Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has forwarded 12 High Court Judges to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointment as Justices of the Court of Appeal ahead of the litigations that may arise in the 2027 general elections. 

The recommendations of the judges to the Presidency for elevation into the intermediary Appellate Court Bench was made by the NJC at its just concluded 111th meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Motomori. 

NJC in a statement on Friday by its Deputy Director of Information, Mrs Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe said that the Court of Appeal Justices, when appointed, would fill the vacancies at the Court occasioned by elevation of some to the Supreme Court bench and retirement of others upon attaining retirement age. 

Prominent among the Federal High Court judges sought be moved to the Court of Appeal are Justices James Kolawole Omotosho and Emeka Nwite, who in recent times handled high profile political and criminal matters effectively at the Federal High Court bench. 

Other High Court judges are Yakubu Mohammed, Abodunde Oluwatoyin, Ajuwa Raphael, Abua Ojie, Ijohor Jennifer, Shuaib Bala, Buba Njana, Kado Sanusi, Adeola Enikuomehin and Dandom Veronica. 

They were recommended to President Tinubu after passing through rigorous interviews and found worthy of being diligent judicial of repute in character and performance. 

In the same vein, Christine Clement Ende was recommended for appointment into Benue High Court bench while Ibrahim Yakubu and Bala Daura were recommended for appointment as Kadi of Katsina Sharia Court of Appeal. 

Two other High Court Judges have, however, been penalized for various judicial misconduct in the discharge of their judicial functions. 

They are Ibrahim Shekarau of the High Court of Benue state and Edward Okpe of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory who were placed on one year suspension without pay. 

They were found guilty for granting frivolous orders against litigants appearing before them and outright denial of fair hearing to favour an opposing party. 

Similarly, eight other Imo State High Court Judges sent on compulsory retirement lost their battle to have their reviewed and recalled back into service. 

The NJC refused their plea and they are B. C Iheka, K. A Leaweanya, Okereke Ngozi, Innocent Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe and T. N Nzeukwu. 

The NJC had indicted them for fraud of falsifying their ages to enable them stay longer in service and were subsequently retired from the service. 

The NJC statement just released by the Deputy Director indicates that 256 Judicial officers got queried for various offences especially poor performance in the discharge of their duties. 

Also, the NJC dismissed 73 petitions filed against other judicial officers by some lawyers and litigants. 

The petitions were found to be baseless and without merit to warrant issuing punishment against any of the judicial officers. 

 NJC sends Omotosho, Nwite, 10 other judges to Tinubu for appointment as Appeal Court Justices

Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has announced the downgrade of 59 feeders under the franchise of the MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

MainPower is a subsidiary of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, which services customers in Enugu State.

EERC attributed the action to MainPower’s failure to meet the threshold of minimum hours of power availability, especially for Band A customers, despite charging them Band A tariff.

It could be recalled that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, in November 1, 2020 categorized electricity users into Bands.

It incldued: Band A: Minimum of 20 Hourss; Band B: Minimum of 16 Hours; Band C: Minimum of 12 Hours; Band D: Minimum of 8 Hours and Band E: Minimum of 4 Hours

However, there has been an outcry by electricity users in Enugu over the inability of the Disco (Manpower) to meet the electricity supply target, necessitating the EERC’s intervention in line with its statutory powers.

The public notice, signed by the Commission, said the downgrade would remain in place until power supply improved on such feeders.

Providing background to the decision, EERC said it arose following persistent complaints from electricity consumers in Enugu State, particularly Band A customers.

Their complaints were regarding the drastically reduced hours of supply.

Consequently, the EERC said it conducted a technical and safety audit of major injection substations operated by MainPower.

“In addition, the Commission continued its routine monitoring of MainPower’s feeder performance through its online platform, the Electronic Design and Manufacturing International (EDMI) Multidrive Manager.

“The findings from the Commission’s field inspection and the online monitoring platform corroborated customers’ complaints that MainPower had failed to deliver the expected hours of supply as required under the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) regime.

“The SBT framework was introduced to ensure that customers pay for electricity commensurate with the quality and hours of availability of the supply received.

“The public is hereby notified that the Commission has directed MainPower to downgrade all fifty-nine (59) affected feeders, as listed in the Commission’s directive, to their appropriate service bands immediately,” it disclosed.

EERC, however, hinted that upon request by MainPower, it may approve the upgrade of any of the downgraded feeders “once it is verified that the feeder met the threshold of minimum hours of availability in the preceding month in line with the SBT framework”.

Some of the feeders downloaded include: 9th Mile Industrial 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakaliki Road 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 1 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 2 11KV, downgraded from Band A to Band C; Abakpa 3 11KV, downgraded from Band B to Band C; Amorji 11KV, downgraded from Band B to Band D; Nsukka Township, from Band B to D; Presidential, from A to C; UNEC from A to D; University of Nigeria Nsukka from A to D and Government House from A to E.

Other affected areas included Emene, Topland, Ugwuoye, Chime Avenue, Achi, Amechi, Ibagwa, Ugwuogo, Ugwuaji, Okwe, NOWAS, Coca Cola, Coal Camp, Dhamija, among others.

MainPower: EERC downgrades 59 feeders in Enugu over poor power supply

Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, has prohibited Point of Sale (PoS) operations within its premises.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of the FCID Annex Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, announced the directive on Thursday during a general lecture and strategic meeting with sectional heads at the command headquarters.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the FCID Annex spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, who noted that the directive aligns with instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

According to Akpanudom, PoS activities within police premises are inconsistent with security standards and operational ethics, warning that such practices could create opportunities for corruption and compromise official procedures.

The AIG urged officers to maintain professionalism, discipline and strict compliance with due process while carrying out their duties.

He also directed that all intelligence reports must be properly scrutinised and verified by sectional heads before submission.

Akpanudom further tasked supervisory officers with ensuring effective monitoring of personnel and enforcing adherence to professional standards in order to reduce misconduct within the command.

He warned officers against handling land-related disputes indiscriminately, insisting that all investigations must follow laid-down legal and investigative procedures.

The police chief also cautioned against acts capable of damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing the need for officers to project credibility and professionalism in their conduct.

He advised personnel to respect the established chain of command and maintain discipline in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Akpanudom reiterated that acts of unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated and warned that erring officers would face disciplinary action where necessary.

He encouraged officers to remain committed to integrity, accountability and dedicated service to the nation.

 Police ban PoS transactions inside FCID Annex Lagos

Food donations remain one of the most direct ways to support vulnerable children in Abuja. For many orphanage homes, regular donations of rice, beans, cooking oil, milk, and hygiene supplies

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Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa, has informed Kylian Mbappé and his fellow players at the club that he does not pay attention on their names but rather determines who plays in the team.

This statement was made in response to Mbappé’s assertion that the Spanish manager has placed him in fourth position among the club’s strikers.

Speaking to the media following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo in LaLiga on Thursday night, Mbappé claimed that Arbeloa had ranked him behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

However, Arbeloa refuted any such claim, insisting that Mbappé must have misinterpreted his words, and clarified that he does not have four strikers at Real Madrid.

After the match, he told reporters, “I wish I had four attackers… I don’t have four attackers, and I didn’t say anything like that to Mbappé. He probably didn’t understand me.

“It has never occurred that I told Mbappé he is our fourth striker. Perhaps he misunderstood. I’ve never stated that.”

He further remarked, “As long as I occupy this position, I am the one who decides who plays and who does not.

“I do not concern myself with their names. If they are pleased, that is fine; if not, they may wait for the next opportunity.”

LaLiga: ‘I don’t care what your name is’ – Arbeloa replies Mbappé’s fourth striker claim

France national team coach, Didier Deschamps, has announced his nation’s 26-man roster for this summer’s World Cup.

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Ballon d’Or winner, Ousmane Dembele are set to spearhead a talented France offense at the tournament.

Only Olivier Giroud (57) has netted more goals than Mbappe’s 56 for France, with the Real Madrid forward anticipated to lead his nation despite facing recent challenges due to a thigh injury.

Dembele, who scored 35 goals and clinched the Champions League title with Paris St-Germain last season, has become the second French player this century to receive the Ballon d’Or, yet he has not found the net in a World Cup despite being part of the last two squads.

Completing an exhilarating attacking lineup are Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Dembele’s PSG teammate Desire Doue, alongside Man City playmaker Rayan Cherki and Arsenal defender William Saliba, who are among seven players from the Premier League included in the squad.

Full-back Lucas Hernandez and midfielder N’Golo Kante join Mbappe and Dembele as the only remaining members from France’s victorious 2018 World Cup team.

Deschamps, who has guided France to consecutive World Cup finals, has made several unexpected selections ahead of his final major tournament as head coach.

Notably absent from the squad are Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga and Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani, both of whom participated in 2022.

PSG goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier is also left out, with uncapped Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser joining Brice Samba as backup to Mike Maignan.

Liverpool’s Huge Ekitike, who sustained a season-ending Achilles injury in April, is a significant but anticipated omission.

France will kick off their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey on June 16, followed by additional Group I matches against Iraq on June 22 and Norway on June 26.

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes) Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamenaco (Bayern Munich) Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain) Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris St-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

World Cup 2026: France coach, Deschamps announces 26-man squad for tournament [Full list]

Real Madrid star, Kylian Mbappé is dissatisfied with the club due to recent treatment from his manager, Alvaro Arbeloa.

The French player stated that the Spanish manager informed him he is no longer the primary choice striker, but rather fourth in the pecking order at Santiago Bernabeu.

Having returned from a thigh injury, the Frenchman came on as a substitute for Los Blancos, who are set to conclude a second consecutive season without a major trophy after Barcelona was declared league champions last week.

Without Mbappé, Madrid suffered a defeat in the Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday, confirming Hansi Flick’s team as title winners.

The club’s leading goalscorer, Mbappé, has faced significant criticism from fans in recent weeks for what is perceived as a lack of commitment to the team.

Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring for second-place Madrid before half-time, and Jude Bellingham added a second goal in a routine victory over relegated Oviedo, in a stadium filled with thousands of empty seats.

Arbeloa, whose future as Madrid coach appears uncertain with Jose Mourinho rumored to be returning to the Bernabeu bench, started the match with both Mbappé and England international Bellingham on the bench.

In a press conference following the game, Mbappé remarked, “I was prepared to start, but Arbeloa informed me that I am now the fourth striker.

“It’s acceptable; we must respect the coach’s decisions. I will be putting in even more effort.

“Arbeloa mentioned that I am the fourth striker behind Vini Jr, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono.

“I recall people suggesting I needed to rest in the Copa del Rey, that I was playing too frequently… and then we were eliminated by a lower division team.

“I do not watch Arbeloa’s press conferences. At home, I have French television, not Spanish television.”

LaLiga: Arbeloa told me I’ve been demoted to fourth striker – Mbappe

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has met with aspirants from the State under All Progressives Congress, APC, seeking the  party’s tickets for different elective positions.

He urged them  to embrace loyalty, discipline and sacrifice ahead of the primaries taking place from today, May 15, 2026.

Speaking during the meeting  attended by the aspirants and stakeholders of the Party at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, the Governor described politics as not a lottery but a game of courage, stressing that some people will win while others will lose.

Uzodinma, while warning against being  desperate, urged aspirants to remain committed to the Party before, during and after the primaries.

He noted  that political contest could be akin to a game, warning aspirants to weigh all the risks before going into the contest to avoid using  money meant for their children’s school fees to buy forms.

The Governor added that the Party would adopt Option A4 voting system in the primaries to ensure transparency and avoid accusations of favoritism where consensus did not work.

 Uzodinma further advised aspirants and stakeholders to respect equity and rotation formula where such exists in their Communities, and assured that the APC Committee for the conduct of Primaries as well as Appeal Committee have also been set up to handle grievances that may arise from the primaries.

He regretted that the number of aspirants to different elective positions were  large, hence the need  in ensuring that the exercise is conducted in a manner that will turn out to be a win win situation for every participant.

In his speech, the State Chairman of the party, Austin Onyedebelu reaffirmed APC’s commitment to unity, reconciliation, and electoral success ahead of 2027 general elections. 

He added the State Executive Committee had taken steps to reposition the Party for greater efficiency, unity and progress.

Onyedebelu asserted that he is aware  grievances may arise from the  primaries, maintaining that  reconciliation mechanisms had been put in place to ensure rancor free exercise.

APC primary: Uzodinma meets Imo stakeholders, laments number number of aspirants 

The 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State, Mustapha Sule Lamido, has successfully scaled through the party’s screening process ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Lamido was cleared by the PDP screening committee in Abuja on Thursday ahead of the party’s governorship primary scheduled for May 21.

He emerged as the only aspirant screened for the PDP governorship ticket in Jigawa State, positioning him as the party’s flag bearer to challenge the incumbent governor, Umar Namadi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general election.

Speaking after the screening exercise, Mustapha Lamido said his decision to contest was driven by the desire to bring positive change to the political landscape of the state and address the needs of the people.

He also expressed concern over the increasing wave of defections among politicians across party lines, which he attributed to a lack of ideological commitment among some political actors.

According to him, the younger generation is determined to transform the country’s political system through purposeful leadership and dedication.

Lamido described the PDP as the only opposition party with strong ideologies capable of addressing the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

He further stated that the party secured over 400,000 votes in the previous election and expressed confidence that the PDP would record even better results in the 2027 polls.

PDP clears Lamido as its governorship candidate in Jigawa 

As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere in the South-West is already heating up — and in some states, the race has quietly begun in earnest. The real battlegrounds are in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, where incumbent governors will be completing their constitutionally allowed two terms by May 29, 2027. […]

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