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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, refused to hear an application filed by Dumebi Kachiku against Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sen. David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kachikwu, the 2023 presidential candidate of ADC, is seeking an order compelling INEC to, forthwith, withdraw the unlawful publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the party pending the determination of the suit.

Justice James Omotosho, however, declined to hear the motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025, which was brought by Dayo Akinlaja, SAN, on Kachikwu’s behalf.

‘This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter,’ he said.

Instead, Justice Omotosho held that all the processes filed by the parties, including the preliminary objections of the defence,would be taken together with the substantive suit.

All efforts by Akinlaja to have his application heard were rebuffed by the judge.

Recall that INEC had, recently, recognised Mark, the former senate president, and Aregbesola, ex-governor of Osun, as ADC’s national chairman and national secretary.

Kachikwu and others had, on July 7, filed the originating summons to challenge the purported appointment and declaration of Mark and Aregbesola as national chairman and secretary of the party.

Others in the suit include Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, Alaku Godwin William as 2nd to 5th plaintiffs.

They named INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, Aregbesola as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

When the case was called on Friday, Akinlaja informed the court that the matter was adjourned for hearing.

The lawyer, however, told the court that a motion was filed on Sept. 19 by the plaintiff.

He said the motion was hinged on the fact that despite the pendency of the suit in court, INEC chose to recognise the leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.

In the motion, the plaintiffs sought an order setting aside the purported recognition and publication of Mark and Aregbesola’s names as chairman and secretary of ADC.

They argued that the action, having been done during the pendency of the suit and in violation of the doctrine of lis pendens.

They also sought an order of injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark and Aregbesola from continuing to deal or relate with INEC in the capacity of national officers of the party.

Akinlaja, therefore, pleaded with the judge to have the motion taken but to no avail.

Shaibu Aruwa, SAN, who appeared for ADC, and other lawyers for the defence, opposed the application.

Justice Omotosho, who granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the deputy national secretary of ADC, made a consequential order for amendment of the suit to accommodate Ukandu’s name as a defendant.

The judge gave 48 working hours to the plaintiff’s to file their consequential amendment and seven days to the defence to respond and adjourned the matter till October 23 for hearing.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed what he found out about the Boko Haram insurgents, and why the problem continues to persist years after the terrorist group’s major attack in the country.

The former President said this on Friday while giving remarks as the Chairman at the launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd.) in Abuja.

According to Obasanjo, the insurgent group came to be not because they were interested in political power or serious religious issues, but rather a better life.

‘I found, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious. But in short, they were looking for a better life. And any other thing attached to that is a better life for them,’ he said.

Continuing, the former Nigerian head of state and two-term civilian president questioned steps taken by Nigeria as a nation in addressing the challenges, adding that if the country had taken the right steps, Boko Haram would not have been a part of its daily life.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why are we, after fifteen years, Boko Haram is not virtually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that? If we should not accept, what should we do? How much do we know?’ He asked.

Obasanjo further questioned the country’s proactiveness, across the divides, in dealing with the insurgency problem, which he said is becoming a monster within the country.

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this thing that is now becoming a monster within our country,’ he added.

The event had in attendance other prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Minister of Defense, Abubakar Bagudu; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Bishop Hassan Kukah, among others.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged the full implementation of state-driven rural electrification programmes, saying such initiatives could accelerate access to power and reduce the country’s dependence on the federal grid.

The call was made in Abuja on Friday during the 29th edition of the NSE October Lecture, themed ‘Evaluating Nigeria’s Power Sector Reform 2005-2023: A Quantitative Analysis of Technical Performance and Regulatory Impact.’

Delivering the keynote address, former NSE President (2022-2023), Mr. Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said the 2023 Electricity Act created new opportunities for states to take greater responsibility for their electricity needs.

‘I am advocating for state rural electrification programmes across all 36 states and the FCT, in addition to the Nigerian Electricity Commission,’ he said.

‘In the U.S., where I did all my regulatory trainings, every state has a public utilities commission, while the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is at the centre, managing all interstate businesses and large hydro plants. Beyond that, even small villages can form cooperatives to generate electricity for themselves with the resources they have. That is the model we should adopt.’

Gidari-Wudil said unreliable electricity remained one of the country’s most pressing infrastructure gaps, with wide implications for economic growth and industrial competitiveness. Although reforms since 2005 had encouraged private sector participation, broadened regulatory frameworks, and increased installed generation capacity, he noted that Nigeria was still struggling to achieve a reliable and affordable supply.

He listed persistent challenges such as political interference in tariff setting, inadequate infrastructure, and a power market that remains financially unsustainable. According to him, electricity failures result in annual economic losses of about $50 billion, with manufacturers among the hardest hit as many rely heavily on diesel generators.

Consumer satisfaction has also remained low, he added, with more than half of Nigerians saying they had not directly benefited from the reforms.

‘Tariff reforms like the Service-Based Tariff have improved revenue but not necessarily service delivery, as monitoring remains weak,’ Gidari-Wudil said.

Looking ahead, he called for reform models to be tailored to local contexts, stronger regulatory capacity, transparent subsidies, and deeper community-level engagement. ‘If we want electricity, we have to do the right thing,’ he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, emphasised the importance of private sector investment in the sector. Represented by Godwin Emmanuel, Head of Generation at Sahara Power, Adesina said: ‘The reforms of yesterday must therefore evolve into the reforms of tomorrow. They must be reforms that inspire investor confidence, encourage technological adoption, and ultimately serve the Nigerian people.’

He added that the success of the power sector depended on consistent policies, respect for contractual agreements, and the creation of a conducive investment climate. ‘We will continue to invest, innovate, and collaborate because we believe that Nigeria’s future is bright and that with collective effort, indeed, there will be light,’ he said.

The NSE President and Chairman-in-Council, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, described the lecture as timely, saying its theme aligned with ongoing national debates about sustainable electricity supply, energy transition, and the efficiency of power reforms.

Oguntala explained that the annual October Lecture was designed as a platform for the NSE to present its stance on major national issues. ‘Most importantly, it is to showcase the knowledge, wisdom, and professional expertise of our revered past presidents, whose leadership and contributions continue to inspire generations of engineers,’ she said.

She noted that the lecture brings together thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts,s and engineers for dialogue on pressing issues shaping Nigeria’s development. ‘With over six decades of service to the nation, the NSE remains committed to promoting engineering excellence, upholding ethical standards,s and contributing meaningfully to nation building,’ Oguntala added.

The Ondo State Government on Friday announced that it has paid over N12 billion in gratuities to local government retirees whose entitlements had been pending for more than a decade.

The government also commended all 18 local government chairmen in the state for their efforts in promoting grassroots development, saving funds, and embracing transparency in governance.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro, disclosed this in Akure while briefing journalists on the outcome of the ministry’s inspection tour of the 18 local government areas.

Takuro said the payment covered retirees between 2010 and 2013, adding that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the release of the funds to ease the suffering of former workers who had served the state meritoriously but were left unpaid by previous administrations.

‘On gratuities alone, we have spent almost N12 billion to pay local government retirees between 2010 and 2013. These people had retired for ten to fifteen years without receiving their entitlements.

‘Though the backlog was not caused by this administration, government is a continuum, and Mr Governor directed us to save money specifically to clear it. By next week, we will also begin payment for the 2014 retirees,’ he said.

The commissioner explained that the achievement was possible through consistent savings agreed upon at the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC) meetings with council chairmen. He stressed that without such an arrangement, it would have been difficult to dedicate funds to retirees given other competing demands.

Takuro recalled that many desperate pensioners had besieged his office when he assumed duty, with some even offering to forfeit a percentage of their entitlements if their payments could be fast-tracked.

‘I felt sorry for them and told them they didn’t need to know me personally before receiving their gratuities. That was why we made proper arrangements with the local government chairmen and started saving. We have done this successfully on several occasions, and today the results are visible,’ he explained.

He praised the local government chairmen for initiating development-oriented projects within their short time in office. ‘We are glad that the local governments are alert to their responsibilities. Some have built markets, provided solar power and potable water, fixed bridges, and graded rural roads. They have also engaged our youths in agriculture, thereby creating employment opportunities and strengthening food security,’ he said.

According to him, these initiatives align with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Aiyedatiwa, both of whom consider grassroots development as the foundation of national growth.

‘If we make rural dwellers uncomfortable, there will be problems. They are the ones who provide food for us. Neglecting them will only worsen rural-to-urban migration and increase pressure on city centres. That is why Governor Aiyedatiwa has keyed into President Tinubu’s vision of grassroots empowerment,’ he stressed.

The commissioner further revealed that the councils had collectively saved N15 billion in a joint account to finance capital projects, describing the move as proof of long-term planning beyond recurrent expenses.

He added that the state government had partnered with the EFCC, ICPC, and the state anti-graft agency to train local government chairmen and senior officials on transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

According to him, the training was aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing mismanagement. ‘The trainings were designed to ensure that council officials handle public funds with the highest standards of transparency and accountability. This is to guarantee that savings and allocations are used for the good of the people,’ he said.

Takuro emphasized that the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa would continue to prioritize both the welfare of retirees and the development of grassroots communities, stressing that without strong local governance, even the state and federal governments would face challenges.

Osun State, located in South-West Nigeria, is widely regarded as the cradle of Yoruba culture. With its rich history, sacred sites, and vibrant festivals, the state is a top destination for cultural tourism and spiritual heritage. Visitors are drawn not only to its UNESCO World Heritage sites but also to its serene natural landscapes and artistic traditions.

Here are five must-visit attractions in Osun State:

1. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is one of the last surviving sacred forests in Yoruba culture. Situated on the outskirts of Osogbo, it is dedicated to Osun, the goddess of fertility. The grove features shrines, sculptures, and artworks created by the Austrian artist Susanne Wenger and local artisans. It is also the venue for the world-famous Osun-Osogbo Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.

2. Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls (Olumirin Waterfalls)

Located in Erin-Ijesha, the Olumirin Waterfalls is a breathtaking natural wonder. The seven-step waterfall cascades down rugged rocks, offering visitors a refreshing adventure and a scenic environment. Hiking to the upper levels is both challenging and rewarding, with spectacular views of the surrounding forest.

3. Nike Art Centre, Osogbo

Osogbo is known as a hub of art and culture, and the Nike Art Centre stands as one of its most prominent landmarks. Founded by Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, the gallery showcases traditional and contemporary Nigerian art, including textiles, beadwork, and paintings. It is a must-visit for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

4. Oke-Ila Orangun Mountain

Tucked away in Oke-Ila, this mountain resort offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, panoramic views, and serene natural surroundings. The resort also highlights local traditions and serves as a getaway for those seeking peace away from the bustle of city life.

5. Osun-Osogbo Festival

While not a permanent site, the Osun-Osogbo Festival deserves mention as one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events. Held every August, it celebrates the goddess Osun and attracts tourists, devotees, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. The festival combines colorful processions, traditional rituals, music, and dance, a true showcase of Yoruba spirituality and heritage.

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun a four-day annual retreat aimed at strengthening the capacity of its Directorate of Legal Services for better service delivery.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Lagos, the Director of Legal Services, NDDC, Victor Arenyeka, said: ‘Work-focused retreats such as this are designed to provide a deliberate pause from our daily demands, allowing us reflect on the purpose of our roles, our contributions to the organisation, and the shared vision that binds us together.

‘It is during moments like this that we step away from the intense pressure of work, recharge in a stress-free environment and reignite our passion for service. These days of reflection and relaxation serve as a form of renewal, mentally preparing us to return to our duties re-energised, focused and committed to giving our very best.’

He explained that this year’s theme, ‘Innovative Strategies for Excellent Legal Service Delivery and Conflict Resolution’, reflects the Directorate’s responsibility to adopt new approaches for effective legal work and dispute resolution in a changing environment.

Arenyeka noted: ‘The Legal Directorate remains a pivotal spectrum within the NDDC and will continue to play a critical role for years to come. As the custodian of the Commission’s legal and regulatory framework, the Legal Directorate serves as a tool in advancing NDDC’s mission, from ensuring contractual integrity and regulatory compliance to fostering harmonious conflict resolutions.

‘To achieve this, it is imperative that we work in synergy by adhering strictly to established processes, maintaining transparency in all dealings, and promptly seeking legal guidance when required.

As public officers we must recognise that embracing new strategies is not optional but essential. In so doing, we collectively strengthen the integrity of our operations and uphold the values of accountability and excellence that define the NDDC’s mission.’

In his keynote address, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, recommended arbitration as one of the approaches the Directorate could adopt.

He said: ‘There is a general acknowledgement that in commercial matters arbitration is a viable alternative to litigation. This is more so given the congestion and delay that is experienced in many of our courts.

That aside, arbitration has a few other advantages over litigation. It affords the parties the opportunity to discuss and agree in advance of any dispute arising, the manner in which the dispute will be resolved, the qualifications and possibly the identity of the person or persons who will be entrusted with resolving the dispute.’

The Bauchi State Orphans and Vulnerable Children Agency (BASOVCA) has condemned in strong terms the self-immolation incident involving a woman who set herself ablaze at the late Prime Minister’s residence in Bauchi.

In a press release on Friday, signed by the Chairperson of BASOVCA, Hajiya Yelwa Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the agency expressed deep sadness over the tragic development.

Hajiya Yelwa, who doubles as Chairperson of BASOVCA, described the act as unfortunate and extended her deepest condolences to the family of the deceased.

She noted that the incident ‘is a stark reminder of the need for increased mental health support and the resuscitation of religious education amongst the populace to understand the spiritual consequences of suicide in the hereafter.’

The agency further clarified: ‘We want to categorically state that the deceased woman had no connection whatsoever with Hajiya Yelwa Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chairperson of BASOVCA, or the agency, as there is no record of such a name in the list of the agency’s orphans and vulnerable interventions.’

According to BASOVCA, ‘The woman’s actions were her own and did not reflect the values or mission of BASOVCA.’

It added: ‘Therefore, the thoughts and prayers of the agency are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time. We urge everyone to prioritise their mental health and seek help when needed.’

The agency also commended the swift response of the Bauchi State Police Command and their efforts to investigate the incident, expressing hope for a thorough probe that will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

‘In conclusion, BASOVCA remains resolute in its mission of supporting vulnerable children and families in Bauchi State. We will continue to work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our communities, local governments, and the state at large,’ it stressed.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed the notion that Jihad in Islam is aimed at killing non-Muslims, stressing that it simply means striving to be the best in one’s endeavours.

Speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Lucky Irabor (rtd), the monarch explained that Jihad had long been misrepresented.

‘Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim by a Muslim. Jihad means to strive, and in whatever you do in life, you strive to be the best you can be.

‘You strive to be a good Muslim, you strive to be a good Christian, you strive to be a good farmer, or a good engineer.

‘So, Jihad is not to kill a non-Muslim; that’s a wrong notion people have been airing out for decades,’ he stated.

The Sultan, who is also the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, cautioned against extremism, stressing that Islam is guided by clear codes rooted in the Quran, the Hadith, and the consensus of clerics.

‘And these are written. So, we have a code of conduct; we have ways and means of life; the Holy Quran and the Hadith of our most noble Prophet (SA), and the consensus of the Ulama, that is, the clerics.

‘These are the three things guiding us. Anybody coming outside these to say things that he really doesn’t know about is not for Islam because Islam abhors extremism.

‘You cannot be an extremist and then claim to be a good Muslim,’ he said.

He also rejected suggestions that Islamism is about capturing political power, noting that its true focus is on good governance.

‘Islamism is not aimed at seizing power at any particular forum. Islam is after good governance in society,’ he said.

Recalling past controversies, the Sultan explained that his comments on Islam and leadership values were sometimes wrongly interpreted as political.

‘In September 2019, I gave a talk on Islam and good governance in Nigeria. President Buhari was just going for his second term.

‘After giving my talk, the following day, the papers carried it [that] I was aiming at President Buhari’s second term because I said things that a good Muslim should do as a leader and what he should not do,’ he explained.

He urged Nigerians to be cautious in their remarks on religion and insecurity, emphasising unity as the path to building a stronger country.

‘So, let’s come closer as one big family with different backgrounds to forge ahead to make this country a better country, because there is nothing anybody can do,’ he added.

The monarch also commended Gen Irabor for sharing his experiences as a military officer who played a major role in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain the status quo in a suit filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is contesting the legality of the newly introduced tinted permit enforcement.

The court’s order comes a day after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) vowed to provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial tinted glass permit, which it described as ‘illegal.’

The NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, said the police had no constitutional basis to impose fees or annual renewals on motorists, warning that enforcement of the policy was both unlawful and a revenue-driven scheme.

In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, Olukunle Edun (SAN), said: ‘We shall invoke the powers of the court to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not trample on the rights of Nigerians. Any citizen who is harassed by the police in the purported enforcement of the illegal tinted glass permit should feel free to contact any of the NBA branches.

‘The Human Rights Committees of the 130 branches of the NBA in Nigeria are ready to offer pro bono services to anyone who is harassed. It has been estimated that the police may generate at least N3bn within a month from monies that will be collected, thus turning the police into a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government instead of focusing on the more serious issue of crime.’