Supreme Court reinstates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, the court ruled that issues concerning the leadership or membership of a political party are internal matters and should not be adjudicated by the courts. Consequently, the Supreme Court set aside the December 20, 2024, judgment of the Court of Appeal in Enugu, which had upheld Anyanwu’s removal by a Federal High Court in Enugu. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Nigerian Supreme Court’s reinstatement of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary underscores the judiciary’s recognition of political parties’ autonomy in internal matters. In established democracies, courts typically refrain from intervening in internal party disputes, emphasizing parties’ self-regulation. For instance, in the UK, internal party conflicts are managed within the party framework, with minimal judicial involvement. Similarly, Germany has fortified its judiciary against political interference, ensuring courts remain impartial and uninvolved in party affairs. Nigeria’s judiciary, by respecting party autonomy, aligns with these democratic principles, promoting internal conflict resolution and strengthening democratic processes.
APC backs Tinubu as Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai intensify coalition talks
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have formed a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Announced at a press conference in Abuja, this alliance seeks to unify opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku confirmed the coalition’s formation, stating it marks the beginning of their collaborative efforts. Obi emphasized the coalition’s goal of liberating Nigerians and addressing governance issues. Read more
Athena Commentary: Political coalitions are common in many democracies, especially where no single party holds a majority. In Germany, for instance, coalition governments are the norm, with major parties often partnering with smaller ones to form a stable government. Recent developments have seen Germany’s major parties, the CDU and SPD, forming a grand coalition to address national challenges, marking a significant shift from previous fiscal conservatism. In contrast, Nigeria’s opposition leaders are currently forming a coalition to challenge the ruling party in future elections. While both scenarios involve coalition-building, Germany’s approach focuses on governance and policy implementation, whereas Nigeria’s coalition aims to consolidate opposition strength ahead of elections.
FG pardoned 4,000 prisoners, saved N1bn feeding cost – Minister
In an effort to reduce prison overcrowding and cut costs, the Nigerian government pardoned over 4,000 inmates, saving approximately N1 billion in feeding expenses. Many of these inmates were held for minor offenses and unable to pay small fines. This initiative not only alleviates the burden on correctional facilities but also ensures a more just system for those incarcerated for petty crimes. Read more
Athena Commentary: Nigeria’s recent release of over 4,000 inmates to ease prison overcrowding and save N1 billion in feeding costs mirrors strategies in other countries. For instance, the UK has implemented “Operation Safeguard,” temporarily housing prisoners in police cells due to overcrowding. Additionally, the UK is considering reforms that allow inmates to earn reduced sentences through participation in rehabilitation programs, inspired by successful initiatives in Texas, USA, which led to significant reductions in prison populations and reoffending rates. These approaches highlight a global shift towards alternative sentencing and rehabilitation to address prison overcrowding.
Customs seize ₦84.2m smuggled goods, strengthen border security
The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, leading to significant seizures and revenue generation. Within six weeks, the Command seized contraband goods worth ₦84.2 million, including 13,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit, 145 bales of second-hand clothing, 114 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 expired cartons of Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuits, and 40 bags of foreign sugar. Despite economic challenges and border closures, the Command also generated ₦13,378,002 in revenue during this period. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Nigeria Customs Service’s recent seizure of ₦84.2 million in contraband and strengthened border security measures are commendable steps toward combating smuggling. In developed countries like the U.S. and U.K., customs agencies employ advanced technologies, intelligence-sharing, and inter-agency collaborations to enhance border security. For instance, the UK’s Border Force utilizes specialized units and detection dogs to intercept large-scale drug shipments, such as the recent £58 million cocaine seizure. Similarly, U.S. Customs and Border Protection integrates customs, immigration, and agricultural protection into a unified approach, emphasizing both enforcement and lawful trade facilitation. Nigeria’s efforts align with these practices, but continuous investment in technology and international cooperation is essential for sustained success.