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ARGUNGU REAFFIRMS PSC COMMITMENT TO ENSURE POLICING INSTITUTIONS WORK WITH THE JUDICIARY TO UPHOLD THE RIGHTS OF CITIZENS.. EXTOLS JUSTICE GALUMJE’S JUDICIARY LEGACY OF INTEGRITY

Posted on May 17, 2025May 17, 2025 by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the nation’s policing institutions work hand-in-hand with the judiciary to uphold the rights of citizens and ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done.

DIG Argungu noted that collaboration between the law enforcement community and the judiciary remains critical in building public trust and sustaining the democratic ideals “we all cherish”

The PSC Chairman who was represented by Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations/ Spokesman of the Commission, spoke at the Gabriel Adikwu Annual Lecture series 2025 in honour of Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Federal Commissioner in the Police Service Commission. The ceremony held today, Saturday, May 17th in Yola, Adamawa State.

DIG Argungu extolled Justice Galumje’s judicial legacy which he said exemplified integrity, fairness, and unwavering commitment to justice.

His tenure on the bench, he noted was marked by courage, sound legal reasoning, and an enduring concern for equity and national unity.

” His life of service continues to inspire those of us in the public and security sectors to uphold the principles of justice and accountability in our respective duties”.

The PSC Chairman also noted that his wealth of experience has continued to guide the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional mandate of oversight of the Nigeria Police Force. This he said ” is an experience we have decided not to take for granted”.

The theme of this year’s lecture The law, The Court, and The People” according to DIG Argungu is not only timely but fundamental to the sustenance of justice, democracy, and the rule of law in our nation. He noted that it reminds “us that the legal system must always serve the people,

protect their rights, and uphold their dignity without fear or favour”.

The PSC Chairman commended the Organisers and urged all participants to reflect on the enduring role of the law and the courts in advancing the common good. “May this forum inspire continued dialogue, reform, and progress in our justice system and, may the legacy of Justice Galmuje continue to inspire future generations” he prayed.

In his brief remarks, Justice Galumje said the theme of this year’s Lecture; The Law, The Court and The People would not have come at a better time in the life of out nation “when People’s perception about the Judiciary, especially in election related litigation has taken a new dimension.

Justice Galumje declared that laws are rules of conduct or actions prescribed and formally recognised as binding and enforceable by a controlling authority,while the courts of law are institutions created by Parliament for interpretation of laws and conduct of trial of cases according to law.

He noted that in all of these “the People’s right to live in peace, and their properties secured is of the essence, adding that no matter how good the laws are, if they are unjustly interpreted and enforced, “anarchy will take over and the equation that holds the society together will surely crumble”.

Justice Galumje said that in Nigeria, there have been loud voices of dissent by a large segment of the society against the decisions of the courts of law. But noted, that it is a notorious fact ” that so many people that criticise courts judgements based such criticism on hearsay, they criticise without reading such judgement”.

The retired Supreme Court Justice however said that he is of the firm opinion that where there are such criticism, “the courts have a duty to have a second look at the ratio decidendi(reasons) for some of the judgements”.

He remarked that it is not the public opinion that represents what the law is, ” it is what the Judge pronounces in his judgment that becomes the law “

Justice Galumje observed that over the years, he has witnessed expansion of Judiciary Divisions and the Bar and the phenomenal growth in legal practice within the North East Geopolitical region. He made a case for assistance from governments of North East Geopolitical zone to the Gabriel Adikwu annual lecture series so as to sustain the programme.

Police arrest woman for chopping off lover’s manhood in Rivers

Posted on May 17, 2025 by admin50

Forty-three years old woman simply identified as Gift has been arrested by operatives of Nkpolu Police Division in Diobu, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Rivers State, for chopping off the cap of her lover’s private part one Mr Sunday.

The incident occurred at Bishop Okoye Street, Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Trouble started when victim requested for sex from her, but suspect (Gift) refused on the grounds that the Sunday allegedly takes sex enhancing drugs before making love with her which makes him last for a very long during intercourse.

An anonymous source disclosed that Sunday allegedly resorted to beating Gift for refusing him sexual intercourse and in the process, she grabbed his manhood and chopped off the cap with her teeth.

The source further revealed that neighbours were attracted to the scene by loud scream by Mr. Sunday.

It was also gathered that the timely arrival of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nkpolu Police Division and his men, saved Gift from mob that wanted to lynch her.

The victim (Sunday) was later rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he is taking treatment.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident to journalists.

Iringe-Koko was quoted, saying: “Yes, I can confirm the incident.The woman (suspect) aged 43 years has been arrested. Investigation is ongoing.”

FG confirms two million households for cash transfer

Posted on May 17, 2025May 17, 2025 by admin50

The Federal Government has commenced a revalidation exercise of the National Social Register as part of efforts to strengthen the ongoing conditional cash transfer programme aimed at cushioning the impact of economic reforms. So far, a total of 2.3 million households have been confirmed and cleared for payment under the renewed scheme. The Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, disclosed this at a recent press briefing held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The revalidation exercise comes amid concerns raised by the World Bank over the slow implementation of the cash transfer programme, which was launched in 2023, following the removal of petrol subsidy and unification of the foreign exchange market.

In its latest Nigeria Development Update report titled “Building Momentum for Inclusive Growth”, the global financial institution noted that only 37 per cent of the intended 15 million households, approximately 5.6 million had received payments two years after the programme was launched. The World Bank had approved a $800m loan for the initiative, out of which $530m had been disbursed as of April 30, 2025. The World Bank said, “Only 5.6 million households—around 37 per cent—have received at least one tranche of direct transfers. Further expansion of the programme remains dependent on biometrically verifying at least one adult member of the household with a foundational digital identity. Also, efforts to urgently provide support to the poorest and most economically at-risk households should be redoubled and expanded,” the bank noted. However, Coker-Odusote, who is a member of the inter-agency task force overseeing the identity verification process for the programme, stated that the revalidation was being carried out under the National Social Safety Nets project to ensure that only eligible Nigerians benefit from the government’s palliative initiative. “The Federal Government is currently conducting a revalidation exercise on the national social register under the National Social Safety Net, so that they are able to carry out the payment,” she said.

Atiku/Obi : Nwosu confirms PlatinumPost story, says ADC is 2027 coalition party

Posted on May 16, 2025 by admin50

Almost two weeks after PlatinumPost exclusively reported that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were finalizing plans to contest the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party’s National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, has publicly declared the ADC as Nigeria’s coalition party.

Nwosu made the disclosure in Abuja on Thursday during the ADC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

Speaking through the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Mani Ahmed, he addressed rising concerns over deepening poverty across the country while highlighting the role of the ADC in shaping Nigeria’s political future.

“This consensus building, though very painstaking, has taken some time in the pipeline.I can categorically today, by the grace of God, inform you that the African Democratic Congress is the coalition party in Nigeria. What remains to be done is nothing other than dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s,” Nwosu said.

“For us, this is a momentous occasion. This is a great opportunity for the party to involve and accommodate all Nigerians. And by this gesture, we are inviting every Nigerian that has the love of this country in their heart to join us in this new crusade to bring about an enduring democratic change in our country by coming into our party, the African Democratic Congress, which can easily be seen as the African Democratic Coalition,” he added.

Nwosu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to national unity, emphasizing the ADC’s vision of a Nigeria where citizens can freely reside and engage in economic activities anywhere in the country.

“We have watched over the years how things have gradually deteriorated to the extent that normal existence is becoming more and more difficult,” he said.

“There cannot be any other way to bring about change in the lives of our people that is better than providing good governance. And this governance can only happen when you have the right people playing their part in the political process. ADC has over the years remained a formidable platform in the process of re-engineering Nigeria.

“Within the past 20 years of our existence, we have shown commitment to national growth. We have exhibited the highest levels of nationalism and patriotism. And we have made several sacrifices to ensure that we bequeath to our next generation a country better than the one we have met.”

While acknowledging that the party has never had the opportunity to lead at the national level, Nwosu expressed optimism that 2027 could mark a turning point for the ADC.

PlatinumPost had earlier reported that Atiku, who has made multiple bids for the presidency, is said to have finalized plans to pursue his ambition through the ADC. Sources familiar with the developments revealed that Obi had agreed to be his running mate following months of private negotiations.

A former Nigerian president is reported to have played a key mediating role, helping to align both camps in what is being described as a strategic political alliance aimed at national stability and electoral advantage.

Negotiations reportedly reached a breakthrough after concerns from Obi’s supporters, particularly in the South-East and among the Obidient Movement, were addressed. A committee of influential Igbo elders is being assembled to manage dissent and build support in the region.

According to insiders, a proposed power-sharing arrangement involves Atiku serving a single term, after which power would shift to the South-East, with Obi receiving northern backing for the presidency—an agreement seen as a step toward realizing an Igbo presidency.

However, reacting to the report, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed the claims.
“These are just speculations. Is he supposed to join all the political parties? As of this morning, he remains in the PDP, and there’s nothing to suggest otherwise at the moment,” Ibe told PlatinumPost.

“These are the handiwork of certain individuals trying to cause distraction,” he added.

Similarly, Yunusa Tanko, interim national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide and spokesperson for Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign, denied knowledge of any such alliance.

“As far as I’m concerned, no such story has come to my desk. I’m not aware of it,” he said.

“Although a lot of people are making calculation on how best to save the country, Peter Obi has not make such information known. So I count it as calculation of some individuals who are working on how best to save the country,” Tanko added.

Lawyer, client gunned down after court appearance in Anambra

Posted on May 16, 2025May 16, 2025 by admin50

Panic spread through the Agulu and Nanka communities in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday after unknown gunmen gunned down a lawyer and his client shortly after a court session.

Eyewitnesses said the victims had just left the courtroom when they were trailed and attacked along the Amawbia-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga-Akokwa road, a busy route that cuts through the area.

One local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted the significance of the case the lawyer had been handling. “The case the lawyer was handling for the client was a very big case. The incident happened at a boundary between Nanka and Agulu, along the popular Amawbia-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga-Akokwa road in the early hours of Thursday,” the source said.

Witnesses recounted that the lawyer was shot first, followed by his client who tried to flee the scene. The assailants quickly fled the area afterward.

Police have launched a probe into the killings. The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.

He stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had visited the crime scene with a team of senior officers and detectives. Initial findings indicate that the victims were targeted after their court appearance.

“The CP on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at about 11:30am, led a team of senior officers—including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and experienced detectives from the Command—on a visit to the crime scene at Egbebelu village, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, where two persons were gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified armed men operating on a motorcycle,” Ikenga said.

He continued, “The visit follows a reported incident involving the murder of two individuals, one of whom has been identified as a legal practitioner who had earlier secured the bail of an accused person in a pending murder case at High Court II, Ekwulobia.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were attacked while returning from the court session, having been trailed and double-crossed by the assailants.

“One of the victims survived the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital. The escapee has been debriefed by the Police and has provided crucial information that is aiding ongoing investigations and manhunt operations.

“The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and positively identified by their respective families. In the course of the preliminary investigations, a red Toyota Camry vehicle, believed to belong to one of the deceased, was recovered from the scene.”

Ikenga also said that tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to hunt down the culprits. “Further updates will be provided in due course as the investigation progresses,” he added.

(PUNCH)

LASTMA CONDUCTS ADVANCED TRAINING ON MENTAL WELL-BEING AND TRAUMA CARE FOR SENIOR OFFICERS AT OSHODI

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) today organized a one-day Advanced Training Workshop themed “Mental Well-Being and Trauma Care” for its senior officers at the Agency’s Training Room, Oshodi, Lagos.

The impactful session was spearheaded by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and featured a distinguished lecture by Professor Akindotun Merino, President of JARS Educational Group, U.S.A., and Founder of the Africa Trauma Care Alliance. Professor Merino, a renowned mental health advocate, delivered deep insights into the psychological dynamics of trauma, resilience, and emotional intelligence in high-stress work environments.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bakare-Oki urged participants to engage proactively with the training, emphasizing the critical importance of psychological stability in public service delivery.

He stressed that the advanced training would go a long way in ensuring effectiveness and prompt service delivery to all road users particularly motoring public.

“The Lagos State Government continues to invest significantly in the professional advancement of LASTMA personnel through structured training, retraining programmes, and the provision of modern operational tools and safety kits,” he stated.

He further stressed that mental wellness is essential for officers tasked with managing the intense pressures of traffic control in a bustling metropolis like Lagos.

The training underscores LASTMA’s commitment to fostering a mentally resilient and emotionally intelligent workforce—capable of executing its mandate with empathy, efficiency, and professionalism.

Other participants at the advanced training includes all Directors, Comptrollers, Commanders and including LASTMA Unit Heads.

Conflict Of Role Weakens Due Process In Administration Of Criminal Justice – Argungu

Posted on May 15, 2025May 15, 2025 by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni has identified conflict of roles as a result of uncertainty of mandate as one of the key challenges /threats confronting the due process application and compliance in the administration of criminal justice instruments in Nigeria. He called for defined roles for the nation’s security Agencies so that their mandates will not be ambiguous and conflicting.

The PSC Chairman also called for the review of the nation’s current passive justice systems as currently in place at the Federal and state Government levels.

DIG Argungu was speaking today, Thursday, May 15th 2025 at a one day Programne for Security Agencies, Criminal Justice Organisations and other Related bodies to review, appraise and explore the nuances associated with implementation and compliance of salient features and provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Instruments in Abuja by
CLEEN FOUNDATION in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force.

He delivered the Programme’s Key note address titled ‘The Executive Forum for Efficient implementation of the administration of criminal justice Regime in Nigeria’.

He also identified lack of funds, globalisation and computerisation, intra/inter Service conflict, unnecessary competition, and petty jealousy as some of the other draw backs in the implementation of the Regime.

DIG Argungu also mentioned lack of coordination and collaboration, ignorance of roles and functions, politicisation of crime and security issues and called on the Federal Government and State Governments to review the current passive justice systems at their various levels

He also called on the National Assembly and State Assemblies to review the nation’s laws in line with current globalisation as it affects the country.

According to the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC Chairman recommended that the Attorney General of the Federation, Ministry of Interior and Foreign Affairs should organize workshops for the Investigative and prosecution bodies on provisions of Mutual Legal Assistance in criminal matters and electronic evidence in enhancing successful and easy investigation/prosecution of criminal cases where suspects reside in other nations.

He said the democratic institutions and other components which constitute criminal justice system be encouraged to work in coordinate of justice as any organ that acts wrongly may affect the whole system.

DIG Argungu said the National Human Rights Commission should liaise with stakeholders which have direct bearing on the daily operations of the components of criminal Justice system and general public for support in areas of operations.

Professionalism On Focus In Zone 2 Police

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by admin50

By Ebinum Samuel

In 1986, due to the robbery exploits of Lawrence Anini and his gang in defunct Bendel State, the Military Government led by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida mooted the idea of creating Zonal Police Commands in attempt to nip in the bud all forms of violent crimes in Nigeria.
This noble idea gave birth to no fewer than 10 Zonal Police Commands accross the nation.
The Zone 2 was among the newly created zones with headquarters at Eleweran in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The first Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, to be appointed for the Zone was Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu Atta. A year after his appointment, and, due to the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos, also, being the capital of Nigeria, the authority decided to relocate the headquarters of the Zone from Abeokuta to the current site in Onikan, Lagos.
Close to 40 years of the Zone existence, no fewer than 35 AIGs were deployed to the zone within this period.
In the annals of policing in this Zone, some of these top Cops performed creditably, why some failed woefully .
To visitors, stake holders in policing, crime reporters and the general public, there is a paradigm shift in policing at the Zone presently. At least, a retired top cop, Dr Olayinka Balogun, last week, at the Zone attested to this.

According to him, “professionalism, proactive policing has become the order of day here in Zone 2. I’m not surprised because if the head is rotten, it affects other parts of the body. “This officer, Fayoade, the AIG in charge, is a cool – headed officer with listening ears, respect for both the young and the old. He and his officers are equally up to the task of protecting lives and property in Lagos and Ogun states” said Balogun who retired from the police force as a Commissioner of Police.
Joining Balogun to shower encomium on zone 2 officers led by AIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayaode, is Architect Peter Jatto.
In his words, Jatto said, ” some of the signs of professionalism in policemen and women includes: strong communication skills, ability to work under sressful conditions,team work, proactiveness, listening to all, not biased, not doing anything for pecuniary reason,calmness in difficult situations,commitment to Justice, fairness to all, willingness in serving the community, problems solving and crime combating. All these virtues, the head of Zone 2 , Fayoade is endowed with. So anywhere he’s posted, he orientate his officers with all these” said Jatto.
In his view, a Security Expert, Daniel Anuforo, “the AIG trajectory is about insightfulness, intellectual engagement, good rapport with everyone and proactiveness. He doesn’t wait for problems to occur before taking steps to solve such problems. “Let me say with all equanimity that the AIG and his officers are men and women who takes delight, passion and perseverance in dealing with difficult people and difficult situations. “This is why everyone wants his or her case to be treated at the Zone. “People are moving cases from Lagos and Ogun states police commands to Zone 2 because of their beliefs that justice will be served. I think this is not unconnected with the AIG willingness to listen to all. You can see the crowd here today” Anuforo stated.

On the crime situation in the Zone , a senior crime reporter who pleaded anoymity, said that violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings are on the barest minimum in this past six months. He attributed this to the professional manners officers of the zone deals with such cases.
He also revealed that the zone under Fayoade has been very collaborative with sisters agencies, students, members of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Corporate bodies, retired police and military officers, various unions, professionals and market leaders in Lagos and Ogun States.
“Gone are the days when if you have a minor case at the Zone, the Investigating Police Officer, IPO, would want to extort huge sums of money like 500k, 1million , 2million from such person. “Those days are gone for good . Everyone in Lagos and Ogun states heard how police operatives from Zone 2 within 3 months rejected hundreds of millions of naira and hard currencies from ‘yahoo’ boys and other undesirable elements. This is not only professionalism on display, but policing with the fear of God and integrity” the senior crime reporter said.

INEC: The Reforms We Need

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by admin50

By Ayo Oyoze Baje

Quote:

“Nigerian politicians have over the years become more desperate and daring
in taking and retaining power; more reckless and greedy in their use and abuse of power;
and more intolerant of opposition, criticism and efforts at replacing them”
– (Electoral Reform Committee Report, 2008, Vol. 1: 19).

With the recent revelation made by Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu that he still remains the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite insinuation to the contrary and series of controversies that trailed the conduct of the 2023 presidential election, his promise to institute reforms before the 2027 general elections has become an imperative. That is more so, because the conduct of the Edo state governorship election in 2024, couched with the might – is – right syndrome has left a sour taste in the mouth of millions of concerned Nigerians. And they keep asking the pertinent question: Can we ever get it right in the conduit of Nigeria’s electoral process? Will our votes really count?

But good enough, INEC, according to Yakubu is collaborating with the National Assembly to effect key electoral reforms, including those requiring amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He disclosed this in a recent media chat in Abuja that following a comprehensive review of the 2023 general elections, INEC submitted 142 recommendations, of which eight necessitate constitutional or statutory amendments.

Yet, the all-important questions persist. Can we ever get it right, as it was in the 1993 general elections under Prof. Humphrey Nwosu
as the then Chairman of the Electoral Commission, which produced Chief M.K.O.Abiola (of blessed memory) as the president, though he was outrightly denied by the Major General Ibrahim Babangida-led military junta? Can we conduct elections free of political violence; without mudslinging, smear campaigns, without ballot box snatching, threats and intimidation of perceived political opponents openly bu paid political thugs? Can it be devoid of ethno-religious sentiments? Will the IRev and other technology – based machines malfunction again, with glitches during the governorship and presidential elections with excuses given as it took place in 2023? Will INEC officials deliver the election materials to the polling units, promptly as at when due? Can we have Nigerians in the Diaspora voting with the assurance that their votes will count? Yet, there is a fundamental issue to resolve once and for all.

That has to do with the obnoxious muscle – flexing primarily based on the humongous sums paid by the candidates at the political party level. Instead of the huge sums of between N40 million to N100 million paid by the presidential candidates as it was in 2023 what about pegging it to a maximum of N5 million?.Yes, you read me right. Must politicking always be fixated on money? Can’t the members of each party contribute to fund the running of their secretariats? These are the flaming questions waiting to be quenched.

If winning is not about the candidate’s people-oriented vision, policies and programs, his mental or professional capability and capacity, to solve the myriad of social, economic and infrastructural challenges that still bedevil the country, in the 21st century, how can we have elections of international standard?

It all means that the game and gambits to appropriate political power come 2027 is therefore, going to be dirty and messy, in line with the Machiavellian doctrine. The prowling predators will muzzle the helpless preys; driven of course, by the jungle matrix of might-is- right!

Or, is yours truly turning into an alarmist, ringing the dooms-day bell? Only time will tell. But if in doubt consider and reflect on the unconstitutional suspension of Gov, Simi Fubara of Rivers state and the gale of defections of some political helmsmen, including state governors to the all-conquering APC! Certainly, the opposition or coalition against the APC should be ready for a long-drawn battle.

It is based on the imperative of having elections that produce the people’s choice as the eventual winners that yours truly was the Guest Lecturer at the 2018 Independence Anniversary Lecture organized by Nigeria Peace Group (NPG) at Le Paris Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. The topic was: ‘Panacea for Peaceful Elections in Nigeria- Evaluating the roles of Politicians, Citizens, Security personnel, INEC and the Civil Society’. The conclusion arrived at then was that INEC will continue to need the full support of all the stakeholders to succeed at the subsequent elections. And it is going to be more so, this time around in 2027 because the challenges are enormous.

Lest we forget, as reiterated in my opinion essay titled: ‘That INEC May Succeed in 2023 Elections’ severally published in May 2022, free, fair, credible and peaceful elections that are of internationally accepted standards form the firm and solid foundation on which to build the house of democracy, anywhere in the world. But sad to say, that here in Nigeria these belong to the realm of one’s fecund imagination; the surreal sphere, or sheer idealism. With an aberrant political structure, largely predicated on money and materialism, the centripetal force and push for political power is more to serve the greed and epicurean tastes of the average Nigerian politician than for the common good.
The political pendulum therefore, always swings towards the self rather than the state. And that explains one’s persisting worry about the search for good governance, anchored on sustainable economic progress in the national interest, which has remained an elusive rainbow, for decades, from one administration to another.

Worthy of note is that the statutory functions of INEC are well spelt out in Section15,Part 1of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution(as Amended). So it is in Section 2 of the Electoral Act 2010.The subsisting laws empower INEC to conduct elections into elective political offices. These include executive offices such as that of the president, vice president, governors and their deputy. Also listed are elections into legislative offices such as the Senate and House of Representatives.

Going forward, INEC has to be firm on the issue of campaigns. They must be free of political violence
As the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo rightly noted: “Violence has never been an instrument used by us, as founding fathers of the Nigerian Republic, to solve political problems.” The way and manner some politicians go about their vile vituperation during campaigns couched with outright insults and innuendoes despite the several peace pacts signed gives cause for concern. By leaving much of the substance of good governance to the base sentiments of religion and ethnicity it is obvious we may still be far from the Promised Land. Stiffer penalties must therefore, be meted out to all those involved in one electoral malfeasance or another. That should include any INEC official taking bribes from any candidate to manipulate election results
Stiff penalties
will serve as strong deterrence to other miscreants.

Furthermore, INEC should frontally tackle the often delayed updating of the voter register and the distribution of the much-needed permanent voter cards/PVCs. It should build on the achievements so far made. These include the computerization of the electoral system, the coding of ballot papers, ballot boxes and polling units. Let us learn a lesson or two from other countries where elections are carried out even on week days, peacefully without shutting down the national economy.

All said, the choices Nigerians will make in 2027 will shape the future of democratic dispensation in Nigeria and eventually determine our destiny as a people. As rightly advised by Saminu Kanti:“Any leader who feels the pain and fights for you, support him or you lose. But if that leader doesn’t feel the pain and fight for you, don’t support him, fight for yourself. Be a leader and fight for others.”

ODA, ODI RALLY AGAINST INSECURITY IN OKUNLAND

Posted on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025 by admin50

By Tunde Olusunle

A short video clip trended on the social media a few days ago. The narrator who was probably driving his automobile, drew attention to the truck ahead of him. According to his narration, he desired to commute from Egbe, the major southernmost community in Yagba West local government area in the Okun-Yoruba part of Kogi State, to the neighbouring Kwara State. Locals in Egbe, however, had warned him about the crimson activities of faceless criminals in the names of Fulani herdsmen and rampaging marauders on the highway. He thus sought help from a pin-down truck manned by uniformed and armed security personnel, to lead him to safety within the territory of Kwara State, ostensibly for a fee. The truck could be seen in the video, piloting his car. This 50-second video clip summarises the security situation in Okunland today.

Hitherto, Okunland across its several hamlets, communities and towns, was an idyllic island of serenity, calm and civility. Farmers, hunters, teachers, civil servants in the employ of the state and local government authorities, as well as retirees, peopled the villages and homesteads. After a hard day’s work, home folks congregated beneath wide-spread leafy canopies of abutting trees. They played ayo olopon, known by the name “mancala,” and draught, awon oro-oro games, as they wound down from the day’s preoccupations. Liquid soothers included emu fun fun and oguro, both variants of palmwine. But for the mischief of headstrong goats, people harboured no fears about possible trespassing of their abodes. While conducting his doctoral thesis at the University of Ilorin which birthed the facekuerade performance theory, my friend and brother, Sunnie Ododo, relocated from his cosy home in Ilorin, to Kabba, and stayed for weeks. Such was the allure of Okunland.

Sadly, at no point in the history of the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State has the question of security been as worrying as it has been in recent weeks and months. Call it “one day, one disaster” and you will not be wrong. From the hitherto innocuous Oyo Iwa community in the northernmost extremes of Okunland, in Lokoja local government area, to Egbe in Yagba West, the southernmost community in the zone, Okunland has been encircled and buffeted by faceless marauders. There are unsavoury narratives from across the six Okun local government areas, namely: Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu; Ijumu; Mopamuro; Yagba East and Yagba West. Forests and woodlands in the area which share similar vegetation with Yorubaland in the South West, have been infiltrated by Fulani herdsmen, deadly bandits and cold-blooded kidnappers. These days, they have become as emboldened as to venture into communities fully armed with weapons, roam around and take with them their preferred victims, including the vulnerable and elderly.

Okunland has been flung into perpetual fear and gripping despair. The local economy of the people predominantly powered by subsistence agriculture, petty trading, returns on artisanal preoccupations, and so on, has been paralysed. Armed gangs stipulate impossible ransoms on families and communities, which in turn are forced to dispose of prized assets, notably livestock, parcels of land and residential homes, to meet up with ransom deadlines. Callously, certain cells of outlaws receive sweatily-sourced ransoms some enabled by crowd-funding, and still proceed to annihilate their victims. They unwittingly plunge families and communities into double agony.

Disturbed by these developments, Okun people on different platforms are galvanising panaceas to address this scourge. The Okun Development Association, (ODA) which is the umbrella body of all Okun bodies and groups had a one-day Security Summit in Kabba, Friday March 28, 2025. President of the ODA, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson, convened the summit which was robustly attended by respected technocrats, royals and government appointees at the state and local levels, from across all six Okun-speaking LGAs. These included serving Commissioners; the State Security Adviser and prominent traditional rulers. Proceedings were moderated by no less a professional than former Director-General of the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, (NISS), William Toyin Akanle, PhD, mni.

The summit resolved among others, that: A well-funded community policing structure is a panacea for addressing security challenges in Okunland; and that the establishment of community-based Security Trust Fund, (STF) in Okunland is inevitable. It noted that sharing credible information with security operatives is key, since security is everyone’s business. The Summit also suggested that proper profiling of settlers in our communities is important, just as it posited the adoption of technology-driven security models. The congregation recommended that job creation, economic empowerment, and social interventions are essential in reducing the proclivity of our youths towards crime, while asserting the need for incentives, motivation and morale-boosting for Okun vigilantes and hunters. A high-powered implementation committee to facilitate the actualization of these proposals has been emplaced. Akanle is the Chairman, while Femi Oloruntoba, who retired as a Director from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) is the Secretary. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in the Presidency; Attorney Tunde Irukera, immediate past Executive Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC) and the multitasking Okun businessman, Yinka Braimoh are on board.

Equally agonised by the relentless rampaging of nondescript outlaws across Okunland, is the Okun Development Initiative, (ODI), a strident advocacy group. The organisation has scheduled a pan-Okun Unity Summit, for Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31, 2025. ODI which is altruistically complementing the precedence of ODA, has as National Coordinator, Olusuyi Otitoju, a former Commissioner representating Kogi State in the Federal Public Complaints Commission, (PCC). The theme of the forthcoming summit is: Okun Unity: The Power of One Voice, the Strength of Many Hands. The converge aims to bring together Okun sons and daughters, who have been torn apart by the acidity which has tinctured Okun politics in recent times. This fact is captured by the overarching focus of the forthcoming event, which aims to engage with Okun brothers and sisters to band together as one, since disparate broomsticks, cannot be deployed for sweeping.

Instructively, the forthcoming ODI Summit will be the second time the group is rallying Okun people together to deliberate on issues germane to the wellbeing of the people and the area. Between November 24 and November 26, 2016, ODI staged its premiere Okun-centred public event with the theme: Breaking the Bonds of Underdevelopment in Okunland. It focused on the security, unity and development of Okunland and was richly graced by the cream of Okun elite in business, bureaucracy, academia, media, politics, industry, not forgetting elder statesmen from the area. As far back as its 2016, ODI had drawn attention to the imperative for the security of lives and property in the sub-zone, which has transmogrified into a veritable hydra. Despite the near 10-year lacuna between its premiere and the proposed coming together, it is noteworthy that the ODI recognises the importance of constant engagement in the march towards the fruition of the dreams and aspirations of the Okun nation.

The second edition of the ODI Summit which will be chaired by General Funso Owonibi, (rtd), will have Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as Special Guest of Honour. Serving federal parliamentarians from Okunland, notably Sunday Karimi, Senator Representing Kogi West; Leke Abejide, Member Representing Yagba federal constituency, and his counterpart, Idris Salman, Representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu, are expected at the programme. Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja, (FUL), Professor Yemi Akinwumi will be the Guest Speaker, while the Obaro of Kabba who chairs the Okun Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi is the Royal Father of the event. To underscore the harmonious relationship between the ODA and the ODI, President of the ODA, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson will be Father of the Day at the ODI Summit. Long-serving Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Ashiru Idris, FCA, chairs the planning committee.

It is noteworthy that the people of Okunland across associations and groups are propelling action concurrently and simultaneously on the insecurity plague in the area. This clearly attests to the severity of the security situation in that part of Nigeria. Equally worthy of note is the fact that irrespective of political inclination, leaders and representatives of the zone appreciate the imperative for coordinated action to stem the current tide and potential slide into chaos. To this end, they are supporting and featuring prominently in the activities and programmes of various Okun groupings, for the collective good of an erstwhile oasis of therapeutic peace and quiet.

Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja