Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has called for a renewed national consensus on federalism, electoral reform, and poverty eradication, urging Nigerians to “move forward together” in pursuit of peace, progress, and prosperity.

Speaking at an interactive session hosted by Right Honourable Nnaemeka Maduagwu in Owerri, ahead of the Odenigbo 2025 event of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, El-Rufai said Nigeria’s diversity can be harnessed for national development if anchored on merit, rule of law, equal citizenship, and a pragmatic economic agenda.

“Across our diversity, we can move forward together, united in a common endeavour for development and prosperity. In that quest for peace, progress and development, we need elite consensus,” he stated.

On Electoral Reforms

El-Rufai identified electoral credibility as one of the most urgent priorities for reform. He expressed concern over declining voter turnout, which fell below 30% in 2023, warning that citizen apathy could weaken democratic stability.

He strongly advocated for the adoption of electronic voting and real-time transmission of results in the 2027 elections, noting that Kaduna State successfully deployed electronic voting during the 2018 and 2021 local government elections.

“Can we not agree to say farewell to electoral malfeasance by adopting electronic voting and transmission of results? There is adequate time for INEC to acquire and deploy the infrastructure to deliver this at a lower cost than our current unreliable system,” he said.

On Governance and Political Culture

El-Rufai criticized Nigeria’s political class for focusing more on the arithmetic of power than on governance. He called for a shift towards policies that address poverty, job creation, and social services rather than patronage and rent-seeking.

He stressed that Nigeria must adopt a clear roadmap to end mass poverty, pointing out that there are more poor Nigerians today than at independence. Drawing lessons from China and India, he urged for pragmatic but ambitious policies that reward productivity and discourage corruption.

On Federalism and Security

Reaffirming his long-held stance on restructuring, El-Rufai argued that Nigeria’s over-centralized system undermines its diversity and development potential.

“This country was founded as a federation, but it appears that there are very few committed federalists in Nigeria. More powers, resources and responsibilities should be devolved to the states, including policing,” he said.

He welcomed constitutional amendments allowing states to participate in electricity and railway development but urged further implementation of the 2018 APC Committee on True Federalism, which he chaired.

On security, El-Rufai called for decentralization of policing and stronger investments in education, healthcare, and job creation to address the roots of instability.

National Unity and Call to Action

Concluding his remarks, El-Rufai called on Nigerians to rise above divisive politics and unite around merit, competence, and a shared vision of development.

“We have amused ourselves for far too long in ruinous divisions. We do not have to wallow in that mud of stagnation. My hope is that Nigerians will unite in a common endeavour for national prosperity and development. We have the capacity to be better than we are,” he said.

The session was attended by prominent leaders including Nnaemeka Maduagwu, Jasper Azuatalam, and Uche Diala.

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has announced the compulsory retirement of ten judges in the Imo State judiciary, nine of whom were found guilty of falsifying their dates of birth to extend their tenure.

The Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu, was also sanctioned and retired for violating judicial hierarchy in his appointment.

BONA NAIJA learnt that the decision was disclosed in a press statement issued late Thursday by NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola Ogedengbe, following the Council’s 109th meeting held on June 25 under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun.

Justice Nzeukwu was punished for allowing himself to be sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of the Imo State High Court, even though he was the fourth in the hierarchy of Judges of the Imo State Judiciary.

The Council maintained that Justice Nzeukwu’s action was contrary to Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“The nine Judges found to have falsified their records, comprising five (5) High Court Judges and four Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State are: Hon Justice M. E. Nwagboso (High Court), Hon Justice B. C. Iheka (High Court), Hon Justice K. A. Leaweanya (High Court), Hon Justice Okereke Chinyere Ngozi (High Court), Hon Justice Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi (High Court), Hon Justice Tennyson Nze (Customary Court of Appeal), Hon Justice Ofoha Uchenna (Customary Court of Appeal), Hon Justice Everyman Eleanya (Customary Court of Appeal), Hon Justice Rosemond Ibe (Customary Court of Appeal).

“Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu was sanctioned for making himself available to be sworn into office as acting Chief Judge of Imo State.

“The President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, Hon Justice V. U. Okorie who chaired the Commission that nominated Hon. Justice Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge was however absolved, having dissented on record against the recommendation to appoint Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge.

“Council however reiterated its earlier direction to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma to swear in the most Senior Judge of the State as the acting Chief Judge.

“Council took the decision after consideration of the reports of its Investigation Committee on allegations of age falsification against eighteen (18) Judges of the Imo state judiciary on the one hand and the queries issued to Hon. Justices V. U. Okorie and T. N. Nzeukwu,” the press release read in part.

Meanwhile, the Council has reiterated its earlier direction to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to appoint the most Senior Judicial Officer as the acting Chief Judge of the Imo State High Court.

The NJC, headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat M. O. Kekere-Ekun, said it had at the end of its 109th Meeting held on June 25, recommended to President Bola Tinubu, the appointment of Mr Mainasara Ibrahim Kogo Umar, as Chairman, of the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

It also recommended two Hon. Judges for appointment as Heads of Court for Ekiti and Yobe States, respectively.

“The Heads of Court are: Hon. Justice Adekanye Lekan Ogunmoye, Chief Judge, Ekiti State and Hon. Kadi Abba Mammadi as Grand Kadi, Yobe State.

“The recommendations followed a careful consideration of various public complaints made against shortlisted candidates for the various positions and a rigorous interview by an 8-Member Interview Committee of the Council in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for Appointment of Judicial Officers.

“The remaining successful 18 candidates who were recommended for appointment as Judges for different Jurisdictions are as follows: TWO HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR CROSS RIVER STATE; Edu, Glory Bassey, Irem, Melody Bassey.

“THREE HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR OGUN STATE; Ojikutu, Adebayo Julius , Adewole, Adejumoke Oluwatoyin, Adebo, Oluyemisi Olukemi.

“THREE HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR ZAMFARA STATE; Garba, Sirajo Aliyu, Bashir, Rabi, Abdullahi, Nasiru.

“THREE KADIS FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, ZAMFARA STATE; Ibrahim, Jibril, Muhammed, Sanusi Magami, Shaa’ban Mansur.

“ONE KADI FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, PLATEAU STATE; Badamasi, Kabir Adam.

“ONE JUDGE FOR CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, EBONYI STATE; Ogodo, Lynda Nneka.

“FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR KATSINA STATE; Dikko, Fadila Muhammad, Abdulrahman, Shamsudden Yammama, Abdullahi, Maryham Umaru, Mohammed, Abubakar Dikko.

“It would be recalled that the Council had at its 108th Meeting held on 29 and 30 April 2025, approved a new policy to publish the names of candidates for consideration for appointment as Judicial Officers and invited public input.

“A flurry of 86 public comments and complaints were received by the Council and 73 of them were favourable representing 85%, while 13 were adverse representing 15%.

“However, out of the Thirteen (13) complaints, Five (5) had no accompanying verifying affidavits in breach of the publication guidelines and were not considered.

“In view of the Council’s resolution, at its 27th Emergency Meeting held on 3 February 2025, relating to the appointment of the Chief Judge, Ekiti State, Council did not consider the Three (3) complaints relating thereto.

“Five (5) complaints were considered against the appointment relating to the High Courts of Plateau and Kano States and the Sharia Courts of Appeal of Zamfara and Katsina States.
Flowing from this, Council dismissed Four (4) of the complaints, but found merit in one and dropped the affected candidate.

“Meanwhile, the Council has approved the voluntary retirement of the following Judicial Officers: Hon. Justice Babatunde Ademola Bakre of the Ogun State High Court, Hon. Justice H. O. Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court,” the NJC stated.

Some judges, however, were absolved of the allegations against them.

“The Judges whose dates of birth were found to bear no discrepancy are: Hon Justice I. O. Agugua (High Court), Hon Justice C. A. Ononeze-Madu (High Court), Hon Justice L. C. Azuama (High Court).

“The two Judges given a clean bill of health owing to provision of acceptable explanation for discrepancies in their dates of birth are: Hon Justice Vincent I. Onyeka (High Court), Hon Justice Vivian O. B. Ekezie (High Court).

“Council directed that Hon. Justice Onyeka and Hon. Justice Ekezie must maintain the date of birth supplied by the Council of Legal Education in their official records.

“Four other Judges absolved on account that they genuinely corrected their dates of birth to their disadvantage are: Hon Justice P. U. Nnodum (High Court), Hon. Justice Alma Ngozi Eluwa (High Court), Hon. Justice Matthew Chinedu Ijezie (High Court), Hon Justice Ononogbo Chidi Linus (High Court),” the council noted.

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By Rikki Nwajiofor

In a significant act of social intervention, community support, and in a bid to cushion the hardship experienced by Imo citizens, the Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation (GNF) has launched a 7-day free fuel distribution program for all Keke (tricycle) and Bus drivers in Imo state. This laudable initiative, which commenced on the 5th of March 2025, aims to alleviate the financial burden on transport operators and enhance mobility for all the residents across Imo state.

The fuel distribution is currently taking place at designated fuel stations across Imo state, ensuring an organized and fair process. The schedule for the free fuel distribution program, as made available to the media, reads;

“The Distribution is as follows:

” Day 1 :  

(Wednesday 5th March ) 

ORLU ROAD : COCEAN FILLING STATION Amakohia close to Rapour Junction 

“Day 2:

( Thursday 6th March)

OKIGWE ROAD : CHECK NASA filling Station Close to Orji Flyover 

“Day 3:

(Friday 7th March)

PORT HARCOURT ROAD: BEANUKS FILLING Station by Concord Junction.

“Day 4:

(Saturday 8th March)

ABA ROAD : UDDY KINGS FILLING Station close to Wetheral Junction.

“Day 5:

(Tuesday 11th March)

EGBU ROAD : BONIMAS FILLING Station by Raod Safety Junction.

“Day 6:

(Wednesday 12th March)

MCC ROAD : JONG FILLING Station before Relief Junction.

“Day 7:

( Thursday 13th March )

ST GLOBAL Irete.

“Time : 9:am to 2:pm daily.”

This charitable program, spanning from 5th March to 13th March 2025, is part of the Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering low-income earners and supporting economic stability at the grassroots level in Imo state. With the recent economic challenges and fluctuating fuel prices, this initiative seeks to provide relief to commercial drivers who play a vital role in the state’s transportation sector.

Speaking on the initiative, Goodluck Nwaneri, the founder/president of the Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation, emphasized the importance of easing the hardship faced by transport workers.

“We are very much aware of the crucial role being played by Keke and Bus drivers in the daily lives of our people, transporting thousands of commuters, traders, students, civil servants, and farmers across the state. With the fluctuating price of fuel affecting their earnings, we are stepping in to provide temporary relief and support their hard work. This initiative is in line with our foundation’s motto which is ‘changing lives, saving all’. We are poised to uplift communities and bring positive change to our people,” Nwaneri said.

Most of the beneficiaries, in the first 4 days of the program, lauded the initiative, calling it a timely intervention that would reduce operational costs for drivers and ultimately benefit commuters.

One of the beneficiaries who spoke to the media, identified as Sister Helen Ugwonani from Umudim in Ikeduru stated; “This initiative is a blessing to us the drivers. Many of us struggle with fuel expenses, which in turn affects transport fares. This gesture from the Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation will not only assist us but also bring relief to the general public who rely on affordable transportation. May God continue to bless and protect Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation. May God replenish his resources.

As the Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation continues to champion impactful programs aimed at empowering communities, this free fuel distribution further solidifies its reputation as a beacon of hope and support in Imo state.

By Rikki Nwajiofor 

The Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation (GNF), in an outstanding gesture of educational empowerment, has announced a fully funded Free JAMB Registration Program for students across Imo state in this year 2025. This humanitarian initiative is poised to support indigent and deserving students by easing the financial burden associated with JAMB registration.

Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation, widely known for its commitment to overall youth development and education, is offering this opportunity to ensure that no ambitious student is left behind due to financial challenges. This free JAMB registration program is part of the foundation’s wider mission to promote academic excellence and provide equal educational opportunities for young Nigerians, especially for the youth of Imo state.

Speaking on the initiative, Chief Goodluck Nwaneri, the founder and president of the foundation, highlighted the importance of education in national development and the need to support students who are determined to further their studies.

In his words, “education is the key to unlocking the future, and we in Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation believe that financial constraints should never be a barrier to academic success. As long as this foundation exists, no Imo state citizen will be denied access to education as a result of financial challenges. Our goal is to support young talents, give them a chance to excel, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria at large, and Imo state in particular.”

He further encouraged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and maximize this opportunity, assuring them that Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation will continue to support educational initiatives across Imo state.

This immeasurable initiative has received wide applause from students, parents, and community leaders in Imo State. Many have described it as a life-changing opportunity, especially for families struggling to afford JAMB registration fees.

A parent, who pleaded to remain anonymous, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This initiative is a blessing to many families. Some of us were worried about how to afford the JAMB registration fee, but now, our children can register for JAMB free of charge. May God bless Goodluck Nwaneri Foundation.”

For more information on how to apply, interested students can visit the foundation’s official website or contact Comrade Chinonso Uba  (Nonsonkwa – the National Coordinator of Heal Imo Movement) at Ozisa fm inside Assumpta Cathedral Owerri or call 07040396527.

It was a season of jubilation and enjoyment of devidends of democracy in Okigwe Senatorial District of Imo State as Distinguished Senator Ndubueze Patrick C. rolled out amazing empowerment packages to the people as part of his End of .Year Constituency Briefing.

The event took place on 31st December, 2024 at the Okigwe Township Stadium with
unprecedented distribution of good numbers of Buses, Tricycles (Keke), motorcycles, Grinding machine , Sewing machine, Laptops, Generators, Refrigerators, Industrial Frying Pan.

The ceremony was Chaired by Prof Maurice Iwu, Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and attended by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma as Special Guest of Honour alongside his amiable wife Other dignitaries included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, some Members of the Federal House of Pepresentatives from the State, the Secretary to the State Government, and notable Traditional Rulers.

A cross session of the beneficiaries inteviwed posited that the Zone had never had it that good and have witnessed remarkable difference since the emergence of Sen. Ndubueze as Senator representing them at the Red Chambers.

Sen. Ndubueze, addressing the gathering, expressed his profound gratitude to the People for confidence reposed in him, assuring them of better days ahead, and promising not to relent in his determination to giving Okigwe strong voice at the National Assembly, while attracting remarkable Federal Government Projects and presence.

In his remark, the Chairman of Occasion, Prof. Maurice Iwu, lauded the efforts of Sen. Ndubueze Patrick, desxribing him as a passion leader of the People and selfless ambassador of of Okigwe, while urging him to remain steadfast in ensuring that Okigwe gets its due share of dividends of Democracy from the Federal Government.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma, în his Keynote Speech, scored the Senator very hign in performance, calling him a true son of the State and expressing confidence that the people will reciprocate by returning Sen. Ndubueze during next Election. The Governor further reaffirmed his commitment to ensure Okigwe is given deserved placed in his Administration’s programme and projects.