Nigerian Youth under the leadership of Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly to present Senator Olajide Ipinsagba with the Most Dishonourable Senator of the year award.

EUYI previously threatened to present the Senator with the award, citing a plethora infractions and unwholesome dealings especially with his legislative aids and associates.

The group urged the Senate President to grant them access to the hallowed chambers to make the presentation as wake up call to other public servants.

Addressing the press at the National Assembly complex, Comrade Danesi Momoh Prince disclosed that they had gathered as early as 7 am at the National Assembly gate only to discover that the Senate is not sitting and that the embattled Senator was absent despite prior information.

“We’re angry that Senator Olajide Ipinsagba has refused to show up and collect his award for his dishonourable conduct especially as it pertains the exploitation and underemployment of Nigeria youth under his office

“How can a Senator be paying his legislative aid 30,000 naira when the national minimum wage is 70,000 Naira? Is he the only one that needs money? Is it not wickedness to treat unemployed Nigerian youth like that?”, he queried.

The group vowed to go ahead and present the award to the Senator in person, be it in the Senate Chambers or his house. We shall however not give the award to anybody but the senator due to the “seriousness of his offense”

The Network of Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative (NAPII) has cautioned against the spread of unverified allegations concerning the operations of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), warning that such claims could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the organization, Comrade William Smith Bassey, said the advocacy group convened the media briefing to promote balanced engagement and prevent misinformation in the power sector.

Bassey said while public scrutiny of government institutions remains important in a democratic system, allegations capable of affecting critical national infrastructure must be handled responsibly and through appropriate institutional channels.

According to him, Nigeria’s electricity transmission network plays a central role in the country’s power supply chain and therefore requires stability, public confidence, and constructive engagement from all stakeholders.

“The transmission system is the backbone of the nation’s electricity supply architecture. It connects power generation to distribution companies across the country. Any narrative that casts doubt on this vital institution must be examined carefully to ensure it does not distort public perception,” he said.

The group noted that recent reports circulating in the media about the operations of TCN appeared to contain sweeping claims that could create unnecessary anxiety within the power sector if not properly contextualized.

NAPII maintained that government agencies such as TCN operate under established administrative procedures and regulatory oversight that ensure transparency and accountability in their activities.

Bassey explained that issues relating to procurement processes, operational decisions, and management policies within public institutions are subject to review by the appropriate authorities, including supervising ministries and regulatory bodies.

“Where concerns exist, they should be presented through formal mechanisms that allow proper investigation and resolution. Public accusations without adequate verification risk creating tension and diverting attention from ongoing reforms in the power sector,” he said.

The organization also highlighted the operational challenges faced by transmission infrastructure across Nigeria, noting that transmission facilities are spread across vast geographical areas, including remote and difficult terrains that require continuous monitoring and technical intervention.

According to the group, maintaining and expanding the national grid requires consistent efforts by engineers and technical teams who work round the clock to ensure electricity transmission remains stable.

NAPII stressed that at a time when the country is making efforts to improve power supply, strengthen grid stability, and support economic development, stakeholders must act with a sense of national responsibility.

The advocacy group advised interested parties to utilize available institutional processes to obtain relevant information about TCN’s budgetary allocations and operational activities, particularly through records approved by the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies.

“We believe that issues affecting institutions as strategic as the Transmission Company of Nigeria should be addressed through dialogue, responsible advocacy, and evidence-based discussions rather than exchanges that may generate confusion,” Bassey said.

He added that the organization has confidence in the current management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and urged stakeholders to allow the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without undue distractions.

NAPII further emphasized that national institutions must be strengthened through constructive criticism and proper oversight mechanisms rather than weakened by narratives that may not fully reflect the realities within the sector.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible public discourse, transparency, and balanced engagement on matters affecting Nigeria’s development.

The Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice, and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) has highly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the re-appointment of Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for a second term of five years.

In a statement released from Mombasa, Kenya, the Guild described the President’s decision as that of a round peg in a round hole, affirming it as a testament to Prof. Audi’s transformative leadership and the remarkable success trajectory recorded during his first tenure.

The President of GOCMEJ, Omoba Kenneth Agbegbele, hailed the re-appointment as a “nationalist, decisive, and visionary action” that reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to excellence, capacity, and continuity. “Your avowed confidence in Prof. Audi is not only a recognition of his hard work and dedication but a bold statement that merit, proven results, and loyalty remain the bulwark of your administration’s cardinal principles,” the statement read.

According to the Guild, the CG’s first tenure witnessed an unprecedented repositioning of the Service, changing its narrative through a series of landmark achievements. These include:
· Institutional Development: Establishment of the Civil Defence Academy in Jos, Plateau State; the NSCDC Arms Squad Training School in Ugede Development Area, Nasarawa State; and the creation of the NSCDC Female Squad to tackle kidnapping and other security challenges in schools nationwide.
· Sector-Specific Interventions: Creation of the NSCDC Special Mining Marshals to combat illegal mining, which has drastically reduced the pillage of natural resources.
· Operational Capacity & Welfare: Massive acquisition of arms and accoutrements; procurement of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and over 250 operational vehicles; purchase of mini-fire-fighting tankers for disaster management; robust staff welfare packages, including mass promotions and the provision of staff buses; and the construction of official and residential buildings.
· Infrastructure Protection: Destruction of over 450 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta; arrest and prosecution of vandals with record conviction rates; and the recovery of stolen railway materials valued at over ₦5 billion.
· Strategic Initiatives: Pioneering the ‘Safe Schools Initiative’ for the protection of vulnerable schools across the country; and the creation of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, which has made significant impacts in the war against illegal bunkering, kidnapping, and banditry.

The statement further highlighted Prof. Audi’s role in fostering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing public trust. It also praised the effective supervision of Private Guard Companies and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to amicably settle conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as other community disputes, contributing to national peace-building.

“Transparency and professionalism have remained at the forefront of Prof. Audi’s transformational philosophy,” the statement noted. “His introduction of far-reaching institutional reforms, including the yearly and quarterly Commandant General’s Conferences, has kept the Corps abreast of global best practices and aligned its operations with the mandate of President Tinubu’s administration.”

GOCMEJ reiterated that the efforts of the NSCDC under Prof. Audi are in line with the President’s vision to diversify the economy and protect critical national assets, including those in the mining, oil and gas, and agricultural sectors.

“The Guild looks forward to a second tenure marked by unprecedented milestones, improved policy direction, and sustained public trust,” Omoba Agbegbele added. “We call on all Nigerians to join hands with this pragmatic and transformative leader as he drives the NSCDC to even greater heights in national development, security, and safety.”