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All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has begun revalidation to register members ahead of 2026 governorship election.

The Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, who hosted the 12-member revalidation team and state co-ordinators led by Mr John Malumi, the deputy director, Elections Management (Organising Department), enjoined the party chairmen in the local governments and area office in Modakeke to assist the team during the exercise.

He said it was imperative for the party’s stakeholders to join hands with the visiting team for a desired result.

Lawal, represented by the state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alao Kamoru, told the visiting membership validation team that the party had put everything in place for them, in order to make the programme a success.

Malumi told the APC state Working Committee and the chairmen of the party in the local governments that the exercise was not about registration of new members into the party, but rather to work on the existing members.

Seeking the cooperation of the party chairmen in the local government, he said members of the party must be financial members and that they all had the right to vote and be voted for.

He said: ‘Credible members of the party must pay N200 per month for one year each and they have the right to contest for any position.

‘Some members have left the party; some are dead, while others have just joined. We have a mechanism of authenticating if any member of our party has paid.

‘The ward secretaries, ward organising secretaries and similar officers of the party at the local government level will have crucial roles to play in the party’s membership revalidation.’

He said the exercise, which started on October 20, would end on the 31st, in line with the APC National Headquarters’ outline for the 2026 Osun State governorship primary election.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, have pledged to prioritise peace and security if elected in the November 8 governorship election.

The duo said the state had experienced prolonged insecurity resulting from killings and kidnappings, which had affected residents and economic activities.

Speaking during the APC campaign rally at Richie Hall, Umudioka, in Awka South Local Government Area, Ukachukwu said their administration, if elected, would work to restore normalcy and foster development.

‘Our state is destined for greatness. We have endured too many challenges. It’s time to choose prosperity, truth, and purposeful leadership. Together, we will build an Anambra that works for everyone,’ he said.

Ukachukwu said insecurity had forced several businesses to close, including some of his manufacturing firms, following repeated abductions of expatriate workers.

‘The last experience was devastating. A huge ransom was paid to secure their release, after which they left the state. Anambra deserves a better environment for business,’ he said.

He also outlined plans to improve infrastructure and essential services, including a proposed 250-megawatt power plant and a statewide water supply system to ensure access to clean water.

‘We will work towards stable electricity and functional water systems.

A group of tenants in the Ijero area of Ebute-Meta (West), Lagos State, have taken their landlord and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) to court over what they described as an unlawful eviction and demolition of their residence.

The nine tenants filed a suit before the Magistrate Court in Yaba, accusing LASBCA and the estate of the late Razak Apara – along with Rasheed, Kehinde, Fatai, and Sueba Folashade Apara – of violating their fundamental rights to shelter and fair hearing.

They also petitioned the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of Iponri Division, alleging unjust and inhuman treatment.

According to court documents, the dispute began after LASBCA issued a quit notice on October 10, 2025, to occupants of a 10-room bungalow located at 24 Ijero Street, Ebute-Meta (West), citing structural distress, cracked walls, and a tattered roof. The agency gave the residents seven days to vacate.

A follow-up notice, dated October 21, 2025, ordered the immediate sealing and demolition of the property.

Counsel to the tenants, Mr. Solomon Fasanmi, argued that the eviction violated the Lagos State Tenancy Law of 2011 and due process for property recovery.

‘Even where a building is marked unsafe, there are established procedures the government must follow. Due process cannot be ignored in a democracy,’ Fasanmi stated, describing LASBCA’s actions as unconstitutional, oppressive, and a breach of his clients’ right to dignity under the 1999 Constitution.

He urged the court to restrain the agency and the defendants from executing the demolition order.

One of the tenants, Ustadz Muiz Subair, said the notice came without prior warning.

‘They came early in the morning and pasted a seven-day notice, claiming the bungalow was distressed. How can a bungalow be distressed when it’s not even a storey building?’ he asked.

Subair appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, describing the rising cases of forced evictions in Lagos as alarming.

‘Rent in Lagos keeps increasing, yet tenants are being rendered homeless by state officials,’ he lamented.

Responding to the allegations, Mrs. Adetoye Aderinsola, District Head of LASBCA, Ebute-Meta (East), denied any wrongdoing, saying the agency acted in the public interest.

‘A bungalow can be distressed if not properly maintained and if there are visible cracks. The building in question showed signs of structural weakness, and our actions followed standard procedure,’ she explained.

She also dismissed claims that LASBCA acted on behalf of the property owner, saying, ‘I’m hearing that for the first time. There is no truth to it.’

The case is currently before the Yaba Magistrate Court for hearing.

The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent.

The Bill introduces strict penalties for those who break the law while tackling wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.

The Bill, passed by the House of Representatives, has updated existing wildlife laws, increased penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence led operations.

It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders.

A statement by the West African Director Wild Africa, Linus Unah, explained the passing of this bill is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that the government remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting its unique fauna and flora.’

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, who sponsored the bill Hon. Terseer Ugbor said: ‘This shows without doubt, that Nigeria remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking. This also means that with stronger laws, Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. ‘We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future.

‘In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets, the West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. Environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking’.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director noted that for too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through the porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia.

He said: ‘The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation. We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.’

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said Lagos port investment is economic genius, not sabotage.

Spokesman Seye Oladejo said yesterday in a statement in Ogba, Lagos: ”We have once again been treated to the comic relief that passes for opposition commentary in Nigeria – this time, the laughable claim that ‘neglecting Warri, Calabar, Onne and Port Harcourt ports, while spending $1 billion on Lagos port, amounts to economic sabotage.

”This reckless statement only exposes, yet again, the opposition’s chronic ignorance of basic economics and governance. Their loud opinions are rarely backed by facts, figures, or even a faint understanding of national policy direction.”

He said the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was not neglecting any port.

”The $1 billion investment in Lagos Deep Sea Port is part of a nationwide modernisation blueprint designed to transform Nigeria into West Africa’s premier maritime hub.

”It is not a Lagos project – it is a Nigeria project, attracting foreign direct investment from China Harbour Engineering Company and Singapore’s Tolaram Group, both of whom saw in President Tinubu’s vision a business environment worth their billions,” Oladejo further said.

Oladejo added: ”The same administration is executing the following: Onne Port modernisation, including equipment upgrade and digitalisation. Dredging of Calabar Port, to increase draft depth and accommodate larger vessels. Rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Port complex, under a new concessionary framework; and Warri Port corridor expansion, with new rail link integration to ease inland cargo movement.

”But of course, the opposition wouldn’t know this – they’re too busy tweeting ignorance and recycling talking points from the political dustbin.”

He noted that the $1 billion Lagos Port investment was not sabotage. ”It’s economic foresight. It’s about creating jobs, boosting exports and ending decades of inefficiency that made Nigerian ports some of the most expensive in Africa.”

Oladejo said the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first fully automated port, was already redefining port management, increasing turnaround time and boosting revenue to government coffers. ”It’s the kind of progress that threatens those whose only skill in politics is complaining without contributing.”

He added: ”The only sabotage here is the opposition’s attempt to weaponise regional sentiment against national progress. The tragedy is not that they don’t understand economics – it’s that they don’t care to learn.

”Although it is widely acknowledged that constructive intellectual engagement remains the major weak point of Mr. Peter Obi, he will do well to carry out in-depth research into any issue he wishes to put in the public domain.’

”This will help him avoid the legacy of generational embarrassment that comes from shallow, ill-informed commentary dressed up as economic analysis. Nigeria deserves leaders who think before they speak, not those who confuse populist sound bites for policy discourse.

”From the Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers, to the Ibom Port in Akwa Ibom, to the ongoing dredging and rehabilitation of Warri and Calabar ports – this administration’s commitment is holistic, inclusive and nationwide.

”That Lagos appears ahead is simply because vision meets execution here. President Tinubu’s leadership has always been about results, not rhetoric.

Unlike the opposition, which specialises in propaganda and excuses, APC builds what others only promise.”

Oladejo said those crying foul over the Lagos Port investment should first pick up a basic economic policy manual before embarrassing themselves further.

He said governance was driven by strategy, not sentiment, noting that President Tinubu and the APC remained focused on building a Nigeria that worked – one port, one project and one policy at a time.

”The opposition can continue to cry from the sidelines; the train of progress has already left the station.”

Despite relatively low crude oil price ($65.25/ barrel), the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) cost remains as high as N955 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because marketers purchased the product from a third party.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) National President, Abubakar Maigandi revealed this to The Nation on Wednesday.

According to him, marketers can only access the product through some private depots that get their allocation directly from Dangote refinery or importation.

The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote plant on June 15 announced its plan to distribute the product to end-users by August 15 with 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks.

Different unions in the downstream sector such as Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) protested the plan.

According to the groups, direct supply of petrol will eliminate the workers from the distribution value chain and cause unemployment.

They also cautioned that it could lead to a monopolistic market.

But as The Nation explored the petrol market in FCT yesterday, it was discovered that the pump prices had been steadily as high as N950 per litre to N960 per litre.

Asked on phone to account for the cause of the product, Maigandi said: ‘Independent marketers are not getting the product directly from Dangote. While some of us get theirs from private depots, the other ones get theirs through importation.’

He disclosed that PMS sold N877 per litre at the gantry of the Dangote Refinery yesterday.

The PETROAN National President, Dr Billy Hary blamed the high cost on the impasse the protest against Dangote Refinery sack of over 800 workers generated.

He said the market was yet to stabilise from the pressure on prices when the workers down tool in late September 2025.

Besides, he said it was however still hazy to ascertain why the hike has endured for a month.

His words: ‘The industry is still trying to settle down from the stakeholders’ and Dangote brouhaha.

‘One cannot actually pinpoint what has caused the hike.’

Speaking with The Nation on phone, NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Othman said he had been away and yet to get an update on the Dangote matter.

There was a drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out on the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies during an investigative hearing.

The drama unfolded when the Committee, chaired by Hon. Oboku Oforji, convened a session to examine JAMB’s 2023-2024 budget performance, implementation, remittances to the Federation Account, and bank statements.

The Committee had invited the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, to appear in person and present the documents.

However, the Registrar sent a Director, Mr. Muftar Bello, to represent him.

The atmosphere became tense shortly after the session began. When it was time for introductions, the JAMB representative insisted that members of the press should leave the meeting, claiming that the documents he was to present contained ‘sensitive information.’

The committee, however, objected to the demand, maintaining that its proceedings were public and that it was within its constitutional powers to determine how its sittings were conducted.

The JAMB official became visibly agitated and, in an unexpected turn, stood up, directed his team to follow and walked out of the session, leaving members of the committee stunned.

Angered by the action, the committee immediately directed the Clerk to summon the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the JAMB representative but he had already left the premises.

Reacting to the incident, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, described the walkout as ‘unfortunate and unacceptable,’ stressing that the legislature would not tolerate acts of disrespect or attempts to obstruct its oversight duties.

‘We wrote three consecutive letters to the Registrar of JAMB requesting these documents. To our surprise, the Registrar failed to appear, and instead sent a former Director of Finance and Accounts, who claimed the committee was out to embarrass them. That is very unfortunate,’ Oforji said.

He added that the committee’s intention was not to witch-hunt any government agency but to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

‘Our responsibility is to make sure that all agencies under our watch are accountable to Nigerians. We have no intention whatsoever to witch-hunt anyone,’ he stated.

The committee has given JAMB until next Tuesday for the Registrar to appear in person with his management team to present the requested documents.

‘Failure to do so will compel the committee to take necessary actions in line with the powers vested in us under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ the chairman warned.

Other members of the committee also reacted angrily to the development, describing JAMB’s conduct as a blatant show of disrespect to the National Assembly and, by extension, to the Nigerian people.

Member representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante said the walkout amounted to contempt of Parliament. He described the incident as ‘most unfortunate,’ warning that it set a dangerous precedent for accountability in governance.

‘If JAMB can walk out on a committee of the National Assembly, it means they no longer see themselves as accountable to Nigerians. Oversight is a constitutional duty. When an agency refuses to answer questions about public funds, Nigerians have every reason to suspect something is wrong,’ Abiante said.

The lawmaker added that JAMB’s posture raised doubts about the transparency of its financial dealings, recalling previous controversies over unremitted or missing funds in public offices.

‘We have heard of instances where snake or something swallowed money. So probably a bigger swallow may have happened, and they have not prepared themselves for the autopsy. It’s unfortunate. And if this is what we call democracy, I do not understand where we are headed. We have institutions that have chosen not to be responsible to other arms of government, especially one that is constitutionally mandated to ensure public resources are not wasted,’ he added.

Member representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency of Bayelsa State, Hon. Rodney Amboiowei, also faulted JAMB’s request for a closed-door session, insisting that it contradicted the principles of transparency expected of public institutions.

‘Public funds must be accounted for in the open. It is not JAMB’s right to dictate that a parliamentary session be held behind closed doors. This is how agencies get lawmakers into trouble. Nigerians deserve to know how their money is spent,’ he said.

The member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, Hon. Marie Enenimiete Ebikake questioned the identity of the official who led JAMB’s delegation, expressing dismay that the Registrar failed to attend the hearing in person.

She maintained that as a major revenue-generating agency, JAMB must be held accountable for its finances and operations, noting that the committee expected the Registrar to appear personally at the next session.

‘It’s even more embarrassing that the man who walked out was not the Registrar. We don’t even know who he is. We simply asked them to introduce themselves and they refused. For all we know, he could have been impersonated. Nigerians want to know what JAMB is doing with their money. The Registrar must appear before this committee by Tuesday to explain,’ Ebikake said.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

‘COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,’ she said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

‘Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born – to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,’ he said.

He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

‘As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Several persons have been injured in a clash between Hausa and Benin youths in Ogheghe community, Egor local government area of Edo State over the killing of a suspected yahoo boy identified as Chizi Benz.

Chizi Benz was said to have been stabbed to death by a Hausa youth of over a sour deal.

Details of the deal were not available as of press time.

The killing of Chidi Benz sparked outrage as youths stormed the streets with dangerous weapons in a revenge mission.

Sources said many ‘Abokis’ were injured in a reprisal attack while others fled for safety.

News of the killing spread to nearby communities of Uwelu along the Siluko Axis.

Hausa youths who do petty trading and rides okada closed their businesses and fled for safety.

Policemen who were deployed to the area fired tear gas to disperse the angry youths.

Edo Police Spokesman, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, promised to send detailed statement.

He was yet to do so as of press time.

The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that the Federal High Court issued an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate or prosecute the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The party’s Legal Adviser, Vigilus Nwankwo, described the claims as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the minister ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview monitored on Arise News, Nwankwo clarified that the court merely granted Amobi Ogah an order of leave, a procedural approval to apply for an order of mandamus, and not a substantive order directing INEC to act.

He said: ‘The court is yet to make any order compelling INEC. What was granted was only an order of leave for him to apply for an order of mandamus. He is yet to apply for that order, so it has not been granted.’

The APC legal adviser stated that the suit was part of a wider political scheme to weaken Onyejeocha’s growing influence within Abia politics, describing it as a pre-emptive move ahead of future elections.

‘All this tango is coming because of the future elections in 2027. The Minister is being targeted because she remains the face of the APC in Abia and enjoys strong grassroots support,’ Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo further maintained that the basis of the suit had already been settled during the 2023 election litigation process. He explained that both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal made no findings against Onyejeocha when Ogah challenged her election victory.

According to him, the present case amounts to issue estoppel, as it seeks to reopen a matter already determined by a competent court. He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to void the election was based on technical grounds, specifically the non-presentation of polling agents as witnesses, rather than any allegation of forgery.

Onyejeocha said she remains focused on her responsibilities in President Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will not be distracted by politically motivated claims.

It had been widely reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, leave to compel the INEC to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Onyejeocha, for alleged forgery of election results in 62 polling units during the 2023 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, in his ruling dated September 23, 2025, on an ex-parte motion brought by Ogah, said he was satisfied that the applicant had placed relevant materials in his affidavit to warrant the judgment.

Onyejeocha had dragged Ogah, representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal after the 2023 elections, claiming victory.

But Ogah accused her of forging the results she tendered before the tribunal and Onyejeocha eventually lost the case.