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The sexual offences and domestic violence court in Ikeja, Lagos State has sentenced a 25 year old teacher identified as Chukwunonso Okafor to life imprisonment for raping a three year old girl.
Okafor was arraigned before Justice Abiola Soladoye convicted Chukwunonso on Wednesday, May 28 on three counts for rape and sexual assault.
The culprit carried out this act offences between July and December 2022 in Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos State, while he was working as a teacher.
During the court ruling, the culprit testified that the he had been molesting the girl for a long time.
Justice Soladoye then sentenced him to life imprisonment on two counts and seven years jail term on the third count.
In the first count, Justice Soladoye sentenced Chukwunonso to life imprisonment for sexual assault, having forcefully engaged in sexual activity with a minor an offense that violates Section 261 of the Criminal Law, Chapter 17, Volume 3, Laws of Lagos State 2015.
For the second count of defilement, he also received a life sentence, as prescribed under Section 137 of the same law.
The third count resulted in a seven-year prison term under Section 135.
Nollywood actor, Nonso Diobi has opened up about his personal life, and his decision to remain single, pointing out the challenge of separating his movie characters from real-life relationships.
The actor, who is known for his romantic roles in several Nollywood classics, explained that the romantic roles he usually plays in movies affected his approach to love and commitment.
The 48-year-old noted that it became difficult to draw a clear line between acting and authentic emotional connection.
He added that despite making conscious decisions to settle down, it hasn’t worked well for him.
“Everything I knew about love came from a script. As a young man growing up, I never experienced real love. There was no time for me to engage in that journey or create my own world of relationships. I found love before I found fame. That was love for me but industry happened.
“I became too busy. I changed. She was too good, too real, but I was changing, she couldn’t understand it.
“Everything about the industry took all of me. If I knew that the world would be what it is today, I would have tied the knot with her back then,” he noted.
Former US first Lady Michelle Obama has spoken about her frustrations about being married to Barack Obama.
She spoke during an interview with her brother Craig Robinson for an episode of their IMO podcast, bringing on as their guest Dr. Sharon Malone, who is married to former Attorney General Eric Holder.
She recalled that the women first met at a Congressional Black Caucus event when Barack Obama was a U.S. senator.
'They put us together because we were both reluctant spouses attending one of these huge dinners,' the former first lady recalled. 'And what, where were they? Was Barack a U.S. senator?'
President Barack Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004 after becoming a nationally recognised political figure for the stirring keynote he delivered at the Democratic National Convention earlier that year. He remained a senator until 2008, resigning after he was elected president of the United States.
'There was a line of people waiting to shake hands with our respective husbands,' Michelle recalled of the Senate-era affair. 'You know, people, like reaching over our heads and spilling water on us, trying to get to these two, you know, illustrious men.'
She made eye contact with Malone and realised they needed to be friends.
'She had the same look on her face as I did, like, "Here we go,"' Michelle recalled. 'And I looked over at this beautiful woman ... But I just saw the look on her face, which expressed the sentiments that I felt, which was.'
'P***ed off,' Robinson offered. Michelle rejected that. She said it was more like, 'You see this? Like, this is crazy, isn't it, girl?' the former first lady said.
This comes after Michelle addressed divorce rumours between herself and her husband during a taping of actress Sophia Bush's podcast last month
'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,' Michelle said.
'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' she continued.
Michelle added: 'That's what society does to us.'
'We start actually, finally going, "What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?" And if it doesn't fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.'
No fewer than 40 oil licences will expire in June 2025, and the companies holding these assets may lose them unless the Minister of Petroleum renews their licences in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act.
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s Upstream Concession Situation Report in May, the various licences, which were granted to different companies on June 28, 2022, will expire on June 27, 2025.
They include petroleum prospecting licences granted to oil companies after the completion of the 2020 marginal fields bid round. The NUPRC said the law provides for an optional extension of three or five years, however, the extension will depend on the company’s performance.
Marginal fields are smaller oil blocks that have been developed but have remained unproductive for a period of over 10 years.
The Federal Government began the marginal field programme in the 90s to offer Nigerian indigenous oil and gas companies the opportunity to play a more active part in the exploration and production segment of the petroleum sector by owning and operating oil blocks.
The 2020 marginal bid round had successful bidders for the 57 marginal oil fields put up for lease by the government at that time.
Some of the companies that emerged as winners at the time included Matrix Energy, AA Rano, Ardova Plc, Duport Midstream, Genesis Technical, Twin Summit, Bono Energy, Deep Offshore Integrated, Odu’a Oil, MRS, and Petrogas.
Others were North Oils and Gas, Pierport, Metropole, Pioneer Global, Shepherd Hill, Akata, NIPCO, Aida, YY Connect, Accord Oil, Pathway Oil, Tempo Oil, and Virgin Forest, among others.
It was shown from the NUPRC data that the licence to operate the Emohua field of OML 22 by EOP Energy will expire next month. EOP Energy comprises Erebina Energy Resources Limited, Omega-Butter Marginal Fields Ltd, and Intessa Energy Ltd. In the same vein, Ardova Plc and Petrodev’s approval to operate the Olua field of OML 25 through Ardogreen Energy will expire at the same time.
Ingentia Energies Limited, made up of Suntrust Oil Company, Petrogas Energy, and Sonora GTP Ltd, may lose the Egbolom field of OML 23 without renewal. Unless renewed, Matrix Energy and Bono Energy Limited’s Atambia E&P will cease to be the operators of the Alamba field of OML 42, while Energia and Annajul Rosari will lose the Irigbo field in the same OML 42.
ENEROG Limited, comprising Energia and Sterov Consortium, may also lose its licence to produce oil from the Ugbo field of OML 40. It was reported that A. A. Rano and Acrete Petroleum’s licence to operate the Oloye field of OML 95 is also affected.
Similarly, Odu’a Investment Company and Pioneer Global Resource & Integrated Energy Ltd may cease to be the operators of the Bita oil field under OML 95 without the approval of the minister. Transit Oil’s Kudo field in OML 89 will also expire in June.
It was also gathered that Deep Offshore Integrated and Virgin Forest E&P’s licence to run the Bime field in OML 49 is set to expire at the same time. Platform Petroleum, Shepherdhill, and Nord Oil’s SHN Energy Ltd are currently the operators of the Kurl field in OML 49, but the licence expires soon.
Our correspondent reports that the licence issued to Northwest Petroleum, Genesis Technical, and Gab & Nutella to operate the Ede field of OML 67 under Ede E&P Ltd is also affected. Duport’s Ekpat field in OML 67 is also involved, as well as Oceangate Engineering Oil’s Udara field in OML 70.
Nkuku field of OML 70, being operated by NIPCO E&P, Aries Petroco Resources, Vhelberg E&P, Pathway Universal Investment, Grende Oil, and AMG, is also affected. Our correspondent gathered that some of the holders of these licences have left them idle since 2022.
According to the document sourced from the NUPRC website, it was stated in accordance with the PIA and other regulations that an application shall be made to the commission for renewal of an oil mining lease or conversion under certain regulations.
“In the case of a production sharing contract, the application shall be made by the concessionaire. In the case of indigenous Nigerian companies on a sole risk basis for which the government has not backed in, the application shall be made by the concessionaire(s), which include assignees.
“In the case of a joint venture, the application shall be made jointly by the concessionaire(s). In the case of marginal fields, the application shall be made jointly by the awardee(s). In the case of a renewal of an oil mining lease granted to Nigerian companies on a sole risk basis for which the government has successfully backed in, the application shall be made and signed jointly by the concessionaire(s).
“In the case of an oil mining lease, an application for renewal shall be made to the Commission by the lessee(s) pursuant to section 303(1) of the Act and the regulations,” it was stated.
According to the commission, in the case of renewal of an oil mining lease, pursuant to Sections 303 (1) and 93 of the Petroleum Industry Act, the application shall be made at least 12 months before the expiration of the oil mining lease. This means that any company that wants its licence renewed ought to have applied for that since June last year.
The NUPRC told our correspondent that the law provides for an optional extension of three or five years, depending on the terrain. However, the extension will depend on the company’s performance.
The commission’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Olaide Sonola, said in an exclusive interview that the renewal or otherwise depends on the result of an ongoing engagement with these companies. Sonola added that this will also have to do with the guidelines the commission is working on.
“The law provides for an optional extension of three or five years, depending on the terrain. The extension will depend on the company’s performance, the result of an ongoing engagement, and the guidelines we are working on,” she said.
Expert reacts
An energy expert, Professor Emeritus Wumi Iledare, said the renewal of the licences is only likely if meaningful exploration or development activities have been undertaken. According to Iledare, where such activities are absent, renewal becomes increasingly unlikely.
After careful scrutiny of the NUPRC data, Iledare said the licenses are primarily Petroleum Prospecting Licenses governed by the stipulations of the Petroleum Industry Act. He stated that each licence comes with a predetermined expiration or relinquishment date.
Renewal, he stressed, is contingent upon meeting the criteria set by the upstream regulatory commission. The don noted that the holders of the oil blocks ought to or might have contacted the commission since they knew their licences would expire soon.
“It is not unusual for licences to expire after the initial three-year term, and renewal is only likely if meaningful exploration or development activities have been undertaken. Where such activities are absent, renewal becomes increasingly unlikely,” Iledare stated.
He commended the commission for supporting leaseholders and enforcing the PIA. “The commission deserves commendation for its efforts in supporting leaseholders while firmly enforcing the PIA’s provisions, particularly regarding the timely relinquishment of hydrocarbon blocks at the end of their terms. I am proud of this new approach to regulatory enforcement under the PIA,” Iledare added.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has made known its determination to revoke all dormant oil assets.
Apparently worried by the country’s dwindling oil revenue, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, said the ‘drill or drop’ policy will be implemented, saying the government will take over all idle oil wells from operators holding on to them.
The government also threatened to revoke all licences given to individuals and companies that have refused to start oil exploration.
“One of the things we want to do to ramp up production is to see that any well that is idle has to be allocated to people. The PIA gives the opportunity that any well that hasn’t been used in the past few years could be farmed out and given to people who have proven capacity to do exploration so that we can boost production.
“I am engaging stakeholders, the IOCs, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to say, ‘Look, if you have a multiplicity of oil wells and you are not using them, we will apply the law’.
“One of the reasons why our production is low is because we have too many shut wells, some of them contiguous to our marginal fields or oil wells. But by the time we take those wells in line with the law and give them to people, and we give a timeline upon which you must produce, we will be able to increase production,” Lokpobiri said at a function last year.
The minister disclosed that out of about 60 companies that got approvals in the last marginal bid round, only a few had started production, saying he would not hesitate to cancel unused licences.
“I don’t need to know you to renew or sign your licence, and I will also not look at your face for me to cancel it. Out of those who benefited from the last marginal bid round, out of about 60, maybe only about three or four or five have started producing.
“Their licences will expire soon because it is for three years, and renewable for another three years. But the condition is that you have a work plan. if you don’t follow your work plan, I also have the discretion to cancel it. If somebody has the marginal oil licence and doesn’t have the capacity to raise funding, you’re just impoverishing him,” he mentioned.
The PUNCH reports that the NUPRC will soon launch the 2025 licensing bid round.
...violators to pay hefty fine
France will ban smoking in outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, starting July 1, 2025. This includes beaches, parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.
Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, made this known on Thursday, May 29.
“Tobacco must disappear where there are children.
“The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” Vautrin told Ouest-France newspaper.
The rule will also stop students from smoking in front of schools. Anyone who breaks the rule may be fined up to €135 ($154).
However, the ban does not apply to France’s famous outdoor cafe terraces or to electronic cigarettes.
France already bans smoking in many public places like workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds.
Anti-smoking groups have long called for wider restrictions.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 35 per cent of France’s population smokes—more than the average in Europe (25 per cent) and around the world (21 per cent).
Against his earlier pronouncement that he was not keen on returning to the Brick House (Government House), the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will soon return to his duty post.
Fubara charged supporters, Rivers people, and Nigerians to thank President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention to avert anarchy in the state, which was looming due to the festering political crisis.
He also said that the peace and reconciliation process, which was a precursor to restoring all Executive and Legislative institutions and offices, was already underway, and assured that democracy and good governance would soon return in the State, with both arms working together for the good of the people.
Governor Fubara stated these at a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement as part of activities to mark his two years in office as Governor of Rivers State in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
“I want to assure you that the issues will soon be resolved, and you will come back to your offices, not just at the Executive arm, but also legislative arm. And I also believe that the strong relationships we had before will return, and we will begin to work together again, for the good and progress of the State. What is important is for us to have a forgiving spirit.”
While urging his supporters and the entire Rivers people to show unreserved appreciation to the president for his bold action to halt the degenerating political crisis in the state, he tasked them to totally subject themselves to the peace process to enable the state move forward.
“We are already in the peace process. I want you to thank Mr President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the State. If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.
“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process. And that is what we are doing. What is important is for the State to move forward. It is not about you; the interest of the State is paramount.”
He noted that but for the political situation, orchestrated by the crisis, the second year celebrations would have been used to showcase some of the key milestones recorded by the administration in various sectors across the state, and assured that the government would bounce back stronger, more united and engineered to deliver quality dividends of democracy to the people.
Governor Fubara explained that those expressing anger and grievances have the right to do so, but quickly added that the time has come for all to embrace peace, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness for the development and progress of the state.
The governor pleaded for forgiveness from anyone who may have felt disappointed in his handling of the crisis, emphasising that his actions were guided by a desire to protect the peace and progress of the State.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the steps he has taken as a father to restore peace, stability and good governance in the state, and assured reconciliation with the former governor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, very soon.
The governor disclosed that since the President’s intervention, several reconciliatory meetings had been held, including some at the FCT minister’s residence.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” in reference to Wike, adding, “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
Fubara said that he was indebted to the people for their sacrifices and opportunity to serve and promised to continue to show respect for the people of the State, who entrusted him with the mandate.
“One important thing in this life is respect. I want to earn the respect of the people, not force it on them…I’m with you completely,” he said, and thanked Rivers people and all Nigerians who stood by him during the period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers.
A wanted Enugu State-based native doctor, Obi Obieze, was on Wednesday arrested at Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme expressway by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
More details have emerged on how the wanted and alleged ritualist and kidnapper was arrested.
Witnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Obieze, also known as Obu Onyeka, was on a commercial Bajaj motorcycle going to Seme to escape when the personnel of NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command at about 2.00 p.m. arrested him.
According to the sources, Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, escaped and took a night bus to Mile 2, Lagos, around 10.00 a.m.
“He took a commercial car from Mile 2 to Badagry roundabout, from where he hired a commercial Okada rider to Seme border.
“The commercial motorcyclist had passed the checkpoint of the immigration in Gbaji a little before an officer ordered the rider to stop, recognising the person he was carrying.
“Obieze made an attempt to escape, but he was quickly apprehended by the officers who took him to the command office immediately.
“He was detained at the NIS cell while the controller in charge of Lagos State Border Patrol Command contacted the headquarters of NIS about the arrest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller General, NIS, Kemi Nandap, had confirmed his arrest.
Nandap confirmed it in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Akinsola Akinlabi, on Thursday, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the NIS Comptroller General said that the suspect had been declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command.
She said that Obieze, a native of Umuojor village in Ezeagu Council Area, Enugu, and a known traditionalist, was allegedly involved in the abduction of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday, May 27.
“According to reports, the girl was kidnapped by three men while walking to the farm with her father.
“She was later rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from a shrine allegedly linked to the suspect. The incident was first reported by a national daily on Wednesday, May 28.
“Acting on credible intelligence, officers of the NIS Lagos State Border Patrol Command apprehended Obieze at the Gbaji checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme Road while he attempted to flee the country on a motorcycle.
“The suspect was found in possession of a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) enrolment slip, which confirmed his identity.
“During preliminary questioning, he reportedly confessed to the crimes,” she said.
Nandap, however, said that the NIS was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a seamless handover of the suspect for further investigation and prosecution.
She reaffirmed the service commitment to national security and border control, stating that NIS would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the fight against cross-border crimes. (NAN)
Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claims of having revived Nigeria’s economy as an insult to the millions of Nigerians currently enduring severe hardship.
Senator Wabara argued that if the President’s assertions were accurate, there would be no need to convince Nigerians—citizens themselves would be attesting to the administration’s achievements.
“The reality on the ground does not support President Tinubu’s claims. If he had truly improved the economy, Nigerians would be the first to testify,” Wabara said.
He pointed to the soaring inflation, widespread hunger, and deepening poverty as evidence contradicting the President’s remarks.
“It’s ironic that Mr. President is talking about economic revival when the economy is clearly deteriorating under his watch. The indices say otherwise,” he added. “Poor and hungry Nigerians do not need a lecture on economic revival. The first sign of improvement will be reflected in market prices.”
Wabara urged the President to use the remaining two years of his tenure to focus on real economic reforms rather than making rhetorical statements. He called on Tinubu to review key economic policies, particularly those related to multiple taxation, which he said are stifling businesses and worsening living conditions.
The PDP BoT Chairman also highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s security crisis, stating that insecurity has significantly contributed to food shortages by displacing farmers from agrarian communities due to attacks by bandits and criminal herders.
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mismanaging a once-thriving economy. “When the PDP was in power, Nigeria’s economy was among the top two in Africa. The APC has reversed those gains,” he said.
Despite the current challenges, Wabara expressed optimism that Nigeria’s economy would rebound once the PDP returns to power in 2027.
No fewer than 21 corpses were recovered, yesterday, and scores of people were declared missing, after a severe midnight flood caused by torrential rainfall wreaked havoc in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to sources, about 50 residential houses were submerged by the devastating Tuesday night flood, which caught many residents and commuters unawares, resulting in the loss of many lives and widespread destruction of property.
The two communities most affected are Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa, in Mokwa town.
In addition to the loss of lives, several vehicles, including commercial vehicles, private cars and trucks, were also trapped.
Drivers and commuters were seen struggling to navigate through the floodwaters, with no rescue efforts immediately available.
As of the time of this report, 21 bodies, including those of a woman and her two children, had been recovered, while many others remain missing.
A woman, her children, and several others who were injured were receiving medical attention, yesterday, at Mokwa General Hospital.
A statement by the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the disaster, stating: “There was a torrential downpour of very high intensity that lasted several hours, and the surging floodwaters submerged and washed away over 50 residential houses with their occupants.
“In response, the agency, in collaboration with the Mokwa Local Government Authority, local divers, and brave volunteers, are conducting search and rescue operations to recover survivors and bodies.
“At present, three survivors, a woman and her two children, are receiving treatment for wounds and shock, at Mokwa General Hospital.
“Twenty-one bodies have, so far, been recovered, while search and rescue operations are ongoing.”
Media
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has said the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other sister security agencies have made significant progress in addressing insecurity in different regions of the country in order to curb food insecurity.
General Musa stated this at an event in Lagos, tagged “Food Security and Sports Diplomacy,” organised by Lagos State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in commemoration of United Nations World Nutrition month.
Musa, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, Lagos listed the efforts as kinetic and non kinetic in nature.
According to him, “Some of these kinetic efforts include the counter insurgency operation, that is Operation Hardin Kunama against Boko Haram in the North East; Operation Fansan Yamma in North West, the Multinational Joint Task Force set up involving countries in Chad Basin; Operation Safe Haven to tackle communal violence, herders and farmers clash and banditry in the Middle Belt; Operation Whirl Stroke specially commissioned to combat armed bandits in Benue and Taraba states and also in Niger Delta to protect our oil installations, prevent and combat militancy and finally the Deep Blue Sea Operation, a security initiative lunched by NIMASA in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy.”
On the non kinetic operation, he said the armed forces in partnership with local communities, the Nigerian military has launch the Defence farm by establishing military managed farms in some areas, adding: “This initiative aligns with Federal Government’s efforts at addressing food insecurity and challenges and reflects the military commitment to sports as a tool to promote peace and community engagement.”
In her opening speech, Convener of the programme and Chairman, Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, said food nutrition and hygiene play vital role in every child’s endeavour, adding: “But imbibing basic hygiene measures and nutritional needs is more essential. Embracing healthy and safe nutrition gives right to life, right to live well, right to security, right to safety, right to good health, right to dream big and aspire well, right to happiness and right to become successful.
“As the global community continues to advocate the importance of international diplomacy, its diversity across the world, diplomacy in each nation has enhanced wider opportunities for cultural values via its strength of influence and diversity, hence promoting cultural relevance, economic development and investment opportunities.”
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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the recent incident where Nigerian students were forced to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, in dark and unfit conditions, calling it a ‘national disgrace.’
This came as the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies gave WAEC, a 24-hour ultimatum to appear before it on Friday, to address concerns surrounding the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE.
Meanwhile, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, slammed WAEC, for the delay in the conduct of English Language examination in the ongoing SSCE.
In a statement, Atiku urged immediate action to address the systemic failures in Nigeria’s education sector.
He said: “This is not merely an unfortunate incident, it is a damning indictment of our systemic failure to uphold the most basic standards in public education.
“It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and utterly indefensible that in 2025, our children are forced to write critical national exams in pitch darkness like second-class citizens.
“Examination preparedness is a shared responsibility between students and the examination authorities. In this case, it is glaringly evident that the latter has failed spectacularly in their duty.
“I, therefore, demand, unequivocally, that the affected examination paper be retaken in all compromised centres. Anything less would be a grave injustice to the students whose futures hang in the balance.
“Going forward, it is imperative that relevant authorities establish and enforce minimum environmental and infrastructural standards for all high-stakes national examinations.“
Reps give WAEC 24-hrs ultimatum to appear over ongoing exams
Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, issued the ultimatum, yesterday, following WAEC’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to appear before the panel.
According to Oforji, the committee had invited WAEC to provide explanations over widespread complaints and irregularities observed during the ongoing examinations.
In a statement, Oforji recalled that the committee extended an invitation to WAEC on May 27, 2025, seeking clarification on various issues disrupting the conduct of the exams across the country.
He expressed disappointment at WAEC’s absence during the scheduled hearing, yesterday, describing it as unacceptable given the scale of public outcry over the conduct of the exams.
“The examinations have been riddled with serious irregularities. We’ve received reports of students writing exams as late as midnight in some centres across the country.
“The House felt it necessary to summon WAEC to explain these developments and the trauma candidates are currently facing. However, WAEC responded this morning, saying they couldn’t appear due to their involvement in the ongoing exams. Ironically, this is the very reason we are asking them to appear.”
NANS slams WAEC over delay in writing English paper due to alleged leakage
In a statement yesterday by the National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, the association said: “We strongly condemn WAEC over the undue delay of the English Language paper on Wednesday ,allegedly due to the leakage of examination questions
“This development, which resulted in the postponement of the examination to an absurdly late period of 4p.m., to 7p.m., demonstrates a shocking level of insensitivity and a gross disregard for the safety and well-being of Nigerian students, particularly those in rural communities.
“The decision to hold examinations at such late hours not only endangers students, many of whom must navigate unsafe routes to and from examination centres, but also disrupts their psychological preparedness and undermines the integrity of the process. WAEC, as a long-standing examination body, is expected to be a beacon of professionalism, preparedness, and efficiency. The repeated incidents of examination paper leakage are a clear indication of systemic failures in WAEC’s security measures and operations.
“NANS strongly believes that these lapses tarnish the credibility of our educational system and unfairly burden Nigerian students, who are already grappling with numerous challenges.”
A former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Waziri, has said that, contrary to public opinion, it was the Military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, that left Nigerians with no choice but to choose between two of his friends, the late M.K.O. Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, in the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The ex-Minister explained that Nigerians were denied the opportunity to chose from an array of other ably qualified Nigerians, including the late General Shehu Yar’Adua and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
Waziri stated this at the Second Posthumous Legacy Colloquium held in honour of the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, in Abuja, yesterday.
The event was organised by Dokpesi’s friends and political family and associates under the aegis of D-37.
Waziri said: “Nigerians, out of disappointment, were forced to vote in 1993, for candidates not of their choice. So, while we are celebrating June 12, Nigerians were tired of military rule, so, they were forced to vote to see if they could just push the military out.”
Paying tribute to the late Dokpesi, whom he described as a pioneer in various fields, Waziri noted that his contributions in the field of politics, business and broadcasting cannot be easily forgotten.
He recalled some of the roles played by the late businessman and politician in promoting the political culture of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while he was alive.
He recalled his last encounter with the late businessman, broadcaster, and politician, saying, “At least we exchanged chat messages. I was asleep at about 11p.m., when I was woken up with the sad news. It was good he died at home.
Otherwise, the controversy of his death on that day would have had dire consequences on this country.”
He advised organizers of the event to document the role Dokpesi played in the nation’s politics, especially from 1999 to May 29, 2023, so that the history would not be lost.
![Biafra Day: Umuahia streets deserted as residents observe sit-at-home [PHOTOS]](/media/k2/items/cache/d4531d9d1fe3629ab4947c0f694353b5_XS.jpg)
Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, witnessed empty streets on Friday as residents stayed back in their homes in total compliance with the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) in honour of fallen Biafra heroes.
The roads were virtually deserted except for occasional movements of tricycles and a few vehicles.
Shops on the streets did not open for business, while markets and motor parks also shut down.
Banks, equally, did not open to customers, just as schools, both private and public, did not open to students and pupils.
Some youths were sighted on the empty streets playing soccer while some people clustered at the entrance of their premises, discussing the latest developments in the country.
No security agents were sighted parading the streets, but so far, the city had no incident of any clash between security forces and those behind the sit-at-home order.
see photos below
The #EndBadGovernance movement has said it plans to stage protests across all states of the federation on June 12.
The group said the reason for the decision is because it is not satisfied with the current administration’s economic policies.
One of the leaders of the movement, Hassan Soweto, revealed this during a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday.
The protests, according to Soweto, are aimed at expressing the grievances of Nigerians suffering from the fallout of the government’s economic reforms, which have exacerbated hardship for many citizens.
Soweto did not hold back in his criticism of the economic policies under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He stated that the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of the naira have had dire consequences on the nation’s economy, pushing millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.
“The removal of the oil subsidy and the naira devaluation have asphyxiated the national economy. This has led to widespread hardship, and without equivocation, we have to say that the past two years of President Tinubu’s government have been nothing short of a disaster for the masses of the Nigerian people,” Soweto said.
He further emphasised that the administration’s neo-liberal reforms, which he described as “anti-poor,” have decimated livelihoods on an unprecedented scale.
Beyond the economic toll, Soweto also expressed deep concerns about what he described as the “abuse of democracy” under the current government. He accused the Tinubu-led administration of stifling the freedoms and rights of Nigerians, likening the situation to a form of dictatorship.
“We have to say that Nigerians are living more or less like enslaved citizens. All the constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms that once inspired struggles against military rule and for democracy have now been completely taken away by the Tinubu administration. The civic space has shrunk to the point where Nigerians can no longer breathe,” he said.
Soweto also urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, to cooperate with the protesters.