Tag: Nigeria

Electoral amendment will be ready before 2027 elections – Yakubu Says he still remains INEC ChairmanBy Johnbosco Agbakwuru

May 15, 2025 (updated May 15, 2025) Published by

ABUJA — CHAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday said that necessary amendments on the Electoral Act will be completed before the 2027 elections

Prof. Yakubu also debunked the insinuation in some quarters that he has been sacked and declared that he still remains the country’s Chief Electoral Officer.

The INEC Chairman spoke while fielding questions from State House correspondents after the inauguration of two National Commissioners by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said: “We are here today, basically for the swearing in of two national commissioners. As you are aware, the commission is made up of a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two commissioners per geopolitical zone. So vacancies existed for the North West and the South East, and the Senate has screened and confirmed the nominees, and Mister President today performed the swearing in.

“So, we have almost the full compliments of commissioners of the commission. As we are aware also, about two weeks ago or so, we lost one of our commissioners, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), mayor his soul rest in peace.

So now, we have almost the full compliments of commissioners.”On electoral reforms, the INEC boss said that the commission has been interfacing with the National Assembly and that two weeks ago, it had a retreat in Lagos with the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral reform

Thereafter, the National Assembly is going to organize a public hearing, and it’s after the public hearing that now a new bill will, at the end of the day, be submitted to the President for assent,” he said.

He further stated: “So, we’re working with the National Assembly on electoral reform, but at this point, I’m not going to give you any more details. You will hear from the National Assembly whose responsibility it is, but we reviewed the 2023, general elections on our own

We engaged with the stakeholders. We came up with 142 recommendations out of this 142 recommendations, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we discussed this with members of the National Assembly.

“So far so good, we are happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed so that we’ll have some necessary amendments done to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027, general elections.”

Asked to comment on the controversy about his office and the speculation that he was sacked, he said that he remained the Chief Electoral Officer of the country

According to him: “I don’t think we need to waste time so much about this unnecessary speculations. As far as the law is concerned, and as far as I’m aware, I remain the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and under the Constitution, the Chief Electoral commissioner of the Federation, and under the Electoral Act, the returning officer for the presidential election.”

The two new INEC Commissioners are ⁠Mallam Tukur Abdulrazaq Yusuf, representing Northwest , Professor Sunday Nwambam Aja, from Ebonyi State, representing Southeast.

The President also swore in two Commissioner members on the Board of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

They are Ikpeme Kenneth Ndem, ⁠(Cross River State) and Hon. Justice Buba Ibrahim Nyaure (retd), Taraba State.

Don’t hide behind TV, let’s settle in on street’ – Oshiomhole dares Abati

May 14, 2025 (updated May 14, 2025) Published by

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has issued a public challenge to former presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, threatening a physical confrontation over what he deemed “mischievous” questioning on a TV show.

In an interview on Tuesday on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Oshiomhole expressed shock at Abati’s line of questioning directed at Ifeanyi Okowa, immediate past governor of Delta state, in a recent programme.

“I was particularly shocked that a senior editor could ask the immediate past governor of Delta state, Okowa, mischievously, I must say, with all due respect, ‘did you get permission from Oshiomhole that your sins will now be forgiven before you decided to decamp to APC?’” Oshiomhole said.

The former governor of Edo, Oshiomhole, criticised Abati for what he saw as an attempt to associate him with the political actions of others.

How can you ask such a question? What is my role? I am part of the legislature. Is the legislature in charge of prosecuting anyone for wrongdoing?” Oshiomhole responded.

Oshiomhole also brought up Abati’s past, pointing out that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his tenure as spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The man who made that statement was at a time invited by the EFCC after he was Jonathan’s spokesman, shamelessly. Thereafter, EFCC arrested him. Was I the one who granted him bail to leave PDP to go where he is?” He added.

The senator also expressed displeasure with Abati’s Labour Day remarks, accusing the veteran journalist of overlooking his contributions to the labour movement.

Even on Labour Day, he talked about labour leaders involved in protests and picketing, but couldn’t acknowledge that I led those demonstrations. This is someone who once wrote an article titled ‘Oshiomhole the People’s President’ when I was NLC president,” Oshiomhole stated.

He went on to say that if Abati wanted to continue criticising him, he should do so directly.

Instead of giving me credit, he claimed that once labour leaders leave the NLC, they go on to become governors,” Oshiomhole added.

He said, “If you’re bitter because you failed to become deputy governor in Ogun State, is that why you’re so paranoid and constantly attacking me?

If you want to insult me, don’t hide behind the TV, come out to the streets and let’s settle it face to face.”

Funke Akindele Named Among Most Influential Women in the international from

May 14, 2025 (updated May 14, 2025) Published by

Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has been named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Most Influential Women in International Film,” a prestigious global list celebrating 46 visionary women making a significant impact on the international film industry.

Reacting to the recognition, Akindele took to her Instagram page on Friday to express her excitement and gratitude for the honour

She described the moment as not just a personal celebration but a motivation to continue creating and uplifting others in the film industry.

I’m deeply honoured and truly grateful to be featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘The Most Influential Women in International Film. To be recognised among 46 powerful, visionary women from around the world is more than a moment of celebration—it’s a call to keep building, creating boldly, and lifting others as we rise,” she wrote.

The announcement, which was made on Friday, May 9 marks a significant milestone for Akindele, who has carved a niche for herself in Nollywood with her record-breaking films such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Tribe Called Judah, as well as her contributions to television through the hit series Jennifer’s dairy.

Her consistent success has cemented her as one of the most bankable and influential figures in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Akindele also used the opportunity to celebrate fellow Nigerian media mogul and honoree, Mo Abudu, describing her as a source of inspiration and a major contributor to the growth of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa.

A heartfelt congratulations to Aunty MO @moabudu who has also been featured in this great piece. Thank you so much, Ma, for your invaluable contribution to the creative industry. It’s an honor to be featured alongside someone who has been such a powerful source of inspiration,” Akindele added.

Natasha wins as Abuja Court dismisses Suit

May 14, 2025 (updated May 14, 2025) Published by

A High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the case filed by Ali Bello, the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.Bello had taken the matter to court in May 2024, accusing the senator of violating his rights, including his privacy.

He claimed that Natasha shared photos of his home and its address on social media in March 2024, saying that former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello was hiding there while being wanted by the EFCC.

Bello also alleged that Natasha wrongly described the house as belonging to the former governor, commonly referred to as the “White Lion of Kogi.

In the suit, Bello asked the court to recognize his rights under several sections of the Nigerian Constitution.”

He also demanded one billion Naira in damages and a public apology from the senator

He argued that the social media post put his family at risk and violated his right to privacy.

Justice Slyvanius Oriji, who ruled on the case, explained that there were three main questions the court had to consider.

One of them was whether posting the house’s picture and address online truly broke Bello’s right to privacy.

The judge ruled that a building that is already visible to the public cannot be considered private just because its photo appears online.

He said the court could not see how the post would be seen as deeply offensive to a reasonable person.

The court also found that there was no proof that the EFCC ever stormed the house based on the senator’s post, and no evidence showed the house belonged to the former governor as claimed.

During a court visit to the property, it was confirmed that Bello and his family actually lived there, and nothing supported the senator’s claim of ownership.

Justice Oriji said it was wrong for a sitting senator to share someone’s home address publicly without enough reason.

However, despite that action, he ruled that Bello did not deserve the one billion Naira he was seeking in damages, nor a public apology.

In the end, the judge declared that both parties would pay for their own legal costs and closed the case.

From Besties To Beefs: Angela Okorie Exposes Mercy Johnson’s Alleged Deceit”

May 13, 2025 (updated May 14, 2025) Published by

Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has stirred social media with fresh allegations against her former close friend and fellow actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie. In a post that has since gone viral, Angela didn’t hold back as she revisited old wounds and made pointed remarks about their broken friendship.

Referring to Mercy in rather cryptic and fiery terms, Angela wrote: “Bl00d Şuck!ng d£m0n no see bl00d suck again, she say na sliming tea.” The statement, laced with heavy innuendo, suggests that Mercy has been pretending to be someone she is not, especially when it comes to her health and public image.

Although Angela didn’t give full details, the jab implies that Mercy, who has often promoted slimming teas and fitness products, may be using them to cover up other actions or issues that Angela believes are not so innocent. The “blood-sucking demon” metaphor suggests betrayal or deception, hinting at deep-seated resentment and unresolved conflict between the two.

The pair were once known to be very close, often appearing in each other’s social media posts and praising each other publicly. However, things have soured between them in recent years, with both sides reportedly unfollowing each other and ceasing all forms of communication.

This isn’t the first time Angela Okorie has been vocal about strained relationships in the industry. She has gained a reputation for being outspoken and unafraid to name names when she feels wronged.

While Mercy Johnson Okojie has yet to respond to the latest remarks, fans of both actresses are now wondering if this will spark a new wave of drama in Nollywood.

In her words:

“Blood succking demon no see blood succk again,E say na sliming tea😂😂😂😂😂😂😂Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroyed their homes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart is Dark!!!”

Mercy Johnson has recently drawn attention over her drastic weight loss, with many fans commenting on her noticeably leaner appearance in recent videos. In earlier posts, she promoted her body transformation while advertising her line of products.

A more recent video once again sparked debate online, as fans noted changes in her body structure—highlighting her slimmer curves, longer neck, and the absence of her usual hips and figure.

Despite the criticism, Mercy appeared confident in her new look and continued to promote the results of her slimming tea with enthusiasm.

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NDLEA Arrests Iran Bound Woman With cocaine In Her Private Part, Stomach Bag At Port Harcourt Airport

May 13, 2025 (updated May 14, 2025) Published by

Desperate attempt by a woman, Ihensekhien Miracle Obehi who disguised with hijab to export large consignments of cocaine concealed in her private part, stomach and false bottom of her handbag to Iran has been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt, Rivers state.

Obehi who was dressed in hijab to beat security checks was intercepted at the departure hall of the Port Harcourt airport on Sunday 3rd May 2025 while trying to board a Qatar Airline flight to Iran via Doha following credible intelligence. During her search, she was found to have inserted three wraps of cocaine in her private part, and two large parcels hidden in false compartments of her handbag while she swallowed 67 pellets of the Class A drug.

As a result, she was placed under excretion observation and after four excretions that lasted days, she expelled the 67 wraps of the substance in her stomach. She claimed she was to swallow 70 pellets of cocaine but after ingesting 67 pieces she could no longer swallow the remaining three and decided to insert them into her private part. The total weight of the three consignments hidden in different parts of her body comes to 2.523 kilograms.

Just in:Nigerians flying eagle qualify for the world cup after a dramatic win over Senegal.

May 12, 2025 (updated May 12, 2025) Published by

Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a tense quarter-final victory over Senegal at the ongoing CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The thrilling encounter on Monday ended in a penalty shootout, with Nigeria emerging 3-1 winners after regulation time had failed to produce a goal.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the standout performer, making two crucial saves during the shootout to send the Flying Eagles into the semi-finals—and more importantly, secure their spot at the upcoming global tournament.

In 2015, Nigeria defeated the host nation 3-1 in the opening game of the CAF U-20 Championship and later edged them 1-0 in the final to lift their seventh title.

That same year, Nigeria’s U-23 side also won the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal, qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Despite Senegal’s recent bragging rights—such as their 2-1 win over Nigeria in the Round of 16 at the 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland—this latest result tips the balance back in Nigeria’s favour.

The Flying Eagles will now turn their attention to the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 AFCON, with renewed confidence and a World Cup ticket already in hand.

They’ll be hoping to continue their strong form as they aim for their eighth continental crown and a deeper run at the World Cup in Chile later in the year.

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Nigeria Police upgrades vehicle database with fleet registration option for bulk vehicle owners

May 12, 2025 (updated May 12, 2025) Published by

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the introduction of the Fleet Registration option on its Central Motor Registry Information System (e-CMR) portal

The new “Fleet” option on the Central Motor Registry (CMR) platform enables individuals and organisations to register multiple vehicles in a single session to ease vehicle documentation for transport operators, logistics firms, and other fleet managers.

.The Force Public Relations Department disclosed this on its official X account.

According to the Police, those who have previously registered do not need to create a new profile for fleet submissions. Instead, they can simply log in and add more vehicles

.“If you already have a profile from an existing registration, there’s no need to create a new one. Just log in, go to the Request page, and select ‘Fleet’ under CMR Request to add your new vehicles,” they not

The evolution of CMR

For more than six decades, Nigeria’s Central Motor Registry relied on a manual process that frequently led to inefficiencies, backlogs, and gaps in tracking vehicle-related crimes.

In a bid to modernize vehicle documentation and respond to the increasing complexity of auto-related offences, the Nigeria Police launched the electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) in April 2023

With the e-CMR system, motor vehicle owners across Nigeria can now register their vehicles, upload ownership data, and receive digitally verifiable certificates all remotely using any internet-enabled device.

A Step-by-step guide to fleet Registration

Visit the e-CMR portalGo to: https: //cmris.npf.gov.ng Click “Get Started”This begins your vehicle registration process.Create or log into your profileIf you already have a profile, there’s no need to create a new one. Simply log in.Choose CMR Request > FleetOn the Request page, select “Fleet” under CMR Request.Enter vehicle detailsInput vehicle category, plate number type, and other details. Click “Add” to register more vehicles.

Proceed to paymentOnce all vehicle entries are complete, click “Proceed” to view your invoice and make payment.Download your certificateLog back into your profile after 24 to 72 hours to download your CMR certificates.Proceed to paymentOnce all vehicle entries are complete, click “Proceed” to view your invoice and make payment.Download your certificateLog back into your profile after 24 to 72 hours to download your CMR certificates.

The CMR registration plays a crucial role in digital policing, making it easier to track vehicles in cases of theft, fraud, or verification.

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Meet Mmesoma Okonkwo, teenager who emerged Worldwide best in English Cambridge exam

May 11, 2025 (updated May 11, 2025) Published by

In 2023, Mmesoma Okonkwo received the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Award (Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education Top in the World 2022) after recording the highest score in English as a Second Language in the Cambridge IGCSE examination.

Ms Okonkwo is from Nnewi, Anambra State. She lives in Lagos and was an SS3 student at Chrisland High School, Victoria Garden City (VGC) at the time of her achievement. She was the school’s head girl.

Her father Emmanuel Okonkwo is an engineer while her mother Nneka Okonkwo is a civil servant.

She won the Lagos State Inter-School Essay Competition in 2022 and was best in Humanities at Chrisland Group Awards in 2023.

What makes Mmesoma’s feat even more admirable is that she not only topped the global charts in the Cambridge English examination but also scored A1 in all nine subjects in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC), a double distinction that places her in an elite class of academic prodigies.

Cambridge International, a division of the University of Cambridge, noted in its statement that Mmesoma demonstrated exceptional command of written and spoken English, exhibiting the highest degree of comprehension, creativity, grammar, and interpretation among all 2023 candidates worldwide.

According to a representative of Cambridge Assessment International Education at the 2023 series, “Her excellence is a testament to her diligence, the quality of education she received, and the power of global academic competitiveness.”

Mmesoma Okonkwo has expressed her desire to pursue a degree in business at a reputable university, either in Nigeria or abroad, with the dream of eventually running her multinational enterprise that will focus on youth empowerment and education reform.

“Business is not just about profit,” Mmesoma said during her graduation speech in 2023.

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International Customers Return 50 Containers Of Subpar Foodstuffs From Nigeria

September 19, 2024 (updated September 19, 2024) Published by

Obasempire reports that International customers rejected over 50 containers of suspected adulterated foodstuffs supplied from the Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano State, on Wednesday.

Read more: Labour Party Accuses Obi, Yesufu, Afenifere Leaders Of Fraud

The market President, Alhaji Muntaka Isa, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen during an inspection visit to the market.

He regretted that the rejection tarnished the image and reputation of the popular grains market.

He said the management of the market had adopted measures to tackle food adulteration by traders in the market.

He warned that the management would sanction the perpetrators to protect the reputation of the market.

“We shall not fold our arms and watch a few selfish and unpatriotic individuals tarnish the good image and reputation of our market, built over the years,” he said.

In his remarks, the chairman of the market’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Abdullahi Maidoya, said the management had constituted a committee to identify and prosecute the culprits.

Maidoya also said they would seek the intervention of government agencies, including the Federal Ministries of Trade and Investment, Police Affairs, Health and Justice to address the menace.

“We have established a quality control committee to work with government agencies and we have launched an enlightenment and mobilisation campaign to educate traders on the dangers of food adulteration,” he said.

Read more: Lagos Indigenes: Igbos Not Our Issue; Outsider Yorubas We Reject

The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Produce Special Service, Kano branch, Hajiya Fatima Yakubu, in her remarks, said the agency was working to tackle food adulteration.

He decried the upward trend in food adulteration cases among food-produce merchants.

“The way and manner food merchants get involved in food adulteration is very alarming. I am appealing to food commodity merchants to please, as a matter of urgency, desist from this negative conduct. The agency will not relent in fighting the ugly trend,” she warned.

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