News
INEC seeks media support in establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunal
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has called on the Nigerian media to back the call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal.
The Commission highlighted the need for a dedicated legal framework to ensure the swift prosecution of electoral offenders.
Chairman of the Nigeria”s electoral umpire, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, laid this emphasis during the commission’s first regular quarterly consultative meeting with media stakeholders in Abuja on Friday.
Yakunu said the Commission under his watch is committed to improving the country’s electoral process, adding that prosecuting offenders has remained a major challenge for the Commission.
Yakubu pointed out that judiciary processes are slow, adding that offenders are currently prosecuted in Magistrate and State High Courts, where they compete for attention with numerous other cases.
“A major obstacle to the speedy dispensation of justice in this regard is that electoral offences are not time-bound as is the case with post-election offences through the tribunals,” the INEC boss said.
“Consequently, electoral offences are carried over from one general election to another, which may sometimes affect the diligent prosecution of the cases.
He said the Commission is currently prosecuting 774 electoral offenders from the 2023 general elections in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
According to Yakubu, some convictions have been achieved in states such as Kebbi and Kogi but lamented that many cases remain pending.
Yakubu called on the media to amplify advocacy for the tribunal.
Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in its response, through the union’s Secretary, Achike Chude, who represented the newly elected of NUJ President, Hassan Yahaya, assured the Commission of the association’s continued collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the electoral body is crucial to Nigeria’s democracy.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday declined to accept Prince Emmanuel Kanu’s appearance on behalf of his brother, Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he is not a legal practitioner.
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
Dangote to Uzodimma: Just show me where to invest
Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s brother court appearance
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