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.”

The unfortunate loss of several members of the National Assembly has marked the last one year.

The 10th Assembly has recorded the death of five members since its inauguration in June 2023.

While the House of Representatives lost four members, the Senate recorded the death of one member.

There are 469 members of the National Assembly, comprising 109 senators and 360 House of Representatives members.

National Assembly members who had died in the last one year are Ekene Adams, Olaide Akinyemi, Isa Dogonyaro, Abdulkadir Danbuga and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died.

Their deaths have left a significant void in the legislative body and impacted the lives of their constituents.

Abdulkadir Danbuga

On October 11, 2023, a member, representing Isa/Sabon Birni Federal constituency of Sokoto State, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, passed on following a brief illness. Danbuga is survived by two wives, many children and grandchildren.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, said the lawmaker’s demise created a void in his immediate family and robbed the people of his constituency of quality and uncompromising representation in the House of Representatives.

“I offer my condolences to his family, constituents, and the people and government of Sokoto State. I also condole with the presiding officers of the House of Representatives and the entire membership over the devastating loss of an eminent colleague,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

Isa Dogonyaro

Isa Dogonyaro, also a member of the House of Representatives, died on May 10, 2024, in Abuja after undisclosed illness.

Dogonyaro represented Garki/Babura Federal constituency of Jigawa State on the platform of the APC.

He was declared the lawful APC candidate for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general election after a court sacked Aminu Kanta who was declared the winner of the primary election in the constituency.

Until his death, Dogonyaro was the deputy chairperson of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control.

Ekene Adams

A member of the House of Representatives representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, on the platform of the Labour Party, Ekene Adams died on July 16, 2024, at 39 after battling ill health.

Until his demise, Adams was the House Committee on Sports chairman.

Before he was elected a federal lawmaker, Adams worked in the Sports sector. He was at different times the general manager of Kada City Football Club in Kaduna State and Remo Stars in Ogun State.

His demise was announced in a statement by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, who described him as “a dedicated public servant, passionate sports administrator, and kind philanthropist”.

Also, the National Chairman of LP, Julius Abure while mourning the death of Adams said the news of his death came to him as a rude shock.

Musiliudeen Akinremi

Still in July, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, Musiliudeen Akinremi, who was representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, died in Abuja.

Akinremi, popularly called Jagaban, died at 51.

He served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.

Akinremi, a member of the APC, was elected in 2019 and won his re-election in 2023.

The lawmaker also reportedly died after battling a brief illness.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

The National Assembly was on Saturday thrown into mourning with the death of the lawmaker representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, was said to have died in London, the United Kingdom.

He would have been 53 on September 3.

Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death to our correspondent on Saturday.

He was the founder of a Nigerian daily newspaper, The Authority. He also founded the Ifeanyi Ubah FC, a football club in the Nigeria Premier League, following its purchase as Gabros International Football Club. He also founded a foundation named after him; Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation.

In 2014, Ubah contested the 2014 Anambra governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party but lost the race.

On February 24, 2019, Ubah was declared the winner of the Anambra South Senatorial elections on the platform of the Young Progressive Party but defected to APC.

Ubah was married to Uchenna Ubah, a Business Administration graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, with whom he had five children

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 Lagos State Police Command has rescued a two-month-old baby boy from a couple, Mr and Mrs James Uwam, during the naming ceremony of the child in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Saturday, said the couple paid N2,350,000 to buy the baby from a suspected child trafficker, Loretta Nelson, who bought the baby from a pastor, Peter Udoh, for N1,450,000.

Hundeyin said Udoh bought the baby for N500,000 from another suspected child trafficker, Gloria Sunday, who allegedly stole the baby on July 11, 2024, a situation that prompted the mother of the baby to report the case to the police.

Following the report, Hundeyin said the police swung to action and arrested Sunday, who led them to arrest other suspects linked to the crime by detectives attached to the Oko Oba Division of the command.

The PPRO said, “Detectives swung into action which led to the arrest of Gloria Sunday who during interrogation confessed to selling the baby for N500,000 to one Pastor Peter Udoh.

“Pastor Udoh, who was subsequently arrested in Ikene Town, Ogun State, admitted reselling the child for N1,450,000 to one Loretta Nelson who was then also apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos.”

Hundeyin said Nelson confessed to selling the baby for N2,350,000 to one Mr. and Mrs. James Uwam who were apprehended during the naming ceremony of the stolen child.

Hundeyin noted that investigations have commenced and the suspects will be arraigned at the court after the investigation.

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.”

Grammy-winning Afro-fusion singer Burna Boy marked the 5th anniversary of his critically acclaimed album “African Giant” with a thrilling YouTube Live show.

The event, supported by YouTube Music, featured Burna Boy performing songs from the album, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a testament to African pride.

The album, released in 2019, is a genre-bending blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, pop, and hip-hop, featuring international collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Jeremih, Future, Damian Marley, and YG.

Burna Boy expressed excitement about the event, saying it was an “incredible experience” to celebrate the album’s anniversary with his fans.

He thanked YouTube Music for helping create the memorable event and his fans for their unwavering support.

He said: “Celebrating the 5th anniversary of ‘African Giant’ with a special performance in London, supported by YouTube Music, has been an incredible experience.

“This album holds a special place in my heart as it represents a pivotal moment in my career and a powerful statement of African pride.

“Performing these songs for my fans, who have supported me every step of the way, is a reminder of the journey we’ve shared and the cultural impact we’ve made together. I’m grateful to YouTube Music for helping us create this memorable event and to all my fans for their unwavering support. Here’s to many more years of making music that resonates and inspires.”

Head of Music at YouTube in Africa, Addy Awofisayo said: “We are thrilled to present Burna Boy on YouTube Music Nights, celebrating the 5th anniversary of his groundbreaking album, African Giant.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, an umbrella body of all the youth groups across the six geopolitical zones, have concluded arrangements to stage a solidarity march from August 1-10.

The solidarity march, according to them, is in  support of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, who, they said, has  been working round the clock to put the nation back to lost glory. 

A statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, National President of CONYL and Junaid Abubakar, National Publicity Secretary said: “The act of governance is not a magic show where what we expect just happen immediately at the same time for viewers on the show.  

“Governance demands we show some patience and tolerance by all waiting for our expected good results.

“President Tinubu is currently doing his best via different policies and programmes which in  due course, will bring about good tidings for our dear country. What we need now is a little patience to enjoy what the future holds for us. 

“Nigerian youths should be aware that some criminals are out there who will want to seize any little opportunity to perpetuate crime by looting and destroying private and public businesses and establishments currently putting food on the table of our follow Nigerians. 

“Though protest is the right of citizens in a democratic setting,,but now, is a wrong timing to engage in such given the current situation at hand. 

“We appeal to all aggrieved youths to shun any form of protest and join us who have seen the good things the future holds in a solidarity march in the 36 states of the federation including Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on 1st August to 10th August, 2024 in support of our nation headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Nigerian comedian Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, has shed light on the challenges female comedians face in Nigeria’s male-dominated stand-up comedy scene.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Real Warri Pikin, 34, highlighted the systemic barriers that contribute to the scarcity of female comedians in the country.

According to Real Warri Pikin, female comedians must overcome significant hurdles to achieve recognition and success.

She described the comedy industry as heavily skewed towards men, requiring women to exert double the effort to stand out.

Despite her own notable success, she admitted facing criticism and derogatory comments from fans, critics, and peers.

Real Warri Pikin recalled her experience during a show in Abuja last year, where she was surprised to find a lack of female comedians among her guests.

She took to social media, asking her followers to recommend female comedians, which led to numerous tags and messages from aspiring performers.

However, she noted that many of these women were struggling due to the male dominance in the industry.

In her words:

“There are not many women that are doing standup comedy right now. I can actually count them. When I did my show in Abuja last year, I was like “no female comedian?” So I did a post on my page and said, “if you know any female comedian wey good, tag am” and I was shocked. I saw a lot of people tagged and I reached out to them via their DMs.

It was only a few of them that had videos of themselves doing standup here and there. I had conversations with them and they will tell you, it’s a male dominated industry. It is hard.

For woman to dey male dominated industry, you need to work twice as hard before they go come talk say na because you fine na why you funny. So I started having conversations with them, talking to them. It’s not easy for this male dominated industry, but you need to know the craft, and you need to be very strategic. I feel like for more female comedians to fill up the space, we need more encouragement.

I remember when I won standup comedian of the year, no be small curse them curse me for comment section, and if other female comedians see those comments, they will go back to their shell. There are a lot of very funny female comedians but there are a lot of factors.

First, you’re a woman. For you to be woman for this part of the world, the world don give you 1-0. And then the society, and then there’s how people see women.

Even till now, I still get it, as big as I am. You just need to ojiri as a woman. When you don understand the dynamics around the industry, you need to chop ojiri tell yourself all die na die. I must do it regardless.“

Several reactions have followed a video interview of a popular Yoruba movie actor, Femi Adebayo, in which he narrated his experience slapping his father, Adebayo Salami, better known as Oga Bello, on a movie set.

The Jagun Jagun hero shared his experience while he was a guest on a show and spoke about acting with his father.

According to Femi Adebayo, the event happened when he acted the role of a notorious armed robber in the 2008 hit movie Taiwo Taiwo, a movie by Box Office queen, filmmaker and actress, Funke Akindele.

According to the movie star, he had gone into a man’s house to rob, which was his father. On getting there, he demanded the money they had come for, but the man [Oga Bello] was stubborn.

Femi Adebayo remarked that he subconsciously raised his hand and landed it on his father’s cheeks. The actor affirmed that his action was not in the script and felt quite sorry afterwards. In his defence, he perpetrated the act to give more life to his role as a notorious armed robber in the movie.

Nonetheless, Femi Adebayo, who recently won a piracy case, confessed to tendering an apology to his father after the scene. However, his father commended him and told him that he would have been in trouble if he had not slapped him.