News
CHRAN Calls for State Police, Forest Guards, Security Emergency
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the security challenges facing Nigeria and urgently pursue reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The civil society organisation also urged the President to work with the 36 state governors and members of the National Assembly to facilitate the establishment of State Police and a National Forest Guard system to tackle growing insecurity across the country.
Director of CHRAN, Mr. Franklyn Isong, made the appeal in his welcome address at the organisation’s annual June 12 Public Lecture held to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. The lecture, held under the theme, “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy,” brought together stakeholders from various sectors.
Isong expressed concern over recent incidents of school abductions in parts of the country, including Borno and Oyo states, and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards securing the release of the affected students and teachers.
“The Centre urges the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to declare a state of emergency on the security situation confronting the nation as a matter of urgent public importance. We also call for the overhaul and decentralisation of the country’s security architecture to give greater powers to sub-national governments,” he said.
The CHRAN director, however, commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support towards security initiatives in the state and urged citizens to collaborate with security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some local government councils in the state and urged council chairmen to complement the efforts of the state government through the execution of people-oriented projects.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Isong called on political actors to conduct their campaigns with decorum and a high sense of responsibility. He also urged voters to exercise their democratic rights based on conviction rather than inducement.
Delivering the keynote lecture, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Enefiok Essien, described vote buying and vote selling as serious threats to democracy and good governance.
He stressed the need for sustained civic education to discourage the practice and strengthen democratic participation.
Professor Essien identified poverty as one of the major drivers of vote trading and called on governments at all levels to diversify the economy and create employment opportunities to improve citizens’ welfare.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to adopt more deliberate measures to curb electoral malpractice.
“It is important for INEC to ensure that voting cubicles are positioned in a manner that prevents vote buyers and their agents from observing how voters cast their ballots. Mobile phones should also be prohibited in voting cubicles to prevent voters from photographing marked ballot papers as evidence for vote buyers,” he said.
Chairman of the Planning Committee and Founder of the Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nana, in his remarks, reflected on the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history.
He urged politicians and voters to emulate the spirit of patriotism and national unity that characterised the election as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
“June 12 brought a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s democratic culture. It was a day when Nigerians rose above ethnic, religious and political divisions to vote for a candidate of their choice. Nobody bought or sold votes.
“As we approach another election cycle, we must reflect on that experience and strive to recreate the values that defined June 12, 1993. It was an election where even incumbent governors lost in their own states because the people voted freely and independently,” Nana said.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement actions against street begging, destitution, cart pushers and buyers of condemned goods, while also reinforcing the existing ban on commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations as part of its environmental and security management strategy.
The exercise, which took place on June 10, 2026, was overseen by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, led by Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab, under the supervision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Authorities said affected individuals were relocated from Lagos streets to their respective states of origin, though the state government has not released official figures on the number of persons involved.
The enforcement has generated public debate, with some commentators praising the move as a step toward restoring order and addressing urban safety concerns. Public affairs commentator Dr. Zainab Suleiman Buhari described the operation as a “bold step,” urging other state governments to adopt similar approaches while emphasizing that interventions should remain humane and legally guided.
She also called for broader reforms in northern Nigeria, including improved access to education, skills development programmes, and economic empowerment initiatives to reduce street begging and child vulnerability. However, she stressed that poverty should be addressed through policy reforms rather than stigma.The Lagos State Government maintains that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve public sanitation, safety and compliance with existing regulations.
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
A campaign slogan by House of Representatives aspirant for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency, Solomon Akpulonu, has drawn reflection on the nature of political power and divine authority. The slogan, “Ikemsinachi,” translated as “my power comes from God,” is described by the writer as a reminder that authority and promotion are ultimately determined by God, rather than human effort alone.
Referencing biblical texts including Psalm 62:11 and Psalm 75:6–7, the author argues that leadership positions are not solely the result of ambition or strategy, but are shaped by divine will. The reflection also urges political actors and aspirants to embrace humility in their pursuit of office, cautioning against excessive ambition and self-reliance. It further emphasizes the importance of integrity, moderation, and service-oriented leadership.
Drawing from additional scriptural references such as James 4:14–16, the piece highlights the uncertainty of life and the need for individuals to acknowledge the limitations of human plans. The author concludes that Akpulonu’s slogan should serve as a broader moral lesson for political actors ahead of future elections, encouraging them to prioritize humility, purpose, and a recognition of divine authority in leadership aspirations.
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Ibeno Clan Council has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government and security agencies to investigate a publication it says misrepresented the community’s position on the proposed BUA Refinery Project in Ibeno Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Monday in Upenekang and signed by the Council Secretary, Chief Okon Udofia, the council said the report created the impression that Ibeno residents oppose the refinery project and other investments in the area.
According to the council, such narratives could negatively affect the community’s reputation and potentially discourage investment in Akwa Ibom State.The council expressed concern over what it described as efforts to portray Ibeno as hostile to development, particularly at a time when the state government is seeking to attract major investments.
It urged authorities to examine the publication and determine whether it represented a personal opinion or a broader attempt to create tension between Ibeno and neighbouring communities.The council also requested that the author of the publication be invited by relevant authorities to clarify the claims made and the interests represented in the report.
Reaffirming its support for development initiatives, the council stated that Ibeno has consistently welcomed investments and described the BUA Refinery Project as a strategic development with potential benefits for the host community, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The statement further pledged continued cooperation with the state government and other stakeholders to maintain a peaceful environment for investment and economic growth. The council also urged residents and stakeholders to promote unity and avoid actions or narratives that could undermine peace and development in the state.
A Tale of Two Kidnappings: Nigeria’s Deepening Security Divide
Lagos Intensifies Street Begging Removal, Reaffirms Okada Ban Amid Enforcement Drive
Reflection on Solomon Akpulonu’s “Ikemsinachi” Campaign Slogan and the Meaning of Power
-
Politics16 hours agoBREAKING: Kano NDC Governorship Candidate Names Kwankwaso’s Son as Running Mate
-
Sports17 hours agoWorld Cup: Lamine Yamal Benched for Spain’s Opening Clash Against Cape Verde
-
Politics17 hours agoFederal High Court Orders Deregistration of ADC, Accord, Three Other Political Parties
-
News17 hours agoZamfara Suspends Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Rector Over Alleged Insubordination
-
News16 hours agoCourt Adjourns El-Rufai’s Trial Over Absence of Co-Defendants
-
News4 hours agoNorthern Group Calls for Urgent Action on Rising Insecurity Across Nigeria
-
News4 hours agoReflection on Solomon Akpulonu’s “Ikemsinachi” Campaign Slogan and the Meaning of Power
-
Business and Economy15 hours agoCBN Launches New Benchmark Interest Rate to Strengthen Financial Market Credibility
You must be logged in to post a comment Login