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Humphrey Nwosu Deserves National Honour, Says INEC Chairman Amid Torrents of Tributes
Torrents of tributes and recollection of fond memories filled the air at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) headquarters, Abuja on 24th March 2025 as retired directors, management and staff of the Commission hosted the family of its former Chairman, Prof Humphrey Nwosu to an Afternoon of Tributes to celebrate the late Nwosu who passed on in October last year., The event was the first of its kind. The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu set the tone for the event when he chronicled Nwosu’s contributions and accomplishments during his four-year term as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He averred that like his six predecessors and seven successors, Nwosu had what he described as the “arduous task” of managing elections in an extremely challenging context which did not deter him from introducing many innovations in election management. He affirmed that Nwosu laid the foundation for the Commission’s independence by initiating the current three-layer structure with offices at national, state and local government levels On electoral innovations, the INEC Chairman observed that Nwosu’s tenure became synonymous with the Open Ballot System (popularly referred to as Option A4) in which voters queued up behind the symbol of the party of their choice to vote and to be physically counted. Prof Yakubu regretted that despite doing his best, the former Chairman was not always appreciated by many, including those that appointed him under “an infinite transition from military rule to democracy which ended in the annulment of the presidential election held in 1993, resulting in the dissolution of the elecrtoral commission and the emergence of an interim government”. But with the passage of time, he said, the 1993 election conducted by the late Nwosu is now celebrated as one of the best while those who annulled it have expressed regret. Continuing, Prof Yakubu said: “A quarter of a century (25 years) later in June 2018, the presumed winner of the 1993 Presidential election, Chief M. K. O. Abiola, received the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), posthumously. His running mate, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, was conferred with the second highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The date of the election (June 12th, 1993) has been gazetted as a national holiday and appropriately named as Democracy Day. “Sadly, the electoral commission that conducted the election which was personified by Professor Nwosu received only a muffled commendation as if no one conducted the election. Surely, the election did not conduct itself. It was organised by a Commission made up of Commissioners and a Chairman. If it was an oversight that Professor Nwosu was not honoured in his lifetime, it is never late for the appropriate authority to do so posthumously.” Other tributes flowed from all quarters. Mr. Emmanuel Ademola Johnson, a retired Director and Administrative Secretary in Lagos (1993), remembered Prof. Nwosu as an astute, erudite leader whose openness to innovation birthed the Option A4 system—a mechanism that significantly reduced electoral fraud. “His name deserves to be etched in gold,” Johnson declared, joining the growing chorus advocating for a posthumous national award. Prof. Tonnie Iredia, the pioneer Director of the Public Affairs Department, painted the picture of a tireless workaholic, while Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, hailed him as an “election warrior”. James Chidawa, former Chief Personnel Officer for Security and Intelligence, highlighted Prof. Nwosu’s exceptional crisis management skills, while Pastor Regina Omo-Agege, former Director of Election and Party Monitoring Department, remembered him as the rare combination of scholar, patriot, and man of unshakable integrity. Yet, amid the celebration of achievements, sobering reflections emerged about contemporary challenges. Mr. Victor Aluko, a retired Director of Voter Education, acknowledged INEC’s progress while lamenting how political interference continues to undermine electoral integrity – a betrayal of Nwosu’s legacy. He urged politicians to allow the electoral process flow smoothly without interference. The human dimension of Prof. Nwosu’s leadership shone through Mallam Halliru Aminu’s recollection of his extraordinary commitment to staff welfare, prioritizing housing and benefits for INEC employees. This human touch complemented his professional achievements, creating a holistic picture of a leader who cared as deeply about people as he did about processes. Dr. Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, a retired Deputy Director in the Voter Education and Publicity Department described Nwosu as “a true hero of democracy,” suggesting that the ultimate tribute would be naming INEC Headquarters after him. The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Mallam Yusuf Dantalle added a historical perspective, noting how Prof. Nwosu achieved electoral excellence despite operating without the legal framework. He pledged to continue to uphold his vision. Responding on behalf of the family, Engr. Nnaemeka Nwosu, the late sage’s son, expressed gratitude for the recognition and accolades, while urging INEC staff to have faith in Nigeria’s democratic future. “We must build a Nigeria that the future generations will be proud of,” he said.
ICPC Arraigns Former Foreign Affairs Deputy Director for Alleged Diversion of Funds
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Mrs. Christiana Goka, a former Deputy Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on allegations of misappropriating public funds amounting to Five Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira (N5,398,656). Mrs. Goka, who also served as the Head of the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), was brought before Justice J.A. Aina of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Kwali, Abuja, on a five-count charge bordering on misappropriation of funds and providing false statements. According to the charges, Mrs. Goka allegedly misappropriated N5,164,656 from funds earmarked for a botched management retreat of the Ministry at Dutse, Jigawa State, in 2017. One of the charges reads: “That you, Mrs. Christiana Goka ‘F’, sometime in 2017 or thereabout, being a public officer serving as the Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Research Monitoring Information System at the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did confer a corrupt advantage upon yourself in the sum of N5,164,656.00 (Five Million One Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira), which was part of the larger sum of N5,398,656.00 (Five Million Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira) meant for the Botched Management Retreat at Dutse, Jigawa State in 2017, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. “That you, Mrs. Christiana Goka ‘F’, sometimes in 2017 or thereabout, being a public officer serving-as the Deputy Director and Head of Department Research Monitoring-Information System in the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (‘DTCA’”), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Garki Abuja Federal Capital Territory, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did make a statement on 18/02/22 to Sado Danjuma, an officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission while in the course of exercising his duties of investigation, in which you made a statement to wit – that the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) returned to you in cash by one Bassey Ikpeme on the instruction of the then Director General of DTCA, Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman (now late) was false and never happened, which statement to your knowledge is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act,2000” Additionally, Mrs. Goka is accused of providing false information to an ICPC investigator, denying the receipt of N1,000,000 in cash, which was reportedly returned to her on the instruction of the then-Director General of DTCA, the late Ambassador Abduljalil Suleiman. At the commencement of the trial on March 27, 2025, the prosecution counsel, David Nwaze, called two witnesses who testified and were cross-examined. This act constitutes an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and is punishable under Section 25(1)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The Court, having previously granted the Defendant bail under the same conditions as her administrative bail, allowed her to remain on those terms after she pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to her. As part of the bail conditions, the Defendant must provide a surety who is employed in the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Grade Level 15 or above and resides in Abuja. The surety is required to submit a letter of appointment, proof of last promotion, an identity card, and a passport photograph. Justice J.A. Aina subsequently adjourned the case to June 5, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Businesswoman Accuses Minister David Umahi of Withholding ₦200 Million Payment Over Rejected Advances
Tracynither Nicolas Ohiri, a Nigerian businesswoman, has accused David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, of failing to pay her N200 million for promotional items she supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign. In an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters on Friday, Ohiri claimed that Umahi deliberately withheld her payment after she rejected his sexual advances. She stated that Umahi had promised to pay her once he won the election. However, when she began requesting her payment, Umahi allegedly tried to turn their business arrangement into a personal one. Ohiri explained that Umahi had initially told her that he didn’t have the funds but reassured her that once he won the governorship election, he would pay her. She said he even mentioned that he had asked then-President Goodluck Jonathan for financial assistance for the campaign and urged her to be patient. Once Umahi won the election and became governor, Ohiri started asking for her money, but instead of paying her, Umahi reportedly began making romantic advances. She waited for about a year and eight months before asking again, at which point Umahi allegedly told her, “No problem, I’m going to pay you,” but then added, “What about the thing we’ve been discussing?” Ohiri said she firmly rejected his advances, explaining that she was a born-again Christian and didn’t engage in such matters. When Umahi made his advances again, she rejected him once more, stating that she was only interested in maintaining a business relationship. According to Ohiri, Umahi took offense, saying, “Do you know that since I was born, no woman has said no to me?” She remained firm, saying she couldn’t be involved with him and wanted to keep their relationship strictly professional. Afterward, she claimed that Umahi blocked her number and ceased communication. Ohiri claimed that when she attempted to contact him again, Umahi accused her of insulting him and threatened to make her “pay for the insult.” Since then, he has not responded to her calls or messages, leaving her without the money she’s owed since 2015. In her ongoing public protests, Ohiri has taken to social media to demand the payment, expressing how the debt has severely impacted her financially for nearly eleven years. In one video, she directly addressed Umahi, saying, “Engr David Umahi, you know I am not lying. Your wife knows, your children know, and your mother knows. I know you have the power, the money, and everything. Your government is in power to lock me up, but I am ready to die for this.” She also pointed out the disparity between her situation and Umahi’s wealth, stating, “I see your son flying private jets, and the money he uses to do that is enough to pay me. You withheld my capital, and I am a nursing mother in desperate need of my payment.” Ohiri also expressed concern that security forces might come after her for speaking out, as shown in a placard she carried during her protest. The placard read: “Nigerians help me. Very soon, they will send DSS to come and arrest me. Their government is in power; they will attack me. But I am ready to die for this because I’ve waited for nine years. This man owes me.”
Delta Government Intervenes, Orders Withdrawal of Query to Nursing Student Over Viral Video
The Delta State Government has reportedly intervened to stop disciplinary action against Osato Edobor, a nursing student at the Delta College of Nursing, Agbor, who was issued a 24-hour query over a viral video. The video, which was traced to Edobor’s TikTok page, quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the most shared posts on Facebook in Nigeria. The college authorities responded by issuing a query, demanding that Edobor explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her. However, the release of the query letter on social media sparked widespread outrage. Many social media users, activists, human rights lawyers, and concerned Nigerians condemned the college’s action, arguing that the student was simply expressing herself. Amid growing backlash, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, announced in a Facebook video that he had instructed the college provost to withdraw the query. He emphasized that the government was not interested in victimizing anyone and confirmed that Edobor had acknowledged the withdrawal of the letter. Dr. Nelson Egware, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Media, also confirmed the government’s intervention in response to a post by Omoyele Sowore. Egware stated that the letter would be withdrawn and urged all parties to learn from the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The government’s swift action has been praised as a balanced approach to maintaining order while respecting the right to free expression.
Court Dismisses Falana’s Fraud Case Against Zinox, Others
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in the Bwara Division, has dismissed a fraud case filed against the Chairman of Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh; his wife, Chioma Ekeh; and 11 others. Justice Akpan Okon Ebong, in his ruling on Suit No. CR/985/2024, declared that the case “constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.” The case was filed in November 2024 by Femi Falana (SAN), who acted under a fiat granted by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The case named Ekeh and 12 others as defendants, including Chris Ozims, Oyebode Folashade, Charles Adigwe, Obilo Onuoha, Agartha Ukoha, Anya Anya, Femi Dosumu, Nnenna Kalu, Admas Digital Technologies Limited, Technology Distributions Limited, and Zinox Technologies Limited. Falana’s fiat authorized him to refile and prosecute a previous case (Charge No. CR/827/2013) involving the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the legal adviser of Zinox Technologies, Chris Ozims, along with six others. The case was based on allegations by Joseph Benjamin, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited, regarding the diversion of ₦162,247,513.80 — payment for a laptop supply contract at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Headquarters in 2012, which Technology Distribution Ltd (now TD Africa) had supplied on behalf of Citadel. Justice Ebong criticized Falana for expanding the list of defendants from seven to 13. In his ruling on March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong stated, “The mere fact that a lawyer has been granted a fiat by the HAGF (Fagbemi) will not turn him into a Knight Errant, like Don Quixote, going everywhere looking for suspected criminals to prosecute.” He emphasized that Falana was only authorized to refile and prosecute the original case and had no power to modify the charge or add defendants. “The Charge No. CR/827/2013 which he was asked to handle has just seven persons listed as defendants, whereas the instant charge filed by him has 13 defendants, almost double the number of persons he was authorised to prosecute,” the judge added. Justice Ebong concluded that the case constituted a “gross abuse of court process” and dismissed it. He also noted that no law enforcement agency had found merit in the allegations against the defendants and condemned the attempt to maintain a “campaign of persecution” against them.
Tinubu To Mark 73rd Birthday With Special Prayer At Abuja National Mosque
Ahead of his 73rd birthday on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday for a special prayer session for the nation. He will also use this occasion to thank God for preserving and supporting him in the onerous task of piloting the nation’s affairs. President Tinubu’s birthday coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary. On this significant day, the President will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity. Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight, and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony. Tinubu invited the public to join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny. He expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works tirelessly to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens. He stated: “I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.” The President reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion. He encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.
Senate Passes Bill for Same-Day General Elections
A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension. While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters. The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.
IGP Tours Adamawa Command, Ultra Modern Headquarters in Yola
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday 27th March, 2025, undertook an official tour of the Adamawa State Police Command, during which he commissioned the newly constructed ultra-modern Command Headquarters in Yola, a monumental edifice which would provide a conducive working environment for officers and ensuring effective service delivery in the fight against crime and criminality. The IGP also inspected various police formations in the state, assessing operational efficiency and the welfare of personnel as part of the drives to ensure improved security and strengthening policing mechanisms across the country. After the commissioning,while addressing guests, officers, and men of the Command, the IGP charged them to maintain the already existing synergy between the Police Force and other security forces, to continually and adequately combat insecurity in the state and, by extension, across the country. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among security agencies in ensuring a safer Nigeria. As part of his engagements, the IGP paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, at the Government House in Yola. The Governor commended the IGP for his relentless efforts in safeguarding lives and property, noting the significant impact the Nigeria Police Force is making in maintaining peace and stability in the state and the nation at large. In a bid to further bolster security in Adamawa State, the Governor called for the establishment of an additional Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) Base and the reopening of the Police Training School in Mbaba, Yola South Local Government Area in the state. He also emphasized that these measures would enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling emerging security threats, particularly insurgency and banditry, which have posed serious challenges to the region. The IGP, in his response, assured the Governor and the good people of Adamawa State of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to proactive policing, community partnership, and intelligence-driven security strategies, noting that the request for an additional CTU Base and the reopening of the Police Training School would be given due consideration in line with the strategic security and training framework of the Force. The IGP also paid a visit to the Palace of the Lamido of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, DR Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, appreciating him for his leadership steadfastness, and for the support he has shown the Police to enable them adequately combat all forms of crime in the State and urged him to continuously pray for the success of the Nigeria Police Force in its fights against criminality and Nigeria as a whole. The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to modernizing its infrastructure, enhancing personnel welfare, and leveraging advanced technology to improve crime prevention and investigative capabilities. He emphasized that the commissioning of the ultra-modern Adamawa State Police Command Headquarters represents a significant milestone in the Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance security operations nationwide.