Reps move for review of INEC chairman appointment process - Newstrends
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Reps move for review of INEC chairman appointment process

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House of Representatives

Reps move for review of INEC chairman appointment process

The power of the President to unilaterally appoint Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may be whittled down in a constitutional review proposal. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is currently considering the proposal to bring the National Judicial Council (NJC) into the process.

According to a report by PUNCH, the amendment seeks to reduce the influence of the executive arm by enhancing the transparency and impartiality of INEC leadership appointments.

This proposed shift follows long-standing calls for electoral reform, including the recommendations made in 2007 by the late Chief Justice of Nigeria, Muhammadu Uwais, who led the Electoral Reform Committee.

The Uwais-led panel had advised that the NJC, rather than the President, should be responsible for nominating INEC board members, and that the commission’s funding should come directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund to safeguard its autonomy.

Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said that the proposed change was a positive development.

“It is a welcome development. It is one of the many good recommendations on how to insulate the position of whoever is chairman of INEC from political and executive pressures, as well as curing the deep-seated impression that ‘he who pays the piper dictates the tune.’”

Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, echoed this support, though he raised concerns about the NJC’s neutrality.

“The proposal by the National Assembly to amend the constitution to involve the NJC in the appointment of the INEC chairman is in line with Justice Uwais’ recommendation because over time, we have seen how presidents appointed their protégés and cronies, including people with a clear partisan background, into INEC.

“It is because of this that YIAGA Africa called it institutional capture, that is, INEC captured by the executive arm.

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“Is the NJC independent enough to manage the appointment of the INEC chairman in view of the fact that the CJN has overbearing powers in determining the members and the composition of its members?”

While backing the intention behind the reform, Itodo advocated a more inclusive approach.

He said, “I don’t know if this proposal to have the NJC manage the appointment process is a welcome development or if it would inspire confidence on the part of Nigerians.

“It is good to remove the power of appointing the INEC chairman from the President, but is it possible to set up a multi-stakeholder committee to manage this process and then send nominations or those who successfully passed the interview process to the National Assembly for screening before appointments by the President?

“There has to be a way of ensuring that whoever is responsible for any action in the appointment value chain is independent, so that we don’t have partisan people getting appointed to the electoral commission.”

Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, also supported the involvement of the NJC, suggesting it could help rehabilitate the image of the judiciary.

“If the National Assembly can amend the constitution to allow the NJC to have a say in the selection process of the INEC chairman, it will be a good development. It will enhance the integrity and credibility of the NJC because Nigerians are beginning to question the character of the judiciary. Nigerians are losing confidence in the judiciary because of their perception of injustice perpetrated by that arm of government.

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“Hopefully, NJC members who will be involved in selecting the INEC chairman, as well as the Commissioners, will help the image of the judiciary. Our constitution does not allow partisan persons to head the electoral commission, but successive presidents have been ignoring this constitutional provision. So, NJC members who are expected to be non-partisan would assist in selecting a good person to head INEC,” Rafsanjani said.

Reps move for review of INEC chairman appointment process

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Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

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Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka

Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully rescued four passengers abducted along the Igbeti–Kishi Road in the early hours of March 5, 2026, following a swift and coordinated security operation. The incident occurred when armed hoodlums emerged from nearby bushland and blocked a commercial bus, forcefully taking four passengers into the surrounding forests.

Upon receiving reports of the abduction, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, immediately directed the Divisional Police Officers in Igbeti and Kishi, alongside tactical units and security stakeholders, to deploy all operational resources for a rescue mission.

A joint security team comprising Oyo Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security agencies conducted intensive bush combing operations in the forests surrounding the area. The sustained operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee, allowing the authorities to rescue all four passengers unharmed. The victims have since been reunited with their families.

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The police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, commended the professionalism and bravery of the combined security forces, highlighting that collaboration among security agencies is vital to ensuring safety across the state. The command also appreciated the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for promptly mobilizing resources and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for strategic guidance in the ongoing fight against crime.

Investigations and intelligence-led operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice. Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to support security efforts.

The incident underscores the continued commitment of the Oyo State Police and security agencies to protect travellers on vulnerable highways, particularly areas with increased reports of highway abductions and criminal activity. Patrols and security presence along the Igbeti–Kishi corridor and other vulnerable routes have been intensified to prevent future attacks.

Oyo Police Free Four Kidnapped Passengers on Igbeti–Kishi Road

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BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

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Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri
Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the posting of 65 Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners to diplomatic missions across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign policy and international engagement.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the list comprises 31 non-career diplomats and 34 career ambassadors whose appointments were earlier confirmed by the Senate.

The newly posted envoys include prominent politicians, retired military officers and seasoned diplomats tasked with representing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic and strategic interests abroad.

Among the notable postings, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, has been posted to Qatar, while former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has been deployed to Mexico City, while former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been assigned to Spain.

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Businessman and senator Jimoh Ibrahim will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

According to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun securing diplomatic approval, known as agrément, from host countries. The United Kingdom has granted agrément for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the posting of Ayo Oke.

President Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately begin the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners, after which they will proceed to their respective missions once final approvals are secured.

The appointments are part of the administration’s broader effort to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, attract foreign investment, strengthen bilateral relations and expand trade and security cooperation globally.


Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N Name Mission
1 Senator Grace Bent Lome, Togo
2 Senator Ita Enang South Africa
3 Victor Ikpeazu Spain
4 Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu Tel-Aviv, Israel
5 Mahmud Yakubu Qatar
6 Paul Oga Adikwu Vatican City
7 Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Philippines
8 Reno Omokri Mexico
9 Abasi Braimah Hungary
10 Angela Adebayo Portugal
11 Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa Japan
12 Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi Greece
13 Chioma Priscilla Ohakim Poland
14 Aminu Dalhatu United Kingdom
15 Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau China
16 Tasiu Musa Maigari Gambia
17 Olufemi Pedro Australia
18 Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu Argentina
19 Lateef Kayode Are United States
20 Joseph Sola Iji Russia
21 Jimoh Ibrahim United Nations
22 Femi Fani-Kayode Germany
23 Isaak Folorunso Adewole Canada
24 Fatima Florence Ajimobi Austria
25 Lola Akande Sweden
26 Ayo Oke France
27 Yakubu N. Gambo Saudi Arabia
28 Nora Ladi Daduut South Korea
29 Joe Okocha (SAN) Ireland
30 Kulu Haruna Abubakar Tunisia
31 Jerry Samuel Manwe Trinidad and Tobago

Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners

S/N Name Mission
1 Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka Cote d’Ivoire
2 Besto Maimuna Ibrahim Niger
3 Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi Sao Tome & Principe
4 Mohammed Mahmud Lele Algeria
5 Endoni Syndoph Paebi Burkina Faso
6 Ahmed Mohammed Monguno Egypt
7 Jane Adams Michael Jamaica
8 Alexandra Clark-Omeru Zambia
9 Chima Geoffrey Lioma David Mali
10 Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah Equatorial Guinea
11 Wasa Segun Ige Lebanon
12 Ruben Abimbola Samuel Italy
13 Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga Mozambique
14 Magaji Umar DR Congo
15 Muhammad Saidu Dahiru India
16 Abdussalam Habu Zayyad Senegal
17 Shehu Ilu Barde Ghana
18 Aminu Nasir Ethiopia
19 Abubakar Musa Musa Chad
20 Haidara Mohammed Idris Netherlands
21 Bako Adamu Umar Morocco
22 Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed Malaysia
23 Romata Mohammed Omobolanle Tanzania
24 Shaga John Shamah Botswana
25 Hamza Mohammed Salau Iran
26 Ibrahim Danlami Kenya
27 Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola Benin
28 Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel Belgium
29 Wahab Adekola Akande Switzerland
30 Esther Arewa Adedokun Namibia
31 Gergadi Joseph John Gabon
32 Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata Sierra Leone
33 Danladi Yakubu Nyaku Sudan
34 Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru Thailand

BREAKING: Tinubu Posts Yakubu, Omokri, Fani-Kayode, 62 Other Ambassadors (Full List)

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US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

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U.S. President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

The United States Justice Department has released additional FBI documents from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including interview records from a woman who alleged that U.S. President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her after being introduced to him by Epstein.

The newly disclosed documents were made public on Thursday as part of the ongoing release of records related to the Epstein investigation. According to the Justice Department, the materials were not included in earlier congressionally mandated disclosures because they had been incorrectly labelled as “duplicative” records during the document review process.

The files include summaries of several 2019 interviews conducted by the FBI with the woman, who claimed she was between 13 and 15 years old when she was sexually assaulted by Epstein in the 1980s.

According to the interview summaries, the woman told investigators that Epstein once took her to either New York or New Jersey and introduced her to Trump in what she described as a tall building.

She alleged that during the encounter, Trump attempted to force her to perform oral sex, but she resisted and bit him, causing the alleged assault attempt to stop.

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The woman further told investigators that Epstein had abused her repeatedly over several years and had sometimes arranged encounters with other men.

During the interviews, she also said that she and people close to her had received threatening phone calls over the years warning her to remain silent, which she suspected were connected to Epstein.

Despite the allegations, the FBI did not bring charges related to the claims, and records indicate that investigators eventually stopped communicating with the woman later in 2019.

Justice Department officials have cautioned that the allegations contained in the newly released documents are uncorroborated and noted that some materials submitted during the Epstein investigation included “untrue and sensationalist claims” involving President Trump.

President Trump has repeatedly denied any misconduct linked to Epstein or the allegations contained in the documents.

The release of the additional files has sparked renewed political scrutiny in Washington, with Democrats questioning how the administration handled the disclosure of the Epstein records.

Lawmakers argue that key materials may have been withheld or mishandled during the earlier releases.

In response, a House committee has voted to summon Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein files and explain why some documents were not initially disclosed.

The Justice Department maintains that the omission resulted from administrative errors in the massive document review process, which involves millions of pages of records tied to the Epstein investigation.

The disclosures are part of a broader transparency effort following congressional legislation requiring the government to release large volumes of records connected to Epstein, whose high-profile criminal case exposed an extensive network of abuse involving underage victims.

US Releases Additional Epstein Files Containing Allegations Against Donald Trump

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