News
Niger Delta Activist, Mulade Appeals to President Tinubu to Protect Nigeria’s Judiciary
* Condemns Use of Technicalities in Politically Charged Cases
By Admin
Renowned human rights advocate and peace campaigner from the Niger Delta, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has made an urgent call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to uphold the independence and integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary. Sheriff stressed that the judiciary serves as the foundation of democracy and is the ultimate protector of the common citizen.
Key Highlights of Sheriff’s Appeal:
Reviving Public Trust in the Judiciary: Sheriff emphasized the need for President Tinubu to take immediate action in preserving the judiciary’s independence. “Mr. President, I urge you to take decisive steps to rescue our judiciary, which is the bedrock of a just society and democracy. Without an impartial and independent judicial system, Nigeria’s democratic structure is at risk of being overtaken by political forces,” Sheriff declared.
Questionable Judgments Undermining Justice: Sheriff expressed concerns over recent rulings that have caused confusion and shaken public confidence in the judiciary. “Our justice system has been a symbol of hope, not only for Nigerians but for Africa. However, the increasing influence of political interests is threatening to erode its integrity,” he warned.
Political Interference and Pressure: Sheriff pointed to a rising trend of political interference, where the judiciary appears to be influenced by external political forces rather than serving as a neutral arbiter. “It is alarming to witness how political interests have begun to dictate judicial decisions, undermining the independence of the courts and the rule of law.”
Misuse of Legal Technicalities: The activist further highlighted the frequent dismissal of important public-interest cases on technical grounds by judges at both the Federal and State High Court levels. “Too often, cases that are vital to the public interest are dismissed on technicalities, preventing justice from being served. This trend not only delays justice but also leaves ordinary Nigerians disillusioned with the system,” he said.
The Need for Judicial Independence in a Democracy:
Drawing inspiration from global democratic figures, Sheriff underscored the vital role of an independent judiciary in safeguarding a functioning democracy:
George Washington’s Vision: Sheriff referenced the founding father of the U.S., George Washington, who emphasized the necessity of maintaining separation between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. This principle is crucial to ensuring checks and balances in any democratic system.
Thomas Jefferson’s Belief: Jefferson advocated that an independent judiciary is the ultimate defense against government overreach, ensuring that no individual or group can overpower the law.
Lincoln’s Leadership During Crisis: Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during moments of national crisis demonstrated the importance of an impartial judiciary that defends the rights of all citizens and upholds democratic principles.
Lord Denning’s Legacy: The famous British judge, Lord Denning, once said, “Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.” Sheriff emphasized that Nigeria’s judiciary must act transparently and free from political influence to earn the trust of the people.
A Call for Reform:
Sheriff urged President Tinubu to prioritize judicial independence and restore public confidence in the legal system. “Political judges should step aside to preserve the integrity of our courts. The failure to do so may create a dangerous situation where Nigerians lose faith in the justice system, leading to potential unrest and self-defense measures,” he cautioned.
Comrade Mulade Sheriff concluded by calling on the President to take swift action to eliminate political interference in court rulings and ensure that the judiciary serves its intended role in a democratic society. “The survival of our democracy hinges on a free and impartial judiciary. We implore you, Mr. President, to act now and protect the independence of this vital institution. Only by doing so can we ensure justice, fairness, and equality for all Nigerians,” he urged.
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.