Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The House of Representatives has passed the State Police Bill, moving Nigeria a step closer to adopting a decentralised policing system aimed at strengthening security and addressing growing concerns over banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other violent crimes across the country.

The landmark legislation, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution (as amended), was approved during Thursday’s plenary session following extensive debate and clause-by-clause consideration by lawmakers.

Presiding over the session, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the passage of the bill as a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to reform its security architecture and improve grassroots policing.

If eventually enacted, the proposed law will empower state governments to establish and operate their own police services alongside existing federal security structures.

Under the provisions of the bill, each state will be authorised to create a State Police Service, with operational guidelines to be developed in collaboration with the National Police Council and the Federal Police Service Commission.

The legislation also provides frameworks for recruitment, training, funding, discipline, oversight, and inter-agency coordination to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse of power.

Lawmakers who supported the bill argued that the current centralised policing system has struggled to effectively address Nigeria’s diverse and evolving security challenges, particularly in rural and remote communities.

They maintained that state policing would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community engagement, and enable quicker responses to security threats.

Speaker Abbas said the legislation reflects years of public demand for a more responsive and community-based security system.

According to him, localised policing has become increasingly necessary in view of the security realities confronting different parts of the country.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration and concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

Should the proposal secure Senate approval and presidential assent, it would represent the first constitutional recognition of state policing since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 16 to June 25, 2026, for the conduct of political party primaries in constituencies recently restored by court orders across Benue, Delta, Jigawa, and Kogi states.

The electoral body said the move is aimed at enabling political parties to nominate candidates for the affected constituencies ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the restoration followed judgments by competent courts directing the reinstatement of previously suppressed constituencies.

According to the Commission, the action is in line with its constitutional mandate and the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

The restored constituencies in Benue State are Nyamatsor, Ukum Afia, Konshisha III (Shangev-Tiev), Makurdi III (South East), and Gboko III State Constituencies.

In Delta State, the restored constituencies are Aniocha North II, Ika North East II, Sapele II, Ethiope West II, Warri South West II, and Warri North II State Constituencies.

For Jigawa State, the restored constituency is Aujara State Constituency.

In Kogi State, the restored constituencies include Adavi East, Eika, Ajaokuta North, Bassa-Komu, Dekina Town and District, Ijumu II, Kabba-Bunu II, Koton Karfe II, Igalaogwa, and Ogugu State Constituencies.

INEC said political parties are expected to conduct fresh primaries within the approved window to facilitate the participation of the restored constituencies in the 2027 electoral process.

The Commission clarified that all other timelines and activities contained in the already published revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election remain applicable to the affected constituencies.

“In light of the peculiar nature of this arrangement, political parties are requested to submit notices of their primaries to the Commission prior to the scheduled dates,” the statement said.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible, inclusive, transparent, and legally compliant elections across the country.

The Commission urged political parties to strictly comply with all electoral guidelines and timelines to ensure a seamless nomination process in the restored constituencies.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a stern warning to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, directing them to improve performance and fulfil contractual obligations or risk sanctions, including contract termination.

Umahi said poor project execution by contractors should not be used to undermine the infrastructure efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The minister spoke during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the Obajana Junction-Benin Road dualisation project.

According to him, reports submitted to the ministry did not accurately reflect the realities observed on the project sites.

“I am very sad with what I saw on the ground. What was reported to us is not reflected in the actual work being done,” Umahi said.

The minister disclosed that funding constraints had forced the Federal Government to reduce the scope of one section of the Abuja-Lokoja road project from 49.28 kilometres to 28 kilometres in order to concentrate available resources on the most critical areas.

He reiterated the ministry’s directive that no section of a federal highway under construction should remain closed to motorists for more than 14 days.

Consequently, Umahi issued an ultimatum to one of the contractors handling the project to complete the affected section within the stipulated period or face contract termination.

He also handed GELD Construction Company a 72-hour deadline to effectively utilise funds already released for its section of the project and demonstrate visible progress.

The minister, however, commended JRB Construction Company for what he described as excellent performance, professionalism, and commitment to timely project delivery.

“If everybody does his job accordingly, there will be no reason to shift the blame to Mr. President,” he said.

Umahi noted that a significant portion of Nigeria’s federal road network had deteriorated before the current administration assumed office, adding that President Tinubu inherited enormous infrastructure deficits but has continued to prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of critical road infrastructure nationwide.

He directed Federal Controllers of Works, Engineers’ Representatives, and project supervisors to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce stricter accountability standards on contractors.

According to him, all procurement processes, project expenditures, and implementation timelines must be closely scrutinised to ensure value for money.

During the inspection, the minister assessed ongoing reconstruction works on Section III of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway, including pavement rehabilitation and construction of the additional carriageway being executed by Trucrete Solutions Limited on the Koton Karfe-Abuja corridor.

He also inspected two strategic bridge projects along the route, as well as Sections I and II of the Lokoja-Benin Road dualisation project covering the Obajana Junction-Okene and Okene-Auchi corridors across Kogi and Edo States.

Umahi further evaluated progress on the flyover and interchange components of the project being handled by CCG Contractors.

According to project updates presented during the inspection, the flyovers have reached approximately 80 per cent completion, while the interchange stands at about 30 per cent completion.

Speaking during the tour, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, commended Umahi’s leadership and commitment to ensuring accountability in the execution of road projects.

He said public office holders should no longer bear responsibility for the poor performance of contractors, stressing that Nigerians expect quality infrastructure projects delivered on schedule.

The senator added that strict supervision and enforcement of contractual obligations remain essential to achieving the Federal Government’s infrastructure development objectives.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has called on members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to serve as effective links between the government and citizens in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Yilwatda made the call while attending and officially launching the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National Mobilisation Retreat.

According to the ruling party’s chairman, the ambassadors have a critical role to play in promoting government policies, strengthening public confidence, and encouraging greater citizen participation in national development.

He urged them to move beyond advocacy and focus on meaningful engagement with communities across the country.

“As ambassadors, your responsibility goes beyond advocacy; it is about engaging citizens, sharing accurate information, inspiring confidence, and mobilising support for the transformational policies and programmes being implemented across our nation,” he said.

Yilwatda noted that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda depends on effective communication between the government and the people, as well as sustained public participation in the nation’s development efforts.

He stressed that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a one-trillion-dollar economy would require collective commitment, shared responsibility, and active involvement from citizens across all sectors.

“Nigeria’s journey towards a $1 trillion economy requires collective effort, commitment, and active participation from every citizen,” he said.

The APC chairman encouraged the ambassadors to remain focused, people-centred, and committed to promoting the values of service, unity, patriotism, and national development.

He said their activities should contribute to strengthening trust in governance and improving public understanding of government programmes and reforms.

According to him, sustained engagement between government and citizens remains essential for achieving inclusive growth and national prosperity.

Yilwatda expressed confidence that the Renewed Hope Ambassadors initiative would help deepen grassroots mobilisation and support the implementation of policies designed to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

“Together, we can deepen public engagement, strengthen trust in governance, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda for a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria,” he added.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors programme is designed to mobilise public support for the Tinubu administration’s policies and development initiatives across the country.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the appointments of Agada Abuh Theophilus as Director of New Media and Strategic Communications and Brian Dennis as Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications.

The appointments form part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its communications architecture and deepen engagement with Nigerians across traditional and digital platforms.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Osa Director, the NDC described both appointees as experienced communications professionals with strong backgrounds in strategic messaging, political communications, public relations, and media engagement.

According to the statement, Theophilus brings extensive experience spanning political campaigns, corporate brand management, institutional public relations, and new media strategy.

He is an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communications, with a specialisation in strategic communication for social and institutional development.

The party also noted that he is currently pursuing a doctoral degree, with research interests focused on election administration and management.

His appointment is expected to strengthen the party’s strategic communication efforts and expand its digital outreach.

The NDC also announced the appointment of Brian Dennis as Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications.

Dennis is a communications analyst with seven years of experience in strategic and political communications.

He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution and has worked in various capacities involving public engagement, political communication, and media analysis.

The party expressed confidence that both appointments would enhance its ability to communicate its policies, programmes, and political vision to Nigerians.

“The party is excited to welcome both appointees and looks forward to the energy, expertise, and fresh perspectives they bring to its communications efforts,” the statement said.

The NDC added that the appointments reflect its commitment to building a robust communication structure capable of engaging citizens effectively and strengthening the party’s presence across multiple media platforms.

According to the party, the new communications team will play a critical role in amplifying its message, expanding public engagement, and supporting its broader political objectives ahead of future electoral contests.

The NDC expressed optimism that the leadership of Theophilus and Dennis would further strengthen the party’s voice and deepen its connection with Nigerians nationwide.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s growing debt profile, arguing that increased revenue generation should have reduced the country’s dependence on borrowing.

Obi made the remarks in a statement personally signed on Wednesday and titled, “Exponential Increase in Revenue with Excessive Borrowing: Yet More Hardship for Nigerians!”

The former Anambra State governor was reacting to recent claims by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that government revenue increased from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025, representing a rise of more than 100 per cent.

According to Obi, the significant increase in revenue should ordinarily have translated into reduced borrowing and improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Instead, he argued, the country’s debt burden has continued to rise at an alarming rate.

“Shockingly, while Nigerians expected a reduction in borrowing with the exponential increase in revenue, the opposite is the case,” Obi said.

He alleged that the Tinubu administration has relied heavily on borrowing over the past three years, claiming that Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N200 trillion.

According to him, the increase represents an additional debt burden of more than N100 trillion within the period under review.

Obi further argued that, beyond increased revenue, Nigeria has also benefited from favourable global and regional economic developments that boosted government earnings beyond budget projections.

He, however, expressed concern that the additional revenue and borrowing have not translated into measurable improvements in the welfare of citizens.

“Alarmingly, even with the astronomical increase in both revenue and debt, almost all key socio-economic and governance indicators are worse than in 2023,” he stated.

The opposition figure claimed that multidimensional poverty has increased significantly in recent years, while unemployment and other economic challenges have continued to worsen.

He also pointed to a decline in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, arguing that the country’s economic performance has not reflected the scale of resources reportedly available to the government.

According to Obi, many Nigerians are struggling with worsening living conditions despite official reports of higher revenues and increased government spending.

“Just more and more hardship for Nigerians,” he said.

The former presidential candidate questioned how the additional revenues and borrowings had been utilised and called for greater transparency in the management of public finances.

“The question Nigerians and even the international community are asking is: ‘Where did all the money go?’” Obi stated.

He urged the Federal Government to provide a comprehensive explanation of the country’s financial position and account for revenues generated since 2023.

Obi also called for what he described as prudent, transparent, and accountable management of public resources, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know how government funds have been spent.

The NDC presidential candidate maintained that addressing the country’s economic challenges would require greater fiscal discipline and policies focused on productivity, accountability, and sustainable development.

He reiterated his campaign message that a more productive and prosperous Nigeria remains achievable through responsible governance and effective economic management.

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned what he described as coordinated attacks allegedly carried out by political thugs linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in several parts of the state.

The governor alleged that the attacks occurred in Ile-Ife, Ede, Osogbo and other communities on Tuesday, resulting in injuries and heightened political tensions ahead of the state’s governorship election.

In a statement personally signed and issued on Tuesday, Adeleke called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to urgently intervene.

He also urged key figures in the APC, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and governorship aspirant Bola Oyebamiji, to prevail on their supporters and prevent further escalation of tensions in the state.

According to the governor, failure to address the situation could threaten the peace and stability of Osun State.

Adeleke said he personally visited some of the affected locations and hospitals following reports of the attacks.

“After receiving reports of the attacks, I personally visited affected areas and met victims receiving treatment at the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, and the Cottage Hospital, Ede. I also paid a solidarity visit to the Osogbo Accord Chairman who survived a gunshot attack last week,” he said.

The governor expressed sympathy to the victims and their families, assuring them that his administration would provide the necessary support.

He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to conduct thorough investigations into the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.

Adeleke stressed that political disagreements should not degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their democratic rights.

“Political differences must never degenerate into violence, intimidation, or attacks on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Democracy thrives on dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law,” he stated.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.

He disclosed that additional security measures were being deployed to vulnerable locations across the state as part of efforts to maintain law and order.

Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and preserving the peace for which Osun State is known.

He concluded by praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incidents and called for collective efforts to sustain peace and stability across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the APC had not issued an official response to the allegations.