The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • Tinubu Leaves Saudi Arabia for Nigeria After Completing Umrah

    By  Stephen Angbulu Kindly share this story:

    President Bola Tinubu has departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, bound for Abuja.

    This follows the completion of a week-long lesser pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.

    “President Tinubu’s plane took off at the Royal Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 pm Saudi time,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement Wednesday.

    The Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yakubu Gambo, and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya, accompanied the President to the airport.

    Before departure, Tinubu held a brief meeting with the Deputy Governor at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport complex.

    The visit, which began on Thursday last week, included a series of spiritual engagements that generated significant public attention back home.

    The President led his delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah at Masjid al-Haram.

    The highlight of the visit came on Sunday when King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud granted Tinubu the rare privilege of entering the interior of the Holy Ka’abah, the sacred cubic structure at the centre of Islam’s holiest mosque, where he and members of his delegation performed the two raka’at prayers.

    Inside the Ka’abah, Tinubu offered supplications for lasting peace, security, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, and sought divine guidance, wisdom and strength to continue serving the Nigerian people.

    The visit also attracted political commentary given its timing.

    Tinubu departed for Makkah days after officially flagging off his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, with the January 16, 2027 general elections now less than 75 days away.

    Speaking to journalists after completing his Umrah rites on Friday, the President had declared that only God could determine who would lead Nigeria, saying, “Allah is the only one who can define a human being, what he will be, and what he will become.”

    On Sunday, he hosted members of his delegation to dinner and prayed for Nigeria’s diversity to be converted into prosperity.

    On Monday, following the entry into the Ka’abah, he reaffirmed what he called his commitment to “Project Nigeria,” saying: “My commitment to Project Nigeria is higher. I am determined to usher in prosperity and fully develop the country, consistent with the wish of Allah and the support of the people.”

    Tinubu expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to his delegation, particularly the access granted to the Ka’abah.

    His entourage on the return flight included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe States, among others. Punch

  • Senate Backs Jail Time, ₦300k Fine for Hospitals Denying Emergency Care

    By  Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis Kindly share this story:

    The Senate is considering a bill seeking a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals and healthcare providers that violate proposed emergency treatment standards.

    The bill also seeks to compel public and private hospitals to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival, commence initial stabilisation within 30 minutes and complete referrals to other facilities within three hours where necessary.

    Sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the proposed legislation seeks to amend the National Health Act, 2014, to establish enforceable standards for emergency medical treatment, healthcare workers’ training and patient referral procedures.

    Leading the debate at Wednesday’s plenary, Yar’Adua said the amendment would address critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensure that patients received timely, life-saving treatment during emergencies, irrespective of their social status, wealth, influence or location.

    He said, “The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria shall jointly develop and maintain a standardised national emergency care curriculum, and all healthcare workers involved in the provision of emergency medical care shall be required to undergo such training and certification at intervals not exceeding 18 months.

    “Public and private healthcare facilities licensed to provide emergency medical care in Nigeria shall commence triage and initial assessment within 15 minutes of a patient’s arrival at the emergency department. Where a licensed medical doctor is unavailable, a trained and certified nurse may conduct the triage.

    “A person or health facility that contravenes any provision of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding ₦300,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, or both.”

    The proposed amendment further requires hospitals to begin basic stabilisation measures, including oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, pain relief and preliminary diagnostic procedures, within 30 minutes of a patient’s arrival.

    It also mandates immediate life-saving interventions, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management and bleeding control, once a life-threatening condition is identified.

    Where a patient requires admission, the hospital would be required to assign a bed within two hours, subject to availability.

    However, facilities without available beds must immediately stabilise patients and commence referral arrangements within two hours of arrival or as soon as the patient is assessed and considered stable for transfer.

    The bill also requires hospitals to begin ambulance dispatch or arrange alternative transportation within 30 minutes of deciding to refer a patient.

    Yar’Adua said the proposed amendment was consistent with international practices, citing Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Supporting the bill, the Senate Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), said it would address avoidable deaths arising from road accidents and maternal emergencies.

    He lamented that some healthcare providers neglected emergency patients, resulting in preventable deaths, adding that the proposed legislation would introduce criminal liability for violations of emergency treatment standards. Punch

  • Tinubu Recalls Working As US Taxi Driver To Pay University Fees

    Tinubu Recalls Working As US Taxi Driver To Pay University Fees

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has recounted how he worked as a taxi driver and took up other jobs in the United States to finance his university education.

    The President shared the experience in a post on his X account on Wednesday while outlining his administration’s efforts to expand access to education in Nigeria.

    Tinubu said he delayed starting school for several months after arriving in the US because he needed to save enough money to fund his studies.

    He explained that after moving to Chicago, he took up different jobs to cover his tuition, accommodation and other expenses.

    The President said the experience shaped his belief that every Nigerian child should have access to quality education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

    Highlighting his administration’s education programmes, Tinubu disclosed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund had disbursed more than ₦372bn in student loans to cover institutional fees and living expenses.

    He said the government’s technical and vocational education programme had received over 2.8 million applications, while 38 technical colleges had been rehabilitated.

    According to him, students in federal and selected state technical colleges now benefit from free tuition, accommodation, textbooks and uniforms.

    Tinubu also announced a new agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which provides for a 40 per cent increase in academic staff remuneration and measures aimed at improving stability in the university system.

    He said the government was committed to ensuring that students complete their courses within the stipulated period without unnecessary delays.

    On medical education, the President disclosed that ₦110bn was being invested in the rehabilitation of 24 medical schools.

    He added that annual nursing enrolment had increased from 28,000 to 115,000, while medical and dental student enrolment rose from 5,000 to 12,000.

    Tinubu further said more than one million children who were previously out of school had returned to classrooms, while the government was expanding teacher development programmes and educational opportunities for girls.

    He also highlighted the introduction of a new national curriculum that restores Nigerian History to schools, saying children should understand the country’s past and be prepared to contribute to its future.

    The President commended the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and other officials involved in implementing the reforms.

    He also announced an interactive platform for the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which he said would provide information on government programmes, achievements and opportunities in the education sector.

    Tinubu urged parents, students and teachers to use the platform to identify available opportunities and provide feedback on challenges affecting schools in their communities.

  • Akpabio Raises Alarm Over Private Jet Shortage Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Akpabio Raises Alarm Over Private Jet Shortage Ahead Of 2027 Elections

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed concern over the difficulty of securing private jets for political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Federal Government to consider reviving a national airline.

    Akpabio made the remarks during Tuesday’s plenary session while contributing to discussions on challenges in Nigeria’s aviation industry and the difficulties faced by air travellers.

    He warned that the pressure on available aircraft could worsen during the December holiday season, noting that political campaign organisers were already struggling to hire private jets.

    “Watch December and the confusion. Even the private airlines cannot handle. Common campaigns, we cannot see even private jets to hire,” he said.

    The Senate President argued that establishing a national carrier would help strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry and improve its participation in international air transport.

    He called for a motion to be introduced to facilitate the revival of the defunct Nigeria Airways, insisting that the country needed an airline operating under the Nigerian flag.

    Akpabio recalled that Nigeria Airways once operated about 40 aircraft, including DC-10 planes used for international routes such as Saudi Arabia.

    He questioned how the country had moved from operating such an airline to its present aviation situation.

    The Senate President spoke during deliberations on a motion sponsored by the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, on the need to review and enforce Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China.

    Monguno called for measures to enable Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to China, arguing that improved air links would reduce travel time, strengthen supply chains and expand trade between the two countries.

    He also said direct flights could help reduce foreign exchange spent on international air travel.

    Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, said Nigeria was not maximising the benefits of its relationship with China despite the country’s growing influence in the global economy.

    Following the deliberations, the Senate urged the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the bilateral agreement to establish direct commercial air connections between Nigeria and China.

  • National Assembly Moves State Police Bill To Tinubu After 28 States’ Approval

    National Assembly Moves State Police Bill To Tinubu After 28 States’ Approval

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Assembly has begun arrangements to forward the proposed State Police Bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent after 28 State Houses of Assembly approved the constitutional amendment.

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, confirming that his office had received and verified the reports and Votes and Proceedings submitted by the state legislatures.

    The approval exceeds the constitutional requirement of at least 24 out of the 36 state assemblies for an amendment to the 1999 Constitution under Section 9.

    Ogunlana said the verification process was necessary to authenticate the documents and confirm that they accurately represented the decisions of the respective legislatures.

    The proposed amendment, known as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23 before being sent to the state assemblies for concurrence.

    According to the Clerk, the bill was forwarded to the 36 state legislatures on September 16, with a request that they communicate their decisions within 30 days.

    Although the deadline elapsed on October 15, Ogunlana said his office continued to receive submissions from other states.

    He also explained that Section 9 of the Constitution did not specifically require a third reading for a constitutional amendment bill after the necessary state approvals had been secured.

    The National Assembly, he said, was now making the administrative arrangements required to transmit the bill to Tinubu in line with the Acts Authentication Act.

    If assented to, the amendment would provide the constitutional foundation for establishing state police services alongside the existing federal police structure.

    Ogunlana commended the state assemblies for their cooperation, describing their approval as an important step towards reforming Nigeria’s security structure and strengthening its federal system.

    **Senate Passes Six Other Bills**

    Meanwhile, the Senate has passed six bills forwarded by the House of Representatives, covering financial crime prevention, recovery of criminal proceeds, federal medical and educational institutions, and sugar industry regulation.

    The bills were presented by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who urged lawmakers to approve them, noting that they had completed the required legislative stages in the House of Representatives and complied with Order 78(3) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2026.

    One of the proposed laws is the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the recovery, forfeiture and management of assets linked to criminal activities.

    It also contains provisions aimed at protecting the rights and interests of victims in properties recovered through criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

    Another is the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026. It proposes civil recovery proceedings against individuals found with properties or lifestyles that cannot be explained by their legitimate sources of income.

    On education, the Senate approved amendments to the establishment laws of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Item, Bende, and the Federal College of Education, Bende, both in Abia State.

    The proposed amendments seek to formally designate Item, Bende, as the host community of the university and the college, respectively.

    The Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, also received approval. It seeks to provide a legal framework for establishing federal medical centres in Zuru, Kebbi State; Gumel, Jigawa State; and Monguno, Borno State.

    The sixth legislation, the National Sugar Development Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, seeks to strengthen the council’s functions and regulatory powers.

    Bamidele said the bills were intended to address gaps in existing laws and improve the administration of federal institutions and enforcement of relevant regulations.

    Following their presentation, the Senate referred the proposals to the Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration, after which they were approved.

    The legislative developments cover proposed changes to Nigeria’s policing structure, measures against financial crimes and amendments affecting federal institutions and regulatory agencies.

  • Enugu APC Targets Total Victory as Campaign Council Unleashes Strategy

    Enugu APC Targets Total Victory as Campaign Council Unleashes Strategy

    The Enugu State APC Campaign Council has begun putting its campaign machinery in motion, unveiling an operational framework designed to coordinate its 51 directorates and deliver an overwhelming victory for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah and all party candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    The strategy was unveiled on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after a high-powered meeting of the council’s directors, three zonal secretaries and the three Deputy Directors-General representing the senatorial zones: Deacon Okey Ogbodo for Enugu East, Dr. Dan Shere for Enugu North and SKE Udeh-Okoye for Enugu West. The meeting was presided over by the council’s Director-General, Chief Dr. Charles Mbah, while its Secretary-General, Dr. Eric Oluedo, was also in attendance.

    Addressing journalists after the meeting, the council’s spokesperson, Barr. Steve Oruruo, said the gathering was convened to define the responsibilities of each directorate, eliminate operational overlaps and establish a coordinated structure for the campaign.

    According to Oruruo, Chief Mbah used the meeting to inspire members and reinforce the need for commitment, discipline and effective coordination in achieving the council’s objectives.

    “The template provided at the meeting is intended to streamline the responsibilities of each directorate, prevent overlaps and avoid unnecessary friction. Each directorate will have clearly defined functions and be accountable for delivering results through regular feedback, monitoring and checks and balances,” Oruruo said.

    He explained that the council was deliberately expanded to accommodate a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the state, including influential political leaders, elders, young people, professionals and people from different political backgrounds that have yielded to Governor Mbah’s disruptive and innovative leadership.

    “The intention is to build a massive campaign structure capable of reaching every part of the state. Members are expected to trigger robust and overwhelming dominance of the political space through informed conversation on the flawless performance status of Mbah’s administration in support of the APC,” he said.

    Oruruo added that the council was determined to secure victory across all elective positions, stressing that its ambition extended beyond the presidential and governorship contests to include the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections.

    “The ultimate objective is to bring the different contributions together towards securing a massive and unprecedented electoral victory for the APC at all levels,” he stated.

    He said the council would prioritise direct engagement with voters, urging campaign members to present the achievements of the Tinubu and Mbah administrations through facts, documented evidence and measurable results rather than emotional appeals.

    On the performance of the Mbah administration, Oruruo said the governor’s achievements in economic development and other critical sectors had strengthened public confidence in his ability to manage the state craft and attracted growing interest from investors, including those in the diaspora.

    He maintained that the administration’s performance, including its rankings by the National Bureau of Statistics and other credible institutions, had provided the campaign council with compelling material to engage voters.

    The council has 51 directorates covering key areas such as administration, finance, fundraising, public communication, media, new media and strategic communication, research and strategy, election planning and coordination, security, legal services, mobilisation, logistics, welfare, medical services, voters’ education, inter-party affairs, peace and reconciliation, trade unions and market associations, persons with disabilities, and non-indigene coordination.

    Other directorates include corporate and private-sector coordination, parliamentary mobilisation, event management, venue management and inter-party relations.

    Oruruo said the various units were expected to work collaboratively through effective communication and accountability to ensure that the size and diversity of the council did not undermine its efficiency.

    Among those at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Enugu State APC Chairman, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike; Chairman of the Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah; Commissioner for Transport, Ricky Agu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr. Ugochi Madueke and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Ngozi Eni

    Other political leaders and stakeholders included Barr. Charles Egumgbe, the party’s pioneer state chairman in 1998 and current Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs; former PDP chairman Vita Abba; and the state APC Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie, Ogbo Asogwa, Joe Mammel

    Director of Non-Indigenes in the council, Chief Cosmas Agagbo (Okpoka N’Abba), reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the APC and Governor Mbah, pledging massive mobilisation for the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the governor’s performance had strengthened their confidence and provided compelling reasons to rally support for his administration and the APC.

    The meeting was attended by directors and representatives of the various campaign units, who deliberated on the operational framework, coordination mechanisms and the council’s target of delivering an across-the-board APC victory in Enugu State.

  • How to Download Your NIN Slip Free — NIMC

    By  Saheed Oyelakin Kindly share this story:

    The National Identity Management Commission has explained how Nigerians can download their National Identification Number slips online for free through its NINAuth mobile application.

    The commission outlined the process in a video shared on its official X account on Wednesday, demonstrating how NIN holders can obtain the document without visiting its enrolment centres or paying third-party agents.

    According to NIMC, the following steps are required to download the slip:

    1. Download the NINAuth application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
    2. Open the application on your mobile phone.
    3. Tap “Do More with NINAuth”.
    4. Select “NIN Slip” from the available options.
    5. Complete the facial authentication process to verify your identity.

    According to the commission, successful authentication would allow users to download and save their official NIN slips directly to their mobile phones.

    “Once verified, click on ‘Download NIN Slip’ to generate and save the official NIMC-issued NIN slip into your mobile phone,” it said.

    Describing the process as convenient and secure, the commission said the service was free and required only a few steps to complete.

    “It is that simple, it is free, available, and a few taps away. Get yours today,” NIMC added.

    The commission said the process was designed to make obtaining the document easier while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.

    NIMC launched the NINAuth platform in October 2025 to let Nigerians control who accesses their personal data across government, banking, telecoms, and education services.

    In June 2026, the commission announced that NIN holders could download their official NIN slips directly through the application at no cost.

    According to information published on the NINAuth website, the downloaded slip is the same official document issued by NIMC and can be used at banks, government offices and other institutions where it is required.

    The National Identification Number is an 11-digit unique number issued to Nigerians and legal residents following successful enrolment. It serves as a means of establishing and verifying an individual’s identity and is used to link personal records to the National Identity Database.

    To obtain a NIN, an individual must visit an NIMC enrolment centre, complete the registration process, provide the required demographic information and undergo biometric capture, including fingerprint and facial scans, before being issued an 11-digit identification number. Punch

  • DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Claim of Planned Disruption of ADC Rally

    DSS Orders Probe Into Atiku’s Claim of Planned Disruption of ADC Rally

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has ordered an investigation into allegations by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar that the agency planned to organise protests in Sokoto State to disrupt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally.

    Atiku, the ADC presidential candidate, reportedly made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Abuja. He accused DSS leadership of recruiting protesters to cause unrest in Sokoto and create grounds for imposing a curfew that could prevent the party from holding its rally.

    However, the DSS, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, denied the allegation, insisting that its operations were guided by the need to protect political actors regardless of party affiliation.

    The agency said its operatives rescued the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, during an attack on October 31, 2026.

    According to the statement, the operatives evacuated Daniya to safety, while two DSS personnel who were assaulted during the incident were still receiving medical treatment as of Tuesday.

    The Service added that Daniya later contacted the DSS State Director in Sokoto to appreciate the agency’s intervention and request additional security support.

    The incident followed accusations traded between the All Progressives Congress and the ADC in Sokoto State over an alleged attack on Daniya’s convoy on Saturday.

    To support its position, the DSS also cited the arrest and prosecution of Monday Udeme Steven in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, over an alleged threat to attack the New Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

    It said Steven was prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison.

    The agency maintained that its actions demonstrated its commitment to providing security for politicians across party lines.

    Despite describing Atiku’s allegation as inconsistent with its record, the DSS said its Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, had directed that the claim be investigated.

    The statement said the decision was taken out of respect for the former vice-president, whom it described as an elder statesman.

    The DSS also recalled a similar allegation by the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who accused the agency of involvement in an attack on him in Ekiti State.

    It said it welcomed the police investigation into the incident, noting that a preliminary report attributed it to an altercation and that 11 suspects had been arrested.

    The Service said it was awaiting the outcome of the police investigation and would not make further efforts to address the matter.

    It added that it would continue to operate accountably under its current Director-General.

  • Trump Blames Republican Candidates For Midterm Election Losses

    Trump Blames Republican Candidates For Midterm Election Losses

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    United States President Donald Trump has dismissed suggestions that his leadership and policies contributed to the Republican Party’s poor performance in the midterm elections, blaming defeated candidates for failing to attract voters to the polls.

    The election, which saw the Democratic Party secure control of both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, has raised questions about Trump’s political influence and the future direction of his administration.

    Speaking during a live telephone interview with Fox News, Trump rejected the suggestion that the outcome represented a setback for him.

    “But I don’t view it as a hit on me,” he said, insisting that his administration had recorded significant achievements in the economy and other areas over the past two years.

    Trump attributed the Republican losses largely to the inability of individual candidates to mobilise supporters, rather than dissatisfaction with his administration’s policies, including its military involvement in Iran and tariff measures blamed for contributing to rising prices.

    He also criticised media coverage of Democratic candidates, particularly on Fox News, saying he had expected Republicans to perform better.

    “I thought they’d do better,” he said.

    The President further attributed the outcome to what he described as a prevailing public mood, while maintaining that his administration would continue pursuing its policy agenda despite the Democrats’ gains.

    During the election campaign, Trump had travelled to several Republican-leaning states to rally support for party candidates, urging voters to act as though he was also on the ballot.

    However, he argued that the candidates failed to generate enough enthusiasm among their supporters.

    “They just didn’t inspire the people to get out and vote,” Trump said, adding that his presence on the ballot would have improved their chances.

    Several unsuccessful candidates, including Darline Graham in South Carolina, Ken Paxton in Texas, Michael Whatley in North Carolina and Mike Collins in Georgia, had received Trump’s endorsement.

    Defending his decision to support Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in Texas, Trump said he had little choice, arguing that Paxton had remained loyal to him.

    In a post on his Truth Social platform, the President indicated that he intended to publicly examine the factors behind the Republican defeats.

    He also criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott, accusing him of returning to an unsuccessful political strategy.

    However, in a separate interview with Politico, Trump said he was not interested in assigning blame, describing the election period as an experience from which he had learnt.

    The President also expressed willingness to cooperate with Democrats, who will now have greater influence over legislative decisions in Washington.

    He disclosed that he had already spoken with some Democratic politicians but did not identify them.

    Trump said he had several Democratic friends and was open to finding common ground with members of the opposition party.

    Meanwhile, he dismissed suggestions that he regretted the decision to launch military action against Iran, despite concerns that the conflict may have contributed to the Republicans’ poor electoral performance.

    In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump maintained that the decision was justified and said he would make the same choice again.

    “I don’t think about it. I did the right thing,” he said. “I would have done it again.”

  • Nigeria -Born Lawyer Dapo Akande Elected to ICJ Bench

    By  Tosin Oyediran Kindly share this story:

    A Nigerian-trained international lawyer, Professor Dapo Akande, has been elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice, following a United Nations vote on Tuesday.

    Akande, a Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford, will serve a nine-year term at the world’s principal judicial organ, which settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on international legal questions.

    His election marks the return of a United Kingdom judge to the court after an absence of nine years, according to a statement published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Tuesday.

    The British government said Akande received the support of a majority of UN member states following what it described as a closely contested vote.

    The UK government said Akande’s election followed a campaign supported by the Prime Minister, ministers and British diplomats across the world.

    In a statement welcoming the development, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the election demonstrated Britain’s commitment to international law and its role in global affairs.

    “This election is a clear signal to our partners that the UK is back on the world stage and ready to play our part in ensuring global stability and upholding the rule of law,” Burnham said.

    “Professor Akande will bring integrity, legal rigour and independent expertise to the International Court of Justice and I am incredibly proud that he is representing the UK.”

    Reacting to his election, Akande said he was honoured by the confidence placed in him by UN member states and pledged to discharge his responsibilities independently.

    “I am deeply honoured to be elected to the International Court of Justice.

    “I am incredibly grateful to all the states that have put their faith in me. I pledge to serve with independence and to deciding cases on the basis of a faithful and impartial application of the law. I look forward to contributing to the ICJ’s vital work in helping to resolve disputes by peaceful means, alongside the other colleagues elected today,” he said.

    Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also congratulated the professor, expressing confidence in his legal expertise and commitment to international law.

    “Everywhere I go around the world, people tell me how impressive Professor Akande is and we have been proud to support his campaign. I am confident that his legal expertise, independence and commitment to international law will make him an asset to the Court and the international community,” Miliband said.

    According to the statement, Akande is a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission.

    Originally qualified as a lawyer in Nigeria, he has nearly three decades of experience as an international law scholar and practitioner.

    He has also served as counsel, adviser and expert in cases before international courts and tribunals, including the International Court of Justice.

    As an independent practitioner, Akande has advised governments from countries across all five UN regional groups, as well as international organisations, including the United Nations and the African Union.

    The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and is responsible for settling legal disputes submitted to it by states and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN bodies.

    British Foreign Secretary in 2021, Dominic Raab, announced the choice of the UK to nominate Akande, as the UK candidate for the International Law Commission from 2023 to 2027.

    Akande, an alumnus of the University of Oxford, London School of Economics, and Obafemi Awolowo University, was in 2024, nominated to represent UK as ICJ judge in an election. Punch

  • NBS: Enugu Records Lowest Tax Revenue-to-IGR Ratio

    NBS: Enugu Records Lowest Tax Revenue-to-IGR Ratio

    _…Abia, FCT, Bayelsa top tax-heavy IGR states_

    Enugu State recorded the lowest tax revenue-to-Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) ratio in 2025, StatiSense has said, quoting figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    According to statistics published on StatiSense’s verified X handle, only N51.52 billion, or 12.67 per cent of the N406.7 billion in IGR generated by Enugu State in 2025, came from tax revenues, while the rest came from non-tax revenues.

    Recall that the NBS had earlier in the year rated Enugu State as number one in IGR growth among the 36 states and the FCT, coming only behind Lagos and Rivers States, in that order.

    However, in terms of the tax component of IGR, the state recorded the lowest tax-to-IGR ratio, while Abia State led with 100 per cent of its N70.41 billion IGR in 2025 coming from taxes.

    Abia was followed by the FCT, which had 100 per cent of its N356.34 billion 2025 IGR coming from tax revenues.

    Bayelsa (99.39 per cent), Rivers (96.72 per cent) and Sokoto (92.44 per cent) make up the top five tax-dependent states for IGR.

    But joining Governor Peter Mbah’s Enugu on the list of states with the least tax dependence for IGR are Kwara (38.42 per cent), Katsina (39.93 per cent), Osun (41.53 per cent) and Ogun (44.10 per cent).

    At a recent town hall in Enugu, televised live by some national television stations, Governor Peter Mbah had dismissed the narrative that his administration was overtaxing the people, noting that it was being fuelled by the opposition and beneficiaries of the corruption and sharp practices that prevailed in the revenue collection system until his administration came on board and implemented reforms, introducing technology in the process to plug revenue leakages.

    Mbah also maintained that, contrary to perception, the surge in the state’s revenue was driven by innovation and economic diversification under his administration, which had expanded revenue sources.

    He also reminded the audience that taxation was on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution; hence, no state could legislate to increase or lower any form of tax, be it Personal Income Tax, Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax, among others.

    He said his administration had widened the tax net to bring in more people who had never paid tax, but had never increased taxes.

    “This is one falsehood that has been so peddled that it’s even beginning to take a semblance of a truth. Meanwhile, overtaxation does not exist, and I think those who think we may be taxing more are essentially looking at the sort of growth we have recorded in our IGR.

    “Because they couldn’t have imagined such growth happening within the period it happened, they felt perhaps the only justification is that we have burdened the people of Enugu to realise that. But that’s far from the truth.

    “So, what did we do to grow our IGR? First of all, we plugged all the leakages. We ensured that nobody makes payments in cash on behalf of the state government.

    “But, importantly, we have so far activated a whole lot of our dormant assets. We now earn quite a lot from those assets, and we built new ones,” he stated.

    He named the Hotel Presidential, Enugu United Palm Products Limited, Nigergas, Nike Lake, the International Conference Centre, among other moribund assets his administration recovered, completed or resuscitated, then optimised and monetised.

    The Governor also named new revenue-yielding assets like Enugu Air, saying tax revenues constituted a marginal component of the state’s IGR.

    He, however, said that his administration expected the tax component to grow with time as more economic activities occurred in the state.

    Mbah added that most people also mistake payments for services that government renders, such as the issue of C-of-O, refuse disposal by the Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) for taxes, noting that his administration had also consolidated most of the services and costs.

    “How much did we say they should pay? N36,000 annually for businesses. And that includes business premises and other rates and services. So, it’s N100 per day.

    “We also had the complaints about people going to the market, I’m sure maybe from the local governments, to collect money. I made an announcement to stop that; that nobody should collect N100 or N200 from our market women,” he had explained.

  • Okorocha to Uzodimma: Stop Attacking Judge Over Imo West APC Case

    Uzodimma (L) and Okorocha (R)

    Former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has asked his successor, Hope Uzodimma, and his aides to stop attacking the judge who ruled against the governor’s claim to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 elections.

    Okorocha urged Uzodimma to pursue his appeal up to the Supreme Court rather than denigrate the judiciary over the October 26 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    The former governor spoke on Tuesday at the court premises, where he said he had gone to sign some documents at the court registry in connection with the appeal filed by Uzodimma against the judgment.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu had upheld Okorocha’s claim to the APC senatorial ticket for Imo West.

    Reacting to comments by the governor’s aides and the APC National Vice Chairman, Okorocha described their attacks on the judge as unacceptable, questioning why the judiciary was praised when judgments favoured Uzodimma but condemned when they went against him.

    “I listened to that news yesterday and it was so horrible, so terrible, that Governor Hope’s aide, in the name of his Deputy Chief of Staff, and the National Vice Chairman of APC, could berate a judge, insult a judge.

    “So, it means that whenever the judgment is for Hope then, it is good but, whenever it is against him then the Judiciary is evil. I think this is very uncivilized. I want him to caution his attack dogs and his people to refrain from insulting judges. It doesn’t represent this nation well, and I feel particularly hurt,” he said.

    Okorocha alleged that Uzodimma had directed his aides, commissioners and other associates to attack the judge, insisting that the governor should allow the appeal process to run its course.

    “At least the Supreme Court is there,” he said.

    He also questioned the governor’s objections to the judgment, arguing that the court had relied on discrepancies in the documents relating to the APC primary election.

    “So it is very shocking and very surprising. I don’t know what they expected; that the judge should have said that the election was done on the 16th for Hope, when that actual date is 18th?

    “Or, he would have said that Hope emerged by consensus, which is not true?” Okorocha asked.

    He also questioned the authenticity of documents allegedly signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo State and the APC National Chairman, which he said indicated that Uzodimma emerged through consensus and that the election took place two days earlier.

    The former governor urged the political actors to protect the judiciary and allow justice to prevail.

    “Hope has been a very big and unusual beneficiary of the court and I think he should have respected,” he added.

    Okorocha challenged Uzodimma to publicly dispute his claims rather than allegedly using aides to attack judges.

    “If you (Uzodimma) think any of the things I am saying is not true and that the judgment is not true, Hope should come to television or come and speak.

    “Why is he (Uzodimma) hiding and using attack dogs here and there to attack judges? That is very bad, and that shows what it means,” he said.

    Okorocha also accused the governor of presenting forged documents during the proceedings, alleging that inconsistencies in the materials certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) left the judge with little choice but to rule against him.

    “In fact, if you look at the documents certified by INEC, according to Hope, and look at the inconsistencies and irregularities, then you could say that even the judge has no choice. Even the judge that will want to do wrong cannot do wrong in this case,” he said.

    He again urged Uzodimma to pursue his appeal instead of allowing his supporters to attack the judiciary.

    “Stop insulting judges. Pursue your appeal and stop your attack dogs from insulting everybody and insulting the Judiciary,” he said.

    The former governor, however, expressed confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, saying he believed the right thing would be done.

    “I salute the Nigerian Judiciary, honestly. To whatever you might say, they’re still very good. And I believe that the right thing should be done,” he said. Channels