Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
Move grants state governors power to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives, stirring debate on security and federalism
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill paving the way for the creation of state police, granting governors across all 36 states the authority to appoint police commissioners and issue operational directives. The decision was reached during plenary in Abuja, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s long-standing centralised policing structure.
Lawmakers voted in favour of the constitutional amendment after months of deliberation, with the majority supporting devolution of policing powers from federal authorities to state governments. The new framework allows each governor, as chief security officer of their state, to oversee police appointments and command structures directly for the first time since independence.
The move comes amid persistent insecurity challenges nationwide—including banditry, kidnapping and communal violence—fuelling calls for locally-controlled policing as a solution. Supporters argue that state police will improve rapid response to crime and allow for better knowledge of local terrain and threats. However, critics have voiced concerns about possible political misuse by governors and lack of sufficient checks against abuse.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment demonstrates lawmakers’ commitment to address security concerns facing ordinary Nigerians. “This is a bold step towards strengthening our internal security architecture,” Akpabio declared during plenary. Meanwhile, some opposition senators questioned whether adequate safeguards are in place to prevent politicisation of law enforcement at state level.
With Senate passage secured, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before it can be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If adopted into law, implementation will require further legislation detailing recruitment, funding and oversight mechanisms for newly-established state police commands.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ebola Cases in DR Congo Surpass 1,000 as Death Toll Hits 277, Says WHO
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
World Health Organisation urges intensified response after new figures mark major escalation in ongoing outbreak
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now crossed 1,000 confirmed cases, with at least 277 people reported dead as at Wednesday. The agency revealed the updated figures during a briefing, noting that the situation remains dire in affected regions of eastern DRC.
According to WHO officials, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has been rising steadily over recent weeks, with health workers battling to contain the spread across multiple communities. The latest milestone was reached following a spike in new infections recorded over the past days.
The outbreak, which began months ago in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, is considered one of the most serious public health emergencies facing Central Africa. Nigerian medical experts have expressed concern about cross-border transmission risks due to frequent movement between DRC and neighbouring countries. The rapid escalation in case numbers puts pressure on already stretched health systems and poses a significant threat to regional stability.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for increased international support and deployment of resources to help Congolese authorities respond effectively. “This outbreak demonstrates the urgent need for improved surveillance and rapid response capacity,” Tedros said during the press conference. He also commended frontline health workers for their courage but warned that insecurity in some areas continues to hamper intervention efforts.
Health agencies are scaling up vaccination campaigns and community sensitisation programmes. However, officials warn that unless security challenges are addressed and funding gaps closed, further spread remains likely. Regional governments have been urged to strengthen border screenings and share information promptly with public health partners.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee takes disciplinary action against prominent lawyer; implications for SAN community
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has suspended Chief Mike Ozekhome from using the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking a significant move in Nigeria’s legal profession. The decision was announced on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, and affects one of the country’s most recognised lawyers.
Details surrounding the circumstances leading to Ozekhome’s suspension remain limited as at press time. The LPPC, which oversees appointments and discipline within the SAN cadre, did not immediately provide further explanation regarding the specific allegations or infractions that prompted its action against Ozekhome.
Ozekhome, a well-known constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, has held the SAN title for several years and is known for his involvement in high-profile cases and commentary on national legal issues. His suspension is expected to generate debate within legal circles, given his prominence and previous advocacy roles in both public interest and political matters.
The LPPC’s decision underscores its authority to regulate standards among holders of the prestigious SAN rank. Reactions from other members of the bar are still emerging, with some lawyers describing the move as a reminder that professional standards remain paramount regardless of status. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had yet to issue an official response as at Wednesday evening.
Further information on possible appeals or conditions attached to Ozekhome’s suspension is expected in coming days as stakeholders await more details from the LPPC. The development may prompt renewed scrutiny on disciplinary processes among senior legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Shettima Calls for Urgent Investment in Health, Education Across Northern Communities
Vice President highlights pressing need for improved social infrastructure, urges stakeholders to address regional disparities
Vice President highlights pressing need for improved social infrastructure, urges stakeholders to address regional disparities
Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the urgent need for increased investment in health and education sectors across northern Nigerian communities. Shettima made this call on Wednesday, 24 June, while addressing stakeholders at an event focused on regional development priorities.
According to the Vice President, inadequate access to quality healthcare and education remains a major barrier to progress in many northern states. He urged both government and private sector actors to prioritise these critical sectors as part of broader efforts to address underdevelopment and inequality in the region.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns about social and economic disparities between Nigeria’s regions. Many northern states have persistently reported lower indices in health outcomes and school enrolment rates compared to their southern counterparts, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This has heightened pressure on policymakers to implement targeted interventions that can bridge existing gaps.
Shettima said that addressing these challenges requires a coordinated approach involving all levels of government as well as community leaders. He emphasised that effective investment in health and education would not only improve living standards but also help tackle insecurity by empowering young people with knowledge and opportunities.
Stakeholders present at the event echoed the Vice President’s position, noting that sustainable development in the North depends on urgent reforms in healthcare delivery and educational access. As discussions continue, attention is now focused on how both federal and state authorities will respond to calls for increased funding and policy innovation in these vital sectors.
Ebola Cases in DR Congo Surpass 1,000 as Death Toll Hits 277, Says WHO
Fernandes Reveals Why Ronaldo’s Goal Meant Everything in Portugal’s Win Over Uzbekistan
All Eyes on Norway vs France as 2026 World Cup Qualifier Promises Goals in Group I Showdown
LPPC Suspends Mike Ozekhome from Senior Advocate of Nigeria Rank
Shettima Calls for Urgent Investment in Health, Education Across Northern Communities
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Five Years in US Jail Over $3.5 Million Romance Scam
Cucurella Sparks Fresh Rumours as Enzo Fernandez Linked With Real Madrid Move
Senegal Aim for Crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier Win Over Iraq — All Eyes on the Lions of Teranga
Senate Approves State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Abuja Court to Rule on EFCC’s Forfeiture Bid Against Jailed Ex-Minister Mamman’s Assets
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
