Month: June 2026

Democracy Day: Support Tinubu’s Reforms, Protect Nigeria’s Democratic Gains, APC Chairman Urges Nigerians

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called on Nigerians to safeguard the country’s hard-earned democratic freedoms and support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at fostering national development. In a Democracy Day message commemorating June 12, Yilwatda described the date as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, symbolizing the sacrifices of patriots who fought for justice, electoral integrity, and the sovereignty of the people. He said Democracy Day serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s collective struggle for freedom and…

27 Years of Uninterrupted Democracy: How Far, So Far? The Legislature in Focus By HallowMace Foundation Africa

Emporium Reporters

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is important to assess the role of one of the most critical pillars of democracy—the Legislature. Since the return to civil rule in 1999, the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have remained central to lawmaking, representation, and oversight of the executive arm of government.   While democracy in Nigeria has faced numerous challenges, the legislature has evolved significantly over the past twenty-seven years, recording notable achievements while also grappling with institutional and systemic shortcomings.   The Legislature and…

House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill. HallowMace Africa Analysis:

Emporium Reporters

The decision by the Nigerian House of Representatives to overwhelmingly approve the State Police Bill marks one of the most significant constitutional and security reform developments in Nigeria’s democratic history. With 289 lawmakers voting in support and only one opposing the proposal, the outcome reflects a growing national consensus that the current centralized policing system is no longer sufficient to address Nigeria’s complex and evolving security challenges.   Nigeria currently operates a centralized policing system under the control of the Federal Government through the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This arrangement…

INEC fixes June 16–25 Primaries for Restored Constituencies Ahead of 2027 Polls

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced June 16 to 25, 2026, as the period for political parties to conduct primaries in newly restored state constituencies across Benue, Delta, Jigawa and Kogi states ahead of the 2027 General Election. In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the decision followed court judgments directing the restoration of previously suppressed constituencies and was made in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and…

Humanitarian Minster Reaffirms Commitment to Elderly Welfare, Backs Stronger Social Protection Measures

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of older persons through stronger social protection programmes, enhanced healthcare access, and increased support for caregivers. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Coalition of Societies for the Rights of Older Persons in Nigeria (COSROPIN) at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Doro assured the delegation that all requests and recommendations presented would receive careful consideration. The minister said the ministry would work closely with the National Senior Citizens Centre…

HOT MONEY OR THE FIRST STAGE OF RECOVERING CONFIDENCE? A Response to an Unsigned Commentary on Nigeria’s Capital Inflows By Tanimu Yakubu

Emporium Reporters

INTRODUCTION The unsigned commentary under review presents itself as a forensic examination of Nigeria’s recent capital-importation figures. Its central thesis is that because a substantial proportion of recent inflows entered Treasury bills and other money-market instruments rather than factories and industrial enterprises, the inflows should not be interpreted as evidence of confidence in Nigeria’s economy. Instead, they are characterised as speculative, transient and symptomatic of deeper economic weakness.   The argument is forcefully stated. Unfortunately, it rests upon a misunderstanding of how capital typically returns to economies emerging from periods…

Friday Sermon: A Nation Cannot Achieve True Progress Unless It Has Good Leaders And Good Citizens! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, who is unique in His Majesty, having no partner or helper. He sent down His Book with the truth and preserved it from the hands of those who would tamper with it. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.   May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his pure family,…

NDLEA Secures Conviction of 11 Indian Sailors, Vessel Over 31.5kg Cocaine Trafficking; Court Imposes $6m Fine

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, over the trafficking of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria, imposing fines and restitution totaling about $6 million. The conviction comes barely six months after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the illicit consignment aboard the vessel at the GDNL Terminal, Apapa Port, Lagos. The ship and its crew were arrested on January 2, 2026, after NDLEA officers discovered 31.5kg of cocaine concealed in Hatch 3 of the…

NITDA, NISO Move to Digitise Nigeria’s Power Sector Through Strategic Partnership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Nigeria’s power sector and strengthening the infrastructure required to support the country’s growing digital economy. The proposed collaboration was discussed during a high-level meeting between the leadership of both organisations, where the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the critical role of reliable electricity in driving digital innovation, economic growth and national development. Inuwa noted that as businesses and public institutions increasingly adopt digital…

Democracy Day: Akpabio Calls for Unity, Youth Participation, Support for Tinubu’s Anti-Insecurity Efforts

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to remain united, resilient and actively engaged in nation-building as the country marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. In a Democracy Day message released on Thursday, Akpabio congratulated Nigerians for sustaining democratic rule for nearly three decades, describing the country’s democratic journey as a testament to endurance despite challenges and agitations over the years. The Senate President, through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, acknowledged that mistakes had been made along…