General News
Nigeria Needs State Police for Better Security Response -Deputy Speaker Kalu
…Rallies support for Reserved Seats Bill
By Saint Mugaga
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,PhD, CFR has declared that Nigeria can no longer delay the creation of state police if it hopes to tackle its security challenges effectively.
Kalu, who spoke with journalists in Abuja on his return from Geneva, Switzerland, where he attended the 55th Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization/Inter-Parliamentary Union (WTO-IPU) Public Forum 2025, where he represented Nigeria said Nigeria’s current centralized policing structure was inadequate and far behind global standards.
Earlier hosted by Nigerian Students at Harvard Kennedy School in Massachusetts, United States, Kalu said the only way this can be achieved is to unbundle it from its current structure.
He said: “On the State Police bill that is before the parliament, we are thinking about the response time of policing in Nigeria which at the moment is below the global standard. The only way we can achieve this is if we unbundle it from the way it is centralized like what other countries are doing: Municipal police, State Police. And just the constitution is clear on what is on the concurrent and exclusive lists.
“Certain subject matters will now be handled by the State Police and Federal Police respectively if we set it up and break it down the way Nigerians want it and that’s why we are calling for the national public hearing on Monday. Let’s have this conversation on issues like this to know whether you want it or not, or should it be tailored in one way or the other. There may be fears of hijacking it but we cannot because of that deny the majority of Nigerians the security of lives and property that we promised them as a government.
“So, we should be looking at the bigger picture. Everyone in Nigeria may not be a politician but everyone needs security of lives and property. So, we are saying which one should we go for? The greater good or the fear of the minor threat? . I think we should go for the greater good so that the good in the majority will suppress the threat in the minority.”
Kalu said Nigerians demonstrated rare patriotism and resilience by standing with President Bola Tinubu in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal and other bold economic reforms, stressing that the difficult decisions were necessary to put the country on the path of sustainable growth.
He said the Nigerians in diaspora showed keen interest in the government’s reforms and in issues of representation.
“The engagement was to have an appraisal of what we are doing, bring them up to speed with what the government is doing in regards to reforms. How far the reforms have fared and where we are headed. You and I know that Nigeria needed this reform. There’s no two ways about it.
“We needed a leader with courage, a leader with boldness to be able to take the steps the President has taken. Some of us who are in the same administration with him, though we’re in the other arm of government, we are standing fully with him on this reform. Removing subsidy launched us into an era of seeing things the way they are, feeling the pain, and then adjusting so that we can enjoy better later on.
“And many may have hought we were going into recession and the rest of them. But we weathered the storm, and I want to thank Nigerians. As Nigerians, we are very resilient. And we were able to stand with him. Today, the dynamics have changed.”
The Deputy Speaker also commended the State governments for helping to diversify the economy, saying it will increase job creation and boost the economic well-being of the citizens.
He urged Nigerians to stay engaged, patient, and supportive of the reforms, while also participating actively in shaping policies such as the state police bill.
“Just imagine 36 States engaging in productive engagements, outings, whether it’s in agriculture, in production, and also rest of them, it will create more jobs, increase our wealth. And I think that is the intention of these reforms. I was happy when I saw the president saying in August that their target for revenue has been achieved for the year. It’s a step towards the right direction. It may not be so cozy, but it’s leading us where it’s supposed to lead us. And we needed a President with balls, a President with courage to do this. And we thank him for having the courage and Nigerians for supporting him to get this done the way it has been done.
We are looking forward to the benefits of these reforms, going forward.
“This is the time for everybody’s hands to be on deck. We cannot afford to be distracted. It is time to move Nigeria forward,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker also highlighted his role in shaping global discussions on digital trade during the Geneva Conference.
He revealed that Nigeria was among the eight countries represented on the WTO/IPU steering committee, which examined how to make digital trade an engine of inclusive growth.
Kalu argued that for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to succeed, digital trade must be embedded as a central pillar.
“Digital trade is taking the day across the world at the moment, increasing economic growth by about 25 percent,” he said. “We must fit into this space, both globally and as a continent.
“Our argument was that there should be a legislative tracking tool that would enable countries to measure how far they have gone with implementing laws on digital trade and compare progress. Sub-regional and continental bodies like ECOWAS, the Pan-African Parliament, and the IPU should take this up,” he explained.
He further disclosed that Nigeria and other African delegations pressed for Afrocentric issues to feature prominently at the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for Yaoundé in March 2026.
“As we talk about multilateralism, Africans and their problems must be on the table, not outside the room,” he emphasized.
Kalu also pushed for the passage of a bill reserving seats for women in Parliament, stressing that the exclusion of women from politics was holding back Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress.
“You cannot talk about advancing democracy when you’re leaving 50 percent of the population outside the room. It makes policies one-sided,” he said.
He pointed out that issues such as child rights, women’s rights, and humanitarian concerns often carry more depth when driven by women lawmakers.
“This is not compensation for women. It is an economic necessity. McKinsey and the World Bank have shown that countries with more women in decision-making grow faster. A country standing on one leg, relying on one gender, will lag economically,” he said.
Kalu explained that he and 12 other lawmakers had sponsored the bill and that advocacy efforts had begun early in this Assembly, with members increasingly supportive.
On the clamouring for diaspora voting, the Deputy Speaker reiterated his long-standing support but cautioned that Nigeria must first strengthen its local electoral system.
“Rome was not built in a day. It will happen, but we must first put our house in order. If Nigerians say during constitutional amendment hearings that they want it, we will look at the possibility,” he explained.
Kalu also shed light on his intervention in the crisis involving local contractors, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, who threatened strike action over unpaid fees.
He said the approach of “legislative diplomacy” helped to calm tensions and secure commitments from government agencies.
“Though we are three arms of government, we are one government. The objective of the President is our objective too. We will not allow the executive to fail and then stand aside. That is not how to drive an emerging democracy,” he said.
He recalled that the meetings with the Ministers of Finance and Budget, Wale Edun, the Accountant General of the federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi and other stakeholders at the instance of the Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, penultimate week led to significant progress as payments have been made.
“We took the contractors off the streets. They kept their word not to return to protest, and government has kept its word by paying. We will review the situation again on the 21st to ensure progress continues,” Kalu said.
On the FCT-specific waste management issue, Kalu promised to personally engage the Minister of the FCT to avert any strike. “The FCT has no House of Assembly. We are their Assembly. We will not allow services to collapse,” he said.
Kalu emphasized that while he remains engaged globally, having been invited by Harvard and MIT for future discussions, his priority will always be Nigeria.
“My WTO program was still on, but duty called, and Nigeria comes first before the globe,” he declared.
General News
Death of 37 Miners in Custody: Ajia Calls for Independent Investigation, Accountability
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State. Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., has expressed concern over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, describing the incident as a grave tragedy that demands a transparent and credible investigation.
In a statement issued by his Director of Communications, Mallam AbdulRahaman Aliagan, on Monday, Dr. Ajia commiserates with the Federal Government, the Government and people of Niger State and, in particular, the families of the deceased. He stated that the circumstances surrounding the deaths demand urgent and honest answers from the relevant authorities.
The victims were reportedly among scores of suspects arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.
Dr. Ajia noted that the death of individuals while in state custody raises serious questions regarding compliance with established detention procedures. He stressed that persons arrested for alleged offences are entitled to lawful investigation and due process, and must not be exposed to conditions capable of endangering their lives or wellbeing.
He further observed that the incident underscores the need for security agencies to uphold rigorous standards in the management of detention facilities, including adequate supervision, appropriate holding conditions, access to basic necessities, and effective safeguards for the welfare of all persons in custody.
The APC chieftain also called for stronger coordination among security and law enforcement agencies, insisting that suspected illegal miners be properly profiled, investigated, and prosecuted strictly through established legal channels. He emphasized that the enforcement of laws against illegal mining must be pursued in a manner that upholds human rights and the dignity of persons in custody, without exception.
Dr. Ajia commended the Federal and Niger State Governments for their prompt intervention, as well as the police and administrative investigations already underway. He noted that the Federal Government has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the arrests, detention, and circumstances surrounding the deaths, and that officers connected with the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of that investigation.
He appealed to residents, particularly the youths of Niger State, to remain calm and allow the investigative process to proceed unhindered, cautioning that public anger over this tragedy must not translate into further loss of life or destruction of property. He urged the relevant authorities to maintain open and regular communication with the affected families and the general public as the investigation progresses.
Dr. Ajia called for an independent, thorough, and transparent determination of the circumstances that led to the deaths, insisting that any individual found culpable be held accountable under the law, irrespective of rank or position.
He affirmed that accountability, respect for human rights, and professionalism in security operations remain essential pillars for strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions. He concluded by praying that Almighty Allah grants the departed eternal rest and grants their families the fortitude to bear this profound loss.
By Nick Ibe
A letter purportedly written by him to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, against the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo has been disowned by Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. He emphasises that he wrote no such letter.
The purported letter appealed to Achebe over political and financial issues he, Obi, is having with Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state.
But, Obi, in a statement posted on his X account on weekend, dismissed the letter as “entirely false” and malicious. He also disclosed that the signature attached to the purported letter was forged.
Obi appealed to members of the public and the media to treat the letter with the contempt it deserves, adding that it was designed to mislead the public. The resd:
“My attention has been drawn to a fake letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by me to His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, concerning political and financial matters in Anambra State.
“This document is entirely false, malicious, and a fabrication by mischievous elements aimed at misleading the public.
Furthermore, the signature appended to the letter is completely forged,” Obi said.
He added that his attention remained focused on national development and accountability rather than what he described as fabricated publications.
“My focus remains steadfastly on issues of national development, accountability, and building a better future for our people – never on cheap fabrications.”
The rebuttal follows the disagreement between Obi and the Anambra State Government administration over the financial position of the State at the end of Obi’s tenure in 2014.
The fake letter, dated September 19, 2026, and addressed to the Obi of Onitsha was titled, “The Future of Ndigbo is Bleak.”
Furthermore, the purported letter called for transparency over the financial records and liabilities of Anambra State, and urged traditional rulers, political leaders and elders to prevent political disagreements from coming between the people.
The letter also called for the state’s financial records to be examined and for questions surrounding the administrations of Obi and Soludo to be resolved through evidence and transparency.
The letter surfaced days after the Anambra State Government released details of loan facilities it attributed to Obi’s administration and insisted that the state was still carrying repayment obligations from that period.
By Felix Umande
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the police must never be seen as an instrument of any political interest.
The President gave the charge at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Owerri, Imo State, in an address delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
President Tinubu said every Nigerian, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status or geographical location, must feel protected by the police, noting that neutrality and professionalism are fundamental to public confidence and the credibility of the nation’s democracy.
“The police must be seen not as an instrument of any political interest, but as a national institution serving the Nigerian people and protecting the constitutional order. This is fundamental to public trust and to the credibility of our democracy,” the President said.
Speaking on the theme “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” Tinubu said the 2027 elections would require careful preparation, professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and close coordination among security and electoral stakeholders.
He assured that the Federal Government would provide the necessary support to enable the Force effectively discharge its responsibilities.
The President explained that securing the electoral process goes beyond protecting ballot papers and polling stations, as it also entails protecting citizens, electoral officials and materials, ensuring peaceful campaigns, preventing violence and intimidation, and guaranteeing that Nigerians can participate in the democratic process without fear.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ongoing police reforms, stressing that meaningful reform requires sustained investment in personnel, training, technology, intelligence infrastructure, operational logistics, welfare and institutional systems.
Tinubu urged the Force to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen community engagement, embrace technology and enhance inter-agency cooperation to meet increasingly sophisticated security threats.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for efforts to reposition the Force and respond to emerging security challenges, while acknowledging the sacrifices of officers confronting kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across the country, including those who have paid the ultimate price.
The President, however, reminded the Force that security expectations of Nigerians remain high, urging officers to build public confidence through discipline, accountability, professionalism and respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
He tasked senior officers at the retreat to produce a practical and implementable roadmap that would strengthen election security, improve operational preparedness and deepen public confidence, while looking beyond 2027 towards building a modern, professional, technology-enabled, intelligence-driven and citizen-centred police force.
Tinubu assured officers and men of the Force that the Federal Government values their sacrifices and remains committed to supporting them.
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