Author: user user

Expanding educational access: A step toward inclusive opportunity

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act 12325 marks a significant expansion of the country’s commitment to educational equity, extending free tuition beyond public institutions to include private colleges and technical-vocational schools for disadvantaged learners. This amendment to the 2017 Universal Access to Quality Education law represents more than a policy adjustment-it signals a recognition that financial barriers to education persist long after admission letters are received. The legislation addresses a critical gap in the country’s educational landscape. While the original Republic Act 10931 successfully opened doors to millions of students in public institutions, data reveals that access remains uneven. With only 1.23 percent of 4Ps senior high school completers accessing Tertiary Education Subsidy benefits in Academic Year 2024-2025, the need for expanded reach is evident. By including private institutions and technical-vocational programs, RA 12325 acknowledges that quality education exists across sectors, and poverty should not determine where deserving students can study.

The creation of the Private Education Assistance (PEA) and the inclusion of support for internships, related learning experiences, and daily allowances demonstrate a nuanced understanding of educational economics. Tuition is merely the entry fee; staying in school requires resources for transportation, materials, and living expenses. The provision for an additional year of support for students facing economic hardship, health issues, or disasters recognizes that life circumstances often disrupt academic timelines, particularly for vulnerable populations.

However, the true measure of this legislation will lie in its implementation. The requirement for CHED, Tesda, UniFAST, and other concerned agencies to develop implementing rules and regulations presents both opportunity and challenge. Clear criteria for ‘priority programs’ must be established to ensure alignment with national workforce needs. Public institutions must move quickly to establish support systems-waived examination fees, assistive technologies, and dormitory access-that the law mandates.

The administration’s emphasis on this expansion as part of broader workforce development strategy is noteworthy. With 140 local colleges now appearing in World University Rankings for Innovation, up from just 12 in 2022, the connection between educational access and national competitiveness becomes clear. Each student who completes their degree represents not just personal advancement but human capital that strengthens the nation’s economic position.

Rep. Raymond Adrian Salceda’s observation that poverty should not prevent deserving students from achieving their dreams captures the essence of this legislative milestone. Yet dreams require more than legislative intent-they demand consistent funding, transparent administration, and ongoing evaluation to ensure benefits reach intended recipients.

RA 12325 represents fertile ground for the seeds of the nation’s youth. Whether those seeds flourish depends on the care with which this expanded access is cultivated and maintained in the years ahead.

National Art Museum introduces schoolchildren to Renaissance art

Schoolchildren are exploring one of the most significant periods in the history of world culture – the Renaissance – as part of the “Art History for Children” project at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum.

Participants in the programme have the opportunity to discover the remarkable world of art from a period when Europe experienced a major flourishing of science, culture and creativity. It was during this era that outstanding works of painting, sculpture and architecture were created, many of which continue to impress audiences with their beauty, harmony and artistic excellence. This was reported by the museum’s press service.

The programme introduces children to the art of the Renaissance, its main ideas and its new approach to the human being and nature. Through an engaging and interactive journey, participants learn about the principles of harmony, as well as the distinctive features of Renaissance architecture, sculpture and painting. They also learn about the outstanding artists of an era marked by great discoveries and artistic achievements.

The names of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphael and many other representatives of this remarkable period have become symbols of artistic excellence. Learning about their work helps children better understand the distinctive features of Renaissance art and the importance of the period in the history of world culture.

Visual presentations, lectures and guided tours help participants explore an era when the human being took a central place in art and culture. They also provide a deeper understanding of works that reflect a new perception of the individual, nature and the surrounding world.

By examining such masterpieces as Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and Michelangelo’s monumental frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, children learn about their composition and artistic language, as well as the stories behind their creation.

The thematic, interactive and educational sessions allow schoolchildren not only to reinforce what they have learned but also to put their knowledge into practice. After learning about classical artistic techniques and methods of depicting the human figure, participants create their own drawings and small artworks inspired by the Renaissance style.

Soludo: Nigeria will be stronger, fairer under Tinubu’s next four years

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed confidence that Nigeria will become stronger and fairer under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next four years.

Soludo spoke on Thursday while addressing a large crowd at the Alex Ekwueme Square during the flag-off of his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo’s Statewide Empowerment Programme.

The empowerment programme provided 5,000 beneficiaries across Anambra’s 21 Local Government Areas with business grants, vocational tools and equipment for agriculture, agro-processing, beauty care and small-scale enterprises.

The governor said that despite the difficult economic situation inherited by the Tinubu administration, the country’s future remained bright.

He said, ‘Today is not a day to elaborate on President Tinubu’s accomplishments for humanity, especially in the area of macroeconomics, infrastructure restructuring, insecurity and human capital.

‘Its impact on the Anambra people is evident. For those who complain now, let me assure you that I see hope with the Renewed Hope agenda.

‘Most people didn’t know the state of the economy inherited by President Bola Tinubu and the absolute necessity of the emergency surgical operation required.

‘A cancer patient will obviously feel the pains of surgery, but the patient is guaranteed not to die of the cancer.

‘The future is brighter. I’m convinced that the next four years of President Tinubu will most probably and certainly see a stronger and fairer Nigeria.’

Soludo also called for greater cooperation among progressive political forces in the country, saying such collaboration was necessary to achieve shared and sustainable prosperity.

‘In Anambra, progressives are working together. This is not just a slogan; it’s a statement of truth,’ he said.

The governor noted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), founded in 2002, predated the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was formed about 12 years later.

He said, ‘Even in APC, there’s part of APGA DNA. That’s why we say APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. But progressives in Nigeria have no choice but to work together for Nigeria’s greatness.’

Soludo said APGA, the Federal Government, and the APC were partnering to advance national development.

‘So far, ours is a partnership that works-a partnership with APGA and the federal government and APC,’ he said.

He added that his wife’s support for the First Lady’s empowerment programmes demonstrated the cooperation among progressive political forces.

‘At the federal level, the APGA legislators are working with the APC caucus to advance our national agenda,’ Soludo said.

He said the state government was working to bring federal reforms to the grassroots and ensure their benefits reached more Nigerians.

‘We are working very hard to cascade federal reforms down to the grassroots in order to impact the people. We’re determined to build a future that ensures that nobody is left behind,’ he said.

ERC shifts WESM price cap to regional basis

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the Secondary Price Cap (SPC) in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to be computed and applied separately for each region following sharp power price spikes in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The new mechanism takes effect beginning with the August 2026 billing period, the ERC said Thursday evening.

Based on the regulator’s simulation, applying the SPC regionally would have reduced the average WESM price in August by 54 percent in the Visayas, from P18.59 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P8.47 per kWh, and by 56 percent in Mindanao, from P19.56 per kWh to P8.69 per kWh.

Under the ERC order, each grid’s own rolling average price will now determine whether the SPC threshold has been breached, instead of relying on a system-wide average.

‘The Order directs that, for the August 2026 billing period and thereafter, the SPC be computed and applied on a per-region basis, using each grid’s own rolling average price rather than the system-wide average without waiting for a grid interconnection outage, as the rules had required,’ the ERC said.

The Visayas and Mindanao experienced 652 hours of red alerts and 89 hours of yellow alerts.

Under the previous rules, the system-wide SPC failed to trigger because high prices in the Visayas and Mindanao were diluted by lower prices in Luzon, according to the ERC.

The regulator said using each grid’s rolling average price would allow the price safety mechanism to activate in the affected region without having to wait for a grid interconnection outage.

‘This Order shows that the Commission does not simply watch prices climb and wait for the next billing cycle to ask questions,’ ERC Chairman Francis Saturnino Juan said.

‘When our own data showed that the safety mechanism meant to catch these very price spikes was not catching them, because VisMin’s high prices were being masked by the low Luzon prices, we moved immediately and decisively,’ he added.

Price spikes under scrutiny

The ERC also directed the Philippine Electricity Market Corp.’s (PEMC) Market Surveillance Committee to determine whether the extraordinary prices resulted solely from supply and reserve constraints or whether the bidding behavior of generators in the affected grids warrants further scrutiny.

The regulator said the review would consider provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) covering market power abuse and anti-competitive behavior.

‘Protecting consumers does not mean abandoning the market. It means making sure the market is actually working as intended,’ Juan said.

‘If the price signals we saw in August reflect genuine scarcity, the market should be allowed to work, and generators should be allowed to recover their costs.’

‘But if they reflect anything else, the Commission will act on it. That is what it means to uphold both consumer protection and fair competition at the same time,’ he added.

Dignitaries gather as Niger Delta leader, High Chief Wayles’ son weds in Lagos

An array of political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, military officers and other prominent Nigerians converged in Lagos last weekend to celebrate the marriage of Dr Oghenekome Egukawhore, son of renowned Niger Delta leader and Chairman of Dewayles Group of Companies, High Chief Dr Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP).

The colourful ceremonies brought together guests from across Nigeria and beyond for the union of Dr Oghenekome Egukawhore and his heartthrob, former Miss Stephanie Spencer, now Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore.

The occasion blended cultural traditions with music and celebration, creating a memorable atmosphere for the families, friends and associates of the couple.

The extensive connections of the groom’s father across political, traditional, business and professional circles were reflected in the calibre of guests who travelled from different parts of the country to honour the family.

Among the dignitaries at the marriage were Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori; Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji; Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr Peter Pereotubo Akpe; and a representative of the Ondo State Governor.

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, were also among the dignitaries.

The ceremonies further attracted serving and former senators, members of the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly, serving and former commissioners, local government council chairmen and other political leaders.

The gathering reflected the broad network of relationships built by the Egukawhore family over the years.

Also in attendance were senior serving and retired military officers, captains of industry, bank chairmen, chief executives and managing directors, as well as prominent figures in the oil and gas, corporate and business sectors.

Traditional rulers, prominent chiefs and community leaders, particularly from Delta, Bayelsa and Ekiti states, also graced the occasion.

They joined family members, friends and well-wishers to celebrate the couple, while music, dance and cultural displays added colour to the festivities.

At the centre of the celebrations were the newlyweds, Dr Oghenekome and Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore, who received guests with smiles and gratitude as they marked the beginning of their journey together.

The occasion served not only as a celebration of their union but also as a convergence of families, communities and influential personalities connected to the Egukawhore household.

For High Chief Egukawhore, the celebration was a particularly joyous family milestone, as reflected in his energetic dance steps during the occasion.

Speaking during the appreciation session, High Chief Egukawhore expressed gratitude to the guests for honouring his invitation.

He particularly thanked those who travelled from far and near to share in the family’s joy and prayed for God’s continued protection, guidance and blessings upon them.

For the Egukawhore family, the occasion marked a significant new chapter, while for Dr Oghenekome and Mrs Stephanie Egukawhore, it heralded the beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.

Sara asks SC to stop grave threats case

VICE President Sara Duterte on Thursday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop her prosecution on three counts of grave threats, arguing that an impeachable official cannot be criminally prosecuted while still in office.

In a 28-page petition, Duterte, through her lawyers led by Paul Lawrence Lim, asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the proceedings and nullify the Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution that led to the filing of the charges before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The petition came after the trial court denied Duterte’s motion to quash the charges and subsequently issued a warrant for her arrest.

Duterte argued that the Constitution and jurisprudence grant impeachable officials ‘limited procedural immunity’ from criminal prosecution while they remain in office.

She cited Section 2, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the President, Vice President, members of the Supreme Court and Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be removed from office through impeachment and conviction for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.

Duterte argued that the constitutional framework establishes ‘a sequential order of accountability’ for impeachable officials-impeachment and removal first, followed by criminal prosecution if warranted.

‘The Vice President’s criminal prosecution illegally seeks to do indirectly what cannot be done directly, which is her removal from office outside of an impeachment conviction,’ Duterte said in her petition.

She argued that allowing the DOJ to prosecute her while she remains Vice President would make impeachment a redundant or optional process.

Duterte also claimed that her prosecution violates the separation of powers by allowing the Executive branch, through the DOJ, to interfere with the constitutional prerogatives of Congress over impeachment.

‘If allowed, any impeachable officer may be subjected to prior or parallel criminal proceedings, effectively placing the official under continuous legal siege and rendering the office vulnerable to prosecutorial pressure, and the shifting motive behind them,’ the petition said.

‘The impeachment mechanism would thereby cease to be the exclusive means of removal, and become vulnerable to circumvention through ordinary criminal prosecution,’ it added.

Duterte named Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon and the National Bureau of Investigation-Cybercrime Division as respondents.

The case stemmed from Duterte’s November 2024 online press briefing, during which she said she had instructed someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her life succeeded.

The DOJ subsequently found prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction and filed three counts of grave threats against Duterte before the Quezon City RTC.

Duterte earlier sought the dismissal of the charges, arguing that the Constitution bars the criminal prosecution of impeachable officers while they are in office because such proceedings could interfere with the performance of their official duties.

After hearing the parties’ arguments, the trial court denied Duterte’s motion to quash and subsequently issued a warrant for her arrest.

Sondhi rally delivers pointed anti-Israel message

Veteran activist Sondhi Limthongkul on Thursday rallied supporters outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, where he called on Israel to monitor the behaviour of its citizens in Thailand, cooperate with investigations into Chabad centres and land ownership, and end military violence against civilians in Gaza.

The yellow-shirt protest veteran rallied about 200 supporters outside the Israeli Embassy at Ocean Tower 2 on Sukhumvit Soi 21 in Bangkok, where he attempted to submit a letter addressed to Israeli Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm.

The rally attracted flag-waving Thai nationalists concerned about foreign control of Thai land, as well as a handful of foreigners opposed to Israeli military activity. One Thai participant, perhaps unaware of the Nazi associations of the phrase, waved a ‘Jews Out’ placard.

Also present was Siranudh ‘Psi’ Scott, a marine conservationist and heir to the Singha beer fortune. He wore a T-shirt bearing the words ‘Not for Sale’ and brandished a placard reading ‘Keep Zionist Expansion out of Thailand’.

The demonstration was the first major protest activity under Mr Sondhi’s newly launched ‘Take Our Thailand Back’ campaign, which he announced earlier this week. He has stressed that the aim is not to topple the current government but to compel it to do more to protect Thai sovereignty and citizens.

Embassy officials informed rally organisers that no staff were working there on Thursday. According to Mr Sondhi, the embassy offered him an opportunity to meet the ambassador privately at a later date.

He rejected the offer, saying the campaign was being conducted on behalf of Thai citizens and was not a personal matter. (Story continues below).

Four demands

Mr Sondhi then read out his open letter in English and Thai. It called on the Israeli government and embassy to take ‘concrete action’ in response to concerns over the conduct of some Israeli nationals in Thailand.

It alleged that some Israeli tourists and residents had violated Thai laws, caused disturbances in local communities, shown disrespect towards local customs and culture, and been involved in fraud and non-payment disputes.

‘The Kingdom of Thailand has a longstanding tradition of extending warm hospitality to foreign visitors,’ Mr Sondhi said.

‘However, let it be clearly understood by the Embassy and the Government of Israel that generosity must never be mistaken for weakness, hospitality does not equate to submission to exploitation, and courtesy is not an open licence for anyone to act with impunity on our sovereign soil.’

The letter also raised concerns about the expansion of Chabad houses – community centres for Jewish people – as well as land acquisitions in Chachoengsao province. Chabad houses, the letter said, were intended to ‘advance the objectives orchestrated and funded by international Zionist networks’.

‘The unchecked expansion of Chabad centres and large-scale land acquisitions in Chachoengsao province – purportedly for cemeteries, religious establishments or meditation facilities – reflect a concerted endeavour to establish permanent footholds and sovereign-like enclaves on Thai soil,’ Mr Sondhi alleged.

In addition, it criticised Israeli policy towards Palestinians and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, accusing Israel of using force against civilians and civilian infrastructure and urging compliance with international humanitarian law.

The group submitted four formal demands:

Stronger oversight and guidance for Israeli visitors to ensure compliance with Thai laws, culture and public order.

Full cooperation with Thai authorities in prosecuting Israeli nationals involved in criminal offences, public disturbances or illegal business activities, without diplomatic intervention or shielding.

Transparency and cooperation in investigations into land acquisitions in Chachoengsao and the funding and activities of Chabad centres and related entities in Thailand.

Conveying public concerns to the Israeli government and calling for an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure, schools and hospitals, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

Mr Sondhi said the petition was intended to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and national dignity and that he expected a substantive response from the embassy rather than a formal acknowledgement.

At the end of the rally, Mr Sondhi told supporters he planned to travel to Chanthaburi, Phuket, Chon Buri and other provinces to meet supporters and pressure the government to quickly address important issues, including national security and the economy.

ADC considers Tambuwal, Akobundu for DG of Atiku’s Presidential Campaign Council

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has shortlisted Senators Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Austin Akobundu as main personalities for Director General (DG) of its Presidential Campaign Council, Nigerian Tribune gathered on Wednesday.

Reliable sources within the party said the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) will soon constitute the council for the ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Either Tambuwal or Akobundu is expected to be named DG to lead the campaign.

Senator Tambuwal represents Sokoto South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate and ranks among the most experienced lawmakers in the Red Chamber.

The two-term governor of Sokoto State, 2015 to 2023, was Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015.

He represented Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2015, and became the first opposition member to emerge as Speaker in Nigeria’s 4th Republic.

A lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992, he holds an LLB from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and an LLM from the University of Abuja.

Tambuwal began his political career in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) before moving to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 and returned to the PDP in 2018. He was a presidential aspirant on the PDP platform in 2022 before joining the ADC earlier this year. He wields considerable influence in Northwest politics.

Senator Augustine Akobundu represents Abia Central Senatorial District. He was first elected to the Senate in 2023.

A retired Colonel in the Nigerian Army, he served as Minister of State for Defence. He was also National Organising Secretary of the PDP and later PDP National Vice Chairman, South East.

Akobundu was elected on the PDP platform but resigned in March 2026, citing ‘intractable crises’ in the party, and defected to the ADC.

Public campaigns by presidential and National Assembly candidates commenced on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in line with the 2027 election timetable released by INEC.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, 16 January 2027.

Sugar rush and sweet banana booze at Kigali’s Fusion Restaurant

It is the same warning they give you with muratina: that you should not be fooled by the sweetness as the honey-based brew trickles past your tongue. That after a while, it can and will demonstrate that it is alcohol anyway.

So, when I order a canned sweet banana-based alcoholic drink at the Fusion Restaurant in the Hemingways Retreat Kigali, with the alcohol content indicated as 14 percent, I am warned that the sweetness is a Trojan horse; that this drink has the power to make me attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest vernacular weeping soliloquy.

‘Vernacular? No. I’ll do it in the King’s English if it comes to that. The fluent-est English I will ever speak,’ I say. This is because I do not wish to drag my community in the mud any further because Embarambamba has already done the do.

It is a Thursday evening, and a calm Kigali breeze pats my face as I sit with fellow Kenyans P-, C- and R- to patronise the bar. They are not too sure about my choices, having seen me commit sacrilege by adding soda as a chaser to prosecco (an equivalent of champagne) the previous day.

Our venue used to be called the Heaven Retreat before it was acquired by Hemingways, and you can tell why someone would name it Heaven. A couple of tourists laze by the swimming pool not too far from us, and everything oozes luxury.

The spoons on the table aren’t too big but this is the place where patrons eat life with big spoons. It is an eco-conscious luxury boutique hotel and it shows. For instance, no drinks are served in plastic bottles. In the rooms, they have a notice asking whether you really want to have your towel washed every day.

The cocktails at the bar range from Rwandan kari vodka to something called blood Mary that is a mix of vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, worcestershire, tabasco, and celery.

P- and C- order their cocktails while R-, a teetotaller, sips something mild. I settle on my banana drink. It is so good I order a second.

True to the promise, it is more juice than alcohol to the tongue, though it doesn’t take long before I start feeling pop-up notifications on the upper reaches of my cranium. Not today, Embarambamba, er Satan. Not today.

Akpabio petitions DSS to probe viral quote linking him to anti-north remark

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, has asked the Department of State Services to investigate the circulation of a purported statement in which he allegedly warned Northerners that they would ‘suffer the most’ if President Bola Tinubu lost the 2027 election.

Akpabio, in a petition to the intelligence agency, seen by our correspondent, described the statement as fabricated, inflammatory and deliberately designed to create regional resentment against him.

The petition, signed on his behalf by Chinedu Akubueze, his Chief of Staff, was submitted to the DSS on Wednesday.

The statement attributed to Akpabio was circulated on Facebook and other digital platforms alongside his photograph and official designation as President of the Senate.

The graphic allegedly quoted him as saying: ‘Northerners, You Will Be The Ones To Suffer The Most, If You Allow Tinubu To Lose The Election.’

Akpabio, however, said he never made the statement and challenged anyone circulating it to produce evidence of where and when he purportedly commented.

The petition stated, ‘The President of the Senate did not make this statement. No date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recordings, official statement or credible news report has been produced to authenticate it.’

It further described the material as ‘manifestly false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive,’ alleging that it was created to deceive the public and provoke regional tensions.

‘The graphic carries no identifiable publisher’s mark or verifiable source.

‘It appears to have been deliberately manufactured and presented as an authentic quotation for the purpose of deceiving the public, provoking regional resentment against the President of the Senate and portraying him as threatening the people of Northern Nigeria,’ the petition stated.

Akpabio consequently urged the DSS to trace the origin and circulation of the graphic and establish those responsible for its production and dissemination.

The petition said a preliminary review of publicly available Facebook records had identified some of the earliest traceable accounts that allegedly amplified the material.

It named Abdullai Musa, who reportedly posted the graphic in a Facebook group identified as ‘Sheik Muhammad bin Uthman group 24,’ as well as Uzoma Chilaka, whose post allegedly reproduced the graphic alongside commentary attributed to Boniface Uzoma Chilaka and Engineer Ibrahim Umar Ammar.

The petition also identified Ammar’s Facebook account as one that subsequently reproduced the graphic and similar commentary.

However, Akpabio’s office cautioned against treating the individuals named in the petition as guilty before investigation.

‘These persons should not be presumed guilty before investigation,’ the petition stated.

It added that their alleged early and substantial roles in circulating the material made them ‘material persons of interest’ who could assist investigators in establishing how the graphic was produced and distributed.

The petition urged the DSS to examine ‘their publication records, devices, communications and the provenance of the image’ in accordance with the law.

According to Akpabio’s office, the investigation should establish the identity of the graphics designer, original uploader, sponsors, intermediaries and others involved in the distribution network.

The petition also warned about the potential consequences of attributing incendiary political statements to public officials, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

It said the alleged fabrication was capable of ‘provoking regional resentment’ and creating a false impression that the President of the Senate was making threats against Northern Nigerians.

The petition comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with political actors and their supporters intensifying their use of social media to promote candidates, campaign messages and allegations against opponents.

The Senate President has repeatedly been at the centre of political debates over the 2027 presidential election, particularly the Senate’s role in the administration and lawmakers’ political activities ahead of the poll.

His petition, however, focuses specifically on distancing him from the alleged anti-North statement and securing an investigation into its origin and circulation.