Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed H.E. Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has concluded a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED), Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited (BETSL), and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Accompanied by senior military officials, including Major General M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division; Major General A.K. Ibrahim, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy; and Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, Commandant of AFIT, the Minister engaged with personnel and observed the advancements in military training and production.
In his remarks to journalists following the visits, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning from foreign military procurement to local production of combat vehicles, arms, ammunition, and other military equipment. This transition marks a significant step toward self-reliance, enhancing national security.
“The ongoing efforts in training, local production, and refurbishment of military assets are commendable,” the Minister stated. “During my inspections, I witnessed the impressive capabilities in repairing and refurbishing damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, tanks, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). New combat platforms, including Buffalo APCs, MRAPs, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs, are being developed in our workshops. Some of these assets are already being redeployed to operational theaters.”
He praised the Armed Forces for their innovative initiatives and highlighted the essential role of Training, Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in achieving operational excellence. He called for continued collaboration between military institutions and increased investment in military RDI to enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on imported hardware.
Badaru also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law. This legislation aims to facilitate the local production, repair, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance for the armed forces and other security agencies.
He stressed the importance of ongoing support for institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, AFIT, CED, and BETSL to ensure the development of skilled, competent, and dedicated military personnel and enhance defense production capabilities.
In a sweeping nationwide tour aimed at revitalizing the Nigeria Police Force Airwing, the recently appointed Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Airwing, CP Martin Nwogoh, embarked on a series of high-level courtesy visits to strategic stakeholders in the aviation industry and within the Nigeria Police hierarchy.
These engagements, held between May 14 and May 22, 2025, are a continuation of CP Nwogoh’s effort to drive forward the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s agenda to reposition the Airwing as a formidable aerial surveillance and tactical support unit.
The visits, which spanned Lagos, Osogbo in Osun State, Enugu, and Lafia in Nasarawa State, were focused on fostering collaborative partnerships in aircraft maintenance, technical training, drone deployment, and infrastructure development. The CP used the engagements as platforms to rally for support, share the IGP’s vision, and cement critical partnerships to ensure continued airworthiness, operational sustainability, and training advancements for the Airwing.
Engagement with Caverton Group: Consolidating Technical Collaboration
CP Martin Nwogoh visited the Caverton Group Headquarters in Lagos where he was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Rotimi Makajola. In his welcome address, outlined Caverton’s operational footprint spanning aviation and marine services, with emphasis on training and maintenance capabilities.
During the CP Martin Nwogoh, CP Airwing’s Visit to Airfirst Mainatance and Engineering Limited Lagos Recently
Highlighting their deep expertise in aircraft maintenance, Captain Makajola expressed Caverton’s readiness to partner with the Police Airwing by integrating police engineers into their maintenance programs.
In his response, CP Nwogoh expressed deep appreciation for Caverton’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and technical proficiency, acknowledging that the collaboration would be instrumental in actualizing the IGP’s vision to restore grounded aircraft and roll out drone operations nationwide. According to the CP, this synergy would ensure that criminal elements find “no hiding place” as the Airwing regains its full operational strength.
The CP was taken on a guided tour of Caverton’s maintenance hangars, drone assembly hall, logistics facilities, and training classrooms.
Captain Makajola, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed Caverton’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police in achieving aviation excellence.
Commissioner of police Airwing Pays Courtesy Visit to Caverton Helicopters in Lagos
Strategic Engagement with Lagos State Police Command
In a related engagement, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to CP Oluhundare Jimo, the 41st Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.
In his address, CP Nwogoh decried the dire state of the Airwing’s hangar infrastructure in Lagos, calling for collaborative efforts to refurbish it in line with the IGP’s revamp directive.
He emphasized the strategic importance of aerial coverage in addressing Nigeria’s complex security terrain, citing the ongoing patrols on the Kaduna–Abuja highway as a successful deployment model and raised the urgent need to operationalize the IRS helicopters.
CP Jimo pledged unwavering support to the Airwing’s revitalization effort, expressing confidence in CP Nwogoh’s capacity to lead this transformation. He acknowledged the Airwing’s critical role in national security and promised to discuss the need for aerial surveillance in Ikorodu with the proactive Lagos State Governor.
Consolidating Aviation Training Partnerships: Visit to Aero Consult ATO
At the Aero Consult Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) in Lagos, CP Nwogoh was received by Mr. Christopher A. O., the Accountable Manager, who introduced the Aero Consult management and outlined the organisation’s aviation programs and capabilities. The meeting marked another milestone in the CP’s mission to consolidate partnerships with aviation training institutions.
CP Nwogoh emphasized the crucial role of aviation in effective crime fighting and security operations, reiterating the IGP’s directive for robust training and retraining of Airwing officers. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Aero Consult’s application for formal partnership with the Police Airwing to build technical capacity.
Mr. Christopher expressed appreciation for the CP’s historic visit and reiterated Aero Consult’s readiness to support the Police Airwing in any capacity.
Lecture and Facility Tour at the Lagos Airwing Hangar
On May 14, 2025, CP Nwogoh delivered a lecture and conducted a facility inspection at the Lagos Airwing Hangar. DCP A. Razaq welcomed the CP and gave a detailed briefing on recent achievements and prevailing challenges, including poor accommodation, absence of a functional power generator, vehicle shortages, and general disrepair of the hangar premises.
CP Nwogoh praised the resilience of the officers and pledged immediate action, starting with the provision of a power generator upon his return to Abuja.
The CP emphasized the strategic importance of the Lagos Hangar as the first in the country and assured the personnel of its full restoration. He outlined the IGP’s broader agenda to revive grounded aircraft, deploy drones, reinforce discipline, and improve welfare across the Airwing.
The CP also toured key facilities including the dilapidated AIG’s Office, library, stores, pilot rooms, avionics section, and administrative areas, reaffirming his resolve to overhaul Airwing infrastructure Nationwide in line with the IGP’s directive.
Strengthening Ties with Airfirst and Aviation Stakeholders
Furthering technical collaborations, CP Nwogoh paid a courtesy visit to Airfirst, an MRO service provider, whose Abuja office currently operates out of the Police Hangar. Discussions centered on integrating the Airwing into Airfirst’s Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO), which would enhance the operational sustainability of Police aircraft.
Osogbo Visit: Appeal for Infrastructure Development
On May 16, 2025, CP Nwogoh visited Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, where he met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad. The visit focused on the Police helipad in Osogbo, which currently lacks a hangar and technical facilities. CP Nwogoh emphasized the need to deploy pilots, engineers, and necessary equipment to activate operations at the site.
CP Umar pledged to communicate the importance of the facility to the State Governor and to seek his support in establishing a fully functional hangar and associated infrastructure.
Tour of Enugu Airwing Facility and Visit to International Helicopter Flying School
CP Nwogoh’s tour also took him to Enugu, where he inspected the Airwing facility established in 2014 under the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime. Although the hangar includes accommodation and office space for pilots and engineers, it has remained underutilized due to the absence of personnel and equipment. CP Nwogoh met with the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the state Commissioner of Police to discuss deployment plans. Both pledged their full support, with the Governor promising assistance once operations commence.
The CP also visited the International Helicopter Flying School (IHFS) located at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. He was received by the Rector, Captain F.S. Ma’aji, who detailed the school’s achievements, including the graduation of 30 students, facility upgrades, and international training engagements, such as the recent graduation of eight Burkina Faso military personnel.
Captain Ma’aji recounted the school’s founding in 2012 and praised the performance of its pioneering students, many of whom are now senior Police Airwing officers. He proposed the conversion of 12 fixed-wing pilots to helicopter pilots and highlighted the school’s advanced training equipment, including simulators and Robinson helicopter maintenance capabilities.
In his response, CP Nwogoh commended the school’s contributions to aviation training and reaffirmed the IGP’s directive on retraining and up-skilling police pilots. He expressed strong interest in the proposed conversion training and noted the need for continued collaboration to enhance the Police Airwing’s human capital.
A Vision for Transformation
Throughout the multi-city tour, which concluded on Thursday, May 22 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, CP Martin Nwogoh demonstrated a clear vision and unwavering commitment to transform the Nigeria Police Airwing into a world-class aerial support unit as directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D. His strategic engagements with technical partners, training institutions, and police commands are laying the groundwork for a modern, responsive, and professional aviation wing.
The partnerships initiated during this tour reflect a broader determination to restore all grounded helicopters, deploy drone technology, and ensure that no part of Nigeria is beyond the reach of law enforcement. As CP Nwogoh continues his tour, more updates are expected as the Airwing edges closer to a new era of operational excellence and national security support.
The former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Presidential standard bearer for the Labour Party, ( LP) His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, has lifted five young Kaduna State entrepreneurs with various sums of money to expand their businesses.
The five individuals were among the participants who excelled at the Kaduna small and medium scale enterprises exhibition, tagged SMES HUB Programme organized by Hassan Adamu during the weekend at the ancient power house of the Northern Nigeria.
Obi who was invited as a special guest at the event aimed at showcasing the ingenuity of the youths and their determination to be entrepreneurial or business owners was represented by the National Coordinator of Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko.
The five recipients of Obi’s empowerment supports were a lady chef, Ummu Kurthum of the Qrusty’s Dishes & Pastries who emerged first position, Aminu Ahmed Nu’uman who is in culinary business with the business name, Sufac Food Industry took Second Position while the third position went to Joel Tirom Muah, equally a lady whose business name is Pherobies & perfumes.
The consolation prices went to Moses Ojo whose interest is footwear and goes with the business name MO Footwears & Appeals and Hajara Jafar Muhammad another female participant whose business name is Gimbiya Integrated Firm.
Obi who in his usual way would not want the price values disclosed appreciated the efforts of the participants in trying to stand on their own without waiting for government and urged them to remain determined in their strive to be self employed.
He equally praised the organizer of the f kaduna SMES HUB Programme for the initiative stressing that it was a good platform to get the best skills out of the youths and put them into positive engagements so that they can believe in themselves.
The youths who exemplified various business ideas and innovations were happy with the show of love, kind gesture and award of prices by Peter Obi through the Obidient Movement.
The All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has issued a statement of grave concern regarding what it describes as a “wanton visa consular crisis” between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The regional umbrella student body warned that the escalating tensions between these two influential African countries are inflicting serious harm on academic mobility, regional cooperation, and the broader goals of continental integration.
In a formal statement released by the Union, AASU condemned the recent developments in consular relations, particularly the mutual removal of both nations from each other’s eVisa eligibility list. According to the Union, there is now no known avenue for ordinary passport holders from either country to apply for visas, a situation that has led to significant delays, rejections, and confusion for travelers, especially within the academic community.
“These recent developments have resulted in stringent visa requirements, delays, and rejections, severely impacting regional integration, academic mobility, and cooperation between the two nations,” stated HE Osisiogu Osikenyi E., President of the All-Africa Students’ Union.
The Union expressed deep concern about how this consular standoff undermines critical frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. According to the statement, these frameworks are founded on the principles of economic integration, free movement, and pan-African collaboration — principles that are now being put in jeopardy by this growing visa impasse.
“The visa consular crisis undermines the principles of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aim to promote economic integration, mobility, and cooperation among African countries,” the Union stated. It emphasized that the ability of students, researchers, and academics to travel, collaborate, and engage in joint intellectual endeavors is being severely hindered, threatening to stall the continent’s academic and developmental progress.
AASU’s statement further highlighted the damaging consequences this crisis is having on education and research partnerships. The Union noted that joint academic programs are being canceled or indefinitely postponed due to the prevailing visa uncertainties. Student exchange programs, a vital aspect of academic development and cultural exchange, have also been significantly disrupted. Researchers, too, are finding it increasingly difficult to collaborate, share knowledge, and innovate, as visa constraints continue to close doors that should be open.
“The restrictions imposed by both countries have resulted in cancelled academic programs, disrupted student exchanges, and limited research collaboration,” the Union emphasized. It expressed that such disruptions are not only a setback for the individuals affected but for the collective progress of African academia.
In light of the seriousness of the issue, the All-Africa Students’ Union issued an urgent appeal to the governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia to take immediate and decisive action. “The Presidency of the All-Africa Students’ Union urges the Governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia to ease visa requirements, simplify and streamline visa application processes to facilitate academic mobility and cooperation,” the statement declared.
The Union also called for increased diplomatic engagement aimed at resolving the crisis and repairing bilateral relations. “Engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and strengthen bilateral relations,” AASU urged, adding that efforts should be geared toward promoting unity and shared progress rather than reinforcing division.
In a powerful concluding appeal, AASU called on key African leaders to intervene. “The AASU calls on HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR of Nigeria, and HE Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia; and other African leaders to swiftly summon their Foreign Missions in both countries to address the lingering impasse,” read the final section of the statement. The Union further urged the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, to take active steps to mediate and mobilize both governments in favor of resolving the crisis in the interest of regional integration and academic cooperation.
“We believe that by working together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more integrated Africa,” President Osikenyi concluded, reinforcing the Union’s commitment to the vision of a connected and collaborative continent.
The All-Africa Students’ Union, which represents millions of students across the continent, is calling on all stakeholders — including the governments of Nigeria and Ethiopia, their diplomatic missions, and the African Union — to act without delay to reverse this troubling trajectory. As the crisis continues to affect students, researchers, and educators, the future of academic collaboration between two of Africa’s most influential nations hangs in the balance.
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations (UN) and the global community in promoting peace and security during the second day of the Plenary High-Level Pledging Session of the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in international peacekeeping efforts, noting the country’s rotation of the Base Protection Force deployed with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei, as well as the Formed Police Unit at the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia.
In his address, Badaru emphasized Nigeria’s leadership role in sub-regional peace initiatives under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). He cited Nigeria’s significant contributions to peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, and more recently engagements in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.
Furthermore, Minister Badaru announced Nigeria’s renewed pledges to the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, adding five additional commitments aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s readiness to support global peacekeeping efforts.
The Minister concluded his address by reiterating Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stability and security, both regionally and globally.
In a landmark event redefining grassroots development, ALGON National President Hon. Engr. Bello Lawal, ably represented by Chief Odunayo Ategbero, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, ALGON, led representatives of all 774 Local Governments to the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The national conference, organized by ALGON in collaboration with Aspitah Global Resources Ltd, themed “Driving Sustainable Development Through LGAs,” highlighted the importance of strengthening rural governance capacity. Discussions focused on strategies for sustainable development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth.
In his address, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, used the occasion to unveil several milestones achieved by the Ministry and highlighted the importance of building partnerships with the Association to develop the Sustainable Energy Access Project (SEAP), a key initiative of the Ministry. Chief Nnaji pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has provided tremendous opportunities for the development of Nigeria’s energy sector and called for maximum support.
Other dignitaries presented various development initiatives that align with ALGON’s vision of capacitating sub-national governments. The speakers included Prof. Banji Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina Mr. Bryan Amonu, Data Analytics; Mr. Liu Song Zheng Brian, CEO of CKK Electric Power Engineering Company; Ms. Latifah Aspitah Isah, CEO of Aspitah Global Resources; General Timothy Olugboyega Olowomeye (rtd); Mr. Richardson Ojeka; Dr. Fasua Tope Kolade; Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the Energy Commission; and Mrs. Uju Rochas Anwukah, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health Nutrition, among many other top-level resource persons.
It is worth recalling that under Hon. Lawal’s leadership, ALGON has continued to demonstrate its capacity to address challenges facing Local Governments. The conference explored decentralization, collaboration with investors, and empowerment through Small Medium Enterprise Business, as well as agriculture, energy transition, and security. The gathering included several members of the Association, such as ALGON State Chairmen from Taraba, Hon. Jauro Hassan; Engr. Ikenna Adikibe from Imo; Hon. Shehu Jega, ALGON Technical Adviser; Hon. Samuel Akala, former Chairman of Karu LGA; Hon. Dr. Fasua Gbenga from Ondo; Hon. Samila Husani Moniki from Zamfara; Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi from Kwara.
Key focus areas of the conference included Security and Community Safety, Rural Community Empowerment through Value Chain Development, Climate Smart Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Industrial Transformation, and Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his welcome address, Hon. Lawal thanked President Tinubu for hosting the conference, emphasizing its potential to benefit communities through engagement and mobilization. He noted the conference’s timeliness, given the Autonomy Judgment of July 11, 2024. Aspitah Global Resources Limited’s Ms. Latifah Isah thanked ALGON for making the event a national necessity. This conference marks a significant step towards strengthening rural governance and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s local governments.
The event featured paper presentations on local government departments, plenary sessions, question-and-answer segments. A communiqué is being awaited as soon as possible. Some ALGON Directors were present, including the Acting Director-General, Barr. Mrs. Evan Enekwe, who appreciated the attendees alongside Nuhu Ozigi, Director of Finance and Administration, as well as other top-level officers. The event concluded with excitement.
A national coalition of more than 75 civil society organisations, human rights groups, and community-based organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has sounded the alarm over what it calls “a grave affront to judicial integrity” in Niger State. In a detailed statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the coalition condemned the actions of Justice Bilkisu Yusuf of the High Court of Niger State, Minna, accusing her of undermining the rule of law and creating a dangerous “judicial collision” with the Court of Appeal.
The coalition’s outrage is focused on proceedings in Suit No. NSHC/MN/247/2014, a high-stakes land dispute between Homefronts Consultants Limited and Foundation Mira over a prime piece of property on David Road, Minna. According to CNCSOs, Foundation Mira holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy issued more than 30 years ago by the state government, with no record of revocation, and has paid millions of Naira in statutory ground rent. The land, they noted, has since been transformed into a multibillion-naira international shopping mall, with investments exceeding N20 billion.
“Justice Yusuf took his illegality to the extreme by looking into the sunny face of the Court of Appeal by refusing to stay proceedings even when an appeal over the subject matter has been filed before the Court of Appeal and the Court has already started sitting on the matter,” the statement read. “This blatant defiance creates what is, in judicial circles, described as a head-on collision with the Court of Appeal.”
The coalition accused the judge of allowing the plaintiffs to construct residential buildings on portions of the land that were meant to serve as parking space for the mall, despite the case still being contested in court. “This blatant act of possession, allegedly encouraged by the court’s inaction or complicity, undermines both the integrity of the litigation process and the rights of the defendants,” CNCSOs declared.
The coalition expressed additional concern over what it described as deliberate obstruction of the defendants’ right to a fair trial. According to the statement, the defendants’ attempts to present their witnesses were repeatedly frustrated, prompting them to file a motion seeking Justice Yusuf’s recusal. “The 1st and 2nd Defendants, after facing continuous obstruction in calling witnesses to support their case, filed a motion requesting the recusal of the judge to allow for a fair reassignment. This motion was summarily dismissed,” CNCSOs stated.
Following the dismissal, the defendants filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal (Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1392MI/2024) challenging the refusal to recuse and the denial of a fair hearing. Despite formal notification of this appeal and confirmation that proceedings commenced at the Court of Appeal on January 22, 2025, Justice Yusuf reportedly pressed on with hearings in the lower court.
“Legal experts agree that once an appeal on the subject matter has been filed and proceedings have commenced at the Court of Appeal, the lower court is constitutionally bound to suspend any further action,” the coalition emphasized. “Justice Yusuf’s decision to forge ahead in defiance of this principle amounts to what is known in legal parlance as a ‘judicial collision’ with the Court of Appeal.”
The coalition also revealed that Justice Yusuf is facing other petitions before the National Judicial Council (NJC), including one tied to a separate case, Suit No. NSHC/MN/727M/2024 (Ammatulah Chado Jummai v. Mr. Samuel Gana & Anor), where similar conduct allegedly occurred. According to CNCSOs, the NJC Secretariat officially received one such petition on February 14, 2025.
“The actions of Justice Yusuf do not only endanger the outcome of the specific case in question, but also tarnish the sanctity and public perception of the judiciary in Niger State and Nigeria at large,” the coalition warned. “The Judge’s conduct strikes at the very heart of the trust the Nigerian people must have in our justice system to be fair, unbiased, and respectful of judicial procedure and appellate authority.”
In response, the coalition issued a set of urgent demands: immediate investigation by the NJC into Justice Yusuf’s conduct, reassignment of the case to another judge by the Chief Judge of Niger State, and intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to safeguard judicial credibility.
“We call upon [the CJN] to ensure that justice is not only done, but seen to be done in this case,” CNCSOs urged. “We believe that her leadership is vital in guiding the NJC and protecting the credibility of the judiciary from erosion due to rogue behaviour by a few within its ranks.”
Warning of potential mass action, the coalition vowed to mobilize nationwide protests if decisive action is not taken. “Should appropriate action not be taken swiftly, the Coalition will be left with no option but to mobilize for a mass protest at the NJC Secretariat and other relevant institutions to demand accountability and insist on justice for the aggrieved parties,” the statement read.
Concluding the statement, Alhaji Abacha reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s democratic values. “Let it be known that our call is not merely in defence of the rights of the defendants in the suit in question, but in defence of every Nigerian who depends on the courts as the final hope for justice,” he declared. “A judiciary that is not accountable endangers the very fabric of our democracy and peace.”
The coalition expressed optimism that the matter will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it demands, reiterating its resolve to uphold the rule of law and institutional accountability nationwide.
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have jointly raised alarm over what they describe as a dangerous attempt by the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese, to manipulate the Local Government Election Petition Appeals Tribunal for political purposes.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Comrade James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, the groups alleged that Justice Ikpambese orchestrated the removal of Justice Maimuna Ikwulono from the Appeals Tribunal for maintaining her judicial independence. Justice Mohammed has since been appointed in her place, raising serious questions about the credibility of the tribunal’s work.
The CNPP and CNCSOs cited credible reports linking the Chief Judge’s actions to an ongoing political feud with Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia and an alleged alliance with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume.
They alleged that Justice Ikpambese, who is expected to retire next year, has been promised the Senatorial ticket for Benue North-East (Zone A) in exchange for using his office to weaken the Governor’s political base by removing elected local government chairmen aligned against Akume’s interests.
They noted that so far, tribunal judgments have led to the removal of four out of seven chairmen in Zone A, with no chairmen removed in Zone B — a clear indication of targeted political maneuvering.
The groups recalled that a previous effort by the Benue State House of Assembly to remove Justice Ikpambese through a petition was stalled by interventions from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), both emphasizing strict adherence to due process.
Of particular concern, CNPP and CNCSOs referenced video evidence showing Justice Ikpambese at a political event, where he reportedly boasted — in Tiv language — about his intention to frustrate Governor Alia by influencing tribunal outcomes through selective appointments.
The groups further alleged that the Chief Judge hurriedly constituted an emergency panel within the tribunal’s final month, leading to controversial rulings that ousted elected officials and installed candidates who had not even contested the elections — a development they describe as a “calculated judicial ambush” against the will of the Benue electorate.
As a consequence of these actions, the Benue State Government has reportedly lost control of nine out of twenty-three local governments, deepening political tensions in the state.
The CNPP and CNCSOs categorically condemned the removal of Justice Maimuna Ikwulono on the basis of an uninvestigated petition, insisting that only the NJC has the constitutional authority to discipline judicial officers. They warned that unilateral interference in judicial functions poses a grave threat to democracy and judicial independence.
While commending the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC for her ongoing efforts to safeguard judicial integrity nationwide, the groups issued a stern warning to Justice Ikpambese:
“If the Chief Judge does not immediately discontinue his self-confessed plans to use the Local Government Tribunal to frustrate the Governor and the electorate of Benue State by manipulating tribunal outcomes through selective appointments, the CNPP and CNCSOs will be left with no option but to mobilize mass protests to occupy the National Judicial Council (NJC) headquarters until he is removed from office.”
They concluded: “The integrity of our judiciary must never be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. We demand immediate corrective actions to protect democratic institutions and uphold the sanctity of justice in Benue State.”
Dr. Gabriel Chukwuma Oyibode, a prominent political figure and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, has pledged full support to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori following the Governor’s official move to the APC.
Speaking on behalf of party stakeholders, Dr. Oyibode, who previously contested the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2019 under the APC and once vied for the governorship on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Governor Sheriff’s defection as a “strategic and progressive development” for the future of Delta State.
“The Governor’s move is timely and aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Deltans seeking progressive leadership. It is particularly significant that the First Lady of Nigeria is from Delta, creating unique opportunities for our state,” Dr. Oyibode remarked.
He urged APC stakeholders across the Ndokwa nation and the entire Delta State to embrace the Governor and work in unison to strengthen the party’s hold and deliver good governance to the people.
Dr. Oyibode, also known as the Odogwu of Ezionum Kingdom, emphasized that Governor Sheriff’s entrance into the APC would consolidate political power and attract greater development initiatives to Delta State.
Recognized for his instrumental role in building the APC’s structure in Delta State, Dr. Oyibode’s endorsement of Governor Sheriff underscores a growing momentum within the party towards a united and formidable political force in the region.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda has reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing military cooperation with the State of Israel during a recent courtesy visit from Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja.
During their meeting, the two officials discussed strategies for bolstering defence cooperation, strengthening mutual security frameworks, and exploring opportunities for enhanced military training and capacity building within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Ambassador Aduda highlighted the critical need to deepen defence ties in the light of evolving global security challenges. He emphasized the importance of strategic areas such as joint operations, knowledge exchange, and the modernization of defence cooperation.
The discussions also included plans to finalize a new bilateral defence agreement aimed at fostering technical collaboration in defence industry development.
The Ministry of Defence is in the process of reforming the Defence Industry corporation so as to achieve effective regulation of the sector.
Soon Nigeria will have the regulatory arm of DICON to regulate and license participation in the defence industry, as well as the commercial arm that will enter into partnerships and collaborations to assemble or manufacture arms and ammunition, UAVs and armoured vehicles alongside reputable original Equipment6 manufacturers globally.
According to Ambassador Aduda “The Ministry will engage in strategic initiatives to replicate successful Israeli military cooperation frameworks in Nigeria, thereby enhancing our national defence architecture.”
In response, Ambassador Michael Freeman expressed gratitude for the audience and underscored the significance of this partnership as a progressive step toward achieving innovative defence solutions.
He extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Aduda and his team to visit Israel, with the goal of further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
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