PSC asks IG to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise - Newstrends
Connect with us

News

PSC asks IG to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise

Published

on

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun

PSC asks IG to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise

The Police Service Commission has challenged the Nigeria Police Force to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegations regarding the recruitment of constables.

The police had, in a statement on Saturday by the force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, rejected the names of those recruited by the commission.

Adejobi added that the PSC portal was scrutinised, and it was discovered that “several names of persons purported to be names of successful candidates are those who did not even apply and therefore did not take part in the recruitment exercise.”

The Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission had several denied the allegations, demanding the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

On Thursday, Egbetokun denied having scores to settle with the PSC, adding that his action was to ensure qualified people were recruited into the force.

Speaking on the matter for the first time, the PSC in a statement on Friday by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the allegations by the police were to give the commission a bad name.

The statement partly read, “The Commission has studied the issues around this successfully concluded recruitment exercise and has come to the conclusion that even after the Supreme Court Judgment, the Police is reluctant to allow the Commission perform this constitutional assignment. The Commission demands that the Police should provide verifiable evidence to prove the allegations peddled against it as it is obvious that it is a case of giving a dog a bad name to hang it.”

Ani noted that due process was followed throughout the exercise, stating that a forensic audit be conducted on the list the PSC released.

READ ALSO:

He said, “It is important to state that due process was meticulously followed throughout the exercise, and the Commission wishes to assert its prerogative to exercise full control over recruitments into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commission is also insisting that its list of successful candidates and that of the Police should be subjected to a forensic audit using the result of the JAMB computer-based test.”

Ani stressed that in the Supreme Court Judgment delivered on July 11, 2023, which gave the power to recruit to the commission there was no role given to the police.

This claim was contrary to what the IGP.

Egbetokun noted that while the Supreme Court gave the PSC the power to recruit, it, however, did not order the exclusion of the force from the process.

Ani said, “In this judgment, there was no role assigned to any person or persons outside the Commission in the conduct of recruitment, and as such, any claim to that effect is serious contempt of Court.

“The Commission, however, had, in its wisdom, invited relevant stakeholders into a Board for the recruitment exercise to ensure inclusiveness and transparency. This magnanimity has since been misconstrued. It is relevant to state that the judgment and even the Constitution did not give the Police any role in the recruitment of any cadre of Officers into the Police Force.”

READ ALSO:

Ani noted that while the police attributed their inability to perform to poor recruitment practices, he added that the previous recruitment carried out by the police was now hindering their ability to discharge their duties effectively.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the Police has attributed its obvious failure to protect lives and properties and safeguard our nation from banditry and terrorism to bad recruitment. This claim is self-indicting and provocative. Since 2019 when the Police forcefully snatched the exercise from the Commission, they have gone ahead against the provisions of the law to Superintendent over the 2020 and 2021 exercises. It is the fraudulent Recruits they brought into the system during these exercises that are currently haunting the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Commission is aware that this current brazen show of power by the Police with attendant spurious allegations is to perpetuate their stranglehold on the recruitment of Constables, even against the judgment of the Supreme Court. “

Ani called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Egbetokun to respect the constitutional mandate of the commission.

He said, “The Commission wishes to appeal to Mr. President to protect it and rein in the Nigeria Police Force to respect the Constitutional Mandate of the Commission to recruit. The Nigeria Police Force is created to enforce the law and not to circumvent it in whatever guise.

“It is the considered opinion of the Commission that the successful candidates should be allowed to proceed on training without delay.”

PSC asks IG to provide evidence of corruption in recruitment exercise

Loading

News

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Published

on

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

 

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations in which social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) appears to make crude sexual advances toward her, including a message that read: “If we fuck, fine; if we don’t, bye.” The reality star, whose full name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, accused the outspoken online critic of later turning against her after she rejected his overtures.

In the screenshots shared via her official social media handles, a contact saved as “Vdmmmm” sent a series of sexually explicit texts. Among them: “Growing up I just say I’m sexually attracted to you,” “I always add sexually,” and “Make we fuck.” Phyna’s responses in the chat show her declining the alleged request. She replied: “I wasn’t interested” and accused the activist of lying and manipulation.

Phyna further claimed that after she turned him down, VeryDarkMan weaponized unrelated personal matters to damage her public image. “All this time I’ve been saying you lied, you refused to reply,” she wrote. “Can’t wait for your downfall because you are EVIL.” She also alleged that VDM involved a mutual contact—referred to as “friend blacky”—to pressure her, and later exploited a controversy involving her sister and a Dangote truck accident as a means of retaliation. “The worst lie a man can tell is to lie to someone to get their feelings,” Phyna wrote. “You choose my sister’s birthday of all days to divert attention.”

The leaked exchanges have ignited fierce debate online. Some social media users condemned the circulation of private chats, while others argued that the messages, if authentic, reveal a pattern of coercive and manipulative behavior. As of press time, VeryDarkMan had not issued any formal response to the specific WhatsApp screenshots or the allegations of romantic advances. His representatives could not be reached for comment.

 

The controversy adds to a growing list of public confrontations between Nigerian celebrities and online activists. Phyna had previously sought VDM’s help regarding a legal issue involving her sister, but that relationship has since collapsed. Observers note that allegations involving rejected advances followed by online retaliation often raise serious questions about privacy, consent, and the misuse of digital influence.

 

While the screenshots have circulated widely, no independent forensic verification of the WhatsApp exchanges has been conducted. Both parties have not provided call recordings or additional metadata to authenticate the timeline of messages. The development remains a he-said-she-said dispute, though Phyna has urged the public to review the chats and draw their own conclusions.

 

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Loading

Continue Reading

News

Trump’s Reception of Ambassador Are Signals Stronger Nigeria–US Partnership

Published

on

Trump’s Reception of Ambassador Are Signals Stronger Nigeria–US Partnership
US President Donald Trump and Ambassador Kayode Are

Trump’s Reception of Ambassador Are Signals Stronger Nigeria–US Partnership

The national leadership of accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Ambassador Kayode Are as Nigeria’s envoy to the United States, describing the decision as a strategic diplomatic move capable of strengthening bilateral ties between both nations.

The commendation was conveyed through the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), a United Nations-recognised platform that coordinates accredited civil society and community-based organisations across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, the organisation praised the appointment, noting that Ambassador Are’s vast experience in security, intelligence gathering, diplomacy, and international relations positions him to effectively advance Nigeria’s strategic interests in Washington.

According to CSCHEI, the appointment reflects the Tinubu administration’s deliberate effort to deploy highly experienced professionals to key diplomatic postings as part of broader foreign policy reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s global influence and strengthening international partnerships.

The organisation noted that Nigeria–United States relations have remained critical to Nigeria’s socio-economic development over the years, with longstanding cooperation spanning vital sectors such as education, healthcare, security collaboration, oil and gas, aviation, trade, technology, and industrial development.

CSCHEI also expressed appreciation to the United States Government for formally accepting Ambassador Are and facilitating the commencement of his diplomatic assignment in Washington.

READ ALSO:

The group said the envoy’s official reception by US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, May 21, sends a strong diplomatic signal of renewed commitment to deeper institutional engagement between both countries.

It added that the development could unlock fresh opportunities for development-focused partnerships involving US-based international non-governmental organisations, development agencies, donor institutions, and accredited CSOs and CBOs in Nigeria.

The statement further disclosed that CSCHEI’s development partner, Africa United Congress USA, described Ambassador Are as a seasoned diplomat whose integrity, competence, and professional track record make him well-positioned to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote Nigeria’s economic and developmental interests abroad.

According to the group, Ambassador Are’s diplomatic credentials and expertise are expected to help facilitate stronger collaborations in key areas including security cooperation, counterterrorism intelligence sharing, foreign direct investment, youth development, infrastructure financing, innovation, and humanitarian intervention programmes.

“The global community witnessed the official presentation at the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, May 21. Capacity and performance in diplomacy are evident, and accredited civil society and community-based organisations in Nigeria are proud of Ambassador Kayode Are’s representation of the country,” the statement read.

Analysts believe the envoy’s appointment comes at a critical period when Nigeria is seeking to reposition itself as a leading destination for international investment while deepening strategic partnerships with major global powers.

Observers also note that stronger diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington could accelerate cooperation in critical sectors such as energy transition, digital innovation, defence modernisation, education exchange programmes, and sustainable development initiatives.

The latest development is widely seen as the beginning of a renewed chapter in Nigeria–US diplomatic relations, with expectations of expanded economic cooperation and stronger institutional collaboration in the months ahead.

Trump’s Reception of Ambassador Are Signals Stronger Nigeria–US Partnership

Loading

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Has No Plan to Change Nigeria’s Name or Abolish Sharia Law – Presidency

Published

on

Tinubu Has No Plan to Change Nigeria's Name or Abolish Sharia Law – Presidency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Has No Plan to Change Nigeria’s Name or Abolish Sharia Law – Presidency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to a report making rounds in some quarters on the alleged plan by his government to change the name of Nigeria and abolish Sharia law in the northern part of the country. The President, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday night, May 21, 2026, described the report as far from the truth. The statement from the Presidency reads: “The Presidency wishes to inform Nigerians and state clearly that there is no truth whatsoever to the viral fake story claiming that President Bola Tinubu seeks to carry out constitutional amendments that will change Nigeria’s name to the ‘United States of Nigeria’ and abolish Sharia Law in the Northern region, among other claims.” According to the Presidency, the report—which cited anonymous sources—is part of a “dubious plot by some desperate politicians to create disaffection in our country, stir up a political crisis, and heat the polity ahead of the general elections.” The statement urged Nigerians to ignore the viral story in its entirety, describing the purveyors of the fake news as “agents of destabilisation and merchants of disorder.”

The statement also clarified that President Tinubu has “no plan whatsoever to send any bill code-named ‘Project True Federation’ to the National Assembly by December 15, a few weeks before the general election.” The Presidency emphasized that under Nigerian law, constitutional changes and amendments are serious matters that require legislative scrutiny, oversight, and extensive debate. “The process of amending the constitution is not at the President’s or the National Assembly’s whim. It is a task that requires a 2/3 majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the concurrence of 24 State Houses of Assembly.” This constitutional safeguard ensures that no single individual or branch of government can unilaterally alter the nation’s founding document, a fact that makes the alleged “Project True Federation” bill not only improbable but legally impossible to execute within the claimed timeline. The rigorous amendment process, which involves extensive public hearings, legislative debates, and state-level ratification, is deliberately designed to protect Nigeria’s federal structure from arbitrary changes by those in power.

READ ALSO:

The Presidency further stressed that President Tinubu is focused on the arduous task of entrenching and deepening the economic reforms his administration has embarked upon, with the aim of delivering more tangible dividends to Nigerians. Since assuming office, Tinubu’s administration has pursued a series of landmark economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, aimed at stabilizing the economy and attracting foreign investment. The statement cautioned citizens against consuming fake and divisive reports, warning that misinformation is likely to proliferate as the nation begins political campaigns, a prelude to the general elections scheduled for January 2027. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 2027 general elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027. Political campaigns are expected to commence in August 2026, which the Presidency noted as a period when fake news could proliferate as desperate politicians seek to gain an advantage through misinformation and fear-mongering.

The viral report had sparked widespread concern across the country, particularly in the Northern region where Sharia law operates alongside the secular legal system in several states including Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Kaduna. The false claims raised alarms among religious and traditional leaders, who feared the potential social and legal implications of abolishing a system that has been in operation for over two decades in some Northern states. However, the Presidency’s swift and categorical denial appears aimed at dousing any potential tensions arising from the false claims. Meanwhile, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also weighed in on the broader political landscape, declaring that the only factor holding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is political power, though this comment was made in a separate context at the launch of the Rise Up Naija Movement (RUN) in Abuja. Nigerians are advised to rely on official communications from the Presidency and verified news sources for accurate information, especially as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections. The Presidency reiterated its commitment to transparency and called on citizens to verify any sensational claims through official channels before sharing, warning that spreading unverified information could lead to unnecessary panic and social unrest.

Tinubu Has No Plan to Change Nigeria’s Name or Abolish Sharia Law – Presidency

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending