Breaking
BREAKING NEWS: Bururtu Legislative Leader Impeached, Barr. Martins Zimuaghan Emerges as New Leader.
By: Divine Perezide
Burutu, the headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area is still in shock as news of the successful impeachment of the House Leader, Rt. Hon Ekereke Odafe Bibobra, along with his Deputy, Hon. Akpososo Brigila and Azigbeotu Samson (Majority Leader), have just been impeached from their positions. This comes after 14 out of 20 members signed for their removal, citing various allegations such as gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, abuse of office, and high-handedness. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, as the three former leaders were well-respected and held important positions in the local government. The decision to impeach them was not taken lightly, as it was based on concrete evidence and the majority support of the legislative arm. In their place, Hon (Barr) Zimughan A. Martins has been elected as the new Leader. Along with him, Hon Clement wagha has been elected as Deputy Leader, Hon Pondy Ebipadewei stainless as Majority Leader, Hon Goodluck Ayangor as Chief Whip, and Hon Paul Florence (Miss) as Deputy Chief Whip. These new leaders have been chosen to steer the Legislative Arm in a new direction and bring a fresh perspective to governance in Burutu. The reasons for the impeachment of the former leaders are grave and cannot be taken lightly. Gross misconduct, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office are serious offenses that cannot be ignored. The Legislative Arm has a responsibility to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and fairness, and the decision to impeach the former leaders shows their commitment to these principles. The new leadership, under Hon Zimughan A. Martins, is expected to bring positive changes and restore the trust of the people in the legislative arm. As a Barrister, Hon Martins brings a wealth of legal knowledge and experience to the position, which will be crucial in ensuring that the legislative arm operates within the confines of the law. Along with the new Leader, the election’s of Hon Clement wagha, Hon Pondy Ebipadewei stainless, Hon Goodluck Ayangor, and Hon Paul Florence (Miss) as Deputy Leader, Majority Leader, Chief Whip, and Deputy Chief Whip respectively, are expected to bring a balance of experience, expertise, and diversity to the legislative arm. The town of Burutu can now look forward to a transparent and accountable government, with the newly elected leaders at the helm. The people’s voices have been heard, and their concerns have been addressed through the impeachment of the former leaders. This marks a new beginning for the legislative arm, and a step towards a better and brighter future for the town of Burutu. In conclusion, the impeachment of the Leader of Burutu legislative arm and the subsequent election of new leaders is a significant event that will have a lasting impact on the Council. It shows that the people’s voices are being heard, and that the legislative arm is committed to upholding the values of good governance. The new leadership brings a promise of positive change and a renewed hope for the people of Burutu Local Government.
The new Leader, Hon (Barr) Zimughan A. Martins’s acceptance speech was filled with humility and a deep sense of honor as he thanked both God and his fellow members for entrusting him with the position. He made a promise to not let any personal vendettas affect his leadership and instead, he plans to reach out and mend any broken relationships among the members. He expressed his gratitude towards his party and the council chairman Chief (Dr) Julius Takeme for bringing uncommon developments to the grassroots level. He emphasized the importance of a harmonious and transparent working relationship between the legislative and executive branches in order to fulfill the promises made to the people who voted them into office. His tone of voice was sincere and genuine, as he reiterated his commitment to bringing about positive change for the Burutu people. He made it clear that his ultimate goal is to deliver on the dividends of democracy and heal any divides caused by past poor leadership.
Breaking
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE: NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR AMUPITAN AS INEC CHAIRMAN
The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.
President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.
Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.
In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.
Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
October 9, 2025
By: Divine Perezide
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed media reports suggesting that it has suspended the Delineation of Electoral Wards in Warri Federal Constituency, covering Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas.
The rebuttal followed a report by the Punch Newspaper claiming that an INEC official had hinted at a suspension in connection with the Supreme Court judgement of December 2, 2022. INEC clarified such reports were misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday, INEC emphasized “the commission has not taken any decision regarding the delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency. Reports alleging suspension are inaccurate and do not reflect the position of INEC.
The Commission noted that it remains committed to upholding the Supreme Court judgment but insisted that due process and broad consultation must guide every step of the delineation process.
A senior Electoral Officer, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, stressed that INEC’s mandate cannot be subjected to misrepresentation. “We must be clear: no suspension has been declared. What we have is an ongoing consultation process to ensure compliance with legal and constitutional provisions,” he stated.
The Supreme Court ruling of December 2022 had directed INEC to ensure fair representation of all ethnic nationalities within the Warri Federal Constituency by reviewing and delineation wards accordingly.
INEC assured stakeholders, particularly in Delta State, that it would communicate its position at the appropriate time, adding that it remains committed to transparent and credible Electoral Reforms.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced the withdrawal of services at Dangote Refinery and all Oil Installations following what it described as the unlawful dismissal of more than 80 of its members.
In a statement released by the union, the PENGASSAN condemned whT it termed “Dangote Refinery unilateral action to sack ova 800 members of our association for joining our union,” BBC Pidgin reported.
The association further described the move as “an affront to all workers for Nigeria and deliberate violation of Nigeria labour laws, di Constitution, and ILO convention.”
The mass sack has drawn significant concerns across labour circles, with PENGASSAN warning that such practices could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of workers in the country’s oil and gas sector.
Reacting to the development, Dangote Refinery said it had taken necessary steps within the boundaries of law and industrial practice. While the company the company did not provide a detailed explanation for the dismissal, it insisted its actions were guided by operational realities.
Labour watchers say the dispute could escalate into a major confrontation unless urgent mediation is initiated by the federal government via the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The refinery, commissioned to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s energy sector, now faces its first major labour crisis since operations began.