Author: Opalim Lifted

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately withdraw the Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that it could become a tool for restricting social media and undermining freedom of expression. In a letter dated July 18, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation described the proposed legislation as a “backdoor attempt” to regulate social media and expand government control over online expression. The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), would require social media platforms,…

The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Bill over provisions that could penalise preaching in commercial vehicles. The church body expressed concern that the amendment would classify preaching alongside hawking and trading in commercial buses, warning that such a provision could undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights. The Senate recently passed amendments to the FRSC Act, introducing tougher sanctions for various traffic offences aimed at improving road safety and compliance. Among the proposed penalties is a ₦100,000 fine for motorists who violate…

The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the ongoing investigation and prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, are politically motivated and aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement jointly signed by the party’s State Chairman, Engr. Sufiyanu Bala, and the Chairman of the ADC Elders Forum in Kebbi State, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Sambawa, the party maintained that while it supports the lawful investigation and prosecution of anyone found wanting, it would not condone what it described as the use of…

The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to carefully consider its choice of vice-presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that the decision could significantly influence the party’s electoral prospects against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement jointly signed by Comrades Anga Fidelis, Eniafe Ayomide, and Johnson Iheanacho, the group said the ADC should prioritise a running mate with broad acceptability and proven electoral appeal across the South. The forum was reacting to reports linking former Minister of Transportation and former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, with…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in two commissioners, 20 permanent secretaries, and members of the governing council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. A major highlight of the ceremony was the appointment of Melody Omosah as Edo State’s first visually impaired permanent secretary, a milestone Governor Okpebholo described as a testament to merit, competence and equal opportunity. In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, the governor said Omosah’s appointment demonstrated that ability, rather than disability, should determine leadership opportunities. “This occasion marks a historic milestone…

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has earmarked N140 million for the construction and rehabilitation of emir palaces and mosques in Kaduna State, according to the 2026 Appropriation Act. The allocation appears under the ministry’s headquarters’ capital projects, despite the projects having no direct connection to livestock development. According to the budget, the ministry proposed N140 million for the construction and rehabilitation of emir palaces and mosque(s) in Birnin Gwari/Giwa Federal Constituency, Kaduna State. The allocation is among several constituency projects included in the ministry’s 2026 budget. The ministry also budgeted N2.1 billion for the construction of schools for students…

Chinese President Xi Jinping has unveiled 5,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training opportunities for developing nations over the next five years, as China intensifies efforts to shape global AI governance and bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries. Speaking on Friday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Xi also announced plans to establish international AI application cooperation centres with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Shanghai…

France has taken a major step towards legalising assisted dying after parliament approved a landmark bill granting eligible adults with incurable illnesses the right to seek medical assistance to end their lives. The legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, now awaits a review by the Constitutional Council before it can become law. If approved, France will join countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in permitting assisted dying under specific legal conditions. The reform fulfils a pledge Macron made during his successful 2022 re-election campaign and is regarded as one of France’s most significant social policy changes since the…

The United Kingdom government has announced plans to introduce a midnight social media curfew for teenagers aged 16 and 17 as part of wider efforts to improve young people’s wellbeing and online safety. Under the proposal, social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube would, by default, become unavailable to users in this age group between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Teenagers would, however, be able to disable the restriction by changing their account settings. The government also wants technology companies to switch off features such as auto-play and infinite scrolling by default for older teenagers, arguing that the measures…

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed allegations that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State is a “miracle centre”, following the abduction of students and officials during the ongoing 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The clarification comes after armed men attacked the school on Tuesday, kidnapping students, the school principal and a NECO ad hoc staff member while candidates were writing their examination. Speaking after the incident, the Commanding Officer of the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Godiya Solomon Monde, alleged that the isolated school was known as a “miracle centre” for…