President Bola Tinubu has asked the senate to confirm Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The president’s request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday.

Kekere-Ekun has been in the office in acting capacity since August following the retirement of Olukayode Ariwoola as CJN. The president had sworn her into the office in acting capacity.

Tinubu premised his request on 231(1) of the constitution.

“Pursuant to 231(1) of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended which gives the power to the president powers to appoint the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) on the recommendation of the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and subject to confirmation of the Nigerian senate,” the number one citizen said.

“I have the honour to forward the nomination of Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun CON for confirmation as CJN.

“While it is my hope that this request will receive the expeditious consideration and confirmation of the senate, please, accept distinguished senate president the assurances of my highest consideration and personal regards.”

Akpabio referred the request to the committee of the whole to consider on Wednesday.

The Kogi house of assembly has called for the removal of Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for “persecuting” Yahaya Bello, former governor of the state.

Yahaya Umar, a lawmaker representing Omala state constituency in the Kogi house of assembly, alleged that the EFCC chairman is trying to “ridicule” Bello, who is accused of mismanaging N80.2 billion during his tenure.

Last Wednesday, the media office of the former governor alleged that operatives of the EFCC laid siege to the Kogi government lodge in Abuja in a bid to forcefully arrest Bello.

Ohiare Michael, director of the Yahaya Bello media office, said the operatives shot sporadically during the siege.

His claim came hours after the media office said Bello honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation but was turned back by the EFCC operatives.

On April 18, the commission declared Bello wanted after several attempts to arrest him proved unsuccessful.

At the plenary on Monday, the Kogi legislators criticised the action of the EFCC operatives and described it as an “unprovoked attack” on Usman Ododo, governor of the state.

The lawmakers accused the EFCC of attempting to assassinate Ododo and the former governor, adding that the persecution of Bello had gone on for too long.

This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Akus Lawal, a lawmaker representing Ankpa 1 state constituency.

Akus alleged that the EFCC was out to humiliate and possibly kill Ododo and Bello.

Seconding the motion, Jacob Olawunmi, representing the Mopamuro state constituency, said the state assembly can “categorically say that no money is missing to warrant the EFCC’s unwarranted witch-hunting of the former governor”.

Abu Jibril, the lawmaker representing the Ajaokuta constituency, said President Bola Tinubu should immediately remove and prosecute Olukoyede.

“The chairman has shown incompetence that warrants his removal,” Jibril said.

The Lagos State Government has continued the demolition of illegal structures obstructing the System 63b drainage channel in Sangotedo, Eti Osa, as part of its intensified efforts to prevent flooding in the area.

This move follows similar actions taken along the System 157 drainage path and Orchid Road channels in Eti-Osa.

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this announcement via X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, noting that the demolition was carried out by operatives from the Drainage Enforcement Department of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

“Operatives of the Drainage Enforcement department from Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources @LasgMOE continued removal of contravening structures along System 63b Sangotedo, Eti-Osa LGA to prevent flooding in the axis,” the statement read.

The commissioner’s post also included two short footages showing caterpillars tearing down structures, including fences and multi-storey buildings.

The Lagos State Government has been actively enforcing the demolition of structures encroaching on major drainage channels and their setbacks across the state as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent and manage the severe flooding challenges in Lagos.

These actions are aimed at improving the state’s drainage systems and mitigating the recurring flood risks, which have become a critical issue for both residents and infrastructure.

A month ago, the government demolished several properties along the System 157 drainage path and Orchid Road channels in Eti-Osa after property owners failed to adhere to an earlier agreement to limit their impact on the canal’s path. This demolition followed the government’s persistent efforts to enforce compliance, as the illegal structures were seen as significant contributors to flooding in the area.

Another significant case took place at Mende Villa Estate in May 2024, where structures violating the setback of the System 1 drainage channel in Mende Villa, Maryland, were targeted. Originally, the state government had granted a reduction in the right of way for the System 1 drainage channel, decreasing it from 140 meters to 100 meters and dividing the space 60/40 between Mende and Ogudu.

Despite this concession, property developers continued to encroach on the setback, prompting the issuance of contravention notices. Following months of negotiations and continued non-compliance, the state government initiated the demolition of the offending structures, bringing an end to a prolonged enforcement process.

These actions reflect the government’s resolve to address flooding at its root by ensuring that drainage systems remain clear of illegal obstructions, signaling a firm stance on protecting public infrastructure and maintaining safety for Lagos residents.