BY AUSTIN OYIBODE

Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor (Ph.D), a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress APC in Delta state, has dismissed reports that the Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of 12 new states, calling the claims “deliberate misinformation” aimed at discrediting Senator Ned Nwoko and sabotaging the movement for the creation of Anioma State.

Reacting to trending reports alleging Senate approval of a 12-state expansion, Chief Ejiofor said such stories reflect a “deep misunderstanding of Nigeria’s constitutional process” and are being weaponized for political purposes.

“That will show you the level of ignorance in circulation,” he said. “There are constitutional processes for state creation. We just concluded the public hearing phase — no state has been created. We haven’t even entered the next legislative stage. So where is this list of 12 states coming from?”

He argued that the narrative of 12 newly created states is being used by political opponents to undermine the Anioma agitation, the only proposal, he says, that has gained broad grassroots and regional consensus.

“Among all the regions calling for new states, only Anioma has demonstrated overwhelming coordination, and community backing,” Ejiofor noted.

“But because Senator Nwoko is leading the push, they fabricated this fake list to distract and discredit him. At the end of the day, they’ll ask, ‘Where is Anioma State on the list?’ That’s the whole game, it’s a calculated distraction.”

Ejiofor did not mince words, describing the narrative as a “stupid agenda” by political actors whose true intention is to isolate Anioma and attempt to frustrate Senator Nwoko’s advocacy.

“This isn’t about constitutional reform, it’s about attacking one man. Everything about their body language shows it’s Senator Nwoko they’re after. But Nwoko is too focused to be derailed by petty blackmail.”

Addressing rumors that Nwoko is pushing for Anioma state creation to launch a gubernatorial bid, Ejiofor said: “He has made it clear on several occasions: he is not interested in becoming a governor. He’s fighting for Anioma people not for himself, but for equity, justice, and inclusion.”

Senator Ned Nwoko has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to the Anioma cause, while calling for restraint and truth in national dialogue.

“Anioma State is not about me, it’s about giving the Anioma people the voice and dignity they deserve within the Nigerian federation,” Nwoko had said.”

Investigation revealed that the Senate is still in the early stages of reviewing state creation proposals and that no final decision has been made.

The Nigerian Constitution outlines a rigorous process for creating new states — including support from two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly, two-thirds of state assemblies, and a successful referendum. While dozens of proposals have been submitted, none has yet passed all required stages.

Ejiofor called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and focused.

“Let’s separate truth from propaganda. Anioma deserves statehood, not because of who is leading it, but because it is long overdue.”

By Isaac Abrak

In the wake of Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, a powerful Hausa phrase emerged: “Guguwar Buhari” —literally Buhari’s whirlwind.It aptly captured the tidal wave of support that swept General Muhammadu Buhari and many others into power under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The whirlwind was so intense that it carried along even political unknowns—individuals with no record, reputation, or merit—simply because they stood beside Buhari, either on campaign posters or on the ballot.

That year, the APC logo became a winning ticket. Voters, driven by their deep trust in Buhari, voted for any name attached to it. The former general himself fueled this trend with his now-famous campaign line: “APC sama da kasa”—vote APC from top to bottom. And that’s exactly what the *Talakawa* (the masses), particularly in the North, did. From the presidency to the National Assembly, governorships, state assemblies, and local councils, a wave of victories was handed out—not earned—thanks to one man’s charisma.

But mere months into Buhari’s administration, another Hausa phrase quietly entered public discourse: “Guguwar Buhari ta kwashi yayi”—“Buhari’s whirlwind picked up garbage”. The people began to wake up. The same whirlwind that propelled leaders into power had also brought in many unqualified, self-serving, and underperforming politicians. Disillusionment replaced euphoria. The Talakawa realized that too many of their elected representatives were unworthy of the offices they held.

By 2019, the tide was turning. Buhari may have secured a second term, but many of those who had previously clung to his coattails were rejected by a more conscious electorate. The blind loyalty was fading. Voters began asking tougher questions and demanding results. Northern Nigeria was slowly moving away from political sentimentalism toward issue-based engagement.

In 2023, another dimension to Buhari’s political capital emerged—*tthe myth of his “sacred 12 million votes. For over a decade, Buhari had consistently pulled around 12 million votes in presidential elections, largely from the North. This voting bloc became a prized political asset. Every major candidate, including now-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sought to harness this number. Whether he succeeded or not is a matter for future political autopsy. But what’s no longer in doubt is that the *whirlwind* that delivered that power is now gone.

Some politicians still believe they can inherit this legacy—that they can simply stand in Buhari’s shoes and command the North’s votes. But such thinking is delusional.

As one guest rightly noted during a special NTA broadcast on the day of Buhari’s burial, those 12 million votes weren’t earned overnight. They were built over decades of public service—beginning with Buhari’s tenure as Military Governor of the old North-Eastern State, followed by his service as Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund, and eventually President. It was a reputation forged through discipline, integrity, and patriotic service.

Even so, Buhari’s aura wasn’t untouchable. As his presidency wore on, the same Talakawa who had once idolized him began expressing disappointment. He was booed at campaign rallies in Kano and Bauchi in 2019, and most memorably in Maiduguri in 2020, when he visited after a Boko Haram attack. Angry residents chanted “Ba mu da shugaba!” (“We have no leader!”) and “Ba mayi!” (we don’t want!). His controversial border closure policy, intended to curb smuggling, had instead led to food scarcity and economic hardship. If “Mai Gaskiya” (The Truthful One) could be jeered, how much more any politician attempting to coast on his reputation?

Today, the Northern voter is changing. The Talakawa want more than slogans. They now demand:

* Functional hospitals
* Affordable, quality education
* Food security
* Reliable electricity
* Clean water
* And, above all, security from terrorism and violence

These are not campaign fantasies—they are expected deliverables. Any leader who wants to command the North must first prove they can deliver these essentials. The North is at a crossroads. It must move from dependency to productivity. Leaders must rise to this challenge or risk being discarded by a growing wave of enlightened voters.

Indeed, there is evidence of this awakening everywhere. On social media,young Northerners—many of them Hausa-Fulani Muslims—are openly rejecting traditional political formulas.Some now declare they would rather vote for a Christian-Christian ticket than a Muslim-Muslim one, if it means better governance. It’s tempting to dismiss this as fringe sentiment—but the message is spreading fast. And it’s reshaping public consciousness.

Let’s be clear: Buhari’s 12 million votes pampered a generation of politicians. Many rode on his back without offering anything meaningful to the people. That era is now behind us. The Northern voter is evolving. Political awareness is rising. And with it, a new demand for performance, integrity, and accountability.

Whoever aspires to lead the North, command the Talakawa, and inherit Buhari’s political legacy must offer more than recycled slogans. They must present tangible evidence of good governance not just political promises.

This shift isn’t a crisis—it’s a victory for democracy. And perhaps, it’s the greatest legacy Buhari leaves behind: a Nigeria where voters are thinking for themselves. If you doubt it, just wait for 2027. The Talakawa will speak again—and this time, even louder.

In death, Buhari has unexpectedly revived his 2015 campaign slogan:“Chanji Dole! no need to translate this one.

*    Isaac Abrak is a Hostile Environment Journalist, a One Nigerianist, and Chairman of the Northern Christian Youth Professionals.
isaaclinus@gmail.com

By Michael J. Ekokoruwe

The Isoko Development Union (I.D.U) Youth Wing Thursday, elected Comrade Joel Emeni as the president of the Isoko Development Union Youth Wing, at the National Secretariat of Isoko Development Union Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

The election commenced with the accreditation of 5 delegates each from the 24 Clans of Isoko Nation, just as the screening of all the aspirants contesting various positions was peaceful and orderly, under the supervision of a 7 man electoral committee, the secretary to Isoko South local government area, Hon. Osuofa Zino and securitymen.

While conducting the election, the chairman of the electoral committee and president general of Okpolo Enwhe community, Chief Idolor Kennedy said, 109 delegates were accredited for the election, adding that screening of the aspirants was done earlier, to ascertain educational qualifications, community origin and to clear doubts of migration from other Isoko youth organizations.

Announcing the election results, conducted with option A4, the secretary of the electoral committee, Engr. Thomas Akpoedafe declared Comrade Joel Emeni as the president of I.D.U Youth Wing with 76 votes, the 1st Vice president, Iduh Othuke with 74 votes, just as the chairman of the electoral committee, Chief Idolor Kennedy, declared other successful contestants elected.

Other members of the I.D.U Youth Wing executive include, the 2nd Vice president, Unuafe Sunday, Warri Erigues as the secretary, Kennedy Umukoro treasurer, John Odhe public relations officer, Efeakpor Israel financial secretary, Agelibe Blessing organizing secretary, Igbine Ofejiro women leader and Akpobome Precious speaker.

Usher Orevaghene auditor general 1, Omoyibo Isaiah, legal adviser, Victory Chinedu, assistant secretary and Ikoroje Ajiri as assistant financial secretary.

Ekemejighe Marilyn clinched the position of assistant organizing secretary, Aforke Oghenekome, assistant women leader, Imina Eric, assistant public relations officer, Maro Samson deputy speaker, Benedict Emmanuel auditor, Mathew Ifekor auditor 2, Mark Onoriode provost 1, Ossoh Uzezi provost 2 and Agari Igho as provost 3.

The president of Isoko Development Union, Professor Chris Akpotu, represented by the  1st vice president, Prince  Desmond Ogbaudu, performed the swearing in ceremony and urged the elected youth executive to be loyal and show respect to the parent body of the union, just as he urged the people to remain peaceful.

Speaking after the election, the elected president of I.D.U Youth Wing, Comr. Joel Emeni, urged the youth to be steadfast in what is good, even as he promised to engage the youths in agricultural enterprises, adding that eradication of poverty will be one of his cardinal objectives to curb youth restiveness.

Reacting to the election results and eventual swearing in of the elected executives of the I.D.U Youth Wing, the secretary to Isoko South local government area and member of the electoral committee, Hon. Osuofa Zino, commended the youth for their peaceful conduct and good ideas of moving Isoko Nation forward.

Also speaking was the vice chairman of the electoral committee, Chief Cleaver Daniel, who noted that the election was peaceful as the committee went round the 24 clans of Isoko Nation to select the delegates with photographs documentation.

Cleaver maintained that the election was free and fair, just as he urged the youth to prioritize education, adding that educated youth will not engage in restiveness but dialogue.

The Chairman of the electoral committee, Chief Idolor Kennedy, urged Isoko youth to unite and work with the leaders of Isoko Development Union with a common purpose, emphasizing that the development of Isoko Nation must be their priority.

Earlier, a section of the youth and their aspirants staged a walkout, displaying various placards with the inscription, “No Olokor, No Election” and others, as it was obvious of losing the election. However, the election was conducted peacefully under the close monitoring of securitymen.

In a time when power too often came with plunder, Muhammadu Buhari stood out as an outlier. A soldier who became president, yet remained defined not by acquisition, but by restraint.

Let us be honest. His presidency was not without its shadows. Some challenges such as economic strain, insecurity, and ethnic unease persisted; but there was something in Buhari that resisted Nigeria’s most common disease which is “Greed”. That alone in today’s Nigeria is no small legacy.

In other words, I will describe him as a disciplinarian and as someone who stood tall as an incorruptible leader as much as he could. In death, as in life, his legacy reminds us that it is still possible to walk the corridors of power with clean hands.

As a journalist who interviewed the likes of Yakubu Gowon and Shehu Shagari, I saw firsthand how power reveals the soul of a man. Buhari was not flashy. He did not court popularity. He preferred silence to spectacle, solitude to swagger. To some, that silence was a flaw. To others, a virtue. But to the vast majority, it was authentic.

Buhari was never quite a democrat by instinct but when democracy spoke in 2023, he listened and walked away quietly. No drama. No desperation. Just a General, returning to his village with his head held high. History will remember him as the man who ruled twice: first by decree, then later by vote; yet he kept his appetite lean and his fingers clean.

Today, Nigeria bows to this great loss, not because Muhammadu Buhari was flawless but because he tried to stay clean in a dirty time. As he is laid to rest in Daura, may we not forget the lesson he leaves behind. “Integrity is not weakness and Discipline is not dictatorship but Leadership at its highest, is sacrifice”. Farewell, General. Nigeria saw you and History will not forget you.

•  William Z. Bozimo
  Veteran Journalist | Columnist | National Memory Keeper.

The Turkish government has condoled with the government and people of Nigeria over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari who died on Sunday at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness was buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday.

Speaking on occassion on the 9th anniversary of the attempted forceful change of government in Turkey, the Turkish Ambasssdor designate, Mehmet Poroy said “the government of Turkey expressed its deep condolences to the people and the government of Nigeria, on the passing of the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari.”

Leading dignitaries at the occasion to observed a minute of silence, the ambassador also prayed that the Almighty Allah bless his soul.

Speaking on the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day ceremony, Poroy said its a day set aside to honour the memories of those who died in the process of defending democracy.

He said: “On this July 15th, Democracy and National Unity Day, I extend my respectful greetings to all our citizens and honour the memory of our heroic martyrs who gave their lives for the preservation of democratic and independent Turkey. I would like to thank once again for your presence here today in our embassy. We are grateful to you, dear friends, for sharing our feelings on the anniversary of this attempted coup, a direct threat to democracy and the will of our people in Turkey.”

The envoy also disclosed that over 200 institutions run by the group suspected to be behind the attempted coup has been taken over by Turkish institutions.

He noted that: “The fact that new investigations and arrests into the organisation continue to be launched, demonstrates the need for this struggle to be pursued with unwavering determination.”

By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has successfully recovered two stolen vehicles one in Obosi, Anambra State, and the other in Asaba, Delta State just hours after receiving actionable intelligence regarding their locations.

In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the operation was a result of a coordinated effort involving officers from the Ogidi Area Command and Isiowulu Division, alongside local vigilante groups and the Delta State Police Command.

One of the recovered vehicles a red 2005 Toyota RAV4 with Abuja registration number YAB 122 AZ was found abandoned near Fresh Air Hotel Road, close to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in the Odume-Isiowulu area of Obosi.

The SUV had reportedly been snatched at gunpoint by three armed men in Oba during the early hours of Friday, July 11. Acting on intelligence, officers from the Obosi Division recovered the vehicle through a swift, targeted operation.

In a related development, a school bus belonging to SUSU College, which had earlier been reported stolen on July 6, was also recovered in Asaba.

Working on fresh intelligence received in the early hours of July 12, Police operatives from Anambra and Delta traced the bus to a location opposite the Magistrate Court in Asaba, where it was found abandoned.

While investigations into both incidents are ongoing, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu commended the officers involved for their prompt and efficient action.

He also praised the strong collaboration between security agencies across State lines and emphasized the importance of continued inter-agency cooperation in tackling crimes that cross jurisdictions.

CP Orutugu reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in Anambra State.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity, assuring that credible information would always be treated with urgency and seriousness.

Efforts are currently underway to track down and apprehend those responsible for the vehicle thefts.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has confirmed that the long-overdue Oko–Patani Road has been officially captured in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) budget.

The senator made this known on his Facebook page after the 25th anniversary celebration of the NDDC in Port Harcourt. The celebration brought together prominent leaders and stakeholders from across the country.

He congratulated the commission, the board led by Mr. Chiedu Ebie, and the entire leadership team for reaching a significant milestone and commended the ongoing reforms and renewed energy within the organization.

In his remarks, Senator Nwoko expressed optimism about the future of infrastructure development in the Niger Delta, describing the inclusion of the Oko–Patani Road in the budget as a promising step.

“The proposed Coastal Road linking Asaba to Patani, now captured in the NDDC budget, is a bold, necessary, and entirely doable project,” Senator Nwoko said. “The Oko–Patani segment, in particular, is of strategic importance to communities in Delta North, and its inclusion signals a real commitment to addressing years of infrastructural neglect.”

For years, residents of the Oko in Oshimili South axis have faced serious challenges due to poor road conditions, particularly during the rainy season when some areas become impassable.

The senator noted that the road, once completed, will unlock economic potentials, improve access to essential services, and enhance regional integration.

Senator Nwoko also used the occasion to call for sustained political will and inter-agency collaboration to ensure that captured projects are not only funded but also executed to completion.

“The journey to a more developed Niger Delta continues,” he added. “We must all remain committed to turning budget lines into visible, life-changing infrastructure on the ground.”

The NDDC was established in 2000 with the mandate to facilitate the sustainable development of the oil-rich Niger Delta. The commission’s recent reforms and its renewed emphasis on legacy projects have drawn optimism from both lawmakers and local communities.

Nigeria’s Former president, and military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has died in London, UK.

His family on Sunday announced the passing of the former president in a clinic in London.

The Nation Newspaper also reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally announced the passing of the former President who was said to have died Saturday afternoon in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, President Buhari passed away at about 4:30 p.m. in a London clinic.

In honour of the late leader, President Tinubu has directed that the national flag be flown at half-staff across the country as a mark of respect.

President Tinubu, who has since spoken with the former First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Katsina State, and the nation at large.

In a solemn act of state honour, President Tinubu has also dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the United Kingdom to accompany the body of the former president back to Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“President Buhari died today in London at about 4.30 pm, following a prolonged illness.

His tenure as a democratically elected President marked a historic moment in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, as he became the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president at the ballot box.

From our Education Desk

In what appears to be the climax of the lingering face off between the Management of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South and the institution,s Governing Council, the joint unions , namely Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics ( ASUP), SSANlP, and NASU , have called on the State government, to “immediately bring about a lasting solution to the excesses of the current Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, in misconduct, abuse of office , and breach of institutional laws”

In the light of it’s grouses, the Joint unions have issued a 21-day ( 15 working days ) ultimatum to the State Government , through the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, to look into their demands or risk a full-scale industrial action

In a letter dated 8th July 2025, and addressed to “The Honourable Commissioner , Ministry of Higher Education ,State Secretariat Complex, Asaba, Delta State “, and titled “FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST THE OVERBEARING CONDUCT, LAWLESSNESS AND FINANCIAL RECKLESSNESS OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF DELTA STATE POLYTECHNIC , OGWASHI-UKU, A 21 DAY ULTIMATUM FOR ACTION”, the joint unions listed ten ( 10) allegations against the Pastor Paul Adingwupu- led Governing Council

The protest letter , signed by ASUP DSPG Chapter Chairman , Michael Ogana, PhD, and Joint Union Chairman , Comrade Ayewumi Andrew , noted that the institution,s Governing Council actions “are not only a violation of the Polytechnic law, but also a grave threat to the institutional integrity and industrial peace within the Polytechnic”

The joint union specifically emphasized the Governing Council,s High handedness and Unilateral decision making , persistent attempts to fleece the institution through questionable approvals and illegal daily council meetings , frivolous accusations of the management staff of financial impropriety without due diligence of investigation, occasioned by the management,s refusal to allow them continually fleece the institution, and concerted efforts to frustrate the recent accreditation of Programmes of the institution , by refusing to approve the statutory funds needed for the exercise , were some of the examples of overreach of the Adingwupu- led Council

Others include the persistent refusal of the Council Chairman and members of the Council to meet with the polytechnic,s union executives in a bid to resolve emanating issues, the usurpation of the functions and powers of the management team of the institution , delay in implementation of staff promotions as a result of the Council,s refusal to assent to the recommendations of the Appointments and Promotion Committee ( A&PC), needless waste of the institution,s resources to engage the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria ( SAN), in a matter against a staff, arbitrary issuance of suspension letters with blatant disregard to the due processes of the law , institutional procedures and established regulatory frameworks guiding the Council,s functions , as well as the use of men and officials of the Nigeria Police Force to harass the Rector

Further incensing the joint union , they said “efforts by the union to engage the Governing Council constructively, and draw attention to these excesses, have been met with repudiation, silence and in some cases, retaliation”

The ultimatum also added that its full scale industrial action , if it’s demands are not met ,  will include “the withdrawal of all academic services until justice is served”, emphasizing that it should not be held liable for any disruption arising from the inaction of the authorities concerned

On July 13, 2023, a devastating tragedy unfolded in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. It was an incident that not only shattered a young family but also exposed deep cracks in our system of accountability during security operations in Nigeria.

That day, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stormed a suspected drug joint in the area. In the course of that operation, bullets were allegedly discharged indiscriminately, piercing through walls and structures beyond the target location. One of those bullets struck two-year-old Ivan Onose Omhonrina in the abdomen as he sat innocently in his mother’s shop. His younger brother, Eromonsele, barely a year old, was hit in the eye. Both boys were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), but tragically, little Ivan could not be saved.

The scene was horrific. A family’s safe space, a small business premises, was turned into a zone of blood, anguish, and irreversible loss. The death of a toddler under such circumstances is not only heartbreaking, it is a damning indictment of how we conduct security operations in civilian spaces. Innocent lives should never be collateral damage in the war against drugs or any other criminal activity.

When I received word of this incident, I knew I had to act. Not just as a legislator, but as a father, a citizen, and a defender of justice. I reached out to the grieving family. I saw their pain, their confusion, and their desperation for justice. And I made a promise that I would take their cry for justice to the highest chambers of our legislative system.

Justice for Ivan became more than a phrase. It became a mission.

As the Senator representing Delta North, the very constituency where this tragedy occurred, I formally submitted a petition on behalf of the Omhonrina family to the Nigerian Senate. I documented every aspect of the incident, collaborated with local authorities and eyewitnesses, and ensured that this matter was not swept under the carpet as so many others have been in the past.

The petition was assigned to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by the distinguished Senator Neda Imasuen. I commend the committee for treating this case with the sensitivity, urgency, and thoroughness it deserved. Their investigation included testimonies, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and legal consultations in pursuit of truth and justice.

After weeks of deliberations, the committee submitted its report to the full Senate. During plenary, I stood once again to speak on the issue, urging my colleagues to see beyond the numbers and recommendations. To see a child’s life cut short, a mother’s tears, and a nation’s obligation to do better.

The Senate responded with empathy and moral clarity. A minute of silence was observed in honour of Ivan. The chamber grew silent, heavy with the weight of that young life lost. And in that silence, our collective conscience spoke. The Senate unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation that the NDLEA should pay ₦200 million in compensation to the Omhonrina family.

Let me be clear. No amount of money can bring back Ivan or erase the trauma his family has endured. This compensation is not a price tag on a life. It is an acknowledgement of responsibility, an institutional apology, and a commitment to prevent future tragedies.

This is the power of proactive representation. As the voice of Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, I will never look away when my constituents are in pain. I will always stand for truth, accountability, and justice.

This case is a wake-up call to all security agencies in Nigeria. The conduct of operations must be guided by strict rules of engagement, discipline, and respect for civilian lives. It is unacceptable that in our quest to fight crime, innocent children become casualties of carelessness and excessive force.

I also believe this resolution sets a powerful precedent for other victims of systemic violence and government negligence. It tells Nigerians that justice is possible. That the National Assembly can be a voice for the voiceless. That we will not look away when our people are harmed by the very institutions meant to protect them.

To the Omhonrina family, no words will ever be enough. But I pray this act of justice brings some measure of healing. I pray that Eromonsele recovers fully and grows up in a country where his dignity and rights are respected and protected.

To the NDLEA, I urge full and prompt compliance with the Senate resolution. But beyond this payment, I call on the agency to review its operational protocols, strengthen training, and ensure that engagements with civilian populations are executed with precision, discipline, and care. Let Ivan’s death not be in vain.

Importantly, the officer involved in the fatal shooting of Ivan is currently being prosecuted as part of the broader pursuit of justice and accountability. That process must continue with transparency and fairness.

To my colleagues in the Senate, I thank you for standing on the side of justice. This is what true leadership means. Not merely drafting laws, but intervening when it matters most. Representing not just policies, but people.

To the Nigerian people, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and responsible governance. I will continue to advocate for institutional reforms that protect every citizen, especially the most vulnerable.

Ivan’s short life has left a lasting imprint on my heart, on this nation, and on our conscience.

Justice for Ivan must echo across every corridor of power until the systems that failed him are transformed.

May his soul rest in peace.

May his memory remain a call to action.

And may his legacy help build a Nigeria where every child is safe, protected, and free from fear.

• Senator Ned Nwoko

  Delta North Senatorial District

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, to the Federal University of Technology, Asaba, Delta State, alongside four other similar bills aimed at establishing new universities of technology across the country.

The bill for the proposed Federal University of Technology, Asaba was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North), and its passage marks a significant step toward expanding access to quality, technology-driven higher education in the South-South region.

Also passed were bills seeking to establish: Federal University of Technology, Offa, Kwara State, sponsored by Senator Ashiru Oyelola Yisa and Federal University of Technology, Omoku, Rivers State, sponsored by Senator Harry Ipaligbo Banigo

Others are Federal University of Technology, Odukpani, Cross River State, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong; Federal University of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero.

Also passed are bills for the establishment of Federal University of Science and Technology, Epe, Lagos State, sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Federal University of Sciences, Deba, Gombe State, sponsored by Senator Danjuma Goje and Federal University of Technology and Vocational Training, Yaba, Lagos State, also sponsored by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

The Senate’s action followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, chaired by Senator Murtari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South).

Presenting the report, Senator Dandutse explained that the bills were earlier read for the second time and referred to the committee for further legislative scrutiny. He noted that the committee held extensive deliberations and consultations before recommending their passage.

Highlighting the objectives of the bills, Dandutse stated that they aim to expand learning opportunities without discrimination and develop academic and professional programs that lead to degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional qualifications.

During the public hearing for the Asaba bill on May 28, 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko emphasized the urgent national need to bridge regional gaps in the distribution of federal universities of technology.

“The South-South geopolitical zone, despite its immense contribution to Nigeria’s economy—particularly in oil, gas, and manufacturing—does not currently host any Federal University of Technology,” Nwoko stated.

He added that the proposed upgrade would transform an already established institution with a strong technical foundation into a full-fledged university capable of addressing Nigeria’s 21st-century development needs.

“This is a bold step toward innovation, youth empowerment, and long-term national development,” he concluded.

The bill’s passage has been widely hailed as a strategic move to promote technological education and foster regional equity in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.

Credit: Vanguard