The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • Only State Police Bill Sent To 36 States, National Assembly Clarifies

    Only State Police Bill Sent To 36 States, National Assembly Clarifies

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Assembly has clarified that only the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to establish State Police Services has so far been transmitted to the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

    The clarification followed reports suggesting that the various Constitution Alteration Bills currently before the National Assembly had already been forwarded to the state legislatures for consideration.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the State Police Bill remained the only constitutional amendment proposal transmitted to the states.

    The statement was titled, “National Assembly Clarifies Transmission of Constitution Alteration Bill to State Houses of Assembly.”

    Ogunlana recalled that the National Assembly announced on September 16, 2026, that it had transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the state legislatures.

    The bill, titled, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for the Establishment of State Police Services; and for Related Matters,” seeks to provide a constitutional framework for the establishment of state police.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, it is only this particular Constitution Alteration Bill that has so far been transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly,” Ogunlana said.

    He added, “It is therefore incorrect to suggest or create the impression that all the Constitution Alteration Bills before the National Assembly have been transmitted to the States.”

    According to the Clerk, the decision to prioritise the State Police Bill was influenced by public demands for changes to the country’s policing system amid persistent security concerns.

    He explained that the other proposed constitutional amendments would only be forwarded to the state legislatures after both chambers of the National Assembly had passed them in identical form.

    “The other Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bills before the National Assembly will be transmitted to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 States of the Federation upon their passage in identical form by both Chambers of the National Assembly, in accordance with the constitutional amendment process,” the statement said.

    The clarification comes as lawmakers continue to consider several proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution covering policing and other aspects of Nigeria’s governance structure.

    The National Assembly said the constitutional amendment process would be conducted transparently and in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

    It also urged members of the public and the media to rely on official statements from the National Assembly when reporting on the status of the various Constitution Alteration Bills and their transmission to the states.

  • Enugu Police Arrest 30-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Murder of Girlfriend, Concealment of Remains

    Enugu Police Arrest 30-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Murder of Girlfriend, Concealment of Remains

    The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere, and concealment of her remains in the toilet of his apartment.

    The suspect, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was rescued from an angry mob and re-arrested by operatives of the Awkunanaw Police Division at about 6:30 p.m. on September 21, 2026, following information that he had allegedly murdered his girlfriend.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State Command, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly killed the woman on September 19, wrapped her remains in a nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.

    The police said the offensive odour from the decomposing body subsequently attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of the police.

    The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify the victim’s relatives.

    During preliminary interrogation, the police said the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    The suspect further stated that during the argument, he struck the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, before wrapping and dumping her remains inside the toilet.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    Giwa also directed that the suspect be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

    The commissioner cautioned members of the public, particularly unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.

    The statement was signed by Ndukwe, mnipr, mnisma, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, on September 22, 2026.

  • Nkanu East: APC Campaign Ends in Nkerefi as Leaders Rally Support for Ogbuekwe

    Nkanu East: APC Campaign Ends in Nkerefi as Leaders Rally Support for Ogbuekwe

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has rounded off its campaign tour with a grand finale in Nkerefi Ward 1, home ward of the party’s chairmanship candidate, Engr. Mike Ogbuekwe.

    The event, held on Monday, September 21, attracted APC leaders, political appointees, community stakeholders and supporters, who rallied behind Ogbuekwe ahead of the September 26 local government election.

    The gathering also featured calls for continued support for Governor Peter Mbah’s administration and the APC at the grassroots.

    Prof. GOC Ajah, Chairman of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, told the gathering that Mbah had done what he could and called on residents to support the governor and the APC.

    “Mbah has done all that he can. It’s now for us to support him. It’s APC from top to bottom. Nkerefi has no problem. We are targeting the first position. Nkerefi will reciprocate Mbah’s goodwill to us in the fullness of time,” he said.

    Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Chimaobi Okoli, said the gathering was an opportunity to appreciate the people of Nkanu East rather than simply campaign for votes.

    “We are not here for campaigns but to say thank you to the people of Nkanu East,” he said.

    Okoli also highlighted ongoing road construction by Mbah across the local government, saying the projects were reducing the difficulty residents previously faced travelling between communities.

    “There was a time Nkanu East appeared to be like four different local governments due to how lengthy the journey to move from one community to another was. But Mbah has shortened the journey by the ongoing construction of roads to link all parts of the local government,” he said.

    The Director-General of the Mmirioma Campaign Council, Emeka Nwatu, congratulated Nkerefi for producing Ogbuekwe, urging residents to take ownership of the campaign and the political project.

    The incumbent Nkanu East Chairman, Sydney Edeh, also pledged his support for Ogbuekwe, saying the candidate would receive the backing required for what he described as seamless continuity.

    “Mike will receive all the support he needs for a seamless continuity,” Edeh said.

    He further told the candidate: “Mike, you will go farther than the position of chairman. I thank Nkanu East for their support to me. Give same support to Mike Ogbuekwe and he won’t disappoint you.”

    Speaking at the event, Ogbuekwe expressed gratitude to the people of Nkanu East and acknowledged Nkerefi’s reported resolution to support the APC.

    “All I have is gratitude. Nkerefi is grateful to Nkanu East,” he said.

    He added: “We acknowledge Nkerefi’s resolution to vote APC. We will work very well to support Peter Mbah. We see Mbah’s works throughout Enugu State, including Nkanu East.”

    Earlier, Monday Diamond Ani, General Manager of the Community and Social Development Agency, called for prayers for Ogbuekwe’s success.

    The grand finale marked the conclusion of the APC’s campaign tour of Nkanu East ahead of the local government election scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026.

    The election will be conducted by the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) across the state.

  • FG Threatens To Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Safety Violations

    FG Threatens To Shut Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Over Safety Violations

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has warned that it may shut the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway if motorists and other road users fail to comply with safety regulations within the next two weeks.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, issued the warning on Monday, citing persistent violations including speeding, illegal parking, unauthorised U-turns, motorcycle and tricycle use, roadside trading and other activities considered hazardous to road users and the highway infrastructure.

    Dare said the directive followed concerns raised by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over continued disregard for safety measures on the highway.

    “In another two weeks, if there’s no improvement, His Excellency has directed that we are coming back to shut down the road,” Dare said.

    The Lagos portion of the coastal highway stretches for about 103 kilometres and is divided into two sections measuring approximately 47.474km and 56km.

    According to Dare, construction work is still ongoing on some parts of the route, particularly bridges. Ten major bridges are planned for each section of the Lagos axis.

    He explained that the highway was opened to traffic before the completion of all the bridge works, making strict adherence to the prescribed speed limit necessary.

    Dare said motorists had been observed driving at speeds as high as 120km/h on sections where construction activities were still taking place.

    “We have said your speed on the coastal road must not be more than 30 kilometres per hour,” he said.

    The controller also expressed concern over fatalities recorded along the highway, urging motorists to take the restrictions seriously.

    “Lives are being lost on the coastal road. Almost every other day,” he said.

    As part of efforts to strengthen enforcement, Dare said security would be increased along the route following discussions between Umahi and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani.

    He said trucks and other articulated vehicles found parked illegally along the highway would be towed, while motorists who make unauthorised U-turns could face enforcement action and prosecution.

    Dare disclosed that more than 100 commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada, were arrested on the highway during the previous week.

    He reiterated that motorcycles and tricycles are prohibited from using the coastal highway.

    The Federal Government is also confronting vandalism targeting safety infrastructure along the route.

    Dare said about five kilometres of ClearVu fencing had been removed, while concrete covers over drainage channels spanning approximately 18 kilometres had also been vandalised.

    He said much of the vandalism occurred at night, prompting authorities to consider installing stronger barriers and CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations.

    The government is also preparing to remove illegal settlements and address hawking and animal grazing along the highway.

    According to Dare, at least 10 illegal settlements have been identified for removal.

    He added that approval had been given for the deployment of 40 coastal guards to the first section of the highway, with community representatives expected to work with the police in monitoring the route.

    The recruitment and deployment of the guards are expected to be completed within two weeks, he said.

    Dare also warned truck operators using the Gypsy Port area as an unofficial parking location, saying a joint task force would clear the area of illegally parked vehicles.

    He said the first section of the highway had been completed, although bridge construction was still underway, adding that the wider project remained within its three-year contractual period.

    The controller urged motorists, traders and other road users to comply with the government’s directives as enforcement activities are intensified.

    “It’s not going to be business as usual,” Dare said.

    The Federal Government said continued violations could ultimately result in the closure of the Lagos section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

  • Nigeria Records West Africa’s First Tele-robotic Surgery

    Nigeria Records West Africa’s First Tele-robotic Surgery

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Nigeria has recorded what the institutions involved described as West Africa’s first tele-robotic surgery, after surgeons remotely removed a cancerous kidney tumour from a patient in Abuja.

    The procedure was performed on Saturday through a collaboration between Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV), RoboMed Global and Nisa Premier Hospital.

    The operation involved a telesurgery-assisted robotic right radical nephrectomy, a procedure in which a diseased kidney affected by cancer is surgically removed.

    While the patient was at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja, Prof. Obi Ekwenna-Davis, a US-based Professor of Urology and Transplantation and co-founder of RoboMed Global, led the operation remotely from a Toumai robotic surgery console at RHV.

    Tele-robotic surgery enables surgeons to perform operations on patients from a different location by combining robotic surgical systems with telecommunications technology.

    Speaking after the operation, Ekwenna-Davis said the successful procedure demonstrated that specialised surgical care could be delivered remotely to patients in different parts of Nigeria and potentially beyond the country.

    “Distance should never decide who receives safe surgery; this is what safe and trusted surgery looks like,” he said.

    According to him, the operation lasted about three hours, with short pauses during the procedure to verify that the equipment and communication systems were functioning properly.

    He said the patient was in good condition after the surgery and was expected to be discharged within 24 hours.

    Ekwenna-Davis described the procedure as the first successful collaboration between two hospitals in different parts of Nigeria to deliver surgical care through telesurgery.

    He, however, stressed that sustaining the technology would require continuous training of medical professionals.

    He said a robotic academy would be established to train surgeons and other healthcare workers, with a target of training at least 150 surgeons within two years.

    According to him, the initiative has received support from the Minister of Health and other government institutions, while additional support from private organisations and non-governmental organisations would be required to expand the programme.

    The Chief Executive Officer of RHV, Dr Adedamola Dada, also described the procedure as West Africa’s first telesurgery, saying it demonstrated that Nigerians could gain access to advanced medical treatment without travelling abroad.

    “What has happened today is a demonstration that Nigerians can access modern healthcare without travelling abroad,” Dada said.

    He explained that RHV was established to promote medical innovation and provide advanced healthcare at affordable costs, adding that the initiative was aimed at demonstrating the possibilities of modern healthcare rather than being driven primarily by profit.

    Dada said the adoption of robotic surgery and telesurgery could contribute to reducing medical tourism by allowing complex procedures to be performed locally.

    He said RHV had taken steps to minimise the possibility of connectivity failures during remote operations, noting that reliable telecommunications networks, quality equipment and skilled personnel were essential to the success of telesurgery.

    The RHV chief executive disclosed that the hospital was working with RoboMed Global to establish a robotic academy that would train doctors, surgeons, nurses, biomedical engineers and product specialists.

    He also called on the Federal Government to support the training of Nigerian professionals in robotic surgery through scholarships and other forms of sponsorship.

    “My message to government is to support and sponsor Nigerians, the surgeons, the nurses, the biomedical engineers who would want to come and do this training here,” he said.

    Dada said such investment could ensure that within two to three years, Nigeria would have a larger pool of professionals capable of performing and supporting robotic surgery.

    The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Nisa Premier Hospital, Dr Ibrahim Wada, said his facility had been involved in robotic surgery in West Africa since November 2025.

    Wada said the latest procedure demonstrated how collaboration between Nigerian healthcare institutions could expand access to specialist medical expertise.

    “Today, our patient received specialist surgical expertise from across the country without leaving Abuja. This is what becomes possible when Nigerian institutions decide to build together,” he said.

    Chairman of the RHV Board, Dr Kunle Onakoya, described the procedure as a historic development and urged those involved to recognise their contribution to advancing surgical care in Nigeria.

    RHV is a 300-bed faith-based multispecialty hospital established by the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

    Journalists at the RHV facility watched the remote operation live as it was performed on the patient at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja.

  • Enugu Air Launches New Website

    Enugu Air Launches New Website

    …moves online services to www.enuguairlines.ng

    Enugu Air has announced the launch of its new official website, enuguairlines.ng, as part of efforts to provide passengers and customers with a better, safer and more convenient digital experience.

    The airline said the migration to the new website is designed to improve how passengers connect with Enugu Air and access its services online, including flight bookings, schedules and the latest updates.

    Announcing the development, the airline said: “We’ve moved! We’re innovating! We’ve migrated to a better, safer and convenient website to connect you to the world.”

    Passengers can now access Enugu Air’s online services through its new web address, enuguairlines.ng, which the airline described as its new digital home.

    The airline urged passengers and prospective travellers to save the new web address and use it for flight bookings, checking schedules and obtaining the latest information about its operations.

    “Same Enugu Air. New web address,” the airline stated, emphasising that the change represents an improvement in its digital platform while retaining the Enugu Air brand and services.

    The airline further encouraged customers to visit, www.enuguairlines.ng for all flight-related information and online services.

    It further stated that the old website, enuguairlines.com has been discarded and no longer in use.

  • Wike Rejects Uzodimma’s Reported Senate Presidency Ambition

    Wike Rejects Uzodimma’s Reported Senate Presidency Ambition

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will not support Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported ambition to become President of the Senate after the 2027 general elections.

    Wike made the declaration on Monday during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, amid an escalating disagreement between him and some governors of the All Progressives Congress over political arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The FCT minister also alleged that Uzodimma was seeking to influence the emergence of senators and members of the House of Representatives who could support his reported bid to lead the Senate.

    According to Wike, some APC governors were attempting to determine which lawmakers would emerge from the 2027 elections, a move he linked to the reported Senate presidency ambition.

    “He wants to run for Senate president, and what he does is to say to his colleagues, let us be the ones, governors, to produce the senators and members of the House of Representatives,” Wike said.

    Wike further alleged that some politicians who were denied tickets during the APC nomination process had moved to other political platforms to contest the 2027 elections.

    He argued that lawmakers who emerged through alternative platforms would not necessarily be obliged to support Uzodimma’s reported ambition.

    The disagreement is unfolding amid tensions over Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political arrangement he has been promoting ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, has been among the APC governors opposing political arrangements that they believe could affect the party’s candidates or its electoral interests.

    The Progressive Governors Forum recently said it would not support alliances or political arrangements capable of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or the APC’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

    Wike, however, has maintained that his Rainbow Coalition is not an APC structure and has argued that political parties should remain free to field candidates for legislative and governorship elections while the coalition works to support Tinubu’s presidential bid.

    His latest comments have brought the reported Senate presidency ambition of Uzodimma into the wider political dispute, although the eventual leadership of the Senate after the 2027 elections will depend on the composition of the National Assembly and the subsequent choice of senators.

    Uzodimma has not, in the reports reviewed, publicly confirmed that he will contest for the Senate or formally declared a bid to become Senate President.

  • Peter Okoye Admits Receiving $800,000 in P-Square Royalties, Says Jude Got Nothing

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Singer Peter Okoye, one half of the defunct music duo P-Square, has told the Federal High Court in Lagos that he received more than $800,000 in royalties from French music-rights organisation, SACEM, for the group’s musical works but did not give any portion of the money to his elder brother, Jude Okoye.

    Peter made the disclosure on Monday while testifying virtually before Justice Alexander Owoeye during cross-examination by Clement Onwuewunor, SAN, counsel to Jude.

    SACEM is a French professional organisation responsible for collecting and distributing royalties for songwriters, composers and music publishers.

    The testimony came during the ongoing trial of Jude Okoye and his company, Northside Music Limited, over allegations of fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Jude and his company are facing a seven-count charge involving alleged fraud of about N1.3 billion and $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    During the proceedings, Peter was questioned about royalty records relating to P-Square’s musical works and his earlier claim that Jude delayed in providing him with the group’s backend royalty records.

    Peter acknowledged that Jude eventually sent him royalty records covering the period between 2016 and 2022, including records connected to Lex Records.

    He explained that he had requested the records after some individuals expressed interest in acquiring the P-Square music catalogue.

    When confronted with the suggestion that the request for the records was made on October 16, 2022, and that Jude obtained and sent them six days later, Peter maintained that he had made an earlier request.

    However, when asked to provide an email, text message or other documentary evidence of the earlier request, Peter said he did not have any and could not recall one.

    The cross-examination subsequently shifted to royalties paid by SACEM for P-Square’s musical works.

    Peter confirmed that about 10 songs for which SACEM made payments were P-Square songs and acknowledged receiving approximately $800,000 in royalties between 2016 and 2026.

    When asked whether he gave Jude any portion of the money, Peter said he did not.

    He also confirmed that he did not inform Jude about the payments, explaining that **“the money was for the artistes.”**

    Peter maintained that the SACEM royalties belonged to him and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, who formed P-Square.

    He disputed Jude’s entitlement to the money, despite acknowledging that Jude had signed the SACEM agreement.

    According to Peter, Jude signed the agreement on behalf of “the team” and was not a member of P-Square.

    Peter told the court that he and Paul composed, wrote and produced the group’s songs, although he acknowledged that Jude directed some of P-Square’s music videos.

    He also admitted that he had previously paid Jude a quarter of his SACEM share but denied that his elder brother was entitled to continued quarterly payments after their reconciliation in 2022.

    On Jude’s role as P-Square’s manager, Peter said he had no personal employment contract with him, explaining that the management arrangement was through Northside Entertainment Limited.

    The latest testimony forms part of the evidence being presented in the financial dispute involving the Okoye brothers. The court is yet to determine the competing claims surrounding the ownership and distribution of the royalties.

    Further hearing in the case has been adjourned to December 8 and 9, 2026

  • White House Launches 24-Hour Trump TV Amid US Media Dispute

    White House Launches 24-Hour Trump TV Amid US Media Dispute

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The White House has launched a round-the-clock streaming service dedicated to President Donald Trump and his administration, providing a direct channel for distributing official videos, speeches and announcements.

    The platform, known as “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station,” went live on Monday and is available through the White House website and its YouTube channel.

    Announcing the launch on X, the White House described the service as a 24/7 stream that would be updated in real time with selected moments and announcements from the administration.

    The White House said the platform would bring together major speeches, videos and other highlights that may not have received television coverage.

    The launch comes amid a dispute between the Trump administration and several major US news organisations over access to the White House.

    The administration recently restricted access for CNN, Politico and MS NOW, prompting the three outlets to take legal action against the White House over the decision.

    Several major television networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC, subsequently suspended their participation in the shared White House press pool in protest against the restrictions.

    The White House has defended its media-access policy, while Trump has repeatedly criticised news organisations whose coverage he considers unfair or inaccurate.

    The first programming on Trump TV consisted largely of previously recorded material rather than a live presidential event.

    Among the footage aired was Trump’s July 3 address at Mount Rushmore.

    The new platform provides the administration with a direct means of distributing footage and statements involving the President without depending entirely on traditional television networks to reach audiences.

    The development marks another step in the White House’s expanding use of digital platforms to communicate directly with the public amid its ongoing dispute with sections of the US media.

  • Tinubu Extends European Vacation, to Return This Weekend

    Tinubu Extends European Vacation, to Return This Weekend

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    President Bola Tinubu has extended his working vacation in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria this weekend, the Presidency has announced.

    Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation, initially travelling to London before moving to Paris, France, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the extension in a statement on Monday.

    According to him, Tinubu has remained in contact with officials at home and continued to direct government affairs while abroad.

    The Presidency said the President had, among other directives, ordered an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.

    “President Tinubu will return to Nigeria at the weekend, following the extension of his working vacation by a few days,” the statement said.

    During Tinubu’s absence, Vice President Kashim Shettima has represented him at several official engagements.

    Shettima, however, departed Abuja on September 20 for New York to represent Nigeria at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to deliver the country’s national statement.

    The Presidency said Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, would continue representing the President at official functions while Shettima is in the United States.

    ### Atiku raises constitutional questions

    The extension of Tinubu’s stay abroad has drawn criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who questioned the constitutional arrangements for the exercise of presidential powers.

    Atiku, in a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, asked who was exercising presidential authority with both Tinubu and Shettima currently outside the country.

    He referred to Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the President to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives when proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

    Atiku said Nigerians had not been shown any such declaration transferring presidential functions to Shettima and called on the Presidency to make the document public if it exists.

    The former vice president also argued that Section 145(2) provides for the National Assembly to mandate the Vice President to perform the functions of President as Acting President if the required declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.

    The constitutional provision and its application to presidential vacations have previously attracted differing interpretations from constitutional lawyers. Premium Times reported earlier this month that Section 145(1) expressly requires a written declaration when the President proceeds on vacation, while Section 145(2) provides a mechanism involving the National Assembly where such a declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.

    Atiku described the matter as one of constitutional procedure rather than political convenience and questioned the continued exercise of presidential functions while Tinubu remains abroad.

    ### Presidency rejects criticism

    The Presidency has maintained that Tinubu remains in charge of government despite his physical absence from Nigeria.

    Presidential adviser Daniel Bwala said the President’s constitutional powers were not restricted by his geographical location and that Tinubu could continue to direct government affairs from abroad.

    The Presidency also dismissed Atiku’s concerns over Tinubu’s absence from the UN General Assembly, describing the criticism as baseless.

    Meanwhile, Shettima is representing Nigeria at the UN General Assembly and is scheduled to present the country’s national statement.

    Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend following the extension of his working vacation.

  • Nigeria Moves to Acquire 12 US-Made Attack Helicopters

    Nigeria Moves to Acquire 12 US-Made Attack Helicopters

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has moved closer to acquiring 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from the United States following the signing of an agreement between the Nigerian Air Force and Bell Textron.

    The agreement was formalised during a ceremony held at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, where the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force.

    The development forms part of the ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and is aimed at strengthening the country’s airpower capabilities.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday.

    According to the statement, the acquisition is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and improve Nigeria’s capacity to respond to security threats.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the AH-1Z Viper programme would strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian military.

    He described the acquisition as an important step towards building a more capable and mission-ready Air Force.

    “The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” Aneke said.

    The Chief of the Air Staff said the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering airpower in coordination with ground forces.

    He stressed that the new capabilities must translate into improved operational effectiveness and contribute directly to the country’s national security objectives.

    Aneke also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his support for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture.

    He acknowledged the cooperation of the US Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the helicopter acquisition programme.

    The Air Force chief said continued defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development would be essential to the successful implementation of the programme.

    During the visit, the Nigerian delegation also inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.

    The development comes less than a week after the Nigerian Air Force received five additional helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernise the country’s air fleet.

    The five helicopters comprised three AW-109 Trekker B aircraft manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

    The NAF said the latest acquisitions were aimed at improving the Armed Forces’ ability to conduct operations and respond to security challenges across the country.

  • ADC questions Tinubu, Shettima’s absence from Nigeria

    ADC questions Tinubu, Shettima’s absence from Nigeria

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the simultaneous absence of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria, questioning who is constitutionally in charge of the country while both leaders are abroad.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, raised the concerns while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, arguing that the situation had created a constitutional question over the exercise of presidential authority.

    Abdullahi challenged the Federal Government’s explanation that Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, was coordinating affairs while Tinubu was on a working vacation in France.

    “The Secretary to the Federal Government, is he now the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Were Nigeria to be invaded by a foreign army today, who is on the ground to direct the Nigerian Army appropriately? Who has the authority of the Commander-in-Chief?” he asked.

    According to the ADC spokesperson, the issue should be considered against the provisions of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the transfer of presidential functions to the Vice President when the President is proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

    Abdullahi argued that the Constitution did not provide for an indefinite “working vacation” arrangement that would allow the President to remain outside the country without a formal transfer of presidential functions.

    “Did it in any way recognise the possibility of a working vacation, that the Nigerian President can relocate to another country? Because if that absurdity were to be contemplated, it means that it did not matter whether the President of Nigeria spent an entire year in another country, as long as he can claim that it’s a working vacation,” he said.

    He also questioned the role being assigned to the SGF in the absence of both the President and Vice President, arguing that the SGF was a presidential appointee and not part of the constitutional line of presidential succession.

    He faulted the National Assembly for not intervening, saying lawmakers should consider reconvening to address what he described as an important constitutional matter.

    “So, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who was merely an appointee of the President, is the one in charge of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, how did we get to this point?” The situation we are in is so serious that the Nigerian Senate or the Nigerian National Assembly should reconvene in an emergency to address this issue,” he added.

    Abdullahi also drew a comparison with the circumstances surrounding the prolonged illness of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, which preceded the constitutional amendment establishing a procedure for transferring presidential functions during temporary absence.

    He said the current situation was different because both Tinubu and Shettima were outside the country, with the Vice President in New York representing the President at the United Nations.

    “Nobody envisaged that anybody would drag this country down to this ridiculous absurdity that the President of Nigeria will be out of the country on a working vacation in the capital of France, while the Vice President represents him in another country,” Abdullahi stated.

    Asked whether there could be undisclosed national, medical or family reasons for Tinubu’s prolonged absence, Abdullahi said such circumstances should be communicated to Nigerians if they existed.

    “If it is medical, let them tell us,” he asked.

    He maintained that his position was based on publicly available information and not speculation about the President’s activities while abroad.

    “I don’t know him, Seun. I can only stick to the facts available to me,” Abdullahi said, adding that the facts available to him were that the President was outside the country, the Vice President was also abroad, and the Presidency had indicated that the SGF was coordinating affairs in Nigeria.

    He said the ADC was examining possible legal options over the situation, including the constitutional implications of the President’s absence.

    “We are looking at it. Because there is a potential for impeachment in this. When you violate the Constitution of Nigeria without consequences, then what else is left?” he said.

    Abdullahi further criticised the National Assembly for what he described as its failure to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities over the executive.

    He said the ADC was also concerned about electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general elections and what it described as the wider implications of the Federal Government’s policies.