The Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, is embroiled in a major crisis following a N5 million donation by the church authorities.

The conflict reportedly escalated during a Sunday service when Muyiwa Oluponna, claiming to be the son of the church’s founder, disrupted the service in a bid to assert himself as the church’s shepherd.

Witnesses said Oluponna interrupted Acting Shepherd Adetayo Adetola mid-sermon, seizing the microphone and declaring his right to deliver sermons every second Sunday of the month. A viral video of the incident shows heated arguments between Oluponna and church members.

In response, the church’s task force, led by Akinbode Adjovi, shut down the parish for 40 days to restore order.

Adetola recounted the disruption, alleging that Oluponna demanded the N5m earmarked for church renovations and clergy housing be handed over to his family.

“That Sunday, our shepherd was not around and I was put in charge of the church. I was also assigned to give the sermon. We started the service and everything was going well until he (Oluponna) snatched the microphone from me, demanding to speak.

“I respected him and gave him the microphone because I knew him as a family member of the church founder. Immediately he collected the microphone, he said the N5m given to the church by the headquarters for renovation does not belong to the church but to the family of Oluponna who founded the church.

“He also demanded that money be given to the family, insisting that the church belongs to the family and not the community or the CCC authorities.

“He also demanded that he be made the church shepherd and be allowed to give sermons every second Sunday of the month. We all kept quiet until he finished.

“After that, I took over to deliver the sermon, but to everybody’s surprise, he came back and snatched another microphone from one of the choristers and came to the pulpit to give the sermon. That was when we all resisted him”, Adetola said.

When Oluponna attempted to deliver a sermon, tensions peaked, leading to resistance from church members.

Shepherd Emmanuel Iperepolu also accused Oluponna of repeated threats and confrontations, which he believes escalated after the donation was announced.

“He has been causing trouble and demanding the money, claiming the church belongs to his family. The authorities and police are now involved,” Iperepolu stated.

Kayode Ajala, Head of Media and Publicity for the CCC, confirmed the temporary closure of the church to prevent further violence.

“The church is a house of God but when things are going wrong and people’s lives are being threatened we have to do something.

“The church authorities cannot fold their arms and allow people to get killed; we have to intervene and this is why we shut down the church temporarily, while investigation is going on.

“All those involved in the conflict are being talked to and resolution is going on and once all that is done, the church will be reopened,” Ajala said,” Ajala said.

Oluponna declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the matter remains between the family and the church.

Some Nigerians in Finland are in panic following the arrest and detention of separatist leader, Simon Ekpa.

Ekpa is one of the leaders of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.

According to sources, Nigerians in the European country are afraid of commenting on the arrest of the suspect over fear of being attacked.

A Nigerian community leader, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, noted that the Igbo community was “gravely affected” by the violent acts of the secessionist group.

He said, “Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest. The key people in Finland and the Igbo community at large are not ready to lend their voices either.”

The source noted that some persons were being accused of reporting Ekpa to the police and were being threatened.

“A particular person they accused now, they’re after him. This happened before he (Ekpa) was even remanded—what will happen when they imprison him? Everyone is afraid. These people are very deadly,” the source said.

Another resident, who also asked not to be identified, said there was tension among Nigerians in the country.

“People don’t want to speak about Ekpa for fear of being hunted by his followers. We believe that they will hunt whoever comes out to talk about their leader. But the Finnish Government is trying to get rid of the situation.”

Ekpa’s arrest

Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on Thursday by Finnish authorities on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

Checks by Saturday PUNCH revealed that his X handle (@simon_ekpa) had been inactive for four days.

Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is accused of using social media to promote violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, including attacks on civilians and the authorities.

He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting comments and sit-at-home orders to the people of the South-East.

The suspect gained international notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which were enforced through violent means, contributing to attacks on residents.

Before his arrest, Ekpa had attracted global attention, with thousands of Nigerians worldwide petitioning the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action against his disruptive activities.

In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, urging Finland to cooperate in addressing Ekpa’s threats.

A local publication in Finland, Yle noted that the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation acted on the reports by detaining Ekpa and later releasing him.

The Finnish police also confirmed that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, and four of his accomplices were arrested as part of an international investigation.

A report stated that the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered Ekpa’s remand in prison, “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”

The police stated that the main suspect, Ekpa, was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four unnamed accomplices were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”

A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed via email to Saturday PUNCH that further details about the suspects couldn’t be disclosed.

Laaksonen explained that “NBI Finland cannot confirm the name of the suspect(s). The proceedings in the district court and contents of the decisions are classified at this point of the investigation,” adding, “The Ministry of Justice is the competent authority regarding extraditions.”

Hunt for sponsors

Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have begun to search for suspected sponsors of the suspect, particularly those financing his alleged terror activities from the United States.

An X user, @Burmese_Tyga_, stated that those sponsoring him should be identified and brought to book.

He said, “If Simon Ekpa is indicted for terrorism in Finland and you know anybody in the US who has donated to him, pls forward name and address to me. I’ll make a comprehensive list I’m sending to the Department of State as sponsors of terrorism.

“Someone has to pay for the lives wasted and blood spilled in Igbo land. Destroying your lives here in the US is the least we can do.”

Several names were thrown up under the tweet, as some of those identified denied having any relationship with him.

But a user, @MaaziFaisal, said the Finnish Government might check his financial flow.

“And those in Diaspora and at home funding his terrorism act will be brought to book,” he added.

Detention excites IPOB, MASSOB indifferent

The spokesman for IPOB, Emma Powerful, said people in the South-East were happy with the arrest of the suspect, adding that he had been responsible for the many travails in the region.

He said, “There was no rest; people could not sleep with two eyes closed, people cannot go to another village for visitation because of what he is doing with his criminal gang.

“Except the politicians that are supporting him that will not be happy with what is happening to him. Now he has said that he is not a prime minister of Biafra and that he is an ordinary member. He is not our member.

“If they (government) feel that they can extradite him, better. If they feel like bringing him for trial in Nigeria, it is okay. But they know those sponsoring him.”

But the spokesperson for the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Samuel Edeson, said the group had commenced consultation on Ekpa’s arrest.

Edeson said, “We are still studying the events and circumstances surrounding the arrest. We will consult other groups and do the needful when we are done.”

Nigeria monitors situation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Nigerian government would continue to track the progress of Ekpa’s case, emphasising the importance of addressing the influence of IPOB and transnational actors on the country’s national security.

The spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement on Friday, confirmed the arrest of Ekpa on Thursday.

“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

“The ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security. The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement said.

Extradition process

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, on Thursday, suggested that Ekpa, who is the leader of the Eastern Security Network, the paramilitary wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, would be extradited to Nigeria to face criminal charges.

However, experts have expressed concerns about the challenges involved in the process, highlighting significant legal and diplomatic hurdles.

Some argue that Finland and Nigeria do not have an extradition treaty, which may create a problem for Ekpa to face charges for the alleged crime in Nigeria.

However, a former Nigerian envoy, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, said the decision to extradite would ultimately depend on the nature of the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

He said even in the absence of a direct extradition treaty, multilateral agreements could play a role.

“It is possible that countries may extradite individuals based on multilateral agreements, even if there is no direct treaty between them,” he added.

He also highlighted the role of international law, noting that as a sovereign nation, Nigeria’s interests would be protected under the United Nations framework.

“No member of the United Nations would support actions that threaten the sovereignty of another member nation unless there is a direct bilateral dispute,” Farounbi added.

The ex-envoy also emphasised that Finland would follow due process and the rule of law in any extradition decision, and that the court’s ruling would be based on Finland’s legal framework, not Nigeria’s.

“If Simon Ekpa’s actions are deemed to threaten Finland’s diplomatic interests, the court could rule against extradition based on Finnish law,” he said.

After years of fading into obscurity, Olajumoke Orisaguna, the Lagos bread seller, who rose to fame in 2016 after being discovered by renowned photographer, TY Bello, is making a remarkable comeback—this time as a broadcaster.

Popularly known as Jumoke Oniburedi, she captured national attention when Ty Bello spotted her during a photo shoot while she was selling bread on the streets of Lagos and saw her potential as a model.

Her story of rising from grass to grace became a media sensation, featuring her on magazine covers and inspiring countless Nigerians.

However, her journey took a downward turn four years ago when she lost her fame, wealth, and public relevance after falling victim to fraud allegedly orchestrated by her former manager.

Jumoke claimed she was deceived by the manager, who siphoned her money made through endorsement deals and other business engagements.

She revealed this during a meet-and-greet event titled The Comeback of Olajumoke (Oni Bredi), hosted by Cardinal Foundation, where she recounted her ordeal.

Jumoke said, “I really suffered and lost everything. She took me to South Africa twice for a documentary, but I had to pay for our flights and accommodation. When we returned to Nigeria, she only gave me N50,000. I had no money, nothing. I lost everything. I started calling people for food. It was Aunty Azuka and TY Bello who came to my rescue.

“Aunty Azuka paid my rent, furnished a shop for me, and regularly sent me foodstuffs and money to take care of my daughters. It was that bad.

“I have learned my lessons, and I will never leave those who truly mean well to me again.”

Jumoke expressed gratitude to the CEO of Media Room Hub, Azuka Ogujiuba, TY Bello, and Mrs Adedoja Allen, who supported her during those challenging times.

Despite her strained relationship with Ogujiuba, whom her former manager had allegedly alienated her from, Ogujiuba provided financial assistance for food and rent.

“Aunty Azuka and TY Bello really helped me. Whenever I called Azuka for help, she would provide it, even when she didn’t have much—her daughter would step in. TY Bello also assisted me financially. I am so grateful to these two women; they were my saving grace.”

To help Jumoke rebuild her life, Ogujiuba approached the CEO of City FM and founder of Cardinal Foundation, an initiative of Cardinal Broadcasting, Mrs Adedoja Allen, to offer her an opportunity in broadcasting.

Ogujiuba recounted how she involved the police to arrest Jumoke’s former manager, who had defrauded her. However, the case yielded no significant outcome as the manager was released and failed to honour subsequent police invitations.

Tajudeen Baruwa, who claims the title of National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has alleged that a top government official told his opponent, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, not to vacate office as the new President of the union despite the appeal court judgement sacking him.

Naija News reports that Baruwa, in an interview with Punch, dismissed insinuations that the Federal Government had a hand in the crisis rocking the union.

Baruwa stated that there are speculations that a top government official is backing MC Oluomo not to leave office and nothing will happen.

He said, “I am not aware of that because there is no information from anywhere to that effect. No one has told me that the Federal Government has a hand in the crisis affecting our union. I only heard the rumour that a top government official had been supporting him (MC Oluomo). That is the rumour that is making the rounds. Up till yesterday (Wednesday), we also heard that this top government official told MC Oluomo that he should not leave office and that nothing will happen. But it is a rumour because I did not hear it from the top government official himself. You know how rumours fly in our union, and when they do not see anything, they will not say it. They must see traces before they can say it out.”

Asked why he had not been reinstated as the NURTW president based on the appeal court ruling, Baruwa said, “You know that the law is a process, and we must follow the due process of the law. You cannot just bring any person and put them there as the union’s president because you have court judgment. Due process has to be followed. We are following due process to ensure that I am reinstated as the NURTW president, and I know MC Oluomo is not above the law; I am also not above the law. So, MC Oluomo cannot say he will not vacate that position.”

Baruwa further allayed fears that MC Oluomo’s relationship with President Bola Tinubu might hinder his reinstatement as the president of the NURTW.

He added, “I don’t know what you are talking about. All I know is that I am President Bola Tinubu’s son. I am a Yoruba man and a member of the All Progressives Congress. So, everybody in Nigeria today is a son or daughter of President Tinubu. So, MC Oluomo is not the only son or loyalist of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. You and I and other Nigerians are Bola Tinubu’s sons now.”

The Federal Government has denied reports that it stopped the disbursement of funds to Rivers State.

Recall that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) had earlier on Friday announced that it halted the disbursement of October revenue payment to Rivers State, citing the Federal High Court judgement.

Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the OAGF, who spoke to journalists on Friday, emphasised that the federal government would respect the court order halting allocation with due diligence until a contrary order is issued.

“What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the federal government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State’s allocation,” he said.

The OAGF’s spokesperson further noted that due diligence would be followed “as long as there is no contrary order,” adding that “the process of disbursement of the October 2024 monthly allocation is going.”

The development comes amid ongoing the protracted political battle between Governor Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Speaking later to Saturday Tribune, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation stated that “disbursement of October allocation to states and local governments by FAAC is ongoing.”

He explained that “Rivers State will benefit because of a subsisting appeal/stay of execution order.”

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on Friday, reserved judgements in five separate appeals arising from the judgements of a Federal High Court in Abuja on the Rivers State government political crisis.

One of the appeals is against the judgement of the High Court which stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing federal allocation to Rivers State.

The presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, Justice Hamma Barka reserved the judgements to a date that would be communicated to the parties after all processes filed in the appeals were adopted by counsel.

The appeals are, CA/ABJ/CV/ 1277/2024, CA/ABJ/CV/ 1303/2024, CA/ABJ/CV/1293/2024, CA/ABJ/CV/1287/2024 filed against the judgements of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered on October 30, 2024 and appeal number, CA/ABJ/CV/ 1196/2024 against the judgement delivered by same Federal High Court on October 2, 2024.

Earlier, while adopting his briefs of argument in the appeal, Yusuf Ali, SAN representing the Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2024 prayed the court to consolidate the five appeals, a request the court granted.

It would be recalled that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court, Abuja had, in a judgement delivered on 30th October stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing monthly financial allocations to Rivers State government.

The court held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by Governor Fubara is a constitutional summersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

Justice Abdulmalik who issued the order in a judgment in the suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rt Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule as its Speaker, held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly was an affront to the constitutional provision.

The Judge specifically held that Fubara’s action in implementing unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect and consequently restrained the apex bank, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Justice Abdulmalik held that the action of the four-member Rivers State House of Assembly being held on to by Governor Fubara as yardstick to justify unlawful budget had since been nullified and set aside by the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

According to the Judge, the judgment of the Rivers State High Court, which gave power to the governor to implement the 2024 budget, had also been set aside by the Court of Appeal.

She said, the Appropriation Bill for January to December 2024, being operated by the 5th defendant (Fubara), having not been passed by the lawful House of Assembly is illegal unlawful and subversion of the 1999 Constitution.

According to the Judge, “It is mandatory to present Appropriation Bills before the appropriate Houses of Assembly before legitimate disbursement and withdrawal can be made.”

She also issued another order of injunction which restrained Fubara, Accountant General of the state and their agents from authorizing the withdrawal of money from the Rivers state bank accounts domiciled at the Zenith Bank and Access Bank until the budget of the state is passed by the appropriate House of Assembly.

The suit, which has the Rivers State House of Assembly and Rt Hon Martin Chike Amaewhule as plaintiffs, has the CBN, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Accountant General of the Federation, Rivers State governor, Accountant General of Rivers, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon Justice S. C. Amadi, Chief judge of Rivers state, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, chairman of RSIEC and Rivers State government as defendants.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has maintained its ultimatum to state governors to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage by December 1, 2024, warning that no extension will be granted.

Confirming the stance, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, told Saturday PUNCH in Abuja, “Yes, the ultimatum still stands. Nothing has changed.”

The deadline, issued earlier this month, has prompted several state governments to hasten their negotiations with labour unions in a bid to meet the requirements.

In Sokoto State, Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Gobir assured the state chapter of the NLC that the government is committed to implementing the wage adjustment.

“Go and bring your proposal for the new minimum wage implementation, and I assure you that I will facilitate the process of quick harmonization,” Gobir said during a meeting with labour representatives.

The Sokoto NLC Chairman, Abdullahi Jungul, commended the government’s willingness to engage, urging workers to remain calm as the union promptly submitted its proposal.

Similarly, Zamfara State announced plans to commence payment of the new minimum wage once an ongoing verification of workers aimed at eliminating ghost workers is completed.

The state previously failed to implement the 2019 ₦30,000 minimum wage under former Governor Bello Matawalle.

In Taraba State, the government has approved the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage with effect from November 2024.

The state’s Head of Service, Paul Maigida, said, “His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers in Taraba State.”

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang also approved the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage following an agreement with the Committee on Consequential Adjustment on Salaries.

In Cross River State, negotiations between the government and workers are ongoing, with no resolution yet in sight.

In Imo State, the government has remained silent on the issue, while in Osun State, the committee on minimum wage has yet to finalize any package for workers.

The National Vice President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Etim, said the union is closely observing developments across states to ensure compliance.

“State governments must act swiftly to avoid industrial action. The rising inflation leaves no room for delays in implementing the new wage,” Etim said.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a factional leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday.

In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the ministry’s acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, revealed that Ekpa was detained on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran activist, declared a Biafran government-in-exile in 2022 and subsequently proclaimed himself as its leader in 2023.

According to the statement, Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to disseminate separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage unlawful acts that have significantly destabilized Nigeria’s southeast region.

The Ministry highlighted that Ekpa’s arrest followed diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government, which had consistently urged Finland to take decisive action against his destabilizing activities.

The statement read: “The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21.

“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

“The Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the southeast of Nigeria.

“Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fuelled by his online activities.

“The arrest of Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the southeast of Nigeria.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the development as a crucial step toward curbing IPOB’s activities and reducing the influence of transnational actors undermining Nigeria’s security.

The federal government has disclosed that the monthly funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) would no longer be paid to the Rivers State government.

This was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa.

Mokwa said the decision is in compliance with a court order on the political situation in Rivers State.

Though the spokesperson of the AGF’s office confirmed that no state of the federation had been paid the FAAC revenue for the month of October, the government would respect the court order as it pertains to Rivers State.

“What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation,” Daily Post quoted him to have said.

The development is coming amidst the faceoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Naija News recalls that a court had ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the federal government to stop the payment of FAAC revenue to Rivers State until Governor Fubara represents the state’s budget to the House of Assembly recognized by the law.

The ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Federal High Court also prohibited the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from granting Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.

Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels for electoral integrity.

The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.

“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.

Obasanjo pointed out that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.

“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail.

“INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.

However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”

“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote

DAILY POST reports that the call is a renewal of the controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Edo states.

DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.

The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.

However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.

“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku.

Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reasons for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.

Amadi had earlier in a post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.

“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.

Also speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.

“There were allegations that election results were manipulated.

“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.

“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.

“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.

“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.

“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.

Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.

Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness were unconvincing.

He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.

“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures.

“Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.

“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.

“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.

“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task.

“Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.

“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.

“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.

“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”

On his part, Onyebuchi Igboke, the Project Manager of Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance and Convener, Office of the Citizens, told DAILY POST that the electoral commission should be for persons of integrity.

Igboke particularly noted that the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of many Nigerians contrary to his promise to transmit presidential election results in real time.

According to him, the electoral system in Nigeria should be reformed, suggesting that the power of the President to appoint the INEC chairman be removed.

He said: “INEC as an institution should be manned only by persons who have integrity. From what was observed from the last election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians.

“He made a promise severally before the 2023 presidential election to transmit results electronically, not just the transmission of results but in real time.

“However, everyone was disappointed how the results for the presidential election weren’t transmitted as he promised.

“I totally agree with what the former President Olusegun Obasanjo said about the institution lacking in integrity. In a sane clime, the INEC chairman should have resigned after the event of the 2022 general election.

“In the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Edo states, we saw what happened. Is that what we wish to have as an election?

“Election is a serious business because it gives people the opportunity to recruit individuals who will manage their resources, lead them into prosperity, and solve their problems.

“Electioneering in Nigeria should be reformed. This should begin by removing the power of the President to even appoint the INEC chairman.”

Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.

Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at all levels for electoral integrity.

The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.

“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.

“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.

Obasanjo pointed that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.

“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.

However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”

“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote

DAILY POST reports that the call comes fresh from the divided opinions and controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off cycle elections in Kogi and Edo states.

DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.

Athough Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, respectively, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.

The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not prescribing and deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.

However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.

“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate Atiku.

Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reason for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.

Amadi had earlier in post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.

Amadi’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Monday Okpebholo as winner of the Edo State governorship election last September.

“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.

But speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.

“There were allegations election results were manipulated.

“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.

“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.

“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.

“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.

“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.

Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing.

He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.

“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures. Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.

“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.

“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.

“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.

“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task. Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.

“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.

“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.

“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May 2024 and November 2024.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, also ordered the suspension of recruitment into the state’s civil service until further notice.

Okpebholo, however, accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the state’s civil service. The statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City stated that preliminary investigations revealed that backed-dated employment letters were issued without due process.

According to the statement, “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of the report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back-dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process. “For the avoidance of doubt, this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercise should be merit-based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes.

“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government.

“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive”, the statement added.