Year: 2025

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend Nigeria’s constitution to provide for a single six-year term for the President, state governors, and local government chairpersons, as well as rotational presidency among the country’s geopolitical zones. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo) and 33 other lawmakers, was debated on the floor of the House on November 21, 2024. It failed to scale through second reading following strong opposition during a voice vote. Key provisions of the bill included: However, the proposal was met with resistance from several lawmakers who argued that enforcing a rotational presidency through the constitution could fuel regional division, undermine democratic rights, and trigger political instability. Critics warned that the amendment could also infringe on the right of every Nigerian to contest elective offices and might complicate leadership selection based on merit. Despite the setback, the bill’s proponents have vowed to continue pushing for the reforms. Ugochinyere described the rejection as a temporary roadblock and expressed the intention to reintroduce the bill after further consultations and legislative engagement. He maintained that the proposed reforms are aimed at promoting inclusion, cutting governance costs, and ensuring that leaders focus on service delivery rather than re-election campaigns. The debate underscores the broader national conversation about constitutional restructuring, power rotation, and equitable representation in Nigeria’s complex multi-ethnic and multi-regional political landscape.

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has expressed commitment to partner the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council on infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This was disclosed when the NUJ FCT Chairperson, Ms Grace Ike, led her executive team on a courtesy visit to the AMMC Coordinator, Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, on Tuesday. Chief Obuah while welcoming members of the NUJ FCT, expressed his readiness to collaborate with the council having recognised the vital role the media play in informing the public in activities of the AMMC which is helping the agency to ensure full compliance of the FCT master plan. “I welcome you and your team to our corporate office today. I have listened to you and I just have to say that, I am indeed very happy to partner with the NUJ FCT. We need to partner together to be able to achieve our core and corporate mandate. And in partnering together we support each other and grow together and educate the public so as to attain infrastructural development in the FCT in line with the master plan of the nation’s capital city,” he said. While expressing his willingness to support the NUJ FCT Council, Chief Obuah explained that current financial constraints make it difficult to make any immediate commitment but hope to accommodate the unions needs in the next budget “Even though I am a bit handicapped to make any promises because of budgetary constraints. But in the subsequent budget, I assure you that whatever we can do to help your dream come true for NUJ and your members, the agency will do everything humanly possible to contribute their quota to the growth of the union in line with the FCT master plan He also added, “You can write my office on what you feel we can do officially. I will also present it in the next budget and I will go to my superior, the Honourable Minister of FCT, and say these people visited me and came with a very solid, verified programme—how do we assist? Because whatever we are doing, with the media, the public would not know and be able to key into it. He said the media play a very vital role in the growth and development of any organisation.” Dr Obuah used the occasion to congratulate the first female chairperson of the union after four years of its existence and pray for a successful tenure. Earlier, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Ms Ike thanked Chief Obuah for receiving her team and commended the AMMC Coordinator for the effective management and coordination of municipal services as well as infrastructural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She used the occasion to commend his support for workers welfare which earned him the employee’s advocate award of the year award She said “ I must commend your leadership efforts in ensuring proper maintenance and sustainable management of the city’s infrastructure, utilities, and services” She highlighted major infrastructural challenges currently facing the NUJ FCT Council and requested support to improve their facilities such as the completion of the pentagon building, and a hall that cannot house more than 2, 000 journalists during her monthly congress. She also made a strong case for the NUJ FCT “Journalists’ Village”, which would offer journalists affordable housing and a suitable environment to carry out their work. She said, “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory Council, I express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers, including media professionals. Your kind gestures and support have not gone unnoticed and have greatly encouraged us in our mission. “Today, we come with a sincere appeal for your support towards the establishment of a Journalists’ Village here in the FCT. This initiative is vital for providing affordable housing, professional facilities, and a conducive environment that will enhance the welfare and productivity of journalists who play a critical role in our democracy. “We believe that with the AMMC’s collaboration, we can secure the necessary resources, land, and policy backing to bring this vision to fruition. Such a village will not only improve the living standards of journalists but also serve as a hub for capacity building, relaxation, and professional growth. “We appreciate your past efforts and hope to count on your continued partnership to make this project a reality, thereby restoring dignity and stability to journajlists who tirelessly serve the public interest” she added

A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, has set June 27, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in the case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.  The Kogi Central Senator is challenging her suspension by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition, which she claims was due to allegations of gross misconduct. In her suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan has named the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Nedamwen Imasuen as defendants. After listening to the arguments from both sides, Justice Nyako announced that judgment will be delivered on the stated date. Additionally, the judge will rule on the contempt applications filed against Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. Counsel for the Senate, Paul Daudu, SAN, had accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of acting in breach of an order of the court by posting a satirical apology on her Facebook page. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team also alleged that Akpabio did same with comments by Olisah Agbakogba and Monday Ubani (both senior lawyers), in his favour, during media appearances. The actual order of 4th April by Justice Nyako stopped Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Imasuen from granting media interviews or making social media posts relating to the case while it remained pending before the court. While adopting the documents that contain the closing arguments, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, Michael Numan, urged the court to grant his client’s relief by reversing the Senate Committee’s decision. He also countered the allegations of contempt of court. In their arguments, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges and Public Petitions, all challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. They further urged the court to dismiss the case instituted by the suspended Kogi Central senator. The dispute between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan started from a disagreement over seating arrangements during a Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan subsequently made allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio during a programme on ARISE News. She then approached the Federal High Court seeking an order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from investigating her, an action that led to her six-month suspension, following the recommendation of the Senate Committee. Justice Obiorah Egwuatu, who was initially assigned the suit, withdrew from presiding over the case after allegations by Akpabio’s camp.

A 15-year-old student from Icon Comprehensive College, Akure, Ondo State, Afolabi Olumide Ayodeji, has captured national attention for his outstanding performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Olumide scored a total of 370, a remarkable feat that has prompted widespread praise and sparked conversations about academic excellence among Nigerian youths. Breakdown of Afolabi Olumide’s Scores: The exceptional result was first shared on social media by youth advocate and public commentator Olúyẹmí Fásípè, who highlighted Olumide’s age and his remarkable academic achievement. “Allow me to introduce Afolabi Olumide Ayodeji, a 15-year-old student at Icons Comprehensive College in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State. He has achieved a remarkable feat by breaking a long-standing record in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with an unprecedented score of 370,” Fásípè wrote. He further noted that no candidate has scored up to 370 in the UTME since JAMB transitioned to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in 2013. Is 370 the Highest UTME Score in Recent History? According to an analysis by Legit.ng, which reviewed data from TheCable and previous years’ results: As of now, JAMB has not officially released the list of top scorers for 2025, but if confirmed, Afolabi Olumide’s score of 370 could make him the highest UTME scorer in more than a decade. His achievement is already being hailed by educators, commentators, and the general public as a symbol of academic brilliance and a hopeful sign for the future of Nigeria’s education sector.

An Israeli air strike has killed at least six people and injured dozens at the European Gaza hospital in Khan Younis, local officials have said. Israeli warplanes dropped six bombs simultaneously on the hospital, hitting both its inner courtyard and surrounding area, according to local sources. The Israeli military said it had conducted a “precise strike” on a Hamas base, which it claimed is beneath the hospital. A freelance journalist working for the BBC in Gaza was also injured in the air strike and is now in a stable condition after receiving medical attention. According to the medical sources and eyewitnesses, the dead and wounded have been transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The emergency department of this hospital was hit by another strike earlier on Tuesday, they said.The strike resulted in several deep craters inside the hospital compound, which buried several vehicles including a large bus. Israeli media is reporting the target of the strike was senior Hamas figure Mohammed Sinwar – the younger brother of the former Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar.

The National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has shut down operations at MDV Sacks Ltd—a subsidiary of the Bhojsons Group—over allegations of exploitation, inhumane treatment, and racial discrimination against more than 300 Nigerian workers. Located within the Lafarge Cement premises in Ewekoro, Ogun State, the company stands accused of forcing factory workers to pay ₦18,000 for protective boots, while denying them fundamental employment rights such as allowances, annual leave, and formal letters of appointment. The union also alleged that MDV Sacks Ltd has been suppressing workers’ right to unionize, in direct violation of Nigeria’s labour laws. On Monday, members of the textile union, supported by other NLC-affiliated unions, staged a protest at the factory, effectively halting all operations. Chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages like “Injury to one is injury to all” and “MDV Lafarge management, stop harassment and intimidation of workers,” the protesters demanded that all staff leave the premises until their demands are met. While the majority of workers complied and exited the facility in support, a few reportedly stayed behind. Speaking at the demonstration, Deputy General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Comrade Emeka Nkwoala, criticized the company for reneging on commitments made during a mediation meeting held on May 7, 2025. “At that meeting, the company agreed to allow union activities and issue formal employment letters to staff,” Nkwoala stated. “Yet, management has backtracked. Some members have since been unjustly terminated, while others continue to endure exploitative and degrading conditions. Nigerian labour laws are clear—this form of modern-day slavery cannot continue.” Nkwoala further alleged that MDV Sacks Ltd promotes racial discrimination by subjecting Nigerian workers to inferior treatment compared to their expatriate counterparts. Describing the protest as peaceful and orderly, he confirmed that the Ogun State Ministry of Labour has intervened. The Ministry reportedly ordered a return to the status quo, including reinstating sacked workers and paying all outstanding entitlements. The union vowed to sustain pressure until justice is served and MDV Sacks Ltd is held accountable for its actions.