Tinubu Overhauls Military Leadership in Sweeping Shake-Up

By

-

June 29, 2026

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s military leadership, appointing new service chiefs in a bid to strengthen the country’s security architecture amid persistent threats.

New Service Chiefs Named
The Presidency said all appointments take immediate effect. The changes are:

Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede replaces General Christopher Musa
Chief of Army Staff: Major-General W. Shaibu
Chief of Air Staff: Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke
Chief of Naval Staff: Rear Admiral I. Abbas replaces Emmanuel Ogalla
Chief of Defence Intelligence: Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position

Presidency: Move Aimed at ‘New Direction’
President Tinubu said the reshuffle was necessary to “further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture” in the face of evolving challenges. He thanked the outgoing chiefs for their “selfless service and dedicated leadership” and charged the new team to deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the action was to “inject new direction, energy, and focus” into the security sector, and dismissed claims that it was linked to coup rumours.

Security Context
The shake-up comes as Nigeria continues to battle Islamist insurgencies in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest, and separatist unrest in the southeast. It is Tinubu’s second major security leadership overhaul since taking office in 2023.

Analysts say the changes reflect Tinubu’s push for intelligence-driven operations, better inter-agency coordination, and modernization of defence infrastructure. Retired officers described the timing as “timely” and consistent with two-year tenure rotations.

INEC, Political Parties Clash Over Election Portal Access Codes

By

Queen Madu

-

June 29, 2026

ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and political parties are at odds over the issuance of access codes for the commission’s candidate nomination portal, raising concerns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Party officials said yesterday that the process of obtaining the codes has been “not smooth,” and warned that delays could affect their ability to upload candidates’ particulars before INEC’s deadline.

The access codes are required for recognized political parties to log into INEC’s portal and submit the names, credentials, photographs, and affidavits of their candidates. Without the codes, parties cannot make any uploads.

Parties are urging INEC to open the process to all political parties without interference, saying every party must be allowed to participate fully in the nomination process.

INEC has not issued a detailed public response to the latest complaints as of press time. In previous election cycles, the commission said the portal and code system are designed to secure uploads and prevent duplicate or fraudulent entries.

Electoral analysts note that timely candidate uploads are a critical first step before primaries and final nominations. Delays or technical hitches at this stage have in the past led to disqualifications, court challenges, and last-minute substitutions.

The dispute comes as parties begin early preparations for 2027, with INEC expected to release the full election timetable in the coming months.

BREAKING: Tinubu Signs NIMC Act 2026 Into Law, Replaces 20-Year-Old Identity Framework

By

Queen Madu

-

June 27, 2026

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu on Friday signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law at the State House, Abuja, marking a major overhaul of Nigeria’s digital identity system.

President Tinubu said the legislation replaces a nearly 20-year-old framework with a modern, fully digital identity infrastructure. The Act makes NIMC Nigeria’s Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. According to the President, this means NIMC “holds the keys to trust in our digital economy: every digital signature, every secure transaction, and every verified identity”.

The law also aligns the country’s identity management system with the Nigerian Data Protection Act. Tinubu said personal information “cannot be accessed without your consent… cannot be used beyond the purpose for which you gave it”. The Act introduces a five-year jail term and other penalties for identity-related offences, and it reinforces the National Identification Number as the cornerstone of identity verification and the “One Person, One Identity” principle.

Tinubu said the law will position Nigeria’s identity system to support the $1 trillion economy ambition. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said NIMC’s integrated database helped arrest 7 suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders at Katsina Airport last week, and noted that passport and driver’s licence processing are now linked to NIMC data.

The signing was witnessed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, AGF Lateef Fagbemi, and NIMC DG Abisoye Coker-Odusote. NIMC described it as a “landmark reform” to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.

Sheathe Your Rancorous Swords Now For Biafra Interest- MASSOB

By

Queen Madu

-

June 27, 2026

Press Statement

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) under the leadership of Comrade Uchenna Madu has cautioned our sister organization, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop this market dancing emanated from their internal rancour and misunderstanding.

Ordinarily, MASSOB would not have indulge in internal affair of another organization but because Biafra was involved, we are automatically magneted.

Your attacks and counter attacks, allegations and counter allegations are not useful or healthy to the self determination struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration.
IPOB like MASSOB is a big household name and service to the people of Biafra. Stop insulting and defacing it’s name.

MASSOB calls for peace and Biafran understanding in the leadership of IPOB as a big family, sheath your sword and work for peaceful resolution of all internal rancour.

MASSOB wishes to reiterate our position on the leadership of Biafra nation.
There is no official leadership title or attribute called “Supreme Leader” in Biafra land.
The leadership title called Supreme is an attribute that belongs to God Almighty only.
Any attempt or connivance or consenting to assume the Supreme leadership title is a direct challenge to God Almighty.

It will be recalled that on 29t June 2017, pro Biafra organizations under the umbrella of Biafra People National Council (BPNC) which MASSOB was involved declared Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as arrowhead of Biafra struggle. We did not crown him Supreme leader.

Comrade Edeson Samuel.
National Director of Information.
MASSOB.

Lokoja Judgment: An Unnecessary Serious Setback for Nigerian Democracy

By

Queen Madu

-

June 26, 2026

Today was an exceptionally busy day. I left Lagos in the early hours for Emekuku, where I visited the School of Nursing Sciences, an institution I have consistently supported over the years. It was gratifying to inspect projects funded through my previous interventions, including the school’s computer laboratory. Such investments reaffirm my belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for national development.

From there, I attended the 80th birthday celebration of the Emeritus Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony Obinna, whose commitment to justice, peace, and the common good has inspired many, before proceeding to Madonna University for another engagement.

It was at Madonna University that I received the court news of the Lokoja court rulings through my brother, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Every Nigerian committed to the country’s progress should be deeply concerned. This judgment represents another setback for our democracy and the institutions upon which our future depends.

It is regrettable that some who claim to champion democracy now appear determined to weaken the very institutions that sustain it. In doing so, they are undermining public confidence and endangering the future of millions of Nigerians.

The legislature and the judiciary are increasingly being drawn into this pattern of institutional decline. Democracy cannot thrive where institutions lose their independence and credibility.

Those who seek to weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations will not ultimately prevail. When a similar situation recently affected the ADC, I condemned it without hesitation. I do so again today because my position has always been guided by principle.

My concern is not about who becomes President. My concern is that Nigeria works. Our politics must move beyond the quest for power and focus instead on building a united nation founded on justice, strong institutions, the rule of law, and equal opportunity. That is the Nigeria we owe ourselves and the one we must leave for future generations.

I therefore urge all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above partisan interests and defend our democracy. The survival of our institutions is inseparable from the survival of our nation. It’s when we work together that a new Nigeria of our dream is made POssible.

– PO

Court Nullifies NDC Registration, Orders INEC to Reverse Recognition

By

Queen Madu

-

June 26, 2026

LOKOJA — A Federal High Court in Lokoja has set aside the judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress [NDC] as a political party, effectively nullifying the party’s recognition.

Justice Isah Dashen ruled on Friday that the Dec. 10, 2025 judgment was “constitutionally defective” because the Peace Movement Party [PMP] was not joined as a party to the suit, even though NDC’s registration was based on PMP’s logo.

The court ordered all parties to return to the position they occupied before the Dec. 10, 2025 judgment. As a result, every action INEC took in compliance with that order, including the issuance of a certificate of registration and recognition to NDC, has been reversed.

For now, NDC is not a recognised political party and cannot sponsor candidates for any election until it secures fresh approval from INEC.

The judge said the substantive suit remains pending. He vacated the earlier judgment to allow all affected parties to be heard and a fresh decision to be reached. NDC will have to restart the registration process.

NDC was registered in February 2026 following the Lokoja court order, even though it was not among the associations pre-qualified by INEC at the time.

This case is separate from the ongoing Court of Appeal matter challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress [ADC], Accord Party and three others, which was adjourned to July 7.

Remi Tinubu Faces Backlash Over ‘Start Akara, Roasted Corn’ Comments Amid Economic Hardship

By

Queen Madu

-

June 26, 2026

ABUJA — Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is trending after urging Nigerians to consider small-scale businesses like selling akara, roasted corn, and kuli-kuli, saying they “don’t take a lot of money to start.”

Speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday after the Renewed Hope Initiative’s second-quarter meeting with wives of state governors, Mrs. Tinubu highlighted the administration’s grant interventions for vulnerable citizens.

> “We’re trying to give hope, and to start Akara business doesn’t take a lot of money. To start roasting corn, or somebody even said kuli kuli doesn’t take much. We didn’t give them a loan; we gave it to them as a grant.
>
> So we’ve encouraged Nigerians as best as we could. What is within our hands, I have given, and I keep giving,” she said.

She added that the Renewed Hope Initiative has also supported healthcare, agriculture, education, and social investment, citing N2bn donated to tackle tuberculosis, N1bn for breast cancer, and N500m for malnutrition. A video of the remarks was shared Friday by News Channel 247.

The comments immediately went viral on X, TikTok, and YouTube, with many describing them as “out of touch” with current economic realities. Users said the remarks ignore inflation, fuel prices, and rising cost of living. One post read: “exactly how disconnected Nigeria’s ruling class has become from the reality of ordinary citizens”. Another comment said: “nobody’s mocking akara. They’re mourning a government that seems to have no bigger answer than bean cakes”.

Some users pushed back, arguing that akara is “one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria” and that the grants provided were actual support, not loans.

The backlash comes months after Atiku Abubakar’s aide criticized Mrs. Tinubu’s N1.2bn rice palliative for the North, accusing her of “politicising hardship”.

The First Lady urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite economic challenges and said the initiative would continue supporting health, education, and agriculture.

Court Fixes June 30 to Rule on Sowore’s Bail, Orders Return to Kuje Prison

By

Queen Madu

-

June 25, 2026

ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application by activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore seeking restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him. Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore returned to Kuje Correctional Centre pending the ruling.

Background: Why He’s in Custody
Bail Revoked June 16: The court revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for trial on June 16.
Charges: The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore for alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation. DSS alleges he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on his official X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025.
Remand: On Monday, June 22, Justice Umar ordered Sowore remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of his application to stay execution of the bail revocation.

Wednesday’s Hearing: What Happened
Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told the court they filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed June 19. The application seeks 12 reliefs, including:
An order setting aside the June 16 order revoking bail
An order vacating the bench warrant against him
Restoration of the status quo and earlier bail conditions

The motion was brought under Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, and Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. It’s supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Larry.

DSS counsel Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed the application, relying on a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit. He argued Sowore had not placed truthful facts before the court to enable it to exercise discretion in his favor.

Oral Request for Release Denied
Adakole made an oral application asking the court to release Sowore to his lawyers pending the June 30 ruling, undertaking to produce him in court. Justice Umar declined, saying he needed to study the affidavits and processes before deciding. Sowore will remain in Kuje Prison until the ruling.

DSS: “We Didn’t Oppose Bail Initially”
The DSS stressed that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition at the start of trial and the Service did not oppose it. In a separate statement, DSS said the issues leading to bail revocation were “entirely premised on the court processes,” not enforcement action by the Service. DSS also announced a probe into operatives’ conduct after a scuffle involving Sowore at court on June 22.

Reactions
Peter Obi: NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi called Sowore’s remand “a dangerous regression for democracy,” warning against weaponizing state institutions to stifle dissent.
Gani Adams: Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams said the remand “undermines fair trial, free speech” and sends a “dangerous signal to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.”
SERAP: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged Tinubu’s government to “immediately and unconditionally release” Sowore and drop all charges, saying he’s detained “solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.”

Justice Umar adjourned to June 30 for ruling on whether to restore Sowore’s bail or uphold the revocation. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the cybercrime and defamation charges.

Tinubu Proposes State Police, Senate Begins Historic Vote

By

Queen Madu

-

June 24, 2026

ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has proposed a constitutional amendment to establish state police services, with the Senate beginning a historic vote on the bill Wednesday.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary, announcing receipt of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026. Akpabio called it “one of the most consequential constitutional votes in Nigeria’s democratic history” and urged full attendance from senators.

In the letter, Tinubu described the bill as “a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens.” He said it builds on work already done by both chambers and includes safeguards for creating a dual policing structure. Tinubu asked the Senate to act quickly to consider and pass the bill.

What the Bill Does
The amendment would alter the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish and maintain their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. It moves policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

Akpabio said state governments are ready to act promptly once the amendment is completed. He argued state police would improve grassroots intelligence gathering because “residents are often best positioned to identify suspicious activities and criminal elements within their communities.”

Legislative Path
The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill on June 10, 2026. The Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading on June 11. Tinubu’s new Constitution Alteration Bill builds on that proposal and provides the constitutional foundation required.

Copies of the Constitution Review Committee’s report were distributed to senators Tuesday. Akpabio noted the proposal is the result of nearly two years of consultations.

Tuesday’s emergency plenary adjourned after lawmakers mourned Rep. Yaya Tongo, who died Monday. Debate on the state police bill shifted to Wednesday.

Stakeholder Positions
State governors are seeking greater authority over security operations and guaranteed funding for state police, according to a Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting of Attorneys-General last week.

Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro said state police should be viewed as “deliberate security reform rather than a political project,” but warned that “adequate safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse.”

Next Steps
If the National Assembly passes the amendment, at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly must also approve it before it becomes law.

The Senate reconvened Wednesday to debate the bill.

2026 Int’l Widows’ Day: FIDA Anambra Calls For Economic Empowerment For Widows

By

Joseph Albert

-

June 24, 2026

The Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Amara Muojeke, has called for stronger protection of widows’ rights and greater economic empowerment to help them live with dignity and independence.

Speaking in Awka, as the world marked the 2026 International Widows’ Day, Barrister Muojeke explained that June 23 every year is set aside globally to draw attention to the plight of millions of widows and advocate for the protection of their welfare and fundamental rights.

She noted that the 2026 theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment of Widows,” is particularly significant in Nigeria and Anambra State due to the challenges widows continue to face, including harmful cultural practices, disinheritance, and property grabbing.

According to Muojeke, who is also the Anambra State Leader of the NBA Women Forum, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the dignity of every human person under Section 34, stressing that widows deserve fairness, respect, and protection under the law, while adding that economic empowerment remains critical, as financially independent widows are better positioned to care for their children and resist exploitation.

Mrs. Muojeke explained that Anambra State has laws prohibiting harmful widowhood practices, including the Malpractices Against Widows and Widowers (Prohibition) Law of 2005 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2017, which criminalizes widowhood abuses and prescribes penalties, including imprisonment.

She encouraged widows not to suffer in silence whenever their rights are violated, but to seek legal redress, noting that FIDA provides free legal services to widows across the country.