Category: Nigerian Tribune

Southern and Middle-Belt leaders have called for the presidency to remain in the Southern region in 2027 in order to promote peace and the political stability of Nigeria.

The leaders, who decried what they termed the ‘lack of internal democracy’ as witnessed during the primaries of the political parties, also warned against any move to scuttle multi-party democracy in the country ahead of the polls.

Their position was conveyed in a communique issued after the regular general meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by delegates from member organisations – Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) – to discuss ‘issues of particular concern to the Nigerian nation.’

Afenifere leader, Chief Oladipo Olaitan; PANDEF President, Ambassador Godknows Igali; Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; Bitrus Pogu; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, among others, attended the meeting.

Chief Olaitan conveyed the decisions of the group by reading the communique.

SMBLF reiterated its earlier resolution that the ‘position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall remain in the southern region in the next (four) 4 years consequent on the 2027 general elections in the interest of national political stability.’

On internal democracy, the leaders noted, ‘SMBLF decried lack of internal democracy as witnessed in the on-going primaries in all the political parties.

‘The essence of democracy is free choice by the people. The situation of one person or an oligarchy of a few choosing candidates in a political system that excludes independent candidates is antithetical to democracy and national development.

‘Nigeria shall remain a thriving multi-party constitutional democracy which also allows for independent candidacy.’

The leaders, while urging the judiciary to remain truly independent, pointed out the duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be the sole body to conduct fair, free and credible elections as well as provide proof of the winners.

‘SMBLF insists that the burden of proof of fair, free and credible elections should henceforth be borne by the Independent Electoral Commission,’ the leaders stressed.

The leaders declared full backing for state police but recommended that state governors must have the powers to appoint and remove State Commissioners of Police, just as the President retains the authority to appoint the Inspector-General of Police.

They demanded true federalism/restructuring of the country, which they said would be achieved through a new constitution accommodating the interests of all stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

The communique reads further, ‘SMBLF welcomes State Police, of which we have been the advocate of the years but insists that State Police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal-State Police.

‘To that end, State Governors shall have the same power to appoint or remove a Commissioner of Police as the President in relation to the Inspector-General of Police.

‘SMBLF insists on a new Constitution that reflects True Federalism and shall mobilise the people to vote for a Presidential Candidate that will give the people of Nigeria a new Constitution.’

The leaders acknowledged and commended recent efforts by the government and security agencies in parts of the country to strengthen security and reassure the citizenry of their safety.

‘SMBLF recognised and appreciated the renewed efforts and successes of the armed forces on the state of security, particularly in Oyo, Zamfara, Borno and urged renewed momentum in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi.

‘SMBLF calls on the Federal Government to intensify actions including collaboration with our neighbours and the international community,’ the leaders added.

THE Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU), the mouthpiece of the Southern Kaduna people, has urged the Kaduna State Police Command to take immediate and decisive action over the renewed killings of 30 people in one of the communities in the area.

In an open letter dated July 27 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, SOKAPU president, Engr. Tabara Samuel Kato, expressed concern over what he described as the worsening security situation in rural and farming communities.

The association said its appeal followed the early morning attack on Narido community in Kauru Local Government Area, where about 30 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries.

SOKAPU noted that the attack occurred despite repeated security assurances and ongoing engagements, warning that residents of Kajuru, Chikun, Kauru and Zangon Kataf local government areas continued to live in fear.

It said many families had been displaced from their ancestral communities, while armed criminal groups allegedly operated with increasing audacity.

The association called for a shift from what it described as reactive security responses to proactive, intelligence-driven policing.

Among its demands, SOKAPU urged the immediate deployment of Mobile Police and counter-terrorism units to vulnerable communities and forest corridors, intensified intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal camps, and sustained security patrols around farming communities to enable farmers to cultivate and harvest their crops without fear.

The group also appealed to the police to improve response to distress calls and strengthen public confidence through effective communication, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government.

The letter was copied to the Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, with SOKAPU urging security authorities to treat the appeal with urgency to prevent further loss of lives and displacement in Southern Kaduna.

Reacting to the security breach, the Kaduna State government condemned the killing of persons at Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area, a border community between Kaduna State and Ganawuri in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, noted that Governor Uba Sani commiserated with the families of the victims, prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased, and speedy recovery of the injured.

It noted that the government had directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to provide immediate relief and humanitarian support to affected families.

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in conjunction with National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), recently trained 500 farmers, including men and women on leafy vegetable (Amaranth, Celosia, Corchorus) production at Abigi town hall, Ogun waterside Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The training, also included the provision of agricultural equipment (knapsack sprayers, rainboots, farm coats, plastic crates) and starter pack (cash) for the participants to kick start the production of vegetables in their various communities.

The exercise focused on vegetables such as Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus production. Furthermore, economics of production of the selected leafy vegetables, marketing, as well as record keeping were considered during the training.

The aim of the event was to build the capacity of these farmers on production of the selected leafy vegetables to encourage diversification into horticultural crops production, especially the production of vegetables which are short duration crops and serve as a viable means of income.

The CEO/Executive Director of NIHORT, Professor Muhammed Lawal Attanda, represented by the Training Coordinator, Hort Consultancy Ventures Limited, Dr Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, stressed the economic importance of Amaranth, Celosia and Corchorus, as they are highly demanded by Nigerians and possess high nutritional, medicinal as well as industrial and commercial values.

He also brought to the knowledge of the participants, the high prospect in production of the leafy vegetables, and noted that it is imperative to create awareness of the farmers on improved production techniques of these vegetables.

The Executive Director implored participants to pay critical attention to all the modules to be taught in order to make the best use of this golden opportunity.

Honourable Abiodun Abudu-Balogun, represented by Rev. Banji Williams appreciated the participants for making out time to attend the capacity-building programme, encouraged them to make good use of the knowledge gained to their economic and health benefit.

Two of the participants: Mrs Oseni Musidat and Mr Bakare John, expressed gladness in being part of the training and empowerment programme. Mr John observed that the selected areas of training, leafy vegetable production was timely, due to the fact that cassava which is a prominent crop among them is experiencing low pricing due to glut.

THE Rivers State police command has confirmed the killing of a former chief security officer of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Letam Kine, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

Kine was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen along Polytechnic Road, Bori, Khana LGA, around 6p.m. on Sunday.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident to journalists, in Port Harcourt, on Monday.

Agabe said the assailants fled the scene before security operatives arrived, while the victim’s body was deposited in a mortuary.

She said the body would be preserved pending autopsy, as police launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

‘The Rivers State police command has launched a full investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice,’ she said.

Agabe urged Kine’s family to formally report the incident to the police to facilitate investigations and the administration of justice.

‘Reporting the matter to the police will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice,’ she added.

She reaffirmed the command’s commitment to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those connected with the killing.

Reacting to the incident, Khana Local Government Chairman, Chief Thomas Bariere, condemned the attack as a senseless act of violence.

Bariere described Kine’s murder as heartbreaking, saying such violence had no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.

He expressed concern that the killing occurred weeks after Mr Clement Deegbara of Kpong Community was also murdered.

‘The repeated attacks suggest the activities of armed criminal gangs determined to undermine peace and security in Khana LGA,’ he said.

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has released the final list of successful candidates for its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise into the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II).

Candidates can check their status by following these steps:

Visit the official NCS website: Nigeria Customs Service Recruitment Portal

Check the published final recruitment list or the list in selected national newspapers.

Successful candidates will also receive notifications through their registered email addresses and/or SMS.

What successful candidates should do next

After receiving a notification:

Log in to the NCS recruitment portal using your National Identification Number (NIN) or registered email address.

Upload a valid Medical Certificate of Fitness obtained from a government-recognised hospital.

The portal for uploading medical certificates will open on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, and candidates have one week to complete the process.

Candidates are also required to:

Update their current state of residence on the portal.

Accept the provisional offer of appointment by clicking the ‘Accept Offer’ button.

After completing these steps, successful applicants should await the issuance of their Trainee Identification Number (TIN), which will be communicated within one week. Further information on documentation, physical screening, dates, venues and other requirements will be announced through official NCS channels.

‘While we commend the efforts of the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, and security agencies that led to the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and teachers,

‘We demand that the Federal Government and the state governments where some Nigerians are still being held captive do everything possible to secure their release.

‘Nigeria continues to bleed from multiple crises. Beyond insecurity, Nigerians are confronted with economic hardship. Hyperinflation and the rising cost of food, fuel, and medicine have pushed millions into poverty.

‘Graduates and skilled youths have no jobs, fuelling hopelessness and brain drain.

‘Our hospitals lack drugs, schools lack teachers, and power supply remains epileptic. This erodes public confidence and invites impunity.

‘When INEC and other agencies pick and choose which court orders to obey, it undermines the entire democratic process.’

He called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently address these issues with sincerity and competence.

‘Democracy dies when institutions meant to protect it become lawbreakers. INEC cannot be the referee and still choose which court orders to obey. The world is watching. We will not rest until this injustice is reversed and the rule of law is restored.’

Meanwhile, Udeze accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to recognise his National Executive on the commission’s website, from where it was allegedly unlawfully removed, despite notifications sent on May 5, 2026, May 6, 2026, and July 22, 2026, through his lawyers following a court judgment.

According to him, the letter demanded immediate compliance by reinstating the list of the Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive on the commission’s website, from where it was allegedly unlawfully removed.

He said:

‘More than two months later, INEC has neither responded to the letter nor obeyed the judgments of the Court of Appeal, hence this world press conference.

‘I want the general public, the media, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to note that, before now, INEC recognised my leadership of AA based on various Court of Appeal judgments and has been dealing with my leadership as valid and authentic.

‘Shockingly, INEC illegally stopped recognising my Court of Appeal-affirmed AA leadership and chose to illegally and erroneously recognise one Adekunle Omoaje as National Chairman of Action Alliance, along with his group, who have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/CV/162/2024 between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and Ors v. Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and 3 Ors., challenging the Court of Appeal judgment in Annexure A above that recognises my leadership.

‘We refer the commission to Section 287(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which clearly states thus: ‘The decisions of the Court of Appeal shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Court of Appeal.’

‘We ask: How does a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who heads INEC, justify disobedience of valid, subsisting, and binding judgments and rulings of the Court of Appeal that recognise the leadership of Action Alliance under him?’

Environmental concerns are mounting in Azuzuama community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as Oando is yet to officially determine the cause of an oil spill more than two weeks after the incident occurred.

The spill, on an Oando pipeline, is believed to be the first reported incident since the company acquired the asset from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

According to the Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD), Oando, government regulators and community representatives have visited the site three times.

ECARD said the affected section of the pipeline was excavated, exposed and examined during the inspections.

However, the organisation said no official Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) report has identified the cause of the spill.

Residents of the community reportedly believe the spill resulted from equipment failure, although regulators have yet to confirm that conclusion.

It also raised concerns about a suspected underwater leak at another location within the affected area, warning that it could worsen the environmental damage.

Community leaders, including Community Development Committee (CDC) chairman, Pere Angasei, and vice chairman, Uyabara, expressed frustration over the delay in determining the cause of the spill.

They said residents remain patient, but are worried as crude oil continues to spread through mangrove swamps, threatening biodiversity and local livelihoods.

The leaders urged Oando and relevant regulatory agencies to return promptly, conclude their investigations and commence effective remediation.

The incident has revived painful memories of the 2015 Azuzuama pipeline tragedy.

In July 2015, 14 people, including officials of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment, were killed in a pipeline explosion during a joint investigation visit.

The victims had gathered to investigate an oil spill, when the explosion occurred, making it one of Nigeria’s deadliest oil spill investigation disasters.

ECARD’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Alagoa Morris, said the organisation will provide further updates as investigations continue.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that ‘politics is not a sin’ as he formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara back into the political fold, insisting that the governor had ‘no other choice’ than to return to the political family that brought him to power.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said Fubara’s decision to publicly align once again with his political camp was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

‘I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,’ the minister said.

‘Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.’

Responding to a question on whether the governor’s return amounted to forgiveness after months of political disagreements, Wike dismissed the notion of ‘sin’ in politics.

‘I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.’

He added that Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

‘He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.’

The minister spoke while leading senior officials of the FCT Administration on an inspection of major road projects, including the ongoing ISEX Road Corridor and the nearly completed Apo-Karshi Road, both regarded as strategic infrastructure expected to unlock development across large sections of the capital city.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, noting that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during the third anniversary commissioning of landmark infrastructure across the FCT.

‘This road was flagged off during the third anniversary commissioning. We came here today to assess the progress made since the flag-off, and as you can see, the contractor moved to site immediately after the ceremony,’ he said.

According to him, the contractor has assured the administration that the project will be ready for commissioning in December.

‘I believe them. They are committed to handing over this project by December. We will be very happy because this road will open up the entire area for development,’ he stated.

The minister also inspected the long-delayed ISEX Road project, describing it as one of the last major inherited infrastructure projects yet to be completed in the FCT.

Awarded in 2014, the 10-kilometre road, complete with interchanges, has remained unfinished through successive administrations.

Wike disclosed that the contractor had undertaken to complete six kilometres of the road and key interchanges before the end of the year, provided adequate funding is released.

‘We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the funds is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline,’ he explained.

He described the project as critical to the transformation of Abuja, saying discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue until the required funds are made available.

‘This project is very important to us because it will significantly change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.’

The minister said the near completion of the Apo-Karshi Road and the expected delivery of the ISEX Road would mark the fulfilment of one of the administration’s major promises – to complete inherited projects rather than abandon them.

‘The Access (ISEX) Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by a previous administration to be completed. Once we achieve that, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise to complete projects inherited from previous administrations instead of allowing them to become abandoned.’

Reflecting on the state of infrastructure when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, Wike recalled that abandoned projects littered the capital city, slowing development and denying residents essential infrastructure.

‘The FCT is the nation’s capital, and having abandoned projects everywhere does not present a good image. When we assumed office in 2023, abandoned projects were scattered across the territory. That situation slowed development, delayed infrastructure delivery and affected communities.’

He credited President Tinubu with directing that all inherited projects be completed to safeguard public investments.

‘President Tinubu directed that all inherited projects should be completed to ensure that public funds already invested are not wasted. That directive has brought us to where we are today.’

The minister stressed that continuity in governance, not the pursuit of personal legacy, defines responsible leadership.

‘Leadership requires continuity. Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy.’

With contractors making steady progress on site, Wike said the responsibility now rests with the government to meet its financial obligations and ensure that the projects are delivered as scheduled.

‘We are pleased with the progress the contractors are making. It is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so they can complete these projects on schedule.’

The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects, many of which are targeted for commissioning before the end of the year as the administration continues its drive to expand road connectivity, open up new districts and improve mobility within Nigeria’s capital.

The Nigeria Customs Service has released the final list of successful candidates in its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise for appointment to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II).

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada.

Maiwada advised candidates to visit the official NCS website or check selected national newspapers to confirm their status and obtain information on the next stage of the recruitment process.

He added that successful candidates would also receive instructions through their registered email addresses or SMS notifications.

According to him, candidates who receive the notification are required to log on to the designated website using their National Identification Number or registered email address to upload a valid medical certificate of fitness obtained from a government-recognised hospital.

‘The Service wishes to inform all successful candidates that the portal link for the upload of the Medical Certificates of Fitness, as referenced above, will be activated on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. Candidates are required to complete the upload process within one week from the date of activation of the portal. Candidates are also required to accurately update their current state of residence on the portal and formally accept the provisional offer of appointment by clicking the ‘Accept Offer’ button,’ Maiwada said.

He said successful candidates should also await the issuance of their Trainee Identification Number, which would be communicated within one week.

‘Further details regarding documentation and physical screening, including dates, venues, and requirements, will be communicated through official channels,’ he said.

Maiwada urged successful candidates to comply with all the instructions and complete each stage within the stipulated timelines.

He warned that failure to comply with any of the requirements or timelines could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and forfeiture of the provisional offer of appointment.

‘On behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service Board, the Comptroller-General of Customs congratulates all successful candidates on their success in the recruitment exercise and looks forward to welcoming them into the NCS as they commence a career dedicated to professionalism, integrity, and service to the nation,’ Maiwada stated.

The NCS began the recruitment exercise in 2024 to fill 3,927 vacancies across the Superintendent, Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The online application portal closed in January 2025 after candidates submitted their applications through the Service’s recruitment portal.

In May, the NCS opened its recruitment portal for shortlisted candidates to complete the final stage of the screening process.

One of the very few honest men appointed by the late President Mohammadu Buhari is Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede. He became the Chief Executive Officer of JAMB in 2016. His appointment was renewed for another five years in 2021. A decade of innovation, transparency and accountability. Oloyede rebranded the Federal Government agency to the envy of all.

Few months after his appointment he remitted billions of naira to government coffer, a feat seen as direct indictment on his predecessors. Yes! A total of 50 million naira was recorded as revenue by others before him. In those dark eras, snakes were alleged to swallow millions of naira while scratch cards were being recycled.

Not only did Oloyede generate revenue; he reduced the cost of UTME fees for candidates. He also did not stand on the neck of government for allocation. He introduced innovations that help to reduce examination malpractices to the barest minimum.

A good leader who owns up to errors. It happened in the 2025 JAMB/UTME when glitch caused unanticipated error. Oloyede wept as he spoke on the issue. Adjustments were later made to correct the error. Professor Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede is leaving JAMB better than he met it. He is ‘Probitas doctrina’- better by far.

Interestingly, that’s the motto of the University of Ilorin where he served as a two-term Vice Chancellor.

As we are thanking Oloyede for a job well done, we want to charge the new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina to raise the bar of achievements.