with the weight of Obasanjo’s accusations against Abubakar, Nigerians will be taken a big risk to entrust him with power.

Basiru: “Obasanjo’s comments are a warning to Nigerians. So, no serious Nigerian should take Atiku seriously or give him another leadership opportunity. Obasanjo has said Atiku was corrupt, disloyal and many things.

“In any event, Obasanjo is not supporting the APC; he is supporting the other people. But his statement about Atiku is from a position of knowledge because he knows him very well. So, in the interest of the country, no Nigerian should take Atiku seriously.”

Meanwhile, the magazine reports that no court in the country has convicted Abub despite the many corruption allegations against him.

Atiku Targets 20m Votes With RiseUpNaija Movement

By
James Orji
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched an ambitious nationwide mobilisation campaign, unveiling a strategy to secure 20 million votes for the African Democratic Congress, ADC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The magazine reports that Abubakar secured close to seven million votes when he ran under the People’s  Democratic Party, PDP during the 2023 presidential election, which he lost to incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The launch of the RiseUpNaija Movement (RUN) in Abuja marks one of the clearest indications yet that Atiku’s presidential bid has entered a new phase, shifting from coalition negotiations to an extensive grassroots mobilisation effort, according to political analysts.
At a leadership retreat on Saturday, the former vice president inaugurated state coordinators of the movement, charging them to build campaign structures across the country and inspire Nigerians—particularly young people—to take ownership of the democratic process.
The movement draws its membership from across the political spectrum, including the All Progressives Congress, APC Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Labour Party, LP New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and other political platforms.
Addressing the gathering, Abubakar urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and support leaders based on competence, integrity and accountability rather than financial inducements.
“I stand before you today not merely as a former Vice President or an elder statesman, but as a lifelong democrat who has never stopped believing that Nigeria can become the great nation its people deserve,” he said.
He lamented the growing number of young Nigerians leaving the country in search of better opportunities, arguing that years of poor leadership had weakened confidence in Nigeria’s future.
According to him, the power of the electorate remains stronger than money politics if citizens actively participate in the electoral process.
“If millions of young Nigerians participate peacefully, vote responsibly and defend the integrity of the process, no amount of money can overcome the collective will of the people. Your vote is far more valuable than any amount of money a politician can offer,” he said

More Facts Emerge On The Murder Of Imo Monarch… PG Fingered, As Police Makes More Arrests

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Eze Paulinus Ezekireme

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Imo State Police Command has said that they have uncovered fresh and more intriguing facts on the gruesome killing of the Traditional Ruler of Ochia Autonomous  Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state, Eze Paulinus Ezekireme.

 

Ezekireme was, on April 10, 2026, ambushed and gruesomely murdered together with five others by gun men along Assa/Ochia area of same local council.

 

The late Monarch was said to have been waylaid  and attacked by the hoodlums while while traveling out of his domain with five of his cabinet member. Their bodies were burnt together with the vehicle.

 

Although preliminary findings had earlier linked the incident to the activities of some suspected terrorists elements, however the police, at the weekend, informed that they have discovered fresh facts concerning the development.

 

According to the Police, there are strong indications that the incident may have been the  handiwork of insiders believed to be  privy to the itinerary of the late traditional ruler.

 

The development have forced the police to widen the scope of their investigations with emphasis now shifting from the initial focus on suspected hoodlums to an alleged involvement of some palace insiders.

 

The Police have however emphasized that despite the fresh leads, all suspects remain innocent until otherwise proven .

 

The investigation which the Police said is still ongoing was assumed a different dimension following a formal complaint lodged by the deceased monarch’s younger sibling after suspecting a foul play

 

Following the complaint, the Police were compelled to review and reconstruct the late Monarch’s last itinerary, leading to the interrogation of family members, relations community leaders, including Palace officials and other community members.

 

The Police emphasized that findings in the course of questioning some individuals resulted in the arrest of the community’s immediate past President-General, Nze Ezekwe David Destiny, popular as ” Akapaka” in connection with the attack and killing of the deceased.

 

The former President-General has, allegedly, been linked to the planning and financing of the attack on the late Monarch.

 

Others said to have been apprehended include Martins Amadi , Lucky Azuodi and Fidelis Eluma.

 

While Amadi and Azuodi, operatives of the local vigilante group, are being investigated for allegedly divulging information about the Monarch’s movement, Eluma is alleged to have provided financial and other logistical support for the execution of the plot.

 

Similarly, investigators are believed to have embarked on a forensic probe  of mobile phone communications , including examination of call logs, financial transactions and bank details of the suspects.

 

The Police also said a known criminal suspect Dioka Elumah, otherwise known as ” Acid”, who is presently at large, is wanted over his alleged role in the heinous crime.

2027: Tinubu Writes “00000” Under Primary And Secondary School As INEC Releases CVs Of Presidential Candidates, Running Mates

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the public display of the personal particulars, academic credentials and other nomination documents of presidential candidates for the 2027 general election,

 

The exercise, which began on Saturday includes documents submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his running mate, Vice President Kashim Shettima.

 

The documents are contained in Form EC9, the statutory nomination form completed by candidates seeking elective office.

 

Also on display are those of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

 

The published documents contain candidates’ academic certificates and other supporting credentials filed with the commission as part of the nomination process.

 

According to the documents on display, President Tinubu submitted his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University, United States.

 

His academic transcript indicated that the degree was awarded “with honours” on June 22, 1979.

 

The nomination papers also include his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, showing he served in Oyo State between December 1982 and November 1983.

 

Tinubu’s employment history, as contained in the form, lists Mobil Nigeria Limited, where he worked from 1983 to 1992 before leaving for “advancement,” the Lagos State Government, where he served as governor from 1999 to 2007 until the legal end of his tenure, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, where he has served as President since 2023.

 

His personal details list his date of birth as March 29, 1952, his birthplace as Lagos, his residential address as No. 4 Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi, and his occupation as “politician.” The years for his primary and secondary school attendance were entered as “0000,” while only his university qualification was dated.

 

Vice President Shettima’s nomination documents provide a detailed academic history beginning with his primary education at Lamisula I Primary School, where he attended between 1972 and 1978.

 

His Certificate of Primary Education shows he graduated second in a class of 22 pupils, with English, History and Religious Knowledge listed among his strongest subjects.

 

His West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate from Government Secondary School, Potiskum, recorded six credits and passes, including distinctions in Religious Knowledge and Economics.

 

 The documents further show that he obtained a Second Class Upper Division degree in Agriculture from the University of Maiduguri in August 1989 before earning a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan.

 

 His NYSC discharge certificate indicates he completed national service between October 1989 and October 1990.

 

INEC stated that the display of Form EC9 is a statutory requirement under Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which mandates the commission to publish the credentials, personal particulars and affidavits submitted by candidates within 21 days of receiving their nomination forms.

 

The commission noted that the documents are available for public inspection at its offices nationwide, including state headquarters and Local Government Area offices.

 

The Electoral Act also empowers members of the public to apply for certified true copies of candidates’ nomination documents and to seek legal redress where there are allegations of false declarations or forgery.

 

Meanwhile, campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to commence on August 19, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin later in accordance with INEC’s revised timetable.

INEC Assures Osun Governorship Election Will Be Peaceful

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

By Ayodele Oni

 

As the August 15 Governorship Election in Osun State gathers momentum, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, (SAN), on Saturday declared the Commission’s readiness for the election, assuring voters that the democratic process would not be undermined by violence or intimidation.

 

Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance during a media briefing at the end of a five-day readiness assessment tour of the state, following the commission’s statewide mock accreditation exercise conducted across selected polling units in the three senatorial districts.

 

The INEC chairman revealed that the exercise, which tested the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), confirmed the commission’s technological and operational preparedness for the election.

 

According to him, the mock accreditation demonstrated improved voter verification, with most accreditations completed through facial recognition within seconds, while technical issues identified during the exercise were promptly resolved by the commission’s ICT team.

 

“The mock accreditation exercise is our quality control protocol. What we saw today confirmed that our technological defence against identity theft and result manipulation is robust and fully operational.”

 

To strengthen election-day operations, the INEC chairman disclosed that the commission had increased the number of BVAS devices for the election from 4,427 to 5,130, while backup devices had been doubled from 664 to 1,328 to ensure quick replacement in the event of malfunction.

 

He confirmed that 2,339,233 eligible voters would participate in the election across 3,763 polling units in 332 wards spread across the state’s 30 local government areas, adding that the training of 16,374 ad hoc staff was nearing completion.

 

Amupitan noted that all 14 political parties contesting the election had signed the Peace Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee,

 

On security, he said INEC had adopted a proactive approach through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), with intelligence-led deployments planned for identified flashpoints across the state.

 

The commission, he added, had also intensified collaboration with security agencies to tackle vote buying and other electoral offences.

 

He added that the commission’s readiness assessment also included engagements with traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife and the Ataoja of Osogbo, who pledged to mobilise their subjects for peaceful participation in the election.

 

He further stated that meetings were held with transport unions to finalise logistics arrangements, while inspection visits to local government offices confirmed that non-sensitive election materials had been deployed ahead of the poll.

 

Calling on journalists to support credible elections, Amupitan urged the media to verify information before publication and avoid spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic among voters.

 

In another development, Stakeholders and concerned residents of Osun State have expressed worry over the inability of candidates in the August 15, 2026 governorship election to participate in a debate that would highlight their agenda ahead of the poll.

 

The people of the state had looked forward to the Osun 2026 Governorship Debate scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Osogbo. But, the organisers announced the cancellation of the debate owing to “security concerns and reluctance of candidates to participate.”

 

According to the organisers of the debate which comprise of some private media organisations in the state, the decision was unanimously reached “following unfavourable security reports and the reluctance of some of the leading governorship candidates to participate under the prevailing circumstances.”

 

It was expected to feature the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, Accord Party.

Ambassadors: Reno Omokri Remains Uncleared By Mexico As 65 Others Receive Letters Of Credence

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Reno Omokri
Reno Omokri

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that necessary steps are being taken to ensure that two of the 69 Ambassadors appointed few months ago secured acceptance in their countries of posting.

 

The Ministry announced that 65 of the 69 ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu have received diplomatic acceptance from their respective host countries, representing a 97 per cent success rate in the ongoing posting of Nigeria’s envoys abroad.

 

The Ministry made this known in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said the high acceptance rate underscores the smooth progress of the diplomatic process.

 

According to the ministry, two of the four outstanding appointments resulted from unforeseen circumstances. Grace Bent, who was nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Togo, declined the appointment, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, the ambassador-designate to Algeria, died before assuming office.

 

Lele passed away on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey, following a prolonged illness. The ministry said the process of appointing a replacement for the late diplomat is already underway.

 

Although the ministry did not officially identify the two countries yet to grant diplomatic consent, it was gathered that one of them is Mexico.

 

Former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, was nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico,

 

 Ebienfa, however, expressed optimism that the remaining approvals would soon be secured, noting that the Ministry has received positive assurances from both countries.

 

He said the two friendly nations had indicated that their formal consent would be conveyed in due course, adding that the diplomatic engagement has continued to progress smoothly and successfully.

 

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international stakeholders that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding a.greements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement read.

 

The ministry further revealed that the majority of the ambassadors whose appointments have been accepted have since arrived in their respective host countries and presented their letters of credence, formally commencing their duties as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representatives.

National Christian Elders Forum To Tinubu: Don’t Seek Reelection In 2027; Restructure Nigeria Now

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

 

In a rather belated advice, a Group, National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF),  has an advice  for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Don’t participate in the Presidential Election.

 

President Tinubu is seeking a second term in office along with his Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

 

But NCEF thinks otherwise. The body is of the opinion that President Tinubu should not seek reelection in 2027; that he should, instead, opt to be a statesman with an eye on history and posterity, and, commit the rest of his first tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving it a new Constitution.

 

The organisation also said the demand for a new Constitution for Nigeria before the 2027 elections should be jointly spearheaded, forthwith, by the ethnic nationalities under the socio-cultural groups and other relevant interest groups.

 

These were some of the resolutions contaibed in a communique issued at the end of the July meeting of the Christian elders which deliberated on the state of the nation, and reviewed the ongoing preparations for another cycle of elections in 2027.

 

The communique was signed by its chairman and former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Dr Samuel Danjuma Gani.

 

Apart from Gani, other members of NCEF are Pastor Bosun Emmanuel (Secretary), Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North); Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South); Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Hon. Treasurer; Prof. Joseph Otubu, Dr. (Mrs) Kate Okparaeke, Dr. Ayo Abifarin, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (rtd), Hon. Justice James Ogebe, JSC (Rtd); Elder Moses Ihonde, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu (Rtd), Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN) and Elder Matthew Owojaiye.

 

Others are DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. (Mrs) Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, HRM Oba Dokun Thompson, Dr. Taiwo Idemudia (Diaspora), Elder Minso Gadzama, Apostle Bulus Musa Kewa, Admiral Peter Adeniyi (Rtd), Hon. Justice Goddy Anunihu (Rtd) and Chief Sir Ferdinand Anikwe.

 

The communique reads, “That the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s performance in the critical areas of national security, economic development and the wellbeing of the citizenry has been hugely sub-optimal and manifestly disappointing vis a vis the unequivocal specification of Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

 

“That the direction in which the nation is being led by the Tinubu presidency offers increasing apprehension rather than hope and this state of affairs has left all patriots with no option but to call on President Tinubu to please desist from seeking re-election for a second term, but instead like a statesman with an eye on history and posterity, to earnestly commit the rest of his tenure to restructuring Nigeria and giving her a new constitution.

 

“That his Muslim-Muslim Presidency ticket is tone-deaf and grossly insensitive particularly at a period, like now, when Islamist terrorists are ravaging the country and Christians are at the receiving end of the widespread violence, unabated killings and unspeakable atrocities.

 

“That the call for a new constitution for Nigeria before the 2027 elections be jointly spearheaded forthwith by the ethnic nationalities under the socio-cultural groups and other relevant interest groups.

 

“That the judiciary be put on notice that the nation is now at a tipping point and can no longer afford any semblance of judicial bias in their handling of electoral matters.

 

“That the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should remind itself that it is not an arm of any political party but a federal institution that must stay independent, neutral and beyond reproach to henceforth always deliver credible, free, and fair elections in Nigeria.

 

“That the North/South rotation of the Presidency is not a written constitutional clause, but it is good and effectual for national stability, equity and inclusivity and for that reason, patriots are urged to support a Southern candidature in 2027 for the four remaining years of the South’s current turn.

 

“That flagrant compromise of national institutions by the current administration is reminiscent of the dark days of the General Babangida’s military administration and this is unacceptable and must be brought to the quickest halt.

 

“That the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal is an indictment of the Tinubu administration and an urgent in-depth, independent enquiry into the scandal is mandatory.

 

“That Nigerians obviously want a change for the better and the continued patience of the long-suffering public must no longer be taken for granted.”

 

The President’s Political Party, All Progressives Congress, APC, has already renominated him and Shettima for a second term. And, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has already cleared the ticket against the 2027 election.

Feel For Fubara, He Is The Biggest Loser In The Long Drawn Rivers Political Battle” – Wike Names Those Who Misled Governor

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has singled out the quartet of Edison Ehie ,Chijioke Ihunwo ,Victor Oko Jumbo and Ankio Briggs for blame over the political misfortune that has befallen Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

 

The Source reports that the Governor of Rivers State who, since October 2023, battled his predecessor, Wike, for the purpose of asserting himself in office, and the control of the soul of the state politics, finally capitulated penultimate week, declaring alliance to the Rainbow Coalition of his estranged political godfather.

 

Before then ,he had been made to remain on the sideline for six months following the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers state by President Bola Tinubu. He was also forced to withdraw his re-election bid by Wike over same political disagreement.

 

Speaking at an interactive session with the Media on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Port Harcourt, the FCT Minister described Governor Fubara as “the  greatest loser” in the long drawn political acrimony in the state.

 

Wike expressed regret that after toiling against all odds to railroad Fubara to the Bricks House Port Harcourt, he unfortunately allowed himself to be deceived by some inconsequential political jobbers.

 

According to Wike ,Hon Ehie former Chief of Staff to Fubara, Oko Jumbo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly faction loyal to the Governor, Ihunwo a former Council chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Council, and activist  Briggs jointly and severally led him into the political wilderness and destruction.

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

The FCT Minister accused the four of being behind Fubara’s repeated failures to honour agreements brokered by the President.

 

He blamed them for the escalation and prolonged nature of the political crisis in the state .

 

“I feel for Governor Siminalayi Fubara because as it is, he is the biggest loser”, Wike stated. 

 

He emphasized that from all ramifications, the Governor has been made to bear the brunt of the political crisis as he has suffered serious political set back as a result.

Court Orders JAMB To Pay Female Candidate N10 Million Over Forced Removal Of Hijab

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Law and Court

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

An Oyo State High Court has ruled that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has no powers to prevent female Muslim candidates from putting on their Hijabs to sit for examinations.

 

Justice Y. S. Adekunle while delivering judgment on a motion on notice filed by Mrs Basirat Ojo Oba, on behalf of her teenage daughter, Miss Lawal, also ordered JAMB authorities and co-defendent PEFTI CBT to pay the claimant the sum of N10 million in general damages

 

The defendants were similarly ordered to issue a written apology to be published in at least two national newspapers.

 

The Claimant had, in the suit filed by her counsel Qousim A Opakunle, claimed that the defendants ( JAMB and PEFTI CBT ) had made the removal of her Hijab a necessary pre-condition for her participation in an examination conducted by both parties.

 

She contended that the defendants, by their action, infringed on her fundamental rights to freedom of religion and thought.

 

Consequently, she prayed the court for an order declaring the action of the defendants as  null and void, including a declaration that any policy requiring female candidates to remove Hijabs for religious purposes is unlawful and unconstitutional.

 

She had also prayed the court for an order compelling the defendants to issue a public apology, as well as compensate her for the infringement on her constitutionally guaranteed rights.

 

Justice Adekunle in his ruling, while granting all the reliefs sought by the claimant, held that the defendants’ insistence on the candidate removing her Hijab before participating in the examination is inconsistent with the spirit and letters of the Nigerian Constitution, and therefore, null and void.

 

The Court similarly ruled that the defendants, by compelling the claimant to remove her Hijab, violated her fundamental rights to freedom of religion as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended..

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