Governor Obaseki Affirms PDP’s Commitment to Signing Peace Accord Ahead of Edo Election

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has announced that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, will sign the Peace Accord in preparation for the upcoming governorship election.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Governor Obaseki explained that the decision was made following a closed-door meeting with the party’s caucus. He acknowledged the recent commitments from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which influenced the party’s decision to participate in the election.

Obaseki expressed gratitude to the Police IG and the INEC Chairman for their assurances of a fair electoral process. He emphasized the PDP’s readiness for the election and confidence in their candidates.

Additionally, Obaseki hoped that members of the party detained in Abuja would be released or granted bail as the courts resumed operations. This expectation underpins the party’s readiness to sign the Peace Accord.

Aminu Dantata Donates ₦1.5 Billion to Support Maiduguri Flood Victims

Elder statesman and business mogul, Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has made a significant donation of ₦1.5 billion to aid victims of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, Borno State. Dantata, along with a delegation from Kano, presented the donation during his visit to the Maiduguri Government House on Tuesday.

While offering his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people affected by the flood, Dantata emphasized the importance of integrity among political leaders and urged them to act with the fear of Allah. He also prayed for peace and unity in Borno State and across Nigeria.

Governor Zulum expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous gesture, noting that Dantata’s support provides hope in challenging times. “The people of Borno deeply appreciate this act of humanity. Baba has donated ₦1.5 billion to support the flood victims. May Allah bless and reward you with Aljannah. Thank you, Baba,” Zulum said.

This donation comes after a similar contribution of ₦1 billion from Dantata’s nephew, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to help those affected by the flood.

Dangote Refinery Petrol Pricing May Lead to Increased Fuel Importation, Say Marketers

The price of petrol produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, as released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) on Monday, could justify continued fuel importation into Nigeria, according to oil marketers.

Marketers indicated that shipments of imported petrol were expected to start arriving in Nigeria from today (Tuesday). They also called for more transparency in the pricing of petrol from the Dangote refinery.

This comes as the Organised Private Sector raised concerns over NNPC’s role as the sole off-taker of petrol from the $20 billion Lekki-based refinery, arguing that it could stifle competition in the market.

NNPC announced that petrol from the Dangote refinery would sell for over N1,000 per litre in northern states, with Borno State seeing prices as high as N1,019/litre, and in Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano at N999.22/litre. In the southern regions, the price would be lower, with N950/litre in Lagos and N960/litre in Oyo and Rivers.

NNPC clarified that petrol prices are not set by the government but are determined through arm’s-length negotiations. It also confirmed that it is currently paying Dangote Refinery in dollars for September 2024 offtake, with naira transactions set to commence on October 1, 2024.

Major oil marketers believe the high price of Dangote’s petrol will spur importation, with some marketers expecting PMS vessels to arrive by September 17. They also warned of potential price disparities across different stations, with prices reaching N1,200/litre in some areas, as customers will choose between lower prices with queues and higher prices for convenience.

This development raises concerns about transparency and availability in the allocation of products from the Dangote refinery.

Kaduna Eid-El-Maulud Auto Crash Death Toll Climbs to 40, Most Victims Were Children

The death toll from the tragic auto crash in Kaduna during the Eid-el-Maulud celebrations has risen to 40, with the majority of victims being children.

The accident occurred on Sunday when a J5 bus, overloaded with children heading to the Eid celebration, lost control and collided with an articulated vehicle along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area. Initially, 25 fatalities were reported, with 48 others injured, but more victims have since died in the hospital, increasing the death toll to 40.

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He pledged full support for the affected families and directed the state’s Commissioner for Health to ensure that the surviving victims receive urgent and comprehensive medical care.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kaduna Sector Commander, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed that the driver lost control due to overspeeding, causing the bus to collide with the oncoming vehicle. The accident, which took place around 1:00 p.m., claimed the lives of 15 children instantly, with more succumbing to their injuries later.

The FRSC has launched an investigation into the crash and emphasized the need for stricter adherence to road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Some victims were transferred to various hospitals for further medical attention due to the severity of their injuries.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, and authorities are urging drivers to observe speed limits and prioritize road safety to avoid future tragedies.

Federal Government Releases Shortlisted Candidates for Federal Fire Service Recruitment

The Federal Government has unveiled the list of shortlisted candidates for the next phase of the Federal Fire Service recruitment exercise.

This announcement came on Tuesday through a statement from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

Ja’afaru Ahmed, the board’s secretary, encouraged applicants to check their status on the CDCFIB career portal.

The statement read, “The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has resumed the ongoing recruitment for the FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE, proceeding with shortlisting for screening and psychometric evaluation. Candidates can confirm their shortlist status by visiting the CDCFIB portal.”

Further information on screening venues and centers will be provided soon.

In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has established a disaster relief fund to support Nigerians affected by floods and other disasters. This announcement was made on Monday during the President’s visit to Borno State, which was recently hit by devastating floods from Alau Dam.

President Tinubu visited key locations, including the Shehu of Borno, an Internally Displaced Persons camp, and affected areas in Maiduguri. In a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of the relief fund, given the increasing unpredictability of climate change, and called for private sector contributions.

Bamako Airport Shut Down After Gunmen Attack Police Base

Bamako, the capital of Mali, was rocked by violence early Tuesday morning as unidentified gunmen attacked a military police base. The assault, which began around 5:00 a.m., was marked by intense gunfire and explosions. Black smoke was seen rising near the Bamako airport, which has been temporarily closed in response to the attack.

A police source confirmed the assault on at least one military police base, but the attackers’ identities remain unknown. The violence led to significant disruptions in the area, including the closure of the airport and the French high school Liberte, which announced it would remain shut “due to external events.”

Witnesses, including those trapped in a nearby mosque during early morning prayers, reported the chaos. The United Nations mission in Mali has advised its staff to “limit their movements until further notice.”

Mali has been under the control of a military junta following coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, has shifted Mali’s alliances from European partners and former colonial power France to Russia and its Wagner mercenary group. The junta’s offensive against rebels in the north has been accompanied by allegations of civilian abuses, which the military and its Russian allies deny.

Seven Nigerian Players to Watch in the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League

As the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League kicks off, seven Nigerian players are set to showcase their talents in Europe’s premier football competition. This season marks a new format for the tournament, with 36 teams competing in a league phase. Let’s take a closer look at the Nigerian stars expected to shine in this prestigious event.

1. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)

Samuel Chukwueze will feature for AC Milan in their opening match against Liverpool today at 8 p.m. The winger has already made 13 appearances in the competition, scoring four goals. Chukwueze will be looking to add to his tally as he eyes his fifth Champions League goal.

2. Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)

Raphael Onyedika, a key player for Club Brugge, will be in action against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, September 18 at 8 p.m. The defensive midfielder will make his eighth UCL appearance, anchoring his team’s midfield.

3. Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)

Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, representing Bayer Leverkusen, will aim to make an impact in their club’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord on Thursday, September 19 at 5:45 p.m. Both players are expected to play a crucial role for the German side this season.

4. Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade)

Peter Olayinka will be hoping to score his first Champions League goal for Red Star Belgrade when they host Benfica on Thursday, September 19 at 5:45 p.m. With 11 appearances already under his belt, Olayinka will be key in Red Star’s attacking efforts.

5. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

After a standout UEFA Europa League season, Ademola Lookman will take on Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday, September 19 at 8 p.m. With just one UCL appearance to his name, Lookman will be eager to score his first goal in the competition.

6. Zachary Athekame (Young Boys)

Zachary Athekame, a 19-year-old right-back born to Nigerian parents in Switzerland, will represent Young Boys in their match against Aston Villa at 5:45 p.m. today. A rising talent, Athekame is expected to play a significant role in his club’s UCL campaign.

As the new Champions League season begins, these seven Nigerian players are ones to watch as they look to leave their mark on the world’s biggest football stage.

Ex-AGF Kanu Agabi Criticizes Election Rigging and Judicial Overload, Urges Integrity in Public Office

Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has criticized election rigging and the burden on Nigeria’s judicial system. Speaking on Channels TV’s Inside Sources, Agabi highlighted the immense workload faced by judges, which he believes hampers their effectiveness.

Agabi, who served as AGF during Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, acknowledged that while the judiciary is not perfect, it remains the most reliable branch of government. He pointed out that judges often handle 30 to 40 cases daily, leading to significant delays and inefficiencies.

The former AGF also addressed the impact of election-related cases on the judicial system. He noted that numerous election disputes contribute to the court’s caseload, reflecting deep-seated suspicions about the electoral process. According to Agabi, reducing these criticisms and suspicions could alleviate some of the pressure on the courts.

Agabi lamented the level of election rigging and emphasized that politicians must approach their roles with integrity. He warned that those who obtain office through unethical means cannot expect divine blessing on their tenure. He argued that true leadership should be viewed as a service granted by grace, not merely a position of power.

Furthermore, Agabi criticized the pursuit of personal gain by leaders, suggesting that it undermines progress and returns the nation to colonial-era practices. He urged leaders to reflect on their actions and consider their service to both God and humanity.

Ex-Kaduna Finance Commissioner Arrested at Lagos Airport Amid Corruption Probe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Shizzer Joy Nasara Bada, former Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General under Nasir el-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna State. Bada was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Sunday while attempting to leave the country.

Her arrest comes amid growing suspicions of an attempt to flee due to ongoing investigations into corruption allegations involving both her and former Governor el-Rufai. ICPC operatives had been monitoring her movements following intelligence reports.

This arrest is part of a wider investigation targeting top officials from el-Rufai’s administration. Reports suggest the probe focuses on financial mismanagement, with several individuals under scrutiny for their roles during the former governor’s tenure.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently indicted former Governor el-Rufai, accusing him of embezzling ₦423 billion. Though specific charges against Bada remain undisclosed, sources believe they relate to significant financial irregularities and misuse of public funds.

Bada’s arrest has fueled speculation about a possible broader investigation into el-Rufai’s administration. The ICPC is expected to provide more details as the inquiry unfolds, potentially exposing the extent of corruption under the previous leadership.

In response, former Governor el-Rufai has launched a legal challenge against the Kaduna State House of Assembly, contesting claims of ₦432 billion mismanagement during his eight years in office. His attorney, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, filed a fundamental rights lawsuit in June to refute the accusations.

Zamfara Governor Lawal Claims ₦250 Billion Unaccounted for Under Predecessor Matawalle

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has revealed that his administration inherited an empty treasury from his predecessor, former Governor Bello Matawalle. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Lawal stated that over ₦250 billion was unaccounted for when he took office, far exceeding the ₦70 billion previously mentioned by the EFCC.

Lawal also highlighted other challenges, including a four-month backlog of salaries and the fact that for three years, no Zamfara indigene participated in WAEC or NECO exams. He disclosed that his administration had to settle ₦1.3 billion for NECO and ₦1.6 billion for WAEC to ensure students could receive their certificates.