Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Anti-Fake Lawyers Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Udu Branch, Delta State, has arrested a man for impersonating a legal practitioner at the Orhuwhorun Magistrates’ Court.

The suspect, U. T. Oghenetejiri, was caught during proceedings for a criminal case where he was attempting to represent a client.

He was exposed after being unable to respond to a direct query from the presiding Magistrate, causing him to flee the courtroom before being detained.

Edmund Odohisi, Chairman of the NBA Udu Branch, explained that the association had launched an investigation following prior complaints.

‘The integrity of the legal profession is paramount,’ Odohisi stated. ‘Our committee took swift action to apprehend the individual upon his appearance in court.’

Following the arrest, it was discovered that Oghenetejiri had allegedly been running a legal practice from an office on Jakpa Road in Effurun.

Preliminary findings indicate he used a forged stamp and seal to prepare legal documents, including deeds of transfer.

Official verification confirmed that Oghenetejiri never attended law school and is not enrolled to practise law in Nigeria.

The incident has prompted calls for increased vigilance within the judicial system.

The NBA Udu Branch has urged the public to verify the credentials of their legal representatives and report any suspicious activity.

The suspect has been handed over to the police and is being held at the Ovwian Police Station pending arraignment.

Celebrating 25th of its existence, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed readiness to remain resolute in the protection, projection and promotion of northern interests and values at all times.

The chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Dalhatu Wazirin Dutse, stated this when he led other members of the ACF on a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris, at the Government House, Birnin-Kebbi.

Dalhatu Dutse told the governor that the Forum was established in 2000, which will be celebrated between October 20 and 22 in Kaduna.

‘Primarily, the ACF was created to champion Northern interests in economic and social sectors, even politics, but we remain non partisan. We have a keen interest in politics, especially issues affecting the north.

‘The ACF has made tremendous progress in the fulfilment of its mandate. It has recorded successes in safeguarding the wellbeing of Northern Nigeria,’ he said.

Responding, Governor Idris, said that Kebbi will do everything possible to support ACF in whatever way necessary, adding that whenever they need assistance he should be contacted.

‘Most Northern governors are my good friends, we will synergise among ourselves to forge ahead with the development of the region,’ he assured.

Osun State, located in South-West Nigeria, is widely regarded as the cradle of Yoruba culture. With its rich history, sacred sites, and vibrant festivals, the state is a top destination for cultural tourism and spiritual heritage. Visitors are drawn not only to its UNESCO World Heritage sites but also to its serene natural landscapes and artistic traditions.

Here are five must-visit attractions in Osun State:

1. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is one of the last surviving sacred forests in Yoruba culture. Situated on the outskirts of Osogbo, it is dedicated to Osun, the goddess of fertility. The grove features shrines, sculptures, and artworks created by the Austrian artist Susanne Wenger and local artisans. It is also the venue for the world-famous Osun-Osogbo Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

2. Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (Olumirin Waterfalls)

Located in Erin-Ijesha, the Olumirin Waterfalls is a breathtaking natural wonder. The seven-step waterfall cascades down rugged rocks, offering visitors a refreshing adventure and a scenic environment. Hiking to the upper levels is both challenging and rewarding, with spectacular views of the surrounding forest.

3. Nike Art Centre, Osogbo

Osogbo is known as a hub of art and culture, and the Nike Art Centre stands as one of its most prominent landmarks. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, the gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Nigerian art, including textiles, beadwork, and paintings. It is a must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

4. Oke-Ila Orangun Mountain

Tucked away in Oke-Ila, this mountain resort offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, panoramic views, and serene natural surroundings. The resort also highlights local traditions and serves as a getaway for those seeking peace away from the bustle of city life.

5. Osun-Osogbo Festival

While not a permanent site, the Osun-Osogbo Festival deserves mention as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events. Held every August, it celebrates the goddess Osun and attracts tourists, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The festival combines colorful processions, traditional rituals, music, and dance, a true showcase of Yoruba spirituality and heritage.

Nurses and midwives at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, have suspended their strike following the intervention of Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde.

The health workers, who had downed tools over welfare-related grievances, announced the suspension after Governor Makinde paid a personal visit to the hospital, where he met with management, unions, and professional bodies.

During the visit, the governor approved an additional ?35 million to the hospital’s monthly subvention and ordered the phased payment of accumulated promotion and minimum wage arrears. He also directed the integration of non-staff personnel into the hospital’s workforce to ensure equity and inclusiveness.

Makinde further pledged to immediately constitute a Governing Council for the institution and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complete the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo before leaving office.

In a joint statement signed by Unit Chairman, Comrade Ojewumi Olutayo, and Unit Secretary, Comrade Adedokun Foluwake, the nurses hailed Makinde as a ‘compassionate and visionary leader’ whose actions had restored confidence in the system.

‘These measures not only address our immediate welfare demands but also lay the foundation for long-term stability and growth within the institution,’ the statement read.

Following a congress held on Friday, October 3, the LAUTECH nurses formally resolved to suspend their strike, with full services resuming immediately.

‘This gesture is not only in recognition of the governor’s magnanimity but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering quality healthcare to the people,’ the statement added.

Governor Makinde’s intervention is the latest in a series of direct engagements with health workers, underscoring his administration’s approach of dialogue and prompt action in addressing labour disputes.

Former Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adigun Hammed-Abiodun, has urged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide all members of the party with a level playing field in the forthcoming congresses to improve governance in Oyo.

He maintained that internal democracy and unity remain the keys to the party’s success in future elections and effective governance in Oyo.

Speaking during a media interaction in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Hon. Adigun expressed confidence that the APC has the structure, grassroots support, and credibility to reclaim power in Oyo come 2027, but only if the party leadership prioritises fairness, inclusiveness, and reconciliation among aggrieved members.

Adigun noted: ‘We have what it takes to win Oyo in 2027, but that can only happen if we put our house in order for better governance in Oyo.

‘If the national and state leaderships ensure transparency in the congresses and allow the people to freely choose their leaders without imposition, then victory is certain.’

He added that many loyal APC members in Oyo State had been sidelined in recent years, leading to disenchantment and defections, but stressed that the time had come for genuine reconciliation and re-strategising ahead of the next general elections.

Hon. Adigun also called on party elders, stakeholders, and aspirants to put personal ambition aside and work collectively in the interest of the party and the people of Oyo State to ensure good governance in Oyo.

‘We must learn from our past mistakes. The people of Oyo are watching, and they want a focused, united alternative to the current administration. APC can be that alternative if we play our cards right,’ he concluded.

AS the tenure of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws to a close, public attention is shifting not only to his legacy, but also on renewed calls on the mode of appointment of the leadership of the electoral body. Yakubu, who steps down in November after a decade at the helm, is leaving behind a commission transformed by technology, institutional reforms, and expanded voter access. Yet his tenure has also been dogged by controversies especially during the 2023 general election. Indeed, some stakeholders are questioning whether the credibility of future elections can be guaranteed without restructuring how the INEC chairman and commissioners are appointed. Even so, potential candidates nominated to succeed Yakubu as chairman of INEC are reportedly being interviewed and vetted ahead of President Tinubu’s consultations with the Council of State. ‘The President will soon convene a Council of State meeting where he will present the names to the council. It is a constitutional requirement,’ argues a source. There are speculations that President Tinubu will likely nominate Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law scholar, as the next INEC Chairman. Amupitan, a professor of law at the University of Jos, is known for his expertise in constitutional jurisprudence, human rights, and democratic governance.

However, civil society groups and election monitors insist that presidential appointments compromise the independence of the commission. At a roundtable in Abuja last week, Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the International Press Centre (IPC), and 12 other organisations unveiled a Citizens Memorandum for Reform of the Electoral Legal Framework. The document recommends amending Sections 154 and 158 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Part F of the Third Schedule, to introduce a multi-stakeholder approach to the appointment of INEC leadership. ‘The scope of consultations should expand beyond the Council of State to other critical stakeholders like traditional and religious institutions, including civil society,’ the groups said in a joint statement. The memorandum outlines 37 recommendations across 15 strategic objectives. Of these, 21 require constitutional amendments, while 16 relate to the Electoral Act 2022.

According to Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, ‘Elections are only as credible as the institutions that manage them. If the president continues to wield the power to appoint, it undermines the neutrality of INEC in the eyes of the public.’ Despite these concerns, analysts acknowledge that Yakubu has advanced electoral management in Nigeria. Under his watch, INEC rolled out the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for biometric voter authentication and introduced the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time. ‘The IReV is Prof. Yakubu’s brainchild. It was designed to digitise Form EC60E that was often destroyed at polling units,’ said Austin Aigbe, Regional Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. ‘Unfortunately, technical glitches during the 2023 elections eroded the credibility of an otherwise progressive innovation.’ Yakubu championed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which added over 12 million new voters-mostly young people-to the register, raising the total to a record 93 million. INEC expanded polling units by more than 56,000, easing congestion in urban and rural areas alike.

‘INEC under Yakubu made genuine attempts to broaden participation of marginalised groups,’ Aigbe added. ‘But perception issues overshadowed many of these gains.’ Another milestone was Yakubu’s role in pushing for the passage of the Electoral Act 2022. The law authorised the use of technology in elections, extended timelines for candidate nominations, and empowered INEC to review results declared under duress within seven days. That amendment was inspired by the 2019 Imo North senatorial election,’ Aigbe explained. ‘For the first time, INEC had the power to intervene in cases of coercion before the courts got involved.’But as Yakubu bows out, opinions still remain divided. Some analysts point to his institutional reforms and technological innovations as a foundation for future progress, while critics highlight persistent logistical lapses, technical failures, and some mistrust in election outcomes. ‘Yakubu moved the commission forward in many ways,’ said a constitutional lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu. ‘But what good are reforms if the public no longer believes in the results?’ For reform advocates, the debate over Yakubu’s legacy has sharpened the urgency of insulating INEC from political control. ‘The real issue is not just who chairs INEC after Yakubu,’ Itodo stressed, ‘but how that person is appointed. Without that reform, Nigerians will continue to question the integrity of our elections.’ As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, the story of INEC remains one of promise and paradox.

Yakubu’s era delivered important reforms, but also exposed the limits of technology in the absence of political will and institutional trust. The incoming INEC Chairman now has the task of consolidating those gains while navigating the legitimacy crisis that has dogged the commission.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says Nigeria’s non-oil export rose to $1.791 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation exercise organised for sesame seed farmers on Thursday in Dutse, Jigawa.

The theme of the workshop was: ‘A Tactical Involvement for Enhancing the Production Capacity of Sesame Seed in Jigawa State.’

Represented by Okany Chika Sylvia, Chief Trade Promotion Officer, NEPC, Ayeni said the export value represented a 24.75 per cent increase compared to 19.59 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

She noted that non-oil export performance in 2024 indicated that sesame seed ranked third among the top 20 export products, amounting to 337,825.8 metric tonnes, representing 4.63 per cent of total exports.

‘Nigeria can obtain a significant share in the enormous forex from sesame seed export in the global market,’ she said.

Ayeni stressed the need to enhance the nation’s sesame yields and production to maximise export potential along the value chain.

In her presentation, Sylvia recalled that Nigeria’s sesame seed export to Japan between 2019 and 2021 was allegedly threatened due to the discovery of excess pesticide residue and salmonella.

‘The offshoot of this discovery was raised by the Japan Oil and Fat Importers and Exporters Association (JOFIEA) on 5 August, 2022.

‘Relatively, the Japanese authorities allegedly confirmed that a high dose of pesticide residue found in sesame seed exported to Japan between 2019 and 2021 was 1.9 times in excess of the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL),’ she said.

She identified challenges confronting sesame seed exports, including poor compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, cross-contamination during handling, and lack of proper documentation by exporters.

Proffering solutions, she said the issues could be addressed through tackling contaminants from farm gate to market, adopting a comprehensive approach, and training farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

‘The introduction of technology-driven traceability systems, tackling logistics hurdles, packaging and product differentiation will also curtail the situation.

‘Quality testing, deployment of modern technology, awareness campaigns as well as establishment of proper storage systems are vital,’ she added.

Sylvia further advocated the establishment of clusters within the medium term, stressing that the Council would engage relevant stakeholders to ensure zero rejection of agricultural exports, especially sesame seed.

‘We believe that through strategic engagement and partnerships, Nigeria’s sesame seed export will be boosted and competitively repositioned across major destination markets.’

NEPC’s Jigawa Coordinator, Mr Abdulkadir Aliyu, said the forum aimed at increasing Nigeria’s sesame seed output.

He noted that the overall objective was to help the country tap into growing opportunities in the global market, particularly in foreign exchange earnings.

‘This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights and contribute meaningfully to the development of this important sector,’ he said.

One of the participants, Balaraba Ibrahim, called for the establishment of aggregation centres for sesame seed processing in Jigawa.

She expressed concern over the level of exploitation faced by sesame farmers who lack the capacity to process their produce, forcing them to sell at cheaper prices.

Another participant, Magaji Rabi’u, urged farmers and residents of the state to explore export opportunities through the NEPC.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained that its decision to dissolve the party’s executives in Akwa Ibom was due to their alleged alignment with Governor Umo Eno, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the executives were no longer acting in the interest of the PDP but were under the influence of the state governor.

‘In Akwa Ibom State, the governor has left. At the National Working Committee (NWC), we noticed there was no difference between members of the executives and their alignment with the APC,’ Ologunagba said.

Citing the party’s constitution, he added: ‘Section 10, Subsection 6 says no member of the party shall align with other parties or groups to undermine the PDP or any of its elected governments. It is an anathema to belong to two parties at the same time. The governor even said on tape that he will be in charge of the two parties.’

Akwa Ibom, once a PDP stronghold since the return of civil rule in 1999, lost its grip on the party following Governor Eno’s defection to the APC on June 6, 2025.

Eno became the second PDP governor in the South-South to join the APC within two months, after Delta State’s Sheriff Oborevwori.

Four months after the defection, the PDP formally moved to dissolve its state executive council in Akwa Ibom, a step Ologunagba said was necessary to protect the integrity of the party.

The Ondo State Government on Friday announced that it has paid over N12 billion in gratuities to local government retirees whose entitlements had been pending for more than a decade.

The government also commended all 18 local government chairmen in the state for their efforts in promoting grassroots development, saving funds, and embracing transparency in governance.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, disclosed this in Akure while briefing journalists on the outcome of the ministry’s inspection tour of the 18 local government areas.

Takuro said the payment covered retirees between 2010 and 2013, adding that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the release of the funds to ease the suffering of former workers who had served the state meritoriously but were left unpaid by previous administrations.

‘On gratuities alone, we have spent almost N12 billion to pay local government retirees between 2010 and 2013. These people had retired for ten to fifteen years without receiving their entitlements.

‘Though the backlog was not caused by this administration, government is a continuum, and Mr Governor directed us to save money specifically to clear it. By next week, we will also begin payment for the 2014 retirees,’ he said.

The commissioner explained that the achievement was possible through consistent savings agreed upon at the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) meetings with council chairmen. He stressed that without such an arrangement, it would have been difficult to dedicate funds to retirees given other competing demands.

Takuro recalled that many desperate pensioners had besieged his office when he assumed duty, with some even offering to forfeit a percentage of their entitlements if their payments could be fast-tracked.

‘I felt sorry for them and told them they didn’t need to know me personally before receiving their gratuities. That was why we made proper arrangements with the local government chairmen and started saving. We have done this successfully on several occasions, and today the results are visible,’ he explained.

He praised the local government chairmen for initiating development-oriented projects within their short time in office. ‘We are glad that the local governments are alert to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power and potable water, fixed bridges, and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture, thereby creating employment opportunities and strengthening food security,’ he said.

According to him, these initiatives align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, both of whom consider grassroots development as the foundation of national growth.

‘If we make rural dwellers uncomfortable, there will be problems. They are the ones who provide food for us. Neglecting them will only worsen rural-to-urban migration and increase pressure on city centres. That is why Governor Aiyedatiwa has keyed into President Tinubu’s vision of grassroots empowerment,’ he stressed.

The commissioner further revealed that the councils had collectively saved N15 billion in a joint account to finance capital projects, describing the move as proof of long-term planning beyond recurrent expenses.

He added that the state government had partnered with the EFCC, ICPC, and the state anti-graft agency to train local government chairmen and senior officials on transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

According to him, the training was aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing mismanagement. ‘The trainings were designed to ensure that council officials handle public funds with the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This is to guarantee that savings and allocations are used for the good of the people,’ he said.

Takuro emphasized that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa would continue to prioritize both the welfare of retirees and the development of grassroots communities, stressing that without strong local governance, even the state and federal governments would face challenges.

Human rights and accountability organisation, Lawyers Alert, with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), through the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has launched a project in Katsina-Ala and Otukpo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State to strengthen democratic governance, promote fiscal transparency, and enhance accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The one-year initiative comes in the wake of the recent Supreme Court judgment institutionalising LG autonomy, which mandates direct disbursement of statutory allocations to LGAs.

While the ruling is yet to be fully complied with, stakeholders have expressed concern that many LGAs currently lack the technical and operational capacity to manage funds effectively and transparently.

Speaking on the challenge, Dr Rommy Mom, President of Lawyers Alert, noted, ‘Compounding the issue is the limited capacity of local civil society organisations (CSOs) and grassroots actors to monitor, engage, and influence governance processes at the LGA level.

‘This creates an accountability vacuum where mismanagement can thrive due to a lack of oversight and citizen engagement.’

As part of the project, Lawyers Alert is collaborating with Chairmen and Councillors of Katsina-Ala and Otukpo LGAs to build institutional capacity and empower grassroots actors.

The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Dr Orangoholga Justine Shaku, pledged support for the initiative, stating, ‘Any effort to build the capacity of my team in preparation for the official activation of local government autonomy is highly accepted and will have my full support.’

‘The initiative is a timely response to institutional and technical gaps, especially in fiscal responsibility and citizen engagement,’ he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, expressed readiness to strengthen his council’s capacity to deliver good governance.

Dr Mom emphasised that beyond strengthening LG institutions, the project aims to empower citizens.

‘By far, the most critical aspect is the ability of citizens at the grassroots to influence governance and elections in their localities. We are mapping local actors to build their capacity to engage and exercise their right to vote without fear.

‘Katsina-Ala and Otukpo are pilot LGAs. We intend to share lessons for possible replication nationwide. Good governance starts from the grassroots, and that is where it is most impactful,’ Mom said.

The one-year project is expected to foster collaborative engagement between citizens and local governments, laying the foundation for sustained democratic reforms, improved service delivery, and credible governance at the local level.