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  • UN Security Council Endorses Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, Approves Temporary International Force

    UN Security Council Endorses Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, Approves Temporary International Force

    New York, November 17, 2025 — The United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution endorsing a U.S.-proposed peace plan for Gaza and authorizing the deployment of a temporary international force in the enclave, following two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

    Resolution 2803 (2025), sponsored by the United States, passed with 13 votes in favour and none against, while China and Russia abstained.

    UN Security Council

    The text of the resolution welcomes the Comprehensive Peace Plan unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump on September 29, which outlined a 20-point roadmap for ending hostilities and rebuilding Gaza. The plan’s first phase led to a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel several days after its announcement.

    Creation of Gaza Board of Peace

    The resolution further welcomes the creation of a Board of Peace (BoP), described as a “transitional administration” responsible for overseeing reconstruction efforts and political stabilisation in Gaza.

    It authorizes the BoP to establish a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) “to deploy under unified command acceptable to the Board of Peace.” The ISF, the resolution says, will operate “in close consultation and cooperation” with Egypt and Israel, with member states contributing personnel and resources.

    📰 Related Story: UN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Swift Deployment of Gaza Peace Force – The UN chief calls for “urgent mobilisation” of resources to stabilise Gaza and rebuild basic services within six months.

    U.S. Hails ‘New Course’ for the Middle East

    Speaking after the vote, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, thanked Council members for supporting what he called “a new course in the Middle East for Israelis and Palestinians and all the people of the region alike.”

    “Today’s resolution represents another significant step towards a stable Gaza that will be able to prosper and an environment that will allow Israel to live in security,” Waltz said.

    He added that the International Stabilisation Force “will help stabilise the security environment, support the demilitarisation of Gaza, dismantle terrorist infrastructure, decommission weapons, and maintain the safety of Palestinian civilians.”

    📰 Related Story: Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Plan: Key Provisions and Reactions – A breakdown of the U.S. President’s proposed roadmap and how it aims to balance Israeli security with Palestinian reconstruction.

    Arab States Back Plan, Call for Justice

    Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the efforts undertaken by President Trump to advance peace in the region. However, he stressed that “genuine peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people, who have waited for decades for the establishment of their independent State.”

    Bendjama noted that the resolution had received broad support from Arab and Muslim countries, adding that “the Palestinian Authority at the highest level has openly welcomed the initiative.”

    📰 Related Story: Palestinian Authority Welcomes UN Vote, Calls It ‘First Step Toward Statehood’ – Ramallah officials say the new UN resolution could revive the long-dormant two-state framework.

    Russia, China Abstain

    Explaining Russia’s decision to abstain, Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said the Council was, in essence, “giving its blessing to a U.S. initiative on the basis of Washington’s promises.”

    He warned that the resolution handed “complete control over the Gaza Strip to the Board of Peace and the ISF, the modalities of which we know nothing about so far.”

    China also abstained but did not issue an immediate statement following the vote.

    Background

    The two-year Gaza war, which began in late 2023, resulted in thousands of casualties and large-scale destruction across the enclave. The newly endorsed U.S. plan seeks to stabilise the territory, initiate reconstruction, and pave the way for eventual Palestinian self-governance under international supervision.

    The International Stabilisation Force, to be drawn from multiple countries, is expected to begin deployment within weeks, pending agreement on its command structure and mandate duration.

  • Veteran Journalist and Newswatch Co-Founder Dan Agbese Passes Away at 81

    Veteran Journalist and Newswatch Co-Founder Dan Agbese Passes Away at 81

    By Dahiru Ali, Abuja, Nigeria | November 17, 2025

    Nigeria’s media industry is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Mr. Dan Agbese, a respected journalist, columnist, and co-founder of the defunct Newswatch Magazine. He passed away on Monday morning in Lagos at the age of 81.

    Family sources confirmed that Agbese died peacefully after a brief illness. His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian journalism, particularly for those who followed Newswatch during its influential years in the 1980s and 1990s.

    Agbese, together with Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Yakubu Mohammed, co-founded Newswatch in 1984. The magazine broke new ground with its fearless investigative reporting and bold political commentary, setting new standards for press freedom in Nigeria.

    A graduate of the University of Lagos and Indiana State University in the United States, Agbese was widely admired for his clarity of thought, professionalism, and deep insight into national issues. Throughout his long career, he championed ethical journalism and mentored many young reporters who would later become media leaders.

    Tributes have poured in from journalists, politicians, and civil society figures across the country. Many have described his death as “a monumental loss to the Nigerian press.”

    In a statement, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) commended Agbese for his “unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth and the defense of press freedom,” calling him “a beacon of integrity and inspiration.”

    Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.


  • Aliyu: Azikiwe’s Political Compromises Preserved Nigeria’s Unity

    Aliyu: Azikiwe’s Political Compromises Preserved Nigeria’s Unity

    By Dahiru Ali, Abuja | Monday, November 17, 2025

    Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has said that Nigeria’s founding father, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, made critical political compromises that preserved the country’s unity and prevented its early disintegration.

    Dr. Aliyu Babangida

    Aliyu made this remark at the 6th Annual Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture held in Abuja to mark Azikiwe’s 121st posthumous birthday.
    The lecture, themed “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development,” drew scholars, statesmen, and diplomats.

    Aliyu, who chaired the National Planning Committee for the event, noted that the early post-independence years were fraught with ethnic tension and political uncertainty, but Azikiwe’s pragmatic leadership helped stabilize the nation.

    “Zik was a Nigerian even before Nigeria gained its independence. He was at the forefront of the struggle. As a realist, he made necessary compromises to ensure the survival of the nation,” Aliyu said.

    He recalled that before the 1966 coup, Azikiwe entered a political alliance with the NPC, becoming Nigeria’s first ceremonial president. Similarly, during the Second Republic, Azikiwe’s NPP formed an alliance with the NPN, again promoting unity across party and regional divides.

    “Anyone who loves this country must do so regardless of the challenges,” Aliyu said.
    “If we were to choose where to be born, many might not choose Nigeria. But since it was not our choice, we must love the country where our Creator placed us.”

    Aliyu said Azikiwe’s patriotism remains a moral lesson, adding that all faiths teach love of one’s country as a virtue.

    His comments come amid renewed calls for Pan-African revival across the continent.
    Recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, speaking at a summit in Accra, Ghana, urged African leaders to revisit the ideals of Azikiwe and Kwame Nkrumah, lamenting that “Africa has lost the spirit of unity that once inspired its liberation movements.”

    Umar-Kogo Calls for Moral Rebirth

    Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mainasara Umar-Kogo, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), called for a moral rebirth and a return to Pan-African values.

    He lamented that despite the foundation laid by figures like Azikiwe, Nkrumah, and Nelson Mandela, Africa remains trapped in corruption, disunity, and leadership failures.

    “Let us be honest with ourselves,” Umar-Kogo said. “What kind of house have we built after Zik? A house divided by ethnic strife cannot endure. A house corroded by corruption cannot inspire.”

    He added:

    “A house without justice cannot lead. If Nigeria must be the cornerstone of Africa, its own house must be in order. A divided, corrupt, or lawless Nigeria cannot unify or inspire Africa.”

    Umar-Kogo stressed that Pan-Africanism was not just an economic project but a moral and political mission, calling for leaders who embody integrity, courage, justice, and service.

    In a related development, the African Union (AU) announced plans to honour Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe at its 2026 Summit in Addis Ababa for his “extraordinary contribution to continental unity and liberation struggles.”
    The honour will coincide with the AU’s Year of African Renaissance, aimed at celebrating post-independence visionaries who championed African cooperation and identity.

    Call to Immortalise Zik’s Legacy

    Chief Chineme Onyeke, Director-General of the annual lecture series, said the event was established to ensure that nations not only remember their heroes but sustain the dreams they inspired.

    He disclosed that the organisers plan to establish the Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies — a research and training institution to nurture ethical and visionary leaders.

    “We appeal to the Federal Government, through the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support this vision by allocating land for the project,” Onyeke said.
    “History does not remember us by our titles or speeches, but by the values we uphold and the institutions we build.”

    His remarks align with a recent Federal Ministry of Education announcement that the lives and philosophies of Nigeria’s founding fathers — Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo — will be included in the revised Civic and History Curriculum for secondary schools.
    According to the ministry, the goal is to “restore historical awareness and civic pride among young Nigerians.”

    Zik’s Widow Urges Preservation of History

    Prof. Uche Azikiwe, widow of the late statesman, commended the organisers for keeping her husband’s ideals alive.

    She called for more efforts to document Nigeria’s political history and the contributions of its founding fathers.

    “Most of our problems stem from the fact that we do not know what happened in the past,” she said.
    “Even as Zik’s wife, I learned new things here today. If we truly knew our history and the foundation of this country, Nigeria would have been something entirely different.”

    Prof. Azikiwe urged the inclusion of accurate historical accounts in schools, saying a nation without a clear memory of its past risks losing direction and identity.

    📰

  • Obla’s Cry for Justice and Benue’s Uncomfortable Truth

    Obla’s Cry for Justice and Benue’s Uncomfortable Truth

    When a people are denied leadership for nearly five decades, anger stops being noise — it becomes history knocking for fairness.

    By Dahiru Ali

    “Obla didn’t curse Benue — he challenged it to grow up.”

    When Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, sat before the camera and poured out his heart, it wasn’t the rant of a bitter man.
    It was the lament of someone who has carried the weight of silence for too long.

    His viral video — where he decried the systematic exclusion of the Idoma people from leadership in Benue State — was less a provocation and more a cry for justice.

    But, in a familiar twist, that cry was met with accusation.

    Majagara Bem Ugoh, convener of the Takuluku Anyam Azenga Advocacy Organization (TAAOR), released an open letter titled “An Advisory to Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, on His Hate Speech and Venomous Diatribe Against the Tiv People.”
    In it, Ugoh accused Obla of divisive rhetoric and claimed that Tiv political dominance was simply “democratic reality” — a function of population and voter choice.

    It was a tidy rebuttal. But tidy arguments don’t erase truth.

    Democracy Without Fairness Is Just Numbers

    Ugoh’s defence leans heavily on demographics. Yes, the Tiv are the majority.
    But democracy is not only about numbers; it is also about justice.

    When one group wins power every time for nearly half a century, something is fundamentally wrong with the system — not with the minority that dares to question it.

    Since 1976, Benue has had six governors. Every one of them Tiv.
    Not a single Idoma or Igede person has held the state’s top office.
    That’s not coincidence. That’s a pattern.

    And so, when Obla says the Idoma are marginalised, he’s not stirring trouble — he’s stating a fact.

    The Cry Behind the Accusation

    Let’s be honest: Obla’s words were passionate, even fiery. But anyone listening beyond the tone would hear a wounded truth — the frustration of a people who have contributed, cooperated, and compromised for decades, yet remain perpetually sidelined.

    Those quick to brand him a tribalist forget that political inequality, when left unaddressed, breeds the very division they fear.
    The Idoma are not asking to replace the Tiv. They are asking to be recognised as full citizens of Benue — not guests in their own home.

    “Obla’s emotion was not hatred. It was heartbreak.”

    Ugoh’s Letter and the Comfort of Power

    In his open letter, Ugoh pointed to Idoma figures who have held positions such as Chief Judge, SSG, and Commissioner.
    Fair enough. But inclusion isn’t about a few appointments — it’s about access to the centre of decision-making.

    Tokenism cannot replace equality.
    Giving someone a seat at the table does not mean they are allowed to speak.

    Ugoh’s appeal to “peace” and “mutual respect” sounds noble, but peace without fairness is merely quiet oppression.
    Asking the Idoma to be calm while every meaningful position remains out of reach is not unity — it’s control disguised as harmony.

    Benue’s Peace Is Built on Idoma Patience

    Benue loves to describe itself as peaceful and united.
    But that so-called peace is fragile because it relies on the patience of the excluded.

    Every time an Idoma leader speaks up, they’re told to tone it down — to protect “unity.”
    But unity without justice is simply a truce.

    What Obla did, uncomfortable as it was, is to call the bluff.
    He reminded Benue that a state cannot move forward when one group is perpetually leading and the other perpetually waiting.

    “Ugoh’s camp calls for calm; Obla calls for correction.”
    The first preserves comfort; the second invites change.

    The Truth in the Mirror

    Chief Obla did not attack the Tiv — he attacked inequality.
    And for that, he deserves engagement, not condemnation.
    His message was not “we against them.” It was “we deserve better.”

    Benue needs to hear that message without fear.
    The state’s progress depends on honesty — the kind that forces us to confront the imbalance we’ve normalised for decades.

    Ugoh’s eloquent letter may have satisfied political correctness, but it didn’t answer the core question:
    When will Benue be led by all its people, not just some of them?

    Obla’s Cry Is Not a Curse

    Chief Obla’s words may have been raw, but they were real.
    He spoke the truth that polite politics has long buried under courtesy and compromise.
    His message wasn’t about division; it was about dignity.

    Benue’s future will not be decided by who shouts the loudest, but by who listens longest.
    And if those in power truly believe in unity, they must start by sharing it.

    Obla didn’t curse Benue — he challenged it to grow up.

    #BenuePolitics #GodwinObla #MajagaraUgoh #IdomaInclusion #TivIdomaRelations #NigeriaOpinion #DemocracyAndJustice

  • Natasha moves to thaw frosty relations with Akpabio

    Natasha moves to thaw frosty relations with Akpabio

    Strong indications appeared, Thursday in Abuja that the frosty relation between Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio had thawed.

    This follows an invitation extended to the latter to attend her project commissioning event.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had scheduled the inauguration of projects executed to the benefit of her constituents in Kogi Central to take place sometime next week and extended an invitation letter to the Senate President and other colleagues.

    The invitation from Natasha to fellow Senators , was contained in a letter personally signed by her and read in plenary by the President of the Senate .

    Natasha in the letter invited the entire Senators to join her in projects commissioning in Ihima Kogi State on Sunday to mark her second year in the Senate .

    ” The letter reads in part : ” In marking my second year anniversary as serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria , I wish to invite fellow Distinguished Senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State”

    Meeting point for the event as stated in the letter , is Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan residence at plot 101 Jimoh Akpoti Street Ihima , Okene Kogi State .

    As announced by the President of the Senate , she added in the letter that for Senators traveling by Air for the event , Obajana Airstrip can be used for landing before proceeding to Ihima by road .

    Apparently pleased with the invitation, Akpabio after reading the letter , congratulated Natasha in advance , saying ” Congratulations in advance ” .

    Recall that the feud between the duo over seat re-allocation in the hallowed chambers of the Senate in February this year , snowballed into wider crisis and suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan for six months by the Senate on the 6th of March this year .

    Uon her resumption from the six months suspension on the 24th of last month , Senator Natasha has been interfacing with Akpabio in plenary through contributions to proceedings.

    One of such instance was an additional prayer she made to resolutions adopted on Criminal Code Act ( Amendment) Bill , 2025, considered in the Senate on Tuesday last week ; but her letter to all Senators , read by Akpabio on Thursday, is the closest of all so far .

  • Presidency reacts to Senate’s confirmation of Service Chiefs

    Presidency reacts to Senate’s confirmation of Service Chiefs

    In a gesture akin to parting each other’s back, the Presidency has commended the senate for smooth confirmation of the President Tinubu’s Service Chief nominees.

    Few hours after confirmation of appointments of new Service Chiefs by the Senate on Wednesday , the presidency reacted to it with elation .

    Specifically the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters , Senator Basheer Lado in a personally signed statement, expressed his happiness on the smooth screening and confirmation of appointments of the Service Chiefs by the Senate .

    Senator Lado in the statement said : “As the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, I facilitated this crucial interface to ensure a smooth and coordinated engagement between the Executive and the Legislature, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to effective governance and national security.

    “The appointment of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), AVM Sunday K. Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represents a strategic step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and fostering synergy among the Armed Forces for the protection of our nation’s sovereignty and citizens.

    “I extend my profound appreciation to the President of the Senate, the Senate Leadership, and Distinguished Senators for the prompt and thorough consideration that led to the confirmation of the new Service Chiefs.

    “Their commitment underscores the strong collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature in advancing the national interest and ensuring the security and stability of our dear nation”

  • Senate commends Tinubu, Akpabio, NFIU, Others Over Nigeria’s Removal from FATF Grey List

    Senate commends Tinubu, Akpabio, NFIU, Others Over Nigeria’s Removal from FATF Grey List

    The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a motion commending President Bola Tinubu for their roles in securing Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East) and brought under Matters of Urgent Public Importance pursuant to Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended).

    Senator Udende’s motion was titled, “Need to Commend the Executive, the President of the Senate, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and Other Stakeholders for Their Efforts in the Removal of Nigeria’s Name from the FATF Grey List,”

    Others mentioned for commendation in the motion were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and key financial and anti-corruption agencies

    Presenting the motion, Senator Udende noted that Nigeria’s delisting by FATF was a major milestone reflecting the country’s success in addressing strategic deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

    He said the development demonstrates Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and global financial integrity standards.

    Udende recalled that Nigeria’s previous inclusion on the Grey List had exposed the nation to increased international monitoring, reputational risks, and reduced investor confidence.

    He attributed the recent delisting to “extensive reforms and coordinated policy actions” implemented by the Executive, National Assembly, and regulatory agencies.

    The Senate, in its resolution, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the NFIU and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    Others are the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other stakeholders for their “tireless efforts” in strengthening Nigeria’s financial governance systems.

    Lawmakers expressed delight that the delisting has already boosted investor confidence and enhanced Nigeria’s credibility in the global financial community.

    They noted that Nigerian financial institutions would now enjoy smoother cross-border operations, improved remittance inflows, and reduced compliance costs.

    The Senate further observed that the development would have long-term economic benefits, including increased foreign direct investment, stronger regulatory stability, job creation, and enhanced trade competitiveness.

    In its resolutions, the upper chamber urged all relevant financial and law enforcement agencies to sustain the momentum by maintaining full compliance with international standards and preventing a relapse into the FATF Grey List.

    The Senate also mandated its Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to intensify legislative oversight and policy reviews to further strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.

  • Anambra Guber: INEC Boss Warns Against Vote-Buying, Extends PVC Collection

    Anambra Guber: INEC Boss Warns Against Vote-Buying, Extends PVC Collection

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning against vote-buying ahead of the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Tuesday during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) held to review preparedness for the upcoming polls.

    Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people, noting that the Commission had completed a week-long readiness assessment across Anambra State.

    “Our mandate is to conduct credible elections, and we are determined that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised,” he stated.

    He, however, disclosed that INEC encountered network issues during a recent Mock Accreditation Exercise conducted in 12 polling units across six Local Government Areas using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).


    He assured that necessary steps are being taken to ensure a seamless voting process on election day.

    Providing further updates, the INEC Chairman said results of the election would be collated at 326 ward centres, 21 local government centres, and finally at the State Collation Centre in Awka.

    Following a report that only 63.9 percent of registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), Amupitan announced an extension of PVC collection in Anambra State.


    The exercise, he said, will continue from Wednesday, October 29, to Sunday, November 2, 2025, to allow more voters to obtain their cards.

    “Our mission remains ensuring that every logistical, security, and operational element required for the Anambra election is perfectly in place,” Amupitan added.

    He also emphasized the importance of synergy among security agencies, describing it as “non-negotiable” in the effort to safeguard the integrity of the polls.


    The Commission, according to him, has concluded arrangements with transport unions, including the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Maritime Union Workers of Nigeria (MUWN), hiring 200 buses and 83 boats for the smooth movement of electoral materials and personnel.

    The INEC boss warned political actors and stakeholders against any form of inducement or vote trading, stressing that security agencies must ensure a zero-tolerance environment for vote buyers.

    “We must join hands to combat the menace of vote buying.


    Security agents cannot afford to create an environment that allows vote buyers to operate during the Anambra election.


    Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work relentlessly for the credibility of our elections,” Amupitan said.

  • Join the race if opposed to Turaki as consensus candidate – Zamfara Gov.

    Join the race if opposed to Turaki as consensus candidate – Zamfara Gov.

    Describes the agitation by some members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the adoption of Sen. Tanimu Turaki as the consensus candidate for the party’s national chairman as normal in politics

    The Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal has challenged members of the party who are opposed to the emergence of Tanimu Turaki as consensus candidate for the Chairmanship of the party to join the race.

    Tanimu Turaki

    Lawal, who is the Chairman of the Convention Special Duties Sub-Committee, stated this in an interview with newsmen after the sub-committee’s inaugural meeting at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

    The PDP Northern Stakeholders had, on Wednesday, endorsed Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties, as their consensus candidate for the party’s Nov. 15 national convention in Ibadan.

    Lawal, while stating that consensus was allowed in PDP’s constitution, however advised anyone not comfortable with it to test his popularity at the national convention.

    “No matter what we do, some people will still be aggrieved. Even if we bring you, some people will say ‘No’, you have an issue. It is normal. It is part of politics.

    “What we are doing is to try and bring everybody together in the interest of this party.

    “It is an ongoing process and I can assure that things will be okay. But it is normal to have agitations.

    “You can see, we have gone through a lot in the past and now, things are getting better day by day. I am very sure, very optimistic, that we will bounce back. In fact, we are already bouncing back.

    “In the constitution of our party, there is a provision for consensus. So there is nothing new. It is okay; it is normal. It is part of our constitution in PDP,” he said.

    Lawal, however, urged all the sub-committees to accord the committee the needed cooperation and respect for the success of the convention.

    “To the members of special duties committee, the trust reposed in you is immense. You are the architects of our convention’s solvency and the guidance of its operational integrity. I have every confidence that you will rise to this challenge with distinction,” he said.

    Speaking earlier during the accreditation sub-committee’s inaugural meeting at the Legacy House in Abuja, Lawal said that the party was working internally to bring everyone on board for a successful convention.

    “Well, I don’t think that should be something we should be concerned about, because in politics, it’s about give and take. No matter who is selected, there will always be agitation from the other members.

    “So it’s normal, It is something that is internal. And we are working on making sure everybody is on board so that we can have a very, very successful conference,” he said.

    Lawal, who also chaired the accreditation sub-committee meeting, acknowledged the current political climate, urging members of the party and stakeholders to embrace unity and genuine reconciliation.

    Addressing concerns over the defection of some governors from the party, Lawal said PDP remained unshaken.

    “The only thing that is constant and permanent is change.

    “In 2015, when PDP had over 29 to 30 governors, what happened at the end of the day? I’m sure you’ll be the judge. So as I said, no shaking, no alarm.

    “Our great party is a family, and like any family, we may have disagreements, but the overall interest of this collective family must supersede individual ambitions,” he said.

    The governor called on PDP leaders to provide unbiased and selfless service to consensus-building and a truly all-inclusive convention.

    “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. We must stand together; we must work together; we must heal together,” he stated.

    Lawal also tasked members of the accreditation committee to uphold integrity, fairness and transparency as the ‘gatekeepers of the convention’.

    He implored them to give the assignment the ‘total dedication and selfless commitment it demands’.

    “The work you are about to undertake is the very foundation upon which a credible, transparent and successful convention will be built,” he said.

    Lawal described the committee’s mandate as both a honour and a very heavy burden, with clear responsibilities including provision of delegate tags and ensuring the welfare and accreditation of all participants, from dedicated delegates and observers to the Board of Trustees.

    “This is not merely an administrative task; it is a sacred trust. You are the gatekeepers of our convention’s integrity,” he said.

    On the logistics, the governor assured that arrangements were in place for the transportation and accommodation of all delegates.

    “The whole essence of this committee is to work on the logistics. There will be no major issue,” he assured.

  • I Won’t Negotiate Election Integrity, My Coming to INEC is Divine – Amupitan

    I Won’t Negotiate Election Integrity, My Coming to INEC is Divine – Amupitan

    …Says ‘Eyes of the nation are upon us’ as he assumes office as INEC Chairman

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, who formally assumed office at the Commission’s headquarters, Thursday, in Abuja has described his appointment as a divine call to service.

    Consequently, he pledged to uphold integrity and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Amupitan, who has been sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over from May Agbamuche-Mbu, who had been serving as Acting Chairman of the Commission following the exit of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

    Speaking during an interactive meeting with INEC directors shortly after taking over, the new chairman expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a “divine assignment,” vowing that election integrity would not be compromised under his watch.

    “I am here for a purpose. Maybe if I had a choice, I would have said I would not come here. But from all indications, I can see that God is moving this country, and my coming is divine. With God saying go, who am I to say no? I am here because I have a role to play to ensure that a new Nigeria is birthed,” Amupitan said.

    He stressed that the integrity of elections is not negotiable, adding that every Nigerian voter must trust that their vote will count.

    “Our mandate is very clear, to deliver free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people. Every voter must feel confident that their vote counts,” he said.

    Amupitan, who was accompanied by his wife, children, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, along with other officials from the institution where he previously served, assured INEC staff that his administration would prioritize their welfare and professional development.

    He emphasized the importance of teamwork, accountability, and synergy among departments, noting that the success of the Commission depends on collective effort.

    “For me, staff welfare is going to be a priority. We will expect a lot from you, and because of that, you also deserve to be well equipped and supported to deliver. We will work assiduously to ensure that your working conditions are conducive and that you have the necessary resources to excel,” he said.

    The new INEC boss acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, which he said would serve as a litmus test for the Commission’s commitment to credible polls.

    “Together, let us uphold the values of democracy and work tirelessly for the credibility of our elections. The task may be challenging, but if we stand united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The eyes of the nation are upon us. We must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that we are capable of conducting elections that meet the expectations of Nigerians,” he declared.

    Amupitan also commended Agbamuche-Mbu for her leadership during the transition period and thanked INEC staff for their continued dedication to duty.

    He urged them to work in unity, break silos, and commit to strengthening democratic values through credible elections.