Category: PM News

A police corporal identified as Alfred Louis and some of his colleagues have been detained over the alleged shooting and killing of a commercial driver identified as Anthony Obodo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Rivers Police command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Agabe said the incident occurred on Thursday after an altercation between the driver, identified as Anthony Obodo, and a police officer.

According to her, the altercation degenerated into a scuffle, during which one of the officers allegedly fired a shot.

She said the bullet struck Obodo, killing him, while two other passers-by sustained injuries during the incident.

‘Preliminary information indicates that an altercation occurred between the occupant and the officers, leading to a scuffle and subsequent gunshot,’ she said.

Agabe identified the alleged shooter as Cpl. Alfred Louis, who was subsequently attacked and assaulted by an angry mob.

She said Louis sustained multiple injuries during the attack and was receiving attention while investigations continued.

The spokesperson said Louis and members of his team had been detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of Rivers Police Command.

‘The investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law,’ she said.

Agabe condemned Obodo’s killing, saying the alleged shooting did not reflect professionalism expected in policing.

She said the command would not relent in taking disciplinary action against officers found culpable of unethical or unlawful conduct.

‘The command will not shield any officer engaging in unethical and unlawful conduct that brings the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute,’ she said.

The spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law and relevant disciplinary procedures.

The incident sparked widespread protests across Rivers on Friday.

Police operatives were subsequently deployed across affected areas to restore law and order and prevent further breakdown of public peace.

Founder of Zoom36 Dental Care, Elias Joshua Okwuchukwu, has said Nigeria is witnessing a gradual but significant shift from reactive dental visits to a more preventive and experience-driven approach to oral healthcare.

According to him, the organisation, established in 2021, was designed to rethink how dental services are delivered in response to evolving patient expectations and increased health awareness.

‘We are seeing a transition from fear-driven, emergency visits to more informed and proactive care, where patients are actively engaged in maintaining their oral health,’ he said.

Okwuchukwu noted that dental care in Nigeria has historically been largely reactive, with most patients seeking treatment only during emergencies. This pattern, he explained, has contributed to low awareness of preventive practices and heightened anxiety around dental visits.

Operating across Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, Zoom36 Dental Care integrates clinical expertise with a strong focus on patient experience, emphasising comfort, communication, and modern treatment standards.

The clinic offers a range of services including preventive and general dentistry, restorative procedures, orthodontics, and cosmetic treatments, alongside sustained efforts in oral health education and corporate wellness initiatives.

Despite growing awareness, Okwuchukwu acknowledged that economic constraints and long-standing perceptions of dental care remain key barriers to wider adoption of preventive practices.

To address this, he said the organisation is leveraging partnerships with corporate institutions, healthcare providers, and community groups to improve access and position oral health as an essential part of overall wellness.

‘As awareness grows, we expect preventive care to become the norm rather than the exception in Nigeria’s dental landscape,’ he added.

Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu has said Nigeria’s numerous crises are deeply rooted in what he described as ‘ethical dislocation’, arguing that the country’s renewal requires a fundamental rethinking of its values.

Ladigbolu made this known on Friday, August 28, 2026, while delivering a lecture titled ‘Yoruba Ethical Renaissance: A Way to Reinvent Our National Values and Rebuild the Nigeria of Our Dreams’ at the Chief R.F. Fasoranti Centennial Birthday Lecture held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The lecture was part of activities marking the 100th birthday of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, elder statesman and leader of Afenifere. The event was organised with the theme, ‘A Century of Courage and Stewardship of Yoruba Democratic Legacy’.

Ladigbolu said ethical renewal was not an optional addition to Nigeria’s development agenda but its foundation. ‘In conclusion, Nigeria’s crises are deeply rooted in ethical dislocation. Addressing them requires more than institutional reform. It demands a fundamental rethinking of values,’ he said.

He argued that a Yoruba ethical renaissance could provide a framework for rebuilding Nigeria by restoring values centred on character, truth, integrity and harmonious relationships.

‘A Yoruba ethical renaissance offers a compelling framework for this transformation, which will drive righteousness, which exalts a nation, and put away sin, which to any people is a reproach,’ he said.

According to him, Nigeria could move towards a more just, cohesive and prosperous society by prioritising character, fostering relational harmony and promoting truth.

At the centre of Ladigbolu’s lecture was the Yoruba concept of ‘iwa’, which he described as encompassing character, moral disposition and the essence of being. He said Yoruba philosophy traditionally places greater value on the quality of a person’s character than on wealth, social status or political power.

‘At the heart of Yoruba ethics lies the concept of Iwa, which encompasses character, moral disposition and the very essence of being,’ he said. ‘In Yoruba thought, a person’s true worth is determined not by wealth, status or power, but by the quality of their character.’ He cited the Yoruba expression ‘iwa l’ewa’ – character is beauty – as a concise representation of the ethical philosophy.

Ladigbolu said the principle emphasises virtues such as honesty, integrity and respect for others, adding that the traditional Yoruba ethical system places character above material achievement and personal advancement.

He said this philosophy offered an important counter-narrative at a time when society increasingly celebrates material success without sufficiently considering its ethical foundation.

According to him, the renewed emphasis on ‘iwa rere’, or good character, could challenge the normalisation of corruption and redefine success around integrity and moral responsibility.

Ladigbolu also linked the values he advocated to the legacy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other pro-democracy and nationalist figures whose lives, he said, demonstrated courage, sacrifice and stewardship. He said the celebration of Fasoranti at 100 was also an opportunity to honour the generation of leaders and activists whose sacrifices helped protect Nigeria’s democratic tradition.

Referring to Awolowo, Ladigbolu said: ‘History offers us hidden explanations for Awo’s greatness and impressive, imperishable legacy. Simply put, Awo endured because he had character.’

He argued that character enabled a leader to see beyond immediate circumstances and make sacrifices in pursuit of a greater cause.

‘It is character that makes a leader see into the future, and the opportunities encased in his womb, when his rivals and contemporaries see only the experiences of today,’ he said, adding that character could give a leader the courage to sacrifice personal interests, family and even life for a just and noble cause.

According to him, Awolowo’s life and leadership demonstrated two important lessons: that without character a leader would struggle to develop the vision necessary to build society, and that every aspiring leader would eventually encounter a defining moment.

‘How he responds to that moment will define him, define his leadership and his place or otherwise in history,’ he said.

Ladigbolu described Fasoranti as a model of excellent character and said publicly celebrating him had implications for contemporary society.

He said Fasoranti’s life represented the kind of leadership Nigeria needed at a time when public life was increasingly associated with materialism and declining ethical standards.

Before turning fully to the question of ethics and nation-building, Ladigbolu paid tribute to past Yoruba leaders and pro-democracy activists whose sacrifices, he said, helped preserve Nigeria’s democratic legacy.

He referenced books including ‘This House of Oduduwa Must Not Fall’, ‘This Is Nigeria’, ‘Running for Dear Life, My Walk in Exile’ and ‘Guided by His Hand’, using accounts from the works to illustrate the courage and sacrifices of past leaders.

He particularly recalled the struggles of NADECO activists during the military dictatorship of the late General Sani Abacha. Ladigbolu said many of the activists endured detention, exile and threats to their lives in their determination to restore democracy and the rule of law.

He also recalled an account of the detention of pro-democracy activists, saying some of those detained were threatened with execution. He said the courage of those who stood against military rule should remain an important part of Nigeria’s democratic history.

‘Our gathering today is to appreciate and celebrate those noble stewards of our democratic legacy, the pro-democracy stalwarts and resilient … of our agitations, whose incalculable sacrifices and untainted patriotism protected democracy and the rule of law,’ he said. He commended NADECO, both in Nigeria and abroad, for its role in the struggle.

Ladigbolu said a Yoruba ethical renaissance should not be treated merely as a return to the past but as the recovery, reinterpretation and application of indigenous ethical principles to contemporary Nigerian society.

‘The Yoruba ethical renaissance involved the recovery and reinterpretation and application of indigenous ethical principles in contemporary context,’ he said.

He argued that concepts such as good character, truth, relational harmony and communal responsibility remained relevant to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria. He said such values could help foster social cohesion, promote dialogue and encourage a shared commitment to the common good. He also emphasised the importance of truth, as another important element of the ethical renewal Nigeria requires.

The second lecture was delivered by Prof. Ropo Sekoni, who reflected on Yoruba civilisation, longevity and the region’s historical head start in addressing social challenges. Sekoni described the Yoruba region as having characteristics associated with a ‘Blue Zone’, referring to communities around the world where people are noted for longevity. He said the presence of people who have lived beyond 100 years was one of the features that deserved recognition in discussions about Yoruba civilisation.

He also stressed the importance of understanding the historical foundations of Yoruba society without falling into what he described as Yoruba exceptionalism. Sekoni’s presentation formed part of the broader reflection on Yoruba identity, democratic legacy and the values required to sustain the region’s contribution to Nigeria’s development.

Former Ogun State governor and veteran journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba, chaired the occasion. In his remarks, Osoba urged state governors to make effective use of increased federal allocations to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

He noted that state allocations had increased under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called on governors to ensure that the additional resources translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

The event brought together prominent Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, academics, religious leaders and representatives of Afenifere from across the country.

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented the President at the occasion, said Fasoranti’s contributions extended beyond the Yoruba race and remained significant to Nigeria’s democratic history.Gbajabiamila said the President appreciated Fasoranti for his advice and contributions to democracy.

‘Pa Fasoranti is a foremost Yoruba leader. But I must say that Pa Fasoranti’s impact is bigger than the Yoruba race. His name cannot be erased from the history of democracy in Nigeria,’ he said, adddin tatHe said the President had asked him to convey his appreciation to Fasoranti for his counsel and contributions to the country’s democratic development.

The event was organised by Afenifere to celebrate Fasoranti’s centenary wit the theme, ‘A Century of Courage and Stewardship of Yoruba Democratic Legacy’.

President Tinubu was listed as the Distinguished Guest of Honour, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, was named Royal Father of the Day.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was among the dignitaries who attended the occasion, alongside former governors Kayode Fayemi and Olusegun Mimiko, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and other prominent Yoruba leaders.

For Ladigbolu, however, the central message of the centenary celebration went beyond honouring an individual. It was a call for Nigeria to rediscover the values that shaped some of its most respected leaders and apply those values to the challenges of the present.

‘Ethical renewal is not an optional add-on to development. It is its very foundation,’ Ladigbolu said, and the task of rebuilding Nigeria through ethical renewal was difficult but necessary and urgent.’

The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into suspected power losses along the 132kV Ikorodu-Sagamu industrial corridor in Lagos and Ogun states.

The government said up to 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity could be going unaccounted for along the corridor, with the losses estimated to have cost the Nigerian electricity market about N120 billion in one year.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, gave the directive on Friday during a meeting with industrial operators, electricity market participants and regulators.

Tegbe called for a transparent and data-based investigation into the difference between the amount of electricity transmitted through the corridor and the amount eventually billed and accounted for by electricity distribution companies.

He said the government needed to understand what was responsible for the huge gap.

‘We must know where the power is going and what is compromising it,’ the minister said.

‘Every consumer must be responsible for its actions and consumption,’ he added.

According to Tegbe, the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has introduced technological monitoring systems to track electricity movement across the network.

The monitoring system, he said, had detected unusual loading patterns and major differences in the amount of electricity supplied and the amount eventually accounted for.

The government will investigate whether the losses are caused by meter tampering, manipulation of electricity consumption records, illegal connections, interference with power infrastructure or other forms of electricity theft.

Tegbe warned that the government would not allow activities that weaken the electricity market.

He stressed that electricity consumers must be held responsible for the amount of power they use.

The investigation will involve technical and commercial data from both the transmission and distribution sides of the electricity market. The aim is to identify where the unaccounted electricity is being lost.

The Ikorodu-Sagamu corridor has become an important industrial area, with several manufacturing companies and other large electricity consumers operating along the route.

The government said improving electricity supply to industrial areas would require stronger accountability, accurate metering and proper payment for electricity consumed.

Electricity theft remains a major challenge in Nigeria’s power sector. Several initiatives have been introduced to encourage members of the public to report illegal connections and other forms of energy theft.

Ikeja Electric, for instance, introduced incentive schemes in 2021 to reward whistleblowers whose information led to the discovery of electricity theft within its network.

Industry stakeholders have also warned about the financial impact of electricity losses.

Nosa Igbinedion, Chief Executive Officer of West Power and Gas, previously said the Nigeria Electricity Act allows states to establish laws and regulations governing electricity operations within their territories.

He also said Nigeria records average Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC and C) losses of about 45 per cent, resulting in annual losses estimated at more than N100 billion.

If the investigation confirms that a significant part of the N120 billion loss is linked to electricity theft or other commercial leakages, it could have serious consequences for the financial stability of the electricity market.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) introduced new penalties in 2025 for individuals and businesses found guilty of bypassing electricity meters.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of NISO and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), as well as representatives of Ikeja Electric, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and industries operating along the Ikorodu-Sagamu corridor.

Dr Babatunde Afolabi, Director, Political Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, has called for deliberate efforts by the regional organisation to tell its own stories and correct what he described as erroneous narratives surrounding its peace and security interventions in West Africa.

Afolabi made the call on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in Abuja at the official launch of publications documenting ECOWAS’ peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding interventions across the sub-region.

He said documenting the organisation’s experiences was important not only to preserve history but also to help future generations understand ECOWAS’ role in restoring peace and stability in countries affected by violent conflicts.

According to him, ‘we need to tell our own story’ because accounts of ECOWAS’ interventions have often been written from perspectives that do not fully reflect the experiences and contributions of the regional body and its member states.

Afolabi, who is an expert in peacebuilding and international affairs, said there was a need to correct what he described as ‘false narratives’ that had circulated for years about ECOWAS’ interventions.

‘Secondly, we need to correct erroneous narratives that have been out there for a long time,’ he said, noting that students and scholars of international affairs, particularly those studying West Africa, had encountered different accounts of the region’s conflicts and peace efforts.

He observed that while some accounts contained elements of truth, others were inaccurate and needed correction through authoritative documentation by ECOWAS itself.

He also stressed the importance of what he described as the intellectual ownership of the organisation’s peace efforts.

‘Thirdly, we need to appropriate ECOWAS’s intellectual ownership of outcome documents from the exercises, from the various peace efforts. We need to take ownership of these efforts,’ he said.

Afolabi said the publications would also enable ECOWAS and its partners to draw lessons from previous interventions and apply them to emerging peace and security challenges in the sub-region.

He urged participants at the event to use the platform to deliberate, reflect and consider how future peace interventions in West Africa could be made more effective.

The ECOWAS official also called for greater recognition of member states, community citizens, military personnel and other actors who made sacrifices during the organisation’s peacekeeping and peacemaking interventions.

He said many of those who contributed to restoring peace in the sub-region had paid the ultimate price, while others had died before seeing their efforts documented. Afolabi said their sacrifices must not be forgotten.

The documentation of ECOWAS’ peace interventions is particularly significant given the organisation’s role in responding to major conflicts in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau through diplomatic initiatives and the deployment of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, ECOMOG.

Academic literature has described ECOWAS’ interventions as a major evolution of the organisation from an economic integration project into an important regional security actor. Its interventions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, in particular, remain among the most prominent examples of African-led peace support operations.

Afolabi said the publications would help ensure that the experiences of those interventions were not lost, particularly at a time when a large proportion of West Africa’s population was too young to have witnessed the conflicts or the regional efforts to resolve them.

He expressed concern that younger generations had increasingly encountered narratives that focused more on the negative aspects of ECOWAS while paying insufficient attention to the organisation’s contributions to peace and stability.

‘We feel that this would allow us to put it out there for the youths of today and those that are unborn to know exactly what transpired in their sub-region,’ he said.

He added that the documentation should be widely disseminated so that it could reach young people, researchers, policymakers and the wider public.

Afolabi further said the initiative should stimulate conversations around peace and security, particularly in light of the new threats confronting West Africa.

The region continues to face complex security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, political instability and unconstitutional changes of government, making lessons from previous regional interventions relevant to contemporary peace and security policy.

The publications launched at the Abuja event included the Definitive Accounts of ECOWAS Peacebuilding Interventions, After-Action Review Reports and the ECOWAS @50 Commemorative Publication. Also unveiled was Prof. Amadu Sesay’s Fighting Bushfires: ECOWAS and Peacemaking in West Africa – The Experience and Learning Curves, which examines ECOWAS’ experiences in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau and draws lessons for future interventions.

The event also featured recognition of former ECOMOG commanders and journalists who covered the conflicts and documented the organisation’s peacekeeping efforts.

Among those honoured were several former commanders, including Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo, Maj. Gen. Tunji Olurin, Maj. Gen. Joshua Dogonyaro, Maj. Gen. Rufus Kupolati, Maj. Gen. John Shagaya and Gen. Timothy Shelpidi. Two Frontline journalists, Mr Krees Imodibie and Mr Tayo Awotunsin, who lost their lives while reporting the crisis in Liberia, were also honoured.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa commended the sacrifices of West African troops, particularly those deployed under ECOMOG, and said the publications would help preserve the lessons of the region’s peacekeeping experience. He also stressed that military intervention alone could not provide lasting solutions to contemporary insecurity.

For Afolabi, however, the documentation goes beyond remembering the past. It is also about giving West Africa greater ownership of its history, ensuring that the region’s experiences are accurately recorded and using those experiences to shape future approaches to peace and security.

He described the Abuja launch as the first in a series of activities designed to deepen engagement with the West African community and broaden conversations around ECOWAS’ peace and security role.

Afolabi expressed hope that the initiative would generate wider media coverage, clarify ECOWAS’ position on key issues and decisions, dispel misconceptions and encourage greater public discourse on the future of peace and security in the sub-region.

His call reflects his longstanding engagement with ECOWAS peace and security issues. Afolabi has published extensively on ECOWAS peacemaking and preventive diplomacy, including work examining the organisation’s role in conflict prevention and its interventions in West Africa.

At the heart of his message was a simple argument: if West Africans do not document and tell the story of their own interventions, others will continue to define the history of the region for them

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted a consignment of illegally traded wildlife and arrested three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road.

Public Relations Officer, CSC Tahir Balarabe, revealed this in a statement on Friday in Kano.

He said the wildlife were intercepted on Aug. 25, following an intelligence-led operation, in accordance with Section 55(1)(i) of the NCS Act 2023 and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The Acting Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, AC Muhammad Zanna, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, DCC Usman Adamu, said the operation was conducted following credible intelligence.

‘The operation was carried out by our patrol team based on credible intelligence at about 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 25. The team intercepted the endangered wildlife and apprehended three suspects on the Kano-Daura Road,’ he said.

He, therefore, commended the patrol officers for demonstrating a high level of professionalism during the operation as the suspects made multiple attempts to offer them bribes.

‘The efforts of these gallant officers have therefore, disrupted this supply chain and will play a huge role in reducing the trafficking of endangered wildlife,’ Adamu said.

He further stated that following a physical examination, the intercepted wildlife were identified as follows: four caracal wild cats, four chimpanzees, and two baby gorillas.

Others, he said, were seven red-coloured Patas monkeys, two galagos (bush babies), one honey badger, two albino alligators, six rock fowls, one civet cat, and 19 greater bustard wild birds.

‘The wild animals and suspects were subsequently handed over to the representative of the Special Wildlife Unit, Office of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, for further investigation and prosecution,’ he revealed.

Katsina governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has gifted N7 million, laptops and Postgraduate (PG) scholarships to three outstanding medical students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) for their exceptional academic performances.

Governor Radda met with the students at the Government House, Katsina.

They were among BUK’s top-performing medical graduates.

The beneficiaries are Dr. Ismail Abubakar Muhammad, Dr. Abba Bashir, and Dr. Fatima Tukur Sada, who distinguished themselves in various disciplines at the College of Health Sciences.

Dr. Ismail Abubakar Muhammad emerged as the Best Student in Biochemistry, Best Student in Medicine and Surgery, and Overall Best Student.

Governor Radda rewarded him with ?3 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

Dr. Abba Bashir emerged as the Best Student in Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, as well as the Second Overall Best Student.

He received ?2 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

Dr. Fatima Tukur Sada emerged as the Best Student in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She was rewarded with ?2 million cash, a brand-new latest-model Lenovo laptop and sponsorship for postgraduate training in Nuclear Medicine.

In total, Governor Radda awarded the three students ?7 million, three Lenovo laptops and postgraduate training sponsorship.

The gesture reflected his commitment to academic excellence, youth development and human capital investment.

Governor Radda congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to remain committed to excellence, professional growth and service to humanity.

He assured that his administration would continue to support outstanding students and develop skilled professionals for the advancement of Katsina State and Nigeria.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osun Sector Command has decorated 41 personnel in mass promotion to various ranks in the command.

The promotion covers fourteen officers and 27 Marshals across various cadres. Out of the officers three were promoted from the rank of Chief Route Commander (CRC) to Assistant Corps Commander (ACC).

Other two officers were elevated from the rank of Route Commander to Superintendent Route Commander (SRC), four Deputy Route Commanders to Route Commander, and five Assistant Route Commandants (ARC) to Deputy Route Commander (DRC) respectively.

According to a press release forwarded to PM NEWS on Thursday by RC J Owolabi, the marshals decorated to higher ranks were 27 in number.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony in the command, on Wednesday, the sector commander who represented the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed congratulated all officers and men, describing the elevation as a recognition of dedication, professionalism and commitment to the Corps.

The Sector Commander Sunday Tayo Adebayo urged the beneficiaries to see their new ranks as increase of responsibility and a renewed call to service.

He stressed that the elevation demands greater commitment, discipline, leadership, accountability and dedication to the statutory responsibilities of the Corps.

He further charged the promoted officers and marshals to uphold the values and ethics of the FRSC by shunning all forms of indiscipline, bribery, corruption and other unethical practices. He emphasized that every officer and Marshal must remain conscious that their conduct, both on and off duty to uphold the image of the Corps.

‘Our interaction with members of the public must be guided by professionalism, courtesy, integrity and fairness. There must be no compromise in the fight against corruption, and nobody should use position or rank to undermine the integrity of the Corps,’ he stated.

The Corps Marshal said the promotion exercise was conducted in line with established rules and procedures, including Annual Performance Evaluation Reports, interviews, examinations, federal character principles and the availability of vacancies.

He encouraged officers and men who were not successful to remain focused and see the outcome as motivation to improve performance ahead of future opportunities.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ resolve to continue to motivate personnel for improved service delivery in line with FRSC’s mandate of reducing road crashes and saving lives.

The candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC for Adamawa 2027 governorship election, Omar Suleiman has expressed shock over alleged endorsement of his substitution with Alhaji Hamantukur Modibbo by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar

Suleiman expressed the shock on Friday in Yola while informing journalists that he has approached the court to challenge his alleged substitution by the party.

While affirming that the people’s mandate given to him cannot be rewritten through manipulation, Suleiman raised concern over a statement attributed to Atiku endorsing his substitution with Modibbo.

He claimed Atiku endorsed Modibbo as the ADC governorship candidate, describing the development as shocking, given Atiku’s position as the party’s national leader.

‘Let me therefore state clearly and unequivocally that I remain the duly elected gubernatorial candidate of the ADC in Adamawa State,’ he said.

Suleiman said the party’s governorship primary was conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and witnessed by members and the public.

According to him, he emerged victorious in the primary, while Modibbo came second, adding that his name was subsequently submitted to INEC as candidate.

He said he approached the Federal High Court to protect the integrity of his mandate and prevent any unlawful substitution of his name.

‘Because I anticipated the possibility of precisely this kind of political manipulation, I approached the Federal High Court to protect the integrity of that mandate.

‘I sought judicial intervention to prevent any unlawful substitution of my name.

‘I also sought from the court an injunction restraining INEC from accepting any substitution of my name by the party or any person,’ he said.

Suleiman said the court processes had been served on INEC and the ADC at both national and state levels.

He added that he had been informed that Atiku was also briefed by the party about the legal action.

‘Until the court determines otherwise, no individual, regardless of his position, influence or stature, has the legal or moral authority to rewrite the result,’ he said.

Suleiman said the issue was not about personal ambition but the sanctity of the democratic process and respect for party members’ choice.

‘If the votes of party members can simply be overturned with fiat after an election, then we are not building democracy; we are replacing it,’ he said.

He called on Atiku to withdraw the alleged post and refrain from actions capable of undermining the party’s process already before the court.

He said leadership demands restraint, fairness and respect for due process, particularly from those who aspire to lead the country.

He stressed that the mandate belongs to the people who gave it, hence cannot be appropriated by an individual,’ he added.

Suleiman urged ADC members, supporters and the public to remain calm, vigilant and resolute in defending the mandate through lawful democratic means.

‘Democracy means that the people choose and that their choice must be respected.

‘Adamawa ADC members have made their choice; it is left for our political leaders to respect it or disregard it,’ he added.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has assured residents of adequate security before, during and after the Aug. 29 local government elections in the state.

The State Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, gave the assurance on Friday while addressing officers and men of the command ahead of their deployment for the election.

Maku said the command had put in place comprehensive security arrangements and strategically deployed personnel across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to ensure peaceful, credible and hitch-free conduct of the election.

He said the deployment was also aimed at protecting lives and property as well as electoral officials and materials throughout the electoral process.

‘I urge you to ensure the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

‘Any form of electoral violence, vandalism, thuggery, voter intimidation and other acts capable of disrupting the election will not be tolerated.

‘Perpetrators, sponsors and accomplices of electoral offences, irrespective of their status or political affiliation, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,’ he said.

Maku assured residents that NSCDC personnel deployed for the exercise would conduct themselves with professionalism, neutrality and respect for human rights, while adhering strictly to extant laws.

He appealed to candidates, political parties, supporters and other stakeholders to embrace peace and shun acts capable of undermining the electoral process.

According to him, the NSCDC, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has deployed adequate manpower to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials and materials.

The command urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest NSCDC formation or through its emergency lines: 08035771835, 08036172748 and 08036789255.