The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has stated that the Commission is fully prepared for the governorship election in Edo State on September 21.

Naija News reports that the INEC boss emphasized that there are currently no anticipated security threats.

Addressing the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, Yakubu assured that there have been no reports suggesting any security risks during the election.

Although a political party raised concerns about potential security issues during a visit by INEC National Commissioners to the state, there has been no formal report from any political party or candidate indicating a security threat.

Yakubu mentioned that during a meeting with political parties at the INEC office in Benin, the Commissioner of Police assured that any security concerns would be addressed in collaboration with the state government.

He said: “As we speak, we have less than 60 days to the election in Edo state and about 100 days to the election in Ondo state. Is the commission prepared for the elections? We are prepared for the election.

“I must also say that this commission in particular has history of having conducted three governorship elections in each of the two state. We conducted the 2016 governorship election in Edo, in 2020 September and now in September 2024.

“In Ondo, we conducted the election in 2016 October, in 2020 and by God’s grace, in November 2024. So, these are States where we have conducted previous elections successfully.

“I led a team of commissioners to the two states and we interfaced with the stakeholders particularly political parties and held meetings with the security agencies.

“In terms of our preparations, we don’t anticipate much problems in spite of the unfortunate flooding in our office in Edo. This is not the first time. In 2020, we operated from a rented office. But this time around, thank God the act of God came early and so, we have enough time to respond and to conduct the election in our own facility. The election will hold within our own premises.

“What is our concern for the Edo state governorship election? Just like any other election, it is security.

“When we were there (Edo), one of the political parties raised an issue about the likely deployment of the ESSN, the Edo State Security Network.

“Immediately we received the complaint, we headed to the office of the Commissioner of Police and held a meeting with all security agencies in Edo State.

“At that meeting, we agreed that we are going to meet with all the political parties in our office and we did so. The Commissioner of Police told us that he will take up the matter with the state government. The issue at that time was the issue of the Continuous Voter Registration.

“Since then, I am not aware of any complaint from any party or candidate on the role of the ESSN. So, I believe that the Commissioner of Police must have spoken to the leadership of the ESSN. For now, so far so good. I said so far so good. But we have 57 days to the election.”

Amidst lingering crisis, Dangote Refinery has revealed that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, is supplying insufficient crude oil for its production demand, hence it plans for alternative sources from Brazil and America.

Group Chief Commercial Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Rabiu A. Umar made this known while speaking with newsmen in Kano.

Umar who said that NNPC supplies only 33 per cent of crude to the refinery, disclosed that it had to look elsewhere to source the remaining 67 per cent to meet its production capacity.

He said the refinery, which has the capacity of refining 650,000 per day, could not depend on short supply from Nigeria’s oil company.

According to Umar, the refinery had concluded plans to supply crude oil from Brazil and America by August.

“First of all the refinery is here in Nigeria. We have the crude oil here in Nigeria. We thought we would get the crude oil here and refined it here in our refinery for the benefit of the country and the citizens.

“Ironically, the country takes the crude oil overseas for refining while we have a refinery, one of the biggest in the world.

“So, we will not stay idle. We have to look for other sources to meet our production capacity. If we get the crude oil supply here in the country we have no reason to go overseas.

“Even now, we are planning to supply crude oil from countries like Brazil and USA,” he said.

He said the refinery had commenced supplies to foreign countries since February, disclosing that they receive orders from different countries for supply, especially aviation fuel.

The Chief Commercial Officer also revealed that the refinery needs 15 cargos of crude oil in September but NNPCL promised only 5 to it, lamenting that they see the government’s lackadaisical actions towards the refinery as sabotage.

According to him, the refinery should be celebrated and embraced by the government rather than painting it black as it is the biggest employer of labour with over 50,000 workers at the moment.

He emphasized that against the government’s false narratives, the refinery had started on a positive note as the quality of its refined products was world standard.

He said even the House of Representatives, under the leadership of its speaker, visited the refinery, saw the difference and was satisfied with the quality of the products.

The official also said, “We are here to defend ourselves and all the government narratives are not true. We urge the people to take samples of our products to ascertain their quality.

“We will not be deterred by the government’s criticism. We will continue until we reach the promised land,” Umar stated.

Recall, that the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, alongside NNPCL, had been locked up in a dispute, ranging from monopoly allegations to supply of crude for the refinery, substandard fuel imports and ownership of blending plants in Malta

The House of Representatives has announced it will advocate for the dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), if what they perceive as efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery are not halted immediately.

Naija News reports that the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, made this statement while addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

Agbese highlighted that the lawmakers have already called for the removal of the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), expressing concern that both the NNPCL and NMDPRA are intent on sabotaging the Dangote Refinery.

Agbese noted that while many Nigerians have canceled planned protests over hardships, they insist on Kyari’s dismissal to ensure the refinery operates smoothly and supports the nation’s economy.

He emphasized that the House intends to investigate the ongoing conflict between Dangote Refinery and the NMDPRA.

Agbese stated, “We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country.

“It is on record that the House directed the President to sack NMDPRA’s CEO.

“The House of Representatives will not hesitate to call for the sack of Mele Kyari if the attempt to destroy the refinery project, a national asset, does not stop immediately.”

Naija News earlier reported that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recently led a delegation to visit the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.

During the visit, Abbas stated that the insights gained would help inform the House’s legislative actions and strategies.

The Senate has expressed deep regret over the sudden death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC – Anambra South) in London.

A statement by the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South) reads in part: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that the Nigeria Senate announces the passing of our esteemed colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who until his passing represented the Anambra South Senatorial District.

“Senator Uba was an exemplary leader, a committed public servant, and an indefatigable advocate for his constituents. His untimely departure represents a significant loss to the Senate, his community, and the nation at large. 

“Prior to his illustrious career in public service, Senator Ifeanyi Uba distinguished himself as a prominent businessman and philanthropist. As the founder and CEO of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, he made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, fostering economic growth and creating numerous job opportunities.

“Through the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation, his philanthropic endeavors provided scholarships, healthcare, and vital support to the less privileged, profoundly impacting countless lives.

“Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Senator Uba demonstrated unwavering dedication to the progress and development of Anambra South and Nigeria as a whole.

“He was a beacon of hope, a champion of economic empowerment, and a steadfast supporter of legislative reforms aimed at improving the lives of all Nigerians.

“In expressing his condolences, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, remarked, ‘Senator Ifeanyi Uba was a dedicated and passionate legislator whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our nation. His commitment to his constituents and his work in the Senate were exemplary. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.’

“The Nigeria Senate extends our deepest sympathies to Senator Uba’s family, friends, and constituents. We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Anambra State. We pray that they find strength and solace in the legacy of service and dedication he leaves behind. 

“His memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to our nation’s progress will continue to inspire us all.”

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has mourned the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Recall that Ifeanyi Ubah died in London on Saturday

Reacting to the development, Obi, in a statement on his X handle, said Ubah’s death was a rude shock.

“I received a rude shock this morning, the news of the death of my dear younger brother, and Senator Representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.” 

Obi recalled that he was welcomed by Ubah after attending the burial of Chief Pius Onwuzo in Nnewi, Anambra State, on July 12th.

Obi also prayed that God should grant Ubah eternal rest.

“Senator Ubah personally welcomed me at the burial and requested that I visit his house for lunch, to which I pleaded with him to reschedule to another date as I already had several engagements for the day.

“During our discussions on the state of the nation, he told me that he now understands my commitment to the progress of humanity and that he aligns with it.

“He assured me that, despite our party differences, we would work together as a family, in serving our people.

“Similarly, despite party differences, I commended him for his contributions to a better humanity through his Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, via which he cared for the less privileged in society, by investing in their education and health and pulling people out of poverty. I urged him to continue in that direction.

“May God Almighty who called him home, at this time, forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest, and grant his family, the entire Anambra South Senatorial District; Anambra State; Nigeria; and all of us, the fortitude to bear this sad irreplaceable loss.

“God Almighty protect and bless his family always.”

Former President, Donald Trump has issued a stark warning of a potential major war in the Middle East and a possible “third world war” if he does not win the upcoming November election.

This assertion was made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

“If we win, it’ll be very simple. It’s all going to work out and very quickly,” Trump stated. “If we don’t, you’re going to end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war. You are closer to a third world war right now than at any time since the Second World War.”

Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He has frequently suggested that the current administration’s handling of international affairs is pushing the world closer to a global conflict.

The meeting with Netanyahu follows a series of discussions the Israeli Prime Minister had with current U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris, who Biden has endorsed for the Democratic presidential nomination, had a separate “frank and constructive” meeting with Netanyahu, expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also voicing concern for Palestinian suffering in Gaza.

Trump emphasized his administration’s strong support for Israel, highlighting key decisions such as moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal.

He reiterated his commitment to Israel, stating, “We’ve had a good relationship. I was very good to Israel, better than any president’s ever been.”

Meanwhile, the Biden administration remains hopeful for a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Trump criticized the current situation, describing it as “not an acceptable situation” and questioning the condition of those still held hostage

Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator representing Anambra South district in the National Assembly, is dead.

The politician and businessman died in the United Kingdom, UK. Senator Ubah was said to have departed Nigeria for the UK, two days ago.

A source said he died in a UK hospital where he went for an operation.

Recall that Ubah defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Young Progressives Party, YPP, last year.

Also, Ubah, the CEO of Capital Oil, survived an assassination attempt in September 2022.

Three police escorts in the convoy of the Senator were among the persons who died in that incident, which occurred at Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

How Ifeanyi Ubah died

Senator Ubah died during an operation in London, a source close to the lawmaker, has said.

“Yes, he is dead,” the source, who is a friend of the legislator, confirmed.

“We are waiting for the family to issue a statement. We spoke to him three times yesterday, before he went into the theatre for the operation.”

The Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property under the administration of ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, Okoi Obono-Obla, has revealed how he was forced out of office.

Obono-Obla, in an interview with Vanguard, revealed that he was forced out of office by fifth columnists who didn’t want him to investigate some corruption cases.

The human rights activist who was removed a few months after the appointment narrated how the then Attorney General of the Federation wrote letters to him directing him not to investigate some cases.

He, however, disclosed that he was relieved of his duties when he failed to obey the directives of the ex-Attorney General.

Obono-Obla, narrating how he was removed, said, “The patrons of corruption in Nigeria in collusion with fifth columnists in the previous regime were not at ease with my patriotic zeal, courage, resolute, strong character, and uncompromising approach to my schedule and decided to push me out by all means.

“It started as far as January 2018 when I was served a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation directing me what I should not do, including waiting for a mandate because I could investigate any matter. I was also stopped from talking to the media. It doesn’t need clairvoyance to tell one that all was not well when you are directed to wait for a mandate before you investigate cases of financial crime, economic sabotage, or grand corruption.

“However, I disregarded the directives because they were illegal as the law that created the panel had explicitly spelt out the powers of the panel. Then again, on January 31, 2019, I received another letter saying that since I had refused to adhere to that, I should only investigate cases selectively given to me by the powers that be; the panel is suspended until further notice.

“Of course, I knew that the letter was coming from the fifth columnists in the regime, I continued to do my work until 11 August 2019, when I was suspended. While my suspension was pending, the panel was disbanded in September 2019.

“I was investigating some dangerous cases that had remained a no-go area for a long time. Some of them included the $7 billion that was given to banks as bailouts since 2016, which they had refused to pay back; investigating the report of the Judicial Commission into how Nigeria Airways was bankrupted but which report was left to gather dust in government shelves, the failure of oil companies to pay to the federal government royalties and other rental fees amounting to more than $3 billion to mention just but a few.”

The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on protest organizers to shift their focus from the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, to promoting change via democratic elections.

In a statement released on Friday night, the former Kano State Governor emphasized that democratic change through elections is a more effective strategy against an incompetent government than protests.

He argued that sustainable change can only be achieved by exercising the power of the ballot.

Kwankwaso expressed his thoughts on the current challenges facing Nigeria, attributing the nation’s hardships to missteps by leadership since 2007.

He acknowledged that these challenges can be rectified, and the nation can be redirected towards economic development, prosperity, and improved welfare for its citizens.

Kwankwaso pointed out several crises that have arisen from poor governance, including federal interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, political instability in Rivers State, and the widespread insecurity affecting the nation.

According to Kwankwaso, these issues reflect a lack of accountability and transparency among leaders.

While recognizing the recent calls for protests as a sign of the public’s frustration and desire for a better Nigeria, Kwankwaso cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions. He advised Nigerians to harness the power of their votes as the most effective tool for transformation.

Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalates into violence, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and widespread chaos.

The statement read, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.

“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.

“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.

“Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises.

“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country.

“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.

“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.

“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot.

“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.

“I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.

“Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated

The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Isa Ali, disclosed on Friday that members receive about ₦400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).

The lawmaker, representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this revelation during a town hall meeting aimed at keeping his constituents informed of recent developments in the National Assembly and their impacts on the constituency.

According to Hon. Ali, the funds are divided into two major categories:

1. Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs): ₦179 million is allocated to these projects.

2. Special Intervention Projects (SIPs): ₦40 million is designated for these projects.

Constituency Allocation

He further explained that an additional ₦200 million is specifically budgeted for the Billiri/Balanga constituency.

He said, “If you look at part of the bills I’m sponsoring, it is on federal constituencies and senatorial districts fund development to enable every constituency and senatorial district to have major projects. When you move to most of these constituencies, you will not see Federal Government projects apart from the constituency projects done by members of the National Assembly.

“Regarding the amount, particularly in the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the ‘people’s house,’ we are very open. The Zonal Intervention Project has been in existence for the past 20 years, and the money has not changed; it’s ₦179 million.

“We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, it’s ₦40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. The same applies to ZIPs; in previous years, the money remains the same. We have other interventions like the capital intervention for Balanga/Billiri, which is ₦200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above ₦400 million for each constituency.”

Speaking further, the Minority Whip, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, lauded the Federal Government for previously releasing 100 per cent of the projects.

“I’m part of the leadership and I’m working hard to ensure the implementation process commences. We will ensure 100 per cent implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the Federal Government tried by releasing almost 100 per cent of all ZIPs and SIPs,” he added.

Ali assured his constituents of the quality of projects despite the economic situation, saying, “We are working hard. The finances of the country are under serious challenge, but as a leader, I’m working with my colleagues to ensure that this year’s intervention is also 100 per cent by the releases of the Federal Government.”

The Minority Whip disclosed that he inaugurated a committee comprising professionals

to ensure the quality of projects