The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly to amend the country’s anti-terrorism laws to make terrorism and related violent crimes punishable by death, following the killing of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe in captivity. The group said the murder of the retired Army officer by terrorists underscores the need for a more aggressive national response to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rejecting demands by the abductors for the release of detained terrorist…
Author: National Update
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja The Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) has called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system, stronger protection for press freedom and strict observance of the rule of law, saying these remain critical to the survival and growth of the nation’s democracy. Marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the civil society coalition said June 12 stands as a historic reminder of Nigerians’ struggle for democratic governance, electoral justice and accountable leadership. In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Hamza Aliyu, KONGONET noted that although Nigeria has sustained democratic rule for over two decades, citizens are increasingly demanding a…
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lauded former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, describing him as a symbol of selfless leadership and national service as he marks his 84th birthday. Obi made the remarks while joining other eminent Nigerians at the public presentation of books documenting Abdulsalami’s life, public service, and enduring contributions to Nigeria and Africa. Reflecting on the former military leader’s role in the nation’s history, Obi said Abdulsalami demonstrated rare patriotism and statesmanship by successfully guiding Nigeria through one of its most delicate political transitions, paving the way for the return…
Former Defence Headquarters spokesman, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd.), has died while being held by bandits following his abduction in Katsina State. Abubakar was kidnapped alongside his wife, Hajiya Amina, and taken into captivity by armed assailants in the state’s troubled northwest region. The Katsina State Government confirmed the retired general’s death on Saturday, describing it as a painful loss to his family, the state, and the nation. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, the former military officer died after battling health complications related to diabetes and hypertension while…
The Labour Party(LP) has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for reinstating its candidate for the forthcoming Enugu North Senatorial District by-election after an earlier omission from the list of cleared contestants. In a statement issued on June 13, the party said the correction followed engagements with the electoral body after its candidate and the party were initially left out of the list for the June 20, 2026 poll despite fulfilling all required legal and constitutional conditions. The party described INEC’s decision as a demonstration of fairness and responsiveness, noting that the restoration of its candidate has cleared the…
The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress has launched a high-level effort to resolve post-primary disputes in seven strategic states amid fears that lingering grievances could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. With the deadline for the submission of candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fast approaching, party leaders are reportedly reviewing the outcomes of primaries conducted in Kwara, Nasarawa, Rivers, Adamawa, Benue, Bauchi and Taraba states. The intervention follows a wave of petitions from aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders who have challenged the emergence of several candidates, alleging manipulation, imposition and irregularities during…
By Abdulkarim Abdulmalik In Nigeria’s political history, few figures have generated as much admiration, controversy, debate, and sustained relevance as Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. For more than three decades, he has remained a significant player in the nation’s democratic evolution, serving in government, building political alliances, contesting presidential elections, and contributing to national conversations on governance and economic development. Today, as the Presidential Flag Bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku once again finds himself at the center of national discourse. To his supporters, he represents experience, economic competence, and national unity. To his critics, he symbolizes the persistence of…
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a man suspected of impersonating a retired Major General in Kaduna State. The suspect was apprehended on June 11 by soldiers of the Nigerian Army attached to the 312 Artillery Regiment and deployed at the Strike Force Base in the Sabo area of Kaduna. Military sources said the arrest followed credible intelligence reports linking the suspect to the alleged impersonation. He is accused of presenting himself as a retired senior military officer, a claim now under investigation. The suspect is currently in military custody undergoing preliminary interrogation to establish the circumstances surrounding the…
The Presidency is set to disconnect the Presidential Villa from Nigeria’s national electricity grid and switch entirely to a dedicated solar power system, citing an annual electricity bill estimated at ₦47 billion. The move follows the completion of a solar mini-grid project at the Presidential Villa, approved under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to cut energy costs and improve power reliability. Speaking during a budget defence session earlier this year, State House Permanent Secretary, Temitope Fashedemi, disclosed that the solar installation was completed toward the end of 2025 and had since been undergoing technical…
Saraki Sounds Alarm Over Weak Legislature: ‘A Parliament That Can’t Say No Is No Parliament’ By Staff Reporter Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has warned that Nigeria’s democracy risks being weakened if the legislature loses its independence and ability to effectively check the executive arm of government. Speaking at The Platform’s June Forum in Lagos, Saraki stressed that a parliament that merely endorses executive decisions without scrutiny fails in its constitutional responsibility. “A parliament that can’t say no is no parliament,” he declared, arguing that the National Assembly must remain strong, independent and accountable to the people. According to him,…