News
BREAKING: There Will Never Be a Live Broadcast of Election Petition Proceedings – Tinubu, Shettima Boast
The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, and the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, have urged the Presidential Election Petition Court to dismiss the application by Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party for a live broadcast of proceedings, while arguing that the relief sought by the applicants are not such that the court could grant it.
Both Tinubu and Shettima said “With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court,” .
Besides describing the application as frivolous, they said the court is not a soapbox, stadium or theatre where the public should be entertained.
Through their team of lawyers, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, they both wondered why a petitioner would file an application to distract the court and waste its precious time, while stating, in the counter affidavit, that the application relates to policy formulation of the court, which is outside the PEPC’s jurisdiction as constituted.
Olanipekun stated that: “The application also touches on the powers and jurisdiction invested in the President of the Court of Appeal by the Constitution, over which this honourable court as presently constituted cannot entertain.
“The application touches on the administrative functions, which are exclusively reserved for the President of the Court of Appeal.
“The application is aimed at dissipating the precious judicial time of this honourable court.
“The said application does not have any bearing with the petition filed by the petitioners before this honourable court.
“It is in the interest of justice for this honourable court to dismiss the said application filed by the petitioners,” they said.
In an attached written address, the respondents faulted the applicants’ reference to the fact that virtual proceedings were allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They argued that Atiku and his party failed to draw the court’s attention to the fact that practice directions were made by the respective courts for the exercise.
“Another angle to this very curious application is the invitation it extends to the court to make an order that it cannot supervise.
“The position of the law remains, and we do submit that the court, like nature, does not make an order in vain, or an order which is incapable of enforcement,” the respondents stated.
More so, they stated that “At the very best, this application is academic, very otiose, very unnecessary, very time-wasting, most unusual and most unexpected, particularly, from a set of petitioners, who should be praying for the expeditious trial of their petition.
“Petitioners have brought their application under Section 36(3) of the Constitution which provides that the proceedings of a court/tribunal shall be held in public.
“The word ‘public’ as applied under Section 36(3) of the Constitution has been defined in a plethora of judicial authorities to mean a place where members of the public have unhindered access, and the court itself, sitting behind open doors, not in the camera.
“Even in situations where a class action is presented, the particular people constituting the class being represented by the plaintiffs or petitioners are always defined in the originating process.
“Here, in this application, the public at whose behest this application has been presented is not defined, not known, not discernable.
“Beyond all these, it is our submission that the court of law must and should always remain what it is, what it should be and what it is expected to be: a serene, disciplined, hallowed, tranquil, honourable and decorous institution and place.
“It is not a rostrum or a soapbox. It is not also a stadium or theatre. It is not an arena for ‘public’ entertainment.
“With much respect to the petitioners, the motion is an abuse of the processes of this honourable court.”
News
LAAF Honors Sanwo-Olu, 41 Others for Advancing Men’s Mental Health
The Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF) has honored Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and 41 other distinguished individuals for their significant contributions to men’s mental health advocacy, policy reform, and support for male survivors of abuse and trauma.

The awards were announced as part of LAAF’s Father’s Week appreciation initiative. The recognition celebrates 42 “fathers, leaders, and global allies” who have used their platforms to champion emotional well-being, healthy masculinity, family values, and social transformation.
LAAF, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free psychosocial support, counseling, and advocacy for boys and men affected by abuse and trauma, emphasized the honorees’ role in breaking the silence around male victimization.
“These men have shown up for our work in ways that go far beyond a title,” said Halima Layeni, Executive Director and Founder of LAAF. “Their belief in this mission, and their willingness to stand publicly for boys and men who have suffered in silence, is the reason we have been able to grow our reach and impact. We honor them not just as supporters, but as fathers in every sense of the word.”

Prominent Honorees
The list of honorees spans governance, mental health, media, law, faith, and international advocacy:
- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State leads the Nigerian honorees.
- Other state figures include Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende (Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development) and Hon. Abiodun Orekoya (Lagos State House of Assembly).
- Faith and community leaders: Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya (Founding Senior Pastor, The Fountain of Life Church) and Oba Sulaiman Owolabi (Olu of Iwaya).
- Health and media professionals: Dr. Chinonso Fidelis (Aproko Doctor), Dr. Tolu Ajomale, Prof. Fatai Adesina Badru, Joshua Morakinyo, Ohi Odiah, and Mayowa Adeniran.
- International allies: Mark Brooks OBE (UK Senior Policy Adviser on Men’s Health), Larry DeMarco (International Council for Men and Boys), Tony Nikolic (Australian civil rights solicitor), Sivam Valeutham (Malaysia), and Will Baptiste (USA).
Additional honorees include grassroots advocates, psychologists, family strategists, business leaders, and policy influencers such as Solomon Dalung, Taiwo Akinlami, Jide Ogunleye, and many others.
LAAF stressed that sustainable progress in abuse prevention and mental health requires collective action. The foundation noted that by stepping forward, these honorees demonstrate the importance of male participation in creating safer homes, resilient families, and healthier communities. They also reinforced the message that seeking help is a sign of strength.
The initiative aligns with LAAF’s broader mission to advance health equity, challenge stigma, and create safe spaces for men and boys to heal and thrive.
News
Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs Boss Adeniyi by Six Months
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a six-month extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The extension, announced on Friday, comes as Adeniyi’s current tenure was set to expire. It allows the Customs chief to continue leading ongoing reforms, complete key modernization projects such as the National Single Window platform, and ensure a smooth transition for senior officers through promotions and retirements.
Adeniyi, who has helmed the NCS since his appointment in 2023, has been credited with significant revenue generation — including over N1.3 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 — and strengthened anti-smuggling operations. The decision reflects the administration’s confidence in his leadership to sustain these gains.
This marks the latest in a series of tenure adjustments for the Customs boss, following a previous one-year extension approved in 2025.
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the development in a statement, emphasizing that the move will further strengthen the NCS in achieving its strategic mandates in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security.
News
IGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the appointment of Chief Superintendent of Police, Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, as the new Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
CSP Iniedu, a native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, is an experienced police officer with a strong background in public communication, intelligence management, operational policing, administration, and institutional accountability.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, strategic communication, intelligence analysis, and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, CSP Iniedu served as Head of the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he coordinated public complaint management and spearheaded initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the outgoing Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid.
The new Force spokesperson has also served in several strategic positions.
The Inspector-General of Police expressed confidence in CSP Iniedu’s ability to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional competence will strengthen the Force’s strategic communication efforts, deepen public engagement, and support ongoing policing reforms.
-
Crime2 days agoCourt Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years
-
Business2 days agoUPDATE : Polaris Bank Debunks Reports of 34 Deaths in Lagos Branch Fire
-
News3 days agoIPOB Directorate Suspends Nnamdi Kanu as Leader and Director of Radio Biafra Indefinitely
-
News2 days agoJUST IN: FG to Embed Journalists with Troops During Military Operations
-
News2 days agoIGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
-
Business2 days agoNaira Exchange Rates To Foreign currencies Friday, June 19
-
International2 days agoRussia Receives Nigeria’s New Ambassador, Pledges Stronger Bilateral Ties
-
Crime2 days agoEFCC Arrests Nigerian-American Over N434m Vehicle Import Fraud
