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IGP Bars Amotekun, Vigilante Groups from Ondo Governorship Election

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has barred the Amotekun Corps and Vigilante groups from involvement in the upcoming Ondo governorship election.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi outlined the deployment of specialized police units for election security.

According to the statement, these units include the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, and Counter-Terrorism Unit.

He stated that aerial surveillance will be conducted with police helicopters, and gunboats will patrol Ondo’s waterways and riverine areas to enhance security across diverse terrains.

Adejobi said, “As the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024, draws near, the Inspector-General of Police has unequivocally assured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process across all 18 Local Government Areas, 203 Wards, and 3,933 Polling Units in the state.”

He added that “comprehensive plans have been set in motion” to secure a smooth election process, including deploying adequate personnel, resources, and advanced equipment.

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The deployment will see officers from various specialised units, including the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit, K-9 Unit, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team, and Federal Intelligence and Security Task Force working in collaboration with other security agencies,” Adejobi noted. “These agencies will strictly follow the guidelines of the Electoral Act, 2022, ensuring that all measures taken align with the principles of fairness, transparency, and order.”

He further explained that police helicopters would carry out aerial patrols, and gunboats would monitor waterways to deter any attempts to disrupt the election.

Adejobi also noted the IG’s stern warning against any attempts to incite violence.

He said, “The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law. The message is clear — those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished.”

Only federal security agencies and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security will be authorized to participate.

Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organisation, including state-backed groups like Vigilante Corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process,” Adejobi stated.

He added, “The security of this election is a responsibility entrusted solely to the Nigeria Police Force and other federal security agencies, along with the broader membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other federal security agencies, remains committed, vigilant, and fully prepared to ensure that the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election proceeds smoothly, without incident, and by the highest standards of electoral integrity.”

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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FG Bans New SS3 Admissions Nationwide to Fight Exam Malpractice

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.

The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

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According to the ministry, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractices, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations. Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to prevent last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring confidence in public examinations nationwide.

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DG National Productivity Centre congratulates Gov. Namadi on award of Doctorate Degree

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The Director General, National Productivity Center, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, extends heartfelt congratulations to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi on being awarded an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Business and Sustainability by the Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

In his message to pressmen and media, Babba Dan Agundi described the honor as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Namadi’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to transparent governance, public service reforms, agricultural development and productivity, education, youth empowerment, as well as economic development in Jigawa State and beyond.

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The Director General joins fellow citizens in celebrating this “remarkable milestone” and offers prayers for continued wisdom and success in the Governor’s efforts to drive progress in the state.

“This prestigious recognition reflects your exemplary leadership and commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Jigawa State,” he said.

Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi highlighted that this award is not only a personal achievement for Governor Namadi but also a source of pride for all Jigawa State citizens.

He commended the Federal University of Otuoke for recognizing excellence in public policy and administration, noting that Governor Namadi’s distinction will inspire many in and out of public office to embrace service with integrity and discipline.

 

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