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Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
By: Michael Mike
The European Union, through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Phase II, has welcomed 39 young Nigerians into the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Legislative Internship Programme.
This initiative offers a rare opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience with legislative practices and processes at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Spanning 10 weeks, the programme is designed to provide interns with practical exposure to legislative work, fostering engagement and networking opportunities with members and staff of the 10th National Assembly.
The programme beyond career development, also aims to create networking opportunities and promote skills essential for legislative engagement.
At the opening ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation for the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), highlighted the significance of the internship and its role in empowering young Nigerians to be active participants in democratic governance.
He said: “The EU is committed to supporting democratic governance and the empowerment of young Nigerians through this internship programme.”
De Luca added that: “We believe that investing in youth capacity and legislative knowledge is fundamental to building a more inclusive, transparent, and effective democracy. Through this initiative, we hope to inspire a new generation of leaders who will actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.”
The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, while welcoming the new interns, explaining that the programme reflects PLAC’s dedication, with the support of the European Union, to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance.
He said: “The Legislative Internship Programme is more than just an opportunity to learn the inner workings of the National Assembly; it is a platform for young Nigerians to engage meaningfully in our democracy,” noting that: “By gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes, these interns are not only enhancing their skills but also helping to lay the foundation for stronger, more accountable governance in Nigeria. We are proud to partner with the European Union to provide this transformative experience.”
Nwankwo also outlined the opportunities the internship offers, such as learning research methods for legislative committee assignments, participating in oversight, gaining knowledge of the legislative framework, and familiarising interns with key legislative documents like Bills, the Order Paper and Hansard. By the end of the programme, interns are expected to have a deeper understanding of how a bill is passed into law and the intricacies of the lawmaking process.
The EU-funded Legislative Internship Programme is a significant step in promoting the participation and involvement of young professionals in governance, aiming to build a generation of leaders with the skills and dedication needed to contribute effectively to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The Legislative Internship Programme, organised by PLAC and funded by the EU, is a full-time initiative aimed at young Nigerians seeking insights into the legislative process. Participants are selected from across the states, with the EU fully funding the programme since 2018. Previously backed by the UK government, the EU took over funding to further its efforts in democratic empowerment and support for youth in governance.
Despite being 100% funded by the EU, PLAC has worked closely to maintain the programme’s visibility while navigating the balance between EU support and PLAC’s programme ownership.
Thirty-nine Young Nigerians Begin Legislative Internship Through EU-Sponsored Programme
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Zamfara says its operatives have recovered 15 cows rustled by armed bandits during an attack on Gidan Kwagiri village in Damba District of Gusau Local Government Area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 15 when the bandits invaded the community and carted away cows and sheep belonging to residents.
According to the sources, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Damba Division mobilised personnel alongside patrol teams from the Department of Operations to pursue the attackers.
The team was said to have successfully recovered 15 cows, which were subsequently handed over to their owners.
Efforts, however, are ongoing to track down the suspects and recover the remaining rustled animals, while security patrols have been intensified in the area to forestall further attacks.
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling in Benue State, following two separate security incidents in Guma Local Government Area.
Security sources said that on Feb. 15, troops responded to an attack on herders at Amua Village, located between Daudu and Umenger/Ukpiam. The attack left one herder dead, while another sustained gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent medical attention. The remains of the deceased were handed over to community representatives for burial according to local customs.
In a related operation on the same day, troops stationed at Ukpiam acted on intelligence provided by vigilant youths concerning suspected cattle rustling. The troops arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who reportedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders. He also implicated two accomplices, Akpehe and Ashinge, who are still at large.
Further investigation led security operatives to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mrs. Mercy Onban, wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat, was apprehended along with the recovered meat exhibits. Both suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.
The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the attacks and criminality, affirming the commitment of Operation WHIRL STROKE to halting killings and cattle rustling in the Joint Operations Area.
He urged community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies, stressing that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. Major General Gara also reassured law-abiding residents of the strong resolve of the Joint Task Force to protect lives and property across the region.
Operation Whirl Stroke arrests cow rustling suspects fuelling violence in Benue
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful interception of phone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Court documents showed that El-Rufai, 65, appeared as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme on Feb. 13, 2026, where he reportedly admitted to involvement in the interception and to knowing individuals who carried out the act without reporting them to security agencies.
The charges, filed under TABU DET CR/99/2026, include: Count One, Allegedly admitting during the television interview that he and his associates unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, contrary to Section 12 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
Count Two, Allegedly stating that he knew individuals who unlawfully intercepted the same communications but failed to report them, in violation of Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. Count Three, Allegedly using technical systems to compromise public safety and national security, and instilling apprehension among Nigerians, in breach of Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
The case, filed by a team of Federal Government lawyers led by ME Ernest, OM Owan, UM Bulla, CS Eze, and VE G. Orubor, is set to proceed with investigations and trial proceedings.
Authorities said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, where the accused will be required to respond to the charges.
The trial is expected to attract significant public attention given the high-profile nature of the accused and the sensitive security issues involved.
Federal Government arraigns Nasir El-Rufai over alleged phone interception
Troops intercept suspects with N37m cash in Borno
Chairman of hunters killed in checkpoint attack in Kwara
Police recover 15 rustled cows in Zamfara
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