Arthur Iyamore

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has cautioned broadcast media organisations against the spread of misinformation, warning that the integrity of the 2027 General Elections will depend significantly on how responsibly Nigeria’s airwaves are managed.Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the 81st General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, the INEC Chairman stressed that the information space has become a critical battleground in modern elections. He noted that the greatest threat to credible polls may no longer be physical disruptions, but the rapid spread of false information amplified through unverified broadcasts.Prof. Amupitan emphasised the need for strict compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, particularly provisions guiding political broadcasting. He drew attention to statutory obligations requiring equal access to media platforms for all political parties, noting that with 22 registered parties, fairness in […]

It was supposed to be a grand ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State. But it was devoid of grandeur, marred by the absence of the three Ibadan high chiefs who were to receive beaded crowns: Mobolaji Adewoyin as Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oyekola Babalola (SAN) as Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Sarafadeen Alli as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was expected to perform the coronation. However, he too was absent, delegating the ceremony to his deputy, Bayo Lawal. The April 3 event was attended by a cross-section of the state’s political and traditional elite, ranging from members of the State Executive Council to traditional rulers and local government chairmen. The state government said “this ceremony is being duly conducted,” citing the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration and Section 20 (1 and 4) of the Chiefs […]

Concerned Nigerians condemn the attack The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has said a sizeable number of suspects linked to the Palm Sunday killings in Angwan Rukuba and nearby communities in Jos, Plateau State, were already in custody, vowing that all the culprits at at large would be fished out.He revealed this during his condolence visit to Jos, yesterday, where he said additional security deployments have been made to bring the situation under control.At least 27 persons were killed and 19 others were seriously injured in the attack that has continued to generat public outcry. Disu, who visited the affected areas, hospitalised victims and met Governor Caleb Mutfwang at Government House, said one of those arrested impersonated a soldier.The IGP said: “This is a very sad incident, and we have been doing everything in our powers to ensure that […]

The families of the detained officers accused of a coup attempt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday protested at the National Assembly. They called for justice to be done openly in the matter in accordance with the law.The protesters included the spouses of the detained military officers, as well as their children and other relatives. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, they expressed frustration that their loved ones have been held for too long without due process.The distraught families said they faced emotional and financial hardship since the officers were detained.The wife of one of the detainees, who gave her name simply as Nana, said they were calling for fairness in their trial. “We are here to plead with the government to please charge our husbands to court. We are not saying they should just be released like that. Necessary action […]

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday returned former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to their custody after the resumed hearing of his bail application at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.The court adjourned hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor till today. His counsel, Ubong Akpan (SAN), who declined detailed comments on the proceedings, confirmed the development shortly after yesterday’s court session."I’m sorry, I can’t talk now, we are in the middle of work. I have to go and file responses. The hearing of the bail application has been adjourned till tomorrow,” Ubong Akpan said. The former governor was subsequently taken away from the court premises by ICPC operatives in a white Hilux vehicle.He had returned to the Federal High Court amid tight security for the hearing of […]

The fresh wave of violence in Plateau State has once again exposed a painful reality. Nigeria is not just dealing with isolated attacks, but a deep-rooted and persistent security crisis. On Sunday, March 29, gunmen stormed the Gari Ya Waye area of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North, killing at least 20 people, with some reports placing the death toll closer to 30. Witnesses disclosed to Ayemafuge while recounting a chilling pattern: "attackers arriving on motorcycles in the evening, opening fire indiscriminately on defenceless residents. This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a recurring cycle of violence in the region.In response, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew, yet another predictable government reaction that has, over time, become more symbolic than effective. From Kaduna State to Zamfara State, and even parts of Borno State during the height of insurgency, curfews […]

The Ondo state government has directed all political appointees planning to run in the 2027 general elections to resign by March 31, 2026.This is contained in an advisory directive issued by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN. The directive cited by Ayemafuge on Tuesday was titled "Advisory Directive on Resignation Requirements for Civil Servants and Political Appointees in Ondo State Intending to Contest the 2027 General Elections.”“It is strongly advised that all political appointees intending to contest the 2027 General Elections submit their formal letters of resignation on or before 31st March 2026, through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the Advisory said.According to it, the purpose of the “Directive” is to ensure legal clarity, promote transparency, uphold the neutrality and integrity of the public service, and prevent avoidable disqualification or electoral […]

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has sacked all Senior Special Assistants(SSAs) and Special Assistants(SAs) in his administration with immediate effect. This is contained in a statement made available to Ayemafuge on Monday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.According to Adeniyan, the step is part of efforts to enhance efficiency and service delivery in the state.He expressed appreciation to the affected aides for their contributions to the development of the state and wished them success in their future endeavours. Adeniyan disclosed that the governor would appoint about 1,000 new aides drawn from the 203 wards across the 18 local government areas of the state.He added that the move was aimed at strengthening coordination and injecting fresh capacity into the administration. Ayemafuge gathered that the move was part of the realignment towards […]

As debates over Makoko resurface, competing narratives are blurring the line between genuine concern and misleading claims, complicating efforts at sustainable urban developmentThe Makoko issue has once again taken centre stage in Lagos, drawing intense reactions from the public as debates over the demolition resurface. Competing narratives are blurring the line between genuine concern and misleading claims, complicating efforts at sustainable urban development.Understandably, any discussion around demolition in such a densely populated, low-income community like Makoko in Lagos evokes strong emotions. However, the speed with which outrage has spread suggests that perception may be outpacing verified facts.Across media channels, the Lagos State Government has been tagged as acting out of self-interest rather than public good, with claims of a hidden land acquisition agenda dominating conversations. This framing, while compelling, risks oversimplifying a complex urban challenge that demands both empathy and […]

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Fubara Dagogo was yesterday suspended indefinitely from the party. He was suspended by party members and the ward executive committee of Ward 4, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.Dagogo had dragged the ruling party to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to halt the planned APC convention. He claimed that he was unfairly excluded from contesting for the position of National Vice-Chairman, Southsouth, despite paying N5.1million for the form.Dagogo alleged that after paying the money, the party refused to issue him the nomination form. He prayed the court to suspend the Southsouth zonal Congress, declare him eligible for the nomination form, and void any election conducted without his participation.Dagogo also demanded N100million as damages for wrongful exclusion.The Chairman of APC Ward 4, Bonny, Richard Ibani, said the resolution was reached after the committee’s […]