Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The H-1B is a classification of non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, as well as fashion models, or persons who are engaged in Department of Defense projects who meet certain conditions.

The regulation and implementation of visa programs are carried out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Foreign nationals may have H-1B status while present in the United States, and may or may not have a physical H-1B visa stamp.

H-1B visa status holders typically have an initial three-year stay in the U.S. They are entitled to a maximum of six years of physical presence in H-1B status.

After reaching certain milestones in the green card process, H-1B status can be extended beyond the six-year maximum.

The number of initial H-1B visas issued each fiscal year is capped at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution, for a total of 85,000.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new rule for foreign professionals, including Nigerians seeking opportunities in the United States.

Under the policy, American companies that hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program will now be required to pay $100,000 (about ?150 million) per worker every year.

Here is a full list for US H-1B visa approvals for Nigerians since Fiscal Year 2018:

The Fiscal Year (FY) is October 1 to September 30. FY 2018 is October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018.

1. 2018 – 391

2. 2019 – 385

3. 2020 – 232

4. 2021 – 198

5. 2022 – 588

6. 2023 – 740

7. 2024 – 880

Workers of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti (FETHI), Ekiti State, have hailed the outgoing Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Adekunle Ajayi.

The workers attributed the improved service delivery and positive health outcomes in the facility in the last eight years to high morale occasioned by adequate welfare, provision of equipment and infrastructural development.

The staff members, comprising doctors, nurses, health and administrative workers, hailed the CMD for what they called his exemplary leadership, which had transformed the facility into a true beacon of quality healthcare services.

Ajayi, a Professor of Medicine, will bow out of office later this year on completion of his second term in office as CMD of the tertiary health facility.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital, Dr Olagoke Erinomo, said FETHI had been repositioned under Ajayi with the huge achievements in the delivery of its three mandate areas – clinical services, training and research.

Erinomo, who is the Head of the Directorate of Clinical Services and Training, FETHI, said: ‘Prior to 2018, as a hospital, this place was doing poorly. Patients had lost confidence in us, our patient turnover was low, and patients’ satisfaction was also poor. That was because of a lot of factors: human resource factor, staff attitude, motivation, availability of necessary equipment and consumables.

‘But when Prof. Ajayi came on board in 2018, he came specifically with an agenda for repositioning the hospital, particularly to regain its corporate identity as a hospital of choice not only in Ekiti State, but in this country and beyond’.

The CMAC listed the CMD’s interventions to include massive infrastructural development, staff recruitments, training and retraining of staff and huge investment in the acquisition of the necessary and required equipment.

A consultant chemical pathologist and focal Nodal Officer for SERVICOM, Dr Ahmed Jimoh, said that the Ajayi-led management had brought a lot of changes to the hospital and had done a lot to improve the quality of service delivery in the institution.

FETHI Director of Works and Services, Engr Dada Adedayo, praised Ajayi for his achievements in the hospital’s infrastructural developments, especially in resolving the epileptic power supply and water scarcity challenges. ‘Today, electricity supply has improved tremendously and the hospital wards and offices now have 24 hours water supply.

The Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in FETHI, Dr Omotola Obajulowo, lauded the Ajayi-led management for ensuring ease of practice and ease of solving problems, which availability of world class equipment at the various clinics and units enabled.

Community heads in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, have thrown their weight behind the Osogbo Elders Council, insisting that the 2026 governorship ticket of the major political parties must be zoned to Osogbo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the state governorship election.

Despite Osogbo’s historical role as a decisive voting bloc in Osun politics since its days as part of old Oyo State, no indigene of the Osogbo has ever been elected governor in the 34 years of the state’s existence.

Speaking on Oroki Asala, a current affairs programme on Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio, the Baale of Gbodofon and Chairman of the Council of Baales in Osogbo, High Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, emphasized that the town is now more united than ever on the demand to produce Governor.

He credited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, for establishing the Osogbo Action Committee and the Osogbo Elders Council to end political divisions that had previously weakened the chances of Osogbo.

High Chief Ibrahim stressed that the efforts of the Ataoja have already yielded results, with Osogbo speaking in one voice ahead of 2026. ‘The Elders Council has successfully united all Baales in Osogbo. As Chairman of the Council of Baales, I affirm that we stand solidly behind them in this call for an Osogbo indigene to emerge as governor. We will play our part to make it happen,’ he said.

Similarly, Prince Adeleke Oduola Ibiloye, Chairman of the Osogbo Elders Council, reiterated that Osogbo’s long-standing support for other towns must now be reciprocated. ‘We have stood firmly behind others in the past. It is now time for the rest of Osun to support Osogbo. The 2026 governorship slot should be ours, and we are determined to actualize it,’ he declared.

With prominent Osogbo indigenes already eyeing tickets in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), the community leaders expressed optimism that the era of Osogbo’s exclusion from the governorship seat will finally come to an end in 2026.

As the governorship primary of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) draws close, one of the campaign groups in the state has decried what it described as the escalating wave of violence, intimidation, and politically motivated persecution being unleashed on members and supporters of the Engr. Kayode Ojo Campaign Organization in Ekiti State.

According to a statement released by the secretariat of the group, and signed by Kayode Oluyemo, it expressed deep concern over the arrest and detention of its members.

According to the group, on May 30, 2025, during one of its meetings at the residence of Mr. Moses Dabi, Oke Ago, Igede Ekiti, one of its members, Mr. Adebayo Itakorode, was falsely charged with kidnapping, detained for one day, and later remanded by the court. Although released on bail, the case has been repeatedly adjourned without resolution.

It also alleged that on July 12, 2025, at Otun in Moba Local Government hoodlums attacked the venue of its meeting, where its members were physically assaulted while others were also arrested during the attack.

He said several others were also arrested at different times, saying, ‘All these incidents have been duly reported to the police, yet no action has been taken.’

In addition, the group said that several campaign offices and properties linked to the group were attacked.

‘These developments constitute a direct assault on democratic rights and a grave violation of both the Nigerian Constitution and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution,’ the group said.

The group therefore demand the immediate release of all unlawfully detained persons, aside from ‘An independent investigation into these arrests, attacks, and the alleged collusion between government officials, security agencies, and judicial officers.’

Eight more bodies have been recovered from last Tuesday’s boat accident at Ibaji, Kogi State.

The recovery followed the ongoing search and rescue mounted by personnel of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency.

Its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Muktar Atima, confirmed the recovery of the eight bodies, adding that further search was ongoing at the scene of the mishap.

The State government had in a condolence message to the people of the state on Wednesday revealed that no fewer than 26 lives were lost in the mishap.

The incident, which occurred at about 4.30 pm on Tuesday, involved mainly traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

The state Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwoon, confirmed the incident in a condolence message on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo.

The statement reads in part: ‘The Government and people of Kogi State received with deep sadness the news of the boat mishap which occurred on the River Niger, involving traders travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

‘Reports indicate that the unfortunate incident has allegedly claimed the lives of no fewer than 26 passengers.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased, as well as the entire Ibaji Local Government Area, in this moment of grief.

‘His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and has directed relevant agencies, including the State Emergency Management Agency, to work with local authorities to provide immediate support and relief to those affected.

‘The Governor further assured that the state government will intensify ongoing efforts in collaboration with federal agencies to improve safety measures on our waterways in order to prevent a reoccurrence of such a tragedy.

‘We call on our people, especially in the riverine communities, to always prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and by using life jackets and other precautionary measures whenever they travel by water.’

Mishap raises concerns about safety of passengers on inland water ways

The state has been in mourning mood since the Tuesday accident, which claimed no fewer than 32 lives. According to the state government, the mishap involved mainly traders who were travelling from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

Some residents said that the accident occurred on the River Niger between Onugwa Village in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State and Ilushi (Ojigono) in Edo State.

The state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), through its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, also disclosed that 80 passengers boarded the boat while 68 were rescued.

Search and rescue were still on as at press time.

Of particular concern was the report of a family in Onugwa community losing eight members in the accident.

While the result of the investigation into the cause of the mishap is being awaited, it is apparent that it has once again brought up the need to secure the lives of passengers on inland waterways in Nigeria.

To be sure, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has in recent times taken several steps to ensure the safety of waterways travellers. For instance, in August, NIWA commenced the enforcement of the law anyone travelling on Nigeria’s waterways must wear life jackets.

NIWA had launched the enforcement at Niger-Kwara Area Office, insisting that any passenger boarding a commercial canoe or boat across its waterways must wear a life jacket. The Area Manager, Mr Akapo Adeboye, flagged off the 2025 sensitization campaign on safety of lives and property in line with inland waterways regulations at Gabgibo community.

The campaign was tagged ‘Safety and Safe Trip: Zero Tolerance to Boat Mishap – No Life Jacket, No Boarding.’ The enforcement, which began at the Gabgibo waterfront in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, is part of the authority’s efforts to reduce boat accidents and ensure safety on waterways.

NIWA has also introduced various other initiatives including recruitment of personnel who patrol the various Inland waterways across Nigeria to ensure that commercial boats and canoes do not embark on night trips on the waterways.

It will be recalled that NIWA also arraigned two boat operators, namely Alhaji Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana before a Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court over a November 2024 boat disaster on Niger River, which claimed no fewer than 19 lives.

The Kogi State Police Command, through its wing of the National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA), arraigned the errant men. The duo were the owner and the operator of the wooden boat loaded with 60 passengers from Cupa area of Lokoja to Kacha Market in Niger State.

The two men were arraigned over three count charge of criminal conspiracy, negligent conduct and ‘failure to observe general obligation to exercise vigilance contrary to sections 97(2),196 of Kogi State penal code and section 7 of Inland Waterways transportation regulation.’

The duo however pleaded not guilty to the three charges.

NIWA has also been imploring boat operators not to take hard drugs while operating the boats and shun overloading. The boat operators have also been advised to ensure that canoes and boats being used for operation are in good shape and properly maintained.

The lesson from last Tuesday’s boat incident was that no matter the extent of safety measures put in place by the NIWA, passengers patronising commercial canoes and boats themselves need to accord priority to the safety of their lives and be ready to embrace measures put in place to achieve this by authorities.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has however assured of his government’s continuous support for whatever safety measures are put in place by the Federal Government and its agencies to ensure safety on the waterways.

In the same vein, Kogi State former Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, in his condolences over the mishap, enjoined engine boat owners to always put safety measures first in their day-to-day running of their engine boats.

Achuba also implored the state government ‘to listen to the cry of Ibaji people and construct their road for easy access to neighbouring communities, and for commercial activities.’

From all indications and more than ever before, there is still a need for intensive and continuous enlightenment on the various measures being put in place by government to ensure the safety of passengers patronising Nigeria’s waterways.

Adeyinka Akinwande’s desire for activism may have started from school, but it was fully showcased during the June 12 struggle. The singer and dramatist consider himself a hero of June 12, among many other artists, while speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s recent honours for heroes of June 12.

He said: ‘I totally agree with the honour. But many other people who fought are not honoured. Many of them are gone, many still living. The honour should not be only those in politics or people who are loyal to a party. Gbenga Adewusi got his place of business destroyed because of June 12. His office at Idumota was set Ablaze. I was among those who worked with him during the production of ‘Babanginda Must Go’.

‘Late Fuji exponent, Chief Sikiru Ayinde Barrister should also be honoured, dead, or alive. He was fearless. Dr Orlando Owoh was fearless. I was working with Dr. Sikiru during the June 12 struggle as one of the production crews at that period. The songs he made were straight and direct. During one of the studio sessions, his set drummer, Mufu Lanihun, was beginning to roll drums and play the kick drum in a dancing style. Barrister warned him to stop. He said it did not align with the mood of Nigeria at that time. We were working on ‘Prophecy.’ I asked him if he wasn’t troubled after State Security invited him but later let him go. After that, he made another and another. He didn’t stop. We know many people who were two-faced at the time. Orlando Owoh sang, ‘Na democracy we want’ during the deadly Abacha reign. Such people should be honoured for their contributions to the well-being of the country and to entertainment in general.

‘Barrister was already a sick man, Orlando himself was sick. Even then, they did not compromise. They worked day and night to produce those songs. I was there when Alhaji Sikiru burst into tears during a studio session because he was having a lot of pain. His feet were swollen, his voice was unstable. Orlando just survived a partial stroke, he was lean and coughing. He often cleared his throat, even then he didn’t stop producing protest songs against the wicked men in uniform.’

‘For example, Paul McCartney is a Knight. Anthony Joshua is an MBE. If Victor Osimhen and other footballers and athletes could be honoured, why not look into the entertainment industry and give kudos to them too. The same Babangida who turned Nigeria upside down at the time is being highly praised as a national treasure now. We didn’t fight for Abiola, we fought for Nigeria, our right because in all honesty, Abiola was not clean.’

‘After we produced ‘Babangida must go,’ the late ewi (poem) exponent Adewusi also did ‘Ologini tajode’, produced by Julie king and Julius Olagoroye. Adewusi mentioned the names of those who worked on the poem. Then we heard that the State Security was looking for us, I also worked in the production of the protest poems released by Kunle Ologundudu. Those were risky periods for anyone to be involved in activities against those wicked guys in power. We raised our voices; put our talents together to cry out against injustices and oppression. The state security was looking for us, and we were informed that they visited Afrodisia studios where the ewi was recorded and made enquiries. Gbenga Adewusi fled. Some people said he was in Benin Republic. Those of us who were too young, we were just living under the grace of God just like most Nigerians were. Later, Gbenga Adewusi appeared with some kind of long beard that covered almost his entire face because he was disguising.’

‘I know many musicians who were visiting Aso Rock to perform every weekend or those who were lobbying for contracts. Felix Lebarty converted to Islam, and he changed his name. Generally, people in the entertainment industry are not honoured in our country. Another example is Laolu Akins. Alade Aromire who made the first indigenous home video drama,’Aje’niyami’

‘For Abiola, we exercise our rights. We were denied our rights and we protested. Many were killed. In fact, those who died in their homes were many due to stray bullets. June 12 should be a reminder to the many souls that were lost; innocent souls, students who were killed during protests at school. Now the country has forgotten about them. A young girl was killed inside her home by a stray bullet.’

Akinwande is also mentoring youths in the area of talent development.

‘I have always been working with the youths to develop their talents in religious and non-religious areas. I did ‘A Day of Unity’ in the United Kingdom, bringing the different tribes together for dinner. I organised a prayer service with the Church of England to pray for Nigeria and its people. I arranged for the youths to sing and pray for Nigeria. It is titled, ‘Nigeria by Adeyinka Akinwande and the Youth Fellowship. Now I am preparing to work with some Muslim Youths to encourage them to record a song.’

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nigerians have continued to agitate for an electoral reform that will ensure a holistic overhaul of the electoral process in the country. These reforms being sought by Nigerians goes far beyond an amendment to the Electoral Act, but giving constitutional backing to certain issues that will give credence to them in relation to the elections in the country and creating certain institutions that will assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in promoting electoral credibility in the country. It is on record that the current management of INEC has consistently stressed the need to unbundle the commission with a view to reducing its work load and allowing it to concentrate on purely electoral matters. Presently, the commission is constitutionally mandated to register and regulate political parties, conduct elections as well as investigate and prosecute electoral offenders.

Not many Nigerians believe that the nation’s electoral umpire has nurtured the electoral system to a stage of maturity with great improvement in the system. but since the infamous ‘do or die’ electoral declaration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo before the 2007 general election to the admission by late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua that he was not proud of the election that brought him to power, the agitation for electoral reform by Nigerians has consistently been on the increase. That led to the setting up of the Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais Committee on Electoral Reform which made far reaching recommendations on how to repositioning and reforming the electoral process in Nigeria. Unfortunately, majority of the recommendations have not been implemented several years after. While some of these recommendations required constitutional amendments, others require tinkering with the electoral act and both.

For example, the recommendation for an electoral offences commission and tribunal and the recommendation on the establishment of a political party registration and regulatory commission require constitutional amendment to give them the force of law. Although the Senate passed the bill to establish the Electoral Offences Commission that will be saddled with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting electoral offenders in the 9th Assembly, the House of Representatives failed to pass the same law. At the session presided over by the then Deputy Speaker where the bill was scheduled for consideration, the House turned the report and asked its committee on Electoral Matters to correct obvious errors. The report never made it back for consideration before the expiration of the life of that Assembly. That meant that the bill had to be returned to the House and reworked. The bill sponsored by Bamidele Salam returned to the parliament as a constitutional amendment bill and form one of the 12 bills on electoral reform being considered by the 10th House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Reform says any reforms in the electoral system in the country should focus on two main areas. These are the administrative and legal framework. They also argued that there is a need for the review of INEC’s regulations and guidelines, which are contained in the INEC Memorandum for Administrative Reform. Like many Nigerians, the group believes that the process of appointing the Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners should be reviewed, with the power taken away from the President. Rather, they want a multi-stakeholder approach to appointments into INEC, including consultations with the National Council of State, as well as traditional and religious institutions and civil society.

They are also of the view that the criteria for appointments into INEC should be reviewed, as the current criteria of non-partisanship and unquestionable character prescribed by the Constitution have proven inadequate. They want the introduction of additional criteria such as professional skills and qualifications, health, age, and gender, saying: ‘Election administration requires individuals with diverse legal, IT, logistics, statistics, and communications skills. The appointing authority should consider the age, health status, and gender of nominees when making appointments to the commission.’ This argument draw support from the House Constitution Review Committee who are seeking an amendment to the constitution to reform the processes of appointing the INEC Chairman by involving the National Judicial Council in the selection process there by enhancing the independence, credibility and transparency of the appointment process.

On its part, PAACA said: ‘currently, the President holds considerable power over the appointment of INEC members, and its funding is subject to annual appropriation, leading to a perceived lack of autonomy.’ They are proposing the establishment of a broad-based selection committee with members drawn from civil society, the judiciary, and the National Assembly, including the National Judicial Council, to preside over the selection process into the Independent National Electoral Commission. They also propose a five-year single tenure for members appointed to the commission. Presently, members of the commission can serve two terms of five years each. The current system allows the President to nominate the Chairman and members of the commission, as well as Resident Electoral Commissioners’.

Incidentally, the recommendations of the Justice Uwais Commission falls in line with the recommendations of the Political Reform Conference and the 2014 National Conference set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Since the 2023 general elections, there have been so many agitations, and the electoral umpire itself has held series of stakeholders meeting aimed at creating a better electoral process in the country. At one of such for with members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matter, the INEC Chairman spoke of the need to reduce cost of conducting elections in the country. One of the reforms being proposed by the Commission which is also contained in the bill to amend the electoral act 2022 is the provision that will eliminate by-elections in parliamentary elections. Clause 40 (1 and 2) of the bill seeking to amend the electoral act states that ‘where an elected member of a legislative house at any level of government resigns, dies or is otherwise unable to continue in office before the expiration of the tenure for which the member was elected, the political party under whose platform the member was elected shall have the mandate to nominate a replacement from within the party in accordance with the procedure for nomination of candidates in section 84(2). The nomination under paragraph 1 shall be made within 60 days after the seat is declared vacant by the presiding office due to resignation, death or incapacity of the member’. But Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, the member representing Moba/Ilejemeje/Ido Osi Federal Constituency of Ekiti State in the House of Representatives is not in support of that move. He believe that the proposal by the commission for the party of the deceased lawmaker who the one that resigned to produce the replacement is not democratic. He said ‘that’s not proper. If INEC suggests that model, that would be tantamount to denying the people the right to choose the person they want to occupy that position because the leadership of the parties can just sit somewhere and pick a candidate. That will not reflect the feeling of the generality of that people in that area.’

Aside the position of INEC and clamour by Nigerians, the House of Representatives has also made electoral reform one of its key priority, forming one of the items on its legislative agenda.

According to the item on the agenda, the House pledged to ‘carefully examine complaints and observations made by stakeholders arising from the conduct of the 2023 general elections. Specific actions to be taken by the House include amend the Electoral Act 2022 to remedy some of the gaps observed, including vague and contradicting provisions, pass an independent legislation (the Political Parties Bill) to regulate the registration, financing and functioning of political parties in Nigeria and, by so doing, allow INEC to focus on the conduct of elections; set up a mechanism for periodic reviews of electoral laws to ensure they remain relevant and in tune with global best practices’.

It also planned to ‘amend the Electoral Act 2022 to allow diaspora voting by government officials around the world, ensure the passage of the National Electoral Offences Commission Bill to confer powers of the Commission to prosecute electoral offences, propose amendments to the Constitution on issues related to elections in Nigeria to address the appointment of Chairman and National Commissioners of the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC); creation of an Electoral Offences Commission as an independent body; and the relevance or otherwise of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) of INEC in the States’.

The process of unbundling the commission does not just rely on amending the Electoral Act or creating legislation by the National Assembly. It also involves amending the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution. For example, the Constitution must first be amended to transfer INEC’s responsibility for registering and regulating political parties and prosecuting electoral offences to other institutions, which will be established by an Act of the National Assembly, such as the proposed Political Party Registration and Regulatory Commission and the Electoral Offences Commission. The functions to be ascribed to these bodies are already conferred on INEC by the Constitution, and only a constitutional amendment can alter this if the nation is to avoid a constitutional crisis and reduce INEC’s enormous and onerous responsibilities. Relevant sections of the Constitution include paragraph 15 of the Third Schedule and Section 144.

Some of the bills being considered by the House Committee on constitution review include a bill to alter sections 40, 81, 84, 153, 222, 225, 226,228 and the third schedule to the constitution to provide for the establishment of the Political Party Registration and Regulatory Commission in other to reduce the burden on INEC and also allow the new body take charge of the registration, supervision, regulation of the operation of all registered political parties in the country, their finances, internal democracy, party primaries, conventions and meetings and other activities of political parties. The bill to this effect is sponsored by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen. In addition, the House is also considering a bill to establish an Electoral Offences Commission with power to investigate and prosecute pre-election, Election Day and post-election crime as well as amending sections of the constitution to provide for the conduct of all elections on the same day. This, according to the House is to ensure a streamlined electoral process so as to reduce the administrative burden on INEC and ensure a more efficient and inclusive voting system for all citizens.

The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) supports the idea of an electoral offences Commission.

PAACA said: ‘presently, election-related offences are cumbersome to prosecute within the existing federal or state high courts, leading to severe delays and backlogs. While election petition tribunals exist, there is no dedicated mechanism to handle criminal electoral offences like ballot snatching or vote buying. We propose that federal and state laws should provide for special electoral courts or divisions, mandated to hear these cases within a stringent 90-day timeframe from the commencement of proceedings.’

There are also recommendations for a review of the period of elections and the dispensing of election petitions before inauguration. The bill seeks to ensure that all election petition and appeals arising thereof are resolved before elected officials assume office. The House said the goal of this constitutional amendment is to enhance electoral transparency and legitimacy. It said ‘by settling pre-inauguration disputes, the bill will prevent governance disruptions and boost public trust. This measure ensures only candidates with undisputed mandates takes office. This will promote a seamless power transition and strengthens democracy’. The implication of this provision is the procedures for elections may have to be altered either in the constitution or in the electoral act. Interestingly, there is a bill, that sought to make the Appeal Court the starting point for Governorship election petition, terminating in the senate just like the Presidential election, while legislative elections start from the tribunals and ends at the Court of Appeal. Clause 135 of the electoral act amendment bill currently being considered speaks to this constitutional amendment provision. It provide that the election petition tribunal be set up 30 days before the conduct of an election and should commence sitting not later than 8 days after the elections. It also provide that an election petition be filed 21 days after the date of declaration of election result and deliver judgement within 90 days (down from 180 days in the 2022 electoral act). It also provides that appeals arising from such judgement must be filed not later than 14 days from the date of judgement, while the appeal must be dispense with not later than 60 days after filing the appeal. This also apply to pre-election matters which must however be filed with 14 days from the date of the occurrence of the event being challenged. It also said that ‘an election tribunal or court shall not declare any person a winner of an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all stages of the election’. This tends to address situations where aspirants who lost party primaries are later declared winners of the main election because after the disqualification of the main candidate because of pre-election matters. This provision points to the fact that in such situation, the court can only order a by- election.

One suggestion that tends to draw the support of the majority of Nigerians is the reduction in the time limit for election petitions. This is also a constitutional matter that needs to be dealt with by the Constitution Review Committee.

Presently, the Constitution requires election petitions to be dealt with within 180 days from the date of filing such a petition. But advocates of reforms want the period reduced to 90 days, while the timeframe for the disposal of appeals on pre-election and election petitions should be reduced from 60 days to 30 days.

Other provisions in the electoral act amendment bill that tends to support the provisions of dispensing election petition before inauguration is the provision contained in clause 27 (1 and 3) which provides that elections be conducted not earlier than 210 day (180 days in the 2022 electoral act) and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office. The Citizens’ Coalition wants the period increased from the current 90 days to the end of tenure to 240 days. This has also drawn support from several groups and political watchers who believe that holding elections earlier will give enough time for election petitions to be dispensed with. However, those who oppose this suggestion think that the Nigerian people will suffer more for such action, as governance will be abandoned early by political office holders. They argue that politicians have more often than not abandoned their responsibilities to engage in electioneering while neglecting their official duties. They also argue that those who are likely to lose such elections will abandon governance too early.

The reforms being sought appeared to have taken into consideration, the major crisis that almost crumbled the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party over the issue of its National Secretary. The House wants a constitutional provision that will compel party leaders seeking to contest elective government position to first resign their position before embarking on such mission. Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s foray into the governorship election in Imo State left the party in a serious battle that lasted several months. The House is saying that resigning before contesting elective government position will ensure that no official holds both party and elective office at the same time. The implication of this, however, is that the political parties may have to amend their constitution to accommodate this provision as no party constitution can override a national law.

It is also proposing the participation of independent candidates in the nation’s electoral process. Such persons would not have to join any political party. But given the spate of defection of candidates, especially after losing party primaries, the proposed law is seeking to ensure that you must not be a member of any of the registered political parties one year before the date set for the election. Checks by The Nation revealed that while independent candidates actively participate in elections in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, they have not made any significant impact on elections over the years. For example, about 2 percent of the total number of candidates contesting national election in the US, 10 percent in the UK, 14 percent in France and about 2.5 percent in Germany. No independent candidate won election in Germany between 2024 and 2025, while only about 2 percent of those who contested in the US and the UK won seat in parliament, with the figure higher in France with about 3 percent. If this provision sails through, it will amend sections 7, 65, 106, 131,177, 221 and 228 of the 1999 constitution.

Other reforms being suggested by Nigerians, which appear to have the backing of INEC and the National Assembly, include the issue of diaspora voting and early voting for Nigerians engaged in essential duties during elections, as well as the creation of special seats for women. It also includes compulsory electronic transmission of results, which would require the strengthening of the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of results mandatory, including the upload of polling unit-level results and results sheets used at different levels of collation. But this suggestion has not taken into consideration the technological advancement of the country, which is likely to leave this option open to manipulation. In some developed countries where election results are transmitted electronically, voting has often been conducted through electronic voting. The question has been how to ensure that this option remains workable in rural areas.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine in a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos.

The drugs were concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream and hair gel containers, leading to the arrest of five suspects and ultimately the arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who parades as a businessman and real estate developer.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations began on 16th September 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms. They were concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested.

The statement reads, ‘Further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment, and after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

‘During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He claimed to be a businessman and estate developer following his return from the United Kingdom in 2024. He had lived for over 27 years in many European countries, including Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

‘In like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA. The unravelling of the gang started on 26th September, following the seizure of 2.10kg cocaine concealed in the walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.’

According to the statement, the apprehension of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday, 30th September, at his 3 Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos base, where another consignment of 1.40kg cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

It reads, ‘Same day, another consignment of 1.00kg cocaine with a similar mode of concealment going to the UK was also intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect.

‘Two other cocaine laden consignments going to the UK were also intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the MMIA on Thursday, 2nd October. Two suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, linked to the seizures, were promptly arrested. One of the consignments contains crayfish, and 12 pieces of stainless cups used to conceal 1.00kg of cocaine, while the second consignment also contains crayfish, and 36 containers of hair cream used to conceal 1.60kg of cocaine.’

Babafemi said the bid by another criminal gang to smuggle into Lagos 6.3 kilograms of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in a bed sheet and hibiscus flower from Thailand, was equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives attached to some courier companies.

He added that while a joint operation between NDLEA officers and Customs Service personnel at a checkpoint along Danbatta-Daura road, Kano, on Thursday, 2nd October, led to the arrest of 38-year-old Sa’adu Ali and seizure of 290,450 pills of tramadol 250mg and pregabalin capsules.

The statement reads, ‘In Lagos, a notorious drug dealer, John Igbe, operating under the nickname: SammyBless, to distribute illicit drugs in Lekki and Ajah axis, was on Tuesday, 30th September, arrested at Admiralty road, Lekki. At the time of his arrest, 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in retail plastic cups, were recovered from him.

‘Three other suspects: Idris Lukman, Fuad Abdulsalam, and Mobolaji James were nabbed the same day in the Mushin area of the state, with 109kg skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2kg of nitrous oxide seized from them. At the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba area of the state, 3,700 bottles of codeine syrup and 550,000 caplets of expired 225mg diclofenac were recovered.

‘While a total of 27,700 pills of tramadol 100mg/225mg were seized from a suspect, Salisu Abubakar, 25, at Bode Saadu, Morro LGA, Kwara state, on Monday, 29th September, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5kg skunk at Kudandan, Chukun LGA, Kaduna, same day, just as Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested in possession of 34,180 capsules of tramadol at Gwargwaje along Kaduna – Zaria road on Thursday, 2nd October.

‘In Ogun state, NDLEA operatives on Monday, 29th September, raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, where a suspect, Abubakar Audu, was arrested with 112kg skunk and 16grams of tramadol. Three suspects: Chuimieze Shedrack, 28; Sunday John, 25, and Solomon Okopko, 27, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday, 2nd October at Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, Osun state, where they destroyed 14,000kg skunk on 5.6 hectares of cannabis plantation and recovered 142kg of the same psychoactive substance.

‘In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 1st October, intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle marked KUJ 47 NW loaded with 22 bags of skunk weighing 244.5kg at Igbanke, Orhionwon LGA, and a suspect, Ineh Excellent Obindi, 28, was arrested. A total of 10,897.35kg skunk was destroyed on four farms measuring 4.358938 hectares at Ugbodo forest, Ovia North East LGA, on Friday, 3rd October, with two suspects: Michael Ayang, 40, and Bernard New Year (a.k.a Don), 47, arrested. Not less than 223.5kg of processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from the farms.

‘Operatives on patrol along the Okene/Lokoja highway intercepted a waybill parcel coming from Lagos to Abuja containing 3.272kg Loud and a sachet of Colorado. A follow-up operation at Gwagwalada park in Abuja led to the arrest of the owner, Tobi Odubote, 34, while another suspect, Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, was arrested in possession of 25.5kg skunk along Abaji- Abuja expressway on Thursday, 2nd October.

‘In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Hammawa Toungo, Adamawa; Government Day Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina; Day Secondary School, Unguwan Nasarawa, Kontogora, Niger; and traders at Ladega market, Ikorodu, Lagos, while the Imo state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to the State First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodinma at Government House, Owerri, among others.’

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations, from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership.

‘These successful operations should serve as a warning that NDLEA will not relent until the threat posed by the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is eliminated because every arrest, seizure and assets forfeited by the criminal syndicates signifies innocent lives saved and communities protected either here in Nigeria or in other jurisdictions’, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated.

He commended the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi, and FCT Commands, as well as their compatriots across the country, for their tenacity, professionalism, and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has been honoured with the Sir Ahmadu Bello Platinum Award by the Council of Northern Youth Advocates of Nigeria (CNYAN) in Abuja.

The award, presented on October 4, 2025, recognizes Ilobanafor’s outstanding contributions to national unity and youth empowerment. He was also celebrated as Garkuwan Matasan Arewa (Shield of Northern Youths) and described as an ‘Icon and Cynosure of nation-building.’

Speaking at the event, CNYAN President, Mohammed Abdulrazaq, said the council remained committed to addressing pressing challenges in Northern Nigeria, particularly in education. He called on governments at all levels to increase funding to reduce the growing number of out-of-school children, noting that education is key to taking young people off the streets and making them productive members of society.

Commending Ilobanafor, Abdulrazaq said, ‘Having gone through your track record, we see your life as a blessing to this generation and the ones unborn. You have been instrumental in telling our stories better and inspiring the youth. We are ready to partner with you.’

Another member of the council, Muhammed, praised the CEOAFRICA chief for his role in positively projecting Africa’s image. He noted that the recognition followed a ‘thorough scrutiny’ of Ilobanafor’s achievements, adding that his contributions to national unity and peace stood out at a crucial time in the country.

The citation on the award reads, ‘In appreciation of your immense contribution towards a united, one indivisible Nigeria; being a vanguard of youth emancipation and serving as a bridge of national unity and consensus.’

In his acceptance speech, Prince Ilobanafor expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, ‘I am so honoured to receive this award from the youth of the Northern extraction, the youth who are the future of tomorrow.’

He noted that beyond his work at CEOAFRICA in ‘projecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa,’ one of his most passionate causes remains the elimination of malaria. He pledged to make the CNYAN president an ambassador in the campaign against the disease.

Highlighting the Geneith Health Competition, backed by a ?1 billion donation from Geneith Pharmaceuticals, Ilobanafor said the initiative would empower students in secondary and tertiary institutions to become advocates for malaria prevention.

He called for more investment in youth development, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the nation’s young population.

‘Nigerian youths are the biggest asset we have. All we are asking for is to give them opportunities to serve, and Nigeria will be a better country,’ he said.

The event, which drew youth leaders and advocates, ended with a renewed call for unity and national cohesion.

Prince Ilobanafor’s recognition, organisers said, was a testament to his consistent efforts in shaping positive narratives and championing the cause of young people across Nigeria.

Jack Grealish scored a stunning 93rd-minute winner as Everton came from behind to hand Crystal Palace their first defeat in 19 matches across all competitions.

Daniel Muñoz had earlier given in-form Palace the lead in the 37th minute, finishing smartly from Ismaila Sarr’s pass after Tyrick Mitchell had struck the post.

The goal looked set to secure a third consecutive Premier League victory for Palace and extend their remarkable unbeaten run.

Everton, however, improved after the break following the introduction of Tyler Dibling and Thierno Barry.

Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix fouled substitute Tim Iroegbunam.

With the game seemingly destined for a draw, Grealish-on loan from Manchester City-pounced in stoppage time, firing home after Dean Henderson parried Beto’s close-range header.

The dramatic 2-1 victory ended Palace’s club-record unbeaten streak, their first loss since April 16.