News
Southern governors call for urgent national dialogue
Governors of the 17 southern states have joined those clamouring for the convocation of a national dialogue “as a matter of urgency.”
They took the position at their meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital on Tuesday, which was attended by 13 governors and two deputy governors who represented their governors. Two governors, Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), who is in Saudi Arabia for the lesser hajj, and Ben Ayade (Cross River) were absent.
It was the first such meeting since the President Muhammadu Buhari dispensation. Hitherto, the governors met along their geo-political groups.
Other decision taken include the need for “urgent and bold steps” to restructure the country; the need for President Muhammadu to address the nation on the growing insecurity in the country and how he plans to arrest it and the enforcement of the ban on open grazing in the South, including preventing movement of cows “on foot” from the North.
The communiqué of the meeting was read by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who was nominated by his colleagues after the session which lasted for one hour, 30 minutes between 1.30 and 3pm.
They recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of the various peoples of the country, there was a need to review appointments into Federal Government agencies (including security agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall population is heterogenous.
The communiqué said the governors “agreed that the progress of the nation require that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian federation, leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue formula in favour of sub-nationals and creation of other institutions which will legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism.
“The meeting recommended that in view of widespread agitation among various people for better inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”
The meeting further resolved that open grazing be banned across Southern Nigeria, due to the menace posed by armed herders and its impact on food security.
It added that the Southern States would enforce the ban on open grazing, including cattle movement by foot and urged the Federal Government to support willing states to develop alternative livestock breeding systems.
They vowed to keep the unity of Nigeria on the basis of equity, justice and peaceful co-existence.
The communiqué also resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern states.
It expressed concern over the gridlock on the Oshodi/Apapa expressway in Lagos and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy, being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf.
The governors recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other states of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country.
The governors expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and state governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic.
Also yesterday, the Federal Government outlined some measures it has adopted to halt the security menace.
National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lucky Irabor and Inspector General of Police Baba Usman gave an insight into some of the new measures.
They spoke at the end of the third meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) – the third in 11 days – presided over by President Buhari.
Monguno said the President had given directive on how to deal with enablers of crime and the need to find quick response with a view to mitigating the growing threats to society.
He added: “Specifically, issues of drug abuse as propellants for crime, how to make the criminal justice system much more effective, as well as looking at issues of unemployment, which of course, the Federal Executive Council had given an approval, through previous memos on how to get 100 million people out of poverty, that was also discussed. Then, again, the lack of an effective crime reporting system.
“Again, the President has given direction on how to make these things effective. Already, the NCC has been given certain instructions on how to deal with this, but Council has agreed that the level of insecurity in the country, especially in the last one month, is something that has to be addressed with the immediacy that it requires.”
Acting IG Usman, said President Buhari had approved new security measures for combating the situations in the Southeast and Southsouth regions.
Baba, who like the NSA refused to disclose details of the new instructions and plans for combating the situations, however, appealed to the public to assist the security in achieving success.
“We have some measures which we have outlined and have been approved by the Council and we’ll see how we can change the narrative within the quickest possible means to restore law and order and restore peace in that area”, he said.
Gen. Irabor said Council had been briefed on the activities of the armed forces so far and had considered their various needs.
“No doubt, far-reaching decisions were made. The Council was pleased with the actions and of course, the prayers that were made, which Council has also graciously undertaken to look into.
“These, of course, have to do with manpower development, training and equipment issues, and thankfully, the glow on my face should, of course, give you an indication as to the graciousness of the National Security Council, in relation to the briefings that we’ve given in this regard and I believe that going forward, we shall be translating that and it will have some great impact on the security disposition across the country”, he said.
News
NNPC CEO Ojulari Receives Prestigious Energy Institute Fellowship in London
NNPC CEO Ojulari Receives Prestigious Energy Institute Fellowship in London
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has earned international acclaim as its Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Energy Institute (FEI), United Kingdom — one of the highest honours in the global energy industry.
The Fellowship recognises senior energy leaders who have demonstrated sustained, high-impact contributions to the advancement of the energy sector. It was formally conferred on Ojulari during International Energy Week (IEW) in London, a leading platform for energy policy, finance, and industry leadership. (punchng.com)
The honour was presented by Andy Brown, President of the Energy Institute, who praised Ojulari’s transformative leadership of NNPC Ltd., highlighting his role in strengthening governance, embedding a performance-driven culture, and repositioning the company for long-term value creation.
Under his stewardship, NNPC Ltd. has implemented investor-focused reforms, enhanced operational excellence, and expanded strategic global partnerships, all contributing to increased confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector. The recognition reinforces NNPC’s ongoing transformation into a commercially driven, globally competitive, and transparent energy company.
READ ALSO:
- FCT Polls: CSO Situation Room Flags Late Voting, Vote Buying, Logistical Challenges
- ADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election
- Trump Moves to Indefinitely Suspend Work Permits for Asylum Seekers
Significance for Nigeria and Africa
Experts note that the FEI Fellowship is not only a personal achievement for Ojulari but also a major institutional endorsement of NNPC Ltd.’s reform agenda. Being recognised at International Energy Week, which convenes policymakers, financiers, regulators, and industry leaders, positions the company at the centre of critical global energy discussions on sustainability, energy transition, and capital formation.
The award also signals growing international confidence in NNPC Ltd. and highlights Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa’s energy security and global energy transition ambitions. (vanguardngr.com)
Ojulari’s Leadership Achievements
Since assuming office, Engr. Ojulari has overseen multiple strategic reforms at NNPC Ltd., including:
- Driving governance and operational reforms to boost accountability.
- Expanding strategic partnerships and investor-focused initiatives.
- Enhancing execution efficiency across the company’s subsidiaries.
- Positioning NNPC Ltd. as a credible, investment-ready energy enterprise.
These efforts have not only improved the company’s profitability and performance but also strengthened Nigeria’s energy security and market competitiveness. (punchng.com)
Ojulari described the Fellowship as a reflection of collective effort within NNPC and reiterated his commitment to sustainable value creation, global best practices, and energy sector innovation.
NNPC CEO Ojulari Receives Prestigious Energy Institute Fellowship in London
News
FCT Polls: CSO Situation Room Flags Late Voting, Vote Buying, Logistical Challenges
FCT Polls: CSO Situation Room Flags Late Voting, Vote Buying, Logistical Challenges
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over multiple irregularities in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections, citing late polling unit openings, reports of vote buying, and logistical challenges that could affect voter participation.
According to the Situation Room, a coalition of over 70 civil society organisations advocating for credible elections in Nigeria, many polling units opened late, with an average start time of 9:15 a.m., well after the official 8:30 a.m. schedule. Observers also noted low voter turnout in several areas, particularly in AMAC, although queues began forming later in Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji Area Councils.
Vote Buying Observed
The coalition reported instances of vote buying, with voters allegedly offered up to ₦10,000 in exchange for ballots in units such as PU008, PU056, PU057, and PU058 in Gidan Mangoro Ward, AMAC. While some of the transactions were open, others were conducted discreetly.
The Situation Room warned that such electoral malpractice undermines the integrity of the election and called on electoral officials, political parties, and security agencies to intervene and prevent further incidents.
READ ALSO:
- ADC Defeats APC to Win First Polling Unit in FCT Area Council Election
- Trump Moves to Indefinitely Suspend Work Permits for Asylum Seekers
- Peller Escapes Generator Fire at Lagos Home, Recalls Earlier Lekki–Epe Scare
Logistical and Accessibility Issues
Observers noted that some voters struggled to locate their polling units after last-minute changes communicated by INEC via text messages. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) generally performed efficiently, with a one-minute average accreditation time, though malfunctions were reported in a few units including Gwako Town Primary Schools II & IV and PU143, Gwagwalada.
The Situation Room also highlighted accessibility challenges for voters with disabilities, noting that braille ballot guides, magnifying glasses, and other assistive materials were largely absent, even in designated disability communities such as Karimajiji and PU052, Wuse.
Security and Election Conduct
Security personnel, including officers from the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence, Immigration Service, and Fire Service, were present in significant numbers and generally maintained order and professionalism.
Isolated incidents of intimidation and harassment were reported in locations such as Grade 1 Area Court, Rubochi (Kuje); Naharati Sabo School II, Rimba/Ebagi; and PU3, UNG Liman/UNGWAR LIMAN 1, Abaji Central, but security agents swiftly resolved these situations.
Call for Calm and Integrity
The Situation Room commended the INEC FCT Help Desk for promptly addressing reported issues and called on all stakeholders to maintain calm, resist vote buying, and ensure that the will of the people is respected as the polls continue and results are collated.
The report was jointly signed by Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, co-conveners of the coalition.
FCT Polls: CSO Situation Room Flags Late Voting, Vote Buying, Logistical Challenges
News
Trump Moves to Indefinitely Suspend Work Permits for Asylum Seekers
Trump Moves to Indefinitely Suspend Work Permits for Asylum Seekers
United States President, Donald Trump, has introduced a sweeping immigration proposal that could halt the issuance and renewal of work permits for asylum seekers for many years, marking what analysts describe as one of the most consequential shifts in U.S. asylum employment policy in decades.
The proposed rule, released on Friday by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeks to suspend new employment authorisation for asylum applicants until the average processing time for designated asylum cases falls to 180 days or fewer.
According to DHS data, the asylum case backlog now exceeds 1.4 million applications, with the department projecting that meeting the 180-day benchmark could take between 14 and 173 years under current conditions—effectively creating an indefinite suspension of asylum work permits.
Despite the bleak projections, DHS said administrative restructuring, staffing increases, and efficiency-focused reforms could eventually reduce processing delays. However, officials acknowledged that significant improvements would take time.
READ ALSO:
- Peller Escapes Generator Fire at Lagos Home, Recalls Earlier Lekki–Epe Scare
- Abuja Church Expels Newly Married Woman Over Refusal to Consummate Marriage
- Pastor Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murdering Landlord in Akwa Ibom
In a statement accompanying the proposal, DHS said the rule, if finalised, “would reduce incentives for frivolous, fraudulent, or otherwise meritless asylum claims.” The department stressed that work authorisation is not an entitlement, but a discretionary benefit granted by the DHS secretary.
If implemented, the policy would generally bar migrants who entered the United States unlawfully from receiving new work permits or renewing existing ones while their asylum claims remain pending.
Limited exemptions would apply only to individuals who alerted U.S. border officials within 48 hours of arrival that they feared persecution, torture, or faced another urgent humanitarian threat.
The proposal forms part of a broader immigration clampdown under President Trump, who returned to office in 2025 after campaigning on stricter border enforcement and tougher asylum standards.
Throughout his campaign and early months back in office, Trump portrayed immigrants and asylum seekers as economic and security burdens, claims that critics argue are not supported by crime or labour market data.
Immigrant advocacy groups, civil rights organisations, and some Democratic lawmakers have criticised the proposal, warning that denying work permits could push asylum seekers into poverty, increase dependence on charities, and drive people into undocumented employment.
Legal experts also expect significant court challenges, arguing that the rule could weaken long-standing U.S. and international asylum protections and undermine due-process guarantees.
The proposal will undergo a 60-day public comment period once it is formally published in the Federal Register on Monday. The regulatory process could extend for months or even years, with the final outcome uncertain amid anticipated legal battles.
Until then, existing regulations governing asylum seeker work permits in the United States remain in force.
Trump Moves to Indefinitely Suspend Work Permits for Asylum Seekers
-
Politics2 days agoPeter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027
-
International3 days agoCanada Opens New Express Entry Draw for Nigerian Workers, Others
-
News2 days agoPolice to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
-
International2 days agoEpstein, Ex-Israeli PM Named in Alleged Profiteering From Boko Haram Crisis
-
Education11 hours agoUTME: JAMB Clarifies Position on Hijab During Biometric Capture
-
metro3 days agoOsun Awards 55.6km Iwo–Osogbo–Ibadan Road Project to Three Contractors
-
Politics3 days agoUpdated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64
-
metro3 days agoOndo Monarch Killed as Bandits Strike Akure North