Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said former President Goodluck Jonathan has agreed to engage President Bola Tinubu on the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore disclosed this on Friday via his X handle after meeting with Jonathan in Abuja.

According to him, their discussion centred on the “urgent and compelling need” to address Kanu’s case “decisively and justly.”

Sowore said, “Earlier today in Abuja, I met with former President @GEJonathan (Goodluck Jonathan) to discuss the continued incarceration of Mazi @NnamdiKanu

READ ALSO:Jonathan Dragged To Court Over Bid To Participate In 2027 Election

“President Jonathan agreed that there is an urgent and compelling need to address this matter decisively and justly. I thank him sincerely for recognising the importance of resolving Kanu’s case in the interest of peace, fairness, and national healing.

“Particularly assuring was that he promised to meet @officialabat (President Bola Tinubu) to discuss this issue as soon as possible.”

He noted that with this development, Jonathan joins a growing list of Nigerians who have called for justice in Nnamdi Kanu’s case.

“A list that already includes ex-Vice President @atiku, Femi Falana SAN, Senator @ShehuSani, and many others across political and regional divides,” Sowore said.

READ ALSO:2027: Presidency’s Attack On Jonathan Shows Fear Of PDP, Says Zamfara PDP

The activist reiterated his call for Kanu’s release, saying the IPOB leader “remains in detention today because he took up the just cause of confronting the long-standing issue of marginalisation in Nigeria.”

He also urged political, cultural, and religious leaders, including Peter Obi, Chukwuma Soludo, Alex Otti, Francis Nwifuru, Peter Mbah, Hope Uzodinma, Oby Ezekwesili, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s John Mbata, to join the campaign for Kanu’s release.

Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after being re-arrested abroad and returned to Nigeria to face trial on charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.

Several court orders granting him bail or ordering his release have yet to be implemented.

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have appealed to the Senate to ensure that the screening of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) for the position of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is broadcast live to the public.

According to the groups, a live broadcast of the screening would promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the process of appointing the head of the nation’s electoral body.

In a statement made available to The Guardian on Friday, they emphasised that, given the crucial role INEC plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, citizens have a right to witness and assess the integrity, competence, and independence of the nominee being considered for such a sensitive position.

READ ALSO:It’s For Future Elections’ – Yiaga Backs Tinubu’s Request To Remove Suspended RECs

The CSOs include Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative (WRAPA), International Press Centre, The Kukah Centre, Centre for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign.

According to the organisations, live coverage would help dispel any suspicion of bias or backroom dealings, while allowing Nigerians to engage more meaningfully in discussions about electoral reforms and leadership within the electoral body.

“We call on the Senate to ensure that its confirmation hearings are transparent, televised, and inclusive of citizen and civil society input through memoranda, petitions, and participation in the confirmation hearings.

READ ALSO:Ondo Poll: Yiaga Africa Releases Pre-election Statement, Predicts Low Turnout, Others

“The Senate should undertake a rigorous examination of his competence, public records, vision for electoral reform, INEC’s institutional strengthening, as well as his capacity to resist political interference and uphold electoral integrity.

“The Senate should also interrogate the nominee’s plans to address systemic challenges, including voter registration, result transmission, and enforcement of INEC’s regulations and guidelines.

“Nigerians expect the Senate confirmation process to be open to citizens’ participation in line with the Framework for Citizens’ Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process previously submitted to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organisations. This includes full disclosure of the nominee’s credentials, public service history, and capacity to manage elections without political interference,” the statement reads.

While acknowledging Professor Amupitan’s academic and professional accomplishments, they declared that they have no objection to his nomination, even as they tasked him to “demonstrate moral courage and resistance to political interference,” if confirmed by the Senate.
(GUARDIAN)

The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), has commemorated the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child by leading 200 girls on a walk to the Bauchi State Government House.

The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations. The day is also called the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl.

The observation of the day supports more opportunities for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender.

Speaking shortly before leading the girls on the road walk, Hajiya Ladi Muhammad, the AGILE Project Coordinator in the state, said that since the inception of the project, more girls had been enrolled in schools.

READ ALSO: Bauchi Begins Production Of Exercise Books, Chalks For Schools

According to her, through AGILE, this year’s celebration could be emphasised by showcasing how education equips girls not only to navigate crises but to lead recovery and transformation within their communities.

She explained that the celebration in Bauchi State has the objective of showcasing AGILE’s role in empowering girls through education, life skills, and inclusion programmes.

She added that it was also meant to promote inclusive education for all girls, including those out of school and girls with disabilities as well as demonstrate learning-to-lead pathways through digital literacy, life skills, and climate action initiatives.

“The celebration was further to strengthen engagement between girls, leaders, and policymakers through interactive dialogue.

“Most importantly, it was to raise awareness of AGILE systems, Conditional Cash Transfer and Life Skills that sustain access to quality education and build resilience among girls and their communities.

READ ALSO:AGILE: Bauchi Govt. To Recruit 3,000 Teachers

“The celebration aligns that when girls are educated and empowered, they not only recognise their worth but also become active agents of change, leading responses, driving recovery and building resilience within their communities and beyond,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Mohammed Lawal the state’s Commissioner for Education, reiterated the state government’s commitment to girl child education and welfare.

He explained that the AGILE project has improved the enrolment of more girls into the schools across the state especially , through the conditional cash transfer system which he said, has mobilised more girls to access education.

Mohammed assured that the government would not fail in creating a conducive atmosphere for the girls to acquire education and attain their potential.