News
Kano State Independent Electoral Commission Disqualified from Conducting Local Government Elections
In a significant legal development, a Federal High Court in Kano has disqualified the leadership of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) from overseeing the upcoming local government elections, scheduled for October 26, 2024. The ruling was delivered by Justice S.A. Amobede and stemmed from a suit filed by Aminu Aliyu Tiga, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), challenging the eligibility of KANSIEC’s chairman and its members.
The court found that the KANSIEC chairman and other members are card-carrying members of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), thus violating constitutional provisions that prohibit partisan politics for officials overseeing electoral processes. Specifically, the judgment cited Section 197 (1)(b) and Section 200 (1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which stipulate that members of electoral commissions must be impartial and should not engage in political activities.
Justice Amobede noted that Kabir Zakirai, the Commission’s Secretary, failed to meet the qualification criteria as he was not a civil servant above the rank of Director at the time of his appointment. The court stated that KANSIEC’s current composition is unconstitutional, rendering it incapable of conducting the local government elections until qualified members are appointed in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, the court nullified all actions taken by KANSIEC in preparation for the elections, emphasizing that the Commission is restrained from proceeding until it complies with the relevant constitutional and legal requirements regarding appointments.
The ruling underscores the imperative for electoral bodies to maintain independence from partisan influence, thereby ensuring the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. Justice Amobede has directed police and security agencies to enforce the ruling effectively. The implications of this decision could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Kano State, necessitating prompt action to appoint a compliant leadership for KANSIEC before the scheduled elections.
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
