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NUJ lauds Gbajabiamila, Wase over appointment of media aides
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Correspondents’ Chapel has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase for appointing its members as his media aides.
The Union, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the nation’s capital and jointly signed by the Chairman of the Chapel, Philip Nyam and the Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, applauded Gbajabiamila and Wase, saying by these appointments, they have confirmed their confidence in Nigerian media.
” Your Excellency, you have broken the jinx that have existed over the years with the appointment of round pegs in round holes, which will continue to be a reference point in the annals of history. It gladdens our heart that you have taken professionalism and expertise in selecting your information managers.
” We commend you for appointing these highly proficient persons, Lanre Lasisi of Channels TV, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi of Daily Trust, Chief Press Secretary and Dele Anofi of The Nation Newspapers as Special Assistant (Print Media).
“We equally appreciate the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase for appointing Mohammed Umar Puma of Peoples Daily Newspapers as Chief Press Secretary.
” It is our hope that these highly cerebral and tested journalists imbued with experience will contribute immensely towards the achievement of your policy agenda of ” Nation Building; a Joint Task”, the statement reads.
According to the Chapel, by choosing to appoint journalists who report from the House of Representatives as their aides, it is an indication that both presiding officers appreciate the media and the exploits of those they have chosen.
The Chapel, also noted that Gbajabiamila is the first speaker and in deed the first presiding officer ever in the history of the Nigerian parliament to appoint three journalists covering the same beat as his media aides at the same time.
“It is gratifying to note that the speaker respects professionalism. Instead of appointing nonprofessionals, the speaker has acknowledged the contributions of the journalists reporting the Parliament, and handed them the responsibility of managing his image. This is a master stroke and we believe with these appointments, the 9th House would have a seamless working relationship with the media”
” We congratulate Lanre Lasisi, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity; Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Chief Press Secretary and Dele Anofi, the Special Assistant (print media) and Mohammed Umar Puma, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker on their well deserved appointments.
“We urge you not to betray the confidence the speaker has in you, the House Press Corps and Nigerian journalism in general.
“We can attest to the fact that these three gentlemen are journalists of high standing; and we have no doubt that they will do the journalism profession proud and serve the nation with the best of their ability”, the statement added.
The group further assured, ” Mr. Speaker, the chapel will like to assure you that our members covering House of Representatives will continue to collaborate with the 9th National Assembly to ensuring strategic communication of your policies and programmes”.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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