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Tension In NDLEA As Marwa Lobbies Tinubu For Second Term Amid Reform Plans
The race to succeed the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has intensified as the 72-year-old officer reportedly lobbies for a second five-year term. According to Nivo News, at least five contenders have already emerged, with high-level political consultations ongoing ahead of the expiration of Marwa’s tenure in about two months.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Marwa, appointed on January 17, 2021, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is credited with revamping the agency and driving one of Nigeria’s most vigorous anti-narcotics campaigns in recent years. However, debates have surfaced within government circles over his possible reappointment, with some citing his age and the need for fresh reforms in the agency.
A top security source revealed that the contenders include retired military officers, police chiefs, and senior legal professionals. “Five people are seriously eyeing the position. While Marwa is eligible for a second term, some stakeholders argue that his age and President Bola Tinubu’s reformist vision for the NDLEA make a change inevitable,” the source said.
Marwa’s recent visit to the Presidential Villa on Tuesday was reportedly part of his strategic effort to secure another term. Some government insiders, however, are proposing that the former Lagos State military administrator be considered for an ambassadorial role instead, insisting that the agency requires “new leadership with innovative direction.”
The succession debate is also said to be tied to broader justice sector reforms being championed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). A senior government official disclosed that “among all agencies under the justice sector, the NDLEA is the only one yet to undergo full restructuring.” The federal government is reportedly pushing for reforms that will enhance efficiency, accountability, and human rights protection across institutions like the NDLEA, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Legal Aid Council.
An internal review described the NDLEA as an agency in need of “surgical reforms,” highlighting issues such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor promotion processes, and a wide gap between arrests and convictions. Despite Marwa’s high-profile drug busts and operations, critics believe the agency’s prosecution arm remains weak.
Data shows that under Marwa’s watch, 31,675 drug offenders were arrested, with 5,147 convictions secured — a figure seen as modest relative to the scale of arrests.
Analysts suggest Marwa’s enduring political connection with President Tinubu, dating back to 1999 when he handed over to him as Lagos State governor, could play a crucial role in determining his fate. “Marwa believes his long-standing relationship with the President might help him retain the position,” an insider noted.
As the clock ticks toward the end of his tenure, all eyes are on President Tinubu to decide whether to retain Marwa for continuity or appoint a new helmsman to drive the next phase of NDLEA reforms.
A group of All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Kwara State has formally requested that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq intervene regarding the party’s candidacy for the Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 elections. The stakeholders, including local government council officials and APC leaders from Ekiti and Oke-Ero, contend that the candidate currently recognized by the party is not the individual who won the primary election held on May 16, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Disputed Results: The petitioners claim that Abolarin Ganiyu won the primary with 17,128 votes, while the incumbent, Raheem Tunji Olawuyi, received only 2,978 votes. They expressed concern that Olawuyi, who reportedly placed sixth, is being presented as the winner.
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Political Imbalance: The stakeholders argue that the constituency has suffered from political inequity since 1999, as the seat has consistently been held by representatives from either Irepodun or Isin local government areas. They noted that Ekiti and Oke-Ero, which collectively comprise 20 of the constituency’s 42 wards, have never produced a representative.
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Call for Action: In their open letter, the leaders urged Governor AbdulRazaq to work with the APC national leadership to recognize Abolarin Ganiyu as the legitimate candidate. They stated that this correction is necessary to uphold justice, equity, and internal party democracy.
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Croatia Crushed: Portugal Sends Shockwaves Through Tournament, Punches Ticket To Spain Clash!.
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday, punching their ticket to the World Cup round of 16. Although Ivan Perisic gave Croatia the lead in the 53rd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo equalized via a 68th-minute penalty before Goncalo Ramos scored a header in the fourth minute of stoppage time to clinch the win. A potential late equalizer from Josko Gvardiol was overturned by VAR for offside. Following the win, an emotional Ronaldo dedicated the performance to his late teammate, Diogo Jota, wearing a jersey with Jota’s number 21. Portugal is now set to face European champions Spain in Dallas this Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In other tournament action, Spain dominated Austria with a 3-0 victory in Los Angeles to advance to the round of 16. Mikel Oyarzabal netted two goals, and Pedro Porro added another to round out a performance that Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente described as “close to perfect”. Despite the commanding result, de la Fuente emphasized that his squad remains ambitious and believes there is still room for improvement as the competition enters a more demanding phase.
The Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, has rejected the third bail application submitted by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing trial involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The application, which sought release on medical grounds, claimed that the former governor suffered from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring treatment outside of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
However, the ICPC successfully challenged this claim by presenting evidence from the National Hospital in Abuja. Key findings from the proceedings included:
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The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, provided documentation confirming that the hospital’s records contained no evidence of the former governor ever being a patient at the facility.
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The hospital further clarified that the medical report submitted as “Exhibit A” was issued without the knowledge or authorization of its management.
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Consequently, Justice Khobo ruled that the discredited medical report could not justify granting bail.
Despite denying the bail request, Justice Khobo ordered the ICPC to permit the former governor unrestricted access to his personal physicians and to facilitate his transport to any specialized diagnostic or clinical facilities within Nigeria as needed during his trial.
El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody since February 19, faces nine counts related to dishonest disposal of loan funds and the alleged conferment of benefits under false pretenses, to which he has pleaded not guilty. This ruling follows a previous denial of bail in April, where the court determined that keeping the former governor in custody served the interests of justice. Additionally, he remains subject to separate prosecution by the ICPC at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
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