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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kwara State Council, has cried out to President Bola Tinubu over what it described as worsening industrial crisis and growing allegations of administrative misconduct at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, LNRBDA, Ilorin.

The union raised the alarm in a letter sent to the President on Thursday.

The Kwara State NLC noted that while the LNRBDA, a strategic federal institution, is expected to support the Tinubu administration’s food security and agricultural development agenda, the agency has, unfortunately, become increasingly engulfed in division, fear, victimization, suppression of accountability and serious allegations of procurement irregularities.

The labour union expressed concern that the institution cannot achieve progress in the prevailing environment where unity among workers has collapsed and fear has replaced trust.

“A workforce constantly divided and intimidated cannot effectively deliver on the national mandate of agricultural growth and food security.

“Workers of the Authority have repeatedly raised concerns over what they describe as a growing culture of intimidation, selective victimization, wrongful demotions, withholding of promotion letters, punitive queries, and suppression of officers who demand accountability or associate with union activities,” the union said.

The Kwara NLC further highlighted concerns surrounding procurement activities within the LNRBDA.

It also expressed concern over alleged claims by the management that the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, was aware of procurement irregularities within the agency. “If true, such a statement raises grave concerns about institutional accountability. If false, it represents a reckless and damaging allegation against a key federal regulatory institution,” the labour union noted.

The President was also asked to, urgently, direct an investigation regarding the alleged procurement and presentation of refurbished tractors and equipment as brand-new assets supplied to the LNRBDA.

The union drew attention to the alleged sidelining the Executive Director, Finance and Administration from lawful GIFMIS responsibilities and other statutory supervisory functions, contrary to established financial procedures. According to the union, such actions weaken institutional checks and transparency mechanisms within a critical federal agency.

The letter added, “Of further concern is the conduct of the Managing Director during a recent visit by a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. Rather than allowing open engagement between the Ministry’s delegation and Authority workers, the Managing Director restricted the session to a one-way delivery of the Minister’s message, denying staff the chance to voice their grievances.

“This further fueled concerns that transparency and open communication are being deliberately suppressed within the Authority.”

The Kwara NLC highlighted other issues that require independent investigation, including unauthorized deployment of the Authority’s heavy-duty equipment without proper accountability procedures; alleged diversion of government revenues through unsupervised use of public assets; alleged use of official government vehicles for private purposes; and victimization of workers for participating in lawful labour activities and peaceful protests.

The union demanded an investigation into alleged refusal to release public information and directives of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation requested under the Freedom of Information, FOI, Act, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability within the Authority.

The union stressed that the continued tension within the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority threatens industrial harmony, staff productivity, and the effective delivery of the agency’s mandate.

Summarizing their demands, the letter stated, “The Nigeria Labour Congress, Kwara State Council, therefore respectfully calls on Your Excellency to urgently order an independent forensic investigation into procurement and financial activities within LNRBDA; investigate allegations concerning the supply of refurbished tractors allegedly presented as new assets; investigate the statement allegedly linking the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to procurement irregularities within the Authority; direct the immediate release of all public information and ministerial directives being withheld contrary to the Freedom of Information Act; restore industrial harmony, accountability, and transparency within the Authority; and protect workers from intimidation, harassment, and victimization for lawful union activities.”

NLC writes Tinubu over industrial crisis at Lower Niger River Basin Develoment Authority

Five political parties accused of being in gross breach of the 1999 Constitution will today, Friday, at the Federal High Court in Abuja have their fates decided on whether they would be eligible to participate in the 2027 general elections or not. 

The legality of their existence as registered and recognized political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be decided in a make or mar judgment billed to be handed down by Justice Peter Odo Lifu. 

The parties facing deregistration legal battle instituted against them by a group of former lawmakers in the country are the David Mark-led African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action People’s Party (APP), Accord Party, (AP) Zenith Labour Party, (ZLP) and the Action Alliance Party, (AAP).

A civil society group, the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, before the court praying for an order to compel it to deregister the five parties and prohibit them from participating in political activities in the country.

The group predicated its opposition against the existence of the parties on the alleged violations of the 1999 Constitutional provisions guiding party registration, recognition and existence. 

Incidentally, the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, though, a defendant in the suit, opted to support those seeking deregistration of the parties.

He engaged a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Joshua Olukayode Olatoke to canvass for prohibition of the parties out of existence. 

INEC however, countered the suit in its defense, describing the plaintiff as a busy body that lacked locus standi (legal right) to file the suit and asked the court to dismiss it for being unmeritorious. 

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/25, was targeted against INEC, AGF as the two defendants but by extension, the five political parties. 

The originating summons was pursuant to Section 225 (A) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 75 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and applicable provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.

At the heart of the reliefs being sought is whether INEC is constitutionally bound to deregister political parties that failed to meet the minimum electoral performance thresholds prescribed by law.

These include securing at least 25 per cent of votes cast in one state in a presidential election, winning a local government area in a governorship election, or clinching at least one seat in elections ranging from Councillorship to the National Assembly.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether INEC is empowered, or indeed obligated to enforce the thresholds against the affected parties, which allegedly failed to win any ward, legislative seat, or elective office in previous elections.

Other issues for determination include whether the affected parties are still eligible to be recognised as legally registered political parties, and whether INEC can lawfully acknowledge or give effect to their political activities, such as congresses, primaries, campaigns, and participation in the 2027 general elections, without strict compliance with Section 225 (A) of the Constitution.

Among the reliefs sought are declaratory orders affirming that INEC is duty-bound to enforce constitutional benchmarks as a precondition for party registration and participation in elections, as well as orders compelling the electoral body to deregister the affected parties.

The plaintiff is also seeking mandatory and perpetual order of injunctions restraining INEC from recognising, accepting, or giving effect to any political activities or correspondence from the parties unless and until they fully comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.

In an affidavit in support of an originating summons deposed to by Hon. Igbokwe Raphael Nnanna, Chairman, Board of Trustees and National Coordinator of the NFFL, the group accused INEC of neglecting its constitutional duty by continuing to recognise political parties that have failed to meet the minimum performance thresholds prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the affidavit, the affected parties have, since their registration, failed to win a single elective seat at any level of government, including presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, chairmanship or council elections.

The plaintiff further claimed that the parties did not secure the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in at least one state in presidential elections, nor any representation across the country’s 8,809 wards, 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Hon. Nnanna averred that despite these “total electoral failures,” INEC has continued to accord the parties full recognition, an action the group described as unconstitutional and contrary to the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

The plaintiff warned that unless restrained by the court, INEC may unlawfully permit the affected parties to participate in the 2027 general elections, thereby “clogging the ballot papers, overstretching administrative resources and misleading voters.”

The former lawmakers argued that the continued existence of non-performing parties undermines political sanity, electoral integrity and genuine competition, while also resulting in wastage of public funds.

Describing the action as a public interest suit, the NFFL urged the court to compel INEC to enforce constitutional compliance by deregistering political parties that have failed to meet the stipulated thresholds, in order to deepen democracy and uphold the rule of law ahead of future elections.

Yakubu Abdullahi Ruba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN supported by Barrister Gbenga Makanjuola argued for the former lawmakers during proceedings asking that the five political parties be proscribed out of existence. 

However, Musibau Adetunmibi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN and Attah Eneojo Aruwa SAN argued for the Accord Party and African Democratic Congress respectively in urging the Court to dismiss the suit of the plaintiff for being frivolous, baseless and unwarranted.

ADC, Accord, APP, AAP, ZLP face make or mar judgment in deregistration legal battle

American YouTuber, Jesse Ridgway and his wife, Ashley Ridgway, have revealed that they terminated a pregnancy after their unborn child was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Jesse Ridgway, popularly known online as McJuggerNuggets, shared the development with his followers on Instagram on Wednesday through a series of emotional posts. He disclosed that the couple decided to […]

The post Couple terminates pregnancy after Down syndrome diagnosis appeared first on Tribune Online.

The United Nations (UN) has revealed that weapons stolen during the 2011 Libyan conflict later found their way into the hands of terrorist groups operating in Nigeria and other countries in the Sahel region. The disclosure was made by the UN under-secretary-general and high representative for disarmament affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, during a discussion on the […]

The post Weapons looted during Libya conflict ended up in terrorists’ hands in Nigeria – UN appeared first on Tribune Online.

The first batch of 345 Ogun State pilgrims who travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 Hajj has returned safely to Nigeria after successfully completing the spiritual exercise in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The pilgrims, comprising 151 males and 194 females, arrived directly from Saudi Arabia at the Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu Remo, aboard a Flynas A330 aircraft, touching down at 8:41 p.m. on Thursday.

The arrival marks a significant milestone for the airport, which received the pilgrims on a direct international flight from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were received by top government officials, including representatives of the Ogun State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Mr. Olarenwaju Iskeel Saka.

Speaking during a reception organised for the returning pilgrims at the airport, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, described the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations as a remarkable achievement for the state.

“I feel very happy and elated because many people thought this day would not be possible, but we thank God Almighty for making it a reality.

“The departure was very smooth, the return has been smooth, and the handling of passengers has gone very well,” he said.

Governor Abiodun commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land, noting that they served as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State.

He assured them that the state government would continue to strengthen its support for pilgrims and improve the management of Hajj operations in subsequent years.

The governor also urged the pilgrims to sustain the spiritual lessons and values acquired during the pilgrimage by demonstrating greater humility, obedience to the law, and exemplary conduct in their daily lives.

“I want to charge them to let people see the signs of a transformed person in them—greater humility, obedience to the law, goodness, and conduct that reflect the experience of someone who has just returned from the Holy Land,” he stated.

Speaking with journalists shortly after arrival, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs and leader of the first batch of pilgrims, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.

“I want to appreciate our Governor for his efforts in Hajj affairs. He was constantly calling to check on us in Mecca. He is a good leader,” he said.

Two of the returning pilgrims, Alhaji Ayomide Adetunji and Alhaja Tawa Balogun, thanked God for a successful pilgrimage and safe return to Nigeria.

They also expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for providing adequate welfare and support services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia, describing the pilgrimage as a memorable and rewarding experience.

The pilgrims further expressed delight at arriving directly at the Gateway International Airport, describing the experience as convenient and historic, while commending the state government for its efforts in making the journey seamless.

Ogun welcomes 345 returning Hajj pilgrims as flight lands at Gateway International Airport

Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has explained why he made seven changes against Poland during both sides’ international friendly on Wednesday.

Chelle watched as Nigeria and Poland played a 2-2 draw at the PGE Narodowy Stadium, Warsaw.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle said he made seven changes in the half-time because several players were struggling physically after already starting their post-season holidays.

The seven changes Chelle made include Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi and Philip Otele as he withdraw Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Akor Adams.

“They were already on vacation. That is why I made seven changes at halftime,” Chelle was quoted as saying by SportoweFakty.

“Our captain usually does a lot more on the pitch, but after 60 minutes, he was practically gone.”

Why I made seven changes against Poland – Nigeria coach, Chelle

Chrisanstus Uche has won the UEFA Europa Conference League Fans’ Goal of the Season award for the 2025/26 campaign, DAILY POST reports.

Uche beat four other players to the award, with his superb strike in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw against Finnish side KuPS Kuopio in December 2025 earning the highest number of votes.

The Nigeria curled in a stunning strike from outside the box in the fifth minute of the encounter played at the Selhurst Park.

The 23-year-old scored twice in four appearances for Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Uche spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Eagles from Getafe.

He also featured in 14 league games for the London club.

Conference League: Uche wins fans’ Goal of the Season award 

FORMER presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has pledged to restore the value of the naira to an exchange rate of between N500–N525 to one United States dollar if elected President of Nigeria

The post Gbenga Hashim promises N525-to-dollar exchange rate, draws massive crowd in Abuja appeared first on Tribune Online.

THE United Kingdom is watching the democratic process in Nigeria and will take more than passing interest in the forthcoming general elections.

The post 2027: We want to see credible elections in Nigeria, British envoy tells APC National Chairman appeared first on Tribune Online.

EKITI State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to a governance system anchored on strong institutions, justice and effective grassroots administration.

The post Oyebanji signs two new laws, as assembly marks third anniversary appeared first on Tribune Online.