News
Olumide Akpata Settles For Politics Without Bitterness, Unfolds New Focus
Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, the Candidate of the Labour Party, Edo 2024 Election, has resolved not to challenge the recent election
results before the election petitions tribunal, preempting negative outcomes.
Akpata also dismissed as falses, the swirling rumours and whispered insinuations that he has some sort of secret or backroom alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I want to be crystal clear: these allegations are not just false; they are a malicious attempt to tarnish my reputation and the principles I stand for.
These rumours are not just an attack on me but on the collective aspirations of every Edo citizen yearning for genuine change,” he said.
The Nigerian Bar Association’s President says he is redirecting his energies and resources toward grassroots mobilisation and advocacy for electoral reform including rebirth of democracy in Edo State and Nigeria
In a message to his supporters and other key stakeholders, Akpata, says: ” After extensive deliberations with my legal team and key stakeholders, I have made the decision not to challenge the recent election results before the tribunal.
This choice, borne out of deep reflection and rigorous analysis, transcends mere political calculation.
It is a statement on the state of our democracy and a clarion call for all who cherish the principles of free and fair elections.
As a legal practitioner with over three decades of experience, alongside my deputy, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, we have scrutinised every facet of this election.
Our conclusion, reached after we had consulted with some of the nation’s finest legal minds, is not just about the outcome of a single election but about the very foundations of our democratic process.
The irregularities that marred this election – from brazen vote-buying to questionable collation procedures – are symptomatic of a deeper malaise afflicting our electoral system.
These are not mere technical infractions but fundamental breaches of the social contract between the government and
the governed.
My decision not to approach the tribunal is not a capitulation to injustice but
a resolute stand against a flawed system.
I choose to rise above the quagmire
of protracted legal battles that sometimes serve to legitimise a fundamentally
compromised process.
Instead, I commit myself to the arduous but necessary task of systemic reform.
Our fight transcends the confines of a courtroom; it is a battle for the very soul of our democracy.
The stark reality we face is this: Nigeria’s electoral adjudication framework has
become a labyrinth where justice is often lost to technicalities.
The burden of proof placed on petitioners is not just high; it is often insurmountable. Moreover, the custodianship of crucial electoral materials by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is itself a necessary party and defendant in election petitions, presents practical challenges in building a compelling case within stipulated time frames.
These factors, combined with my vision for a more robust democratic framework, have informed my strategic decision to focus on grassroots mobilisation and advocacy for electoral reform.”
News
NGE Condemns Arbitrary Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Gov Bago for allegedly promoting violence
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
• Eze Anaba, NGE President
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.
In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, they said that the closure of the radio station was a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.
Ohibaba.com garhered that Governor Bago accused the owner of the Station for incitement of the people against government and directed that the license of the Radio station be revoked.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence”, Ibrahim Said
According to the Guild, this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.
The association referred to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.
Said the statement : ” The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.
Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.
The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.
We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.
The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.
Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.
Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.
We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.
We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.
Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.
The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”
News
NLC rejects FG’s new policy stopping frequent industrial strikes
” We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache.
• Joe Ajaero, NLC President
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.
NLC considers the statement by the Federal Government that the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy is aimed at stopping frequent industrial actions, particularly strikes by trade unions, as very reprehensible.
“The statement was part of the press release by the Federal Government at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which took place on 31st July 2025.
“We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache,” he said.
News
Olumuyiwa Adejobi Becomes Deputy Commissioner of Police
The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the elevation of its Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.
Adejobi was first appointed in acting capacity on 16th February 2022 as a CSP and took over from then CP Frank Mba. He was later confirmed by then IGP Usman Alkali (Rtd).
DCP Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction.
Since his appointment as FPRO, he has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, improve accountability, and modernize the force’s communication channels.
DCP Adejobi studied Archaeology and Geography (Combined Honours) from the University of Ibadan.
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