News
Rivers LG Election Must Hold, You’ll Have to Shoot Me – Governor Fubara Dares IGP
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has made a bold declaration regarding the state’s upcoming local government election, insisting it will proceed as planned despite opposition. Fubara challenged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, stating that no one, including the IGP, could stop him from accessing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) premises.
Addressing a gathering in Port Harcourt, Fubara remarked, “When it comes to the issue of Rivers State, it becomes different. You are not ashamed to call yourself Inspector General of Police. Enough is enough.” The governor went on to say that if the IGP attempted to bar his entry into RSIEC, “part of your history as a wicked IGP would include shooting Fubara.”
The tension escalated as the Rivers State Police Command, in a statement signed by spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed its receipt of a court order preventing police involvement in the election scheduled for Saturday. The Command cited a September 30, 2024, judgment from an Abuja Federal High Court, which barred police from providing security for the election.
Governor Fubara, however, vowed that the elections would proceed, stating, “elections must hold; anything that wants to happen should happen.” The legal standoff leaves the future of the Rivers local government elections in uncertainty, as both the court’s ruling and the governor’s determination clash.
The police, following legal advice, have adhered to the court’s decision, signaling their refusal to provide security during the election, despite the governor’s firm stance.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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