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Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for strengthened civilian oversight of Nigeria’s defence sector—both in legislative and administrative processes—as a necessary step to curb corruption and improve accountability. Mallam Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria, made the call on Thursday during a South-East regional press conference in Enugu. He was represented by CISLAC Programme Manager, Jimoh Abubakar. Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria’s Defence Sector: Persistent Corruption Risk Amidst Escalating Security Threats,” Rafsanjani emphasized the urgent need for institutional reforms. The report, jointly published by Transparency International Defence and Security and CISLAC, underscores…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has officially unveiled his long-anticipated ‘Shadow Cabinet’ as part of a broader push for value-based governance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. Unveiling the cabinet on Wednesday at the conclusion of a two-day retreat of the “Big Tent” political coalition in Abuja, Utomi said the ADC’s adoption as the coalition’s official platform marked a major step toward building a credible political alternative for Nigerians. “The coalition is a work in progress, aimed at using value-driven projects to move the country forward,” Utomi said. “It will give Nigerians an alternative.” Members…

Our Reporter, Abuja  The Presidency has debunked reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas to United States citizens, describing such claims as fake news and misinformation. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Federal Government clarified that the five-year non-immigrant visa policy for US citizens remains in place in line with existing bilateral agreements and diplomatic reciprocity. “Contrary to misinformation and fake news circulating online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing five-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens,” the statement read.…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki One person has been confirmed dead, with several others injured, following renewed violence in Ekoli, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The latest incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has further heightened tensions in the area, already on edge after a series of violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by suspected political thugs. A similar attack last month claimed a life and destroyed property worth millions of naira. Among those previously targeted were a former Chairman of Edda LGA and ex-member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, and his younger brother, Chima Uduma Chima.…

Our Reporter, Abuja  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the September 2024 Edo State election, Asue Ighodalo, has strongly disagreed with the Supreme Court’s verdict affirming the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a tragic validation of electoral injustice. In a passionate statement issued shortly after the Supreme Court’s judgment on Thursday, Ighodalo acknowledged the finality of the ruling but questioned its fairness, saying it did not represent justice. “Though I accept the finality of judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounted to justice,” Ighodalo…

Our Reporter, Abuja The Supreme Court, Thursday, upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, dismissing the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, for lacking merit. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Garba, who headed the five-member panel, said the court found no justification to overturn the concurrent decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier validated Okpebholo’s election. The apex court held that Ighodalo failed to provide credible and admissible evidence to support his claims that the September 21, 2024, governorship…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the emotional and psychological well-being of troops serving in various theatres of operation across the country. Gen. Musa gave the assurance in a speech delivered at the 2025 First Bi-Annual Sensitisation Training on Stress Management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Emotional Intelligence for personnel serving in theatres of operation. The one-day training was held at the 82 Division Headquarters, Enugu. Represented by the Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Wara Idris, the CDS emphasized the importance of mental…

Aba Power, Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company (DisCo), has attributed the success of its ongoing free meter campaign to the cooperation of its customers. In an interview with journalists Wednesday, the Aba Power Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, said without the “enthusiastic cooperation of our teeming customers, we would not have recorded the roaring success that has seen us provide free smart meters more than any Disco in Nigeria’s history since the resumption of the free meter rollout a month ago.” Opiegbe revealed that the customers have been separating their meters and getting them ready for separate meter installation before the…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the effective security of lives and property across the state. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, made this known on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by the State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Enugu. Dr. Udeh emphasized that the partnership would include continuous legal and technical support to enable the police to carry out their duties without hindrance. He underscored the wider impact of security…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have been urged to steer clear of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a step towards securing a successful academic and professional future. The call was made during a sensitization campaign organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme. Speaking at the event held at the new Faculty of Education lecture building, the Team Lead and Chairperson of the Service Providers and Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC) in the Ministry of Justice, Rachael Yohanna, emphasized the dangers of SGBV and…