An Abia State High Court in the Bende Judicial Division has reiterated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is still bound by a previous order that restrains it from conducting State, Local Government, and Ward congresses in Abia State. This confirmation comes just hours before the party’s rescheduled State Congress set for Saturday, October 26.

The court’s order, dated October 25, is in connection with a suit marked HB/3/2024, filed by claimants Francis Etuzu, Chidindu Kalu Kalu, and Enyinnaya Ogbu. Justice C. U. Okoroafor presided over the case and further ordered that contempt proceedings be initiated against key PDP officials, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the party’s National Secretary; Alwell Asiforo Okere, the Caretaker Committee Chairman for Abia; and Kenneth Madubuike, the Caretaker Committee Secretary.

The court specified that the claimants are permitted to serve Forms 48, 49, and other processes regarding the contempt proceedings to the aforementioned defendants. This can be done by delivering the documents to any adult present at the PDP Abia Secretariat or by pasting them at the secretariat’s location. Electronic means of service via the party’s personal WhatsApp numbers are also allowed.

The order also reminded all parties involved that the prior ruling made on July 23, 2024, barring the PDP from holding its ward congress on July 27, remains in effect until the substantive matter is resolved. The court had additionally prohibited the extension of the tenure of the Okere-led State Working Committee (SWC) of the party.

The US State Department announced on Friday the approval of a $2 billion arms sale package for Taiwan, which includes advanced surface-to-air missile systems and radar equipment, a move that could escalate tensions with Beijing. The package, pending Congressional approval, features several anti-aircraft systems, notably the NASAMS and 123 missiles, valued at approximately $1.16 billion. Additionally, radar systems worth $828 million will be included.

The equipment will be sourced from US Air Force supplies. Despite not officially recognizing Taiwan diplomatically, the United States remains its primary partner and main supplier of military aid, a stance that has drawn significant ire from Beijing. Chinese authorities have consistently urged Washington to cease its military support for Taiwan, which they assert is part of China.

Beijing has expressed persistent anger over international backing for Taipei and accused the US of interfering in its domestic affairs. The Chinese military maintains a near-daily presence around Taiwan with fighter jets, drones, and warships. The Chinese government has made it clear that it will not renounce the use of force to assert control over Taiwan and has amplified its rhetoric surrounding the idea of “unification” as “inevitable.”

Earlier this month, Taiwan recorded a staggering 153 Chinese aircraft in a single day, highlighting the escalating military tensions in the region. In response to the US’s military support for Taiwan, Beijing has sanctioned American defense companies, indicating a growing friction in US-China relations over Taiwan.

Israel’s top military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, confirmed on Saturday morning that the country has completed its “response” to Iran’s recent attacks. In a video message shared by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), he stated:

“I can now confirm that we have concluded the Israeli response to Iran’s attacks against Israel. We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran – thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces has fulfilled its mission.”

Hagari issued a stern warning, indicating that if Iran initiates “a new round of escalation,” Israel would be “obligated to respond.” He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating:

“Our message is clear: All those who threaten the state of Israel and seek to drag the region into a wider escalation will pay a heavy price. We demonstrated today that we have both the capability and the resolve to act decisively, and we are prepared on offense and defense, to defend the state of Israel and the people of Israel.”

In response to the persistent failures of the national electricity grid, several state governments in the Southeast region of Nigeria are seeking alternative sources of electricity supply. The national grid has collapsed at least seven times between January and October 2024, raising serious concerns among electricity consumers and the broader public.

Impact of Grid Failures

According to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), consumers have expressed frustration over the frequent grid collapses and erratic power supply, despite paying higher tariffs for electricity services. Residents and businesses in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States, who have been moved to Band-A tariff categories without their consent, are particularly vocal about the lack of value they are receiving.

Mr. Chimezie Nwafor, a small-scale industrialist based in Enugu, shared his struggles to operate his factory at full capacity due to inadequate power supply. He lamented:

“It is now a regret that the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and the Federal Government regulatory body failed to live up to what they assured.”

Nwafor called on both the federal and state governments to take significant action toward ensuring a stable electricity supply, stating:

“It is doable, and other countries within Africa have attained this height. Every industrialist wants value for money, and we cannot get that if we pay so high a tariff and get disappointed.”

Concerns from Residents

Mr. Chuks Ani, a resident of the Uwani area, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that government policies often fail due to poor implementation. He argued that the priority for 24-hour uninterrupted power should be given to industrial and commercial areas rather than residential ones, as discussed in numerous stakeholder meetings.

The ongoing challenges with the national grid have pushed Southeast state governments to seek alternative energy solutions as consumers and businesses alike demand more reliable and affordable electricity. The situation underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and improvements in the power sector to meet the energy needs of the populace.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has issued a stark warning against potential election rigging as the November election approaches.

Accusations of Cheating

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Trump accused the Democratic Party of “cheating” during the 2020 presidential election, claiming that significant election irregularities occurred. He stated that he, along with a team of attorneys and legal scholars, is closely monitoring the integrity of the upcoming election.

Commitment to Scrutiny and Prosecution

Trump emphasized that the 2024 election would be subject to rigorous scrutiny. He vowed that if he wins, those he alleges cheated would face severe legal consequences, including long prison sentences. He stated:

“CEASE & DESIST: I, together with many Attorneys and Legal Scholars, am watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely because I know, better than most, the rampant Cheating and Skullduggery that has taken place by the Democrats in the 2020 Presidential Election. It was a Disgrace to our Nation!”

He further warned that this legal accountability would extend to a wide range of individuals involved in the electoral process, including lawyers, political operatives, donors, illegal voters, and corrupt election officials.

Call to Action

Trump’s message serves as both a warning and a rallying cry to his supporters, urging them to be vigilant against what he describes as “unscrupulous behavior.” He stated:

“Those involved in unscrupulous behavior will be sought out, caught, and prosecuted at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country.”

Trump’s statements reflect his ongoing focus on election integrity, a key theme of his campaign. As the 2024 election draws near, his warnings about potential voter fraud and commitment to legal action against perceived wrongdoers continue to resonate within his base.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has announced that the local government elections conducted by the State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) on Saturday are illegal.

Statements from APC Chieftain

Rabi’u Bichi, a chieftain of the party, stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the party’s position is based on a court order issued by Justice Simon Amobede of the Federal High Court in Kano, which declared the elections null and void.

• Bichi emphasized that the ruling indicated KANSIEC’s leadership was partisan and biased in favor of the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the state.
• Since the judgment has not been appealed, Bichi asserted that any outcomes from the elections should be considered illegal.

Additionally, he referenced a recent Federal High Court ruling that annulled all NNPP chairmanship candidates for the elections, further supporting the APC’s claims regarding the election’s legality.

Call for Restraint

Bichi urged party members to remain calm and await the final outcomes of the legal actions being pursued by the APC to contest the conduct of the polls.

KANSIEC’s Response

In contrast, KANSIEC Chairman Prof. Sani Malumfashi insisted that the commission is operating within legal boundaries. He stated:

• “Every activity of the commission is procedural. We are not partisan.”
• He called on KANSIEC staff and ad hoc personnel to resist any bribery attempts and ensure that underage individuals do not participate in the voting process.
• Malumfashi reminded politicians that practices such as vote-buying and thuggery violate the state’s electoral guidelines and urged respect for a recent Kano High Court judgment that allowed the elections to proceed.

Conclusion

The situation underscores a tense political climate in Kano State, with the APC challenging the legitimacy of the local government elections while KANSIEC maintains its commitment to conducting fair elections.

Senators from the nineteen northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), have expressed serious concerns regarding severe power outages affecting Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states.

Key Concerns

• The senators attributed the outages to vandalism and disturbances in the national power grid, resulting in significant economic hardship for residents.
• They highlighted the impact on small businesses struggling to operate, hospitals facing increased costs, and the overall livelihoods of citizens being severely compromised.

Call to Action

In a statement from the NSF Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua (APC, Katsina Central), the Forum urged the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to take immediate action to restore electricity to the affected areas.

Demands from the Northern Senators Forum

1. Expedited Repairs: The Forum called for the urgent repair of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines to ensure a reliable power supply.
2. Enhanced Security: They urged the implementation of measures to prevent future vandalism and protect power infrastructure.
3. Support for Renewable Energy: The senators encouraged backing for KEDCO’s initiatives related to renewable energy and mini-grid solutions to provide sustainable power options.

While acknowledging progress made in power distribution under the current administration, the senators emphasized the need for urgent intervention to alleviate the suffering of their constituents and revitalize economic activities in the affected regions.

Iran reported that Israeli air strikes targeting its military sites on Saturday resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. This follows Israel’s statement that its warplanes conducted “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” in retaliation for a missile barrage.

What Happened

• The Israeli military confirmed the strikes aimed at missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-air missile arrays, declaring the operation concluded and successful.
• Explosions were reported in Tehran around 2:15 AM, attributed to the activation of Iran’s air defense system.
• Iran’s air force acknowledged the strikes on military bases across Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces, confirming limited damage and the deaths of two soldiers.
• Flights were briefly suspended but have since resumed.

Reason for the Attack

Israel cited ongoing attacks from Iran and its proxies as the reason for the strikes, particularly highlighting a missile attack on October 1. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that the retaliation would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.”

Global Reaction

• The United States and Britain called for de-escalation following the Israeli strikes.
• White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett labeled the strikes as “an exercise of self-defense” and noted that the U.S. did not participate.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged restraint from all parties involved.
• Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s actions, warning against further escalation in the conflict.

This incident reflects the ongoing tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran, amidst broader conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups in the Middle East.

On Friday, a devastating road accident on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway resulted in the deaths of thirteen individuals, as confirmed by the Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

According to FRSC Sector Commander Kabir Nadabo, the incident occurred around 3 PM near Olam Farm when a Toyota Hiace van, carrying eleven passengers, collided with a Golf Salon car that had five occupants. The bodies of the deceased have been transported to St. Gerrard’s Hospital, while three survivors were rushed to AP Smart Hospital in Kakuri for medical attention.

Nadabo emphasized the importance of road safety, especially as the ember season approaches. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits and basic safety guidelines to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. The FRSC remains committed to ensuring safe roads for all users.

On Thursday, the United States deployed a plane equipped with medical supplies to retrieve Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, from Nigeria. This development follows the Nigerian Federal Government’s decision to withdraw money laundering charges against Gambaryan, reportedly due to his ill health and diplomatic interventions.

According to The New York Times, Gambaryan had been detained since February amid a government crackdown on Binance for alleged manipulation of the naira. Alongside him, the regional manager for Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, was also detained but managed to escape custody in March.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed gratitude towards the Nigerian government for releasing Gambaryan on medical grounds, stating, “This positive outcome demonstrates the strength of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership and highlights our shared commitment to working together to advance our common interests.” He emphasized the importance of close law enforcement cooperation between the two nations.

Jake Sullivan, the National Security Advisor at the White House, also commented on the situation, saying he was “pleased” to have facilitated Gambaryan’s release for humanitarian reasons. Sullivan stated, “I am pleased that American citizen and former U.S. law enforcement official Tigran Gambaryan has been released on humanitarian grounds by the Nigerian Government and is on his way back to the United States so that he can receive needed medical attention.”

Gambaryan’s return to the U.S. underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries and reflects their commitment to addressing mutual concerns.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman, Mariam Salako, in a fire accident that occurred early Saturday morning at 28 Ifelodun Ago Ka area in Abeokuta.

SP Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson, released a statement detailing the incident. A distress call was received around 1:00 AM regarding a building engulfed in flames in the Ago Ka area.

Odutola noted, “The Area Commander promptly led a team of police officers to the site while the fire service was called for assistance. The Ogun State Fire Service quickly responded and managed to bring the fire under control.”

Unfortunately, Mariam Salako was unable to escape the fire and lost her life. The police spokesperson added, “A man known as Baba Ali, whose age is not yet identified, was asleep during the fire and was rescued through the window by community members.”

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue, while the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Following the crash of a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation near Bonny Finima off the coast of Port Harcourt, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has announced the suspension of search operations due to diminishing daylight. The decision was made at 6:15 PM on October 25, 2024.

In a statement from Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, it was confirmed that no debris, survivors, or bodies were recovered during that day’s search. However, divers were able to establish a secure diving perimeter at an expected location of the wreck.

The statement read: “In line with global best practices, we are providing an update on the ongoing search and recovery efforts following the October 24, 2024, ditching incident involving a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation. The incident occurred near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt. Rescue operations commenced shortly after, with teams continuing to work extensively to locate the helicopter and any signs of survivors.”

Search operations resumed on October 25 at 7:30 AM local time, with an expanded search area to locate any debris or signs of survivors. A team of NSIB Aviation Safety Investigators, along with representatives from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, arrived at the Nuim Antan facility to gather pertinent information through interviews with relevant staff. The investigative team concluded their interviews and departed by 3:24 PM.

Despite the efforts, as of the evening of October 25, no significant findings had been made. The divers successfully measured the perimeter depth at 40-50 meters, and additional diving equipment and resources will be deployed to assist in continuing the recovery efforts.

Captain Alex Badeh Jr., the Director General of the NSIB, expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts of the rescue teams and their partners. He stated, “We acknowledge the tireless efforts of the amalgamated rescue teams and supporting partners. We will continue these operations with every resource necessary and appreciate the cooperation and patience of all stakeholders involved.”

The helicopter was reportedly en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the NUIMANTAN oil rig with eight individuals on board at the time of the incident.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has voiced concerns regarding the “ongoing explosive escalation” in the Middle East. In a statement, she urged all parties involved to exercise restraint, cease violence, and prevent the situation from deteriorating into a catastrophic scenario.

Zakharova emphasized the need to avoid provoking Iran into retaliatory actions, warning against escalating tensions further. “It is necessary to stop provoking Iran into retaliatory actions and get out of the spiral of uncontrolled escalation,” she said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the rising tensions at a summit of the BRICS group of emerging nations this week, highlighting the risk of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran. “The level of confrontation between Israel and Iran has sharply risen. This is all reminiscent of a chain reaction and puts the whole Middle East on the verge of full-scale war,” he stated.

Moscow, which maintains close relations with Iran, has expressed its concerns regarding the potential for a wider conflict in the region, where it has significant security and economic interests.

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Benjamin Omale, has announced the establishment of a reconciliation committee aimed at addressing the concerns of aggrieved party members. This committee will tour the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to foster unity within the party.

Omale made this announcement during a meeting with the Caretaker leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Benue State Council, led by Chairman Vincent Nyinongu, at the APC State Secretariat in Makurdi. He emphasized the party’s commitment to achieving peace and cohesion among its members.

The Chairman stated, “We have a six-month mandate to ensure peace returns to the party, and we are taking every necessary step to unite all aggrieved members.” He expressed confidence that the reconciliation efforts would yield positive results before the expiration of their term.

In his appeal for collaboration between the media and the party, Omale urged journalists to maintain professionalism and accuracy in their reporting. He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his transformative work in various sectors of the state, encouraging journalists to focus on projecting these developmental strides.

Prof. Bem Angwe, Secretary of the Committee, echoed the call for peace, urging aggrieved members to resolve their differences amicably. He also warned against actions that could instigate further crises within the party.

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman noted that the visit was intended to foster familiarity between the union and the ruling party’s leadership, as well as to inform them about the upcoming delegates’ election for the union

Despite ongoing efforts to enhance domestic refining capacity, Nigeria is set to continue importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in the short and medium term. This situation is primarily attributed to the government’s deregulation policy, the inability of modular refineries to refine petrol, financial constraints, foreign exchange issues, and the lengthy construction timelines for new refineries.

Previously, there had been hopes that the completion of numerous refineries, including over 20 modular plants, would enable Nigeria to meet its domestic demand for petrol, which is estimated at 50 million litres per day. However, experts have indicated that the ongoing importation of petrol is largely driven by deregulation—a policy allowing operators to source products from both domestic and international markets.

Current Importing Companies
Companies such as Matrix Energy, A.A. Ranno, NIPCo, AY Shafa, and Petrocam, alongside major oil marketers, have imported petrol under the existing deregulation regime.

Recent transactional analyses revealed that the landing cost of petrol rose by 4% to N956.13 per litre in October 2024, up from N919.55 in September 2024. This increase was attributed to fluctuations in the Naira’s value against the United States dollar, with the exchange rate changing from N1,625/$ to N1,645/$ in the official market.

The comprehensive analysis detailed the total direct cost components: product cost (N887.45), freight charges (N10.37), port charges (N7.37), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Levy (N4.47), and storage costs (N2.58), resulting in a total cost of N913.12 per litre. Consequently, this has pushed the pump price to exceed N1,000 per litre in the domestic market.

Retail Association Insights
In an interview with Vanguard, Mr. Joseph Ehimen, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), explained that deregulation fosters competition, allowing investors to source products locally or internationally. He noted the association’s interest in obtaining supplies from the Dangote refinery and pursuing any viable business opportunities.

Ehimen also highlighted the challenging business environment, with interest rates rising from below 18% to 40%, prompting members to consider importation if it proves more beneficial.

Dr. Joseph Obele, the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, appealed for a N100 billion bailout, stating that the cost of acquiring a truck of PMS has surged from approximately N7 million to N47 million—a staggering 500% increase—rendering many retail outlet owners financially incapacitated.

IPMAN’s Perspective
Chief Chinedu Ukadike, the Public Relations Officer for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), reiterated that deregulation would allow members to purchase petrol from both local and international sources.

Modular Refineries’ Limitations
Dr. Bala Zakka, an energy analyst based in Port Harcourt, pointed out that while more than 20 modular refinery licenses were granted during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, these facilities are primarily configured to produce diesel and kerosene, not petrol. Notable examples include:

• Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company: Capacity of 12,000 bpd
• Duport Midstream: Capacity of 2,500 bpd
• Walter Smith Refinery: Capacity of 5,000 bpd
• OPAC Refinery: Capacity of 10,000 bpd
• Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery: Capacity of 11,000 bpd

As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the reliance on imported petrol continues, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive solutions in the country’s petroleum sector.

Just within the week, specifically on Thursday, October 24, 2024, Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, marked its 10th anniversary—a remarkable achievement by any standard in the aviation industry.

Having received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2014, Air Peace commenced scheduled flight operations in the same year. Since then, it has exceeded expectations and has become a significant player in the Nigerian aviation sector.

This milestone would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema. Despite the challenging operating environment in Nigeria, he has consistently defied the odds to keep Air Peace thriving.

In a country where many airlines, such as Bellview, Chanchangi, Med-View, and others, have failed, Air Peace has provided hope and reliability to the Nigerian public. The airline has shown its commitment to long-term stability and growth in the aviation sector.

As part of the celebration, Dr. Onyema shared insights on Air Peace’s journey through social media, offering a glimpse into the motivations behind starting the airline:

On the Inspiration to Start Air Peace
Dr. Onyema initially had no intention of entering the aviation industry. His father recognized his passion for philanthropy and encouraged him to pursue a business that would create jobs. After exploring various sectors, a friend suggested aviation as a path to realize his ambition of job creation, noting that a single aircraft could generate significant employment opportunities.

On Entering the Aviation Industry
Despite being naïve about aviation, Dr. Onyema took the leap. He learned that while one aircraft might not create 1,000 direct jobs, the airline industry still provides substantial employment opportunities. His motivation was rooted in a desire to help others prosper, believing that true fulfillment comes from uplifting those around him.

On Staying the Course
Dr. Onyema emphasized the importance of perseverance. He noted that while some advise him to avoid stressing over Nigeria’s challenges, he finds meaning in hard work and seizing opportunities for the benefit of others.

On Nigeria’s Untapped Opportunities
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, highlighting its advantageous geography, diverse cultures, and abundant natural resources. Dr. Onyema believes that the nation is rich with opportunities waiting to be harnessed.

On His Greatest Satisfaction
For Dr. Onyema, true satisfaction comes from being part of a community of successful individuals rather than just personal success. He strives to build a world-class airline that symbolizes pride for Nigeria, ensuring that Air Peace serves the needs of the Nigerian people.

On Air Peace’s Achievements
Currently, Air Peace operates flights to 17 international and regional destinations, with London Gatwick being the latest addition. Dr. Onyema looks forward to expanding the airline’s reach and opportunities for Nigerians, emphasizing that the journey is just beginning.

Major Milestones and Awards in 2016

As Air Peace celebrates a decade of service, it stands as a testament to resilience and innovation in the Nigerian aviation sector, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs and leaders.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it has executed “precise strikes on military targets in Iran” following recent tensions in the region. The strikes were described as a direct response to Iran’s ongoing attacks against Israel, particularly since October 7, which the IDF claims have occurred on seven fronts, including direct assaults from Iranian territory.

In a statement released early Saturday, the IDF confirmed that explosions had been reported in Tehran and justified the military actions by stating that, “like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond.” The military emphasized its readiness, indicating that its “defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized.”

This escalation follows a series of provocative incidents in the region, including missile attacks launched by Iran against Israel earlier this month, which came in the wake of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other significant figures. The situation has led to heightened tensions, with many anticipating Israel’s response.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to defending Israel and its people, indicating that it would take all necessary measures to ensure national security amidst the ongoing threats posed by Iran and its affiliated groups in the region.