The chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Saturday, visited the scene of the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, describing the incident as devastating and sad.

In a statement on the incident, the NGF chairman expressed shock at the quantum of the casualties and the magnitude of the burns suffered by the survivors.

AbdulRazaq’s statement signed by his chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, added: “The Forum is saddened by the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State, in which dozens of people have been killed or injured,” according to a statement of the Forum.

“The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umar Bago, the families who have lost loved ones, and our other compatriots who got injured in the explosion.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in the incident, and we wish those injured quick healing.

“Again, we call on our compatriots to act with extreme caution and absolute respect for life at all times, and especially in time of grave danger such as during petrol spill.

“The Forum prays for the repose of the souls of the dead victims.”

The Ogun State government is to recruit 1,000 personnel into the state security network otherwise called Amotekun to the existing 1,000 corps.

“Governor @DapoAbiodunCON has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional Amotekun Corps personnel, increasing the total to over 2,000, to enhance security across Ogun State,” the state government said in a statement.

Mr Abiodun disclosed this at the passing-out parade of 690 Batch D trainees, which took place at the Ogun State Stadium in Sagamu, on Saturday.

Mr Abiodun, at the ceremony, also “pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other resources to support their operations.”

Stressing the corps’ role in grass-roots security and reduction of unemployment, the governor commended the trainees for their discipline and urged them to focus on intelligence gathering and community policing.

Commandant of the corps, Alade Adedigba, who highlighted the trainees’ preparedness, appreciated the government for its support.

 The ceremony also featured awards and cultural activities.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, says she does not want the consequences of “terrible governments” like Nigeria to play out in Britain.

Badenoch spoke on Thursday while delivering her first speech of the year at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank producing research on economic and social issues.

Speaking on the importance of building trust and touting the Conservative Party as the right group to fix Britain, the politician likened a possibility of the UK becoming like Nigeria if the system is not reformed.

“And why does this matter so much to me? It’s because I know what it is like to have something and then to lose it,” Badenoch told the audience.

“I don’t want Britain to lose what it has.

“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer, despite working harder and harder as their money disappeared with inflation.

“I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life.

“So I have lived with the consequences of terrible governments that destroy lives, and I never, ever want it to happen here.”

Badenoch’s comments are a resumed criticism of Nigeria, her country of origin — an approach that has provoked disapproval from Nigerian leaders, including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Shettima accused Badenoch of “constantly denigrating” her homeland.

Before she was elected leader of the Tories, Badenoch described Nigeria as a socialist nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.

In a separate interview, she accused the Nigerian police of robbing her and stealing her brother’s shoes.

She has also hinted at walking miles to get water while she lived in Nigeria despite having wealthy parents.

Amid the backlash from Nigerians, a spokesperson for the politician said Badenoch is not interested in laundering Nigeria’s image.

The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu O. Jaji, has urged fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends, following the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured on Saturday.

In an interview with our correspondent, Jaji emphasised the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.

He expressed concern over the rising frequency of tanker explosions and fuel station fire incidents, warning that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.

Highlighting the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, Jaji described it as a highly fatal risk. “Fuel vapours and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.

“Your life is worth more than a few liters of fuel,” he added, stressing that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal, urging the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.

The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophic events.

Engr. Jaji extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.

He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.

As the nation mourns, Jaji stressed the importance of prioritising safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.

Furthermore, Jaji reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift amendment of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review in the National Assembly. He argued that the outdated law was inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needed to be modernised to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents in the future.

The 16th Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments on President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Sanusi II, who spoke earlier in the week during an event held in Lagos to honour the late human rights activist and legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, expressed disappointment over what he described as the sensationalisation and misrepresentation of his words.

The monarch’s initial remarks sparked nationwide reactions after he stated that he had chosen “not to help the government” by explaining benefits of the administration’s reforms. “I have decided not to speak about the economy or the reforms, nor to explain anything regarding them. If I explained, it would only benefit this government, and I don’t want to aid this government,” he was quoted as saying.

His statement also included sharp criticism of the government’s communication strategies. “They don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing. But I’m not going to help,” he added.

The comments drew public backlash, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, accusing Sanusi II of prioritising personal interests over national duty. “We find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice, would publicly admit to shuffling off telling the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism,” Mohammed said in a statement on Thursday.

But, Sanusi II has clarified that his remarks were taken out of context, reducing the broader message of his speech to a single paragraph. He insisted that his speech supported the government’s reforms while acknowledging the sacrifices Nigerians were enduring due to years of economic mismanagement.

“They took one paragraph out of context and sensationalized it,” Sanusi II said. “Nothing about the nuanced support given to the government. That there are arguments supporting the reforms. That we are paying a price for decades of mismanagement before Tinubu. That there is light at the end of the tunnel. That we should all pray and support the system and talk about the good things happening.”

He also emphasised that his speech served as a counter-narrative to critiques of the government during the event. He stated that his remarks were ideologically charged but misunderstood, adding that his reference to “friends” in government was a coded message meant for specific individuals.

“There is just no point dragging the matter. Hopefully, at some point, those in government will recognize I was speaking for them in an ideologically charged environment,” he said.

Despite the backlash, Sanusi II urged Nigerians to move forward, noting that, “This too shall come to pass.”

President Bola Tinubu’s trip to Lagos for the yuletide has stalled the handing over of the N704.91 million generated from the 50% salary cuts of members of the House of Representatives.

A top official of the National Assembly bureaucracy disclose this to LEADERSHIP Sunday on condition of anonymity.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had at plenary on December 19, 2024 said the House would on December 31 last year present N704.91 million to Tinubu for assistance of vulnerable Nigerians who were worst hit by the removal of petrol subsidy.

The House had on July 18, 2024 adopted an amendment to a motion of urgent public importance proposed by the deputy speaker,  Hon.  Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia) that lawmakers should contribute 50% of their monthly salaries of N600,000 to assist Nigerians during the challenging times.

Speaking with our correspondent, the National Assembly bureaucrat said; “It is true that the money was put together for onward delivery to the president so that the executive can use it in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

“But we all know that President Tinubu traveled to Lagos for the yuletide from December 18 where he stayed for three weeks before he returned to Abuja. Since then, the National Assembly which the House is part of is engrossed in budget defence.”

The House spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi and his deputy, Hon. Agbese, were yet to respond to LEADERSHIP’s enquiries on the matter at the time of filing this report.

Another tragedy from the recurring fuel tanker explosions struck yesterday at Dikko Junction, Niger State.

Scores of residents, who rushed to the scene to scoop the content were killed while several others were injured and rushed to the hospital by rescue workers for treatment.

Officials of the rescue team, who included personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said 60 bodies of the victims were recovered.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the explosion occurred at about 10am yesterday at Dikko Junction in Gurara local government area of the state.

The vehicle laden with 60,000 litres of petrol caught fire near a fuel station when the body detached from the head and spilled fuel on the surroundings.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker was coming from the Kaduna axis of the Abuja-Kaduna Highway when the explosion occurred.

 

One of the eyewitnesses said the fuel truck with registration number KBG 103 XA belonged to HMY Oil and Gas and was driven by one Mohammed Modu from Jere in Kaduna State.

Also, a shop owner at Dikko Junction, Mohammed Aliyu, told LEADERSHIP Sunday that “the fatality rate was high because some of the residents disregarded the danger warning and were scooping the product when the body of the tanker detached and the product started spilling.

“While some succeeded in scooping the product and escaped, several others were not lucky as the inferno intensified and the tanker as well as another parked near the filling station exploded simultaneously,” he said.

The sector commander of the FRSC, Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed to LEADERSHIP Sunday that 60 bodies were recovered from the spot.

He said the tanker with 60,000 litres of PMS was to be delivered in Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when the disaster occurred

Tsukwam said the tank detached from the body of the vehicle and the product spilled leading to an explosion and intense fire that burnt the victims beyond recognition.

He said, “The body detached from its head leading to a fall of the tanker which resulted in the spilling of the fuel on the ground. A large crowd of people gathered to scoop the product despite efforts to stop them.

“Suddenly, the tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker. So far, 60 corpses have been recovered from the scene and the victims are mostly scavengers. The fire has been put out and gradually the road is opened to the motoring public.”

Also, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Abdullahi Baba Arah, said the spilled PMS got in contact with a generating set that was on, thereby triggering the explosion.

He said, “At present, NSEMA in collaboration with NEMA, Suleja LGA Emergency Committee and good-hearted volunteers are carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations to rescue the injured who have been moved to the hospital for treatment and to recover the corpses of the deceased.”

Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago has expressed shock over the incident.

In a statement issued yesterday by his chief press secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor described the explosion as “worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.”

He sympathised with the families of the victims and prayed that God would repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured.

The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

He directed all the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to do the needful and the security agencies to ensure security in the area.

Prof. Wande Abimbola, a former Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the Third Republic Senate Majority Leader, has disclosed his involvement in the selection of the new Alaafin of Oyo, stating that the kingmakers were thoroughly consulted.

Speaking with Tribune, Abimbola, who has been the Awise Awo Agbaye (World Spokesperson for Ifa) since 1981, emphasised the pivotal role of Ifa divination in the process.

He described the event as a landmark moment, marking the first time in modern Yoruba history that Ifa played a decisive role in the selection of a prominent traditional ruler.

“For the first time in modern times in Yorubaland, Ifa played a key role in the selection of a prominent oba,” he said.

“In the past, that was the norm across Yorubaland. Ifa would select the successor to a deceased king without the influence of money or political position. But in recent times, that tradition has been abandoned in favour of financial and political influence.”

Abimbola recounted the events leading to the selection, saying, "They claimed to have resolved it, and for a long time, nothing happened. I returned home for my son's wedding in Lagos, and when the governor heard I was around, he said he was about to summon me again."

He explained that he was ready to proceed, but the kingmakers were in disarray. Some were even investigated by the EFCC over allegations of receiving large sums of money.

"Two days ago, I was summoned again. The governor reminded me that names had been presented last year and asked which one should proceed. I reaffirmed that the choice made by Ifa remained the best.

"Fortunately, when the selected candidate was screened, no issues were found — he had a clean record. The announcement was then made in his favour."

Abimbola explained, "Even in modern times, our culture requires consulting Ifa. It may not be the primary selection method, but it is a critical part of our tradition. The kingmakers were not sidelined — they were present during the consultation.

"However, they were divided. Two of them accused others of giving them smaller shares of a bribe, leading to EFCC investigations where confessions were made.

"On the other hand, the rest took the government to court, insisting their candidate, influenced by money, must be installed. With the split among the five remaining kingmakers, the governor appointed two warrant chiefs to participate in the process.

"This is a standard practice when there is no consensus among the kingmakers. Ultimately, four kingmakers endorsed the candidate chosen by Ifa, and the process was legitimate."

When asked if Ifa could be wrong, he responded firmly: "Ifa does not make mistakes. It never does."

Rt. Rev Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, the Bishop of Warri Catholic Diocese, has suspended one his priests identified as Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe for entering into marriage.

The Bishop said that Oghenerukevwe is now prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the diocese of Warri in any capacity.

This was made known in a statement jointly signed by the Bishop, and Very Rev. Fr. Clement. A, who serves as the Chancellor/Notary of the diocese.

The statement alleged that Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with one Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on 29 December 2024, noting that the footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media.

By his this action, the church said that Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon law of the church.

“Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.

“On November 30, 2024, Rev Fr Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, who has been out of active ministry and without any official assignment in the United States of America, contacted me with a request to be released from all canonical obligations and responsibilities associated with Holy Orders within the Roman Catholic Church.

“The Diocese of Warri reached out to Fr. Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process. However, on December 29, 2024, Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA. Footage of this marriage has been widely circulated on social media.

“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333). He retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of this decree in accordance with Canon 1734 §1 whenever he demonstrates a willingness to reform.

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement said.

Former manager of gospel artist, Mercy Chinwo, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has broken his silence after allegations of diversions of funds and withholding royalties levelled against him by the singer. 

Recalls that a Federal High Court in Lagos had on Thursday ordered Onyedikachukwu’s arrest over claims of embezzling $345,000.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed the motion, accusing Onyedikachukwu of diverting funds and withholding royalties from Chinwo’s digital music platforms and event earnings.

The prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, who represented the EFCC, cited legal provisions under the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as grounds for the arrest.

The EFCC had announced that if Onyedikachukwu is not apprehended, they will issue a public summons to declare him wanted.

The court, however, adjourned the case until January 24 for arraignment of the manager.

But, the EeZee Conceptz CEO, while reacting to the allegations by Chinwo in an Instagram post on Friday, accused the gospel singer of being ungrateful, stating that she breached their contract.

“You have received over $625,000 from EeZee Conceptz to date, yet you spread falsehoods about a bad contract,” Onyedikachukwu wrote, adding, “You pursued me for years and even involved third parties to secure a deal, yet now you weaponize law enforcement and religious organizations against me.”

He alleged that Chinwo failed to fulfill her obligations under their agreement, including the delivery of a third album, and withheld funds intended for the label.

“It’s disheartening to see lies being spread and efforts to weaponize law enforcement and religious affiliations against me. I invested my blood, sweat, and hard-earned money into you. I housed you for months before securing two-bedroom apartments for both you and your band leader.

“You breached our contract by failing to deliver a third album and withholding funds meant for the label from content and events. When this happened, I didn’t attack you. Instead, I reached out, proposing a reconciliation meeting and even suggesting an independent audit for transparency,” he wrote.

Onyedikachukwu also revealed his previous encounter with the EFCC and claimed that he was illegally detained for nine days in a location far from Lagos, during which $274,000 was allegedly extorted from him.

“Last year, I was illegally detained by EFCC for nine days, far from Lagos, where our business took place. Under duress, $274,000 was extorted. Yet, I still didn’t resort to dragging you publicly. As a law-abiding citizen, I chose to follow the legal processes outlined in the contract you signed with Eezee Conceptz.

“If your hands are clean, why avoid the Multidoor resolution process in our agreement? Why manipulate institutions to bully me? You deny the contract when it speaks of your obligations and our benefits, but quote it when it benefits you.

“Discrediting same document that you have hugely benefited from. Kindly post your bank statements and songs recorded 3years before you were signed and 3years after you got signed.

“You’re now attempting to claim ownership of a catalogue I fully funded.. a body of work you never contributed financially to.

“For years, you’ve received both quarterly royalties and immediate remittances from the 50/50 agreement, but this greed and betrayal that persists are beyond comprehension.

“Let me remind you: I founded the label that built your platform, put food on your table, and gave you opportunities beyond your dreams. Through God’s grace, I did this, and no one can erase the role Eezee Concept played in building your influence…

“I’ll continue to act lawfully, trusting the legal system and God to defend my peace and reputation. As Proverbs 17:13 says, “Whoever repays good with evil, evil will never depart from their house,” he added.