Amid growing tensions over pension reforms, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a strong appeal to retired police officers, urging them to call off their planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, July 21. In a statement released on Sunday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani described the retirees’ planned action as “diversionary, ill-timed, and in bad taste.” He called for calm and emphasized the need to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation. “The Commission has noted the ill-advised plan by retired police officers across the nation to embark on a protest over issues that are already receiving the attention of relevant government…
Author: National Update
Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) have insisted they will go ahead with a nationwide protest on Monday, July 21, in defiance of an appeal by the Police Service Commission (PSC) to shelve the action and return to the negotiation table. Chairman of the Police Officers Retirees on CPS in Kaduna State, retired Chief Superintendent of Police Mannir Lawal, said the group had lost faith in promises and was demanding immediate exemption from the pension scheme they describe as “unfavourable and inhumane.” “We’re not backing down,” Lawal declared. “Our leaders exempted themselves from this scheme, leaving us—the…
Authorities in the Federal Capital Territory have opened an investigation into the suspected assassination attempt on Jude Ezenwafor, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Anambra State. Ezenwafor was reportedly shot on Friday night in Abuja by yet-to-be-identified gunmen believed to be assassins. He is currently receiving critical medical care at a private hospital in the nation’s capital. The incident, which has sparked outrage and anxiety within political circles, comes just months before the highly anticipated Anambra gubernatorial election. Unverified reports circulated online early Sunday, claiming that Ezenwafor had died from the attack. However, sources close to the PDP…
As the race for Anambra’s top seat kicks off, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. John Nwosu, says the upcoming election will serve as a litmus test for a new coalition determined to reshape Nigeria’s political future. Nwosu, speaking to journalists in Awka on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at St. Faith Anglican Cathedral, declared that the ADC-led coalition is not only gaining traction across the country but also positioning itself as the vehicle to reclaim Nigeria from the grip of what he described as “failing leadership.” “I didn’t join ADC because of any coalition…
After nearly eight years of legal battles and personal hardship, Dr. Nwaopara Adolphus Uche, a consultant psychiatrist and former Medical Superintendent of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Eket, has been freed by the Court of Appeal sitting in Uyo, which quashed his conviction and declared his trial unconstitutional. In a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi JCA, the appellate court found that the Akwa Ibom State High Court—where Dr. Nwaopara had earlier been tried and sentenced—violated core tenets of fair hearing, justice, and constitutional due process. Dr. Nwaopara was convicted on October 4, 2023, by Justice Nseemeke Daniel under…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, a suspect accused of publishing defamatory content against the state. Authorities insist due process was strictly adhered to. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in a statement on Saturday, clarified that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition over a “clearly defamatory” article targeting the government. According to Fanwo, the suspect voluntarily responded to the police invitation, admitted to authoring the publication in question, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court which ordered his remand…
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi State Police Command has offered clarification on the circumstances surrounding the death of one Muhammed Kassim, popularly known as Enemi, a suspected arms dealer who had been on the police wanted list for criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, the Command said the clarification became necessary following widespread speculation and misinformation circulating on social media. According to the statement, a breakthrough in the investigation came after a legal intercept by the Office of the National Security Adviser…
The Edo State Government has refuted claims that Governor Monday Okpebholo threatened former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, over his recent visit to the state. In a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the government described the circulating reports as “misinterpretations,” insisting that the Governor’s comments were rooted in constitutional responsibilities and not political hostility. Governor Okpebholo, the statement said, merely reiterated the need for all high-profile individuals — especially politically exposed persons — to obtain proper security clearance before undertaking public engagements in Edo. “As Chief Security Officer…
The Senate has denied any directive mandating the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cautioning her against any attempt to return to plenary ahead of due process. Reacting to widespread reports of a planned resumption by the embattled Kogi Central senator, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako did not compel the Senate to lift her suspension. “There is no enforceable court order requiring her reinstatement,” Adaramodu stated on Saturday. “What the court offered was a suggestion—not a mandate—to review our Standing Orders. It did not fault our decision or…
In a week that casts a dual spotlight on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to honour 210 outstanding ex-Corps members, even as a Federal High Court ruling calls for urgent institutional introspection over NYSC’s controversial dress code. At the heart of the celebration lies recognition for service and sacrifice: 200 awardees will receive the Presidential NYSC Honours Award for distinguished performance in orientation, primary assignment, community development service (CDS), and post-service engagement. Ten others—former corps members who sustained permanent disabilities during service—will be honoured under the NYSC Hope Alive Initiative, a solemn tribute…