By David Owei,Bayelsa

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, welcomes the election of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, to the 2026–2029 Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), describing it as an important milestone in the Centre’s continued engagement with global efforts to advance media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information.

Mr. Arogundade will serve on the 13-member IFEX Council, the network’s governing body responsible for setting strategic direction, providing institutional oversight and guiding the implementation of its programmes and priorities during the three-year term.

The newly elected Council comprises representatives of IFEX member organisations from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting the network’s commitment to inclusive governance. The members are *Sana Ali* (Pakistan Press Foundation); *Shireen Al-Khatib* (Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms – MADA); *Lanre Arogundade* (International Press Centre); *Yara Bader* (Syrian Center for Media and Free Expression); *Layal Bahnam* (Maharat Foundation); *Nighat Dad* (Digital Rights Foundation); *Ashnah Kalemera* (Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa – CIPESA); *Leticia Kleim* (Brazilian Association for Investigative Journalism – ABRAJI); *Ruth Kronenberg* (Free Press Unlimited); *Ayaa Irene Lokang* (Association for Media and Development in South Sudan – AMDISS); *Kiran Maharaj* (Trinidad and Tobago Publishers and Broadcasters Association); *Babette Ngene* (Electronic Frontier Foundation); and *Ahmad Quraishi* (Afghanistan Journalists Center).

With more than three decades of experience in journalism, media development, journalists’ safety, democratic governance and rights-based advocacy, Mr. Arogundade brings valuable experience to the Council. His background will support IFEX’s strategic priorities and collective efforts to advance freedom of expression, strengthen media freedom and promote solutions to challenges affecting independent journalism, civic space and access to information during the term.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Arogundade, said: “I am honoured by the confidence of IFEX members and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Council. At a time when the ecosystems that sustain media freedom, digital rights and access to information are under increasing pressure, networks such as IFEX remain vital platforms for solidarity, knowledge exchange and collective action. I look forward to working with fellow Council members and supporting IFEX members worldwide in strengthening efforts that uphold freedom of expression, advance independent journalism and respond to shared challenges across Nigeria, Africa and the wider global media landscape.”

IPC is one of more than 100 independent civil society organisations in the IFEX network, a global alliance dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of expression and access to information as fundamental human rights.

Over the years, IPC has worked with national, regional and international partners to promote ethical journalism, strengthen media professionalism, enhance journalists’ safety, support electoral integrity, advance digital rights and improve public access to information. Through research, policy engagement, capacity development and advocacy, the Centre has contributed to strengthening democratic governance and media systems across Africa. Mr. Arogundade’s election builds on this experience and provides an opportunity to contribute to IFEX’s strategic direction and collective efforts to develop practical responses to challenges affecting freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information, including those faced in Nigeria and other African contexts.

Established in 1992, IFEX is a global network of independent civil society organisations that advances freedom of expression through advocacy, research, policy engagement, emergency assistance and international solidarity. The network also serves on the Media Freedom Coalition’s Consultative Network and the Advisory Network of the Freedom Online Coalition, contributing to international policy discussions on media freedom, digital rights and civic space.

IPC congratulates the incoming Council and looks forward to supporting its efforts to strengthen the network’s impact in protecting freedom of expression and defending independent journalism worldwide.

By Correspondent

A new book “The Nigerian Legislature: Understanding its impact on democratic governance and national development” has been described as a landmark scholarly contribution that provides a comprehensive examination of the country’s parliamentary evolution, constitutional responsibilities, and the role of the National Assembly in strengthening democratic governance.

The publication by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo offers an extensive analysis of legislative practice in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the budget process, the consideration of executive requests for domestic and external borrowing, and the exercise of legislative oversight over the executive arm of government.

The book reviewer, Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang said “the book chronicles how these constitutional responsibilities were discharged during the leadership of former Senate Presidents Evans Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives, including Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole, spanning the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth National Assemblies.

He said the book also examines the legislature’s scrutiny of executive nominations for ministerial, ambassadorial, constitutional and other strategic appointments, stressing that Senate confirmation is a constitutional duty requiring diligence, objectivity and independent judgment rather than a ceremonial exercise.
The book further explores the relationship between the legislature and the media, explaining how public perception of parliamentary activities has often been shaped by media reports. It provides context for several legislative decisions that attracted public criticism and seeks to deepen understanding of parliamentary procedures, strengthen citizens’ confidence in the legislature and promote informed engagement by civil society organisations, advocacy groups and the electorate.

The publication pays tribute to former Senate President Ahmed Lawan for his mentorship and long-standing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions during his 27 years of uninterrupted service in the National Assembly. It also acknowledges the National Assembly for providing the institutional environment that enabled the author to document key legislative developments over many years.

Enang described the book as the product of extensive research, which combines constitutional and statutory analysis, comparative legislative studies and the author’s years of experience as a parliamentary correspondent and media adviser within the National Assembly.

Structured to provide both historical and contemporary perspectives, the book traces the evolution of legislative institutions from pre-colonial governance traditions through the colonial era, the Westminster parliamentary system of the First Republic, periods of military rule and the emergence of the current presidential system. It argues that these historical developments continue to shape the character, political culture and operational challenges of Nigeria’s legislature.

Dedicated chapters examine legislative oversight and accountability mechanisms, assessing the effectiveness of oversight powers, identifying institutional weaknesses and presenting case studies of major legislative investigations.

Another section focuses on economic governance, offering a detailed analysis of the appropriation process, constituency projects, fiscal federalism and the legislature’s contributions to policy development in key sectors such as education and infrastructure.

The book also discusses challenges confronting the National Assembly, including institutional capacity gaps, high legislative turnover, ethical concerns, executive-legislative relations, judicial interventions and the broader socio-economic environment. It further assesses the impact of globalisation, digital technology and social media on legislative practice and public engagement.

Overall, the publication presents a balanced assessment of the achievements and shortcomings of Nigeria’s legislature while proposing reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing accountability and improving legislative effectiveness in the years ahead, Ambassador Ita Enang concluded.

The Director General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said he was not in doubt that this publication will add to the body of knowledge especially as it affects the workings of the legislature in Nigeria, especially given the background of the author and his years of experience working in the legislative space.

“I believe that this book will not only be a very valuable contribution to the literature on the Nigerian legislature, it will also be great resource for not only those who work in the legislative space, but those who desire an indepth knowledge on democracy and governance as well”.

He recommended the book for all students of NILDS and al the departments of the institute.

Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Barrister Kamorudeen Ogunlana expressed gratitude to the author, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, Media Adviser to the President of the 9th Senate, adding that the book will go a long way to correct some of the misconceptions of the public about the workings of the National Assembly.

By Our Correspondent

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY) have sustained the tempo of offensive operations against terrorist elements and bandit syndicates across the North West geopolitical zone.

According to the statement signed by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja stated that in a series of coordinated operations conducted between 27 and 28 June 2026, troops neutralized two terrorists, rescued a kidnapped victim, arrested eight suspected collaborators and logistics facilitators, and recovered 110 rustled cattle, further disrupting criminal activities across the region.

On 27 June 2026, a combined team of Sector 1 troops and members of the Vigilante Group, while conducting fighting patrols in Giwa and Kaduna North Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, engaged terrorists transporting kidnapped victims on motorcycles.
Following a fierce exchange of fire, the terrorists abandoned two motorcycles and fled into the surrounding bush.

Troops rescued one kidnapped victim alive, while sadly recovering the body of another victim who had been killed by the terrorists.

Later the same day, troops of Sector 1 responded to reports of a terrorist attack on Dariya Village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where one civilian was killed and three others sustained injuries before the arrival of security forces. Pursuing the fleeing terrorists, the troops intercepted them on motorcycles and engaged them in a firefight, neutralizing two of the terrorists. During the encounter, one motorcycle, some rounds of ammunition, charms and other personal effects were recovered.

In a separate intelligence-led operation, troops of Sector 2 at Magami in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State arrested two suspects believed to have provided medical support to terrorist groups operating within the area.

Elsewhere, troops of Sector 1 on fighting patrol around Polewire Village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area arrested six individuals found under suspicious circumstances following a firefight with fleeing terrorists. The suspects are currently undergoing investigation.

On 28 June 2026, troops of Sector 1, working in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, pursued cattle rustlers and established a snap ambush along their suspected escape route at Ungwan Gora bush.

The sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the rustlers to abandon the stolen livestock and flee, leading to the successful recovery of all 110 rustled cattle. The recovered cattle were subsequently handed over to their rightful owners.

The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains committed to sustaining offensive operations aimed at denying terrorist and criminal groups freedom of action while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens across the North West.

The Force also urges members of the public to continue supporting ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.