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SERAP Sues INEC for Failing to Prosecute Ekiti Vote Buyers
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to prosecute those suspected of vote buying and electoral bribery during the Ekiti State governorship election on June 17.
Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, SERAP lawyers, filed the suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1189/2022, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday.
SERAP sought “an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to seek and obtain detailed information about reports of vote buying by the three leading political parties in the 2022 Ekiti State governorship election”.
SERAP also sought an order of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to promptly and effectively prosecute those arrested for vote buying and bribery.
“Vote buying undermines the ability of INEC to discharge its responsibilities under Section 153 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), paragraph 15(a) of the third schedule of the constitution and the Electoral Act 2022,” SERAP argued.
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“Ending impunity for vote buying and electoral bribery would contribute to free and fair elections. A corruption-free electoral process is essential for building public confidence in the electoral process and the credibility and legitimacy of the 2023 elections.
“One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote. INEC has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to ensure the effective exercise of the right of all eligible voters to participate in their own government in free and fair elections.
“Many years of allegations of vote buying and electoral bribery and entrenched impunity of perpetrators have undermined public confidence in the electoral process.
“Preventing and combating vote buying and electoral bribery would advance the people’s right to vote and to participate in their own government, as well as bolster the ability of INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory mandates.
“Prosecuting allegations of vote buying and electoral bribery would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian constitution, the electoral act and the country’s international human rights anti-corruption obligations.”
FIJ had reported pockets of violence and electoral malpractice in several polling units during the Ekiti governorship election, and SERAP had given INEC a seven-day ultimatum to investigate and prosecute suspects.
Agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reportedly engaged in vote buying across Ekiti State in June. Some of these agents offered voters as much as N10,000 in exchange for their votes.
SERAP said that no date had been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
FIJ
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Decades of Prayer, No Results: Man’s Story Divides Public Opinion
Man’s Emotional Outburst Sparks Debate on Faith, Expectations
An elderly man has triggered widespread reactions after publicly expressing deep frustration over his decades-long devotion to Christianity, claiming his faith yielded no tangible results.
The unidentified man reportedly broke down in tears during a community gathering, where he recounted what he described as a lifetime of unanswered prayers despite over 60 years of commitment to following the teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to eyewitnesses, the emotional moment unfolded as the man openly questioned the value of his faith, saying he had consistently engaged in religious practices such as prayer, fasting, and giving, but had nothing to show for it.
“I have been following Jesus for the past 60 years and nothing, not even a single prayer of mine, has been answered. Following Jesus ruined my life,” he lamented.
“I did everything they asked us to do — prayers, fasting, giving — but today I have nothing to show for it. I feel abandoned and disappointed after all these years,” he added.
His remarks have since gone viral, sparking intense debate both online and offline, particularly in Nigeria, where Christianity remains a major influence on social and cultural life.
Renewed Conversations on Faith and Expectations
The incident has reignited longstanding discussions about the nature of faith and the expectations many believers attach to religious devotion. While some sympathised with the man’s pain, others argued that faith should not be measured solely by material or visible outcomes.
Religious leaders and commentators have often maintained that Christianity emphasizes spiritual growth, perseverance, and trust in divine timing, rather than guaranteed worldly success.
However, critics say teachings that strongly link faithfulness with prosperity may contribute to disillusionment when expectations are not met—especially during periods of economic hardship.
Public Reactions Divided
Reactions to the man’s statement remain sharply divided. Some social media users described his experience as a reflection of broader frustrations among believers facing difficult living conditions, while others insisted that personal outcomes cannot be used as the sole measure of faith.
As the debate continues, the incident highlights a deeper and more complex question: what should individuals realistically expect from a life of faith?
Decades of Prayer, No Results: Man’s Story Divides Public Opinion
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Blessing CEO Used Another Patient’s Cancer Report to Seek Donations – NMA
Blessing CEO Used Another Patient’s Cancer Report to Seek Donations – NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State chapter, has alleged that popular social media personality Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, presented a falsified cancer report belonging to another patient in a bid to solicit public donations.
In a statement that has stirred widespread public reaction, the association disclosed that the histology report circulated online to support Blessing CEO’s claim of battling breast cancer was not originally issued to her, but rather to a different patient whose identity has been linked to one Deborah Mbara.
According to the NMA, investigations revealed that the original medical report was issued in May 2025 at a diagnostic facility in Asaba, Delta State, following a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer. However, the version shared by Blessing CEO was allegedly doctored and altered, with her personal details inserted to give the impression that she was the patient in question.
The association further noted that the diagnostic centre referenced in the document has denied issuing any such report in Blessing CEO’s name, reinforcing claims that the document in circulation is not authentic.
The controversy deepened after the alleged original owner of the report, Deborah Mbara, publicly accused the influencer of using her medical record without consent. She described the act as distressing and unethical, raising concerns over privacy violations and the misuse of sensitive health information.
Blessing CEO had earlier taken to social media to announce that she was battling stage 4 breast cancer, a claim that generated sympathy and reportedly attracted financial support from members of the public. However, she later retracted the stage 4 diagnosis, attributing it to a “miscommunication,” while acknowledging that she received significant monetary donations during the period.
Reacting to the development, the NMA warned that falsification of medical records is a serious ethical and legal issue that could erode public trust in healthcare systems and professionals. The association urged Nigerians to exercise caution and verify medical claims, especially those tied to public fundraising campaigns.
The incident has also drawn the attention of the Nigerian Cancer Society, which has called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The group expressed concern that such allegations could undermine genuine cancer awareness efforts and discourage public support for legitimate patients in need.
Observers note that the case highlights growing concerns around accountability in online fundraising, particularly involving influencers with large followings. Legal experts suggest that if the allegations are proven, the matter could lead to charges related to fraud, impersonation, and violation of patient confidentiality laws.
As of the time of filing this report, Blessing CEO has yet to issue a detailed response to the specific allegations raised by the NMA and the alleged victim.
Blessing CEO Used Another Patient’s Cancer Report to Seek Donations – NMA
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Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests
Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests
Residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, were left in shock on Tuesday as a funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack was disrupted by protesting women demanding the release of detained youths. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, leaving several others injured.
The protesters, many armed with leaves and chanting songs, blocked the entrance to the church where the mass burial was scheduled, insisting that the burial could not proceed until authorities freed three youths reportedly arrested following the killings. Rhoda Aliyu, one of the women leading the protest, said, “We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released.” Another protester, Mathew Bulus, added, “Those arrested are innocent. The government should go after the real perpetrators and leave our youths alone.”
The demonstration heightened tensions as about seven bodies were brought to the church. Community sources confirmed that the women, supported by several youths, were calling for the unconditional release of the detained teenagers before proceeding with the burial.
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The Palm Sunday attack involved armed assailants—suspected bandits—who stormed Angwan Rukuba and the Gari Ya Waye neighborhoods around 8 p.m., firing indiscriminately at residents and leaving widespread devastation.
President Bola Tinubu, who visited Plateau State following the attack, expressed condolences and directed security agencies to apprehend the offenders. He also ordered the installation of over 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras across the state to enhance 24-hour surveillance and prevent future attacks.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had visited the affected areas, condemned the killings as a well-planned attempt to destabilize the state. He assured residents that justice would be served and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to restore peace. He also commended the people for maintaining calm and avoiding retaliation despite the provocation.
As of press time, security agencies had not responded publicly to the arrests or ongoing tensions. The protest underscores the deep frustration and fear among residents in bandit-affected communities in Plateau State, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing vulnerable areas and ensuring justice for victims.
Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests
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