Category: The Nation – Nigeria

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to consolidate his political base and strengthen his administration’s national appeal, strategic inclusivity remains essential for deepening his support across all regions of Nigeria.

One critical region that deserves presidential attention in this regard is the Nsukka Zone of Enugu State, a region with about 60 percent of the state voting population that has not produced a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999.

Nsukka zone is also the host of University of Nigeria with a huge student and staff population.

Replacing Chief Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji from Enugu East Senatorial District who resigned as a Minister following the allegations of certificate forgery, with someone from Nsukka Zone in Enugu North Senatorial District would change the 2027 voting dynamics in favour of President Tinubu.

The two minority Senatorial Districts in Enugu State (Enugu East and Enugu West Senatorial Districts) have been rotating the Ministerial slots of the state to themselves since 1999 to date, leaving out the zone whose voting strength outwaigh votes from the two senatorial districts put together.

Here is a compiled chronological list of Nigerians from Enugu State who have served as federal ministers since 1999, with each person’s ministerial portfolio(s), years in office and source citations.

Ministers from Enugu State (1999 – 2025):

Dubem (Gideon) Onyia

Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of State, Foreign Affairs 1999-2003

Frank Nweke Jr.;

Enugu East Senatorial District :

Minister (Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties; Information and National Orientation; Information and Communications)

2003-2007 (various portfolios)

Fidelia Akuabata Njeze;

Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of State (Defence); Minister of State (Agriculture and Water Resources); Minister of Aviation (full minister) 2007-2011 (moved between roles; Aviation 2010-2011)

Bartholomew (Barth) Nnaji; Enugu East Senatorial District Minister of Power July 2011 – Aug 2012

Prof. Ositadimma (Osita) Nebo;

Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Power Feb 2013-2015.

Geoffrey Onyeama;

Enugu West Senatorial District: Minister of Foreign Affairs 2015 – 2023

Uche (Geoffrey) Nnaji;

Enugu East Senatorial District:

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (Minister) – resigned Oct 2025 Aug 16, 2023 – Oct 2025 (resigned Oct 7-8, 2025).

This anomaly and injustice if corrected by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, will pose a great goodwill for him in the next 2027 presidential election in the zone thereby making him to enjoy an overwhelming 60 percent of the total vote cast in Enugu State.

Nsukka Zone; The Political Stronghold of Enugu State:

The Nsukka Zone (Enugu North Senatorial District), comprising key local government areas such as Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Igbo-Etiti, and Uzo-Uwani, with a sister Isi Uzo Local Government Area carved into Enugu East senatorial district, holds the highest voting population in Enugu State.

It has long been the political nerve center of the Enugu North Senatorial District and a strategic determinant of electoral outcomes in the state. By nominating a minister from this zone, President Tinubu would be acknowledging a region that will not only show confidence in his candidacy but also has the political weight to influence the broader Southeast electorate.

Strengthening Political Partnership:

Politics thrives on reciprocity. The Nsukka Zone’s increasing dominance in the APC, despite being in a traditionally opposition-dominated region, demonstrates political courage and loyalty. Rewarding such commitment with a ministerial position would send a clear message that President Tinubu values loyalty, fairness, and regional balance. This move would further energize APC supporters in Enugu State and attract undecided voters across the Southeast ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Balancing Regional Representation and National Integration:

In line with the federal character principle, equitable representation from all parts of the federation enhances national unity. The Southeast region, though still building a stronger presence in the APC, deserves inclusive participation at the highest level of governance. A ministerial appointment from the Nsukka Zone would not only balance the power equation in Enugu State but also promote inclusivity and give the people of the zone a sense of belonging in the Tinubu administration.

Economic and Developmental Justification:

The Nsukka Zone has vast agricultural potential, abundant human capital, and a growing youth population yearning for federal presence and economic opportunities. With the right ministerial representation, the zone could serve as a launchpad for federal agricultural initiatives, educational reform, and infrastructural development in the Southeast. Such visible impact would translate into greater political goodwill for President Tinubu’s government.

Strategic Political Gains Ahead of 2027:

Looking toward the 2027 presidential election, appointing a minister from Nsukka would be a masterstroke for consolidating APC’s foothold in Enugu and the wider Southeast. It would demonstrate that Tinubu’s government rewards and strengthens alliances, and builds trust beyond partisan lines.

Conclusion

President Tinubu’s administration stands at a pivotal point where strategic political decisions can define its long-term success. Recognizing and empowering the Nsukka Zone through a ministerial appointment would not strengthen alliances but also broaden the APC’s appeal in the Southeast.

It is a move that aligns with the President’s vision of inclusivity, equity, and national unity- and one that would significantly strengthen his victory prospects in Enugu State come 2027.

Afrobeats star Peter Okoye has shared his thoughts on why wealthy individuals seize opportunities boldly, urging Nigerians to adopt a similar mindset.

In a post on his X account accompanied by photos with billionaire Aliko Dangote and a throwback picture, Okoye explained that rich people pursue opportunities without worrying about appearances, while shame often prevents the less privileged from progressing.

He encouraged Nigerians to abandon self-consciousness and fear of judgment, stressing that success lies ‘on the far side of shame.’

‘Ever seen a rich man with shame? Never. Shame keeps the broke broke. The rich don’t care how they look, chasing opportunity; they just go for it. Everything you dream of sits on the far side of shame. Be shameless and go get it,’ he wrote.

Currently on tour, Okoye added, ‘On tour at the moment shamelessly shaming my shame.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the $400million Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) crude oil export terminal in Otakikpo, Rivers State, where he informed the people that the government is already engaging them for the resolution of Ogoni issues.

The terminal, being the first indigenous one, came five decades after the previous ones.

Represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, he said that with the resolution of the issues, the Otakikpo terminal will evacuate the crude oil produced from their land.

He said, ‘I need to state that in the commitment of the government that is already talking with the Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem.

‘And once the Ogoni problem is resolved, this will be the best terminal that will evacuate the crude oil we produce from Ogoni.’

The President, who sought the cooperation of Ogoni leaders for the production of the crude oil in their land, noted that the resource would never be beneficial to either the indigenes or the government when it lies idle.

Tinubu said, ‘And that is why we are calling, you know, talking with Ogoni people, Ogoni leaders, to say let’s revert back. If these things are buried there forever, Ogoni will never get any value from those resources. Nigeria will never get any value from those resources.’

He said the era of battling with a lack of finance is over as the $5 billion African Energy Bank (AEB) is about to commence operations.

According to him, the worst challenge in the upstream operation is access to finance, and the promoters of AEB have met all its obligations for the operations.

His words: ‘Let me also, you know, assure Green Energy that the era of perhaps looking elsewhere for finance will soon be over.

‘We have discovered that the biggest challenge we have in Africa is access to, you know, finance. And that was why we’ve come up with the African Energy Bank, which is ready to go. Nigeria, as the host country, has met its obligations.

‘We have met all our obligations, legal, financial. We have met all our obligations. We are waiting, you know, for the bank to take off, which I think will take off, you know, any moment from now.’

He commended the management of GEIL, recalling that the indigenous firm started from a marginal field the same time as other awardees who spent their finances on private jets, while GEIL decided to build an export terminal to create value in the industry.

He assured the company and other operators that are keeping to the terms of their licenses of total support and collaboration.

Speaking, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the terminal is historic on two levels.

According to him, it expands Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure at a critical time and demonstrates the capacity of Nigerian operators to deliver world-class projects once thought possible only for international major players.

He further noted that the Otakiko terminal is significant to the present national crude oil production, that is, about 1.8million barrels, because the efficiency of evacuation and export is critical.

Komolafe also said that by creating an alternative export hub in Rivers State, the Otakikpo terminal reduces over-reliance on existing terminals, many of which are operating at near capacity and are exposed to security and pipeline challenges.

He said the industry’s indigenous operators have evolved to the stage of accounting for 30 per cent of the national production.

Meanwhile, the GEIL Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, said the storage capacity of the terminal is 750,000 barrels, which is expandable to 3 million barrels.

He also said it has a pumping capacity of 360,000 barrels per day. The CEO added that since June 2025, the company has already completed four export operations, totalling 1 million barrels of crude oil.

He said beyond the numbers, the terminal is a catalyst for national renewal as it opens the door for more than 40 stranded fields in the region, with over 3 million barrels of reserves, long held back by a lack of export infrastructure.

According to him, the fields alone could contribute more than 200,000 barrels per day to the country’s production.

Adegbulugbe added that ‘with this terminal, their potential can finally be unlocked.’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Qatar have strengthened their partnership in combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between both countries.

The exchange was conducted yesterday in Abuja by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, and the Ambassador of Qatar to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 3, 2024, in Doha, between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The agreement focused on cooperation in combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

Marwa, in his remarks, commended the existing partnership between both nations, describing it as a joint commitment to tackling a major global threat to public health and security.

He assured that the NDLEA would continue to collaborate closely with its Qatari counterpart to protect the people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

According to him, the agency in the past four years has intercepted over 1,000 kg of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illicit substances destined for Qatar.

Marwa also lauded the government of Qatar for its peace-building efforts and humanitarian interventions across the world through the Qatar Foundation.

He appealed to the foundation to support Nigeria in the provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of persons struggling with drug addiction.

Responding, Amb. Al-Hajri pledged to convey Marwa’s request to the Qatar Foundation.

He commended the growing cooperation between the two nations and noted that the partnership had led to an increase in travels and exchanges between Nigeria and Qatar.

He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to continue working with Nigeria in areas that promote security, stability, and mutual prosperity.

After a break of more than two months, the National Assembly resumed plenary yesterday with a promise to do more for Nigerians.

Members of the bicameral legislative chambers told the citizens that although the ongoing reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were yielding positive results, Nigerians still faced challenges.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen gave the assurances in their welcome address to the returnee federal lawmakers.

They listed floods, insecurity, high cost of living, and erratic power supply as some of the challenges facing Nigerians but assured that the National Assembly would legislate with boldness and collaborate with the Executive to tackle the challenges.

Akpabio said: ‘Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action. The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside.

‘The cost of living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain. The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis.

‘These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency – and to partnership with the Executive Arm, that together we rewrite the story of our nation.

‘We must legislate with boldness. We must press forward with reforms to steady our economy, draw investment, broaden the tax base, and nurture growth.

‘We must strike hard at the enemies of ignorance and disease by strengthening education and healthcare. We must give the youths of Nigeria not only hope but opportunity.

‘We must revisit the Constitution – to make our federalism stronger, our governance more efficient, and our democracy more inclusive. Above all, we must wield our power of oversight with vigilance, so that the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.

‘We must revisit the Constitution – to make our federalism stronger, our governance must be efficient, and our democracy more inclusive.

‘Above all, we must wield our power of oversight with vigilance, so that the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.’

The Senate President, who said 33 million Nigerians were facing acute hunger due to flooding, also noted that since fuel subsidy removal, no governor had borrowed money to pay workers’ salaries.

He sympathised with flood, boat accident, and terror attack victims in some states and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died in such circumstances.

Akpabio said: ‘While our hearts grieve, our hopes endure because of glimmers of progress.

‘I can confidently say that through engineering by President Bola Tinubu and his team, no state government today is borrowing to pay salaries. So, for this, we say kudos to the administration.

‘We must ensure that this blessing does not become another fleeting windfall, but a foundation for fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, and job creation.’

In the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas said that although the nation has made meaningful progress on the part of growth, Nigerians expect more deliberate action from members to improve their lives.

He stressed that the time has come for them to be more forward-looking and turn their attention to several urgent priorities, including an amendment to the Constitution, in the coming months.

Abbas said the progress made so far was incomplete.

His words:’The responsibilities before us are substantial, and the progress we have made so far is meaningful but incomplete.

‘The Nigerian people look to us for more; they expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives.

‘The Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pursued reforms to stabilise the economy, enhance security, and attract investment. These efforts require a legislature that provides rigorous oversight, crafts sound laws, and engages constructively with all arms of government.

‘Despite political and economic challenges, we have strengthened internal capacity, updated our rules, and expanded citizen participation.

‘Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured Presidential assent for 50, covering power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development. Our oversight is becoming more rigorous, with ongoing investigations and financial recoveries.

‘While progress has been made, Nigerians still experience high living costs, underemployment, and insecurity in some areas. These challenges present opportunities for us to implement targeted legislative actions and foster ongoing engagement to create a brighter future for all.

‘Our goal is to produce a new Electoral Act that stands the test of time.

‘The tasks ahead are demanding but achievable. Nigerians will judge us not by party affiliations but by the results we deliver.’

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to strengthen workplace safety practices among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Safety First Campaign and unveiled the first-ever Occupational Safety Cadre in the Lagos State public service.

Speaking yesterday at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference held in the state, with the theme, ‘Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as a catalyst for nation Building,’ Sanwo-Olu, reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting workplace safety, public health and environmental protection.

Sanwo-Olu described the new occupational safety cadre as a groundbreaking initiative and the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, noting that it will institutionalise safety as a professional discipline within the Lagos State civil service.

He said: ‘For the first time, safety will not just be treated as a hard-core responsibility but as a recognized career path, complete with its own structure, training, and expertise.’

These steps will ensure that generations of Lagosians benefit from a professional core dedicated solely to occupational safety and health.’

The governor also highlighted the role of technology in driving modern safety standards, just as he announced the deployment of drones for surveillance, body cameras and thermal detection tools to enhance monitoring, enforcement, and emergency response.

In his keynote address titled, ‘Occupational Safety and Health as the Catalyst of Sustainable Nation Building,’ the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said there is overwhelming evidence that inadequate workplace safety continues to pose significant risks to workers globally.

He cited studies that showed between 10 to 30 per cent of industry workers suffer injuries, occupational diseases and health hazards on a yearly basis, which include physical accidents, exposure to harmful chemicals, long term respiratory complications amongst other issues.

According to him, the consequences of work-related accidents and illnesses are profound and result in lost workdays, reduced productivity, and rising healthcare costs.

He said while various African countries are ensuring safer work environment, Nigeria must position itself as a regional leader in embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) -driven safety practices across all sectors, from high-risk industries to MSMEs.

‘By integrating global standards, technology, and accountability, we can build workplaces that are safe, competitive, and resilient,’ he said.

Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Lanre Mojola said the agency realised enforcement action is reducing as compliance is increasing. He assured that the agency will continue to increase inspection across the state as enforcement is returned.

Mojola also stated that the agency will ensure that Vertical Transportation Equipment are fully enforced to the letter as Lagos continues to move on. He reiterated that over 20,000 facilities already registered have GPIS with pictorial evidence.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Special Duties and lnter-governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, stressed that occupational and general public safety remains a top priority to the State Government, noting, ‘every Lagosian, deserves to live, work, and move freely without any fear.’

The Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) has honoured distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to the preservation of Lagos’ cultural and historical heritage, during its commemoration of the International Archives Day. Among the awardees was the Founder and Creative Director of ASIRI Magazine, Oludamola Adebowale, who received the Friends of Lagos State Archives Award in recognition of his relentless commitment to documenting, preserving, and amplifying Nigeria’s history.

The award was presented by Mr. Babatunde Onibanjo, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of LASRAB, in the presence of the agency’s Director-General, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana.

The event, themed ‘A Greater Lagos Rising: Preserving Our Past, Inspiring Our Future’, underscored the importance of archives as tools for cultural memory, civic identity, and societal development.

Other distinguished awardees included His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Oniru of Iruland), Erelu Abiola Dosumu, and Olasupo Shasore, SAN, alongside other eminent figures who have played vital roles in safeguarding the legacy of Lagos.

For more than a decade, Adebowale has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading archivists, historians, and cultural curators, with his pioneering platform, ASIRI Magazine, serving as a digital and physical repository of Nigerian history. Since founding ASIRI in 2013, Adebowale has worked tirelessly to document Lagos and Nigeria’s heritage, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture.

ASIRI Magazine, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative cultural history platforms in Nigeria, has preserved and told stories ranging from pre-colonial traditions and post-independence milestones to the lives of significant Nigerian icons. Its accessible format-online archives, exhibitions, and collaborative projects-has made history engaging for new generations while reinforcing the importance of preserving collective memory.

As a cultural archivist, Adebowale has curated exhibitions, delivered talks, and collaborated with museums, universities, and heritage institutions across Nigeria and internationally.

His approach to preservation is not only scholarly but also creative-bringing archives to life through storytelling, digital curation, and public engagement.

The Friends of Lagos State Archives Award is one of LASRAB’s highest honours, celebrating individuals whose work embodies the bureau’s mission of safeguarding memory and inspiring the future. This year’s International Archives Day celebration highlighted how archives serve as living testaments that shape identities, foster inclusivity, and inspire civic pride.

Adebowale’s recognition alongside traditional leaders, historians, and cultural custodians underscores his standing as one of Nigeria’s foremost modern archivists-a bridge between history and contemporary cultural discourse.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said the synergy between the Nigerian Army and the media is not a matter of convenience.

The Army chief called it a strategic imperative to shape public understanding, mobilise national support, and highlight sacrifices made by troops in defending the nation.

Oluyede said this yesterday in Abuja while declaring open a three-day seminar with the theme: Enhancing Responsible Media Reportage of Nigerian Army Operations in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Enhanced National Security. It was organised by the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) for DAPR officers, sister security agencies, and defence correspondents.

The COAS said the carefully chosen theme underscored the vital role of accountability, balance, and responsibility in the reportage of military operations – particularly in a joint environment where collaboration among security agencies is indispensable.

Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Abdullahi, the COAS noted that in an era where the battle for hearts and minds is as critical as the battle in the field, responsible media reportage has become a key enabler of operational success.

He stressed that the perception of the Nigerian Army, as well as all security agencies, ‘is largely shaped by the narratives carried in the media space’.

Oluyede noted that with the rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the speed and reach of information – both genuine and false – have multiplied.

According to him, fake news, manipulated images, and deepfakes now pose real threats to national cohesion and operational integrity.

‘Therefore, our collective task is not only to counter misinformation but to ensure that truth and verified facts dominate public discourse.

‘Through initiatives such as this seminar, we seek to build a shared framework for responsible, conflict-sensitive reporting – one that amplifies truth, promotes professionalism, and safeguards national interest. It is our collective duty to ensure that the stories of our men and women in uniform are told accurately, respectfully, and in a way that strengthens the bond between the Armed Forces and the people we serve.

‘To the participants, I urge you to make the best use of this platform. Learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate today’s complex media environment. The lectures and discussions during this seminar have been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management,’ Oluyede said.

The COAS urged the participants to learn, share experiences, and build the capacity to navigate the complex media environment.

He said the papers to be presented had been carefully curated to address the evolving challenges of defence communication, crisis reporting, and information management.

The acting Director of the Nigerian Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, noted that in today’s dynamic security environment, the role of the media transcends reporting events, extending to shaping public perception, rallying national support, countering misinformation and influencing the outcome of military operations.

She stressed that with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of information through digital platforms, narratives could be manipulated within seconds – fake news, doctored images, and deepfakes now posed as much threat as enemy propaganda on the battlefield.

‘This reality underscores why fact-checking, verification, and responsible journalism have become indispensable to both national security and public trust.

‘No doubt, warfare is not fought solely with weapons but also in the information domain. Hybrid threats, disinformation campaigns and Artificial Intelligence-driven fake content are being weaponised to erode public confidence, discredit institutions and demoralise security forces.

‘To defeat these threats, we must counter falsehoods with verified facts, replace propaganda with truth, and ensure that the Nigerian public is accurately informed. This calls for professionalism, ethics and patriotism from all media stakeholders,’ she said.

Anele pledged the directorate’s commitment to ensuring access to timely, credible, and verifiable information that would enable responsible reportage while safeguarding national security interests.

She added: ‘For participants at this seminar, our role is not only to inform but to ensure that narratives surrounding security operations are accurate, constructive and supportive of national security objectives. Together, we must ensure that our troops win not only the battles in the field but also the battles of perception and information in the public domain. We must encourage and appreciate the huge sacrifices of troops, their gallantry sacrifice must be reinforced by responsible media reportage that amplifies their achievements, counters false narratives and fosters unity among Nigerians.’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has unveiled new strategies to strengthen party unity and improve its chances of winning the 2027 governorship and other elections in the state.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its Leadership Summit held in Ibadan, the party expressed concern over the growing activities of some aspirants who have been floating and nurturing separate groups within the APC, warning that such actions are creating unnecessary divisions rather than fostering unity.

The party emphasised that collective interest must take precedence over personal ambition, urging aspirants to immediately discontinue the formation of parallel groups and instead channel their energy toward promoting the APC’s goals.

‘We note that the imposition of candidates for elective and party positions is unhealthy for peace, unity, and cohesion within the party. We therefore advocate for an all-inclusive, free, fair, and transparent process of electing party candidates and officials without external influence,’ the communiqué stated.

The APC leadership also raised concerns over the misuse of social media platforms by some members, noting that such behavior has fueled internal conflicts. The party resolved to regulate how social media is used for sharing information about party activities to maintain discipline and harmony among members.

‘We note that the absence of a rallying point is negatively affecting coordination within the Party. We hereby resolve that in the absence of a sitting Governor who is a member of our Party, a collegiate leadership comprising two nominees from the three senatorial zones must be immediately put in place.

‘We note that some Aspirants have been campaigning and in the process, they are making inflammatory comments capable of further deepening the divisions within the Party.

‘We therefore resolved that campaign activities are premature at the moment, most especially, taking cognizance of the INEC Guidelines. We therefore caution Aspirants against making inflammatory statements and engaging in campaign activities against INEC Guidelines.

‘We note that Oyo state is short-changed in respect of appointments from Abuja despite our contributions to the successes of the Party in 2023. We therefore resolved that the Party needs to make a strong representation in Abuja to address this unfair treatment.’

Legal professionals within the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have been urged to place the interests of the Niger Delta people at the centre of their work.

Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Legal Services Directorate retreat held recently in Lagos, Managing Partner at S.P.A. Ajibade and Co., Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, stressed that legal officers must regard the region’s communities as their primary clients.

‘The legal department must always put the client first,’ Ajibade stated. ‘In this case, that client is the Niger Delta community. Every legal decision should be guided by the welfare of the people.’

The retreat, themed ‘Exploring Innovation for Effective Legal Service Delivery in the Public Service,’ provided a platform to examine how legal professionals can drive efficiency and innovation in public sector governance.

Ajibade reaffirmed the NDDC’s core mandate of promoting development across the Niger Delta and highlighted the crucial role of its legal directorate in achieving this goal. He cautioned that rigid legal practices, often influenced by professional ego, could undermine the Commission’s mission.

‘Rigidity in legal approaches can sometimes work against clients’ interests. We need more flexibility and a stronger client-centred mindset,’ he advised.

He further noted the broad legal implications of the Commission’s activities – from infrastructure development to environmental management – warning that poor legal advice could expose the NDDC to liabilities, project delays, or incomplete contracts.

Earlier, the Director of Legal Services and Board Secretary of the NDDC, Sir Victor Arenyeka, said the retreat was designed to enhance the legal team’s competence and strengthen their advisory capacity in delivering on the Commission’s developmental objectives.

‘We are essentially a service department. This retreat is about building expertise and strengthening our ability to support the commission’s work. We are like the policemen of the commission, enforcing the rules and ensuring that development can take place within a lawful framework’, Arenyeka said.

Managing Partner of Liberty Associates, Dr. Innih Archibong, also addressed the gathering, calling for reforms in Nigeria’s legal system to formally recognise the role of paralegals.

‘A paralegal is like the first responder in the legal system,’ he explained. ‘They inform people about their rights, offer initial legal advice, assist in litigation, and help settle disputes through mediation and advocacy.’

Archibong described the legal department as the ‘ethical and legal nerve centre’ of any organisation, noting that both lawyers and paralegals are vital to maintaining compliance, drafting agreements, managing legal risks, and protecting institutional interests.

He stressed that broadening access to justice in Nigeria would require fully integrating paralegals into the legal service ecosystem.