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300 CSOs Condemn Attacks On INEC Chair, Pass Vote Of Confidence
The Coalition of about 300 Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, Friday, vehemently condemned calls for the sack of Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.
The Coalition made the condemnation during a press conference held in Abuja, where they said a particular group, United Nigerians Diaspora, UND, made the allegations with threats to storm streets of Abuja, Lagos and Kano to call the INEC chairman to resign or be forced out of office.
Members of the Coalition present at the press conference include; Change for impact; Hope Builders Restoration; Empowerment Solutions Initiative; Citizen Engagement Network; Education Access Initiative; Tinubu Nationals for Better Government; Poverty Eradication Foundation; Peace and justice Initiative; Transparency and Accountability Network; Advocacy for Media Freedom; Inclusion Now Project; Lets Build Nigeria Initiatives; Rural Development Association; Urban Renewal Association; Sustainable communities; Anti – corruption movement; Children’s Right Advocacy Group; Peace and Rights Advocacy; Justice, peace and Equity Social change; and Urban Development and planning.
They said: “It has come to our attention that the ‘United Nigerians Diaspora (UND)’ has organized a protest, making unfounded allegations against Mallam Yakubu and demanding his resignation or disgraceful removal from office. We strongly condemn this attack on the credibility and integrity of an individual who has dedicated his service to ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.
“Mallam Mahmood Yakubu has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure at INEC. He has been instrumental in driving significant electoral reforms, improving the electoral process, and strengthening the trust of Nigerians in the democratic system. His commitment to transparency, impartiality, and accountability in conducting elections is commendable and has contributed to the progress of our democratic journey.
“The allegations made against Mallam Yakubu by the UND Group are baseless, false, and defamatory. They not only undermine the efforts of INEC but are also detrimental to the democratic principles we hold dear as a nation. It is our duty as members of the civil society to ensure that such malicious attacks are condemned, and our democracy is protected.
“We call upon the UND Group and other parties involved to halt the spread of false information and engage in constructive dialogue with INEC and relevant stakeholders. It is crucial that concerns regarding the electoral process are addressed through appropriate channels and in a responsible manner.
“Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian public and the media to exercise caution and responsibility when reporting on such sensitive matters. The dissemination of inaccurate or unverified information can have serious consequences for our democracy, and it is our collective duty to ensure the preservation of truth and accuracy in reporting.
“In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with Mallam Mahmood Yakubu and no doubt affirm our confidence in his leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). We commend his unwavering dedication to democratic values and the progress our nation has made under his guidance.”
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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