Category Nigeria News

The Senate on Thursday screened President Bola Tinubu’s nominee as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan.

READ ALSO: CSOs Demand Transparent Senate Screening Of INEC Chair Nominee Amupitan

Tinubu had formally written to the Senate, seeking the confirmation of the professor of Law as the new INEC.

The request was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Tuesday.

Akpabio also read other communications from the President regarding appointments that require legislative approval.

According to the letter, the nomination is in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for such appointments.

At the screening on Thursday, Amupitan fielded questions from different senators on various issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral systems and how he would address them if confirmed as the new INEC chairman.

Watch the screening below:

Amupitan’s Nomination

Last Thursday, the President presented Amupitan’s name as his preferred nominee to fill the leadership vacancy at the electoral commission.

The Council of State unanimously approved the nomination of Amupitan, as the next INEC Chairman, following the exit of Mahmood Yakubu.

Tinubu told the council that Amupitan, an indigene of Kogi state in the north-central geopolitical zone, is the first person from the state to be nominated for the role of INEC chairman.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Tinubu described the nominee as an “apolitical” figure.

Council members, including former heads of state, gave unanimous backing to the nomination. Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi state, also described Amupitan as a “man of integrity”.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has inaugurated the Delta State Security Trust Fund, reaffirming his administration’s determination to strengthen security through a public-private partnership framework.

The launch, which took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Asaba, drew top business leaders, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and senior government officials. Among them were the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who attended as Special Guest of Honour; and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, represented by Chief Keston Pondi, who made a landmark donation of ₦10 billion as Chief Launcher.

Governor Oborevwori explained that the Security Trust Fund—originally established by law in 2013—was created as a platform for mobilizing financial support from the private sector to complement government investment in security infrastructure.

According to him, the fund will prioritise the procurement of surveillance gadgets, operational vehicles, and communication systems, as well as the training and retraining of security operatives and community-based vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas.

READ ALSO: Lagos Accuses NASS Of Violating Supreme Court Ruling On Central Gaming Bill

“Security is everyone’s concern, not just the government’s,” the governor said.

“Without safety, there can be no progress. Businesses cannot thrive, and investors will be hesitant. This Fund symbolises our joint resolve to sustain peace, safety, and economic growth.”

Highlighting the government’s proactive measures, Oborevwori noted that Operation Delta Hawk had been restructured and renamed Operation Delta Sweep —a multi-agency task force comprising the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps. He credited the collaboration for significant security breakthroughs, including the recovery of illegal weapons.

He added that his administration is also tackling the root causes of insecurity through youth empowerment, agricultural programmes, and infrastructural renewal, which continue to generate employment and foster stability.

“True and lasting peace is possible when citizens, especially the youth and women, are actively involved in economic development,” he stated.

The governor revealed that 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has been dedicated monthly to the Security Trust Fund and urged sustained private sector support.

“What you contribute today is not merely a donation — it is an investment in Delta’s peace and prosperity,” he assured, promising transparent management of all resources.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the initiative as a watershed moment in Delta’s development story.

He praised Governor Oborevwori’s pragmatic leadership, noting that “while many talk, our governor delivers.”

Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal contribution of ₦100 million from himself and his wife, Ofure Aig-Imoukhuede, expressing optimism that the fund could attract as much as ₦100 billion by 2025. “This launch marks the beginning of a journey toward a safer, stronger Delta,” he declared.

Zenith Bank Chairman, Jim Ovia, also commended the governor’s foresight, describing the Trust Fund as a visionary approach to inclusive security management.

He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support, emphasising that “security remains the bedrock of peace, prosperity, and business confidence.”

Representing High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Chief Keston Pondi, after donating the sum of N10bn, says the initiative provides a structured avenue for the private sector to participate meaningfully in addressing security concerns. “This is more than a financial contribution — it is a strategic investment in Delta’s peace and stability,” he affirmed.

Delivering the keynote address, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, lauded the state government’s infrastructural strides, particularly its improved road networks, which he described as vital to safety and connectivity. He called for deeper collaboration, technology-driven policing, and regular training of personnel, stressing that genuine security is a collective responsibility.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Samuel Osasa, said the relaunch aims to reposition the fund to meet emerging security demands. He highlighted previous interventions, including vehicle and equipment support to security agencies and installation of modern facilities at the State Police Command to aid implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.

He appealed to corporate organizations, institutions, and individuals to contribute generously, assuring that all funds would be managed responsibly and in full compliance with legal provisions.

The Lagos State Government has faulted the move by the National Assembly to repeal the National Lottery Act and replace it with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, describing it as a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution and a subsisting judgement of the Supreme Court.

Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, SAN, warned at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday that the Bill, now before the Senate, after passage by the House of Representatives, amounts to legislative overreach and a potential trigger for constitutional crisis.

Pedro explained that the Bill, which seeks to regulate all forms of online and remote gaming across the country, directly contradicts a Supreme Court judgement delivered on October 13, 2024, in a suit filed by Lagos State and 22 other states against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to him, the apex court had ruled unequivocally that gaming, lotteries and betting are residual matters within the exclusive jurisdiction of state governments, except in the Federal Capital Territory.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu Assents To Bill Regulating Lotteries, Online Gaming Services In Lagos

“As the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State, it is both my constitutional duty and responsibility to draw the nation’s attention to the voyage of unconstitutionality embarked upon by the National Assembly to enact Act to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and Beyond the Borders of Nigeria.

“This Bill had earlier been passed by the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate for concurrence and on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a concurring session on a proposed legislation titled:

“A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and Beyond the Borders of Nigeria, Provide for the Conduct of Gaming in the Federal Capital Territory, and Enhance Revenue Generation for the Federation and for Related Matters.”

“Nigerian would recall that on the 13th October 2024 the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a judgement in the case Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG LAGOS & 22 ORS V. AG FED & 13 ORS in favour of Lagos State and 22 other State.

“In that landmark judgment, the Supreme Court held that:
“Lotteries, betting, gaming and any other games of chance are residual matters falling within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory”

“Perhaps the respected members of the National Assembly in particular in the House of Representatives that passed the Bill and some members of the Senate who are in support of the Bill may not have read the judgment of the Supreme Court on the subject”.

He added that the court also granted a perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the National Lottery Act or any similar legislation within the territory of any state.

Pedro warned that the proposed Bill, if passed, would not only defy this ruling but also undermine the foundation of Nigeria’s federal structure.

“Any attempt to legislate again on the same subject amounts to defiance of the Supreme Court, a violation of the Constitution and an invitation to constitutional chaos,” he said.

The Attorney-General also faulted claims by some lawmakers that online or remote gaming falls under federal jurisdiction because of its cross-border nature.

He said: “Online does not mean federal. If online activity automatically becomes federal, then the United Nations should regulate it globally. The use of technology does not alter the legal character of gaming, which remains a state matter whether done physically or virtually.”

Pedro further cautioned that the proposed Central Gaming Bill could open the floodgates of gambling activities even in states where cultural or religious values prohibit such practices.

“If the Bill becomes law, it will allow operators to set up gaming businesses across all states, including those where gambling is forbidden by religion or tradition. This could create social tension and conflict,” he warned.

He described the National Assembly’s move as inconsistent with its current nationwide consultation efforts aimed at devolving more powers to subnational governments.

“It will be a contradiction of spirit and purpose for the same National Assembly that is canvassing devolution of powers to now attempt to reclaim powers already affirmed by the Supreme Court to belong to the states,” he said.

Pedro reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment, alongside 22 other states, to resist any legislative or executive action that undermines the integrity of the Supreme Court and the autonomy of state governments.

“This is not about Lagos State alone,” he said. “It is about Nigeria, about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federal structure as guaranteed by the Constitution.”

He urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Central Gaming Bill in the interest of constitutional order and national stability.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially absorbed over 5,000 contract teachers into the state’s Ministry of Education as permanent staff members.

According to the statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the teachers had been on contract with a “monthly stipend of ₦65,000 during the administration of Godwin Obaseki”.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: I Won’t Forgive Any Commissioner Not Wearing ‘Asiwaju’ Cap, Okpebholo Warns Appointees

They were formally handed appointment letters during a ceremony held at Government House on Wednesday.

Governor Okpebholo, who personally oversaw the distribution of the letters, emphasised the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters.

“The answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Role Of Teachers

He further acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, underscoring the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he added.

Addressing the teachers earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for their perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless.

“Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” Iyamu was quoted as saying.

Construction Of 68 Schools

He also highlighted the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noting the construction of over 68 schools within one year, aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

“He met Ambrose Alli University with a ₦41 million subvention and increased it to ₦500 million. Right now, a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity hostel are under construction,” he added.

The commissioner further disclosed that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.

The Senate has ordered a full-scale investigation into rising safety concerns within the aviation sector, following revelations from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) about a runway overrun incident involving an Air Peace aircraft at Port Harcourt International Airport.

The resolution was passed on Wednesday after a motion was raised by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North) on the need to strengthen Aviation Safety following the NSIB report on the Air Peace runway incident.

The Senate directed its Committee on Aviation to engage all relevant stakeholders, including the NSIB, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and airline operators and to submit a comprehensive report within six weeks.

READ ALSO: Air Peace Plane Veers Off Runway In Port Harcourt

In a related resolution, the Senate also urged the Federal Government to construct an additional runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, citing the need to prevent operational bottlenecks and improve safety margins in the nation’s capital.

Lawmakers noted that the NSIB’s investigative report on the June 22, 2025 incident, involving a Boeing 737-500 operated by Air Peace exposed serious lapses in runway conditions, airfield lighting, pilot decision-making and regulatory oversight.