Uncategorized
COOU Law Faculty honours Chief Dr. Simon Okeke (Ochendu)

Chief Simion Okeke displaying the award plague
By Ijeoma Nwajiobi, Nnewi
The Faculty of Law at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) has held a prestigious ceremony to present an award of excellence to Chief Dr. Simon Nsobundu Okeke (Ochendo), the pioneer former Chairman of Nigeria’s Police Service Commission (PSC).
The high-profile event on July 3, 2026 held at Hollywood event center Awka, Anambra state, recognized Chief Okeke’s decades of meritorious public service, structural reforms in the Nigerian Police ecosystem, and his lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and societal development.


The ceremony was marked by a distinguished gathering of academics, legal luminaries, and government officials:
Key dignitaries in attendance were:
Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha (FNIPR): The Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, who hosted the event as part of her ongoing “3Vs” mission (Values, Viability, and Visibility) for the institution.
The Chief Judge of Anambra State: Presenting a strong judicial endorsement of the ceremony, underscoring the deep connection between legal academia and public service accountability.
The Prominent members, professors, and student executives from the COOU Faculty of Law.

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership
Chief Dr. S.N. Okeke, widely revered by his traditional title Ochendo, has left an indelible mark on Nigerian public administration. Serving as the Executive Chairman of the Police Service Commission from 2001 to 2006 under the Obasanjo administration, he is credited with pioneering institutional oversight, driving recruitment standards, and advocating tirelessly for civil accountability within the police force.
During the award presentation, speakers praised Ochendo for his unwavering integrity, his contributions to estate management as a foundational figure in Nigeria’s real estate sector (Knight Frank), and his outspoken advocacy for regional equity and inclusive national governance.
“This award represents more than a token of appreciation; it is a testament to a lifetime spent building structures of justice and institutional integrity in Nigeria. Chief Okeke’s legacy remains a guiding light for our law students and the nation at large.”
The recognition by the COOU Faculty of Law highlights the university’s commitment to honoring national icons whose lives align with the values of the legal profession—justice, leadership, and unwavering service to humanity.
Speaking, Chief Okeke expressed his gratitude to the institution for honoring him, assuring them that he would continue to create positive impact in building future leaders.
In his speech titled “The role of Law and Security Institutions in Protecting Democracy”, Ochendu said law and security institutions are expected to play their roles in the protection of democracy.
“It would seem that the threat to democracy is coming rather unfortunately from the court orders that threaten the sustenance of democracy.
” Our institutions are expected to display independence and professional integrity in order to strengthen our democracy.
We may be singing the ” Nunc dimittis ” for democracy in Nigeria, if our judiciary and our security institutions fail to perform their constitutional functions dispassionately and with proven maximum professionalism and integrity” he stressed.
Uncategorized
Osun guber: APC senator recants, says “I meant kill Accord with votes, not violence” —
Few hours after his viral video generated criticisms and reaction over his charge on his supporters to “kill” any member of Accord Party who is seen in Ilesha, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, the lawmaker representing the Osun East Senatorial District, recanted his statement , and clarified the intention behind his ‘Kill Accord’ comment
The APC senator was seen In the video, speaking in Yoruba and accusing Accord Party members of attacking members of the All Progressives Congress, he therefore urged the gathering to attack Accord Party supporters in Ilesa.
He was also seen daring those present to record his remarks and share them on social media, while reportedly addressing APC supporters in Ilesa ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
The video however attracted serious criticism and condemnation after all the 13 participating political parties and their candidates have signed a peace accord ahead of the August 15 election, with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly incitng violence
But in a swift reaction, through a statement by his media office,, titled ‘Kill Osun Accord with Votes, Not Violence, Senator Fadahunsi Tells APC,’ the senator said his viral comment was “a call on supporters to overwhelmingly reject the Accord Party at the ballot box through lawful, peaceful and democratic means during the August 15 governorship election.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senator’s statement was purely political and metaphorical,” the statement added.
It noted that the comment didn’t portray the lawmaker as an advocate of violence against any member of the public or political party.
“At no point did Senator Fadahunsi advocate violence, intimidation or any form of physical attack against members or supporters of the Accord Party or any other political party. His consistent position has always been that elections should be decided by the votes of the people and not by force.
“The Senator, therefore, urges political actors, party supporters and the electorate to conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the election. He also calls on security agencies to remain professional and ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their constitutional right without fear or intimidation.
“Senator Fadahunsi remains committed to democratic values, issue-based campaigns and a credible electoral process. He believes that the will of the people, freely expressed through the ballot, must always prevail.
“We, therefore, appeal to members of the public not to misinterpret or deliberately distort the Senator’s comments, as they were clearly intended to encourage electoral victory through the power of the ballot and not through violence,” the statement concluded.
Uncategorized
Kebbi govt spends over N16 Billion on retirement, death benefits – Gov. Idris
Our Reporter
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦16 billion on retirement and death benefits since assuming office in May 2023.
The Governor made this known on Thursday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ Rights Summit, held to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the legalization of trade unionism in Nigeria (1938–2026). The event took place at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris stated that, in line with his administration’s strategic plan for sustainable economic growth, numerous transformative projects have been executed across the state.
“These monumental achievements, alongside many other reforms still in the pipeline, are a testament to the deep commitment of this administration to the dignity and well-being of every worker in Kebbi State,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-oriented policies and appealed for the continued support and cooperation of the people to ensure the success of his government.
The Governor emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants and the entire workforce.
“We are prepared to collaborate with all stakeholders—including trade unions, civil society organizations, and the organized private sector—to enhance the welfare, safety, and protection of workers’ rights,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and State Head of the Civil Service, Tpl. Mallam Shekare mni, highlighted the achievements of the Kauran Gwandu administration, particularly its commitment to workers’ welfare. He noted that more than ₦16 billion had been expended on retirement and death benefits from May 2023 to date.
The Head of Service commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support for civil servants, citing the construction and furnishing of the ultra-modern State Secretariat Complex, the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and other welfare initiatives.
In his remarks, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended Governor Idris for the remarkable achievements recorded within three years in office. He said the summit was aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and promoting good governance.
He urged participants to emulate the Governor’s commitment to building a better future for workers.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, represented by the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, applauded Governor Idris for delivering over 80 percent of his campaign promises. He also commended the organizers for hosting the summit.
He encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties and disclosed that the NLC was working towards a review of the national minimum wage through continued engagement with the Federal Government.
Comrade Amba further thanked the Nigerian Bar Association and the Human Rights Institute for organizing the summit, describing it as a strategic gathering focused on labour, social justice, and democracy at a critical time in the nation’s history.
The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Umaru Abubakar, also commended the theme of the summit and reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.
He stated that the government would continue to partner with relevant organizations to improve workers’ welfare, noting that the dedication of the state’s civil servants has been instrumental to the success of the present administration.
Politics
Tinubu qualified to run for president despite certificate submitted – APC Ex-Legal APC Adviser, Ogala
By Umar Musa
A former National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Babatunde Ogala, on Thursday insisted that President Bola Tinubu is qualified to run for the presidency in 2027.
Ogala said Tinubu is qualified by virtue of his age and the fact that he is a Nigerian.
He made this known on Channels Television’s Politics Today while reacting to the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s qualifications.
Tinubu did not submit his primary and secondary school certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This has led to widespread controversy among Nigerians.
However, Ogala said: “What does the Constitution say about qualification for office? Because I hear things like: Who are his parents? Who is his father? Who is his mother? Who is his sister? And who is his brother?
“Is he a Nigerian? The answer is yes, unless otherwise proven or determined through a judicial process. Is Tinubu qualified to run for the presidency age-wise? The answer is yes, by constitutional provisions.
“Does he have the minimum educational qualification as prescribed by the Constitution, which says educated up to School Certificate level, interpreted to mean Primary Six and the ability to read and write?
“The man says, ‘I have a degree.’ Babatunde Ogala is sitting here. I’m a Senior Advocate, and you are asking me to prove if I’m a lawyer. You want to know which primary and secondary schools I attended, where I did my A-Levels, and all of that.”
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
INEC flags off Mega Continuous Voter Registration Centre, enrols 31,835 new voters
-
General News1 week ago
2027: Dame Princess Esom-Nwafor Orizu confirmed as APC flagbearer for Nnewi North /South /Ekwusigo Federal Constituency as INEC releases names of candidates
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
My service to my country gave me a profound sense of who I am – Former PSC Boss, Chief Simon Okeke
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Rescue of Oyo schoolchilden: Tinubu commends security agencies, says action breakthrough in fight against criminality
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
PCC Anambra Commissioner pays courtesy visit to FRSC sector commander
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Ignore unverified HIV figures on social media, verify through official channels, says ANSACA boss
-
Uncategorized1 month ago
Hello world!
-
Business and Economy2 weeks ago
Glo partners Samsung for Z Fold 8 series launch
