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Who is Professor Joash Amupitan?: Biography, Early life, background, family, Career, Education of the INEC Chairman Nominee

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Who is Professor Joash Amupitan?: Biography, Early life, background, family, Career, Education of the INEC Chairman Nominee

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is a distinguished Nigerian legal scholar, administrator, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who has been nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His nomination was unanimously approved by the National Council of State on October 9, 2025.

Background and Early Life

  • Origin: Professor Amupitan hails from Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in the North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. His nomination marks the first time a person from Kogi State has been selected for the top INEC post.
  • Apolitical Stance: He is noted for his apolitical stance and impeccable record of service and integrity, which President Tinubu cited as key factors in his selection.

Academic and Professional Career

Professor Amupitan’s career spans over three decades, marked by rapid ascent in academia and significant contributions to the legal profession.

Education

  • He is an alumnus of the University of Jos (UniJos), where he obtained his law degrees:
    • Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) in 1987.
    • Master of Law (LL.M.) in 1993.
    • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Law in 2007.
  • He was Called to Bar in 1988 after successfully completing his program at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

University of Jos

  • Professor Amupitan began his teaching career at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer.
  • He rose through the academic ranks, becoming a Reader in 2003 and a Professor of Law in 2008.
  • During his time at UniJos, he held several key administrative positions, including:
    • Head of the Department of Public Law.
    • Dean, Faculty of Law.
    • Chairman, Committee of Deans and Directors.
    • Member of the Governing Council.

Legal Eminence and Specialization

  • In recognition of his achievements in the law profession, he was conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2014.
  • His areas of specialization and research interests are diverse, covering:
    • Law of Evidence.
    • Corporate Governance and Corporate Law.
    • Privatization Law.
    • Reform of Electoral Laws in Nigeria (a highly relevant focus for the INEC role).

Other Leadership Roles

  • Professor Amupitan has demonstrated continued dedication to academic leadership, having been inaugurated as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in December 2023.

Family and Personal Life

  • Spouse: Professor Amupitan is married to Dr. (Mrs) Yemisi Amupitan.
  • Children: The couple is blessed with four children.

Professor Amupitan’s nomination now awaits screening and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Disclaimer: 

The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

It is the policy of NewsWireNGR not to endorse or oppose any opinion expressed by a User or Content provided by a User, Contributor, or another independent party. Opinion pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of NewsWireNGR.

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Top Things to Know About the New INEC Chairman Nominee, Prof. Joash Amupitan

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Top Things to Know About the New INEC Chairman Nominee, Prof. Joash Amupitan

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Amupitan to succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Here are the top facts and key reasons behind his nomination:

1. Impeccable Record of Integrity and Apolitical Stance

President Tinubu justified the nomination to the Council of State by emphasizing Professor Amupitan’s reputation for integrity, ethical conduct, and an apolitical stance. His selection signals a focus on credibility for the nation’s chief electoral officer.

2. First Nominee from Kogi State (North-Central)

Professor Amupitan is the first person from Kogi State to be nominated for the position of INEC Chairman. President Tinubu specifically highlighted this fact, suggesting a move toward regional inclusivity in key national appointments.

3. Experienced Legal Scholar and Academic

Professor Amupitan is a seasoned academic and a respected figure in legal circles:

  • He holds the title of Professor of Law, indicating a strong background in legal frameworks and constitutional matters crucial for navigating Nigeria’s complex electoral laws.
  • His academic qualifications and long tenure in the university system suggest a methodical and measured approach to public service.

4. Nomination Unanimously Endorsed by the Council of State

The nomination was not only approved by the President but also received the unanimous endorsement of the Council of State, which includes former and serving leaders of the country. This broad support suggests a high level of confidence in his suitability for the role.

5. Must Still Be Confirmed by the Senate

Following the Council of State’s approval, Professor Amupitan’s appointment is not yet finalized. His name will be forwarded to the Senate for rigorous screening and confirmation before he can officially assume the role of INEC Chairman.

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Reactions as President Tinubu Nominates Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman

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Reactions as President Tinubu Nominates Professor Amupitan as INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked immediate and diverse reactions among Nigerians, particularly across social media.

While some citizens praised the President for selecting a nominee with an “impeccable record of service,” the announcement quickly reignited a national debate over the process of appointing the nation’s chief electoral umpire.

Social Media Reactions: Praise and Constitutional Critique

Reactions online were sharply divided between those who commended the choice and those who criticized the fundamental constitutional power that allows the sitting President to make such a nomination.

Praise for the Nominee and the President:

Many Nigerians congratulated Professor Amupitan and supported the President’s decision, focusing on the nominee’s credentials and integrity:

  • Bisi Adeyemi congratulated Amupitan: “Congratulations to Prof Ojo Amupitan for clinching the position of INEC chairman. I commend the President for being able to find such an eminently qualified person in all ramifications to fill the vacant position. Congratulations to Nigerians. It can only get better for Nigeria.”

Critique of the Appointment Process:

A significant portion of the online commentary focused on the constitutional provision that grants the President the sole power to nominate the INEC chairman, arguing it compromises the Commission’s independence:

  • Felix wrote, expressing structural concerns: “Everything is wrong in Nigeria, from the constitution down to leadership. A sitting president shouldn’t have the sole power to nominate an electoral body like INEC. Until that constitution is changed, Nigeria can never get leadership right.”

Defenses and Counter-Arguments:

Other users defended the President’s actions by pointing out that the process follows existing law and has been used by previous administrations, suggesting that the current critique is politically motivated:

  • Emmanuel Ndiokwere commented, questioning the timing of the debate: “Question: Why did the discourse on the appointment of INEC come up just now? The present Constitution has been in operation since 1999, and no one has found it necessary to amend it until it came to Bola’s turn. Was it Bola that appointed Jakubu when he won in 2023? Please stop the hate.”
  • Olabisi Danial tweeted a dismissive message to opposition supporters: “Today, cry go too much for obidant and Atikulate oh because my president your president as nominate INEC chairman the way others past president does it let reform begin.”

The strong social media response highlights the deep public distrust in the electoral process and the widespread desire for constitutional reforms that would ensure the perceived and actual political independence of the electoral body.

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Tinubu Nominates Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

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Tinubu Nominates Professor Joash Amupitan as New INEC Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Professor Joash Amupitan to serve as the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The President’s choice was unanimously endorsed by the Council of State during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, October 9.

Tinubu’s Rationale for the Nomination

President Tinubu explained his choice by highlighting Professor Amupitan’s distinguished track record and character.

According to a statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the Council of State members that Amupitan possesses an “impeccable record of service, apolitical stance and integrity.”

The President also emphasized the historical significance of the nomination:

  • Amupitan, a 58-year-old professor, is the first person from Kogi State (North-Central) nominated to occupy the position, a factor President Tinubu noted in his decision.

Next Steps in the Appointment Process

The Council of State, comprising former and serving leaders of the country, supported the nomination, concurring that Professor Amupitan has demonstrated proven integrity.

With the Council’s approval secured, President Tinubu is set to forward the nomination to the Senate for screening and confirmation, as stipulated by the constitution.

If confirmed by the Senate, Professor Amupitan will succeed Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose decade-long tenure as INEC Chairman ended on Tuesday, October 7.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has already publicly hailed the nomination of the professor from his state to the critical electoral position.

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Orji Kalu Declares Himself South-East’s Most Important Politician, Not Peter Obi

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Orji Kalu Declares Himself South-East’s Most Important Politician, Not Peter Obi

Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State Governor and current Senate Majority Whip, has asserted that he is the most politically significant figure in the South-East region, strongly dismissing the notion that the title belongs to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Kalu made the claim during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

When directly asked if Igbos should rally behind Peter Obi in future elections, Senator Kalu initially declined extensive comment but insisted on a head-to-head debate to discuss Obi’s political standing.

“I’m a member of the APC and I don’t want to discuss Peter Obi. Each time you mention him, I become uncomfortable because I’ve told you before—any day you want to discuss Peter Obi with me, give us two hours, put him there, and put me here. Then we’ll sort it out,” Kalu stated.

However, when pressed on whether Obi had become the political leader of the South-East, Kalu outright rejected the idea, emphasizing his own history of political achievements.

“He’s not my leader, I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu insisted.

To back his claim, Kalu cited his past electoral success under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). “I have won two states before under PPA. I ran for president before, my 4.9 million votes in 2007 are still there. We achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, ambassadors, and other appointments under President Yar’Adua.”

On the topic of his own future political aspirations, the Senator stated that age would not be a barrier to running for president again if the opportunity arose. Citing the example of politicians like President Donald Trump, Kalu focused on capability over age.

“If I’m healthy and God gives me life, I can still contest. The question is not age, it’s competency. It’s about what is in my brain and what I can deliver,” he concluded.

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Top Highlights from the Life and Legacy of Dr. Christopher Kolade

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Top Highlights from the Life and Legacy of Dr. Christopher Kolade

Brainstormer 

Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away recently at the age of 92, was one of Nigeria’s most respected elder statesmen, leaving behind a remarkable legacy built on integrity, leadership, and public service.

Here are the top highlights and most notable achievements from his career:

1. Champion of Corporate Integrity and Ethics

Dr. Kolade was arguably Nigeria’s foremost advocate for ethical governance and transparency in both the public and private sectors.

  • He chaired the Integrity Organization Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE, working tirelessly to promote accountability and fight corruption in Nigerian commerce. His personal reputation was synonymous with unimpeachable moral standards.

2. Versatile Leadership in Corporate and Public Service

Kolade excelled in multiple high-profile roles across vastly different fields:

  • Broadcasting: He rose to become the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), shaping the early standards of national media.
  • Corporate Nigeria: He served as the Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he cemented his reputation for ethical corporate management.
  • Diplomacy: He represented Nigeria on the global stage as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a crucial diplomatic post.

3. Educator and Builder of Institutions

After his time in diplomacy, Dr. Kolade focused on mentoring the next generation of leaders.

  • He served as a lecturer in Corporate Governance and Human Resource Management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the School of Media and Communication (SMC).
  • He also held the key role of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Pan-Atlantic University, guiding its growth and educational standards.

4. Recognition and National Appointments

His contributions were widely recognized through numerous honors and national appointments:

  • In 2012, he was appointed by then-President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board.
  • He received the Order of St. Augustine medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury, among many other awards, acknowledging his outstanding service to humanity and the church.

Dr. Kolade’s life serves as a rare example of a Nigerian leader who successfully navigated the worlds of media, business, diplomacy, and education while consistently maintaining a public identity defined by ethical excellence.

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Elder Statesman and Former Diplomat Christopher Kolade Dies at 92

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Elder Statesman and Former Diplomat Christopher Kolade Dies at 92

Nigeria has lost one of its most revered figures, Dr. Christopher Kolade, who passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 92.

The family released a statement announcing his death, expressing gratitude for his impactful life: “We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service; and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings.”

A Life of Integrity and Service

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Dr. Kolade dedicated his life to leadership, ethics, and service across four distinct fields: broadcasting, corporate governance, diplomacy, and academia. His reputation for integrity and ethical conduct was a defining feature of his long career.

Key Career Highlights:

  • Broadcasting: He started his professional journey in media, rising to the position of Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
  • Corporate Governance: He later moved to the private sector, serving as the Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc.
  • Diplomacy: Dr. Kolade leveraged his spotless reputation to serve as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a post he executed with distinction.
  • Academia: Following his diplomatic service, he became a respected lecturer at the Lagos Business School (LBS)and the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both under Pan-Atlantic University. He also served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university.

A Champion of Ethics

A lifelong advocate for transparency and ethical standards in public and corporate life, Dr. Kolade chaired the boards of both the Integrity Organization Ltd GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd GTE.

His outstanding service was recognized with numerous honours, including the Order of St. Augustine medal from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the appointment in 2012 by then-President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Board.

Dr. Kolade’s extensive influence across different sectors—from setting ethical standards in corporate Nigeria to representing the country on the global stage—cemented his status as a true elder statesman.

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BBNaija Winner Imisi Denies Using ‘Pity Card’ Strategy

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BBNaija Winner Imisi Denies Using ‘Pity Card’ Strategy

Imisi, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, has strongly refuted claims that her on-screen persona was a calculated “pity card” strategy designed to gain sympathy and votes from the public.

Speaking recently on Arise TV, Imisi insisted that her genuine nature in the house was simply due to her lack of preparation time, not a planned approach.

“I didn’t come in with a pity strategy. I didn’t even believe I was going to be picked for the show,” Imisi stated.

She revealed that her acceptance email for the reality show came unexpectedly, leaving her with only a few days to prepare and pack.

“When I got the mail, I had only a few days to pack. I was in Ijebu at the time, and I brought all the costumes I took to that location to my sister, then we started planning.”

Imisi emphasized that her journey in the Big Brother house was unscripted. She asserted that she did not manipulate emotions to win over the audience, maintaining that her connection with viewers was authentic and real.

Imisi was officially crowned the BBNaija Season 10 winner on October 5, 2025.

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BREAKING NEWS: Police Arrest 12 Armed Robbery Suspects in Murder of ARISE News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu in Abuja

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BREAKING NEWS: Police Arrest 12 Armed Robbery Suspects in Murder of ARISE News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), operating under the directive of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, has announced the successful arrest of twelve (12) suspected armed robbers allegedly involved in the tragic robbery incident that resulted in the deaths of Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami.

The suspects were apprehended following a swift and intensive investigation that utilized advanced digital intelligence, leading to the dismantling of the robbery gang.

NPF Press Statement: Arrest of Suspects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FCT POLICE COMMAND VOWS JUSTICE: 12 ARRESTED OVER MURDER OF ARISE NEWS STAFF AND SECURITY GUARD

The FCT Police Command today confirmed the arrest of twelve (12) individuals suspected to be members of the armed robbery gang responsible for the fatal attack at Unique Apartment, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025.

The Incident: The robbery, which took place at approximately 0330hrs, tragically led to the death of Mr. Barnabas Danlami, the apartment’s security guard, and Ms. Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu (29), an anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News Channel.

Operational Success: Following the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police, operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, were deployed. Acting on actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics (a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC), the team successfully arrested twelve key members of the criminal network.

Confessions and Breakthroughs:

  • Four suspects were initially apprehended through the tracking of mobile phones stolen during the robbery.
  • Shamsudeen Hassan confessed to shooting the security guard, Barnabas Danlami, when the guard attempted to prevent their entry. Hassan also confessed to driving the gang’s white Honda CR-V getaway vehicle.
  • Sani Sirajo admitted to being present when Ms. Maduagwu fell. He claimed to have attempted to hold her from falling off the three-story building but was overwhelmed by her weight. (The police previously reported that Maduagwu succumbed to injuries sustained after jumping from her third-floor apartment in a bid to escape the intruders).
  • The initial four apprehended suspects admitted to receiving ?200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.
  • The remaining members of the gang, including Musa Umar a.k.a. small and Hassan Isah, were intercepted yesterday, October 8, 2025, while en route to a planned armed robbery operation in the Maitama area of Abuja.

Suspects Arrested: The arrested suspects, whose background details are being verified, are listed as follows:

  1. Shamsudeen Hassan (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina)
  2. Hassan Isah, 22 (Zaria, Kaduna State)
  3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. Abba, 27 (Musawa LGA, Katsina State)
  4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. Dan Borume, 20 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
  5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. Abba, 28 (Igabi LGA, Kaduna State)
  6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. Dan-Sule, 21 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
  7. Abdul Salam Saleh a.k.a. Na-Durudu (Katsina LGA, Katsina State)
  8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. Gwaska, 23 (Chikun LGA, Kaduna State)
  9. Musa Adamu a.k.a. Musa Hassan, 30 (Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State)
  10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. Baby, 27 (Sammaka LGA, Kaduna State)
  11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. Abbati, 25 (Zaria LGA, Kaduna State)
  12. Musa Umar a.k.a. Small, 31 (Maiduguri LGA, Borno State)

Recovered Exhibits: The following items were recovered from the suspects:

  • One (1) fabricated AK-47 rifle
  • Thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition
  • One (1) locally made pistol
  • One (1) pump-action gun
  • Two (2) live cartridges
  • Four (4) mobile phones stolen from the victims
  • Two (2) sharp knives and one (1) cutlass
  • Nine (9) torchlights used during the operation

The FCT Police Command assures the public that all suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crimes. Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend any remaining fleeing members of the criminal network. Further developments will be communicated in due course.

Background on the Victims

Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu (‘Sommie’) Somtochukwu Maduagwu was a highly regarded journalist, lawyer, and producer at ARISE News Channel’s Abuja studio. Born in London in 1995, she was 29 years old at the time of her death. Maduagwu was known for covering legal issues, women’s rights, and her advocacy for gender equality. Her tragic death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian media community and highlighted the growing insecurity challenges in the nation’s capital.

Barnabas Danlami Barnabas Danlami was the security guard at Unique Apartment who was fatally shot by the robbers while attempting to prevent them from gaining entry to the building, sacrificing his life in the line of duty.

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Sowore to Lead ‘Historic’ #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest to Aso Rock Villa on October 20

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Sowore to Lead ‘Historic’ #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest to Aso Rock Villa on October 20

Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), has officially set October 20 as the date for a major protest march in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore announced the date on his X handle on Thursday, describing the event as a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa. He assured the public that the demonstration would be conducted peacefully and legally.

“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” the activist wrote.

A Call to Action for Southeast Leaders

Sowore has intensified efforts to mobilize leaders from the Southeast and other concerned Nigerians, urging them to move beyond rhetoric and join the physical demonstration.

On Wednesday, he called out prominent figures, emphasizing that this is a time for genuine action:

“No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk.”

Sowore confirmed reaching out to several key political figures, including Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, and Labour Party’s former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

While stating that Otti and Soludo neither took his calls nor responded to messages, and that Obi’s team confirmed he was traveling, Sowore received encouraging feedback from some lawmakers and noted an understanding from others, despite their preference for a non-placard-based approach.

The Detention and Legal Background

Nnamdi Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021.

He faces charges filed by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja, bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. Kanu has consistently maintained his innocence.

Despite a significant ruling by the Court of Appeal in October 2022, which discharged and acquitted him of all charges, ruling that his extradition violated international laws, the Federal Government has yet to comply with the court order—a situation that has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and political leaders.

Sowore concluded: “This is not the time for hesitation. If we genuinely believe that @MaziNnamdiKanu deserves freedom, then every leader of conscience must act, now, not later.”

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Controversy Erupts Over Lagos Demolitions: Safety Enforcement vs. Claims of Ethnic Targeting

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Controversy Erupts Over Lagos Demolitions: Safety Enforcement vs. Claims of Ethnic Targeting

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has firmly defended its ongoing demolition of illegal and unapproved structures, including those at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, citing public safety and adherence to legal mandates.

However, the exercise has ignited a furious public and political backlash, with many critics, particularly from the Southeast, alleging the actions are a direct ethnic attack against Igbo traders and investors.

Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, issued a statement reiterating the state’s zero tolerance for illegal developments that pose “serious risks to public safety.”

  • Olumide stated the enforcement actions are backed by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2019. He also cited a 2003 Supreme Court judgment confirming the state’s right to control physical developments.
  • The Commissioner emphasized that the issue at the Trade Fair Complex is solely about ensuring all buildings have valid planning permits, not about land ownership or title disputes.
  • Deadline: All developers and occupants within the complex were given a two-week deadline to regularize their building approvals with the ministry.
  • Olumide specifically cautioned political actors, particularly from the Southeast, against misrepresenting facts and using ethnic sentiments. To prove the exercise is not targeted, he listed other demolition sites—including Pelewura Market, Bombata Market, Otumara, Alaba Rago, and Oluwole Market—stating these areas are occupied by diverse ethnic groups. He also pointed out that other Southeast states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo have carried out similar urban renewal demolitions without ethnic accusations.

Political and Ethnic Backlash

Despite the government’s denials, prominent Igbo political figures have strongly criticized the demolitions, framing them as a calculated effort to undermine Igbo economic dominance in Lagos.

  • Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, weighed in, arguing that while the government has a right to enforce planning laws, the timing, scale, and specific targeting of markets predominantly run by Igbo traders raise serious questions about malice and ethnic motivation. He suggested the selective enforcement is punitive and creates an atmosphere of fear that discourages legitimate investment.
  • Senator Victor Umeh reportedly made similar arguments, stressing that the demolitions are a form of economic warfare. He argued that the continuous singling out of markets where Igbos have concentrated their hard-earned capital is designed to inflict maximum economic damage, questioning why the enforcement focus appears skewed towards Igbo business clusters.

The controversy led to a more radical call for economic action. A skit maker, identified as Governor Amunike in a viral video, strongly urged Igbo traders and entrepreneurs to stop investing in Lagos and redirect their capital to their homelands in the Southeast.

This argument is based on the premise that continued investment in a hostile environment is illogical, and that building up their regional economy is the only sustainable long-term solution against perceived ethnic targeting.

Public Reaction and Future Investment Signals

The saga has led to widespread reaction online, polarizing public opinion:

  • Many online users, particularly those identifying as Igbo, used the tag #LagosDemolitions to share videos and photos, arguing that the concentration of the destruction on Trade Fair Complex (a hub for major importers) and other popular Igbo trading areas proves the government’s intent is to cripple Igbo businesses.
  • Conversely, many Lagos residents and commentators supported the LASG, arguing that the demolitions are long overdue to address shoddy construction, clogged drainage systems, and chaotic urban planning. They countered the ethnic narrative by insisting that any illegal structure, regardless of the owner’s ethnicity, must be removed to ensure public safety and mitigate flood risks.
  • The entire controversy sends negative signals to investors, both local and foreign. Emenike’s call for divestment, combined with the visible destruction of assets, introduces political and ethnic riskto investments in Lagos. Business leaders are likely to view the current climate as unpredictable, potentially slowing future long-term capital commitments until the government can clearly separate its lawful regulatory actions from accusations of ethnic bias.

The Lagos State Government faces a challenging task: upholding the rule of law and enforcing safety standards while simultaneously convincing a skeptical public that its actions are non-discriminatory and not driven by ethnic politics.

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Former Nun-Turned-Influencer Secretly Marries Catholic Priest After Falling in Love During Prayer

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Former Nun-Turned-Influencer Secretly Marries Catholic Priest After Falling in Love During Prayer

A former nun who became a social media influencer has married the Catholic priest who initially offered to pray for her during a difficult period, following a secret wedding ceremony this past March.

The dramatic spiritual and romantic journey involves Lais Dognini, who left the convent and later established herself as an online influencer. According to the Brazilian news outlet O Globo, she met Father Jackson Dognini when he offered his spiritual support as she was battling depression.

The two developed a close friendship during their prayer sessions, which eventually blossomed into a romance. The couple reportedly decided to take the bold step of marrying in secret, confirming their commitment outside the traditional religious mandates that govern Catholic clergy.

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