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Constitution Review: Drama as Sen Adamu prevents NULGE rep from presentation
There was a mild drama on Wednesday in Jos Centre, Plateau State, venue for the North Central Zone public hearing on the proposed alteration of the provisions of the 1999 constitution as the Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu prevented the representative of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE from presenting their position.
It would be recalled that Jos is hosting Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa for the presentation of their memos stating the positions to be included in the expected constitution review.
Senator Adamu was calling different groups to present their memos when it was the turn of NULGE, an activist, Santos Ayuba mounted the podium and introduced himself as the consultant for NULGE to which the Chairman asked, “are you an employee of local government,” and he said no.
At that point, the Chairman refused to listen and as he stepped down, members of NULGE who contracted him to present on their behalf murmured loudly, interrupting the next person that was called.
The unionists marched forward with their spokesman but were still denied the opportunity for him to speak. Piqued by the development, the consultant doubted the sincerity of the process when the voices of the people were being muted.
He told journalists at the Crispan hotel venue of the event, “It is quite disappointing that when I was stepping in, the Governor of the State whispered to the Chairman of the Committee, I wasn’t the only one who saw it, and the first question was to ask me if I was the NULGE person, an employee.
“I have been a labour leader when I was in the University, I was the Secretary of ASUU, I served as a resource person to NLC, I also served and worked with NUJ Correspondents’ chapel, so labour is my field. I am sympathizer of labour activities.
NULGE consulted me, as a consultant, I do research, I do training and even the state government.
“We train the staff of state government with our consulting firm and now the governor was asking me who I was. I am the only person they asked that question. Those who presented on behalf of a non-profit organization, did they ask them, no.
“I was consulted, I was paid and if I was paid, I must deliver the job so now as it is, they got scared without knowing what was to be presented by NULGE. This is an infringement on the right of NULGE as an institution and as an organization. Denying them their own space.”
He pre-empted the process stating, “Considering what is happening, this process will not favour Nigerians, it has started. Others were given 8, 10 minutes but an institution like Human Rights Commission was given two minutes. The truth is that this is the process that will engineer again the rigging in 2023.
“When they talk about the security of Nigerians, they are budgeting billions for this process, is this the most important thing that we should be facing now or insecurity? They are undermining the red flags as we approach 2023, this for me is a wind. The early we begin to know that the country is standing on clear feet, the better for us.
“The demands of NULGE are simple, local government should be given autonomy, they want fiscal federalism, separation of joint account with state government…”
Before the interruption, the Houses of Assembly of the three States, the States Governors, the Traditional institution and others had presented their positions.
Among the issues which dominated their demands were the call for State/Community Police, devolution of power, active inclusion of a traditional institution in governance, judicial review, prohibition of open grazing local government among others.
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong who declared the even open said, “We hope that this particular exercise will not go the way of previous ones which failed to address some key issues affecting the governance of the nation and in some way even threatening the peace, security and unity of the country.”
Plateau State Deputy Governor, Sonni Tyoden who presented the State position harped on state/community policing, the Chairman of the State Traditional Council and Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba said the history of each ethnic nationality should not be overlooked.’
His words, “Who are we? The constitution must address the question. The different ethnic groups were in existence before Nigeria, that aspect of history should not be thrown away because if you don’t know where we are coming from, you won’t know where you are going to. Every land in Nigeria belongs to a community, a people…”
It was gathered that so far, over 200 memos have been submitted by the different groups across the three States.
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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.
The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.
Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.
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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.
Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.
She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.
The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.
President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.
Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector
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MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.
In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.
MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.
The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.
“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.
The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.
MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”
Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.
As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.
MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement
News
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.
Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.
The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.
Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.
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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.
The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.
Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.
Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria
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