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Idara Jerome, Uyo The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has raised concerns over the growing menace of vote buying and vote selling in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to democratic governance and could undermine the credibility of future elections if left unchecked. The organisation also urged political actors across the country to conduct themselves responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that elections should not be treated as a battlefield but as a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders. Speaking at the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day Public Lecture in Uyo on Friday, CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, said the increasing commercialization of the electoral process weakens accountability and erodes public confidence in democracy. Addressing participants at the lecture themed, “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy,” Isong noted that the practice allows unqualified leaders to emerge while depriving citizens of the moral authority to demand good governance from elected officials. He cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance and acts capable of inciting violence as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum across the country. “Elections should not be seen as a warfront or battle to kill and destroy one another. It is simply an opportunity for the people to elect their servants who will deliver on good governance to them,” he said. The rights advocate maintained that democracy remains the best form of government despite its challenges, adding that Nigerians must continue to safeguard democratic institutions and processes through active participation and civic responsibility. According to him, the annual June 12 lecture provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists whose struggles paved the way for the restoration of democratic rule in 1999 and the eventual recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day. He paid tribute to late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other democracy activists who lost their lives during the struggle against military rule, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten. While assessing Nigeria’s democratic journey, Isong argued that the country’s current constitutional framework has not sufficiently addressed many of the nation’s challenges, calling for comprehensive constitutional reforms to strengthen governance and deepen democracy. “There is no doubt that the extant constitution requires a fundamental review, if not a complete overhaul,” he stated. The CHRAN Director further urged Nigerians to reject electoral inducements and embrace issue-based politics, insisting that the future of the country depends largely on the ability of voters to make informed choices and hold leaders accountable. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, human rights and democratic values, describing them as critical pillars for the survival and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.

Idongesit Mishael, Lagos The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks has begun receiving financial and social support packages from government agencies and private organisations, as efforts shift from evacuation to reintegration of affected citizens. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed on Thursday that the 262 returnees who arrived in Lagos were met with a range of interventions designed to ease their transition back into Nigerian society. The support package includes N100,000 cash grants for each returnee from telecommunications giant MTN, alongside N50,000 airtime and starter packs intended to help them reconnect with family members and rebuild their lives after their abrupt departure from South Africa. In what appears to be one of the most significant individual interventions so far, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State approved a N1 million grant for each Imo indigene among the returnees, a move that has drawn commendation from stakeholders involved in the evacuation process. Speaking on Channels Television, Dabiri-Erewa said the returnees were victims of circumstances beyond their control and should not be stigmatized upon their return. “None of them committed any crime. The only crime they committed is the colour of their skin. They are migrants in South Africa,” she said. According to her, the Federal Government is determined not only to bring stranded Nigerians home but also to provide pathways for their economic and social reintegration. Beyond the direct cash interventions, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provided transportation assistance to enable the returnees reach their various destinations, while a private real estate company also contributed financial support to cushion the immediate impact of their displacement. Officials of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) were equally mobilised to assist returnees with identity documentation, a step considered crucial to accessing government services, employment opportunities and financial inclusion programmes. Dabiri-Erewa said the government would continue engaging the returnees to identify their professional backgrounds, vocational skills and business interests with a view to linking them to available empowerment and livelihood opportunities. She urged state governments across the federation to emulate the Imo State intervention by identifying and supporting their indigenes among the returnees. The NiDCOM boss noted that while the evacuation exercise was a humanitarian response to a difficult situation, long-term reintegration would require collaboration among federal and state governments, development agencies and the private sector. The latest evacuation followed a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa that triggered fears among migrant communities and prompted hundreds of Nigerians to seek assistance from the Nigerian High Commission to return home voluntarily. With more than 1,000 Nigerians already registered for repatriation, Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that a second batch of evacuees is expected to depart South Africa on June 15, as authorities continue efforts to bring home citizens affected by the unrest and provide them with the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Idongesit Mishael, Lagos The first batch of Nigerians evacuated from South Africa following the recent wave of xenophobic attacks has arrived in Nigeria, marking the commencement of the Federal Government’s repatriation programme for affected citizens. A total of 268 returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday aboard an Air Peace flight chartered to facilitate their safe return. The evacuation flight, initially scheduled to depart South Africa on Monday, was delayed until Wednesday due to documentation and administrative processing challenges before eventually taking off. The repatriation exercise comes amid renewed concerns over the safety of Nigerians residing in South Africa following reports of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country. The Federal Government had earlier disclosed that more than 1,000 Nigerians had indicated their willingness to return home, with arrangements underway for additional evacuation flights in the coming days. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had revealed that requests for voluntary repatriation from Nigerians in South Africa were increasing as concerns over their safety continued to mount. According to the minister, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria has been engaging relevant South African authorities to ensure a smooth evacuation process for affected citizens, including those facing immigration-related challenges. She explained that special arrangements were made to allow Nigerians with unresolved immigration issues to depart on the evacuation flights instead of being subjected to detention or other administrative sanctions. To facilitate the exercise, the Nigerian Mission in South Africa commenced a comprehensive screening and documentation process for intending returnees. The exercise, originally scheduled to end over the weekend, was subsequently extended to accommodate the growing number of Nigerians seeking repatriation assistance. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the extension underscored the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad. The ministry stated that the protection of Nigerian citizens overseas remains a central pillar of the country’s foreign policy and a core responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo Vanolive Property Limited, a fast-growing real estate development company, has unveiled a new smart residential project within the Royal Palm Villa Estate in Uyo, positioning the development as a premium investment destination for homeowners, diaspora investors, golf tourists and short-let accommodation operators seeking opportunities in Akwa Ibom State’s expanding real estate market. The project, strategically located near the renowned Ibom Golf Course, was showcased during the recently concluded Ibom Open Golf Championship, where golfers, business executives, tourists and prospective investors were introduced to the technology-driven apartments and investment opportunities being developed by the company. Speaking during the tournament, the Managing Director of Vanolive Property Limited, Mr. Lucky Ototakovie said the company decided to invest in Royal Palm Villa because of its strategic location and growing potential as a hub for tourism, hospitality and high-end residential living in the state. According to him, Vanolive’s development within the estate comprises modern studio and one-bedroom apartments designed to meet the needs of both residents and investors looking for properties capable of generating sustainable income through short-let and Airbnb operations. He explained that the apartments have been built around the concept of smart living, combining luxury, security and digital convenience. Mr. Ototakovie disclosed that the company is currently offering special investment packages, with studio apartments available from N60 million and one-bedroom apartments priced at N80 million. He added that prospective buyers can secure ownership with a 35 per cent initial payment and spread the balance conveniently over a 12-month period, making the project accessible to a wider range of investors. He further explained that the investment proposition extends beyond property ownership, noting that investors can earn attractive returns through short-let rentals. According to projections by the company, studio apartments can generate approximately N100,000 per night, while one-bedroom apartments can command about N120,000 per night, particularly during major events, conferences and tourism seasons in Uyo. Highlighting the estate’s attractions, Ototakovie said residents and guests will enjoy access to a wide range of lifestyle amenities, including a conference hall, clubhouse, executive lounge, lawn tennis court, basketball court, mini football pitch, children’s play arena, restaurant, swimming pool, wellness centre, retail shops and a reliable central water system. He noted that security and comfort remain central to the development philosophy of Vanolive Property Limited, adding that the estate features a fully gated environment, 24-hour security coverage, controlled access systems and ample parking spaces designed to provide residents with peace of mind and a high-quality living experience. One of the unique attractions of the development, according to him, is the executive lounge and golf simulator arena, which allows golf enthusiasts to enjoy virtual golfing experiences without leaving the estate. The feature, he said, complements the estate’s proximity to the Ibom Golf Course and strengthens its appeal to golf tourists and professionals who frequently visit the state. The developer also revealed that Vanolive has incorporated cutting-edge smart home technologies into the apartments, enabling property owners to monitor and manage their homes remotely from anywhere in the world. These features include smart lighting systems, intelligent climate control, CCTV surveillance, facial recognition access, smart locks and advanced security systems. In addition, the apartments come equipped with a range of automation features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. These include automated kitchen systems, automated curtains and window blinds, video door phones, smart entertainment systems, voice-control technology, leak detection systems, fire detection devices, backup power solutions and real-time energy management tools that help residents monitor and optimize energy consumption. Industry stakeholders who attended the Ibom Open Golf Championship described Vanolive Property Limited’s investment as a significant contribution to Akwa Ibom’s evolving real estate landscape. They noted that the combination of smart technology, premium amenities, flexible payment plans, strong rental income potential and a prime location near the Ibom Golf Course positions Vanolive’s Royal Palm Villa development as one of the most attractive property investment opportunities currently available in the state.

Idara Jerome, Uyo The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has warned that worsening insecurity across the country could deepen the crisis in the education sector as teachers may become increasingly reluctant to work in vulnerable communities. The union gave the warning on Tuesday during a protest in Uyo against the abduction of teachers and school children in Oyo State, describing attacks on schools as a major threat to the future of education in Nigeria. The teachers, who marched along Wellington Bassey Way and adjoining roads, carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Education Cannot Thrive Under Terror,” “An Attack on Teachers is an Attack on Education,” and “Protect Teachers and You Protect the Future.” The protest was part of a nationwide demonstration organised by the NUT to condemn the growing spate of kidnappings and attacks targeting schools, teachers and students across the country. Speaking during the protest, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the union, Comrade Edet Emenyi, lamented that many teachers now carry out their duties in fear due to the worsening security situation. According to him, schools that should ordinarily serve as safe centres for learning and development have now become targets for criminals. “Today, many teachers teach while constantly looking over their shoulders. Education cannot thrive under terror. Teachers need protection, not condolences,” Emenyi stated. He stressed that continued attacks on teachers and students could discourage educators from accepting postings, especially in rural and high-risk areas. The union leader noted that insecurity in schools was gradually weakening confidence within the education sector and threatening effective teaching and learning. He therefore called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to urgently strengthen security around schools across the country. Emenyi also demanded the immediate release of all abducted teachers, students and education workers still in captivity. He further urged government at all levels to improve teachers’ welfare, insisting that educators deserve adequate protection and support to perform their responsibilities effectively. The protesters maintained that safeguarding teachers and schools was critical to preserving the future of education and national development.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, Uko Udom (SAN), has called on judges and magistrates to exercise greater discretion in granting bail to suspects involved in severe gender-based violence (GBV) cases, warning that survivors are often exposed to renewed intimidation and attacks when alleged abusers return home. Udom made the appeal on Monday, during the flag-off of the June 2026 Gender-Based Violence Awareness Month in Uyo, amid rising concerns over domestic violence and abuse cases across the state. His warning came as statistics released by the Director, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department of the Ministry of Justice, Barrister Emem Ette, revealed that spousal battery emerged as the most reported GBV offence in Akwa Ibom within the first five months of 2026. The figures showed that the state has recorded 1,838 cases of gender-based violence since the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in 2020, with 102 convictions secured so far. According to the statistics, 161 fresh cases were recorded between January and May 2026 alone, with spousal battery accounting for 61 incidents, the highest among reported offences. Threat to life and physical assault followed with 46 cases, rape accounted for 26 cases, abandonment and forceful ejection recorded 18 cases, while harmful widowhood practices stood at 10 cases. A monthly breakdown showed that January recorded 27 cases, February 23, March 28, while April and May recorded the highest figures with 40 cases each. The statistics further revealed that victims affected within the period were between the ages of three and 50 years, underscoring the vulnerability of women and children to abuse across the state. Data from the ministry also showed that the state recorded 69 cases between June and December 2020 shortly after the VAPP Law was enacted, while 141 cases were reported in 2021. The number increased sharply to 316 cases in 2022 and rose further to 368 cases in 2023 before peaking at 465 cases in 2024. In 2025, the state recorded 318 cases. Speaking on the challenges confronting the prosecution of offenders, Udom expressed concern that some survivors and witnesses are left vulnerable after courts grant bail to suspects in serious abuse cases. “This is not justice. This is a structural failure that we must address. When an abuser returns home on bail to the same compound where the survivor lives, the system is sending the wrong signal,” he said. He therefore appealed to the judiciary to prioritise survivor safety while considering bail applications in severe GBV-related offences. The Attorney General also condemned the growing trend of out-of-court settlements in domestic violence and abuse cases, insisting that such practices often shield perpetrators from justice. “When a man or woman’s ribs are broken, when a child is defiled, when a wife is battered unconscious, there is no settlement that restores dignity. What these words really mean is that money has changed hands and justice has been buried,” he declared. Udom, however, said the increasing number of reported cases reflected growing public confidence in the justice system rather than a rise in crime. “Since the passage of the AKS VAPP Law in June 2020, we have recorded over 2,000 reported cases of gender-based violence across the state. Out of these, we have secured over 100 convictions. These are not just statistics. Each conviction is a message that impunity will no longer be tolerated in Akwa Ibom State,” he stated. He said the Ministry of Justice had established a specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department to coordinate prosecutions, survivor support and implementation of the VAPP Law across the state. According to him, the government has also established shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres and skill acquisition centres to provide free medical care, counselling, vocational training and psychosocial support for survivors. He added that GBV response units had been created in all the 31 local government areas, while community health workers, social welfare officers and security personnel had been trained as paralegals to assist survivors with documentation, legal guidance and referrals. The Attorney General used the occasion to commend the Director, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department, Barrister Emem Ette, for her commitment and dedication to the fight against gender-based violence in the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its primaries in Akwa Ibom State with the emergence of a list of returning political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Aniekan Bassey and Senator Ekong Sampson. Our correspondent reports that the exercise was largely characterised by consensus arrangements and peaceful voting , what the party described as early positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, secured the party’s ticket as the consensus candidate, recording a landslide victory across all 10 Local Government Areas . Official results from the APC primaries show he polled a total of 121,425 votes to clinch the nomination, setting the stage for his re-election bid in the general elections . Similarly, in the Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey emerged as the consensus candidate, while incumbent Senator Ekong Sampson won the ticket for the Akwa Ibom South (Eket) senatorial district unopposed . The House of Representatives primaries across the state were characterized by peaceful conduct and the emergence of several incumbent lawmakers. In the Uyo Federal Constituency, Hon. Mark Esset was declared the winner after emerging unopposed, polling all delegate votes at the QIC Group School in Oku . Other incumbent representatives who successfully secured their party’s return tickets include Paul Ekpo for Etinan, Uduak Odudoh for Ikot Abasi, and Clement Jimbo for Abak . It was observed that the “Option A4” voting system was utilized successfully, Recall that Governor Umo Eno had repeatedly urged party members to conduct themselves with restraint and maturity, maintaining throughout the consultation process that political ambition should not undermine peace and stability in the state. He also stressed that internal democracy must strengthen rather than divide the party. Speaking with journalists before voting at her ward centre, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi attributed the peaceful atmosphere to Governor Eno’s inclusive leadership and political approach, which she said had transformed Akwa Ibom into “one formidable movement.” She commended leaders and stakeholders in Oron Federal Constituency for their support and noted that with Sampson emerging as sole candidate in the Akwa Ibom South senatorial primary, members responded with overwhelming affirmation across the constituency. Maintaining confidence in the party’s grassroots strength, the Deputy Governor declared that Oron Federal Constituency, comprising five local government areas, remains firmly aligned with APC and expressed optimism that the party would record victories across elective positions in 2027.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apologised over the controversial altercation involving its operatives and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), a development that has led to the suspension of the industrial action earlier declared by health sector unions in Akwa Ibom State. The apology was tendered during a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Government House, Uyo, following rising tension in the state’s health sector over the incident. The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, was held on the directive of Governor Umo Eno and had in attendance representatives of the EFCC, UUTH management, security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among other stakeholders. In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and made available to journalists in Uyo on Monday, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” while condemning the altercation in its entirety. Representatives of the EFCC expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Ememabasi Bassey – the assaulted medical professional, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; Chairman of JOHESU, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Aniekan Peter; as well as members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives over the conduct of some operatives during the operation at the hospital. The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would also be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an incident would not recur. The crisis had sparked concern within the health sector after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital in an operation health workers described as disruptive and capable of endangering patients and medical personnel, triggering industrial action by healthcare unions. As part of the resolutions reached at the peace meeting, the EFCC and management of UUTH are to establish proper communication channels to ensure professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution. Stakeholders also advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare facilities in order not to disrupt critical medical services. The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed that the safety of patients, healthcare workers and visitors must be protected at all times. Participants acknowledged the role of the EFCC in combating corruption and strengthening public institutions, while urging the Commission to sustain professionalism and accountability in the discharge of its responsibilities. The stakeholders equally resolved that government should participate actively in identifying those behind the alleged fake medical report linked to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted. The Akwa Ibom State Government commended the Chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry. According to the communiqué, the state government pledged full participation in both investigations to strengthen institutional processes and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. Meanwhile, the health unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his swift intervention and continued support for the healthcare sector, particularly in the area of workers’ welfare and improved allowances for medical personnel. The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or undermining ongoing engagements. A liaison committee comprising representatives of the state government, UUTH management, the EFCC and health sector unions is expected to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached. The meeting ended with stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect and sustained collaboration towards protecting healthcare delivery and public confidence in public institutions.

For Awele Ideal, standing among global leaders and advocates at the United Nations Headquarters in New York was not just another professional achievement. It was the triumph of a woman who says she was abandoned as a baby, suffered abuse while growing up, and turned her pain into a lifelong mission to defend vulnerable women and children. Speaking during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), Awele delivered a passionate call for justice, inclusion, and stronger protection for women and girls across the world. “I was abandoned by my mom at seven months, and my stepmother who raised me maltreated me badly. That was what challenged me into becoming a lawyer because I wanted to help oppressed people, especially children. I vowed to become the voice of the voiceless,” she revealed. The conference, held earlier this week at the United Nations Headquarters, brought together policymakers, legal professionals, gender advocates, and civil society leaders to address issues surrounding justice, gender equality, women’s participation in leadership, and the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices. Throughout the engagements, discussions focused on how weak legal systems, exclusion, and structural inequality continue to expose millions of women and girls to violence and marginalization. Awele, while addressing participants, lamented the continued exclusion of women from critical decision-making spaces despite years of global conversations around equality. “Many girls and women are kept out of the rooms where decision making happens. For how long should this continue? Justice delayed is justice denied and justice denied is justice stolen,” she said. She further stressed that beyond representation, women must be given real opportunities to contribute meaningfully to policies and decisions affecting their future. “At the United Nations CSW70, we advocate that the voices of women and girls must be heard in order to drive meaningful changes. We must support the voices of those who are able to show up and with our voices, amplify the voices of those who are prevented from participation,” she added. Awele also spoke openly about the personal and professional battles she has faced while building her legal career. According to her, balancing motherhood with the demands of a male-dominated profession and confronting social stereotypes associated with divorced women were among the toughest realities she had to overcome. “Being a woman in a male dominated profession, being a mother while maintaining my professional career, and dealing with stereotypes of being a divorcee are some of the challenges I have faced,” she stated. Despite the obstacles, she described her biggest accomplishment as raising her children intentionally while building a respected legal and advocacy voice. “My greatest accomplishment is being an intentional mom and being a lawyer whose voice is heard loud and clear,” she said. Delegates at the conference repeatedly emphasized that rights without access to justice leave many women vulnerable, calling for stronger institutions, inclusive policies, and practical reforms capable of protecting women and girls globally. As the conference continues to shape international conversations around gender justice, Awele maintained that women must never surrender their dreams because of difficult circumstances or societal limitations. “Your life is what you make of it. You are enough. If you set your mind towards achieving a goal then nobody can stop you except you,” she said.