Author: The North Journals

In a dramatic turn of events, the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal, sitting at the NBA House in Abuja, on Sunday nullified the election of Melvin Ejeh as Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area. Delivering its verdict, the tribunal declared Napoleon Otache as the duly elected chairman, overturning the previous result of the contentious local government poll held in Agatu, one of Benue State’s 23 local councils. The decision followed a petition filed against Ejeh’s election, challenging the credibility and outcome of the poll. The tribunal, after reviewing the evidence and arguments presented, ruled in favor of…

By Aminu Adamu Agatu, Benue State Tension is mounting in Agatu Local Government Area following a controversial judgment by the Benue State Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal, which nullified the election of Hon. Melvin James Ejeh as Chairman and declared Napoleon Otache the duly elected occupant of the seat. The ruling, delivered in early April, has stirred a wave of disappointment among local residents and peace advocates who credit Hon. Ejeh with spearheading a remarkable reconciliation effort between the Agatu and Fulani communities—a conflict that left thousands dead and displaced over the years. In an open letter titled “Dear People…

Washington, D.C. – April 13, 2025 In a landmark ruling that could have major political reverberations in Nigeria and beyond, a U.S. District Court has ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to release sealed investigative files linked to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s alleged involvement in a 1990s drug trafficking probe. The decision, handed down earlier this week by Judge Beryl Howell, stems from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit filed by American journalist and transparency advocate Aaron Greenspan. In her ruling, Judge Howell emphasized that the public’s right to know outweighs…

By Mala Abdulazeez The Fika Emirate Council, led by the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Abali Ibn Mohammed Idrissa, has turbaned six individuals with traditional titles. In a colourful ceremony held at the Emir’s palace in Potiskum, the Emir stated that the appointments were based on merit, trustworthiness, service to humanity, and contributions to the development of the Emirate and Yobe State. The Royal Father urged the new titleholders to be good ambassadors for the Emirate, the state, and Nigeria. In his keynote address, the Chairman, organizing committee, Alhaji…

“This draconian sentence is a gross violation of Hamadiyya’s rights to freedom of expression, dignity, and liberty, as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. The right to speak out against insecurity should be safeguarded, not criminalized.” The Leeway Peace and Human Rights Initiative has issued an urgent appeal to the Honorable Governor of Sokoto State, the Chief Judge, the Attorney General, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto, and various human rights organizations, demanding the immediate release of 18-year-old Hamadiyya. The young woman has been unjustly sentenced to 12…

The group stated that the only recognized body with the authority to represent the Etche ethnic nationality is the Ogbakor Etche Sociocultural Organization Worldwide.

The North Journals, an emerging independent media platform, has announced a nationwide call for volunteer contributors as it expands its commitment to community-centered journalism and research-driven storytelling. In a statement released this week, the platform invited writers, researchers, student journalists, community reporters, columnists, and academic scholars to join its growing network of contributors. The initiative is aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices and uncovering untold stories from communities across Nigeria. “We believe journalism should reflect the realities, concerns, and aspirations of the communities it serves,” said Aminu Adamu, Managing Editor of The North Journals. “This is a unique opportunity for writers…

The ongoing 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship has drawn high praise from top athletes across the continent, with Kenya Pipeline’s captain, Gladys Ekaru, commending the Nigeria Customs Service (@CustomsNG) for delivering a world-class tournament experience. Speaking after a thrilling matchday in Abuja, Ekaru expressed admiration for the “outstanding organisation, top-notch facilities, and warm hospitality” provided throughout the championship. She singled out the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his exemplary leadership in coordinating the event, which has brought together Africa’s finest volleyball talents. “This tournament has raised the bar for volleyball competitions on the continent,” Ekaru said. “From…

In a significant move to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for Adamawa pilgrims, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has appointed the Emir of Fufore, Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Ribadu, as the Amirul-Hajj and head of the state’s delegation to the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The appointment, announced on Monday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, highlights Ribadu’s “hard work, experience, and unwavering commitment to religious affairs” in Adamawa State. Alhaji Ribadu will lead a five-man delegation, which includes: Alhaji Muhammad Buba Jidjiwa Barrister A.T. Shehu Alhaji Ibrahim Abba Alhaji Abubakar Murtala Alhaji Mohammed Dabo, who will…

By Aminu Adamu “Let every public official know… that history will judge them based on their fidelity to the public trust.” – John F. Kennedy In the intricate embroidery of Nigerian politics, where allegiances often shift like desert sands, the adage “there is no morality in politics” frequently finds validation. Yet, amidst this fluid landscape, certain individuals stand as beacons of integrity and steadfastness. One such figure is Rt. Honourable Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas, a man whose political journey is as compelling as it is instructive. The political landscape of Ganye, Jada, Toungo and Mayo-Belwa constituency is at a crossroads as…