From Richard Akintade, Osogbo

Ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Amotekun Corps in Osun State said it will deploy 1,000 operatives statewide to beef up  security during and after the festivities.

The Corps Commander, Dr  Isaac Omoyele, made this known to journalists in Osogbo.

Omoyele said  the  personnel have already been strategically deployed to maintain complete peace, ensure surveillance, as well as boost adequate security during the festive season.

The commander, who warned criminal elements to vacate the state or face the full wrath of the law, said the corps is battle ready to attend to any security threat in the entire Osun State.

According to him, “As the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, I wish to assure residents and visitors that  Osun Amotekun Corps is fully prepared to ensure a safe and secure holiday period for all and sundry.

“No fewer than 1,000 personnel have been deployed across all parts of the state, as we are committed to providing maximum security throughout the festivities”.

The commander noted that peace and stability in Osun State are non-negotiable and warned that there would be no hiding place for criminals.

“We remain resolute in our mission to rid the state of all criminal elements. They may attempt to flee, but we will pursue relentlessly”.

He appealed to  residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or unfamiliar faces in their communities.

Omoyele noted that security is a collective responsibility, adding that “Effective crime detection, control and prevention require the cooperation of everyone”.

He, however, reaffirmed the corps commitment to ensure that  residents and travelers enjoy a peaceful and incident-free celebration.

.Allege intimidation, injustices by FCTA 

By Paul Effiong, Abuja

Indigenous people of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, have  opposed the long-standing relocation policy adopted by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, alleging that it has brought untold hardship to them as their landed property are usually taken from them.

Instead, they advocated  for an inclusive urban renewal and integration approach, one that fosters acceptance, comfort and provides humane and equitable alternatives.

They disclosed this during a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, yesterday.

Declaring the hearing open, Speaker  Tajudeen Abbas urged stakeholders to freely express their views, noting that such contributions would assist lawmakers in drafting an informed legislation not just for the indegenes, but for all the people in Abuja.

 The speaker, who was represented by  Joe  Onuakalusi  described the public hearing as a critical step towards promoting national unity and the brotherhood embedded in Nigeria’s constitution.

He noted that the issue of integrating FCT indigenes has been a recurring debate for successive administrations, emphasizing that the matter is not just relevant to Abuja, but has broader implications for justice and equity across the country.

Chairman of the House Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Fredrick Agbedi, explained that the hearing was prompted by a motion earlier moved on the need to explore alternative approach to resettling or integrating both indigenous and non-indigenous residents of the FCT.

“The FCT is a symbol of unity and a representation of our national ideals. It was built for all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional backgrounds. However, with growth and diversity come complex challenges—including the displacement of indigenous communities, the unclear status of non-indigenous residents and the tension between customary land rights and modern urban planning.”

Speaker Abbas therefore charged the committee to carefully document all contributions made during the hearing, assuring that the 10th House, under his leadership, is committed to developing legislative solutions that reflect the collective aspirations of the people.

In his remarks, the Director of Resettlement and Compensation, FCDA, TPL Nasiru Suleiman, requested additional time for the agency to present its memorandum. The committee granted a two-week extension to enable the FCDA  submit its presentation.

Also speaking at the hearing, the Sepeyi of Garki, Chief Usman Nga Kupi—who represented the Ona of Abaji—lamented the sacrifices made by FCT natives, including the loss of ancestral lands and property in the name of national development.

Bala Iya, representing  Kpaduma community, decried what he described as the longstanding pattern of injustice and discriminatory practices against indigenous residents. He said farmlands had been seized without compensation, disrupting not only livelihoods, but the people’s spiritual and cultural ties to their land.

“The resettlement process must include allocation of reasonably sized land, with proper title documents and financial support for building development as approved by Development Control,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja called for a constitutional amendment to secure equal rights for FCT natives. Represented by Giwa Bamaiyi, the group’s President, Pastor Danladi Jeji, proposed the establishment of a National Commission for Indigenous Peoples to address the systemic challenges faced by original inhabitants.

From Owen Akenzua, Asaba 

In a bid to promote safety on  inland waterways, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has handed over 3,500 life jackets to the Delta State Directorate of Transport, as part of an ongoing national campaign to reduce boat mishaps and promote a culture of safety on the waterways.

The  event which took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport in Asaba, saw the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Dr Mercy Ilori emphasizing the importance of the initiative. 

He described it as a strategic move to make water transportation across the country safer, particularly in riverine states like Delta, where water-based travel and commerce are central to everyday life.

“This campaign has been carried to Niger, Bayelsa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, and Lagos. Today, we are in Asaba to continue this momentum. Promoting the use of life jackets is not just a policy—it is a public safety imperative,” Ilori said.

Boat accidents, often caused by non-compliance with basic safety precautions, remain a troubling issue nationwide. The minister’s address stressed that many of these tragedies could have been prevented if passengers had worn life jackets. In line with President Bola  Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, the ministry has committed to providing life-saving interventions that deliver real impact.

The campaign is anchored on three pillars: strict enforcement of the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations 2023, sustained public education and awareness, and the provision of critical safety gear such as life jackets.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was commended for his cooperation with the federal government’s water safety initiative. The minister extended his appreciation to the people of Delta State for their active engagement and support, saying their participation gives confidence that the campaign will help reduce preventable tragedies on the waterways.

The  Commissioner, Directorate of Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure reiterated that life jackets are not mere accessories, but essential tools for survival in emergencies.

“Wearing a life jacket is not just about protecting yourself—it is about protecting those who love you. It is the responsibility of every boat operator and passenger to take it seriously. A life jacket is not a burden; it is a lifesaver.”

He advised all waterways users to adopt the slogan “No Life Jacket, No Entry”, while appealing to transport unions, community leaders and boat operators to lead by example and enforce compliance at the grassroots. 

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

The Supreme Court has nullified the decision of the Kebbi State High Court that reinstated Al-Mustapha Haruna Jokolo as the 19th Emir of Gwandu, declaring that the case was filed without first exhausting the mandatory domestic resolution mechanisms prescribed by law.

In a lead judgment delivered on Wednesday by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the apex court held that while aggrieved persons are not barred from approaching the court, they must first comply with provisions of Section 5(4) of the Kebbi State Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, which requires formal complaint to the governor before litigation.

“This suit was filed prematurely without first presenting a complaint to the governor as stipulated by law. The trial court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter and its decision is, therefore, a nullity,” Justice Agim ruled.

Jokolo, who was deposed in 2005 under controversial circumstances, secured a favourable ruling from the Kebbi State High Court in 2014, which was subsequently upheld by the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, in 2016.

Both courts ordered his reinstatement as Emir.

However, the Kebbi State Government and the current Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu-Bashar, challenged the rulings at the Supreme Court.

The apex court agreed with the appellants, holding that the failure to first seek resolution through administrative channels rendered the suit incompetent.

“Section 4(3) of the law applies both to appointment and deposition matters. The governor must first be notified,” Agim stated, adding that the High Court judge “robbed the court of jurisdiction” by proceeding without adherence to this requirement.

The judgment means the 2016 decision of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the lower court’s ruling, is also void.

The Supreme Court set aside the rulings of both courts and entered no order as to costs.

In a split decision, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Salami delivered a dissenting minority judgment, dismissing the cross-appeals and affirming the decision of the lower courts, arguing that the executive governor must act in accordance with law and due process.

The Supreme Court consolidated all four appeals and two cross-appeals into a single judgment, with all parties consenting that the outcome of the principal appeal would bind the others.

Legal counsels in the matter included Barrister Sylvester Imhanobe for the deposed Emir, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) for the Kebbi State Government, and Hussaini Zakariya (SAN) for the current Emir.

The judgment, originally slated for June 6, was brought forward to June 4 due to the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

The ruling marks the final legal chapter in a two-decade-long tussle over the Gwandu Emirate throne and reaffirms the necessity of exhausting traditional and administrative procedures before seeking judicial remedy in chieftaincy disputes.

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has challenged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the legislation on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools.

Dr. Ojukwu emphasized that this policy would provide a framework for ensuring that schools are safe and secure environments where children can learn and thrive without fear of violence or abuse.

A statement by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, said the NHRC Boss made the plea while speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.

The day which is commemorated every 4th of June is dedicated to acknowledge the pain suffered by children worldwide who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

According to the NHRC, in Nigeria, the day holds significant importance due to the country’s struggle with child abuse, exploitation and violence.

In the statement, Dr. Ojukwu called for collective action to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in Nigeria.

He also emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address the root causes of child abuse and exploitation, including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to education.

In Dr. Ojukwu’s considered view, millions of Nigerian children face emotional, physical, sexual, and mental abuse, with many being displaced due to conflicts and made vulnerable to exploitation.

He emphatically noted that the North East region has been severely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, leading to a significant increase in child rights violations.

He also pointed out that the sit at home policy in the South East has robbed many innocent children the rights to adequate education.

Dr. Ojukwu expressed concern over the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, who are often forced to beg for survival, exposing them to further exploitation and abuse.

He highlighted the psychological impact of these experiences on children which affect their development and future prospects.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ojukwu noted that Nigeria has made notable strides in protecting children’s rights.

He cited the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) as examples of efforts to provide a Safe and conducive learning environment for children as well as track and respond to child protection issues.

Dr. Ojukwu also called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other relevant laws to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

This, he said, includes providing adequate support to IDP camps, ensuring access to quality education and healthcare, and addressing the root causes of poverty and insecurity that lead to child exploitation.

He stressed the need for collective action by stakeholders to protect the rights and dignity of all children, ensuring their well-being and safety.

According to him, “working together, will create a society where children are valued, respected, and protected from all forms of violence and abuse”.

In this regard, he called for a concerted effort to address the problem of Almajiri children in the country, whose right to education and protection from abuse and exploitation have been put in jeopardy In the country.