Politics
HURIWA Demands ICPC Clarify Probe Of Newly Appointed Sports Commission Chairman
Amid Shehu Dikko’s recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to clarify the status of an investigation involving Dikko.
The NSC, which replaces the Ministry of Sports Development, will oversee key aspects of Nigeria’s sports administration, making the transparency of Dikko’s record a matter of public interest.
READ MORE: BREAKING: CAF Penalize Libya With Match Forfeit, $50,000 Fine
In a statement, HURIWA’s National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko called on ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, to ensure full disclosure, referencing the alleged probe into Dikko.
“In the true spirit of open government and full disclosure, it is incumbent on the ICPC through the Executive Chairman to clarify publicly through a sworn affidavit on the status of the reported investigation in which the name of Shehu Dikko featured prominently, even though his legal representatives kicked against what they considered as an orchestrated media persecution of their client,” the statement read.
The call follows an incident in October 2022, when the ICPC announced it had seized Dikko’s Abuja property, claiming it was beyond what his earnings could reasonably justify.
The asset seizure was part of a larger anti-corruption investigation launched in 2019 that implicated multiple officials in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including former president Amaju Pinnick.
At the time, Dikko, then vice-president of the NFF and chair of the Nigerian football league, denied wrongdoing.
His attorney, Mohammed Sani Katu, described the situation as “unfair media trial,” stating, “This unfair media trial has been going on since 2019 when the ICPC published notices in newspapers for seizure of my client’s and his colleagues’ assets without any court order to back the forfeiture of my client’s assets nor inviting our clients to explain.”
HURIWA, pointing to Dikko’s new position, insists that Nigerians have the right to know if the investigation is active or has been dropped.
“Nigerians deserve to know what has happened to the public notice by the ICPC on the said property of Shehu Dikko in the year 2022,” Onwubiko said, stressing that the update is critical for maintaining public trust.
“In as much as we are not accusing Shehu Dikko of any illegality, we believe that since the ICPC had taken out publicly advertised notices on the seizure of his Abuja property, now that Shehu Dikko is elevated to a prestigious national office, the good people of Nigeria should be adequately briefed on the status of that investigation which was dismissed as a witch hunt by legal counsels of Shehu Dikko.
“Moreover, since Nigeria has a freedom of information law, the ICPC is obligated to tell Nigerians all that they know on that matter and if it has been withdrawn then the ICPC should say so but apologise to Shehu Dikko,” HURIWA added.
HURIWA’s statement reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the ICPC to provide a conclusive update on the matter for the benefit of all Nigerians.
After a series of delays, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers State has finally held its much-anticipated meeting with the Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, comes as the House exercises its constitutional powers to assume the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In his opening remarks, Vice Admiral Ibas apologised for his inability to attend earlier scheduled meetings, citing the need for more time to settle into his new role.
READ ALSO: Ibas Makes First Appearance At NEC Meeting As Rivers Sole Administrator
He told the committee that he is still acclimatising to the demands of his position and appealed for the lawmakers’ understanding as he prepares to provide a detailed briefing.
Shortly after his plea, the session went into a closed-door meeting, with journalists and observers asked to leave.
More to follow………….
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
Corps Members Safe In Benue, Gov Alia Assures As Orientation Kicks Off
JUST IN: Reps Committee Finally Meets Rivers Sole Administrator After Delays
World Bank Appoints Aliko Dangote To Elite Group
Ministry Appoints New Director For DUFUTH, Uburu
CVFF- House of Reps Backs Marine & Blue Economy Ministry
