Category: Nigerian Tribune

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, has stated that the suit filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja to prevent ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in 2027 is ‘an abuse of court process.’

The senior lawyer made this known on Tuesday, while being interviewed on Arise TV’s Morning Show.

‘An abuse of court process is when you want to relitigate a case or an issue that has already been settled by a court of competent jurisdiction,’ he said.

He added that Jonathan’s qualification or disqualification has already been adjudicated in Yenegoa, and since ‘nobody has taken that issue on appeal . until that judgment is set aside, it remains what the law is.’

Maduabuchi said any party who takes that settled issue to a court of coordinate jurisdiction is simply ‘abusing the process of the court’ and branded such action as one by ‘a busy body.’

He observed that what controls any situation is the law in force ‘when the act in issue was done,’ asking whether Section 1373 existed in 2010 when Jonathan took the oath of office.

He said the law only came into effect in 2018 and ‘when Goodluck Jonathan was taking the oath of office . there was no statutory limitation . which could inhibit him from running his constitutionally guaranteed two terms.’

He questioned whether Jonathan swore any oath after the amendment of 1373 and likened attempts to apply a later law earlier to punishing someone under a law that did not exist when the act occurred.

He recalled that judges’ retirement age was formerly 65, then changed to 70, and asked if a judge who had retired just before that change would sue to be reinstated under the new law.

He emphasised that law demands certainty, and noted that ‘in 2011 and 2010, when Goodluck Jonathan swore the oath . Prohibition of 1372 was not in existence. It was not binding on him.’

He said no ‘pyrotechnic’ argument can breathe existence into a law that did not exist.

He further referenced a case in the Federal Court of Appeal which affirmed that Jonathan had the right to run and one cannot apply retrospective laws to him.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed his readiness to work with the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to drive the state’s development, particularly in infrastructure.

The governor made this known while briefing journalists in Benin City on the progress of various projects across the state.

Okpebholo said most of the ongoing projects in different parts of the state have reached about 80 percent completion, adding that some would be completed soon.

He said he is committed to delivering infrastructure that will improve the lives of Edo residents, including roads, schools, and other essential facilities.

According to him, ‘Most of the projects in Edo State are close to completion and will soon be visible to everyone for the betterment of residents of the state. We are here for the people of Edo State and we are poised to deliver dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.’

The governor also raised concern over the alleged encroachment on land meant for the Edo Specialist Hospital, saying a large portion has been taken over by the owner of the Museum of West African Arts, leaving only about 20 percent for the state government.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kano has ordered the remand of popular TikToker, Ashiru Idris, widely known as Mai Wushirya, at a correctional centre for allegedly posting indecent videos involving a dwarf woman on social media.

The order, given in a case presided over by Magistrate Halima Wali of Court No. 7, directed that the social media influencer be kept in custody for two weeks pending further hearing.

It will be recalled that officials of the Kano State Censorship Board arrested Mai Wushirya last week after videos of him shirtless and engaging in what authorities described as ‘immoral and demeaning acts’ went viral online.

The Censorship Board maintained that the clips breached the state’s censorship laws, which prohibit the production, posting, or circulation of obscene or sexually suggestive content.

While speaking to the press after the court session, the Board’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abdullahi Sani Sulaiman, confirmed that the court also ordered the appearance of the woman featured in the controversial video.

He added, ‘The court has also ordered his partner to appear in court before the hearing continues. Even before we arraigned him, we tried to get him to cooperate with us to locate her, but he refused. However, now that the court has ordered it, I’m sure we will be successful in bringing her.’

Sulaiman further disclosed that investigations suggest the woman may have fled to Zamfara State, but efforts are ongoing to track her down and bring her back to Kano to face trial alongside the TikToker.

He also stated that ‘the next hearing is expected to be held after the two-week remand period.’

It will also be recalled that Kano State has in recent times intensified its crackdown on social media content creators accused of promoting immorality or violating the state’s censorship laws.

Accordingly, several TikTokers, skit makers, and musicians have been arrested or sanctioned for producing or sharing content deemed offensive to public morals under the state’s censorship regulatory framework.

Athletic Bilbao has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Linebet for the 2025/26 season, granting Linebet the prestigious status of Official Regional Partner in Africa. This collaboration highlights not only Linebet’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global sports betting and entertainment industry but also its commitment to cooperating with clubs that value their traditions and unique cultural identities. For Linebet, the agreement is an important milestone in its long-term strategy to become a trustworthy and recognizable sports brand worldwide.

Athletic Club, known globally as Athletic Bilbao, has been a symbol of Spanish football since its foundation in 1898. The club has achieved multiple championship titles over its rich history and continues to compete at the very highest level of La Liga. Remarkably, Bilbao is one of just three Spanish clubs that have never been relegated from the top division, standing alongside Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. What makes the team even more distinctive is its unwavering dedication to the Basque philosophy, which emphasizes developing and nurturing local talent. This tradition has not only preserved the club’s cultural heritage but also earned it respect across Europe as a unique and authentic football institution.

For Linebet, choosing to partner with a team like Athletic Bilbao reflects the company’s vision of blending modern sports innovation with respect for heritage. The African market is currently one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regions for sports engagement, offering significant opportunities for expansion. Through this partnership, Linebet will be able to reach new audiences, connect with passionate football fans, and create exclusive experiences designed especially for supporters of Athletic Club in Africa. These experiences will go far beyond standard sponsorship activations, aiming instead to strengthen the emotional bond between the fans and their beloved team.

African supporters of Athletic Bilbao can expect a wide range of unique initiatives, from special promotions and interactive campaigns to digital content and fan-centered programs. These activities will not only bring fans closer to the club but will also give them an opportunity to experience elements of Basque traditions and culture, which are central to the identity of Athletic Bilbao. In this way, the partnership is designed to be more than just a commercial collaboration – it will serve as a cultural bridge, connecting two continents through football.

At the same time, Linebet continues to demonstrate consistency in its sponsorship strategy by maintaining partnerships with other prominent figures and organizations in world football. Among its notable collaborations are the ongoing relationship with French club AS Monaco and the association with former French international and football legend Djibril Cissé. These partnerships underline Linebet’s ambition to combine traditional sporting values with innovative approaches to fan engagement, ultimately building a sense of unity among football enthusiasts worldwide.

The partnership between Athletic Bilbao and Linebet represents a new chapter in both organizations’ journeys. For Bilbao, it is an opportunity to expand its global presence while staying true to its cultural roots. For Linebet, it is a chance to strengthen its reputation as a dependable brand that respects tradition while embracing innovation. Together, they aim to create meaningful connections with fans, both in Africa and around the world, making the 2025/26 season one filled with new possibilities, excitement, and shared passion for the beautiful game.

THE Federal Government has launched a Digital Platform for Applicable Fees in Diving Operations within Nigerian Territorial Waters, a move the Ministry of Labour and Employment described as a groundbreaking step toward strengthening regulation, safety, and professionalism in the country’s diving sector.

The official launch and awareness workshop held in Abuja brought together key industry stakeholders and regulators.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu A. Usman, said the digital platform represents a ‘significant milestone’ in Nigeria’s effort to align its diving operations with global standards while safeguarding the lives and welfare of professional divers.

Dr. Usman highlighted the importance of the diving sector to Nigeria’s economy, noting that professional divers play crucial roles in offshore oil and gas, maritime operations, underwater construction, and salvage activities. He described diving as one of the most challenging and high-risk professions in the country, underscoring the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.

According to him, the Ministry is introducing the digital platform as part of broader policy reforms to tighten regulation and promote transparency. He described the new platform as more than just a technological tool, saying it embodies a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and, most importantly, the safety of every diver.

He explained that the digital system will simplify compliance processes, promote efficiency, and enable real-time monitoring of diving activities across Nigerian waters. The reform, he added, will ensure that every diver and operator adheres to prescribed safety standards while eliminating bottlenecks associated with manual oversight.

As part of the new measures, the Permanent Secretary announced that the Foreign Labour Card will no longer apply to professional divers working within Nigeria’s territorial waters. In its place, divers will now be issued a Nigerian Diving Labour Card through the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.

Dr. Usman also drew attention to the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations 2018, which require all professional divers to register with the recognized National Association of Professional Divers. The policy, he said, aims to unify practitioners, strengthen operational standards, and give divers a collective voice in policy and regulatory matters.

Emphasising the importance of capacity building, Dr. Usman stressed that competence and training remain the foundation of safety in the industry. ‘Only through continuous training can we ensure our professionals meet national and international standards,’ he said, calling on contractors, operators, and training institutions to fully embrace the Ministry’s reform agenda.

He expressed optimism that the digital initiative and associated regulatory measures would transform Nigeria’s diving sector into a globally respected and safety-driven profession. ‘Together, we can build a diving industry that stands as a model of excellence. This is not just a digital reform, it is a step toward a safer, stronger, and more respected diving profession in Nigeria,’ he concluded.

Also speaking, the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Mrs. Florence Owie, explained that the new regulation is driven by the need to protect the lives of divers and ensure proper monitoring of diving activities. ‘Divers are people whose work takes them beneath the waters, and the hazards they face are numerous. That’s why we must monitor and ensure safety,’ she said. ‘If you are a diver, you must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.’

She emphasised that the Ministry’s oversight will extend to certifying divers’ competence and verifying the safety of equipment used for underwater work. ‘We have lost many lives in that industry, and we want to protect them,’ Owie added.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Association of Professional Divers of Nigeria (APDN), Mr. Jackson Oreme, commended the government for the initiative, describing it as a major step that will give the Nigerian diving industry global recognition and credibility. ‘The Divers at Work Regulation seeks to ensure that the regulation of the industry in Nigeria is recognized globally and respected in the country. Many Nigerians are practicing diving, and some are doing it in an unsafe manner, which has exposed many to fatalities and accidents,’ he said.

Oreme noted that enforcement of the regulations and the partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment are vital to professionalizing the sector. ‘This means that we have strong government backing in the regulation of the industry. This regulation will be the backbone of safe and regulated diving practice in Nigeria because all divers are expected to adhere to its stipulations,’ he stated.

In a significant effort to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has provided approximately 250 citizens in Gombe State with a free skills acquisition programme.

The convocation, held at the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation headquarters in Pantami district, marked the successful completion of a batch of training designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills.

The initiative aims to create a generation of job creators rather than seekers. The beneficiaries, selected on merit from the 11 LGAs in Gombe, were awarded certificates and given start-up tools to launch individual workshop.

A statement by PIP Foundation official, Prof Suleiman Mohammed, indicated that the training covered practical smartphone repair, alongside cutting-edge modules in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The extensive curriculum also included mentorship sessions that focused on developing the youths’ entrepreneurial mindset and boosting their confidence as they prepare to establish sustainable businesses.

‘This programme is an ongoing national effort; the training will continue in batches across several Nigerian states. Bauchi State is likely to be the next focus of attention,’ Mohammed disclosed.

The graduation was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its impact on the community. The excited participants applauded Pantami for the transformative scheme and prayed that Allah reward him abundantly.

The District Head of Pantami, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, commended the former minister, whom he referred to by his traditional title of Waziri Pantami. ‘Our district is proud to have a son of his calibre,’ he said.

Other notable attendees included the Sarkin Malaman Gombe, Alhaji Ahmad Walama; Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, a cross-section of academics, politicians, community and religious leaders.

THE Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has said voters across the North and the South will reject President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027.

Reacting to a recent statement by the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the South West coordinator of GHSM, Alhaji Abass Olaniyi, said the party’s ‘usual arrogance and false sense of invincibility’ will once again lead to its downfall at the polls.

‘In 2023, it was in this same manner that the Lagos APC dismissed opposition elements as ‘online politicians,’ only to lose the presidential election in Lagos to the very people they mocked,’ Abass stated.

‘The APC not only lost the presidential election in Lagos State, but Tinubu also lost across Southern Nigeria. He was merely rescued by the APC in Northern Nigeria, a base that has now completely evaporated,’ he added.

It said the northern bloc that supported President Tinubu in 2023 has since ‘fractured beyond repair’ due to what it described as the catastrophic economic and security failures of his administration.

Abass criticised the APC’s economic management, accusing the party of presiding over a decade-long collapse that ‘defies logic.’

‘For 10 years under APC leadership, Nigeria’s economy has suffered a collapse that defies logic. The economy has shrunk by almost 50 percent within a decade, an economic disaster unprecedented in Nigerian history.

‘Not even during military rule, nor in the civil war era, did the nation experience this depth of economic devastation,’ he said.

The movement said the APC administration has failed woefully in addressing insecurity, despite campaigning on the promise to end insurgency in the North East.

He described the Tinubu administration as ‘synonymous with hunger, poverty, and hopelessness,’ adding that the people of Nigeria can no longer be deceived by propaganda or empty promises.

Olaniyi emphasised that the 2027 general elections would not be determined by regional loyalty or political coercion, but by the people’s lived realities.

‘With the decapitation of the APC in the North and its dismal record in office, no amount of coercion or conscription of Southern State chief executives into its fold can offer it a pathway out of comprehensive defeat in 2027,’ he said.

‘The South West electorate is far too educated and progressive to reward monumental failure with another term simply because President Tinubu hails from the region,’ he added.

Responding to the APC’s mockery of Dr Gbenga Hashim, Abass drew a parallel with former President Muhammadu Buhari, who contested four times before achieving victory.

‘President Buhari, whose burial site President Tinubu is now clutching to like a political totem for the 2027 election, contested four good times before becoming victorious. The time for victory in the race of life is in the hand of God, and it is our firm belief that 2027 is the time of Dr Gbenga Hashim by the Grace of God,’ he declared.

The GHSM maintained that Gbenga Hashim’s ideology of responsible governance and people-centered politics has become the new hope for millions of Nigerians disillusioned by the deceit and manipulation of the Tinubu political structure.

The movement stated that the 2027 elections will not be a contest of propaganda, but a referendum on competence, truth, and genuine development.

‘The people have seen through the deceit. No political marketing can sell hardship as progress anymore. Gbenga Hashim will not only emerge as the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027; he will defeat Bola Tinubu and restore Nigeria to the path of justice, prosperity, and national unity,’ the group said.

THE Federal Government has launched a Digital Platform for Applicable Fees in Diving Operations within Nigerian Territorial Waters, a move the Ministry of Labour and Employment described as a groundbreaking step toward strengthening regulation, safety, and professionalism in the country’s diving sector.

The official launch and awareness workshop held in Abuja brought together key industry stakeholders and regulators.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu A. Usman, said the digital platform represents a ‘significant milestone’ in Nigeria’s effort to align its diving operations with global standards while safeguarding the lives and welfare of professional divers.

Dr. Usman highlighted the importance of the diving sector to Nigeria’s economy, noting that professional divers play crucial roles in offshore oil and gas, maritime operations, underwater construction, and salvage activities. He described diving as one of the most challenging and high-risk professions in the country, underscoring the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.

According to him, the Ministry is introducing the digital platform as part of broader policy reforms to tighten regulation and promote transparency. He described the new platform as more than just a technological tool, saying it embodies a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and, most importantly, the safety of every diver.

He explained that the digital system will simplify compliance processes, promote efficiency, and enable real-time monitoring of diving activities across Nigerian waters. The reform, he added, will ensure that every diver and operator adheres to prescribed safety standards while eliminating bottlenecks associated with manual oversight.

As part of the new measures, the Permanent Secretary announced that the Foreign Labour Card will no longer apply to professional divers working within Nigeria’s territorial waters. In its place, divers will now be issued a Nigerian Diving Labour Card through the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.

Dr. Usman also drew attention to the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations 2018, which require all professional divers to register with the recognized National Association of Professional Divers. The policy, he said, aims to unify practitioners, strengthen operational standards, and give divers a collective voice in policy and regulatory matters.

Emphasising the importance of capacity building, Dr. Usman stressed that competence and training remain the foundation of safety in the industry. ‘Only through continuous training can we ensure our professionals meet national and international standards,’ he said, calling on contractors, operators, and training institutions to fully embrace the Ministry’s reform agenda.

He expressed optimism that the digital initiative and associated regulatory measures would transform Nigeria’s diving sector into a globally respected and safety-driven profession. ‘Together, we can build a diving industry that stands as a model of excellence. This is not just a digital reform, it is a step toward a safer, stronger, and more respected diving profession in Nigeria,’ he concluded.

Also speaking, the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Mrs. Florence Owie, explained that the new regulation is driven by the need to protect the lives of divers and ensure proper monitoring of diving activities. ‘Divers are people whose work takes them beneath the waters, and the hazards they face are numerous. That’s why we must monitor and ensure safety,’ she said. ‘If you are a diver, you must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.’

She emphasised that the Ministry’s oversight will extend to certifying divers’ competence and verifying the safety of equipment used for underwater work. ‘We have lost many lives in that industry, and we want to protect them,’ Owie added.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Association of Professional Divers of Nigeria (APDN), Mr. Jackson Oreme, commended the government for the initiative, describing it as a major step that will give the Nigerian diving industry global recognition and credibility. ‘The Divers at Work Regulation seeks to ensure that the regulation of the industry in Nigeria is recognized globally and respected in the country. Many Nigerians are practicing diving, and some are doing it in an unsafe manner, which has exposed many to fatalities and accidents,’ he said.

Oreme noted that enforcement of the regulations and the partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment are vital to professionalizing the sector. ‘This means that we have strong government backing in the regulation of the industry. This regulation will be the backbone of safe and regulated diving practice in Nigeria because all divers are expected to adhere to its stipulations,’ he stated.

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, has joined the global community in marking this year’s Customer Service Week, themed ‘Mission: Possible.’

The annual celebration, which recognizes service excellence and customer appreciation, provided CSCS an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to innovation, resilience, and customer satisfaction – values that have defined its leadership in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, HarunaJalo-Waziri, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, expressed gratitude to customers and employees alike for their unwavering trust and dedication.

‘Our impressive achievements are only made possible by your unflinching faith in our audacious mission to revolutionize the Nigerian capital market,’ Jalo-Waziri said. ‘As we celebrate our esteemed customers, I also appreciate my colleagues, whose empathy and dedication continue to make real positive changes in serving our customers and the market at large,’ he said.

This year’s Customer Service Week celebration comes on the heels of several transformative digital initiatives by CSCS, which have strengthened efficiency, transparency, and access across Nigeria’s capital market.

Among these innovations is RegConnect Version 2, an upgraded registrar platform featuring real-time data validation, omnichannel transaction capabilities, and seamless API integration to enhance operational reliability. CSCS also launched the Custodian Portal, a secure and user-centric interface that simplifies portfolio and trade management, document tracking, and share transfers for custodians.

Further expanding financial inclusion, CSCS, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, introduced the *7270# USSD Code Service, enabling investors to check account balances, stock positions, and Direct Cash Settlement (DCS) status directly from their mobile phones, even without internet access.

Jalo-Waziri emphasized that these innovations reflect CSCS’s continued drive to ‘make the impossible possible,’ underscoring its strategic role in deepening investor confidence and digital transformation within the capital market.

The organization also highlighted the importance of its employees, whose professionalism ensures seamless clearing, settlement, and market access for millions of investors locally and internationally.

As Nigeria’s capital market prepares for its transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in November 2025, CSCS reaffirmed its readiness to deliver world-class services aligned with global standards, further cementing its position as a key enabler of market growth and efficiency.

With over two decades of service, CSCS remains pivotal to the Nigerian capital market’s evolution, from the dematerialization of share certificates to the modernization of post-trade infrastructure.

Licensed and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), CSCS serves as the central depository for a wide range of securities including equities, corporate and sub-national bonds, mutual funds, and commodities.

Through a mix of cutting-edge digital platforms, web and mobile applications, and a responsive customer service framework, CSCS continues to deliver on its mission to enhance market trust, investor accessibility, and service excellence.

A federal lawmaker from Lagos State, Honourable Adesola Adedayo, has said the ongoing voter registration exercise is crucial to favourable outcome in the 2027 elections.

The medical doctor, representing Apapa federal constituency also tied the expected success of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election project to the exercise in the state and nationally.

He appealed to chieftains of his All Progressives Congress (APC) to massively mobilise the grassroots for the President, starting with getting those constitutionally-qualified to vote, to register.

Adedayo, a former two-term chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA disclosed that he has been on the field with his team since the commencement of the exercise, mobilising his base and constituents to go out and register.

The first-termer in the National Assembly stated that his involvement with the grassroots mobilisation has shown him that there are countless potential Tinubu voters in the state who just need to be guided through the process of being able to vote in 2027.

Describing the President as a wartime leader in the mould of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Julius Caesar, Saladin, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower, the lawmaker explained that apart from the insecurity gripping the country, which is almost at war-front proportion, the President is also fighting economic battles to rescue the commonwealth from cannibals sucking it for decades.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, saying that at the President’s age and the quantum of material blessings he has received from God, what is paramount to him now is a legacy of service to his fatherland.

He assured the Nigerian leader will deliver, noting, ‘I remember when he became Lagos governor and in the early days, some people were shouting just like now, that he wasn’t shaping up as expected. But they usually forget Asiwaju is a strategist. He just doesn’t do things, particularly in governance and politics because he knows people’s lives are at stake. Then his strategic governance delivery kicked in, in Lagos and everybody began to hail him, including the early-day critics.’