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Call For Suspension Of 2023 Election: Senate Replies Afe Babalola

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As reactions continue to trail calls by the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUA), Afe Babalola, SAN, for the suspension of the 2023 election, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday described as unfortunate that such opinion is coming from a legal luminary.

Reacting to the development, Senate Spokesman, Senator Bashir Ajibola said, in as much as Senate will not join issues with him, it is very sad that such a comment is coming from a legal luminary that is so much respected by the people.

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The Senate said the legal luminary might be offering his opinion against his knowledge of the law, as the procedure for amending the constitution to accommodate what he said, was clearly written.

Ajibola said: “Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution as amended clearly states the procedure for amendment and as a lawyer, Afe Babalola supposed to know all this.

“His comment is more political than legal and his suggestions cannot stand in line with modern reality. For instance, pegging the age of political offices is not in tandem with the provision of the Constitution as it stands today and even the America that we are copying doesn’t have such provision in their Constitution.

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“On the job of a President is not a bricklayers job, it involves intellect and vision for the development of the country.”

He further countered Babalola’s belief that legislators do not have much to do, hence, they should be placed part-time, noting that legislators do not only make laws but do other legislative activities including oversight.

Speaking on the part-time legislators, he said the legal luminary appears not to understand the workings of the legislature.

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We are not only making laws, but we carry out oversight functions.

READ ALSO: Afe Babalola Seeks Poll Suspension, Interim Govt After Buhari

“We entertain the views of our constituents because we are not in a military era where somebody with a military fiat will come out with a new system of government without following due process,” he said.

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He advised the Senior Advocate of Nigeria to wait till the 10th National Assembly before coming up with his personal opinion for consideration.

All these things would have been suggested during the call for memoranda preparatory to Constitutional amendment. Unfortunately, he did not come up with any suggestions during the ongoing Constitutional amendment.

“If he is so passionate about the suggestion he is making now, he should wait for the next Assembly where he will have the opportunity to submit his personal opinion for consideration,” he said.

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Things To Know About Late Ex-IG Solomon Arase

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The late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.

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He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday

Here are 20 key highlights from his life and career:

1. Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline

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2. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.

3. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead

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4. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.

5. He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.

6. Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.

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7. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.

8. Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.

9. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tinubu Sacks Police Service Commission Chairman, Arase, Makes Replacement

10. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.

11. He introduced reforms including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.

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12. He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.

13. He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.

14. He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.

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15. He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.

READ ALSO:Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death

16. Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.

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17. He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.

18. The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.

19. He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.

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20. Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.

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Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death

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The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Arase died earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Arase was 69 years old.

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Confirming his death in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said, “The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”

IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging the ex-IG’s indelible contributions to police reform and national security.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead

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Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly educated officer with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Arase was appointed as IGP in April 2015 and served until his retirement on June 21, 2016.

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Explaining his impact, the statement read, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.

READ ALSO:Russia Hits Ukraine With ‘Massive’ Deadly Overnight Strikes

“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”

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Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”

IGP Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Force Arase’s families.

Egbetokun described his passing as a “deep pain” to the force, praising his professionalism, bravery, and leadership.

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JUST IN: BBNaija Season 7 Winner, Phyna, Loses Sister, Ruth Otabor After Accident

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The sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, Ruth Otabor is dead.

The family announced her death on Sunday through a statement by Eko Solicitors & Advocates, saying Ruth passed on to glory on Sunday, at about 6:30 a.m.

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“With a heavy heart, the family regrets to announce the passing on to glory of their daughter, sister, and mother on this 31st Day of August, 2025 at about 06:30Hrs,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Oldest Missionary To Nigeria, Ruth Elton, Is Dead

The family added that they are grieving and requested privacy to mourn Ruth.

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“The family is presently grieving and will appreciate to be given a private moment to mourn the departed.

“The funeral arrangement will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement added.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Former Inspector-General Of Police, Solomon Arase, Is Dead

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Ruth had suffered a tragic accident just weeks earlier.

She underwent a leg amputation after being hit by a truck linked to Dangote Group near Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Eyewitnesses said the heavy-duty truck crushed her leg before it was eventually stopped by a bystander.

The accident occurred only six days after Ruth graduated from Auchi Polytechnic. Her sudden death has left the family and fans in mourning.

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