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Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Nigeria Police Force’s Commitment During Ondo Governorship Election.
In a critical move to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has mandated its operatives deployed for the Ondo governorship election to impose restrictions on unauthorized movement at various collation centres. This directive comes from the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the election, DIG Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, as counting of votes commenced across the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that DIG Alabi undertook extensive inspections of polling units and collation centres following the conclusion of voting. These inspections are designed to ensure that all voting materials are accounted for and that the counting and collation of votes occur in a transparent and orderly manner.
“Our officers are instructed to implement stringent safety protocols to mitigate any potential disruptions or irregularities that may undermine the integrity of the elections,” Adejobi articulated. Furthermore, he underscored the Force’s unwavering commitment to establishing adequate security measures that would facilitate a free and fair electoral process.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also reached out to the public, reassuring the citizens of Ondo State of their safety and emphasizing that the highest standards of security will be maintained throughout the electoral process and beyond. This commitment reflects the NPF’s dedication to fostering a transparent and credible democratic environment.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing trend of renaming streets and public spaces in Lagos State without adherence to constitutional procedures or resident consultation. Falana describes these actions as unlawful and undemocratic.
In a recent statement, Falana specifically criticized the renaming of “Charley Boy Bus Stop” to “Baddo Bus Stop” by the former chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kolade Alabi. He further cited instances of streets named after President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and alleged street naming by industrialist Aliko Dangote in honor of the late Mr. Herbert Wigwe and President Tinubu.
Falana asserts that these actions contravene the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants local government councils the exclusive authority for naming and numbering streets. He referenced the legal precedent set in Chief Obidi Ume v. Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, which affirmed the Abuja Municipal Area Council’s sole authority over street naming within its jurisdiction.
Falana emphasized that the “usurpation of the exclusive functions of local governments on street naming by certain individuals and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution.” He highlighted the historical significance of the Charley Boy Bus Stop, arguing that its renaming without community consultation represents authoritarianism.
Furthermore, Falana expressed concern over the retention of colonial-era names while targeting names honoring Nigerians with positive societal contributions. He urged local government legislative arms to end arbitrary renaming practices, implement transparent processes with public hearings, and ensure community involvement in such decisions.
Falana concluded by stating that street names should not be altered arbitrarily to cater to the whims of political leaders or promote ethnic chauvinism, particularly in a cosmopolitan city like Lagos.
DAURA, Katsina State – In a gesture of respect and remembrance, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate for the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited the gravesite of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
Both Kwankwaso and Saraki offered their condolences to the family of the former Head of State in Daura. Images circulating on social media depicted the leaders in prayer at the gravesite.
Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, passed away in London following a period of illness. His remains were interred in Daura earlier this week. The visits by Kwankwaso and Saraki mark the latest in a series of tributes paid to the late president.
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 82. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval. This declaration is part of the ongoing seven-day national mourning period.
In a statement, the Minister described Buhari as a leader who served Nigeria with dedication and integrity, emphasizing the holiday’s purpose: to allow Nigerians to reflect on his contributions to the nation’s democratic journey and national development. Citizens are urged to use this day to promote peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, aligning with the late President’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. During the mourning period, national flags will fly at half-mast. The Federal Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians.
A court has mandated that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permit female corps members to wear skirts.
Falana Condemns Unlawful Street Renaming in Lagos.
