National
South-South Forum Lauds Defence Minister for Tackling Oil Theft , Insecurity
The South-South Pan Nigerian Forum has commended Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, for his determined efforts in combating the challenges of oil theft and insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the forum’s spokesperson, Comrade Collins Emeka , the group highlighted Matawalle’s notable work in addressing the deep-seated issue of oil theft in the Niger Delta, a problem that has long plagued the region.
The forum praised Matawalle for his unwavering commitment to curbing the illegal oil bunkering that has devastated the local economy and contributed to Nigeria’s broader economic decline.
According to the forum, only a leader who truly understands the severe consequences of oil theft on the people of the Niger Delta would demonstrate such resolve.
“The Minister’s efforts to fight oil bunkering since taking office reflect his genuine concern for the welfare of affected communities and the nation at large,” the statement read.
The group further acknowledged Matawalle’s broader efforts in tackling insecurity, including banditry and kidnapping, which have posed significant threats to the safety of Nigerians. Since his appointment, Matawalle has been at the forefront of efforts to address these critical security challenges.
“His leadership has made a noticeable impact on reducing oil theft and protecting Nigeria’s waterways, a key factor in securing the nation’s economic and environmental future,” Dr. Dangana added.
However, the forum also stressed the need for additional measures to confront the ongoing menace of kidnapping, which continues to instill fear among citizens across the country. They urged Matawalle and other authorities to intensify their efforts to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
the South-South Pan Nigerian Forum praised Matawalle as one of the most effective ministers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, applauding his commitment to securing Nigeria’s resources and supporting the well-being of its people.
The forum reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the minister in advancing security and prosperity for the nation.
A magistrate court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos has acquitted popular musician Naira Marley in relation to the death of Mohbad, his former signee.
In a ruling on Tuesday, Ejiro Kubenji, the magistrate, said Naira Marley had no case to answer based on the legal advice issued by the directorate of public prosecution (DPP) in Lagos.
The court also freed music promoter Sam Larry (Samson Balogun), Owodunni ‘Primeboy’ Ibrahim and Mohbad’s former manager Opere Babatunde.
However, the DPP announced that it will prosecute Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, and Ayobami Sadiq, one of Mohbad’s friends, for reckless and negligent acts contrary to Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
On September 12, 2023, Mohbad died under mysterious circumstances. His demise stirred up controversies on social media with several calls and cries for justice from colleagues and fans.
In October 2023, Marley and Larry were arrested over allegations that they were involved in the death of Mohbad.
They were released on bail in November same year after spending over five weeks in detention.
The Lagos police earlier declared Ogedengbe the auxiliary nurse who injected Mohbad, as “the prime suspect” in the singer’s death.
Mohbad died after receiving an injection administered by the auxiliary nurse.
Idowu Owohunwa, the Lagos state police commissioner, said Ogedengbe “administered multiple and highly potent injections which triggered an immediate reaction that eventually occasioned the death of Mohbad”.
The commissioner said the injections, consisting of tetanus toxoid, paracetamol, and ceftriaxone injection (IV) were administered at Mohbad’s residence.
…. Says technology brought more crises
…INEC’s independence still a problem – Jega
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has criticised the role of electoral bodies and the judiciary in shaping the democratic process in West Africa.
Speaking at a conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Jonathan argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary often contribute to electoral shortcomings in Nigeria and the wider region.
The conference, organised by Yiaga Africa, focused on democratic elections in West Africa.
Jonathan insisted that electoral reforms in Nigeria must be comprehensive to address systemic flaws affecting both national and subnational polls.
“If elections must be done properly, then the judiciary must always play their role,” Jonathan said.
“A corrupt environment encourages corruption. If INEC and the judiciary do not act decisively, politicians will exploit the system to win by any means necessary.”
Jonathan acknowledged that while some West African nations have held credible elections, others have struggled with violence, allegations of fraud, and institutional weaknesses.
He cited Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, where the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Results Viewing Portal (IReV) aimed to improve transparency.
However, logistical failures, violence, and technical glitches undermined public confidence.
Similarly, Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections, which incorporated biometric voter registration, were overshadowed by accusations of voter intimidation and ethnic tensions.
By contrast, Ghana’s general elections—despite limited use of technology—were deemed peaceful and transparent, thanks to strong electoral and security institutions.
Liberia also witnessed a smooth transition of power, with incumbent President George Weah conceding defeat to opposition candidate Joseph Boakai.
Senegal, despite pre-election tensions and opposition arrests, conducted a largely peaceful poll that resulted in the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Jonathan noted that technology can enhance electoral credibility but is not a cure-all.
He pointed out that while biometric systems and real-time results transmission improved transparency in some cases, they also triggered disputes in others, such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
“This development underscores the place of the human element in deepening democracy,” he said.
“Technology, no matter how sophisticated, cannot ensure credible elections without the commitment of authorities and citizens to do the right thing.”
He stressed that independent electoral commissions and impartial security forces are essential for credible elections.
“The success or failure of any election lies in the hands of two critical agencies: the electoral management body and the police,” he added.
Former INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, also spoke at the conference, questioning the independence of Nigeria’s electoral commission.
He warned that electoral management bodies in West Africa face growing challenges, including political interference, weak legal frameworks, and security threats.
Jega highlighted identity politics as a major problem in West African democracies, contributing to voter manipulation and political instability. He linked the rise of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger to public disillusionment with civilian governance.
“The struggle for power among reckless elites, lacking consensus and self-interest, has undermined democracy in the region,” Jega said.
“If these challenges are not addressed, we may see further democratic backsliding.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for allegedly defaming her and for sexual harassment.
The suit was filed before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick, were listed as second and third defendants.
In the suit, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, referred to Akpabio’s words published by his aide on his Facebook page with the title, “Is local content committee of the Senate Natasha’s birthright?” where he stated that the claimant thought being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers.
The lawyer alleged that the statement on Akpoti-Uduaghan was defamatory, provocative, and disparaging and lowered her dignity in the eyes of her colleagues and right-thinking public members.
“A declaration that the words ‘it ‘is bottled anger by the Kogi Lawmaker, who knows nothing about legislative rules. She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the Chambers’ used and written by the 3rd defendant at the prompting of the 1st and 2nd defendants is defamatory and intended to cause public opprobrium and disaffection towards the claimant by members of the public,” her reliefs partly read.
Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the court to restrain the defendants or associates from publishing defamatory words against her on any platform.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, whether acting by themselves or through their agents, privies, assigns, or associates, from further publishing or caused to be published the said defamatory words herein stated or any other similar publications about the claimant on the social media platform or in any other manner, which is capable of defaming the claimant,” she stated.
She urged the court to order the defendants to pay her ₦100 billion as damages and ₦300m as litigation costs.
“An order for payment of the sum of ₦100,000,000,000 as general damages. An order for payment of the sum of ₦300,000,000.00 only as cost of action,” she said.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan recently voiced her concern after her seat was reassigned due to a reshuffle. She resisted the relocation, which led to a clash between her and the Senate president.