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Kwara NUJ Election Marred By Irregularities, Dare Akogun Denounces Process
The chairmanship candidate in the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Kwara State Chapter 2024 election, Abdullahi Dare Akogun has denounced the process saying the process is marred by irregularities. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
This is contained in a press statement titlted “Denouncing the Most Shambolic and Kangaroo Election in NUJ History” issued today, July 31, 2024 and signed by Dare Akogun and widely circulated.
Akogun listing flagrant disregard for Court Order, pecuniary inducementsm, printing of Voters’ Names on Ballot Papers, disenfranchisement of Members among other irregularities said, “The 2024 Kwara Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) election conducted today, July 31, 2024, is unequivocally the most shambolic and kangaroo election in the history of our union. It is marked by numerous anomalies and blatant disregard for democratic principles, which I feel compelled to detail for the public record:”
“Flagrant Disregard for Court Order: The National Industrial Court issued a summons putting the election on hold. Despite this, the National Secretariat of the NUJ proceeded with the election, showing a blatant disregard for judicial authority.”
“Pecuniary Inducements: There was massive use of financial inducements directed at electoral officials, security operatives, and voters. This gross misconduct undermines the integrity of the electoral process.”
“Printing of Voters’ Names on Ballot Papers: In a laughable and unprecedented move, voters’ names were printed on the ballot papers in what was supposed to be a secret ballot election. This farcical act nullifies the concept of voter privacy and secrecy.”
“Disenfranchisement of Members: There was massive disenfranchisement of bona fide and financial members of the union through a doctored delegates’ list. This deliberate act excluded many legitimate members from participating in the election.”
“These infractions were brought to the attention of the national secretariat of the union well before election day, yet they chose to ignore these serious concerns. Furthermore, the conduct of the election was overseen by officials from the national secretariat who should have been impartial observers at best. Their active involvement in the electoral process raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the election.”
“In light of these egregious violations, I hereby declare that the outcome of this election will be duly challenged and pursued to a logical conclusion in a competent court of law. The fight for justice and the integrity of our union continues.”, Akogun concluded.
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Organ Harvest for Motorcycles: Onu Egume Warns Youths, Orders Investigation Egume, Kogi State
By Usman Aliyu
The Onu Egume/Okura District Head, HRH Ochimana Simon Anu, has raised the alarm over alleged kidney sales among youths in Egume community, reportedly to raise money for the purchase of motorcycles and other material possessions.
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The traditional ruler issued the warning at the Onu Egume Palace, describing the alleged practice as dangerous and unacceptable. He urged youths to reject the pursuit of quick wealth at the expense of their health and future.
According to a statement signed by Momoh Idris Ospaca, Media Custodian, Anu, Onu Egume Palace, the monarch also warned individuals allegedly operating as agents for kidney buyers within his domain to leave the community or face consequences.
To address the allegations, the Onu Egume has directed the establishment of a security committee to investigate the matter, particularly cases involving youths and underage persons who suddenly acquire expensive motorcycles.
The committee is expected to examine the sources of funds used by such individuals to purchase TVS and Hajue Rubber motorcycles reportedly costing between ₦1 million and ₦2 million, and determine whether any criminal or exploitative activities are involved.
The monarch expressed concern over what he described as the increasing desire among some youths to acquire material wealth without engaging in legitimate hard work.
He urged young people to pursue lawful means of livelihood, develop skills and plan for their future rather than engage in activities that could permanently damage their health.
The royal father further warned that anyone found to be involved in the alleged practice would face sanctions in accordance with the traditional laws and customs of the community.
He appealed to parents, community leaders and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could endanger young people.
The Onu Egume stressed that health and human life must take priority over material possessions, warning youths not to be carried away by the apparent wealth of others or the attraction of quick money.
The traditional ruler reaffirmed his strong condemnation of alleged kidney-selling activities in Egume and directed that any such transactions should stop with immediate effect.
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NewsAugust 26, 2026Organ Harvest for Motorcycles: Onu Egume Warns Youths, Orders Investigation Egume, Kogi StateNewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products.
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsAugust 26, 2026Organ Harvest for Motorcycles: Onu Egume Warns Youths, Orders Investigation Egume, Kogi StateNewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border