Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker, Meranda – Newstrends
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Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker, Meranda

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Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda

Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker, Meranda

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has called for the protection of democracy and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) following the recent leadership change that removed Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker and brought in Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, CHSR President Comrade Alex Omotehinse stressed the importance of an unfettered legislative process and urged all stakeholders to respect the decision of the majority members of the House.

“It would amount to a declaration of war on democracy to continue to precipitate a needless crisis that impedes legislative business and undermines governance in Lagos State,” Omotehinse said.

He also condemned attempts to reinstate Obasa, questioning why efforts were being made to impose him back into office despite Meranda’s lawful and procedural selection.

The CHSR maintained that the Lagos Assembly, as a body accountable to the electorate, must operate without external interference.

The group urged lawmakers to support Speaker Meranda, emphasizing that her leadership would foster inclusivity, transparency, and democratic principles.

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“Being the first woman to hold this position in over five decades, her emergence is a positive step towards gender inclusivity in governance,” Omotehinse added.

He also warned against any attempts to undermine the democratic process by imposing Obasa as “a perpetual and untouchable speaker,” describing such efforts as an assault on the collective will of Lagosians.

While expressing satisfaction that legislative activities had resumed after weeks of uncertainty, CHSR pledged to continue monitoring the situation. The group urged Meranda to remain focused and not be distracted by opposition forces attempting to upturn the assembly’s decision.

CHSR also demanded that “LAHA members be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business!

“The speaker chosen by the majority of members must be allowed to preside over the business of the house without intimidation or harassment!!

“Democracy must not be trampled or surrendered!!!”

The group advocated for safeguarding democracy and preserving the integrity of the Lagos Assembly, reaffirming its commitment to holding the government accountable to the people.

 

Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker, Meranda

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Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.

Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.

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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.

The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.

Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu

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Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Commissioner of Police, Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.

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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.

The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.

Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.

The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.

An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.

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The suspension affects officers who have:

  • Failed promotion examinations three times
  • Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
  • Reached rank age limits
  • Failed conversion boards thrice
  • Completed 35 years of service

Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.

Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.

Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency

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