The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • State Police Wins Approval of 24 State Assemblies

    Femi Gbajabiamila and state police

    The Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, has met the threshold of two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly as required by law, the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill said on Friday.

    Chairman of the group and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed in a statement that the bill has been approved by 24 Houses of Assembly.

    “The Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill notes with satisfaction that the Constitution (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, providing for a dual policing system, has been approved by 24 State Houses of Assembly, meeting the constitutional threshold of two-thirds of the 36 states,” it said.

    “The Working Group commends the State Houses of Assembly for their decisive action on this reform of national importance and appreciates the National Assembly for passing the amendment in both chambers.”

    Presidential Working Group On State Police
    Members of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill: (L-R) Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Gbajabiamila; Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; and Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, addressing journalists on August 3, 2026. (Photo by Lanre Lasisi/Channels TV)

    It said that in line with Section 9 of the Constitution, the amendment can now be returned to the National Assembly for transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

    The approval is expected to give constitutional backing to the policing framework that the working group’s draft National Policing Bill, 2026 is designed to implement.

    The group stated that while its efforts remain on track, the draft bills are currently undergoing legislative drafting review and validation at the Federal Ministry of Justice and are expected to be returned on or before Friday, October 30, 2026.

    “Thereafter, the Group will give them final consideration before presenting them to Mr President,” it added.

    “The Working Group urges all stakeholders to support a smooth transition to a dual policing system that makes Nigerians safer.”

    The Presidential Working Group on October 19 said it had completed the drafting stage of its assignment and formally submitted the draft National Policing Bill (2026), together with 29 consequential amendment bills, to the Federal Ministry of Justice for legislative drafting review and validation.

    The justice ministry’s review is aimed at ensuring that the bills conform to legislative drafting standards and conventions and that they do not conflict with existing laws.

    “The Ministry of Justice is expected to return the validated draft bills to the Working Group on or before Friday, 30th October 2026. The Working Group will then give the validated bills final consideration before presenting them to Mr President, thereby concluding its mandate,” Gbajabiamila had said in a statement.

    The proposed policing bill seeks to establish the constitutional and legislative framework for a dual policing structure, comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, to improve security at the grassroots. Channels

  • FG Successfully Convicts 653 Terrorism Suspects

    Federal High Court

    A total of 653 terrorism suspects have been convicted during the ongoing 11th phase of terrorism trials at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the Federal Government said on Friday.

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, who disclosed this while reviewing the progress of the trials on Friday, said 1,060 suspects were brought before the court for the exercise.

    He disclosed that as of Friday, 880 cases had been tried, resulting in 653 convictions, seven acquittals and 27 discharges.

    The AGF, however, said the exercise was still ongoing and that the final figures would be announced upon its conclusion, describing the current phase as apparently the largest since the Federal Government commenced the special terrorism trials, attributing the progress to judicial cooperation, effective prosecution and inter-agency collaboration.

    Fagbemi expressed appreciation to the judges handling the cases, particularly under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, who has been acting on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho.

    He also commended prosecution and defence counsel, as well as relevant security and justice institutions, for their contributions to the exercise.

    According to him, the collaboration among the institutions has been critical to advancing the prosecution of terrorism, terrorism financing and related offences in the country.

    On the representation of defendants by lawyers from the Legal Aid Council, the AGF explained that the council was fulfilling its responsibility of providing legal assistance to eligible defendants and clarified, however, that private legal practitioners were also representing some of the suspects.

    According to him, defence lawyers had been engaging with their clients before the court proceedings, including visiting detention facilities and preparing them for their defence.

    He noted that some of these preparatory activities could not be subjected to public scrutiny because of the sensitive security considerations surrounding the cases.

    On the issue of deradicalisation for suspects recommended by the court, Fagbemi said the process remained an important component of the overall exercise, explaining that deradicalisation was intended to help eligible individuals understand and regret their actions, enabling them to reintegrate into society and resume their daily lives.

    The AGF maintained that rehabilitation and reintegration were necessary to complement the judicial process and reduce the risk of individuals returning to extremist activities.

    The ongoing trials form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prosecute terrorism-related offences and strengthen accountability in the country’s response to insecurity. Channels

  • FG to Honour Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Liberia, Sierra Leone

    FG to Honour Nigerian Soldiers Killed in Liberia, Sierra Leone

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has pledged to preserve the memory and sacrifices of Nigerian soldiers who died during peacekeeping operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

    The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of ECOMOG veterans led by retired Major General Ohifeme Ejimai at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The minister’s media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

    Musa said the government was committed to documenting and preserving the contributions of Nigerian troops who participated in the regional peacekeeping missions, particularly those who lost their lives in the operations.

    He acknowledged the human and financial resources Nigeria committed to ECOMOG, stressing that the sacrifices made by its personnel would not be forgotten.

    The minister also assured the veterans that efforts to compile outstanding records of the operations, casualties and historical assets associated with the force would be completed to preserve its history for future generations.

    Earlier, Ejimai briefed the minister on the veterans’ activities, ongoing initiatives and the welfare of surviving Nigerian personnel who served under ECOMOG.

    He said the veterans remained willing to contribute their experience to Nigeria’s development and security.

    The retired general urged the Ministry of Defence to address gaps in the documentation of ECOMOG’s history and establish a remembrance day to honour the hundreds of Nigerian troops who died during the missions.

    Established by the Economic Community of West African States in 1990, ECOMOG was a regional peacekeeping and peace enforcement force that played a major role in efforts to restore stability in Liberia and Sierra Leone during periods of conflict.

    Nigeria was a leading contributor to the force, deploying personnel and resources to support operations aimed at restoring peace and constitutional order in the two West African countries.

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Be Completed in Three Years, Umahi Says

    Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Be Completed in Three Years, Umahi Says

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Federal Government is targeting the completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway within three years.

    Umahi disclosed this during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would deliver the project within the projected timeframe.

    “We have four years plus by God’s special grace. So we are looking at three years,” the minister said.

    Asked whether the entire highway would be completed within that period, Umahi attributed his confidence to his faith and trust in the President’s leadership.

    He said the timeline was a projection, but did not provide a detailed construction schedule or specific completion dates for the different sections of the road.

    The coastal highway is one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects, designed to improve connectivity along Nigeria’s southern coastline. Its construction has attracted public debate over procurement procedures, project costs and government spending priorities amid concerns about the condition of existing federal roads.

    Addressing the controversy surrounding the contract award, Umahi acknowledged that the project was not subjected to public bidding but maintained that the government used direct procurement, which he said was lawful.

    “There was no public bidding, but there was direct procurement. It’s within the law. That’s all I’ve just said,” he stated.

    The minister also defended the administration’s broader road construction programme, saying his ministry was currently handling about 17,000 kilometres of road construction and rehabilitation.

    “Out of about 35,000 kilometres of our federal roads, the one that is before me in the Ministry of Works, if you remove the few legacy projects we are constructing, we are constructing 17,000 kilometres of roads presently,” he said.

    According to Umahi, the ministry has completed approximately 1,700 kilometres of roads since the administration took office, in addition to more than six kilometres of flyovers, bridges and underpasses.

    He argued that the government’s major infrastructure projects were not limited to building entirely new roads, explaining that existing routes within the project corridors were also being reconstructed.

    Umahi further said the projects were designed to attract investment, with 30 per cent of the funding expected from Federal Government companies and 70 per cent through loans.

    Defending the coastal highway, he cited growing traffic congestion along the Lagos corridor, particularly between Victoria Island and Lekki, warning that the situation could worsen without additional transport infrastructure.

    The minister also addressed criticism over plans to engage 4,000 social media influencers to promote the administration’s projects. He said he would personally finance the initiative rather than use funds from the Ministry of Works.

    “Dave Umahi is funding, not Minister of Works, is funding influencers to advertise what I’m doing because I believe in what I’m doing. I believe in what the president is doing,” he said.

    He acknowledged that the initiative would also help promote Tinubu politically ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

    Umahi dismissed suggestions that his criticism of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was motivated by his own presidential ambition, describing such speculation as disrespectful to Tinubu.

    “I cannot wish the position of my boss. It is disloyalty and it’s unspiritual and disrespectful,” he said.

    The minister said he hoped to be remembered for infrastructure development, helping people and supporting the integration of the South-East into national politics.

    “My legacy will be the people I have made to laugh. The roads I have constructed, the people I have lifted up. And the region of South-East that I support being totally integrated,” he added.

  • 2027: Minister Udeh to Unveil ‘ATM’ Political Group for Tinubu, Mbah’s Re-election

    2027: Minister Udeh to Unveil ‘ATM’ Political Group for Tinubu, Mbah’s Re-election

    …Presents 17 Buses For ‘ATM’ Political Group

    …Says “I’m confident of President Tinubu and Governor Mbah’s Victory”

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, is set to unveil his grassroots mobilisation and political support group, “As Tinubu and Mbah Move (ATM)”.

    This is also as the Minister has expressed confidence in the victory of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah in 2027.

    Udeh, who convened a strategy meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the group’s secretariat, ahead of the planned unveiling of ‘ATM’, also presented 17 branded buses to support grassroots mobilisation by the movement in preparedness for the forthcoming elections.

    Announcing the initiative, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged members to work towards securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in the presidential and governorship elections.

    He said the buses were provided to ease the mobilisation process and strengthen the movement’s presence across communities, wards and polling units.

    Expressing confidence in the victory of Tinubu and Mbah, he stressed that the movement must go beyond the usual boisterousness of political groups and focus on practical activities that would translate into electoral success.

    “I want this group to be different so that it will not end in noise-making. The aim is to make APC win from top to bottom, especially the President and the Governor,” he said.

    Udeh urged members to take responsibility for delivering their respective polling units and wards, noting that grassroots engagement remained central to political success.

    “Politics is local. Everybody should work to ensure that APC wins in their respective wards and polling units,” he said.

    He explained that ATM was established to provide a platform through which members could connect with political leaders and contribute to the party’s activities.

    According to him, active participation in grassroots mobilisation could also create opportunities for members to engage with government officials and seek assistance on issues affecting their communities.

    Udeh, who described himself as not being a career politician, said he valued integrity and fulfilling commitments in his dealings with people.

    He also pledged to spend more time in the South-East during the campaign period to coordinate the movement’s activities.

    Earlier, the ATM Coordinator, Igboke Onyebuchi, said the meeting was organised to establish and ratify the movement’s structures ahead of the planned commencement of local government mobilisation in November.

    He described ATM as a political movement rather than an ordinary group, explaining that some of its membership was by people who wanted to support Governor Peter Mbah and acknowledge his role in Udeh’s ministerial appointment.

    “We are doing this to support the governor for giving such a smart young person the opportunity to be a minister. This has not happened in recent times,” Onyebuchi said.

    He said the movement comprised community mobilisers, union leaders and people from the civic space, many of whom were not career politicians but were willing to contribute to the political process.

    The coordinator said ATM planned to adopt an innovative, community-based approach to mobilisation, with a focus on reaching rural residents and strengthening the APC’s existing grassroots structures, adding that a community map to guide its engagement with residents had been developed.

    Onyebuchi expressed appreciation to Udeh for providing the platform for members to participate in the political process, saying the movement hoped to encourage greater opportunities for young people with strong professional and intellectual backgrounds.

  • NLC, TUC Give FG Tuesday Deadline to Address Wage, Fuel Price Demands

    NLC, TUC Give FG Tuesday Deadline to Address Wage, Fuel Price Demands

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have given the Federal Government until Tuesday, October 27, to make progress on workers’ demands, warning that nationwide industrial action could follow if the issues remain unresolved.

    The warning came after a meeting between organised labour and government representatives ended without an agreement in Abuja on Thursday.

    In a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the unions said the government delegation lacked the mandate required to negotiate substantive solutions to the issues raised.

    “No concrete commitments were secured, and the outstanding issues remain unresolved,” the unions said.

    The meeting, held at the Federal Ministry of Labour, focused on labour’s demand for a reduction in petrol prices to 2024 levels, renegotiation of the national minimum wage, implementation of agreed tax relief measures and resolution of outstanding disputes involving health workers and other public servants.

    According to the statement, the Minister of Labour requested that the meeting be adjourned until October 27 to allow the government to prepare adequately and invite relevant ministers, as well as heads of departments and agencies, to participate in the negotiations.

    Organised labour said it remained open to dialogue but would not tolerate further delays in addressing workers’ concerns.

    “We will report back to our organs, and if no meaningful progress is made on Tuesday, the relevant organs of the NLC will decide the next line of action,” the statement added.

    The unions also directed their affiliates and state councils, alongside civil society allies, to remain prepared and begin mobilisation in anticipation of possible industrial action.

    However, they urged workers and members of the public to remain calm while expressing hope that the next meeting would produce concrete responses from the government.

    The dispute comes amid continuing concerns over the cost of living, fuel prices and the purchasing power of Nigerian workers following recent economic reforms.

    The National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, raised the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 after negotiations involving the Federal Government and organised labour. The unions are now seeking further engagement on wages in response to prevailing economic pressures.

    Labour is also demanding the implementation of agreed tax relief measures and a resolution of outstanding disputes involving the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).

    The JPSNC’s outstanding issues include peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances, while the JOHESU dispute concerns unresolved terms of settlement affecting health-sector workers.

    The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to determine the unions’ next steps, with any decision on industrial action to be taken by their respective decision-making bodies.

  • Obasanjo Faults Tinubu’s Reforms, Says Nigerians Have Become Poorer

    Obasanjo Faults Tinubu’s Reforms, Says Nigerians Have Become Poorer

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the sharp depreciation of the naira has worsened poverty and hardship across Nigeria.

    Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2026 in London, United Kingdom, where he questioned the impact of the reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration in 2023.

    He argued that the naira’s depreciation had significantly reduced Nigerians’ purchasing power, noting that the exchange rate moved from about N500 to the dollar to approximately N1,500.

    “We do not live in isolation as a country. We interact with the rest of the world. And overnight, you devalue the currency by 300 per cent. The naira went from N500 to a dollar to N1,500 to a dollar. What that meant was that every Nigerian is made poor by 300 per cent,” the former president said.

    Obasanjo described Nigeria as the “poverty capital of the world”, arguing that the economic changes had increased the number of people struggling to meet their basic needs.

    He rejected suggestions that the President should be given more time for his reforms to deliver results, saying he had yet to see sufficient improvement in the economy.

    “For the economy, I don’t see anything getting better. What policies are you seeing through? You impoverish your people, and you want to see impoverishment through?” he asked.

    The former president also maintained that the administration’s policies were not serving the interests of Nigerians.

    On the removal of the petrol subsidy, Obasanjo acknowledged the importance of fuel to households and businesses but argued that corruption associated with the subsidy regime should have been addressed before the policy was scrapped.

    He said a country facing severe economic difficulties should focus on eliminating corruption, reducing waste and unnecessary spending, and increasing domestic production.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria unified its foreign exchange windows on June 14, 2023, when the official exchange rate stood at approximately N460.8 to the dollar. The naira subsequently weakened, reaching about N1,333.54 to the dollar on the official market on October 19, before falling to around N1,607.05 in early May 2025.

    Despite the currency’s depreciation, official figures cited in the report showed that Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 14.63 per cent in September from 20.98 per cent a year earlier. Food inflation, however, remained higher at 19.59 per cent, while the economy recorded real gross domestic product growth of 4.43 per cent in the second quarter.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said on August 19 that the removal of the petrol subsidy had saved the government N15.8tn between June 2023 and December 2025.

    Efforts to obtain the Presidency’s reaction to Obasanjo’s comments were unsuccessful, as the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, could not be reached.

  • 2027: Atiku Demands Publication of 103m Voters’ Register

    2027: Atiku Demands Publication of 103m Voters’ Register

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that failure to make the list accessible could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

    Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

    He said voters should be allowed to inspect the register, challenge questionable entries and correct omissions before the election.

    INEC had announced that the preliminary register, containing more than 103 million registered voters, would be available for public scrutiny from October 9 to 15. The exercise was intended to enable voters to report false entries and missing names.

    However, Atiku alleged that the register was not accessible on the commission’s online portal during the period.

    “INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage. A figure cannot answer an objection,” he said.

    The former vice-president argued that the alleged failure to publish the list violated Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he cited as requiring the register to be displayed at registration areas and online.

    He called on INEC to release the register by local government, area council and ward, while providing voters with a full opportunity to identify and correct errors.

    Atiku also questioned what he described as conflicting statements from the commission’s chairman concerning the timing of the public display.

    He said the chairman reportedly stated on October 5 that the exercise had already been completed, while INEC subsequently announced October 9 to 15 as the period for public scrutiny.

    “Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all?” he asked.

    Atiku further requested that INEC disclose the dates, links and access records relating to the reported online publication of the register.

    Beyond the voters’ list, he raised concerns about the authentication of ballot papers, citing Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. The provision, as referenced in his statement, allows a returning officer to count a ballot paper without the commission’s official mark if satisfied that it came from a book supplied to the polling unit.

    He questioned how such a determination would be verified and challenged, urging INEC to establish safeguards against counterfeit ballot papers.

    “INEC must set out enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots, and the National Assembly must close any loophole that leaves the authenticity of a vote to an officer’s unsupported assurance,” he said.

    The statement also alleged that INEC had not responded to inquiries about companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.

    Atiku maintained that the ADC and its presidential candidate were entitled to information about the procedures and safeguards that would determine the credibility of the 2027 presidential election.

    He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of expecting Nigerians to trust an electoral process without adequate access to the voters’ register.

    The former vice-president warned that preventing voters from examining the list could make it difficult to determine whether names had been improperly added or removed.

    He called on international partners, election observers and democratic institutions to urge INEC to make the register available before election day.

    “Transparency before the vote is as essential as scrutiny of the results afterwards,” Atiku said, insisting that voters must be able to confirm their registration details and challenge irregularities.

    He urged the commission to publish the register, clarify the dates of the public display and provide answers to concerns about ballot-paper authentication.

  • Awaiting-Trial Detainee Makes Dramatic Escape at Edo Court

    Authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Edo State Command, have announced the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas (28).

    This was contained in a statement by the state command PRO, Aminu Suleman, dated October 21 and made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.

    According to the statement, the inmate escaped during an appearance in court last week for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi.

    “The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

    “The Service solicits the cooperation of the general public to recapture the fugitive. Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should please contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call the following numbers: 08038075882, 08039243704.

    “The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, assures the general public that no effort will be spared to recapture the fugitive, while security of all inmates in custody has been strengthened.”

    However, an official of the NCC said the warden who took him and others to court could not pursue him to avoid other inmates from escaping, blaming the dearth of manpower for the escape.

    The official said over 1,000 personnel of the NCC would be retiring this year without any plans to recruit new personnel.

    “The warden couldn’t leave other inmates to pursue Osita as he will risk losing others. The dearth of manpower should be addressed now so that this kind of incident does not happen again,” the official added. Punch

  • APC Secretary, Sowore Trade Words Over Request to Hold Campaign Inauguration at Aso Rock

    APC Secretary, Sowore Trade Words Over Request to Hold Campaign Inauguration at Aso Rock

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have engaged in a war of words following the opposition party’s request to hold its presidential campaign council inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The disagreement began after Basiru described Sowore as a comedian and skit maker, questioning his political relevance and electoral performance.

    The AAC had written to President Bola Tinubu on October 21, 2026, seeking approval to inaugurate its presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa on November 11.

    The letter, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for participants at the proposed event.

    Reacting to the request during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Wednesday, Basiru questioned Sowore’s political standing and challenged him to demonstrate electoral strength at the state level.

    The APC chieftain also cited the AAC’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the party had failed to establish a significant electoral presence.

    Basiru, however, acknowledged his longstanding relationship with Sowore, recalling their involvement in student activism during the struggle against military rule in the 1990s.

    Sowore responded in a post on his X account later that evening, recalling their shared history and accusing the APC secretary of abandoning the ideals they once championed.

    To support his account, the activist shared a photograph he said was taken in 1998, when he led the Congress of Progressive Youths (COPY), a group involved in the campaign against military dictatorship.

    Sowore said the photograph reflected a period when both men were involved in the struggle for democratic governance and civil liberties.

    He also challenged Basiru’s use of the 2023 presidential election results to dismiss his political relevance, describing the election as deeply flawed and disputing the suggestion that opposition candidates should be ashamed of their performance.

    The AAC candidate further recalled assisting Basiru and Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, who is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in their educational pursuits after Basiru’s difficulties at the University of Ilorin in 1992.

    According to Sowore, both men subsequently completed their legal education and built professional careers.

    He argued that the struggle for democracy, justice and human rights should not be reduced to entertainment, accusing Basiru of ridiculing the same activism that helped shape his political and personal development.

    Sowore also criticised what he described as a shift in Basiru’s principles since joining the ruling party, suggesting that political office had influenced his attitude towards their shared past.

    He maintained that political positions were temporary and that the principles of freedom and democratic accountability remained relevant regardless of who occupied public office.

    The exchange has drawn attention to the AAC’s request to hold its campaign council inauguration at the Presidential Villa, although the request and the proposed logistical support do not, by themselves, establish that approval has been granted.

  • Femi Falana To Deliver Keynote Address at 6th Frontier Discourse Lecture and Awards

    Femi Falana To Deliver Keynote Address at 6th Frontier Discourse Lecture and Awards

    Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, is to deliver the keynote address at the sixth edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards in Abuja, where discussions will focus on insecurity, electoral violence and the state of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Falana, who has spent more than four decades advocating democracy, the rule of law and human rights, will headline the event organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine under the theme, “Barrel to Ballot: The Naturalisation of Violence, Nigeria’s Polity and its Democratic Circus.”

    The lecture will bring together political figures, policy experts and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between violence, democratic governance and Nigeria’s political development.

    Falana is widely known for his legal advocacy on behalf of disadvantaged Nigerians and his involvement in cases challenging violations of civil liberties, press freedom and democratic rights. He endured periods of detention under past military regimes and has provided free legal services to indigent citizens.

    His litigation has produced landmark victories in Nigeria and before regional judicial institutions, including the ECOWAS Court, particularly in cases involving media restrictions and violations of civic freedoms.

    Falana has also served as president of the West African Bar Association and secretary-general of the African Bar Association. He has appeared before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    His contributions to human rights advocacy have earned him international recognition, including the Bernard Simons Memorial Award of the International Bar Association and the Defender of the Year Award of the International League for Human Rights. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2012.

    Panelists announced for the lecture include former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani; Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye; Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, mni; President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; and Zainab Buba Galadima.

    The event is expected to explore the challenges posed by insecurity and political violence, as well as their implications for democratic institutions and the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Frontier Discourse is an annual colloquium launched in 2021 to promote dialogue between African leaders and citizens, encourage policy reviews and facilitate the exchange of development ideas. It also recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa’s growth.

    Organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, a privately owned print and digital publication established in 2020, the initiative has become a platform for discussions on national and continental issues.

    The sixth edition will hold at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, also known as Merit House, in Maitama, Abuja. The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., while the main event will commence at 11 a.m.

    The programme will also feature history sessions, comedy, poetry and exhibitions, with attendees expected from the business community, religious institutions, traditional councils, political organisations, youth groups, civil society, professional bodies and educational institutions.

    The organisers said attendance and registration are free. Interested participants can reserve seats through https://forms.gle/C6Rtpjv5gQUBm31T9.

    For sponsorship, partnership and other enquiries, members of the public can call or send WhatsApp messages to 09137940957.

    The event partners include One Stewart Ventures Limited, Frontline Africa, Igwesi Human Development Centre, Steve Oruruo Foundation, ROWE Oil and Royal Entourage Consult.

  • Court Resumes Trial of Suspects in Abduction of NYSC Members in Imo

    Court Resumes Trial of Suspects in Abduction of NYSC Members in Imo

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The trial of suspects accused of abducting 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other passengers in Imo State is set to resume.

    The suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations carried out between October 10 and 14 by the Department of State Services (DSS), working with the military, police and other security agencies.

    Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot wounds, prompting security operatives to launch a manhunt for them.

    The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, 2026, while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

    The gunmen reportedly attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area.

    Following their rescue, they were taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary examinations.

    During the search-and-rescue operation, the police disclosed that their operatives had identified the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately move into the location because it was reportedly rigged with improvised explosive devices.

    Security agencies subsequently intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.

    The arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations across the two states, while the search for the fleeing suspects continues.