The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has asked applicants to check their names on those shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) in the ongoing recruitment exercise in the Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies. According to a statement yesterday, October 29, by the Secretary to the Board, retired Major General Abdulmalik Jubril, the shortlisted candidates include applicants for the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Major General Jubril advised all applicants to visit the official recruitment portal, https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from today, Thursday, October 30, 2025, to confirm their status and access details of the next stage. “Candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as the centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).” He said that successful applicants should carefully note the venue, date and time scheduled for their CBT to avoid missing the opportunity. The Board advised candidates to use only the official portal and to beware of fake websites or individuals claiming to influence the process. “The public is urged to take note of the correct portal address to avoid being scammed. “CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip. “Follow the instructions carefully.” The CDCFIB had earlier announced that the recruitment exercise would be transparent and merit-based, assuring Nigerians that only qualified candidates would proceed to the next stage.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reversed the presidential pardons granted some of the personalities that were recommended for such pardons, in his final endorsement to relevant authorities. Two of the persons that have been dropped from the pardons are the former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Farouk Lawal and a lady, Maryam Sanda who is serving life jail for killing her husband in Abuja. Her jail term has been reduced to 12 years. A statement today, October 29 by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga said that following consultations with the Council of State and public opinion on the matter, the President directed a further review of the initially approved list for consideration in furtherance of the President’s discretionary powers under Section 175(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc, were deleted from the list. “Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.” The presidency said that this action became necessary in view of the seriousness and security implications of some of the offences, the need to be sensitive to the feelings of the victims of the crimes and society in general, the need to boost the morale of law enforcement agencies and adherence to bilateral obligations. “The concept of justice as a three-way traffic for the Accused, the Victim, and the State/Society also guided the review. “The approved list of eligible beneficiaries has been transmitted to the Nigerian Correctional Service for implementation in line with the duly signed instruments of release. “Furthermore, to ensure that future exercises meet public expectations and best practices, the President has directed the immediate relocation of the Secretariat of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties to the Federal Ministry of Justice. President Tinubu also directed the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue appropriate Guidelines for the Exercise of the Power of Prerogative of Mercy, which includes compulsory consultation with relevant prosecuting agencies. “This will ensure that only persons who fully meet the stipulated legal and procedural requirements will henceforth benefit from the issuance of instruments of release. “The President appreciated the constructive feedback and engagement from stakeholders and the general public on this matter. “President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s broader commitment to judicial reforms and improving the administration of justice in Nigeria.”
The former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba has prayed for the success of the new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu. In a statement congratulating the new army helmsman, Achuba prayed God to grant the new Army Chief the wisdom and understanding to finally end the security challenges in the country. Such security challenges include Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, farmers-herdsmen clashes and others. Achuba is confident that Major General Shaibu will bring his wealth of experience to tackle the worrying security situation in the country. According to him, the appointment of Major General Shaibu is a testament to the fact that the federal government is prepared to build a combat-ready, disciplined and people-focused army, capable of decisively confronting emerging security challenges and upholding Nigeria’s pride and honour in peace and war. The former Deputy Governor expressed hope that the Kogi born General would change the narrative on the security situation in the country, even as he advised other service chiefs to work in harmony with him to achieve the goal. Achuba felicitated Kogi state and Nigeria over the appointment of a man of integrity. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the choice of Major General Waidi Shaibu for such a sensitive position.
Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips is scheduled to chair the Realnews 13th Anniversary Lecture slated for November 19, 2025. The management of Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited, publishers of Realnews Magazine Online, in a statement today, October 28, said that the theme of the lecture would be “Cybersecurity, Illicit Financial Flows and Achieving Agenda 2063 in Africa.” The lecture series is scheduled to be held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja in Lagos, starting by 10 in the morning. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, who also chaired the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), assured the organizer of the lecture that she would be available to chair it. In a message, Justice Ayotunde Phillips said: “It is my honour to chair such a distinguished event.” She wil also moderate the panel session at the lecture. Justice Ayotunde Phillips has held several judicial positions during her career on the Bench, such as Chairman, Panel of Inquiry into the sale of the Lagos State Government Shares in Eko Hotels Ltd, 1999; Member Advisory Committee of the Nigeria Rule of Law Assistance Project hosted by the National Centre for State Courts, Washington DC and USAID, June 2000-2004; Member Election Petitions Tribunal, Rivers State, Sept 2000-April 2001; Member Election Petitions Tribunal, Adamawa State, November 2001– March 2002; Probate Judge 2001-2004; Admin Judge, Ikeja Judicial Division March 2009-April 2010; Chairman Welfare Committee High Court of Lagos State 2004-2009; Head Judge, High Court of Lagos State April 2010 to 10th June 2012; Chairman Lagos Settlement Week, Sept 2010 to 10th June 2012.On the 14th June 2012, she was sworn in as the 14th Chief Judge and the 4th female Chief Judge of Lagos State. Her Ladyship retired from the High Court Bench on 26th July 2014 on attainment of the statutory retirement age of 65 years. She served the Lagos State Government for 38 years, out of which 20 years were spent on the High Court Bench. Apart from her love for the law, she enjoys singing, reading, cooking, listening to good music, dancing, watching movies, and travelling. She also has a passion for gadgets and loves exploring the beauty of modern-day technology. Justice Ayotunde Phillips is a member of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and International Association of Women Lawyers. (FIDA), International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), Nigerian Association of Women Judges (NAWJN), World Jurist Association (WJA), Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association (CMJA). She is currently the Deputy Chancellor of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Lagos West, Ikeja, Lagos State. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Arbitrators, Regional Chair of the Nigerian Conflict and Management Group, Member Board of Trustees, Association of Multi-Door Courthouses of Nigeria, and Member of the Board of Directors of Lagos Court of Arbitration. On the 29th June 2016, she was sworn in as the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), whose tenure expired on the 29th December 2021. In May 2017, she was elected as a member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (ADJUDICTORY CHAMBER) and has now been re-elected for a third 4-year term as a member of that chamber. Justice Phillips (Nee: Williams) was born on July 26, 1949, in London, England, United Kingdom, to Justice James Oladipo Williams and Henrietta Aina Williams, both now of blessed memory. Her late Father was a High Court Judge, which makes her a second-generation judge. Publisher and Editor, Maureen Chigbo, in a statement, described Realnews as a general interest magazine, is an online publication that thrives on investigative journalism. She said that it is expert in reporting on the oil and gas sector with its attendant environmental challenges, and aims to unearth exclusive stories about real people and the challenges they face in their day-to-day activities. The publisher said that the publication is a general interest magazine; an online publication that thrives on investigative journalism. “We have expertise in reporting on the oil and gas sector with its attendant environmental challenges. “We aim to unearth exclusive stories about real people and the challenges they face in their day-to-day activities. “We do this bearing in mind that the government can only act to influence the lives of people positively if they are aware of their true situation. “Hence, our objective is to use our investigative skills to ferret out information in the sectors we focus on and produce an unbiased report that will influence the government and decision-makers to take actions that will make society better. “Realnews is populated by seasoned journalists who believe strongly in the tenets and ethics of the profession. “The online publication believes that journalism as the fourth Estate of the Realm, can contribute its quota towards building a fair and just society where fundamental human rights are respected and citizens have the freedom to pursue their interests anywhere in the world without hindrance. “Its editors have a combined experience of several decades in active journalism practice and are highly dedicated to serving humanity.” Maureen Chigbo said the motto of the publishing outfit is: “For God and Humanity.” She said that Realnews Anniversary Lecture Series was established to commemorate the best minds in the society and to tap from them to enrich the discourse in the national development. “The 12th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews was delivered by His Excellency, Ambassador Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. “The 11th Anniversary Lecture in 2023 on The Threats of Illicit Funds Flow to the African Economy was delivered by Dr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director-General, ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). “The 10th Anniversary lecture in 2022 on “Drug Abuse among Youths in Africa: Implication for Nigerian Economy and 2023 Elections” was delivered by Brig. General Buba Marwa, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA; the 9th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews in 2021 was delivered by Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board on “Nigeria in the Unfolding Integration of the African Market: The Oil and Gas Perspective”; 2020 Eighth Anniversary Lecture of Realnews was delivered by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 on Managing COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa: The Nigeria Experience; Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana gave the 2019 Lecture on Beyond Politics: An Economic Narrative for West Africa while Prof. Mahmood Yakubu spoke on Political Transitions and Africa’s Economic Development: Preparations for Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections at the 2018 Lecture. “The 2017 Fifth Anniversary Lecture on African Leadership in a Turbulent Era was delivered by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and former World Bank Vice President. “The 2016 Fourth Anniversary Lecture on Security and National Development in Plural Democratic Society was delivered by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative to West Africa and Sahel; the 2015 Realnews Third Anniversary Lecture was delivered by Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on November 19, 2015, under the theme: It’s The Nigerian Economy, Stupid? The Second Realnews Anniversary Lecture on Nigerian Democracy: Getting it Right in 2014 was delivered by Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has given a brand new Toyota Corolla to retired Justice Hadiza Ali-Jos. Justice Hadiza, who rejected the sum of $200,000 (about N300 million), had no car to herself after retirement. It would be recalled that when the retired judge was serving as Chairman of an Election Petitions Tribunal, she rejected a bribe of the sum of $200,000. When the givers refused to take the money away and left, she paid the dollars to the government’s coffers and gave her judgment against them. It was gathered that when the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah mentioned to Governor Zulum that the retired judge had transportation issues, the governor was reported to have shouted: “intolerable and unacceptable.” Governor Zulum reasoned that it was not fair for such an honest judge to serve with integrity and face such challenges in retirement. The governor then promptly ordered the Chief Judge to procure the car which he did, delivering it to the retired judge at her home in Abuja yesterday, October 27.
A former Director in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Alhaji Ibrahim Biu has described the recent creation of 13 emirate council in Bauchi State by Governor Bala Mohammed as a masterstroke in another move to get the government closer to the people. In a statement, Ibrahim Biu noted that in creating the Emirate Councils, Governor Bala Mohammed demonstrated his ability to listen to his people and giving them what they want. “The recent creation of 13 Emirate Councils by governor Bala Muhammed is a commendable action. “It shows that the governor is listening to the people and doing what they want that will help them.” According to him, the new Emirate Councils will bring the people closer to the government and create faster opportunities for the people, leading to the social and economic development of the state. Ibrahim Biu, who is a veteran journalist and writer said that what Governor Bala has done would endear him to the people and bring about peace coexistence among the diverse cultural and tribal groups in the state. Ibrahim Biu, who hails from Bauchi State, recalled that one of the emirs appointed to oversee Duguri emirate is Alhaji Aliyu Bala Mohammed, elder brother of the governor even as he advised other leaders to emulate Governor Bala Mohammed by listening to their people before taking fundamental actions.
Former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has threatened court action over alleged denial of the right to purchase form to contest for the National Chairman position of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Our Reporter at the headquarters of the main opposition political party, at Wadata plaza, Abuja, said that Sule Lamido was unable to secure the form for reasons that are unclear. Addressing newsmen at the premises of the party headquarters, Lamido, who served as Governor of Jigawa State for eight years, expressed dissatisfaction with the development. He vowed that nothing and no body would stop him from contesting the chairmanship of the party at the November 15th and 16th elective National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Lamido, who also served as minister of Foreign Affairs in the Olusegun Obasanjo government made it clear that he would take the battle to the court should the party play prank on him. He had earlier in a post on his verified Facebook page, declared his intention to contest for the position, saying: “By the grace of God, I shall today, Monday, 27th October 2025, by 11 a.m., be at Wadata Plaza, the national headquarters of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to purchase the nomination form to run for the office of National Chairman.” This came against the background of the endorsement of the former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, for the Chairmanship position of the party by governors elected on the platform of the party. Others who had earlier indicated interest to contest the Chairmanship of the party are former Governors of Kano and Kaduna States, Ibrahim Shekarau and Ahmed Makarfi respectively.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out drums to celebrate removal of Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, known as the “grey list,” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The removal of Nigeria by the body after a successful on-site evaluation of reforms implemented across the Nigerian financial system, according to the apex Bank’s spokesperson, Hakama Sidi Ali, confirmed the significant improvements in Nigeria’s regulatory, supervisory and enforcement frameworks, particularly in combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. A statement by Hakama Sidi Ali said that the development marked an important milestone in the country’s continuing efforts to strengthen financial system integrity, transparency and international confidence. “The FATF’s decision follows a two-year reform programme coordinated by the Federal Government of Nigeria, involving multiple agencies, including the CBN, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “The CBN’s contribution centred on enhancing supervision, governance and transparency across the financial system. “Key reforms assessed by the FATF and the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA, FATF’s regional assessment body, included Strengthened oversight of financial institutions through updated AML/CFT regulations, risk-based supervision and fit-and-proper assessments, expansion of compliance reporting and monitoring across remittance channels, bureaux de change and fintech platforms to improve traceability and transparency.” Others, according to the statement, are enhanced inter-agency data-sharing and enforcement coordination between the CBN, NFIU, EFCC, and law-enforcement bodies, implementation of market governance tools, including the Foreign Exchange Code (FX Code) and Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS). “Together, these measures have materially strengthened Nigeria’s compliance with global standards and reinforced confidence in the integrity of its financial system. “Nigeria’s removal from the grey list will yield tangible benefits for businesses and households alike including lowering compliance costs, improving access to international finance, and making cross-border transactions faster and more affordable. In time, these gains will translate into smoother trade settlements, quicker remittance inflows, and even more predictable access to foreign exchange – enhancing livelihoods, supporting enterprise growth and deepening financial inclusion.” The CBN said that FATF decision had reinforced the broader restoration of global confidence in Nigeria’s economic management. It said that recent international assessments underscored “this momentum, with Moody’s and Fitch upgrading Nigeria’s ratings outlook on the back of stronger external balances, credible policy execution, and renewed monetary-policy credibility. “Similarly, the IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation highlighted improved reserve adequacy, greater transparency and reform agenda increasingly aligned with global standards.” Hakama Sidi Ali quoted the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso as saying that the FATF’s decision to remove Nigeria from the grey list is a strong affirmation of the reform trajectory and the growing integrity of the nation’s financial system. “It reflects a clear policy direction and the coordinated efforts of key national institutions working together to deliver sustainable, standards-based reforms. “Our priority now is to consolidate these gains, ensuring that compliance, innovation, and trust continue to advance hand in hand to reinforce financial stability and strengthen Nigeria’s global credibility.” Nigeria now joins South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso as the latest African countries to achieve this milestone, reflecting broader progress across the continent. The CBN vowed to be committed to strengthening collaboration with domestic and international partners to sustain a sound, transparent, and trusted financial system that safeguards financial stability and market integrity while advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff and other hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in the efforts of the Federal Government to strengthen the national security architecture. A presidential statement today, October 24, by Sunday Dare, said that the President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Similarly, the new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu while Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff even as Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. The statement said that the current Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position. “The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership. “The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.” The statement said that all the appointments take immediate effect.
President Bola Tinubu has advised the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) to ensure integrity and trust in the country’s electoral process towards strengthening democracy. Swearing in Professor Amupitan as the sixth substantive chairman of the electoral body today, October 23, at the Presidential villa, the President stressed the importance of serving with integrity. “Your nomination and the subsequent confirmation by the Senate are a testament to your capacity and the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and the legislative arms of government. “This significant achievement marks the beginning of a challenging, yet rewarding journey, and I trust that you will approach your responsibility with the highest level of integrity, dedication and patriotism.” President Tinubu said that the country had been on a path of democratic governance and learning since 1999, with notable achievements in the strengthening of various institutions. “Our democracy has come a long way in 25 years. We have consolidated and strengthened our democratic institutions, particularly in electoral systems, through innovations and reforms. “We have learned a great deal along the way and have improved significantly from where we were many years ago. We must now remain committed to the principles that underpin democracy in a complex and multifaceted society. “The electoral process is a vital part of a democracy that grants the people the exclusive right to choose their leaders and shape their future. To ensure that our democracy continues to flourish, the integrity of our electoral process must be beyond reproach.” The President insisted that the nation’s elections should be seen to be free, fair and credible. “We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow. “To maintain public trust in the election, electoral integrity must be protected. All aspects of the process – from registration to campaigning, the media access, voting and counting should be transparent, non–violent and credible. “No electoral system is flawless, but since elections are vital to a nation’s future, it is essential to continually strengthen electoral institutions, ensuring that they are robust, resilient and safeguarded against artificial setback. “I therefore charge you, Professor Amupitan, as you take on this important assignment, to protect the integrity of our electoral process and strengthen the institutional capacity of INEC.” Professor Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu, whose tenure as INEC Chairman ran from 2015 to 2025. The 58-year-old Professor Amupitan had, during his screening by the Senate, outlined his plans to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, strengthen institutional independence and rebuild public trust in the commission.
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