Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi announced on Tuesday that the death toll from the recent petrol tanker accident in the state has risen to 181. He also revealed that 80 individuals remain hospitalized, and approximately 210 families have been affected by the tragedy.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the governor explained that he was there to brief President Bola Tinubu on the unfortunate incident. He expressed appreciation for the President’s prompt response, noting that despite being on vacation at the time of the accident, Tinubu took commendable steps to address the situation.

“I came to see Mr. President, first of all to welcome him back from his annual leave and secondly, to brief him on the tragic incident that happened in Jigawa State, which claimed many lives,” Namadi said. He emphasized the importance of updating the President on the state’s response and efforts.

Regarding the casualty figures, Governor Namadi stated, “As of today, we have about 181 people that died, 80 people in the hospital, and about 210 families affected by this.”

He also outlined the government’s actions to assist those impacted, confirming that the state has taken responsibility for the medical expenses of all affected individuals and has implemented various interventions to support the families. Additionally, he mentioned that President Tinubu has promised to provide further assistance to the victims.

The House of Representatives expressed serious concern on Tuesday over the increasing incidents of “one chance” criminal operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), condemning the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s capital.

During the plenary session, the House directed relevant committees to engage with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Police Commissioner, and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to address the alarming situation.

This decision was prompted by the tragic killing of Miss Nimah Sulaiman by “one chance” operators on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The motion for urgent national importance was sponsored by Ismail Haruna Dabo, whose Legislative Aide, Miss Sulaiman, was the victim.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committee on FCT to investigate the prevalence of unregistered and unpainted taxis in the capital, as well as conduct a broader inquiry into kidnapping and armed robbery activities. The committee is expected to report its findings within three weeks.

Dabo, representing Toro Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, voiced deep concern over the surge in kidnappings and robberies linked to “one chance” operations. He highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the FCT, where incidents have escalated from remote suburbs to the city center and affluent estates. The rise of unregistered taxis, he noted, has facilitated criminal activities.

He recounted the tragic case of Miss Sulaiman, who was abducted at gunpoint at Bannex Junction, Wuse 2, while heading home to Jahi District. Despite paying the full ransom, her life was tragically cut short, with her body discovered later that night at the Maitama/Minister’s Hill Bridge.

Dabo emphasized that this heinous crime has sent shockwaves through the community, underscoring the urgent need for lawmakers to ensure the safety and security of citizens in the FCT

A new constitution proposed by Gabon’s ruling junta includes provisions for a national holiday to commemorate the downfall of the Bongo dynasty, according to media reports on Tuesday.

The transitional government published the draft constitution on Monday, following its approval by the Council of Ministers last week. A referendum on the new constitution is scheduled for November 16.

The draft establishes a national liberation day to celebrate the end of 55 years of Bongo family rule, marked by the military junta’s takeover on August 30 last year, shortly after the controversial election of Ali Bongo Ondimba for a third term.

In addition to the holiday, the proposed constitution suggests abolishing the post of prime minister and imposing a seven-year presidential term, which may be renewed once.

General Brice Oligui Nguema, who led the military coup, has promised a return to civilian governance and has indicated his intention to run in the upcoming presidential election slated for August 2025.

“The proposed constitution, the fruit of your contributions during national consultations, is now available. I invite you to examine it carefully, to fully understand its stakes and to think with complete peace of mind,” the transitional president stated on X.

Key amendments in the draft include limiting presidential mandates to two consecutive terms, direct universal suffrage for elections, and defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Furthermore, candidates for the presidency must have at least one Gabonese-born parent, hold no other nationality, and be married to a Gabonese national.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has raised concerns regarding the escalating costs of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Nigeria. In a statement issued by his media aide, Ekpo noted that despite efforts to stabilize prices, the average cost of LPG has surged from N1,100–N1,250 per kg to N1,525 per kg.

To tackle this issue, Ekpo convened a meeting with key stakeholders in the LPG value chain to discuss the impact of rising prices on Nigerians. He outlined a series of government directives aimed at curbing the situation:

1. Short-Term Solution: Starting November 1, 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and LPG producers are required to cease the export of domestically produced LPG. Should they continue exporting, they must import an equivalent volume at cost-reflective prices.
2. Pricing Framework: The Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will work with stakeholders over the next 90 days to develop a new domestic LPG pricing framework. This framework will be based on the cost of in-country production, replacing the current reliance on external market prices from regions such as the Americas and Far East Asia.
3. Long-Term Solution: Over the next 12 months, the government intends to enhance infrastructure for blending, storing, and distributing LPG. The goal is to ensure that domestic supply is sufficient and prices stabilize before considering any exports.

Ekpo emphasized that these measures are designed to improve availability, ensure affordability, and protect Nigerians from the economic burdens posed by rising LPG prices.

In a historic move, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has officially taken full regulatory oversight of the Enugu State electricity market, following the conclusion of the transition period from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This milestone, announced on Tuesday, makes Enugu the first state in Nigeria and Africa to develop a sub-national electricity market.

The EERC has issued licenses to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited, a subsidiary of EEDC, to manage electricity operations in Enugu State, effective from midnight Wednesday. Additionally, the commission has granted a license for the first Independent Power Project (IPP) in the state to Fedikore Limited, which plans to construct a power plant with a capacity of 10MW.

This transition follows the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023, and the establishment of the EERC, which began its regulatory journey in April. The commission is now empowered to oversee all aspects of the electricity sector, including generation, transmission, distribution, and retail services, along with Mini-Grid and Off-Grid electrification solutions.

EERC Chairman Chijioke Okonkwo described the occasion as significant, emphasizing that it marks the inception of sub-national electricity markets across Nigeria and Africa. He stated, “Today completes the six months transition for the transfer of regulatory authority from NERC to the EERC… Our mission is clear: to ensure that Enugu has access to reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable electricity while promoting fairness and innovation in the sector.”

Okonkwo praised the Governor Peter Mbah administration for ensuring political independence in the commission’s operations. He noted, “We have enjoyed a tremendous level of independence from state government activities… We have been given the authority and independence to develop the regulations and policies that we have put in place.”

Kester Enwereonu, a board member of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Ltd, assured residents of an improved electricity experience. He expressed confidence in the newly established regulatory structure tailored to the needs of the state.

Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, Founder and MD/CEO of Fedikore Ltd, highlighted the revolutionary nature of this development, pledging commitment to work with EERC and the state government to foster an industrial revolution in Enugu.

This transition represents a crucial step in enhancing electricity access and service delivery for the people of Enugu State.

The Federal Government has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by 19 states seeking to declare the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) illegal. Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the government contended that the suit poses a threat to the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Fagbemi highlighted a preliminary objection and counter-affidavit submitted on October 18, questioning the legal validity of the suit. He emphasized that the EFCC was established in accordance with Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The AGF refuted the plaintiffs’ claim that the EFCC Act originated from an international convention that was not properly domesticated in Nigeria. He warned that a ruling in favor of the states could undermine the fight against corruption and have serious implications for previous convictions.

This objection came on a day when three states withdrew from the legal action.

President Bola Tinubu emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing education and empowering youth during the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin, held on Tuesday. Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu, he highlighted the government’s focus on improving the educational system and encouraging youth participation in nation-building.

Tinubu congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and urged them to actively contribute to the country’s development. He acknowledged the current economic and security challenges Nigeria faces but expressed confidence in the nation’s resilience.

He called on young people to assume leadership roles and utilize their intelligence, courage, and integrity to tackle the challenges ahead. The president also outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting students, including the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), which offers loans to ease access to education.

Additionally, he reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar and resolving staff shortages in universities through waivers for recruitment. Tinubu encouraged peaceful engagement between university staff and the government to foster a conducive academic environment.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, announced that the Federal Government is investigating the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as a significant route for arms trafficking into Nigeria.

Ribadu made this statement during a two-day seminar on “Climate Change and the Changing Dynamics of Arms Proliferation and Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria in Perspective,” held on Tuesday in Abuja. The seminar was organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in collaboration with the Global Network for Human Development.

Represented by Ibrahim Babani, the Director of External Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu highlighted the GoG’s vast natural resources and mineral deposits, including an estimated 24 billion barrels of crude oil reserves that contribute roughly five million barrels daily to the global crude supply.

He noted that the region encompasses 16 countries, including Nigeria, along its approximately 6,000-kilometer coastline, making it a crucial maritime gateway between Africa and the rest of the world. However, he cautioned that the lucrative nature of the GoG attracts organized crime syndicates involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, oil theft, kidnapping, piracy, and smuggling of contraband goods.

Ribadu emphasized that among these activities is the smuggling of Small Arms and Light Weapons by international crime syndicates, which poses a significant security threat to Nigeria and the broader region.

Ahead of the upcoming Governorship Election in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that more than 55,859 eligible voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) within five days across the state’s 203 wards.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, shared this update in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. He indicated that PVC collection will resume at the commission’s 18 Local Government Area (LGA) offices in Ondo State from Wednesday, October 23, to Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, including weekends.

Between October 17 and 21, INEC made PVCs from the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) available for collection in all wards. Olumekun noted, “At the end of the five-day period, 55,859 cards were personally collected by new registrants as well as applicants for transfer and replacement of lost or damaged cards. This figure represents 62.2% of the 89,777 cards available for collection.”

He added that this marks the highest percentage of PVCs collected in five days in Ondo State since the introduction of the CVR in 2015. A detailed breakdown of the collection by Local Government Areas has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms.

The commission urges remaining voters to collect their PVCs in person from the LGA offices, reiterating its policy that no cards will be collected by proxy.

Former House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan has announced that his release from Kuje Custodial Centre marks a new chapter in his life.

Lawan regained his freedom after serving his jail term, as confirmed by Adamu Duza, spokesman for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS). Duza stated, “Yes, he has been released having served his sentence.”

In a press statement he personally signed, Lawan expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, his family, and friends. He remarked, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life, as I step out of Kuje Custodial Centre, with a heart full of gratitude to Allah (SWT) for seeing me through this trial.”

He continued, “My gratitude is deep. I’m alive and in good health and high spirits to be with my family, friends, and associates. I don’t take that for granted. I remain grateful and indebted to my family and friends who stood by me through this particularly trying phase of my life. May Allah SWT bless you.”

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) is actively engaging with Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and other stakeholders in the electricity sector to enhance transparency and accountability in metering processes.

This initiative comes in response to concerns regarding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other DISCOs, following numerous consumer complaints.

In a statement issued by Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Special Duties and Strategic Communication, the discussions aim to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DISCOs cover the costs associated with replacing the phased-out meters, without passing additional charges onto consumers.

Ijagwu emphasized that the Commission is committed to enforcing compliance with regulatory guidelines to prevent unfair charges or arbitrary estimated billing for consumers.

“Recent announcements by Ikeja Electric Plc indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue,” he noted.

The FCCPC has recognized rising consumer anxiety regarding potential financial burdens and the risk of being placed on estimated billing during this transition, which would contravene existing regulations.

“Insufficient communication from the DISCOs about the phase-out process has exacerbated uncertainty and distrust among consumers,” Ijagwu added.

To fulfill its mandate of protecting consumers and promoting fairness in the Nigerian marketplace, the FCCPC is working closely with key stakeholders to address these pressing issues.

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has expressed concerns that the proposed law to abolish the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State may hinder grassroots development.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence, highlighted that the bill titled “A Bill for a Law to Provide for Local Government’s System, Establishment and Administration” aims to consolidate existing laws on local government administration.

During a public hearing on the bill, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda, noted that the proposed law would repeal the Local Government Administration Law of 2015 and its 2016 amendment. The bill seeks to replace the current 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Councils.

Obanikoro acknowledged the good intentions behind the bill but argued that scrapping the LCDAs for Area Administrative Councils is unnecessary at this time. He warned that such a change could undermine the functions for which the LCDAs were originally established 21 years ago.

He also criticized the limited publicity surrounding the public hearing, urging lawmakers to consider stakeholders’ input to enhance the bill’s effectiveness.

“The problems we have at the local level are deep and profound, and we should take local government issues as seriously as possible,” he stated. “For our nation to grow, this tier of government must bring out the best in all of us, not just the crumbs we seem to be settling for.”

The Police Command in Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to its officers to refrain from unprofessional behavior and to focus on enhancing the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism following the circulation of a viral video showing officers acting inappropriately at their duty posts.

Ukandu condemned the behavior displayed in the video, stating that such actions would not be tolerated and that disciplinary measures have already been initiated against those involved.

“We unequivocally condemn their actions and have identified the officers involved; disciplinary actions have already been initiated against them,” he said.

He further noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, has reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for extortion and any form of misconduct. Ukandu warned that any officer found engaging in such behavior would face appropriate disciplinary actions.

Renowned human rights lawyer Festus Ogun has strongly condemned the arrest of controversial crossdresser Okuneye Idris, known as Bobrisky, by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). Ogun expressed his outrage on Facebook, emphasizing that denying a Nigerian citizen the right to leave the country without a legal basis is fundamentally wrong.

He pointed out that there are currently no charges against Bobrisky, asserting that he is entitled to freedom of movement and personal liberty as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

Ogun stated: “The Nigerian Immigration Service’s recent arrest of Bobrisky while he was traveling out of Nigeria on the grounds that ‘he is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern’ is arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional. Denying a Nigerian citizen the right to leave his country without a legal basis is entirely wrongful.”

He further questioned the legitimacy of the arrest, asking, “What exactly is the alleged offense that would warrant his arrest and continuous harassment? What is the legal justification for denying him the right to freedom of movement and personal liberty?”

Ogun warned against allowing such actions to set a dangerous precedent, stating that if the NIS is permitted to infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights without legal grounds, it could lead to broader restrictions, particularly against journalists, activists, and vocal critics of the government.

He concluded with a stark warning: “We must avert this perilous precedent. Lest we all become at risk. May the shovel we call a spoon today not be used to dig our graves.”

Bobrisky was intercepted by the NIS at the Sème border on Monday while attempting to leave the country, and he reportedly spent Monday night at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

Governor Alex Otti has announced the approval of a minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in Abia State, effective at the end of October.

Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, shared this news during a press briefing following the recent Executive Council meeting in Umuahia. He emphasized that the decision reflects the Governor’s commitment to supporting workers.

“The payment of the minimum wage will commence in the next few days. The Governor has approved that,” Kanu stated.