News
Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
By: Michael Mike
The Nigerian Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has assured the regional legislature that the five discarded gender equality bills for action are still up for reconsideration by the Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Hon. Linda Ikpeazu, a lawmaker representing Nigeria at the ECOWAS Parliament said this while responding to criticisms by some members of the Parliament following Nigeria’s Presentation at the 2022 First Ordinary Session of the regional Parliament in Abuja yesterday.
The Nigerian National Assembly had on March 1, 2022 rejected constitutional bills seeking to create more inclusion of women in political and appointive positions and other gender equity issues.
This development drew serious criticisms from some Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, who had expressed their disappointment with the Nigerian lawmakers for throwing out the Gender Equity bills that were brought before the House of Representatives.
Ikpeazu while reading Nigeria’s Country report said that despite the five gender bills that were thrown out, Nigeria remains resolute to enact equitable laws that will address gender inequity.
She however, noted that more sensitization will be carried out for Members of the National Assembly to understand the bill better, adding that it will be revisited and hopefully passed into law.
“Nigeria’s commitment to implementation of ECOWAS Texts on Equality of Rights between Women and Men resonates in her ongoing constitution amendment.
“Five of the bills that were put to vote at the National Assembly were focused on gender equity- to promote more opportunities for women in governance and the society at large.
“The Gender Equity Bills underscore the following; additional seat for women in legislature; indigeneship rights for married women; citizenship by registration for non-Nigerian men married to Nigerian women; 35 percent affirmative action for women in political party administration and reserved quota for women in cabinet positions.
“Regrettably, all the bills were rejected. Despite this set back, the Nigerian National Assembly remains resolute in her vision to enact equitable laws that will address gender imbalances in our socio-political environment.
“The leadership is working hard to make sure some of the bills will be re- presented to the House and be passed.
Also Read: Gov. Wike Denies His Allaged Defecrion
“We are lawmakers and we know that for bills to be passed, we need to do more sensitisation and engagements with our colleagues.
“We have learnt our lessons and with the support of the leadership there will be a difference,” Ikpeazu said.
The Parliamentarians who slammed Nigeria for discarding the gender bills had done so probably because of the expectation that Nigeria will set the pace to meet the 35 per cent affirmation of women inclusion and gender equity.
Hon. Veronika Sessay, a Member of Parliament from Sierra Leone, said that Nigeria as the “Big brother” of Africa should set a pace for other countries to follow as they expect a positive outcome once the bills are reconsidered.
“We were expecting Nigeria to have done this so that we can follow. And let me tell you, Sierra-Leone is on the way and I am sure that in our next reports we will tell you that we have passed the gender bill.
“In as much as they have said that they are taking another commitment that they are going to do it, how soon?
“We were not happy when it was thrown away, so I am appealing to our big brothers, Nigeria, all we need is equality, development and peace, that is what is stated in our national song.
“Where there are more women you will see the change in the world. Nigeria, we expect more from you and let us see how you can pass this bill before Sierra Leone,” Sessay said.
Similarly, Hon. Kibba Barrow from the Gambia urged all Member countries to ensure passage of gender bills that will guarantee women’s rights and gender issues.
Nigeria To Revisit Rejected Gender Equality Bill – Lawmaker
Navy officer, family abducted in Kachia
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have abducted a naval officer and members of his family in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on Aug. 20, 2025, at about 0200hrs, when the gunmen stormed Unguwan Mission, Kachia, and whisked away Seaman Olatunji Enoch, 40, of the Nigerian Navy attached to NNSAT Kachia.
The assailants also took away his wife, Margaret Olatunji, 25, and their daughter, Hellen Bitrus, 13, during the attack.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, with cordon-and-search operations ongoing in surrounding bushes. The operation aims to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without harm.
Navy officer, family abducted in Kachia
News
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The international Police Academy (UNIPOL) has Appointed Deputy Commander General (DCG) Joseph Icha,
Director Training and Manpower Development, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.
A statement from the academy’s management stated that “the academy proudly announces the appointment of
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section.
“This appointment recognizes
DCG Joseph Icha, Director Training and Manpower Development, NDLEA. exceptional contributions to national security, law enforcement leadership, and international cooperation.”
Icha has served the Agency in various Senior Management capacities as Principal Staff Officer, Assistant State Commander, Assistant Director, State Commander, and Deputy Director among others, with commendations.
The new international counter narcotics boss has attended several law enforcement courses on Drug Supply Suppression and Drug Demand Reduction within and outside the country.
“He is a Master Trainer with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC) in Drug Law Enforcement intelligence led investigation strategies and Criminal Intelligence. ” said the statement.
Joseph Icha has facilitated training programmes on behalf of UNODC to various law enforcement agencies in the country.
DCG Joseph Icha is a Law Enforcement Operative, mentor, curriculum designer, and advisor per excellence.
He is also a member of several international professional Organizations and currently is the Director Training and Manpower Development of NDLEA.
This important appointment was pronounced under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Jan M (Hany El Zahar), Executive Director, Founder, and CEO of the International Police Academy – UNIPOL, and IPA President (Rtd.) Senior Superintendent of Police Shuaib Adam HSC OLY VJ, International Director of Law Enforcement, Police, and Military, with the support of Prof. Yuval Binstoc (IPA) and Sir Junustia Brecen.
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Plateau State Accountant General Naanret Manset has said that it was not true that Plateau state has refused to comply with the deadline given to states for the submission of 2024 audited financial statements.
Reacting to a report published recently, the accountant general in a statement noted that “the attention of the Office of the Accountant-General of Plateau State has been drawn to a publication by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) titled ‘It’s Past Deadline, 5 States Fail to Publish 2024 Financial Statements’, which wrongly lists Plateau State as one of the defaulters.”
Naanret Manset maintained that “For the record, Plateau State fully complied with all statutory timelines for the preparation, audit, and publication of its 2024 audited financial statements
“Submitted same to the Auditor-General in May, 2025 which is within the stipulated period of 6 months.
“Audit completed in June, 2025 and forwarded to the House of Assembly which is also within the stipulated period of 3 months.
“Approved by the House of Assembly
Published online on 27 July 2025, below the legal timeline of 9 months.
The audited report is publicly available here:
“We urge FIJ to promptly correct their publication and remove Plateau State from the list of non-compliant states.
Plateau State remains committed to transparency, accountability, and timely financial reporting.” It noted.
The FIJ had recently published that six Nigerian states are yet to publish their audited financial statements for the 2024 fiscal year.
It revealed that five of such erring states have already past their statutorily implied deadlines which Plateau is saying is not true as it applies to them.
The publication had said that ” erring states are Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Plateau and Rivers.
“In Akwa Ibom’s case, its amended 2021 audit law gives the auditor general up to nine months to publish the report online after submitting it to the House of Assembly.
“The Accountant General has six months to present the books, followed by a 90-day audit and submission period.
” In the other five states, audit laws differ in the year they were enacted or updated, but the process is similar.
“The Accountant General must submit the financial documents to the audit office within three months after the financial year ends.
” The Auditor General is then required to audit the report, send it to the House of Assembly and publish it immediately.
“The Ogun State Audit Law (2021), Rivers State Audit Law (2021, as amended), Akwa Ibom State Audit Law (2021), Oyo State Audit Commission Law (2021) and Plateau State Audit Law (2021) all set out these requirements.
” In Rivers, however, publishing the audit is left to the discretion of the Auditor General.
“In past years, these states have published their audits between June and August. Some have also been ranked among the lowest in transparency.
” The CJID Openness Index, released in July 2024, placed all six in the bottom tier along with 10 others.”
Recently, FIJ reported Akwa Ibom’s repeated disregard for budgetary transparency despite binding provisions in its Fiscal Responsibility Law.
The FIJ report maintained that two states Yobe and Ekiti, scored above average for transparency and accountability in 2024, with 73 per cent and 54 per cent, according to the Sub national Audit Efficacy Index, published by the Paradigm Leadership Initiative.
The report noted that the annual assessment, which measures financial transparency and policy adoption across Nigeria’s state governments, shows a familiar trend: “stagnation or decline.”
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
Navy officer, family abducted in Kachia
International Police Academy – UNIPOL Appoints Joseph Icha, as Director International Counter Narcotics Training Nigeria Section
Plateau State Complied with the deadline for 2024 Audited financial Reports…. Manset
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics2 months ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
