Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu ‘to urgently disclose details of the selection and appointment process for the successor to Prof. Mahmood Yakubu whose tenure as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will end in November 2025.

SERAP urged him ‘to disclose the number and names of candidates for INEC chairman and whether the Council of State has been consulted or would be consulted in making the appointment, as constitutionally required.’

SERAP also urged him to use the opportunity of the appointment of a new INEC chairman to reconsider your appointment of at least three alleged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the INEC and to nominate non-members of a political party as replacement.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu will leave office as INEC chairman in November, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. President Tinubu is expected to appoint his successor soon, subject to a Senate confirmation.

In the letter dated September 27, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘The selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement cannot and should not be ‘a closed shop.’ A transparent and accountable process would serve legitimate public interests.’

SERAP said there is a strong correlation between transparency in the selection and appointment process of INEC chairman and the ability of the commission to perform its constitutional and statutory duties in an independent and impartial manner.

According to SERAP, ‘INEC plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic process. Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process would improve public trust in the commission’s independence and impartiality and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.’

The letter, read in part: ‘Transparency in the process would also ensure that competent and impartial people are appointed and reduce the risks of conflict of interest. It would allow Nigerians to scrutinise, monitor, and engage with the process.

‘In electoral management, perception matters greatly. It is more important for the selection and appointment process to be objective and fair and to be seen to be objective and fair.

‘The manner in which elections are managed, including how officials managing elections are chosen, would contribute significantly to the sustenance of a democratic culture in the country.

‘A transparent selection and appointment process would strengthen democratic and electoral processes. Making the procedural details public would improve public confidence in the process.

‘Secrecy in the selection and appointment process would be inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. It would undermine the independence, autonomy and accountability of INEC and the right of Nigerians to a free and fair election.

‘Electoral body is independent where it has administrative and financial autonomy; and offers sufficient guarantees of its members’ independence and impartiality.

‘Openness and transparency in the selection and appointment process for Mr Yakubu’s replacement and the appointment of a competent, independent and impartial chairman would also help to address the perception of bias which characterised the operations of INEC including during the 2023 general elections.

‘Section 154(1) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the Chairman of INEC ‘shall be appointed by the President and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.’

‘Subsection 3 provides that in exercising his powers to appoint a person as Chairman of INEC, ‘the President shall consult the Council of State.’

‘Section 153(1) (f) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that ‘There shall be established for the Federation the following bodies, namely – (f) Independent National Electoral Commission.

‘Under Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022, ‘The appointment of a Resident Electoral Commissioner shall be in compliance with section 14 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘The nomination, confirmation and appointment of the alleged APC members as RECs for INEC is a breach of Section 6(4) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Section 156(1)(a) and Paragraph 14 of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution.

‘Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party guarantee the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his/her country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives.

‘The combined effect of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and international standards is the requirement that elections must be organized by a truly independent and impartial electoral body.

‘The status, powers, independence of INEC, and the impartiality with which it acts and is seen to be allowed to act, are fundamental to the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and effectiveness of citizens’ democratic rights. INEC ought to be the primary guarantor of the integrity and purity of the electoral process.

‘Your government has the constitutional responsibility to ensure openness and transparency in the selection and appointment of INEC chairman. The credibility and legitimacy of elections depend mostly on the independence and impartiality of those appointed to manage the process.

‘Without an independent and impartial INEC, the democratic rights of Nigerians would remain illusory.

‘Anyone to be appointed as INEC chairman must clearly be non-partisan, independent, impartial and neutral. INEC chairman and other officials ought to be able to discharge their legal duties and implement the Electoral Act without fear or favour.

‘Nigeria’s electoral body must enjoy independent from direction or control, whether from the government or any other quarter. It must be accountable to the electorate, and act accordingly.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Public perception of the independence of INEC is also essential for building public confidence in the electoral process. Where Nigerians have doubts about the independence of INEC, they are more likely to have less confidence in the electoral process, thereby undermining democracy.

‘The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.

‘These constitutional provisions, international standards and commitments impose a fundamental obligation to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection and appointment process for a new INEC chairman.

‘According to our information, the tenure of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu will end in November 2025, having completed his two-term tenure of 10 years. His successor is expected to assume office immediately.’

‘SERAP also notes that messrs Etekamba Umoren; Isah Shaka Ehimeakne; Anugbum Onuoha; and Bunmi Omoseyindemi were part of the ten persons nominated by you and confirmed by the Senate on 25th October, 2023 as RECs of INEC.’

Super Eagles attacker, Paul Onuachu has described his stunning bicycle-kick strike in Trabzonspor’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Fatih Karagmrk last weekend as one of the goals of the season.

The Nigeria international was the star of the seven-goal spectacle at the Atatrk Olympic Stadium, netting twice – first with a spectacular overhead kick and later from the penalty spot.

Speaking after the game, Onuachu expressed delight at both the win and his personal contribution.

‘First of all, I’d like to congratulate my teammates on the three points. I’m happy the team won, and even happier that I scored,’ he told Fanatik.

Reflecting on his wonder goal, the towering forward said it brought back memories of a previous strike.

‘I watched the goal again, and it reminded me of the one I scored against Konyaspor. Between the two, I’d say the Konyaspor goal was better. This one was purely instinctive – I had to decide quickly, and luckily it turned into a good shot and a good goal.’

Onuachu’s brace takes his tally to five goals in seven league appearances for Trabzonspor this season who are third with 14 points from seven games.

Trabzonspor hosts Kayserispor in their next Super Lig tie on Friday.

Nigerian Afro-Soul artist Ureny (real name Omoluyi Irene Joseph) has officially launched his music career with the release of his debut single ‘Melody’ under NeverStop Records International.

Born on December 30, 2006, in Rivers State and originally from Edo State, Ureny discovered his love for music at just seven years old.

Now, in 2025, he makes his professional entry into the industry, bringing a sound defined by authentic storytelling, raw emotion, and the essence of human connection.

Blessed with a smooth, expressive voice and a talent for storytelling, Ureny channels his introverted nature into music that resonates deeply. His artistry transcends entertainment, capturing the lived experiences of many across Africa through poignant and heartfelt songwriting.

Melody is a piece of my soul’, Ureny shares. ‘It’s about expressing emotions that words alone can’t carry. That’s what I want my music to be; a voice for feelings we all share”.

With ‘Melody’ Ureny offers a compelling introduction to his Afro soul style which is rich, introspective and timeless. Backed by NeverStop Records, he’s currently preparing for the release of his debut EP ”An Intention” a project that promises to showcase his range, depth and unique artistic voice.

As 2025 unfolds, Ureny is poised to become a powerful new voice in Nigerian music and one to watch on the Afro-Soul landscape.

The Kaduna State Council of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for health workers in the state.

The commendation was contained in a letter jointly signed by the state chairman, Comrade Ishaku Yakubu, and the state secretary, Comrade Christiana Bawa, and addressed to the governor.

According to the association, the decision to effect the salary structures was an act of fairness and magnanimity that has rekindled the hope of many dedicated nurses in the governor’s administration and in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

NANNM stated that Governor Sani had not only demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare of nurses and other health workers but had also reaffirmed his passion for strengthening healthcare delivery in Kaduna State.

It noted that the implementation of both CONHESS and CONMESS came at a time of competing demands on the state’s resources, yet the governor placed a premium on the well-being of health professionals.

‘This visionary leadership has boosted morale, improved productivity, and positioned Kaduna State as a model of labour-friendly governance,’ the council declared.

The body maintained that such interventions would go a long way in improving healthcare outcomes in the state, as motivated workers are better positioned to deliver quality service to citizens.

The nurses and midwives, while applauding the governor’s action, pledged continuous loyalty, dedication, and professional excellence in service of Kaduna State as their contribution to his transformative agenda in the health sector.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday vowed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu.

Wike commiserated with the management and staff of the Arise News Channel over the death of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, describing her death as tragic and painful.

In a statement on Tuesday, by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Somtochukwu, assured that the Police will unravel the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

He said the death of Somtochukwu was not only a loss to the Arise News family, but to the Nigerian media and the entire nation as a whole.

The minister said from reports he received from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama Hospital dead at about 4:30 am last Monday.

The minister said, ‘I feel pain that such a wonderful soul could be cut down in its prime. It is sad!

‘From the report by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Somtochukwu was brought to the Maitama General Hospital dead at about 4:30 am on Monday.

‘Preliminary medical reports will be made available to the police to aid their investigation, while all efforts will be made to unravel the circumstances surrounding her death.

‘Therefore, at this period, we will continue to pray for the continued support of the Almighty God for the staff and management of Arise News, especially the Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the family and friends left behind by the deceased.

‘It is my prayer that God in His infinite mercies will accept her soul and give her family members, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss’.

Former Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Sabrina Idukpaye, has said she would have made it to the finals if not for her forced exit from the show due to health issues.

In an interview with The Beat FM, Sabrina expressed confidence in her performance and interactions during her time in the house, insisting she was destined to be a finalist.

Her exit followed hospitalization over undisclosed health concerns. Although later declared medically fit, she claimed the show’s organizers denied her re-entry.

Despite the setback, Sabrina expressed gratitude to MultiChoice and the Big Brother franchise for the platform and opportunity.

Colleagues of late ARISE News correspondent, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, have expressed outrage over reports that the 29-year-old journalist was denied medical care after sustaining injuries during a robbery at her Abuja residence on Monday.

During Tuesday’s edition of The Morning Show, anchors Ojy Okpe and Reuben Abati described her death as tragic and preventable, highlighting both the dangers journalists face and the gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Okpe recounted that Maduagwu had jumped from her home to escape 14 armed robbers and survived the fall, but later died after allegedly being refused treatment at a General Hospital in Abuja.

‘She jumped down from her home when she heard that 14 armed robbers had come to her house. She did not die on the spot.

‘She was taken to the hospital, but she was rejected. This really is a tragic, tragic incident. Sommie’s life could have been saved, but the hospital refused to treat her,’ Okpe said.

The hospital staff reportedly demanded identification documents before attending to her, which led to a delay in treatment.

The alleged denial of medical attention has sparked outrage among her colleagues, who describe it as a preventable death.

Dr. Abati condemned the hospital’s conduct, stating that it was a violation of medical ethics and the law, which requires immediate treatment for accident victims.

Abati said, ‘This is an issue of the law in Nigeria. Anybody who is a victim of an accident. should be treated immediately.

‘But those who were taken to the hospital were refused treatment because staff were looking for identification. It is the duty of doctors and nurses to stay faithful to their oath, which is to save lives.’

He added, ‘I hope the hospital is properly identified, and sanctions where appropriate are applied to those on duty. Lives could have been saved.’

Abati also reflected on the risks faced by journalists, describing the profession as one that ‘can lead to a pathway of death.’

‘This job that we do is a very dangerous one. Unfortunately, a young woman has fallen,’ he said.

Maduagwu’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with many paying tribute to her courage and professionalism.

Her final post on X in August, where she prayed that Nigeria’s challenges would not affect her or her loved ones, has resurfaced, adding to the emotional impact of her passing.

‘I pray from the depth of my heart that Nigeria never happens to me or anyone I care about’, she had written.

The FCT Police Command has launched an investigation into the incident, and there are calls for justice and accountability for those responsible.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday hosted the Russian Chapter of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance at the State House in Abuja, declaring Nigeria a fertile ground for global partnerships and a dependable ally of the BRICS bloc.

Welcoming the delegation led by Anna Nesterova, Chairperson of the Alliance, Mrs. Tinubu described Nigeria as ‘a very interesting place that you will find rewarding for partnerships.’

She assured the visitors of her office’s continued advocacy for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship while clarifying the statutory role of government ministries in driving concrete economic engagements.

‘My office will continue to provide advocacy and encouragement, but the ministries have the statutory responsibilities and budgets to support your mission.

‘I do a lot of programmes through my foundation, but when it comes to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, the ministries are the right partners. My role is to complement, advise, and facilitate’, she said.

The First Lady highlighted her humanitarian work through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting personal commitments to education, women, and children.

She recalled dedicating her 65th birthday to fundraising for a national library project and announced plans to distribute sanitary kits to schoolgirls in Gombe State as part of her outreach to rural communities.

In her remarks, Nesterova praised Mrs. Tinubu as ‘an incredible woman who not only changes lives for the better but also paves the way for a prosperous future for the Nigerian people.’

She disclosed plans by the Alliance to establish a regional office in Nigeria to serve as a gateway for women entrepreneurs into international markets.

She also announced a donation of 1,000 labour and delivery kits to support maternal health in Nigeria, while highlighting the Alliance’s global reach: ‘Our Common Digital Platform currently connects more than 3,000 businesswomen from 60 countries, and last year, the BRICS Women’s Startups Contest attracted 50 applications from Nigeria alone.’

The Russian delegation included senior executives and academics such as Ms. Liudmila Shcherbakova of VET PHARM Group, Ms. Natalia Vershinina of United Migration Center, Prof. Liudmila Popova of Orel State University, and Ms. Anna Meshcheryakova of Third Opinion AI.

They expressed readiness to collaborate in areas ranging from pharmaceuticals and labour mobility to financial literacy and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Following the courtesy call, the visitors joined Nigerian officials at a technical session in the State House Banquet Hall focused on ‘Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Exploring Investment Opportunities between Nigeria and Russia.’

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, described the engagement as a new chapter in Nigeria-Russia relations.

‘This gathering must go beyond symbolism. It should deliver actionable frameworks for cooperation, joint ventures, and enduring networks between Nigerian and Russian women entrepreneurs’, she said.

She linked the talks to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope foreign policy agenda, stressing that empowering women is ‘not just a moral duty but a strategic investment in national growth and stability.’

Also speaking, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, recalled over six decades of Nigeria-Russia cooperation in education, technology, defence, and energy.

She noted that Nigerian women own over 40 percent of small and medium enterprises and constitute nearly 39 percent of registered exporters.

‘With Nigeria’s demographic strength and entrepreneurial dynamism, and Russia’s technological expertise, our two nations can pursue mutually beneficial partnerships in agriculture, food security, mining, energy, the digital economy, and healthcare,’ Oduwole said.

She underscored Nigeria’s gateway role under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering investors access to a $3 trillion market of 1.3 billion people.

Other speakers included the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulieman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who both stressed the importance of women and youth in driving innovation and inclusive growth.

Sir: Picture a crocodile by the riverbank: powerful, fierce, and built to rule the waters. Yet this creature, chained with heavy bonds, is unable to move, hunt, or lead its territory. Its strength is wasted, its potential wasted. This is the tragic image of governance in Nigeria today.

Governors, who ought to be the engines of development and the closest link to the people, have become like that bound crocodile. They carry mandates meant to transform society, but invisible chains of godfatherism, party politics, and vested interests hold them down. Instead of bold leadership, we see hesitation, compromise, and stagnation.

The tragedy runs deeper when governors who genuinely wish to serve find themselves trapped. One ‘godfather’ or party leader can summon them to heel, threaten them with political extinction, or strip them of support. They are forced to choose between serving the people and preserving their careers. Inevitably, the people lose. Projects stall, policies are abandoned, and elections become hollow rituals. Leaders take oaths, but the spirit of democracy is nowhere to be found.

Good governance must begin at the state level. This is where education policies can be tailored to local needs, where hospitals and clinics can be strengthened to save lives, and where infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities. States should be the laboratories of progress. Yet when governors are more loyal to political patrons than to citizens, priorities shift. Instead of innovation, we get inertia. A bound crocodile cannot hunt, and a politically captured governor cannot deliver.

This crisis is not uniquely Nigerian. Across Africa, the same story unfolds. In most countries on the continent, domestic chains are reinforced by foreign ones. Neo-colonialism, though less visible than in the past, continues to shape politics and policy. International institutions, foreign governments, and multinational corporations subtly dictate directions. Loans and aid arrive tied to conditions that often undermine local priorities. Instead of resisting, many African leaders comply, turning themselves into administrators of external agendas.

The result is a continent rich in resources but poor in outcomes. Africa’s wealth benefits others more than its own citizens. Its leaders, caught between local godfathers and foreign benefactors, fail to assert the sovereignty needed for genuine development.

If Nigeria and Africa are to move forward, these chains must be broken. The first step is political liberation. Godfatherism must be dismantled, and systems must be built to make governors accountable primarily to the people. Internal party democracy must be strengthened so that candidates emerge based on merit, not loyalty to a benefactor. Anti-corruption institutions must be insulated from political interference so they cannot be wielded as weapons of blackmail.

Secondly, citizens must reclaim their power. Democracy is not a four-year ritual; it is a daily responsibility. Civil society, the media, and grassroots movements must hold leaders accountable long after the campaigns end. Promises must be tracked, performance must be measured, and failure must be exposed. Leaders will only fear the people when they are united and can no longer be ignored.

Finally, Africa must rethink its relationship with the outside world. Cooperation and partnership are necessary, but submission is not. Trade is essential, but must be fair and equitable. Aid should not come with strings that compromise sovereignty. African leaders must learn that independence is hollow if policies are subject to foreign influence.

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either continue as the bound crocodile-powerful yet paralyzed-or we can break the chains that hold us down. The choice is stark. The cost of bondage is not abstract: it is visible in underfunded schools, collapsing hospitals, potholed roads, and unemployed youth. It is measured in lost lives, wasted potentials and eroded hope.

The metaphor of the crocodile is not accidental. Like the reptile, Nigeria has the raw strength to dominate its waters. Our natural resources, our human capital, and our cultural wealth give us all we need to thrive. But without political liberation, strength turns into frustration. Without sovereignty, potential turns into dependency.

To break free, governors must rediscover their courage, parties must rediscover internal democracy, and citizens must rediscover their voices. The crocodile must remember its nature: not to be bound, but to rule the waters with confidence and independence.

Nigeria’s story does not have to remain a tragedy. Africa’s story does not have to be one of wasted potential. But change will not come by accident. It requires deliberate choices: to resist godfatherism, to challenge corruption, to reject external control, and to place the people at the centre of governance.

Lecturers at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), owned by Ondo State Government, have threatened to disrupt the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation, if their outstanding salaries are not paid.

The lecturers, under the umbrella of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), embarked on strike last month over the non-payment of their salaries and arrears, a development that has since paralysed academic and social activities on campus.

The Chairman of AAUA ASUU, Dr Boluwaji Oshodi, said the lecturers had exercised enough patience over the alleged refusal by the government to address their plight.

‘We have been patient and tolerant for long, but this time, we won’t be again. Our people have been pushed to the wall. We are not seeing any effort that can signal that the state government is ready to do the right thing,’ Oshodi said.

He said efforts to meet with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had been unsuccessful.

According to him, lecturers had endured harsh conditions, including conducting examinations ‘on an empty stomach.’

Reacting, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, dismissed claims that the government had abandoned the institution.

He said the state government had been engaging with the striking lecturers to resolve the dispute and assured people that the issues would soon be addressed.

He said Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration had continued to release monthly subventions to state-owned tertiary institutions, including AAUA, without delay.