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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel.

The association however called for transparent, efficient, and well-coordinated implementation to ensure the benefits of the policy reach both industry and consumers, safeguard competitiveness, and prevent unintended cost burdens.

MAN described the move as ‘a strategic step and patriotic policy’ that aligns with the ‘Nigeria First’ agenda, noting that the import tariff aligns with the association’s long-standing advocacy for local content development and patronage of made-in-Nigeria.

Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, in a statement yesterday said the association believes that the 15 per cent tariff on petrol and diesel will accelerate the country’s journey toward energy sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth – all anchored on the strength of made-in-Nigeria.

He called for transparent price monitoring, insisting that government and regulators such as PPPRA, NMDPRA and FCCPC should closely monitor domestic pricing to prevent excessive mark-ups or anti-competitive behaviour.

MAN further pushed for a stable transition period, pointing out that in the initial months of implementation, ‘the government should support local refiners to ensure adequate fuel availability and prevent supply shocks or speculative hoarding, particularly with the festive period approaching.’

The association said the proceeds from the import duty to be reinvested into energy infrastructure, refinery efficiency, and power support schemes for industries, including credit facilities for industrial energy transition and renewable adoption.

MAN called on government to provide targeted incentives or rebates for small and medium manufacturers reliant on diesel-powered generators during the transition period.

The association noted the need for government to create an enabling environment and provide targeted incentives to attract investment in additional modular and conventional refineries, noting that this will strengthen domestic refining capacity, promote competition, and ensure long-term energy security.

MAN also stressed the need to ensure stakeholder harmony in the energy sector.

‘The government should foster continuous engagement among refiners, marketers, regulators, and consumers to prevent disputes, ensure policy coherence, and sustain market stability,’ Ajayi-Kadir said.

He also urged full and speedy privatisation of government-owned refineries.

According to him, it is evident that we may never succeed in restoring them to functionality under the current dispensation. Selling off the refineries will stop the commitment of our scarce financial resources to an evidently irredeemable venture.

Ajayi-Kadir, while acknowledging the policy as a major step in the implementation of Nigeria First policy, reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy direction, especially on local content development and home grown industrialisation.

He said it is heartening that the policy came less than one month after the 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN with the theme: Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria Products.

He stated that the strategic policy has reassured domestic manufacturers that government is attentive to the imperatives of growing indigenous manufacturing.

He said: ‘It exemplifies government’s commitment to halting the perennial bleeding of our patrimony; asserting the sovereignty of the great country; guaranteeing energy sufficiency and security, and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians in this regard.

‘This is a sure step in the promotion of local value addition, strengthening domestic refining capacity, conserving foreign exchange, and advancing Nigeria’s long-term industrialisation objectives’.

He added that this will also ensure the naira- for-crude arrangement that will guarantee effective and reliable supply of crude to the local refineries and reduce the pressure on scarce foreign exchange.

He said: ‘It will also attract more investors, including the holders of the 30 refinery licenses to commit resources in the sector’.

Ajayi-Kadir emphasised that there is no better path to fixing Nigeria’s economy than protecting local industries, encouraging local patronage, fostering value addition, and promoting industrial development anchored on local content.

While pointing out that Nigeria is blessed with enormous oil resources, the MAN DG, however, said it is unfortunate that scarce forex in billions of dollars is still being spent on importing refined petroleum.

‘Supporting local refining capacity through appropriate policy tools will conserve scarce foreign exchange, improve the stability of the Naira, and foster a more favourable macroeconomic environment for investment,’ he insisted.

MAN said it recognises the importance, significance, and necessity of the approval of the 15 per cent import tariff on petrol and diesel.

The association acknowledged that ‘the tariff is a rightful, deliberately designed policy instrument intended to protect and encourage domestic producers, curb dumping, and create a stable environment for local refiners to thrive.’

It noted that the tariff will accelerate operational readiness of domestic refineries, thereby reducing disruptions and stabilising energy supply to industries.

MAN said it supports the 15 per cent import tariff as an industrial policy instrument that will encourage the utilisation of local refining capacity and promote backward integration across the energy value chain.

It also anchored its support for the policy on the need to conserve foreign exchange by reducing the nation’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products, and strengthen the manufacturing base through a more stable and predictable fuel supply.

The association also said the policy will generate employment opportunities, build technical expertise, and strengthen industrial linkages between refineries and manufacturers.

Besides, it will promote local content development and stimulate demand for Nigerian engineering, fabrication and logistics services.

‘MAN views this policy as a vital step in achieving energy independence and industrial sustainability, both of which are prerequisites for Nigeria’s economic transformation,’ Ajayi-Kadir said.

Nigeria’s $2.35 billion Eurobond launched yesterday attracted more than $13 billion subscription, the country’s all-time high global subscription to an offer.

The Federal Government offered two tranches of 10-year and 20-year Eurobonds maturing in 2036 and 2046 to the international capital markets. The issue is made up of $1.25 billion 10-year Eurobond and $1.10 billion 20-year Eurobond.

The transaction attracted a peak orderbook of over $13 billion, marking the largest ever orderbook achieved by the country. A previous $2.2 billion Eurobond issued in 2024 had attracted about $9 billion subscriptions.

The overwhelming show of enthusiasm by the international capital markets for long-term investments in the country enabled the government to close the transactions at lower rates.

The Long 10-year bond and the Long 20-year Notes were priced at coupons of 8.6308 per cent and 9.1297 per cent respectively.

The $2.35 billion Eurobond attracted a wide range of investors from several jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, North America, Europe, Asia and Middle East, amidst strong enthusiasm by Nigerian investors.

The net proceeds from the Eurobond issuance would be used to finance the 2025 fiscal deficit and support the government’s other financing needs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the huge success recorded by the issue was an expression of continued investor confidence in the country’s sound macro-economic policy framework and prudent fiscal and monetary management.

He said: ‘We are delighted by the strong investor confidence demonstrated in our country and our reform agenda. This development reaffirms Nigeria’s position as a recognised and credible participant in the global capital market’.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said the record subscription was an indication of the global confidence in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

‘This successful market access demonstrates the international community’s continued confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory and our commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth,’ Edun said.

Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Patience Oniha, said the issuance attracted demand from a combination of fund managers, insurance and pension funds, hedge funds, banks and other financial institutions, underlining the country’s strong support base across geography and investor class.

She said: ‘Nigeria’s ability to access the Eurobond Market to raise long term funding needed to support the growth agenda of President Tinubu is a major achievement for Nigeria and is consistent with the DMO’s objectives of supporting development and diversifying funding sources’.

She explained that the notes will be admitted to the official list of the UK Listing Authority and available to trade on the London Stock Exchange’s regulated market, the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited and the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

Nigeria had mandated Chapel Hill Denham, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank as Joint Bookrunners. FSDH Merchant Bank Limited acted as Financial Adviser on the issuance.

Experts were unanimous yesterday that the huge success of the Eurobond was a decisive feedback on global perception of the Nigeria’s reforms and macroeconomic outlook.

Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe, said the record subscription level was indicative of the outlook for the economy.

He said: ‘It’s certainly a strong show of faith in the strength of the Nigerian economy for us to have this level of oversubscription’.

Managing Director, AIICO Capital, Dr Femi Ademola, said the oversubscription by 400 per cent was good sign of strong investor confidence in Nigeria.

Ademola, a Chartered Financial Analyst, noted that not only were the issues oversubscribed, the yield of 8.6308 per cent on the 10-year bond and 9.1297 per cent on the 20-year bond were the lowest since 2017.

‘This is an indication of support for the government’s reform policies especially the foreign exchange liberalisation and increase in revenue generation. In my opinion, the strong interest in the Eurobond is due to the easier convertibility of the naira and the improved current and future revenue generation capacity of the country to repay such debts in the future. It would also suggest a strong support for the government’s efforts in bridging infrastructure gaps, improving self-sufficiency and lowering inflation.

‘Due to the recent fiscal crisis in some petro-dollar economies and in some African countries which affected their capacity to repay due debts, it was expected that investors would be cautious and not be attracted to Eurobond issuances from Nigeria, arguably the reason while the country has not been active in the Eurobond market for over five years, this result is a vote of confidence in the country’s economic management and a confirmation that investors can separate politics from economics where necessary,’ Ademola said.

Managing Director, GTI Capital, Mr Kehinde Hassan, said the success of the offer would positively impact the Nigerian domestic market.

According to him, the huge demand would further send positive signal to foreign direct and portfolio investors on the prospects of the Nigerian market.

Analysts at CardinalStone said the robust demand indicated that investors were confident in Nigeria’s macroeconomic narrative.

Analysts noted that credit rating upgrades from major agencies contributed to this confidence, reflecting a perceived decline in sovereign risk and a bolstering of the country’s credibility in the global debt market.

‘This development bodes well for foreign exchange (forex) dynamics, particularly in supporting reserves accretion and naira appreciation. We project 2025 forex reserves to reach $45.0 billion by the end of the year. Importantly, the new Eurobond issuance does not alter our debt outlook for the year, as the planned borrowing was already factored into our projections. We expect a portion of the proceeds to be channelled towards refinancing maturing Eurobonds of $1.1 billion on 21st of November 2025 and bridging potential budgetary shortfalls,’ CardinalStone stated.

The Senate yesterday passed a bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for lecturers and other educators convicted of s3xually harassing students in tertiary institutions across the country.

The concurrence Bill, titled: ‘S3xual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597),’ seeks to curb a persistent pattern of exploitation in Nigerian campuses, where students, especially women, are coerced into s3xual relationships in exchange for grades, admission, or other academic favours.

The bill, presented for concurrence by the Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), established clear legal standards to punish offenders and protect students from all forms of s3xual misconduct in schools.

Bamidele, who was represented by his deputy, Oyelola Ashiru, said the legislation aims to ‘promote ethical conduct, preserve the sanctity of the educator-student relationship, and uphold respect for human dignity in academic environments.’

Under the new law, any educator convicted of the offences specified in Clause 4 (1-3) will face imprisonment of between five and 14 years, without an option of a fine.

Those found guilty under Clause 4 (4-6) risk two to five years in jail, also without an option of a fine.

The proposed law also allows victims or their representatives to file civil actions for breach of fiduciary duty, with the standard of proof consistent with civil proceedings.

The offences specified in the Bill include: ‘Demanding or receiving s3xual favours to grant academic benefits;

Making unwelcome s3xual advances or gestures; inducing others to commit harassment; and unwanted physical contact or conduct of a s3xual nature.

The bill stipulates that marriage between the educator and the student is the only valid defence, and that consent cannot be used as a defence where an educator-student relationship exists.

It further provides that s3xual harassment complaints may be lodged by the victim, relatives, guardians, or any concerned party to the Police or Attorney-General, with copies forwarded to the institution’s Independent S3xual Harassment Prohibition Committee.

During debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the Senate to expand the scope of the law to cover workplaces and other sectors, arguing that harassment was not limited to schools.

‘There is no need to restrict s3xual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,’ he said.

However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, explained that the bill was already passed by the House of Representatives and was before the Senate only for concurrence.

He added that existing laws already address harassment in workplace settings.

The bill was thereafter adopted and passed for third reading.

The passage comes amid a series of s3xual harassment scandals reported in universities across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Nsukka, Kano, Benin and Abuja, which have often gone unpunished due to fear of victimisation, stigma, and opaque internal disciplinary systems.

Rights groups have hailed the move as a significant step toward ending impunity for s3xual abuse in academic institutions and empowering victims to seek justice without fear.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he will retire ‘soon’ and while he admits it will be difficult to bring his glittering career to an end the 40-year-old has been planning for his post-football life for some time.

The Al Nassr striker is the all-time leading goal scorer with 952 goals for club and country combined and said last month he is targeting 1,000 goals before quitting the game.

‘Soon,’ the five-time Ballon d’Or winner said when he was asked when he would hang up his boots.

‘I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult,’ he said on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored. ‘But, I have prepared my future since 25, 26, 27-years-old. I think I will be capable to support that pressure. Nothing will compare to the adrenaline you have to scoring a goal in football.

‘But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.’

The former Manchester United forward says he still follows their results, despite bringing an unhappy second spell at the club to an end three years ago.

United endured their worst top-flight finish last season since they were relegated in 1973-74, coming 15th .

‘I’m sad, because the club is one of the most important clubs in the world and a club that I still have in my heart,’ Ronaldo said.

‘They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future, because the potential of the club is amazing.

‘They are not on a good path. And it’s not only about the coach and players, in my opinion. He (manager Ruben Amorim) is doing his best. What are you going to do? Miracles are impossible.’

Officials of the Community Protection Guard (CPG) in Zamfara State have intercepted a vehicle carrying weapons believed to be for bandits.

Weapons recovered included two AK 47 riffles, an RPG and ammunitions.?A member of the CPG, Salisu Adamu said the guard intercepted the vehicle at Dangulbi community during routine stop and search operations.

‘The weapons were concealed inside a carton loaded with fish. And when we insisted on searching the vehicles, there was initial resistance from the driver’ Adamu said.

The driver of the vehicle, Bashar Mustapha said he loaded passengers and goods from Gusau Park and was heading to Magami but was intercepted at Dangulbi by the CPG who are on routine patrol.

He confirmed that the weapons were found on his vehicle but noted that the items belong to a female passenger who boarded the vehicle from Gusau.

Trucks Transit Parks Limited (TTP) has released findings from a comprehensive 6,000 km road trip across the ECOWAS corridor, calling for urgent digitisation of trade and truck transportation systems, including, truck parking infrastructure, rest stops, and digital truck traffic management systems, to strengthen regional commerce and unlock the promise of regional economic integration.

Over a four-week period, TTP’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Jama Onwubuariri, embarked on a 6,000km tour that began in Lagos, Nigeria, and covered Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Liberia.

The assessment examined transport infrastructure, border post operations, truck rest stops, and the role of technology in improving efficiency along the Lagos-Abidjan-Ouagadougou corridor, one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes.

Findings from the report revealed systemic challenges that continue to impede the free flow of goods and services across borders.

According to the report, some of these challenges are not limited to inadequate truck parking facilities across the corridor, forcing drivers into informal and unsafe roadside stops, inconsistent border post operations, with many border posts relying on manual documentation and clearance despite ECOWAS’ push for joint border modernisation.

There also the problem of absence of electronic call-up systems at key seaports in Lome, Tema, and Abidjan, resulting in chronic congestion and costly delays, just such as the issue of limited technology deployment resulting in a lack of real-time visibility, coordination, and data for effective transport planning.

Speaking on the findings, Onwubuariri stressed the urgency for ECOWAS member states to adopt digital tools as a pathway to remove bottlenecks and improve efficiency and competitiveness.

According to him, ‘Regional trade can only thrive when goods, drivers, and cargo move seamlessly. Inefficiencies at borders and ports not only increase costs for businesses but also reduce the competitiveness of West African economies.’

As a way forward, he hinted that his company has come up with a solution driven app Ètò which can provide a ready-to-deploy digital solution for scheduling, parking management, and cross-border payments that can transform the corridor into a hub of efficiency.

‘The Ètò solution is TTP’s flagship digital traffic management platform, designed to streamline truck traffic management through real-time scheduling, electronic call-up systems, digital booking of rest areas, and a multi-currency wallet for drivers.

‘Beyond improving operational efficiency, Ètò generates critical data to support government planning, infrastructure investment, and compliance monitoring.’

TTP is actively engaging ECOWAS institutions, customs authorities, transport ministries, and Chambers of Commerce to establish pilot programs that will demonstrate the benefits of digitised border and port management. If adopted regionally, TTP projects significant benefits, including reduced clearance delays and informal payments at borders, improved driver safety and welfare through structured rest stops.

‘Enhanced trade flows that align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A more robust regional business ecosystem and increased employment opportunities.’

ECOWAS, he stressed, ‘has made commendable progress in promoting regional integration, but without technology, inefficiencies will persist,’ adding that ‘It is time to embrace digital solutions and set West Africa on a path toward truly seamless trade and competitiveness.’

A group, International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD), has called for collaborative action to enhance the quality of cocoa production and value of cocoa exports.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI) announcing the upcoming International Trade Fair and Eko Chocolate Show a main attraction at this year’s Fair, lCD Convener, HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Thompson, lamented that Africa produces about 70 per cent of the world cocoa, while less than two per cent of the total produce is processed into finished goods such as chocolate.

She said lCD objective of the Lagos international Trade Fair is to demonstrate what collaboration and partnership can achieve for cross learning purposes as well as exchange of ideas towards improved and increased global trade for a greater value added economy that is transformational and sustainable.

According to her ICD’s other goal is to bridge the gap between Africa’s cocoa production dominance of 70 per cent of global supply and value-added chocolate manufacturing through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer, and market development.

The Queen said though global chocolate market is valued at $140.12 billion and projected to reach $172.89 billion by 2030 less than two per cent of African cocoa is processed into finished products or chocolate.

She recognized a huge opportunity for Nigeria as the premium chocolate segment is growing at 7.2 per cent annually, with 83 per cent of consumers preferring ethically sourced cocoa, which has increased demand for African origin-specific chocolate products

She said: ‘EKO Chocolate Show 2025 represents Africa’s most prestigious chocolate industry event, uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural celebration, economic development, and international commerce.

‘As Nigeria’s gateway to global chocolate markets, this ground breaking event offers sponsors and partners an unparalleled opportunity to associate their brands with African excellence, agricultural innovation, and cultural diplomacy while accessing premium audiences across consumer, Business to Business, and diplomatic segments.’

The exhibition at the fair comprised of a world-class chocolate exhibition as well as Stakeholders Forum, the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival, and will premiere the Royal Cocoa International Arts Exhibition and historic Royal Cocoa Symphony Orchestra Concert.

This she said will create Africa’s first integrated chocolate-culture-commerce platform that positions Lagos as the continent’s chocolate and trade capital.

Other exhibition areas will include Chocolate Marketplace, innovation hub, cultural heritage zone, Royal- premium products, artisan chocolates, international brands, and innovation hub.

Director, LCCI Trade Promotions, Shola Oluwadare said the Board is excited to run a specialized Fair in 2025 with ICD. He said it will place Nigeria in the world map as far as cocoa production and value is concerned with reducing the deficit suffered by farmers in terms of pricing in the international market by increasing their revenue.

LCCI Trade Promotions Chairman Abimbola Olasore said this year’s Fair is not only specialized but also a festival. He also said LCCI henceforth decided to partner quality companies to turn around the economy of the nation.

The Women’s Wing of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA) has urged its members to turn out en masse for Saturday’s governorship election and be prepared to defend their votes to ensure that their choice counts.

The group, which pledged support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, said his numerous achievements in infrastructure, education, security, and healthcare had earned him the people’s confidence and a strong claim to a second term.

Leader of the group, Mrs Grace Okonkwo, listed some of the governor’s achievements, including the One Youth, Two Skills employment initiative, the recruitment of over 8,000 teachers and 1,200 medical personnel, as well as improved security across the state.

‘We now sleep with our two eyes closed,’ she said. ‘Peace has been restored in all markets, courtesy of the ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Evaristus Ubah.’

Okonkwo advised women to go to their polling centres early and bring along wrappers so they could sit and wait comfortably for voting to commence, especially in cases where INEC officials arrive late.

‘If you don’t come with your wrapper, you might have to go back home to get it, and by the time you return, voting might have started or ended,’ she cautioned.

She also warned voters against selling their votes or compromising their conscience for monetary gain, noting that such actions could bring prolonged hardship.

‘Once you mortgage your conscience, you’ll have to suffer it for the next four or eight years,’ she said.

The Secretary of the ASMATA Women’s Wing, Mrs Ifeoma Okoli, said the traders would not only vote but also stay back to ensure that every ballot is counted.

‘We will make sure we vote and wait for the counting. Governor Soludo’s achievements will speak for him on election day,’ she said.

Other market leaders, including Mrs Amaka Okoye, Women Leader of Abada International Market, Onitsha, and Mrs Kate Elechi, Women Leader of Ochanja Central Market, also expressed confidence in Soludo’s re-election bid.

‘He will win again-four plus four to make it eight years-because he has performed creditably across all sectors,’ Okoye said.

Elechi added that the campaign had moved from open rallies to house-to-house mobilisation aimed at ensuring a landslide victory.

‘We shall also assist elderly women and those with health challenges, such as Parkinson’s disease or eye problems, to cast their votes,’ she assured

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu yesterday told the court that he was misguided to enter a plea into a charge that does not exist.

Still declining to enter his defence, Justice James Omotosho gave him a last opportunity to do so today or wave his right.

Federal High Court, Abuja judge said it was his duty as a judge in the case to guide the defendant, who is not a lawyer, and to accord him sufficient opportunity to put in his defence.

‘We had adjourned till today (November 5) for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed. But, I am bound to give him another opportunity to put in his defence. If he did not, I will deem him closed.

‘I know that he is an Economist and not a lawyer. I will give the last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defence, failing which he would be deemed closed.’

Justice Omotosho ordered that the Department of State Services (DSS) give the defendant access to his consultants, who were his counsel before, but now consultants, to consult with him to enable him prepare for his defence, which he is to open on November 7 (tomorrow).

The judge spoke while ruling on an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) that the court should foreclose Kanu, who failed to enter his defence, having spent five of the six days the court allocated to him to conduct his defence.

Earlier at the commencement of proceedings, the judge noted that the case was adjourned till yesterday ‘for two reasons: Whether the defendant wants to have a rethink and get a counsel or that he should enter his defence.’

The judge then turned to Kanu, who sat in the dock, and demanded that he should proceed with his defence.

Kanu rose to his feet, told the court that he has some things to say that could embarrass the nation’s Judiciary.

He then, requested that the judge should allow him and Awomolo to meet with him in his chambers (the judge’s) for him to say what he claimed could embarrass the Judiciary.

The judge declined Kanu’s request and insisted that he should say all that he wanted to say in the open court for all to hear.

On three occasions, the judge asked Kanu if what he planned to say was about any allegations of wrongdoing against his person, to which the defendant answered in the negative, saying he has nothing against the judge.

Kanu later told the court that he intended to file some documents and wanted opportunity to meet with his consultants, whom he said were present in court.

When the judge asked the said consultants to identify themselves, they turned out to be some members of the defendant’s legal team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), which he sacked on October 23, the day he was initially scheduled to open his defence.

The lawyers are P. A. N Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Opara and Mandela Umegburu. Ejimakor even told the court that he prepared some documents for the defendant.

In response to the judge’s directive that he should speak in the open court, Kanu later brought out a document from which he read some arguments, faulting the charge against him.

He argued that the charge was invalid because, according to him, it was based on repealed laws that are no longer in existence.

Kanu said: ‘I am being asked to enter defence. I will, but I must know the law under which I am being tried to enable me prepare my defence.’

He claimed that the prosecution was in breach of the directive of the Supreme Court for allegedly failing to amend the charge.

Kanu said he has not refused to enter a defence, but demand that he be shown the law under which he is being prosecuted.

He said since he was challenging the court’s jurisdiction, his right to fair hearing was sancrosant and must be respected. He claimed to have been fooled into pleading to the charge, which he insisted, is invalid.

Kanu said: ‘I was deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist, which is a direct violation of my right to fair hearing.’

When asked by the judge who deceived him, Kanu said: ‘The prosecution deceived me by filing a charge under laws that do not exist. I was duped and deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist,’ he said.

Kanu then thanked the judge for granting him the indulgence to speak.

Responding, Awomolo noted that the court, on Tuesday, adjourned till Wednesday for Kanu to enter a defence in his trial or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.

He noted that at the resumption of proceedings on Tuesday, Kanu still declined to open his defence as ordered by the court, conduct which Awomolo said amounted to a disobedience to an order of the court.

Awomolo urged the court to take note of the defendant’s position that he would not enter any defence because there is no valid charge against him.

He then prayed the court to foreclose the defendant and adjourn for judgment.

In his intervention, Justice Omotosho restated his advice to Kanu to consult an expert in criminal law to assist him in his defence.

The judge said: ‘A lot of people are out there and you think they are experts in criminal procedure, they are not. It is not an area of law that people without experience can dabble into.

‘Before man and God, I am here to give proper advice. I am not saying you are not entitled to take a position. To guide you properly, keep your gun powder dry. Keep your gun powder dry.

‘I am not saying that you should not say anything that you feel you have against the court. That is not what I am saying. I am saying that the issue you raised about repealed laws should be raised at the final address stage,’ Justice Omotosho said.

Meanwhile, following complaint by Awomolo, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s four consultants to conduct themselves within the ethics of the legal profession.

Awomolo had accused the lawyers of granting media interviews and making subtle posts on social media in relation to the case.

All eyes are on Anambra State as voters head to the polls on Saturday to elect their next governor. The electorate will decide whether to return incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or hand power to a challenger from another political party.

Political analysts say eight local government areas with the highest number of registered voters are likely to determine the outcome of the fiercely contested race.

Leading the pack is Idemili North, with 246,318 registered voters, followed closely by Awka South with 217,611. Ogbaru ranks third with 188,016, while Onitsha North follows with 183,647 registered voters.

Others include Onitsha South, a cosmopolitan area with a large population of non-indigenes, and 168,575 registered voters; Ihiala, affected in recent years by insecurity linked to separatist activities, with 156,715 voters; and Aguata, Governor Soludo’s home local government, with 155,881 registered voters.

At the lower end of the table are Anambra West and Dunukofia, with 71,332 and 83,580 registered voters, respectively.

Interestingly, Soludo’s Aguata ranks eighth in voter population, while Anaocha, home of Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has 124,075 registered voters.

Nnewi North, the base of LP governorship candidate George Moghalu, has 166,400 registered voters. Nearby Nnewi South, where Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) hails from, have 102,907 voters.For Obi and Senator Uche Ekwunife, who once represented the Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia Federal Constituency, the contest will be interesting, as the three LGAs collectively account for 326,655 registered voters.

In Anambra North Senatorial District, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, is also seen as a factor to watch. Anambra East, which is home to both Chukwuma and Senator Tony Nwoye, has 110,482 registered voters.

Nwoye, who currently represents Anambra North in the Senate on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), is expected to throw his weight behind his party’s governorship candidate in Saturday’s election. Other strategic areas in the district include Ayamelum, with 96,947 voters, Anambra West, with 71,332 voters, and Oyi, with 120,717 voters.

With such a spread of voting power across key local government areas, Saturday’s election promises to be a true test of grassroots strength, party structure, and voter loyalty across the state.