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Insecurity: Northern groups plan mass protests in 19 states Thursday

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6 years ago

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inspector general of nigerian police
The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has said it will begin non-stop protests against the wave of insecurity in the Northern region on Thursday.
The plan, according to the group, aimed at drawing the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and the 19 northern states governors to the plight of the region.
The CNG said the ineptitude and an apparent failure of elected and appointed leaders from the North to either protect the lives and property of northerners or address the myriad distresses the region faced had pushed them to the wall.
Explaining that the government has failed woefully in many fronts, the group argued that the authorities appear bent on sustaining the hikes in electricity tariffs.
According to the CNG, it also appears President Buhari and the governors are not keen on resolving the lingering dispute with the university lecturers.
The CNG noted that it was no longer an exaggeration that the security situation in the country and in particular in the North had deteriorated, while the authorities did not deem it fit to extend the swift spirit deployed against FSARS into security the North.
The group told the President point blank that he has abandoned hundreds of thousands of people in northern communities exposed to insurgents and bandits’ attack.
It, therefore, urged the citizens (northerners), who would participate in the peaceful protest to conduct themselves peacefully, while urging the government to respect their rights to protest.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the spokesman of CNG,
Abdulazeez Suleiman, said, “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has followed developments around the bold and necessary steps taken by Nigerian citizens to call attention to Police brutality, the deteriorating national security and other pressing concerns.
“The CNG notes the appreciative progression of the citizens’ action that climaxed with government’s swift response to one of the concerns raised with the scrapping of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, and its immediate replacement with Special Weapon And Tactics Team (SWAT)
OBSERVATIONS
“In the unfolding scenario, the CNG hereby inevitably arrives at the following observations and inferences:
“That while the southern elected and appointed leaders and representatives are quick to identify with their people at the time of need, their counterparts from the North, including the President, the Senate President, Senators, Rep members, governors, state legislators and other government appointees would rather abandon the hundreds of thousands of people in northern communities exposed to crime, lawlessness and insecurity in the hands of bandits, insurgents, kidnappers, rapists rustlers, and other violent criminals without any form of protection.
“That it is contradictory that despite several protests and pleas northerners have made, the authorities never deemed it fit to extend the swift spirit deployed against FSARS into securing the North, or addressing the myriad distresses faced by northerners.
“That the authorities appear bent on sustainig the harsh, unacceptable regime of exploitative hikes in electricity tariffs for which the North shall bear the brunt more than other parts of the country.
“That the federal government appears not keen on resolving the lingering dispute with the Academic Staff Union to enable the recommencement of university education.”
RESOLUTIONS
“In the light of the foregone observations, the CNG has no other option but to direct the extension of the protests to all northern states, commencing from Thursday, October 15, 2020.
“By this, all CNG state chapters and student wings are mandated to resume the mobilization of responsible sections of the civil society, NGOs, women groups, professional associations, artisans and concerned parents in their respective states for the continuation of our protests started in Katsina state in June.”
DEMANDS
CNG will lead the protest to: “Demand the federal government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security and take practical steps to end all manifestations of insecurity in northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
“Demand thorough reorientation of the entire police force and its empowerment by way of additional personnel, modern training and adequate equiptment to be able to reclaim its universal internal security function. .
“Mount pressure on leaders to show real commitment to protecting lives of citizens, ending the prolonged closure of our universities, reconsidering hiked commodity prices, reducing youth unemployment, and checking the rise in poverty level.
“Publicly condemn and pass a vote of no confidence on those office holders and elected leaders who have abandoned the bulk of northerners to the mercy of a vicious insurgency, destructive banditry, rape and sexual assaults, violent communal clashes amidst mounting poverty and entrenched fear of widespread kidnappings for ransom.
“To declare the agreement reached by labour with the
government on new electricity tariff unacceptable and demand the immediate, unconditional reversal to the old rates.”
Suleiman noted that while CNG welcomed the creation of the SWAT to replace SARS, it urged the government to expedite action in improving the professionalism of the personnel drafted into SWAT

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Senate Passes State Police Bill, Awaits Ratification by State Assemblies

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5 hours ago

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June 25, 2026

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Senate Passes State Police Bill, Awaits Ratification by State Assemblies

Senate Passes State Police Bill, Awaits Ratification by State Assemblies

Nigeria moved closer to a decentralized policing system on Wednesday as the Senate passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, a landmark piece of legislation that could transform the country’s security architecture if it receives the required approval from state legislatures. The bill, which establishes a constitutional framework for the creation of State Police Services, is widely regarded as one of the most significant security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

If eventually endorsed by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, the legislation will create a dual policing structure comprising a Federal Police Service and State Police Services, ending the long-standing monopoly of a centrally controlled police institution.

Under the proposed constitutional arrangement, states will have the authority to establish, fund and manage their own police organizations through legislation passed by their respective Houses of Assembly. However, no state police service will become operational until it satisfies nationally prescribed standards and receives certification confirming its readiness to function. Supporters of the reform argue that State Police in Nigeria will improve local intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing and enable faster responses to security threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, communal violence and other crimes that have stretched federal security agencies.

Despite granting states greater control over policing, the bill preserves substantial powers for the Federal Government. One of the most significant provisions allows the Federal Police Service to intervene in state policing operations whenever there is an actual or imminent breakdown of public order, a threat to national security, serious administrative failure or evidence that a state police organization is being used for political, ethnic, religious or sectional persecution. In such situations, the Federal Police Service may temporarily assume operational control of a state police command, subject to presidential authorization, Senate oversight and judicial review. The legislation also reserves exclusive responsibility for terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, arms trafficking, border security and inter-state crimes for the Federal Police Service.

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A major departure from the existing structure is the appointment process for State Commissioners of Police. Under the bill, governors will appoint commissioners upon the recommendation of the National Police Council and subject to confirmation by their State Houses of Assembly. Removal from office will also require legislative approval. To prevent abuse, the bill expressly prohibits governors from directing police authorities to target political opponents, associations, ethnic groups or individuals for partisan purposes. State police officers are equally barred from enforcing laws in a discriminatory manner based on political, ethnic, religious or sectional considerations.

The legislation establishes State Police Service Commissions that will oversee recruitment, promotion, discipline and personnel management within state police organizations. It also proposes a restructured National Police Council to coordinate national policing policies, set minimum standards and promote cooperation between federal and state policing institutions. Speaking during debate on the bill, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the proposal as one of the most consequential constitutional reforms undertaken by the National Assembly in recent years. According to him, the legislation seeks to address the limitations of a highly centralized policing structure in tackling modern security threats.

The Senate’s consideration of the bill attracted high-profile observers, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and several state attorneys-general. Their presence generated brief controversy as some senators opposed allowing non-members into the chamber during deliberations. The opposition was eventually resolved after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Bamidele reminded lawmakers that the amendment would require approval from state legislatures before becoming law. Bamidele told senators that the cooperation of state governments was essential to the success of the constitutional amendment process.

Although electronic voting devices were initially introduced for the exercise, lawmakers eventually adopted manual voting after concerns emerged that malfunctioning devices could disenfranchise some senators. The Senate subsequently conducted clause-by-clause voting through voice votes, standing votes and hand-raising procedures supervised by Senate President Akpabio. He assured lawmakers that a complete record of the proceedings would be preserved and made available for public scrutiny.

In addition to approving the State Police Bill, the Senate also passed the Police Trust Fund Bill, which is designed to strengthen funding mechanisms for policing and security operations across the country. Both bills must now secure concurrence from the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for ratification. For the constitutional amendment to take effect, at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state legislatures must approve it.

While the proposed reform has received support from many governors, security experts and stakeholders, concerns remain about the possibility of political interference in state-controlled police organizations. Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed support for the establishment of state police but emphasized the need for strong oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse. Nevertheless, the Senate’s approval represents the most significant progress in decades toward the creation of State Police in Nigeria, a reform many believe could reshape the country’s approach to security and law enforcement.

Senate Passes State Police Bill, Awaits Ratification by State Assemblies

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Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Ex-FUOYE VC as Ambassador

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19 hours ago

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June 24, 2026

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Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Ex-FUOYE VC as Ambassador
Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Ex-FUOYE VC as Ambassador

Former university administrator’s nomination forwarded to Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening within one week

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina, immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) , as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate . The presidential communication was read during Wednesday’s plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who subsequently referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative consideration .

President Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter transmitted to the upper legislative chamber, in which he noted that the nomination was made in line with constitutional provisions governing diplomatic appointments and urged lawmakers to consider the request expeditiously. “In accordance with the provisions of section 121, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the nomination of Professor Abayomi Sunday-Fashina as non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate,” the letter reads. “Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae. Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

After reviewing the letter, Akpabio submitted the nominee to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for review and future legislative action. The committee was tasked with conducting the requisite scrutiny of the nominee and submitting its report to the Senate within one week, clearing the way for a final confirmation vote by lawmakers. The nomination comes amid the Tinubu administration’s continuous attempts to expand Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, which includes the appointment of various career and non-career envoys to represent the country in critical overseas embassies.

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Professor Fashina served as Vice Chancellor of FUOYE from February 2021 to February 2026, completing a five-year tenure widely celebrated for its strategic reforms and institutional growth. Under his stewardship, the university expanded its academic footprint significantly, with the number of faculties increasing from eight to 18, while the student population grew from about 20,000 to over 60,000. His administration executed over 160 infrastructure projects, grew the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 310 per cent, and recorded gains in national demand and international visibility. He also documented his stewardship in a book titled ‘Holding the Rudder: My Years Steering FUOYE’, which chronicles his navigation of university administration between 2021 and 2026. Fashina, an erudite scholar and distinguished professor of soil science, previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Ekiti State University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) at FUOYE before assuming the VC role.

Under Nigeria’s constitution, ambassadorial nominees must be screened and confirmed by the Senate before taking office. The process usually includes an evaluation of their professional background, public service record, competence, and aptitude for diplomatic posts. Non-career ambassadors are typically chosen from outside the country’s professional foreign service, including academics, politics, public administration, commerce, and other fields where they have exhibited remarkable service and leadership. Fashina, an academic and administrator, is well-known in Nigeria’s higher education industry, and his nomination is expected to draw legislative scrutiny during the screening process, when senators would assess his qualifications and readiness to represent Nigeria’s interests abroad.

If confirmed, Fashina will join a growing number of ambassadorial appointees tasked with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, strengthening bilateral relations, and promoting the country’s economic and diplomatic interests in the international community. The Senate’s examination of the nomination is likely to be completed after the Foreign Affairs Committee sends its report to the chamber next week. Upon completion of the committee’s scrutiny and submission of its report, the full Senate will hold a confirmation vote on the nomination. If confirmed, Fashina will join Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, representing the country’s interests abroad and advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

 

Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Ex-FUOYE VC as Ambassador

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2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I: NYSC Fixes Date for Passing-Out Nationwide

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20 hours ago

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June 24, 2026

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2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I: NYSC Fixes Date for Passing-Out Nationwide

2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I: NYSC Fixes Date for Passing-Out Nationwide

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially announced Thursday, July 9, 2026, as the passing-out date for 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members across the country, marking the completion of their mandatory one-year national service.

The announcement was contained in a statement shared on the scheme’s official X platform on Wednesday and signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.

According to the statement, activities leading to the passing-out ceremony commenced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with a series of programmes designed to prepare outgoing corps members for life after national service.

The pre-passing-out activities include Job Advisory and Counselling (JAC) sessions organised by the NYSC in collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders. The initiative is aimed at equipping corps members with entrepreneurial skills, career guidance and employment opportunities as they transition into the labour market.

The scheme also disclosed that corps members are undergoing registration and clearance by Local Government Inspectors (LGIs), while Zonal Inspectors are responsible for signing final clearance documents ahead of the issuance of Certificates of National Service.

According to the NYSC, only corps members who have successfully completed all statutory requirements of the national service programme, including their primary assignments, Community Development Service (CDS) obligations and final clearance procedures, will receive their certificates.

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“The Management of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has approved Thursday, July 9, 2026, as the passing-out date for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Corps Members.

“The series of activities heralding the event commenced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and include Job Advisory and Counselling (JAC) by the NYSC and other relevant agencies, registration and clearing of corps members by Local Government Inspectors, as well as the signing of final clearance by the Zonal Inspectors,” the statement said.

The scheme added that the passing-out exercise will be conducted on a low-key basis nationwide, with the presentation of Certificates of National Service (CNS) taking place at local government offices across the country rather than through elaborate state-level ceremonies.

“The low-key event will feature the distribution of Certificates of National Service to only the deserving corps members in all the Local Government Areas of the country,” the statement added.

Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated the outgoing corps members for successfully completing their service year and urged them to remain disciplined, patriotic and committed to national development.

He encouraged them to uphold the ideals of the NYSC by serving as responsible ambassadors of the scheme in their workplaces, communities and future endeavours.

The NYSC’s Job Advisory and Counselling (JAC) programme has become a key component of the winding-up exercise, connecting outgoing corps members with employers, financial institutions and entrepreneurship support agencies to promote self-employment and reduce graduate unemployment.

The July 9 passing-out ceremony will officially bring to an end the service year for thousands of corps members deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, paving the way for them to pursue careers, higher education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I: NYSC Fixes Date for Passing-Out Nationwide

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