By George Mgbeleke

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday set the stage for what he described as a “profound national moment” as the Senate commenced deliberations on the State Police Establishment Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment that could alter Nigeria’s security architecture for the first time since 1960.

Addressing senators ahead of the debate, Akpabio said the matter touches directly on the peace, order, security, and good governance of the nation. He noted that citizens across the country continue to look to leaders and institutions for innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to guarantee the safety of lives and properties.

The bill, which Akpabio confirmed was forwarded as an executive bill, seeks to provide for the establishment of state police. It will be formally presented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Akpabio disclosed that the proposal had earlier been circulated to senators.

He reminded the chamber that the Senate would be judged not only by the laws it passes but also by its willingness to confront difficult national questions with courage, patriotism, and foresight. He described the day’s deliberation as one of such moments.

Whatever individual perspectives may be on the deal, Akpabio insisted, senators must approach the debate with compromise guided solely by national interest, constitutional principles, and the collective welfare of Nigerians.

He called on senators to draw from their diverse experiences, regional perspectives, and collective wisdom to ensure the outcome of deliberations and the vote scheduled for Tuesday meets the aspirations of all Nigerians and secures the entirety of the country.

Akpabio stressed that the decision has the potential to shape the future of policing, public safety, and national security for generations. “This has never been done since independence in 1960,” he said, urging the chamber to proceed with seriousness, diligence, and responsibility.

The Senate President commended the Constitutional Amendment Committee for working for over two years to bring the bill to the floor. He also praised senators for their numbers, dedication, and for sacrificing vacation time to attend, calling it proof of the bill’s importance.

He described the presence of senators as an exhibition of patriotism and sense of duty, praying that God would bless them and take them back safely if they were on vacation.

Akpabio closed by charging the chamber to ensure that deliberations advance national unity, strengthen democracy, and contribute meaningfully to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

The Senate is expected to continue debate before putting the bill to a vote as they resume plenary. If passed, the law would mark the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system in over six decades.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has officially concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, with the last flight carrying Zamfara State pilgrims expected to land in Nigeria today, June 23, 2026.

The completion of the return leg, according to a statement by the management, marks the end of the 2026 Hajj operations, which involved airlifting Nigerian pilgrims to and from the holy land.

NAHCON said 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.

“The Commission is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals,” it stated.

NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for their support, as well as State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and Nigerian pilgrims.

The Commission acknowledged that challenges were encountered during the exercise, but said valuable lessons have been drawn to improve future Hajj operations.

In line with its commitment to early planning, NAHCON said it has formally commenced preparations for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season.

This was conveyed to all Hajj managers in Nigeria through a circular dated June 15, 2026, titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448H/2027 Hajj Season,” signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, for the Chairman/CEO.

Consequently, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions and licensed private tour operators have been directed to begin preparatory activities immediately.

They are to comply strictly with the official preparation document for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season received from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

By George Mgbeleke
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), on Tuesday issued Certificates of Return to winners of the June 20, 2026 by-elections. While certificates were presented to senators-elect from Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East, Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile, who won the Ondo South Senatorial District seat, was absent during the presentation.

Representing the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu said the commission was satisfied with the peaceful conduct of the elections and expressed gratitude to politicians for keeping their supporters in control. She noted that the by-elections held after June 20 provided the commission the opportunity to formally return those declared winners.

For the Enugu North Senatorial District, INEC returned Ikeje Asogwa Israel of the All Progressives Congress, (APC). The Returning Officer, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, announced that Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat PDP candidate Nestor Ezeme who secured 9,299 votes. The by-election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Okey Ezea in November 2025.

In Nasarawa North Senatorial District, Danladi Halilu Envulu-Anza of the APC received his certificate. Returning Officer Prof. Aminu Ali declared that Envulu-Anza scored 45,362 votes, ahead of Labour Party’s Labaran Maku with 12,931 votes and PDP’s Emmanuel David Ombugadu with 11,570 votes. The election followed the death of Senator Godiya Akwashiki after a prolonged illness.

For Ondo South Senatorial District, Prof. Francis Dayo Faduyile of the APC was declared winner with 68,474 votes, defeating Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement who got 1,411 votes, according to INEC Returning Officer Prof. Gbenga Solomon-Ibileye, Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja. The seat became vacant after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Faduyile, a former National President of the Nigeria Medical Association and Special Adviser on Health Matters to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was not present when certificates were being issued to other winners.

In Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP,)was handed his certificate. INEC declared Nwogu winner with 47,961 votes, defeating APC’s Osar Erewari who polled 1,647 votes. The by-election was conducted following the death of Senator Barry Mpigi in February 2026.

For the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC received his certificate after polling 35,356 votes. He defeated Lawal Garba Haruna of the Allied Peoples Movement who scored 268 votes and Labour Party’s Abubakar Yahaya Muhammad with 98 votes. The seat became vacant after the death of Muhammad Danjuma-Hassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

Agbamuche-Mbu added that Certificates of Return will also be issued in Kebbi for Zuru State Constituency and in Ekiti for the governorship election, both held on June 20, 2026. National Commissioners present at the ceremony included Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Ken Ikiagwu, Dr Baba Gbila, Prof Abdullahi Zoro, and Prof Rhoda Gumus.

The commission urged the newly elected lawmakers to represent their constituents well, stressing that effective representation remains INEC’s primary expectation.