Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the Federal Government to immediately implement the recently signed 35 percent salary review for university workers, as well as, release funds for the payment of all outstanding arrears.

He warned that any delay could undermine the gains of the landmark agreement reached after years of negotiations.

The union made the demand at the end of its 55th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, where leaders of the union reviewed developments in the education sector and the state of the nation.

In a communiqué signed by its national president, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, SSANU described the signing of the 2026 Federal Government/SSANU Agreement on June 29 as ‘a landmark achievement’ that marked the successful conclusion of years of negotiations and collective struggle by non-teaching university workers.

The union noted that the agreement provides for a 35 percent upward review of emoluments through the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), improved Earned Allowances, enhanced staff training and development, protection of non-teaching positions and equal career progression opportunities for qualified degree holders up to CONTISS 15.

While commending the National Universities Commission (NUC) for forwarding the signed agreement to public universities and inter-university centres, as well as the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for issuing the implementation circular, SSANU insisted that the agreement must now move beyond paperwork to full implementation.

‘Council hereby urges the federal and state governments to urgently release the funds for the implementation and payment of arrears of the approved review to our members without further delay,’ the communiqué stated.

The union further stressed that implementation of the agreement should be ‘prompt, full and without encroachment or discrimination,’ calling for the immediate activation of the agreement’s Implementation Monitoring Committee to ensure compliance and promptly address any violations.

SSANU also issued a strong warning against any attempt by university authorities to punish workers for participating in legitimate union activities.

According to the union, ‘NEC seriously warned against the denial of negotiated benefits, punitive postings, delayed promotions, harassment or any form of victimisation arising from members’ participation in lawful union activities.’

The Council maintained that only constitutionally recognised members of SSANU are entitled to enjoy the negotiated benefits under the agreement and directed all branches to maintain accurate membership records while reporting cases of non-compliance, marginalisation or victimisation through the appropriate union structures.

On the outstanding 12-month arrears arising from the earlier 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase approved for tertiary institution workers, SSANU commended Vice-Chancellors and heads of institutions that had fully or partially paid the arrears.

However, it expressed displeasure with institutions yet to implement the payment, urging them to do so without further delay to improve staff morale and cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.

Beyond salaries, the union raised concerns over the country’s economic situation, noting that despite the reported decline in headline inflation from 15.93 per cent in May to 15.91 per cent in June 2026, workers had experienced no meaningful relief as food inflation rose from 16.96 per cent to 17.52 per cent.

‘The marginal decline in headline inflation has not translated into visible relief for workers,’ the Council observed, urging government to restore workers’ purchasing power through improved pensions, affordable housing, efficient transportation and stronger social protection programmes.

SSANU also welcomed the HOPE-EDU programme and the 2026 TETFund intervention of about ?2.53 billion for each public university but emphasised that TETFund interventions should complement not replace adequate government funding of public universities.

The union renewed its call for the fulfilment of the Federal Government’s ?1.3 trillion university revitalisation commitment and urged greater investment in staff and students’ accommodation, electricity supply, laboratories, research, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and staff development.

On national security, the Council condemned the rising wave of kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and communal violence across the country. While commending security agencies for rescuing abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, SSANU expressed concern that 42 children reportedly abducted in Mussa town, Borno State, had remained in captivity for over two months.

‘The life of every Nigerian citizen has equal value,’ the union declared, calling on government to demonstrate equal urgency in responding to security challenges in every part of the country.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, SSANU called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and security agencies to conduct transparent, credible and peaceful elections while ensuring that university staff engaged for electoral duties are adequately protected from political intimidation and provided with appropriate security and welfare.

Reaffirming its commitment to industrial harmony and constructive engagement, the union pledged to continue monitoring the implementation of the 2026 agreement while working with government and other stakeholders to advance the welfare of university workers and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

VICTOR Osimhen, a prominent member of the Nigerian senior national football team – arguably its most important player – has expressed the desire to acquire university education after he retires from football. To the less discerning, who may not comprehend the imperative of success, personal achievement and satisfaction beyond the accumulation of material wealth, Osimhen’s quest may seem strange and a waste of time. But those who understand that personal fulfilment transcends material comfort know that the footballer’s decision is both appropriate and laudable.

On and off the pitch, Osimhen is an epitome of success. He is a dexterous and skillful footballer who makes tremendous contributions to both the national team and his club. Outside football, he has reportedly made significant investments that could guarantee a steady cash flow after the game ceases to generate income. Yet he recognises and aspires to fill a definite void that education has created in his life – the kind of gap that may not be discernible or pose any tangible impediment to his career, but which he believes university education will fill. That is truly inspiring. Recently, Osimhen, who currently plays for Galatasaray Football Club in Turkey, reflected on the lessons life has taught him since leaving school and explained why he hopes to continue his education. In his words: ‘As an adult, I’ve realised that not everything I learnt in school matters. There are some kinds of life lessons you encounter through life’s journey.’

It is gladdening that Osimhen is not making this decision lightly or on impulse. He expressed a clear understanding of the relatively short lifespan of a career in football and said he is making adequate plans for his material comfort in retirement. But even with that, he said: ‘For me, it would be an amazing thing to also try to get a degree, which I’m still considering because you won’t play football for so long – probably 20, 25 years, and then you’re done.’ Osimhen noted that even though he had made provision for life after football, earning a degree would be a personal achievement and an opportunity to inspire others. He also encouraged young people who were forced to suspend their education due to financial or personal challenges, stressing that returning to school is always possible. On this score, he said: ‘Even though you dropped out due to some challenges, it’s something you can always go back to. School is always there.’

It is on record that Osimhen has never hidden the fact that he had a humble background, and that he contended with numerous challenges as a child of poor parents in Lagos before football offered him a pedestal to overcome those challenges and rewrite the history of his family. Thus, his advice to other youths should be seen as coming from a position of knowledge and personal experience. Osimhen’s positive perception of the importance of education, despite his tremendous success as a footballer, is encouraging and instructive. It shows that education and self-development are laudable goals even with football, money, and fame. Indeed, Osimhen’s expression of his desire to pursue further education could not have come at a more appropriate time, when the value placed on education by many Nigerian youths is at an all-time low. The focus of many youths is on the acquisition of material wealth, and sadly, some even seek to pursue this goal inordinately and without breaking a sweat. Nigerian youths should, therefore, learn from Osimhen’s bold decision and stop saying ‘school na scam.’

Education experts and psychologists agree that there is a gap that education fills even if you have all the money in the world, and that material comfort alone is incapable of guaranteeing enduring inner satisfaction. It is important to note that education beyond material wealth is essential for holistic human development. It shapes cognitive abilities, fosters moral and civic responsibility, and equips individuals to solve complex societal problems. And while wealth and physical skills like soccer fade, knowledge remains a permanent, non-depletable asset that empowers personal independence, empathy, and lifelong fulfillment. All of these are required to become a well-rounded, functional, and useful human being to oneself, family, and society. It is thus encouraging that someone of Osimhen’s status has clarity on the significance of education – so much so that in addition to providing materially for a rainy day, he wants to get properly educated. We urge other sportsmen and women who are still in active service to take a cue from him. It is in their enlightened interest to do so.

We remember the sad stories of many ex-sportsmen and women who, after a glorious career, ended up in penury and misery because of inadequate material and intellectual preparation for life in retirement. The usual thinking is that the country owes them something, and they end up being disappointed when it fails to hold their hands when they need help. It is good to see athletes trying to develop themselves, but this should not be about sports alone, but about life generally. It is trite that education is not just about having a certificate, but something that adds great value to life. We commend Osimhen’s decision and recommend it to all youths.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has said that Nigeria does not need a president who merely mourns the dead after every massacre but ‘a President who protects the living.’

The Waziri Adamawa stated this on Tuesday, saying that the disturbing revelations by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, a senior senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had exposed the dangerous consequences of the Tinubu administration’s fiscal mismanagement and helped explain, in part, why insecurity continued to claim lives across Nigeria.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, who bears the revered traditional title of Zege Mule U Tiv II-the Great Shelter and Protective Umbrella of the Tiv Nation-said he could not remain silent while innocent Nigerians continued to perish under a government that appears to have normalised bloodshed.

He recalled that on May 27, 2001, while serving as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Tiv Area Traditional Council, under the late Tor Tiv IV, His Royal Majesty Dr Alfred Akawe Torkula, bestowed on him the title of Zege Mule U Tiv II, one of the highest honours in Tivland.

‘The title was never meant to be an ornament. It is a sacred covenant that leadership must provide shelter in moments of fear, protection in times of danger, and hope when communities come under attack. It is a constant reminder that the first duty of leadership is not power, but protection.’

Atiku said the honour bestowed on him by the Tiv people remains a daily reminder of what leadership should represent.

‘The Tiv people entrusted me with the title of Zege Mule U Tiv II because they believe leadership must offer protection in times of danger. That belief has guided my public life, and it will guide my presidency.

‘Nigeria does not need a President who merely mourns the dead after every massacre. Nigeria needs a President who protects the living.’

The ADC presidential candidate said Senator Monguno’s intervention had vindicated what the opposition has consistently maintained for months.

‘For months, the APC dismissed every concern raised by the opposition about budget implementation, security funding and fiscal opacity as politics. Today, one of its own ranking senators has asked the very questions Nigerians have been asking.

‘Senator Monguno did not merely question budget implementation. He questioned why duly enacted budgets are allegedly not being faithfully implemented. He questioned why trillions of naira generated by the Federation are reportedly being retained instead of being distributed in accordance with the Constitution. Most disturbing of all, he questioned why critical security agencies have reportedly not received capital releases despite the worsening security crisis confronting our nation.

‘These are not allegations from the opposition. They are grave constitutional questions raised by a distinguished senator of the ruling party.’

The former Vice President said that if security agencies are denied the funds appropriated by law to procure equipment, strengthen intelligence, improve logistics and support operations, the government cannot escape responsibility for the consequences.

‘Every massacre should compel Nigerians to ask one simple question: Were our security agencies given the resources approved by law to prevent it?

‘How do you expect our gallant security personnel to defeat terrorists, bandits and kidnappers when those responsible for equipping them are allegedly withholding the very funds appropriated for that purpose?’

Atiku noted that since the Tinubu administration assumed office, independent conflict monitors have estimated that well over 17,000 Nigerians have lost their lives in violent attacks, while thousands more have been abducted by terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

‘These are not mere statistics. They are fathers, mothers, children, farmers, students and breadwinners whose lives have been cut short. Behind every number is a family condemned to a lifetime of grief.’

He said it was ironic that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who built much of his political identity on criticising President Goodluck Jonathan over insecurity, now presides over an even more troubling security situation.

‘As an opposition leader, President Tinubu repeatedly declared that the first responsibility of any government was the protection of lives and property. He spared no criticism of the Jonathan administration whenever terrorists struck.

‘Today, Nigerians are asking him to meet the same standard he demanded of others. Sadly, what they have witnessed instead is what many now describe as a ‘Sidon Look’ presidency-one that appears content to issue condolences after every massacre instead of preventing the next one.’

Atiku said the philosophy behind Zege Mule U Tiv II is the exact opposite of such indifference.

‘A Zege Mule does not watch from a distance while his people are under attack. He becomes their shield. He stands between them and danger. He provides refuge in moments of fear.

‘Throughout my years in public service, I have always believed that leaders must identify personally with victims of tragedy, visit affected communities, comfort grieving families and, above all, build institutions capable of preventing such tragedies from recurring.’

The former Vice President said an ADC administration under his leadership would fundamentally reform Nigeria’s security architecture.

‘We will ensure that every naira appropriated for national security is released promptly and accounted for. We will restore intelligence-led policing, deploy modern surveillance technology, strengthen border security, improve inter-agency coordination, fully equip and motivate our security personnel, and establish an effective community-based early warning system to stop attacks before they happen.

‘We will also confront the economic drivers of insecurity by creating jobs, reviving agriculture and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, while maintaining zero tolerance for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and those who finance them.’

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.