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Tensions as Amaechi Joins OccupyNASS Protest On Second Day

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The #OccupyNASS protest demanding urgent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act entered its second day on Tuesday, marked by a significant police blockade and the participation of high-profile political figures.

Protesters, who are advocating for provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, were prevented from entering the National Assembly complex by a heavy security cordon. The standoff amplified criticisms of the police’s handling of peaceful assembly.

A substantial deployment of security personnel barricaded the entrance to the legislative complex, preventing demonstrators from submitting their demands directly. The move drew sharp condemnation from activists at the scene.

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Prominent rights activist Aisha Yesufu directly challenged the police, stating, “Nigerian police, una no dey shame?” She accused them of targeting peaceful citizens while security challenges persist nationwide. “They send you to fight innocent citizens who want their voices heard, when there are terrorists to kill… When we pray against enemies of this country, we would have to include police that have made themselves a tool of oppression,” Yesufu declared.

Frustrated by the blockade, protesters chanted, “How many people police go kill o, how many people police go kill,” voicing concerns over what they described as excessive force and intimidation.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, a recent defector from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), addressed the crowd. He linked his support for the protest to broader issues of governance and corruption.

“Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now,” Amaechi claimed, comparing the current administration to that of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He alleged severe corruption, citing an unspecified “16 billion dollar road project awarded without due process,” and firmly stated, “I left APC already and they will not win.”

The protest’s momentum has been building since Monday when former Labour Party presidential candidate and ADC chieftain, Peter Obi, joined the demonstrations. Obi endorsed the calls for electoral reforms, specifically urging lawmakers to enshrine real-time electronic transmission of results into law.

The ongoing #OccupyNASS action underscores increasing public pressure on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral transparency and accountability through comprehensive legislative amendments.

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Legacy of a Progressive Intellectual: Symposium and Book Launch to Honor Late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni in Abuja

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A coalition of friends, colleagues, and comrades will gather on April 29, 2026, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni, a titan of Nigerian progressive intellectualism and social justice.

Comrade Mohammed, who passed away on December 11, 2025, was widely regarded as an incorrigible patriot and a cornerstone of the socialist movement in Nigeria. Throughout a distinguished career spanning Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), he remained a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, gender equality, and the transformation of Africa.

The memorial event aims to honor his decades of struggle—from his pivotal role in the Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN) and the anti-apartheid movement to his contributions as a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and a staunch leader within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Event Highlights:

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• Symposium: Under the theme “Scholars and the Social Question in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life of A.S. Mohammed,” the session will be chaired by Senator Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Yusuf Bangura, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Prof. Aliyah Adamu Ahmad, and Dr. Julie Sanda.
• Book Launch: The event will feature the formal presentation of Comrade Mohammed’s major original work, The Satiru Revolt of Peasants and Slaves in Sokoto, 1906. The session will be chaired by the former Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. Mal. Yahaya Abdulkarim mni, with a review by Prof. M. J. Kuna.
• Endowment Fund: All proceeds from the book launch will benefit an Endowment Fund established to support the late Comrade’s family and the noble causes he championed.
• Biographical Tribute: Dr. J. Maina will present a biographical sketch detailing the life of the man many knew as a “crusader for the common good.”

Event Details:

• DATE: April 29, 2026
• TIME: 9:00 AM
• VENUE: BON Elvis Hotel, 2 Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja

Comrade Sokoto mni lived a life that inspires, leaving a legacy worthy of preservation. By documenting his struggles and advancing the discourse on justice and development, we ensure that his rich engagements continue to inspire the hope of making Nigeria a better country.

Members of the general public, the academic community, civil society, labour and the media are cordially invited to attend this day of reflection and celebration. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to justice and nation-building while contributing to a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Y. Z. Ya’u

 

For the Committee

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Kano Gov’t Meets Lawyers, Approves 75% of Demands, Orders Salary Payments

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved 75 percent of the demands put forward by the state’s lawyers’ association, following their recent industrial action.

The decision is part of the government’s broader efforts to address challenges within the judiciary sector and enhance the welfare and working conditions of government-employed legal practitioners.

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As part of the measures, the governor also directed the immediate payment of two months’ outstanding salaries owed to newly recruited lawyers who had yet to receive their entitlements. The directive was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs.

The lawyers’ association has welcomed the development, describing it as a clear indication of the administration’s responsiveness and commitment to addressing their concerns.

The resolution is expected to bring the industrial action to an end and pave the way for the full resumption of legal and judicial activities across Kano State.

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FG Amends Charges Against Malami, Withdraws Terrorism Financing Allegation

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The federal government has amended charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son Abdulaziz, removing the allegation bordering on terrorism financing.

At the court session on Wednesday, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court about the amendment and applied to substitute the former charge.

The amended charge borders on illegal possession of firearms.

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Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.

Consequently, the amended charge was read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge, allowed the defendants to continue on the bail terms and conditions granted to them on February 27.

The case has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.

In the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that arms and live cartridges were found in Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.

Malami and Abdulaziz were first arraigned by the DSS on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.

The DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.

On February 27, the ex-AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.

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