The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has introduced a new logo, flag, and constitution to better position itself for future elections and reaffirm its commitment to education for all.

This was announced by the party’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, during an unveiling event in Abuja.

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Senator Kwankwaso detailed the changes, noting that the new logo features an academic cap on a book, symbolizing the party’s dedication to education.

This replaces the previous logo, which depicted a basket of agricultural fruits within the Nigerian map.

He explained that the white background of the logo symbolizes the peace for which the NNPP stands.

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“Despite provocations, we have remained peaceful in Kano and urge our supporters to continue in this manner,” Kwankwaso said.

The National Chairman of the NNPP, Ajuji Ahmed, stated that while the old logo will still be used in the upcoming off-season elections in Edo and Ondo States, as well as the re-run election in Kano State, the new logo will debut on ballot papers starting with the November 16, 2024, Governorship election in Ondo State.

Ahmed pointed out that the old logo’s complexity had caused confusion and printing issues during the last general elections.

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This realization led to extensive consultations within and outside the party, culminating in the adoption of the new logo ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee at a convention in April.

Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for its economic policies, suggesting they inadvertently promoted the NNPP.

He called for perseverance among party members, emphasizing that the struggle for emancipation requires determination.

“This struggle must be fought with all our strength so that the current challenges can be overcome by 2027,” Galadima asserted.

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Galadima also highlighted the symbolism of the new logo’s white color, reiterating the party’s commitment to peace and the development of the country.

He emphasized the importance of the NNPP’s educational philosophy, aimed at providing top-tier education to the children of ordinary citizens, enabling them to compete globally.

National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson described the NNPP as a roadmap to a new Nigeria driven by education and knowledge.

He stated, “Education is the foundation of all growth and development. It encompasses not just academic learning but all forms of information and knowledge necessary for national development.”

With these changes, the NNPP aims to streamline its identity and underscore its focus on peace and education as pillars for Nigeria’s future.

Dr. Ben Nwoye, the immediate past chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, has praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy in Nigeria.

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He described the judgment as a decisive end to the long-standing illegality practiced by some state governors.

The Supreme Court recently declared it illegal and unconstitutional for state governors to control how local government funds are spent.

The court also ordered the federal government to cease sending funds to non-democratically elected council chairmen.

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Reacting to the landmark judgment, Dr. Nwoye commended the Supreme Court for its bold stance and lauded the courage of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.

He remarked, “I salute the bravery of Attorney-General Fagbemi. It’s astonishing that this anomaly persisted for over 24 years. Our Attorney-General rightly confronted the illegality perpetuated by democratically elected governors who violated the basic principles of democracy.”

Dr. Nwoye highlighted how some governors routinely dissolved democratically elected local government chairmen and reduced them to mere appendages of their state governments.

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“This obliterated the third tier of government as recognized by the Nigerian constitution,” he added.

Emphasizing the significance of the judgment, the APC chieftain said, “the Supreme Court has proven itself as the last hope of the common man. The judgment ensures that local government chairmen and their councillors will now be directly accountable to the people, eliminating excuses and unaccountable caretaker chairmen.”

He pointed out that the judgment mandates that states without elected local government chairmen will have their allocations withheld until democratic elections are conducted.

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“This will trigger development in local governments,” he asserted.

Addressing calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections, Dr. Nwoye disagreed.

He argued that the issue is not about who conducts the elections but ensuring fairness. “INEC hasn’t performed well either. We need to support and grow state institutions to conduct fair elections. Corruption exists at all levels, and we should focus on ending corrupt practices,” he said.

Dr. Nwoye criticized the performance of some professors in electoral processes and emphasized the need to empower institutions and individuals to conduct free and fair elections.

“Talking about INEC taking over state-level elections overlooks the need to empower state institutions and ensure their integrity,” he stated.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the revolutionary suit, which he believes will bring unprecedented development to rural areas.

An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is facing charges related to a N33 billion fraud. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, set the bail at N10 billion, requiring two sureties of equal sum.

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The conditions for the sureties include ownership of landed properties in Abuja valued at a minimum of N750 million, submission of three-year tax clearance certificates, and an affidavit of means.

Additionally, both Mamman and the sureties must provide certified copies of their bank statements and recent passport photographs.

Mamman must also surrender his international passport to the court’s registrar, who will verify all submitted documents before his release from custody.

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Alternatively, the sureties can submit a bank guarantee or bond of N10 billion.

Until these conditions are met, Mamman will remain in prison custody.

The trial is set to continue on September 25.

Mamman, who pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requested bail on liberal terms through his lead lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN.

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His bail application, filed on July 11, referenced constitutional provisions and sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.

Mamman emphasized his compliance with previous bail conditions and assured the court of his availability for trial.

He also committed to not interfering with witnesses in the case.

The EFCC, represented by A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to ensure conditions that guarantee Mamman’s attendance at trial.

Mamman was arrested in 2021, following his removal from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC alleges that he, along with ministry staff, diverted N22 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, using the funds to acquire properties domestically and abroad.

In a related incident, Mamman reportedly collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday.

The House of Representatives has issued a directive to the police and other security agencies to cease the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria.

The House urged these agencies to adhere to Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 (as amended) and to prosecute individuals, including journalists, in court if they violate any laws, rather than infringing on their constitutional rights.

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This directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep Clement Jimbo during the plenary session on Thursday.

Rep Jimbo emphasized that freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 Sub-Section (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He highlighted that this right ensures journalists can report news without fear of arrest or persecution.

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“Freedom of the press is sine qua non of democracy; it serves as an essential ingredient for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency. Moreover, journalism is regarded as the Fourth Estate of the Realm,” Jimbo stated.

He expressed concern over the increasing number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed under the guise of cyber-stalking offenses within the Cybercrimes Act 2015.

“Between 2015 and 2024, there have been incessant unwarranted arrests, unlawful detention, and various forms of harassment and intimidation of at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy and culminating in a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech,” Jimbo noted.

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He also mentioned that earlier this year, the president signed an amended act with substantial adjustments to Section 24, clarifying what constitutes cyber-stalking and the associated punishments.

However, law enforcement agents have reportedly ignored these amendments and continued their clampdown on free speech.

Jimbo pointed out that the arrest of journalist Mr. Ojukwu in March 2024, shortly after World Press Day, was particularly disturbing.

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He noted that such actions have contributed to Nigeria being rated as one of West Africa’s most dangerous places to practice journalism, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The lawmaker warned that these arrests could lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in Nigeria, damaging the country’s democratic reputation.

In response, the House of Representatives adopted the motion and urged the passage of laws to strengthen press freedom protections.

They also called for inquiries into recent cases of journalists’ detention and diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.

The House mandated its Committee on National Security to ensure compliance with these directives.