metro
Reps bow to pressure, withdraw compulsory voting bill
Reps bow to pressure, withdraw compulsory voting bill
Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has withdrawn a bill that would make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians.
The bill, which he co-sponsored with Daniel Asama Ago, aimed to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to encourage more people to vote and strengthen democracy.
Musa Krishi, his media aide, said in a statement on Monday that the decision to withdraw the bill was made after consulting with numerous individuals and groups around the country.
“From the start, the goal was to get more people involved in elections and strengthen democracy by boosting voter turnout,” the statement said.
The law passed its second reading in the House on Thursday, although it provoked discussion.
READ ALSO:
- FG begins demolition of structures under Iddo bridge
- Protesters disrupt Atiku, Obi coalition meeting in Abuja
- I’ve pulled out of all PDP peace agreements – Wike
Some individuals supported it, believing it would increase voter turnout, while others thought it would limit personal freedom and be difficult to implement in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
Abbas, however, pointed out that nations like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil have high voter turnout thanks to compulsory voting but cautioned that Nigeria must find its own manner that suits its people.
“Lawmaking is about serving the people, and any new law must respect personal freedom,” Abbas said.
Instead of compelling people to vote, he stated that the government will instead seek measures to encourage voting, particularly among young people and first-time voters.
“This withdrawal gives us time to talk more about how to build a culture of voluntary voting that supports our democracy and respects citizens’ rights,” he added.
Many Nigerians had spoken out against the bill, urging leaders to focus on addressing issues such as election violence, a lack of trust in the system, and poor election day planning, all of which prevent people from voting.
Reps bow to pressure, withdraw compulsory voting bill
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired 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.
READ ALSO:
- Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
- Dangote urges wealthy Nigerians to invest in industries, not luxury cars, private jets
- Mohamed Salah Slams Liverpool Boss Arne Slot, Hints at Anfield Exit Ahead of AFCON Departure
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
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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.
READ ALSO:
- Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
- Dangote urges wealthy Nigerians to invest in industries, not luxury cars, private jets
- Mohamed Salah Slams Liverpool Boss Arne Slot, Hints at Anfield Exit Ahead of AFCON Departure
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
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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.
READ ALSO:
- Dangote urges wealthy Nigerians to invest in industries, not luxury cars, private jets
- Mohamed Salah Slams Liverpool Boss Arne Slot, Hints at Anfield Exit Ahead of AFCON Departure
- Indonesia Flood Disaster: Death Toll Exceeds 900 as Search for Hundreds Continues
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
-
metro3 days agoSenate Launches Emergency Probe into Widespread Lead Poisoning in Ogijo, Lagos/Ogun
-
News3 days agoBREAKING: Tinubu Sends Fresh Ambassadorial Nominations to Senate, Names Ibas, Ita Enang, Dambazau
-
Auto3 days agoCourt of Appeal Affirms Ruling Barring VIO from Seizing Vehicles or Fining Motorists
-
Sports1 day ago2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: England Draw Croatia as Brazil Face Morocco in Tournament Opener
-
News3 days agoUS authorities arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for alleged $7m VA fraud
-
metro3 days agoFG secures release of three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia
-
metro3 days agoNed Nwoko vows legal action against rising online harassment, criminal defamation
-
metro3 days agoBuratai Defends Nigeria’s Resilience, Says Nation Is “Rising, Not Failing” Despite Insecurity