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We Saw It Coming” – NOA Blames Community Leaders For Deadly Niger Tanker Explosion.

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The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has attributed the recent Niger State tanker explosion that claimed dozens of lives to weak leadership at the community level.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the tragic explosion, which occurred on Tuesday in the Essa community of Katcha Local Government Area, killed 42 people and left over 60 others severely injured. The incident happened after a petrol tanker overturned on the dilapidated Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road and burst into flames as residents attempted to scoop fuel from the spilled tanker.

Speaking on a live television programme, Issa-Onilu described the disaster as “frustrating and entirely avoidable,” noting that early warnings had been issued following a similar incident in Dikko, also in Niger State, earlier this year.

“It’s frustrating, but we saw it coming. After the Dikko explosion, the President instructed us to begin a nationwide sensitisation campaign,” he said, explaining that the agency had collaborated with stakeholders such as community leaders, religious heads, youth groups, and security agencies.

However, Issa-Onilu lamented that public enlightenment alone was not enough to stop such tragedies, stressing that many citizens knowingly ignore safety warnings. He accused local leaders of failing in their responsibility to guide their communities against such dangerous behaviour.

The NOA boss revealed that discussions had been held with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and downstream regulatory bodies to strengthen safety regulations and prevent future disasters.

Condemning the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, Issa-Onilu described it as both criminal and morally wrong. He emphasised that spilled fuel remains private property and that taking it constitutes theft.

“Our values have eroded over time. Parents must question their children’s motives when they attempt to take what does not belong to them. Even that fuel is someone’s investment — taking it is stealing,” he stated.

He urged communities to assist tanker owners in securing their products rather than exploiting accidents for selfish gain, calling for a collective effort to restore moral values and civic responsibility.

Issa-Onilu concluded that preventing such incidents requires a “whole-of-society approach,” rooted in rebuilding Nigeria’s moral and ethical foundations.


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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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