Telecom companies have begun to cut off around 66 million phone connections nationwide to enforce the directive from the federal government regarding the connection of the National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

Naija News reports that this step was taken following numerous extensions and cautions Nigerians to adhere to the policy aimed at enhancing national security and simplifying the identification process.

It’s important to note that as of March 2024, 153 million out of 219 million active mobile lines on networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile were already linked to the NIN, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This leaves approximately 66 million lines at risk of being disconnected.

Due to the issue of unverified NINs, there were brief interruptions in service across the country between July 28 and 29, causing widespread disruptions.

Financial records from the first half of 2024 indicate that MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa blocked 13.5 million lines for failing to comply with the NIN-SIM connection rule.

MTN reported blocking 8.6 million lines, while Airtel claimed that 8.7 million of its customers had successfully verified their NINs.

Telecom companies, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have advised subscribers at risk of losing their service to connect their NIN to prevent permanent disconnection.

Subscribers whose services have been suspended still can reactivate them by visiting any of the telecom providers’ service centers or NIMC offices to finish the verification process.

The NCC issued the directive in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) requires all mobile phone users in Nigeria to link their SIM cards to their unique NIN.

This policy, introduced in 2020, was a part of the government’s strategy to reduce insecurity, fraud, and criminal activities enabled by unregistered or improperly registered phone lines.

After several postponements of the deadlines by the NCC since December 2023, the NCC announced in August that it anticipated that no SIM cards would be operational without a confirmed National Identification Number (NIN) by September 15.

A representative from the NCC confirmed the deactivation of lines, explaining that lines not in compliance would be prevented from making calls, sending text messages, or utilizing mobile data until they successfully complete the connection procedure.

“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest,” the NCC representative told Leadership.

He defended the NIN-SIM linkage as crucial to national security, adding that the policy is intended to create a central database that can be used to track criminal activity, verify identity, and enhance digital financial inclusion.

“Unregistered and unlinked SIMs have been identified as tools frequently used in the perpetration of criminal activities such as kidnapping, terrorism, and financial fraud. The NIN-SIM linkage is an essential step in safeguarding the nation and ensuring the integrity of our telecom infrastructure,” he added.

Naija News reports that despite facing backlash, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has stood firm in its dedication to the policy, stating that those who do not follow it could potentially lose access to essential mobile services.

Recently, the president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, following visits to various telecommunications centers, expressed his dissatisfaction with the NIN-SIM registration process, describing it as terrible.

Ogungbanjo, therefore, pleaded for the NCC to consider pushing back the deadline due to the technological issues encountered during the registration process last week.

“I believe they should consider extending it for a week, and the NCC should be commended for these delays,” he remarked.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has corrected a mistake made on the nationwide petrol price statement it released earlier on Monday.

Early Monday morning, NNPCL gave a chart breakdown of the refined petrol product it bought from Dangote Refinery.

“The NNPC Ltd. has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country.

“The estimated prices are based on negotiated terms between NNPC Ltd. and Dangote Refinery which recognise the current international gasoline prices and the prevailing foreign exchange rate in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“The NNPC Ltd. can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.

“We reassure Nigerians that any discount from the Dangote Refinery will be passed on 100% to the general public,” it read.

While in the first press statement on Monday had a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee of ₦8.99, the second statement showed ₦4.495.

The first statement had an inspection fee of ₦0.97, a margin fee of ₦26.48 and a distribution fee of ₦15.

In the second statement on Monday, there were no inspection fee and marging fee, while the distribution fee was changed to ₦42.45.

The second statement also had an additional Midstream and Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) of ₦4.495.

Chart of second statement

Chart of first statement

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on Sunday in Los Angeles, celebrated the best of television, with several standout performances and shows making history.

The Television Academy took to social media on Monday, congratulating the winners and encouraging fans to watch the ceremony via streaming on Hulu.

FX’s “Shogun” stole the spotlight with a record-breaking haul of 18 Emmys, sweeping categories like Best Drama, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

HBO’s “Hacks” also surprised viewers by winning Best Comedy Series, while Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” claimed the prestigious Best Limited Series award.

Hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, the ceremony took place at L.A.’s Peacock Theater and was broadcast live on ABC.

Adding to the night’s festivities, the Governor’s Award was presented to producer Greg Berlanti, with Matt Bomer and Joshua Jackson leading the tribute.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key winners from the night:

Best Drama Series

The Crown (Netflix)
Fallout (Prime Video)
The Gilded Age (HBO)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
Shogun (FX) (WINNER)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
3 Body Problem (Netflix)

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Anna Sawai (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Netflix)
Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba (Hijack, Apple TV+)
Donald Glover (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Walton Goggins (Fallout, Prime Video)
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Dominic West (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Drama Series

The Crown (Netflix)
Fallout (Prime Video)
The Gilded Age (HBO)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
Shogun (FX) (WINNER)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
3 Body Problem (Netflix)

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Anna Sawai (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Netflix)
Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba (Hijack, Apple TV+)
Donald Glover (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Walton Goggins (Fallout, Prime Video)
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Dominic West (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Christine Baranski (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Nicole Beharie (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown, Netflix) (WINNER)
Greta Lee (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Lesley Manville (The Crown, Netflix)
Karen Pittman (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Holland Taylor (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Tadanobu Asano (Shogun, FX)
Billy Crudup (The Morning Show, Apple TV+) (WINNER)
Mark Duplass (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Jon Hamm (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Takehiro Hira (Shogun, FX)
Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Jonathan Pryce (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary (ABC)
The Bear (FX)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO/Max)
Hacks (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Reservation Dogs (FX)
What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows, FX)
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO/Max)
Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs, FX)

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Ayo Edebiri (The Bear, FX)
Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Maya Rudolph (Loot, Apple TV+)
Jean Smart (Hacks, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale, Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Lionel Boyce (The Bear, FX)
Paul W. Downs (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live, NBC)

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Carol Burnett (Palm Royale, Apple TV+)
Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Hannah Einbinder (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Janelle James (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)

Best Limited or Anthology Series

Baby Reindeer (Netflix) (WINNER)
Fargo (FX)
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
Ripley (Netflix)
True Detective: Night Country (HBO/Max)

Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Jon Hamm (Fargo, FX)
Tom Hollander (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, FX)
Andrew Scott (Ripley, Netflix)

Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Brie Larson (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Juno Temple (Fargo, FX)
Sofía Vergara (Griselda, Netflix)
Naomi Watts (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Robert Downey Jr. (The Sympathizer, HBO/Max)
Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
John Hawkes (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)
Lamorne Morris (Fargo, FX) (WINNER)
Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Treat Williams (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Dakota Fanning (Ripley, Netflix)
Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge, Hulu)
Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Aja Naomi King (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Diane Lane (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)
Nava Mau (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Netflix)
Mimi Leder (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Hiro Murai (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Frederick E.O. Toye (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Saul Metzstein (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie

Weronika Tofilska (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
Noah Hawley (Fargo, FX)
Gus Van Sant (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, FX)
Millicent Shelton (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Steven Zaillian (Ripley, Netflix) (WINNER)
Issa López (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Randall Einhorn (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Christopher Storer (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Ramy Youssef (The Bear, FX)
Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen, Netflix)
Lucia Aniello (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Mary Lou Belli (The Ms. Pat Show, BET)

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Peter Morgan, Meriel Sheibani-Clare (The Crown, Netflix)
Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner (Fallout, Prime Video)
Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks (Shogun, FX)
Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente (Shogun, FX)
Will Smith (Slow Horses, Apple TV+) (WINNER)

Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Charlie Brooker (Black Mirror, Netflix)
Noah Hawley (Fargo, FX)
Ron Nyswaner (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Steven Zaillian (Ripley, Netflix)
Issa López (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Christopher Storer (The Bear, FX)
Meredith Scardino, Sam Means (Girls5eva, Netflix)
Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky (Hacks, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider (The Other Two, HBO/Max)
Jake Bender, Zach Dunn (What We Do in the Shadows, FX)

Best Writing for a Variety Special

Alex Edelman: Just for Us (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees (Netflix)
John Early: Now More Than Ever (HBO/Max)
Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool (Netflix)
The Oscars (ABC)

Best Talk Series

The Daily Show (Comedy Central) (WINNER)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
Late Night With Seth Meyers (NBC)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (CBS)

Best Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race (CBS)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Traitors (Peacock) (WINNER)
The Voice (NBC)

Best Scripted Variety Series

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu never signed a peace accord when he was a presidential candidate.

The clergyman stated this in Benin City, during the Edo Election Security Townhall.

He warned that the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord to shun electoral violence sends a wrong signal to Nigerians.

Naija News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign the peace pact over some allegations levelled against the police.

Kukah, one of the conveners of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the group can’t force any candidate to sign the peace pact which has become an electoral ritual in the last decade.

He said, “The National Peace Committee, what we do is not in the Electoral Act, it’s not law; it’s moral. You can’t compel people to fall in love or love their neighbour.

“If you go back to the 2019 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the presidential candidate for the PDP, was not there to sign the Peace Accord. And of course, the opposition went to town, which is what it ought to be, and the next day, he (Atiku) turned up to sign.

“What is also very interesting is that the current president, when he was a presidential candidate, did not sign; it wasn’t our fault that the political opposition didn’t take advantage of it.

“It’s a pity but we are not going to take anybody to court for not signing the Peace Accord. The only thing it does to you as a candidate is that it sends a wrong signal which can be very easily exploited by the opposition.”

In a landmark development that promises to transform Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Refinery has commenced the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

This initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, represents a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imported refined products.

It also underscores the federal government’s commitment to easing pressure on the Naira and increasing the availability of petroleum products within the domestic market.

During the unveiling event at the Dangote Refinery, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

Edun highlighted that the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that no raw materials leave Nigeria without adding value domestically.

The Minister also praised Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group for realizing this vision through the establishment of the refinery.

He commended the technical sub-committee, chaired by Federal Inland Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, for its role in implementing the Naira-based crude sales to local refineries.

Edun, accompanied by Adedeji and other members of the Technical Subcommittee, toured the refinery’s advanced facilities.

The tour showcased the refinery’s capacity to add local value and reduce reliance on imported refined products.

Edun expressed admiration for the refinery’s technological advancements and its potential to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs efficiently.

According to a statement released by Mohammed Manga Director, Information and Public Relations, the Minister witnessed the loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery, marking a milestone in the domestic supply of refined petroleum products.

Although the official Naira-based sale of crude oil is set to commence on October 1st, this event symbolizes a major step forward.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, has approved the supply of crude oil to domestic refineries, including Dangote’s, with payments to be made in Naira.

“From October 1st, NNPCL will supply approximately 385,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, payable in Naira,” Edun announced.

The Minister urged other domestic refiners to join this initiative, not only to meet national needs but also to facilitate legal exports to neighboring countries, enhancing foreign exchange revenue and supporting economic growth.

With the commencement of PMS supply in Naira, Nigeria is poised to make substantial strides towards its energy goals.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has arrived in Minna, Niger’s capital, to meet with Ibrahim Babangida, the ex-head of state.

Obasanjo arrived in Minna Sunday evening after felicitating Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, in Edo State, over his 90th birthday.

The meeting with Babangida also had Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, and Aliyu Gusau, an ex-national security adviser (NSA), in attendance.

Kehinde Akinyemi, media aide to Obasanjo, confirmed the meeting.

It was not immediately clear what issues were discussed by the former Nigerian leaders, but multiple reports said the meeting was connected with pressing national issues that border on the current economic challenges.

However, Akinyemi said Obasanjo visited the former head of state to also celebrate his birthday.

Babangida turned 83 in August.

Akinyemi said Obasanjo was unable to be present during Babangida’s birthday due to his busy schedule.

“The opportunity came yesterday, hence the visits to both Benin and Minna,” he said.

Akinyemi said Obasanjo noted Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria and celebrated his good health.

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after a two-week trip to China and the United Kingdom (UK).

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to the president, disclosed the arrival in a post on his X page.

The president arrived Nigeria just before midnight on Sunday, September 15, and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by some members of the administration and heads of security agencies.

They include George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation; Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory.

Tinubu left Abuja for China on August 29 but stopped in Dubai before arriving in Beijing on September 1.

During his trip, Tinubu met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders signed five memoranda of understanding (MoU).

The MoUs cut across trade, infrastructural investments, media cooperation, and security improvements.

Tinubu said he was committed to replicating Chinese infrastructure in Nigeria.

The president left Beijing for London and met with King Charles III on September 12.

In a statement, Onanuga had said Tinubu and King Charles discussed issues pertaining to climate change.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says petrol will be sold at N950.22 per litre across all its retail outlets in Lagos.

In a social media post on Monday, the NNPC said the estimated pump price is based on prices set by the Dangote refinery for its petroleum products.

According to the price map shared by the NNPC, residents in the northern part of Nigeria will pay more for the product, with those in Borno expected to pay the highest petrol pump price of N1,019.22.

“The NNPC Ltd also wishes to state that, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), PMS prices are not set by Government, but negotiated directly between parties on an arms length,” the NNPC said.

“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024. The NNPC Ltd assures that if the quoted pricing is disputed, it will be grateful for any discount from the Dangote Refinery, which will be passed on 100% to the general public.

“Attached to this statement are the estimated pump prices of PMS (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) across NNPC Retail Stations in the country, based on September 2024 pricing.”

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Illiya Damagum, has declared that the party is fully prepared to defend its votes in the upcoming September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, even if it requires sacrificing their blood.

Speaking at the grand finale of the PDP’s campaign rally in Edo, Damagum also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing results in the middle of the night, a tactic often viewed with suspicion.

He made it clear that the party would closely monitor the process to prevent any underhand tactics.

Damagum also urged voters to be vigilant during the election, stating that the outcome in Edo would serve as a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy.

Addressing the crowd, Damagum said, “To INEC, we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen.”

“And, we know they will rig the election, this is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.

“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”

He further stressed that any attempt to subvert the will of the people would lead to chaos, but the PDP would stand firm against any such efforts.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, assured the people that the party would not be intimidated.

He boldly stated, “We cannot be intimidated. We will tell them we know how to win election. No body will rig us out. Edo is the cradle of civilization and intellectual in Nigeria, you must not settle for anything less. So, vote for Ighodalo.”

PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, also spoke at the event, highlighting the work of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who he said has laid the groundwork for the state’s future. Ighodalo promised to continue from where Obaseki left off if elected.

Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, added that Edo would not succumb to external influence, referencing the state’s history of standing firm in its political choices.

“Edo is not Lagos, and it won’t become Lagos. Come out, vote, protect your votes, and ensure they are counted. If you do this, no one will be able to alter the results, and the PDP will emerge victorious on September 21,” he said.

The event was attended by key dignitaries, including PDP governors, Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of the Board of Trustees, and other prominent figures from the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives.

The Edo State Government has appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to instruct security agencies to halt attacks on unarmed Edo residents ahead of next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the government also urged international communities to pressure President Tinubu to ensure that the electorate can vote for the political party they believe is best suited to lead the state for the next four years.

State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, made the call on Sunday at a press conference in Benin City.

Nehikhare stated that the call was prompted by findings from the government’s intelligence, which allegedly uncovered plans to arrest party members before and during the election, recruit 200 militants and fake police officers to undermine the electoral process in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged that these plots are being orchestrated by APC leaders and chieftains in the state.

He also claimed that security agencies, especially the police, are attacking unarmed and innocent Edo residents and Nigerians simply because they want a free, fair, and credible election.

According to him, “We are using this press conference to call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to order the security agencies, especially the police, to stop the attacks on unarmed and innocent Edo people and Nigerians. These people have done nothing wrong except that they want a free, fair, and credible election so they can vote for the candidate of their choice.”

“We also call on the International Community, including the embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to pressure President Tinubu so that the electorate in Edo can cast their votes for whoever they believe is best to lead their state for the next four years.”

“Despite all the appeals made to the police to end the indiscriminate arrest of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they have deployed additional squads of policemen from outside Edo State to begin the massive arrest of PDP chieftains perceived to be politically influential in their constituencies, in order to facilitate the manipulation of elections in those areas.”

“Our intelligence has also uncovered the massive production of masks and police uniforms by APC agents to disguise their thugs, who they plan to deploy to disrupt voting processes in units and wards where they know they do not stand a chance of victory. Only recently, an APC chieftain was seen wearing one of those uniforms, and the police even defended such blatant impersonation.”

“We have also uncovered plans by the House of Representatives member representing Ovia Constituency, who has allegedly engaged about 200 militants to disrupt election materials and officials in the riverine areas of the state, from Ologbo and Nikorogha to Siluko.

“We understand that these militants have already been transported into the state and lodged in various hotels. We are providing this information for security agencies to act swiftly to arrest or dislodge these thugs and thwart these plans.”

“We are also aware of plans allegedly orchestrated by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to engage the Commander of Mopol 60 and his men to provide protection around Senator Oshiomhole’s residence in Iyamho. This would allow the senator and his supporters to take the ballot papers and election materials into his premises and thumbprint all the ballot papers for APC, leaving other parties with no chance of fair votes.”

“In the last elections, we provided similar information which was ignored. The BVAS report confirmed our report as 210 people were accredited but over 1000 votes were recorded.”

“Having confirmed that they cannot win in Okpella, Lampese, Fugar, Ibillo, and Agenebode, the APC has planned to use thugs disguised in the masks and police uniforms they produced to disrupt the electoral process and intimidate voters in those areas.”

“In Egor Local Government Area, the APC has assembled thugs at the home of Crosby Eribo and other locations in the neighborhood under the protection of the Textile Mill Police Station to disrupt the voting process in Egor Local Government,” he alleged.

The commissioner further alleged that plans have been uncovered to redeploy all security officials attached to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, leaving him without protection and vulnerable before and during election day.

DAILY POST recalls that during the Independent National Electoral Commission’s stakeholders’ meeting on the state governorship election in Benin City, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun stated that police escorts attached to VIPs would be withdrawn on the eve of the election.

Egbetokun assured that alternative security arrangements would be provided across the state to ensure security.