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We Don’t Want Inclusion For Women In Governance – Patience Jonathan, Douye Diri Clash.

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Former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, has urged lawmakers to provide legislative backing for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

She made the call during the Pan Niger Delta Forum Women Conference in Yenagoa, responding to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s remarks that women should not receive special treatment in politics.

Governor Diri had advocated for the full inclusion of women in political processes rather than the creation of special seats. He said,

“I met with the Deputy British High Commissioner during her visit to Bayelsa last week, and we discussed women’s participation in politics. She supports the idea of special seats in the National Assembly as a temporary measure, which I partially agree with, but I largely believe it is unnecessary.

“The goal is not to treat our women as second-class citizens. In countries like Britain and the United States, women have no special seats—they participate fully in politics, and nobody talks about them being disadvantaged. Nigeria can adopt a similar system.

“Our women are intelligent, active in politics, and successful across professions. They serve as professors, doctors, engineers, and lawyers, even in the Niger Delta. My own daughter recently earned a Ph.D. in law at age 26. Women must demand their freedom and refuse second-class treatment.

“In Bayelsa, I have worked to include more women in governance at the state executive level and in the House of Assembly. In 2023, I expected five women to succeed in elections, but only two did. I understand the challenges, including sometimes women competing against each other. My message to Niger Delta women is that I will always support and encourage you.”

However, Mrs. Jonathan emphasized that there must be a law mandating special seats for women to ensure lasting inclusion.

She stated, “Inclusion alone is insufficient—it may appear as if the government is doing women a favour. Any administration could reverse it tomorrow. That is why the Special Seats Bill, currently before the National Assembly, is critical.

“In developed countries, systems that guarantee women’s participation work smoothly. In Nigeria, we must often negotiate at roundtable discussions before being considered. In countries like Angola, the 35 percent quota is guaranteed.

“Nigerian women, regardless of party, must unite and speak with one voice. In political parties, 35 percent of leadership positions should be reserved for women, because parties control access to power. If women are excluded from the foundation, they cannot shape the future.”

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.

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An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.

Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.

Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.

He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.

“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.

The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.

Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.

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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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