News
NILDS DG Probe: Reps Committee Demands Proof, Halts Hearing Pending Evidence
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation has asked petitioners accusing the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Suleiman Abubakar, of alleged participation in a governorship primary election while still in office to substantiate their claims with credible evidence before the inquiry can proceed.
The directive was issued on Thursday during an investigative hearing in Abuja, by the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Yusuf Galambi, where he noted that the petitioners had yet to present sufficient documentary proof to support their allegations.
Galambi explained that the hearing could not continue in the absence of verifiable materials capable of establishing a ‘prima facie’ case.
The investigation stems from a resolution of the House, which emphasised the need to ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions and public service rules governing the conduct of political office holders and their involvement in electoral activities.
The committee was mandated to examine claims that the NILDS Director-General allegedly took part in a governorship primary election without first resigning his appointment, as required under relevant laws and civil service regulations.
As part of its directive, the committee chairman instructed the petitioners to return with concrete documentation, including political party records, nomination papers, and forms of expression of interest purportedly linked to the NILDS boss, before any further consideration of the matter.
“The committee is unable to proceed in the absence of credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate the allegations before us,” he said.
He said the committee would consider issuing another invitation to the NILDS boss after receiving the required evidence.
Galambi, however, maintained that the committee would proceed with the investigation regardless of the Director-General’s appearance, noting that a formal invitation had been duly extended to him and that his absence would not impede the panel’s work.
Lawmakers questioned the absence of the Director-General of NILDS ss a member of the committee, Rep. Harrison Anozie, expressed concern that the NILDS chief failed to honour the committee’s invitation despite what he described as adequate notice.
“In the matter referred to this committee, we have extended invitations to all parties, especially the DG, who has been alleged to have participated in a political process without resigning his appointment as required by the Constitution and the directive of Mr President,” Anozie said.
He stressed that the Director-General had been given sufficient time to appear and respond to the allegations.
“He ought to be here to state his own side of the story. A proper notice was served on him, and ample time was given for him to appear before this committee,” he said.
Despite the absence, Anozie insisted that the committee will not allow its work to be derailed.
In the course of proceedings, Rep. Chinedu Obika pressed the petitioners on whether they had any video evidence to back claims that the NILDS boss participated in the primary election in question.
Responding on behalf of the petitioners, Williams Amuga of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) said their allegations were based on reports and publications circulating on social media.
Following deliberations, the committee suspended the hearing and directed the petitioners to provide additional and verifiable evidence before the matter could proceed further.
By Prosper Olayiwola
A House of Assembly Candidate for Ikole Constituency 1 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kayode Arewa Sanni, has called on his constituents, party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arewa Sanni made the call in Ikole-Ekiti while addressing party faithful and supporters at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
He said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for the people of Ikole Constituency 1 to chart a new course of inclusive representation, people-oriented legislation and accelerated development.
The candidate noted that disunity among party members and supporters remains the greatest obstacle to victory, stressing that only a united front can dislodge entrenched interests and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I appeal to all our party leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers across Ikole Constituency 1 to put aside personal differences and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
Arewa Sanni said his candidacy was driven by a desire to give Ikole Constituency 1 a vibrant and responsive voice in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
He assured constituents that if given the mandate, he would prioritise quality representation and ensure that government presence is felt in all communities within the constituency.
He also called on supporters of the ADC across Ekiti State to rally behind the party’s vision of good governance, transparency and accountability as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
The aspirant expressed confidence that with unity, commitment and collective effort, the ADC would emerge victorious in Ikole Constituency 1 and other constituencies across the state.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
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