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BREAKING: Senate Screens INEC Chairman-Designate Amupitan

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The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is currently appearing before the Senate for his screening and confirmation. Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier and exchanged pleasantries with Senators, was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise. Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow strangers into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence. Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, after vetting and fingerprinting. According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him. The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, he was cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the Police. The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials. President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who resigned from his position. The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law. His appointment has, however, generated mixed reactions from civil society groups and political stakeholders, with some calling for reforms that will strengthen the independence and transparency of the electoral body. The screening session is expected to focus on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process. If confirmed by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

Impeached Madagascar President Confirms Fleeing Country After Coup

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Madagascar’s ousted president confirmed for the first time that he had fled the country, issuing a statement after a military-led power grab prompted by weeks of demonstrations that have plunged the island nation into crisis. President Andry Rajoelina left between October 11 and 12 after “explicit and extremely serious threats were made against the life of the Head of State,” the presidency said in a statement late Wednesday. The threats had come when he was due to travel abroad for a mission, the statement sent to AFP said. Media reports indicated the 51-year-old leader was evacuated on Sunday aboard a French military plane. On Monday, he said he had taken refuge in a “safe place” without giving further details. Rajoelina, who first came to power after a military-backed coup in 2009, accused the National Assembly of colluding with the military to remove him from office. The military officers who seized power said their leader, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, would be sworn in as new president on Friday. The youth-led Gen Z movement that initiated the protests on September 25 over the lack of water and energy welcomed Randrianirina’s intervention. The international community voiced alarm, with the United Nations censuring what it called an “unconstitutional” takeover and the African Union announcing Wednesday it was suspending Madagascar “with immediate effect”. Madagascar is the latest of several former French colonies to have fallen under military control since 2020, after coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon and Guinea. AFP

Kanu Fit for Trial, Ailment Not Life-Threatening – NMA

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  The Nigerian Medical Association on Thursday informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the illness of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening. The medical panel set up by the NMA President said it had concluded the health assessment ordered by the court on the IPOB leader and found that Kanu is fit to stand trial. About two weeks ago, the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, directed the association to independently assess Kanu’s health status following conflicting medical reports presented by the defence and the prosecution. Kanu is currently being prosecuted by the Federal Government on charges relating to alleged terrorism. According to the panel’s report, which was submitted to the court on October 13, by the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, the medical body stated that the defendant’s ailment does not pose any immediate danger to his life and confirmed that he is fit to stand trial. Relying on the medical findings and in the absence of any objection from counsel to the parties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that the defendant could proceed with his trial. The judge consequently granted Kanu six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence. Additionally, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), seeking permission for a private consultation between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services premises. Agabi had argued that the defence team feared their discussions with Kanu might be monitored or recorded by the DSS. The court therefore approved that the private meeting be held within the courtroom, with only Kanu and his lawyers present. The consultation is scheduled to take place between 9 am and 12 noon on 22 October, ahead of the resumption of the trial on October 23. Details shortly…

BREAKING: PDP State Chairmen Disown Suit Seeking to Halt Convention

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  State Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party have dissociated themselves from a court action instituted to stop the party’s forthcoming national convention slated to hold in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November, saying they remain committed to the unity and progress of the PDP. Speaking to journalists on behalf of the PDP Chairmen Forum in Abuja, the forum’s chairman and Edo State PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, criticised the conduct of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia). Aziegbemi announced their suspension from the forum and called on the Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee to take disciplinary action against any NWC member found to be directly or indirectly connected to the court case. He stated, ” We distance ourselves completely from the suit and the plan to use it to stop the PDP from holding its National Convention. This is not right. “We want to state clearly that we are solidly behind the Damagum-led NWC, and we will give our full support to ensure a hitch-free convention. The evil plot of the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state will never succeed. “We hope other organs of the party will draw inspiration from our decision. We must all stand firm and make the right choices.” Details shortly…

Edun: Ailing Finance Minister Flown Abroad for Treatment

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  The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has travelled to the United Kingdom to seek medical attention, multiple sources close to the development confirmed on Tuesday morning. The report, first published by Western Post, was confirmed by a source who had earlier told The PUNCH that the minister might seek medical attention abroad if the need arises. The source confirmed on Tuesday that the decision had now been made, saying, “It’s true, he has left already.” Edun left Abuja for Lagos on Monday night via a commercial flight. He later departed for London aboard a British Airways flight on the same night. Until his departure, Presidency officials who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian doctors. The sources said the minister had taken ill in recent days but dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated. Imisi Crowned Winner of BBNaija 10/10! Faith Disqualified — Emotional End to a 10/10 Season0:00 / 0:00 He later departed for London aboard a British Airways flight on the same night. Until his departure, Presidency officials who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday had maintained that Edun was recuperating at his Abuja residence under the care of Nigerian doctors. The sources said the minister had taken ill in recent days but dismissed earlier rumours that he had suffered a stroke or was incapacitated. One senior government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the press on the matter, told The PUNCH that Edun’s condition was being monitored closely. “Yes, he’s indisposed. He’s sick, which is a bit serious, but it’s not a stroke. As I’m talking to you, he’s in his house. He’s not been flown anywhere,” the source had said on Sunday evening. The official, however, added that doctors might recommend foreign medical care if necessary, a decision that has now been made. Another aide familiar with the matter confirmed that Edun’s medical situation had prompted closer attention from the President but stressed that “there are no plans to replace him.” The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed that the minister had fallen ill but was initially receiving treatment in Nigeria. “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edun is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria. He is recuperating. He’s around,” Onanuga said on Sunday. The Presidency had earlier debunked speculation that President Bola Tinubu was considering a replacement for the finance minister. However, it confirmed that the minister would miss this year’s World Bank and International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C. According to a statement by Onanuga, the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, would instead lead Nigeria’s delegation to the global finance meetings, which begin today, Tuesday, October 14. Appointed on August 28, 2023, Edun has been a key figure in the Tinubu administration’s economic reform drive, overseeing the removal of petrol subsidies, unification of foreign exchange rates, and fiscal measures aimed at stabilising the naira and curbing inflation. He served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under Tinubu’s administration between 1999 and 2004 and later co-founded investment banking firm Denham Management Limited. At the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance had yet to issue an official statement on the minister’s whereabouts.

Allocate Forfeited Emefiele Estate to Low-Income Earners, Reps Tell FG

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  The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to prioritise low and middle-income earners, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in the allocation of a 753-unit estate recently forfeited to the government. As reported by Channels TV, the resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Jafaru Leko on the “Need for Transparent and Equitable Allocation of Forfeited Abuja Estate.” In May,the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission handed over the property, seized from ex-Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Leko told the chamber on Tuesday that the property is located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja, and covered more than 150,000 square metres. He explained that they were allegedly acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Emefiele and represent “a significant milestone in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.” The lawmaker said, “If properly managed, the estate could contribute meaningfully to addressing Nigeria’s severe housing deficit, particularly in cities like Abuja.” He expressed concern that without a transparent and accountable framework, the properties might end up in the hands of “privileged elites,” defeating the purpose of asset recovery and denying ordinary Nigerians access to decent housing. He warned that without an open, accountable allocation mechanism, the estate risks being captured by privileged elites and could “erode public confidence in government’s anti-corruption and social justice programmes.” He recalled the constitutional obligation of all levels of government to ensure citizens’ welfare, including the provision of adequate shelter, as enshrined in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Adopting the motion, the House resolved to urge the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to develop and publish a transparent and inclusive allocation framework for the estate. The framework should prioritise low- and middle-income earners, IDPs, and other vulnerable groups. Lawmakers also directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report within 60 days detailing the proposed use of the estate, allocation criteria and beneficiary selection process. In addition, the Committee on Housing and Habitat was mandated to liaise with the ministry and report to the House within four weeks to ensure the exercise adheres to principles of equity and transparency. “Transparency in asset management is vital to building public trust. Nigerians must see the benefits of recovered assets directly improving lives,” Leko added.  

NUJ Honours Oyo Speaker, Ogundoyin With Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award

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IBADAN – THE Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has been honoured with the Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council. The award was presented at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Oyo NUJ Press Week, Iyaganku a week-long event held in Ibadan to celebrate excellence in journalism and honour individuals making significant contributions to governance and society. The Chairman of the Oyo NUJ, Chief Ademola Babalola, presented the award to the Speaker, describing him as a beacon of youthful leadership, legislative excellence, and a strong ally of the media in promoting transparency and democratic values. The Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, represented the Governor at the event and praised the NUJ for upholding the ideals of free press and responsible journalism. He also commended the awardees for their distinguished service to Oyo State and Nigeria. In his remarks after receiving the award, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin expressed deep appreciation to the Oyo State Council of the NUJ for the recognition. He described the honour as a humbling encouragement to continue championing transparency, youth inclusion, and impactful legislation. “This award is not just for me, but for every young person striving to make a difference in leadership. I thank the NUJ for acknowledging our efforts and I reaffirm my commitment to working with the media as partners in strengthening our democracy,” he said. Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, Chairman of Solution FM, who was the Guest Lecturer at the Opening ceremony also received outstanding award at the event.  

Oyo Govt Gives Ultimatum To Roadside Traders, Container Owners On Airport Road, Onipepeye

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IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has directed roadside traders and those selling in containers along Airport Road, Old Ife Road and Onipepeye areas of Ibadan to relocate their trades. The government gave the traders two weeks to put an end to roadside trading on the axis. The ultimatum expires on Monday, October 27, 2025. The government said having built markets and other closed environments in various parts of the city, it could no longer tolerate trading on roadside or placement of container shops on drainages. It noted that roadside traders are exposed to serious dangers and avoidable environmental hazards, adding that as a responsible government, it has a duty to protect the citizens from all manner of danger. The government also added that trading on walkways could lead to damaging public infrastructure, blocking drainage system and putting the state at the risk of flooding. It said that roadside trading would deprive the state of benefits of its investment in the promotion of tourism, stating that such sights turn off tourists. The government urged all affected people to comply with the directive, stressing that failure to do so would result in the enforcement of extant rules in the state which might lead to not just the confiscation of wares but also the prosecution of offenders. The government called for the cooperation of all and sundry to achieve sustainable development in the state.  

FG Secures ₦4 Trillion Bond To Settle Power Sector Arrears, Boost Investment,Stability

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ABUJA – AS part efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s power sector, the Federal Government on Tuesday announced it has finalized a comprehensive plan to deploy ₦4 trillion in government-backed bonds aimed at settling verified arrears owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers. The move comes after years of unresolved debts, which have hampered industry stability, deterred investment, and weakened the financial health of power utilities. Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, confirmed the breakthrough in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja. She revealed that these bonds are part of an initiative approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, designed to address deep-rooted structural challenges in Nigeria’s power sector and foster an environment conducive to massive private sector investment. The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting attended by key government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; and Mrs. Verheijen. The meeting focused on reviewing and finalizing settlement modalities, with a consensus to engage in bilateral negotiations aimed at crafting comprehensive settlement agreements that are sustainable amid Nigeria’s fiscal realities and the financial constraints faced by GenCos. Mrs. Verheijen emphasized that this intervention marks the largest-scale debt resolution effort in over a decade. It seeks to eliminate legacy debts that have historically limited the sector’s growth, improved the bottom lines of utility companies, and enhanced the reliability of power supply nationwide. “This is a major step by the federal government towards restoring financial stability and investor confidence within Nigeria’s electricity market,” Murray stated. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s strategic vision of modernizing the electricity infrastructure—improving grid systems, expanding distribution networks, and scaling embedded generation—aimed at creating a favorable environment for sustainable growth and private investment. The milestone underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling structural bottlenecks, fostering a resilient power sector, and unlocking economic potential through robust government-private sector collaboration.

(PHOTOS): Nigerian Army Troops Of 2 Div Secure Release Of 9 Kidnapped Victims

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IBADAN – THE Nigerian Army (NA) troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have continued to sustain operations against criminal elements operating within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). A press statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 2 Division Nigerian Army stated that, “During a night patrol along Egbe – Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, on 13 October, 2025, troops intercepted 9 kidnapped victims at Essalu community, in Yagba west LGA of Kogi State. Amongst the rescued victims are 4 males, and 5 females who were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on 24 September, 2025. On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled unconfirmed number of cattle. The milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States. The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from own troops sustained operations in the area.Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee. The intercepted kidnapped victims include; Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Mr Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. Others are Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12. They were administered first aid treatments and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid them reunite with their respective families. The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency. The NA continues its campaign towards appealing to the general public to always avail troops with credible information that would aid in fighting insecurity and effectively securing lives and property of Nigerians.  

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