By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised the alarm over the circulation of suspected fake and adulterated beverages, warning that they may be contributing to liver and kidney diseases among young people.

The association recalled previous incidents involving suspected adulterated drinks in parts of the state in which at least 50 people reportedly died, and called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to rid the market of counterfeit alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The NMA Chairman in Ondo State, Dr Roland Bola Arohunmolase, raised the concern in Akure while speaking with journalists, saying doctors were encountering liver cirrhosis and kidney disease among younger patients in age groups where such conditions were considered uncommon.

He said the association could not yet provide a definitive number of cases linked to suspected adulterated drinks because investigations were ongoing, but described the changing age profile of patients as worrisome.

“Traditionally, when you profile some diseases, there are certain age groups in which you do not commonly find them. When a disease no longer conforms to its traditional profile, it becomes a cause for concern,” he said.

Arohunmolase said cases of liver cirrhosis among teenagers and liver and kidney diseases among people aged between 22 and 30 required closer medical investigation.

“For instance, I don’t expect a child of 15 years or someone between 15 and 18 to develop liver cirrhosis. You begin to wonder why that would happen. Similarly, we are finding liver cirrhosis and kidney disease among young people between the ages of 22 and 30. I think it calls for caution,” he said.

The NMA chairman identified the consumption of unhealthy or adulterated beverages as a possible risk factor, while stressing that further investigations were necessary to establish the causes of individual cases.

He recalled previous incidents in Odigbo and Irele involving suspected adulterated drinks, which reportedly claimed at least 50 lives, as well as an earlier incident in Ilere linked to methanol consumption.

He warned that methanol, an industrial chemical, could cause severe poisoning and organ damage when ingested.

According to the association, suspected counterfeit beverages are no longer confined to open markets, as such products have allegedly found their way into supermarkets, hotels, bars and other retail outlets.

It warned that beverages produced under unhygienic conditions or made with contaminated water and harmful industrial chemicals could expose consumers to acute poisoning and long-term organ damage.

The association called on the FCCPC, the Ondo State Government and other relevant regulatory agencies to conduct aggressive, unannounced inspections of markets, supermarkets, hotels, bars and shops suspected of stocking counterfeit beverages.

It also urged the authorities to seize and destroy products that fail to meet safety standards and prosecute those found responsible for their production and distribution.

The NMA further called on beverage manufacturers to strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures through tamper-proof seals, holograms, unique QR codes and product-tracking systems to enable consumers to verify the authenticity of their purchases.

It advised consumers to be wary of drinks sold at prices significantly below prevailing market rates and to inspect seals, labels and packaging before making purchases.

Arohunmolase said the association decided to alert the public without delay rather than wait for bureaucratic procedures to run their course.

“As medical professionals who are supposed to be the custodians of public health, we needed to bring this to the public’s notice before writing to the relevant authorities,” he said.

He urged anyone who suspected they had consumed a fake or contaminated beverage to seek medical attention immediately, rather than wait for symptoms to develop.

“Whenever you consume something you suspect is not okay, it may not be advisable to wait until the symptoms start manifesting. You should seek medical advice on time,” he added.

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Alara-in-Council and residents of Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in the selection of a new traditional ruler, six months after the process was suspended.

The kingmakers said the prolonged delay had left the Alara stool vacant, affecting traditional institutions, cultural activities and the observance of some festivals and rites in the community.

In a statement signed by the Head of Kingmakers and Asao of Aramoko-Ekiti, High Chief Julius Oladiran Adebayo, and the Secretary and Sajowa of Aramoko-Ekiti, High Chief Kolade Oyebade, the council said its appeals to the state government had yet to receive a response.

They urged the Ooni, whom they described as a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, to appeal to Oyebanji to permit them to reconvene and conclude the selection process.

According to the kingmakers, the process began in April 2026 in accordance with the Alara of Aramoko Chieftaincy Declaration and the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law.

They said three princes were shortlisted through an Ifa divination exercise conducted by Baba Araba Elebuibon, after which voting by the 12 kingmakers ended in a tie, with six votes each.

The council said a second round of voting was expected to resolve the deadlock but was not held following the postponement of the process by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs.

“However, six months later, the process remains suspended after the Hon. Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs postponed it. Our letters to government have not received a response,” the statement said.

Appealing directly to the Ooni, the kingmakers said the prolonged vacancy had created uncertainty in the community and affected the performance of some traditional rites.

“The stool of Alara remains vacant. Our youths are restive. Our traditional festivals and rites cannot hold,” they said.

They urged the Ooni to use his influence to persuade the governor to allow the kingmakers to reconvene and complete the selection process.

The council expressed confidence that the intervention of the Ooni and the cooperation of the state government would lead to a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

The kingmakers also highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Aramoko-Ekiti and Ile-Ife, describing the selection of a new Alara as important to preserving the town’s customs and traditions.

They said they hoped the intervention would protect and strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two communities.

The statement added that the kingmakers remained confident in the Ooni’s wisdom and the governor’s respect for law and tradition.

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By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State, Oba Adegbite Adedoyin, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in the country’s future under the administration.

The monarch also prayed for Tinubu’s re-election, expressing the belief that the President would secure another term in office.

Oba Adedoyin spoke at the conclusion of the week-long annual Okemeji Takotabo Festival in Ikare-Akoko, where prayers were offered for peace, development and progress in the community, Ondo State and Nigeria.

He said the festival remained an important part of the community’s cultural heritage, inherited from its forefathers, and provided an opportunity to seek divine intervention in the affairs of the kingdom and the country.

“The Okemeji Takotabo Festival is part of the cultural heritage we inherited from our forefathers. Ikare is traditionally associated with the festival, which remains an important part of our identity and history,” he said.

According to the monarch, the community visited the Okemeji hilltop during this year’s celebration to pray for Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State and Nigeria.

He said prayers were also offered for Tinubu, the Ondo State governor, local government officials, ministers, political leaders and residents of the community.

“We asked God to guide our leaders and grant them the wisdom to govern effectively. We also prayed for the President to secure another term, believing that he is working towards building a new Nigeria,” the monarch said.

Adedoyin expressed optimism that the prayers would yield positive results, saying he expected residents to return at the next edition of the festival with testimonies of answered prayers.

He further stressed that peace was essential to the development of Ikare-Akoko, adding that he had continued to encourage peaceful coexistence among residents.

Also speaking, the Elemure of Emure, Oba Bankole Adeyefa, commended the Ondo State Government for supporting traditional institutions and promoting the state’s cultural heritage.

Adeyefa described the festival as an important initiative for strengthening traditional institutions and preserving cultural values.

He added that the celebration provided an opportunity to pray for the kingdom, Ondo State and Nigeria.

Similarly, the Olona of Okeagbe Quarter, High Chief Rafiu Okunade, described the festival as historic and symbolic, commending the Owa-Ale for his contributions to community development.

The Oniku of Iku Quarter, High Chief Bello Mukaila, also praised the monarch and urged residents to remain law-abiding.

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Governor Dauda Lawal appointed Kabiru Jelani as the new Statistician-General of Zamfara State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Zamfara State Head of Service, Shehu Baraya.

The appointment follows the elevation of the former Statistician-General, Mu’azu Jibril Guraguri, to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.

The statement added that the appointment was to ensure continuity in the leadership of the state’s statistical administration, which plays a critical role in evidence-based policy making, development planning, resource allocation and monitoring of government programmes.

The Head of Service urged the appointee to discharge his responsibility with a high sense of professionalism, integrity and dedication to public service.

In the same vein, Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the redeployment of 19 Permanent Secretaries across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state civil service.

A statement signed by the Zamfara State Head of Service, Alhaji Shehu Baraya, indicates that the redeployment is meant to broaden the administrative experience of the senior public officers, promote cross-sectional knowledge, and strengthen efficiency, accountability and service delivery across the state civil service.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Alhaji Muhammad Salihu Anka has moved to the General Service.

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Zamfara State Ministry of Information and Culture, organised an awareness walk in Gusau to commemorate World Polio Day.

The walk commenced at the Gusau Emir’s Palace and proceeded to Dr. Karima Primary Health Care Centre, Gusau, as part of efforts to raise public awareness about polio prevention, immunisation, and the importance of protecting children against the disease.

The initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions, development partners, traditional leaders, and communities in the fight against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The awareness walk also serves as a platform to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine to protect them from lifelong disability caused by the disease.

UNICEF and the Zamfara State Ministry of Information and Culture continue to emphasise the importance of public awareness, community participation, and accurate information in promoting immunisation and improving children’s health outcomes across the state.

The commemoration reaffirms the collective commitment of stakeholders to supporting polio eradication efforts and ensuring a healthier future for every child in Zamfara State.

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Governor Dauda Lawal and 19 other governorship candidates would scramble for 2.3 million votes in the February 2027 governorship election in Zamfara state.

Governor Lawal, who is seeking reelection under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, will face 19 opposition candidates in the polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the state registered voters have risen to 2,265,175 as of August 2026.

The figure represents an increase of 313,115 voters, or 16.04 per cent, compared to the 1,952,060 registered voters recorded during the 2023 general elections in the state.

The Zamfara INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mahmuda Isah, disclosed this during the election stakeholders’ meeting on the 2027 general elections and PVC collection on Wednesday in Gusau, Zamfara.

“I would like to highlight some important electoral statistics that demonstrate both the scale of our responsibilities and the significance of public participation in the electoral process,” Isah said.

“The Continuous Voter Registration exercise recorded 313,115 registrations as of August 2026, representing approximately 16.04 per cent of the 2023 registered-voter figure,” he said.

He noted that the figures underscore the importance of sustained voter mobilisation, effective public enlightenment and the need to maintain an accurate, credible and inclusive Register of Voters.

“Registration records will continue to undergo the necessary verification and validation processes in accordance with the law and approved procedures,” Isah said.

According to him, Zamfara comprises 14 Local Government Areas, 147 Registration Areas (Electoral Wards), 3,529 Polling Units, three Senatorial Districts, seven Federal Constituencies and 24 State Assembly Constituencies.

“With an average of approximately 553 registered voters per Polling Unit, based on the 2023 figure, these statistics demonstrate the considerable logistical, administrative and security responsibilities involved in conducting elections across the state,” he said.

Isah said successful conduct of the 2027 general elections would require meticulous planning, efficient resource deployment, effective security coordination, continuous voter education and active cooperation of all stakeholders.

He emphasised that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remained an essential requirement for voter accreditation and participation in elections.

“The commission, therefore, attaches considerable importance to ensuring that all eligible registered voters have adequate opportunities to collect their PVCs.

“Following the conclusion of the ward-level collection exercise, PVC collection will continue at INEC offices in the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara, in accordance with the commission’s approved arrangements.

“I appeal to all registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to visit their respective INEC local government offices and collect their cards personally,” he said.

“INEC Zamfara remains resolutely committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate with independence, impartiality, professionalism, transparency and integrity,” he assured.

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The Zamfara Government had stepped up surveillance against Ebola by conducting mass screening at the Gusau International Airport and across motor parks. This was done to prevent possible spread of the virus in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun, disclosed this while flagging-off the response team at the Gusau International Airport on Friday.

She said the state government initiated the response measure following the arrival of a passenger, an indigene of Zamfara, from Saudi Arabia via EgyptAir, who presented with high temperature.

Maradun said the measures were aimed at preventing an outbreak of the virus in the state.

She said the government had also intensified screening of passengers and commuters arriving at Gusau motor parks and other entry points, noting that raising public awareness remained key to curbing possible spread of the virus.

The move, according to the commissioner, follows the reported index case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had disclosed that the index patient diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in Nigeria is a Ugandan-born woman who arrived in the FCT with her husband on October 3.

Flagging off the response at the airport, Maradun said: “It becomes necessary as the surveillance team identified a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia via EgyptAir with high temperature.”

She said officials had been deployed to the airport to screen passengers arriving in Zamfara by air to ensure no one imports the Ebola virus into the state.

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Governor Dauda Lawal has been repositioning the healthcare sector in Zamfara state through infrastructural revitalisation, improved healthcare service delivery, institutional strengthening, the Medical Association, (NMA) has said.

The NMA Chairman, Zamfara State chapter, Dr Muhammad Murtata Salahu, revealed this at the 2026 Annual Physicians’ Week And Ordinary General Meeting of the association.

He reaffirmed the NMA’s readiness to work closely with Governor Lawal’s administration in building a healthcare system that is resilient, accessible, equitable and responsive

“A stronger medical profession means a stronger healthcare system, and a stronger healthcare system means a healthier and more prosperous Zamfara,” he said.

“On behalf of the entire NMA members in Zamfara let me express our profound appreciation to  Governor Dauda Lawal for his visionary leadership, remarkable commitment to healthcare transformation and sustained support for the medical profession.

“We acknowledge and commend the  determination of the present administration in the state to reposition the healthcare sector through infrastructural revitalisation, improved healthcare service delivery, institutional strengthening and greater attention to the welfare and professional development of healthcare personnel,” he explained.

He said. “Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment of giving the healthcare a priority of his administration demonstrates a clear understanding that a healthy population remains the foundation of sustainable development, economic productivity and social stability.

“We particularly appreciate his administration’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of medical professionals and its efforts towards creating a more conducive environment for effective medical practice.

“These initiatives are encouraging and represent important steps towards addressing longstanding challenges within our healthcare system.

“The commitment of the state government to healthcare development is commendable, and we assure you of the continued professional support and constructive partnership of the Nigerian Medical Association in translating the state healthcare vision into sustainable benefits for the people of Zamfara.

“We equally encourage the governor to sustain this positive momentum through continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, improved welfare packages, recruitment and retention of medical personnel, and the strengthening of healthcare services across the state,” he explained.

The theme for this year’s Physicians’ Week is,  “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria.”

Part of the activities marking the week was scientific lectures presentations on polio in Zamfara, Applications of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, and Diphtheria Case Management.

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Arsenal suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history as the Premier League champions were stunned by fourth-tier minnows Fleetwood in a League Cup penalty shoot-out on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out 5-3 on penalties in an incredible fourth round upset after the tie finished 1-1 in normal time.

Arsenal’s Bruno Guimaraes had his penalty saved by Jay Lynch in the shoot-out and Conor Haughey scored Fleetwood’s winner.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s first-half goal had put Fleetwood ahead before Viktor Gyokeres equalised after the interval.

Arsenal’s 16-year-old rising star Max Dowman was sent off for violent conduct in the closing stages.

Arteta paid the price for prioritising Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool as his decision to make nine changes backfired spectacularly.

No one would have predicted Arsenal’s embarrassment regardless of Arteta’s selection gamble.

They had moved level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.

But instead of extending their run of 11 wins from their 13 previous games, Arsenal returned to north London red-faced after a loss that ranks among the darkest days in the club’s glittering history.

Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal suffered a shock League Cup loss against fourth tier Bradford on penalties in 2012.

Arteta’s team were beaten by second tier Southampton in the FA Cup last season and also lost to Nottingham Forest, then in the Championship, in the same competition in 2022.

Supporters of an older vintage will recall Arsenal’s 1969 League Cup final loss against third tier Swindon and their 1992 FA Cup exit at fourth tier Wrexham.

But even those painful defeats cannot compare to this remarkable result.

For once, Arsenal fans will not have fond memories of Highbury —  Fleetwood’s ground shares the same name as the Gunners’ ancestral home before their move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006.

Fleetwood’s tiny 5,327-capacity ground — where goals are celebrated with a burst of children’ cartoon song Captain Pugwash over the tannoy — is a far cry from the famous marble halls and dignified grandeur of Arsenal’s former stadium.

Now it will be remembered forever as the site of Arsenal’s most chastening loss in the Arteta era.

Fleetwood boss Matt Lawlor wept tears of joy as disbelieving fans flooded the pitch to celebrate their club’s astonishing victory.

– ‘Cod Army’ uprising –

Only Myles Lewis-Skelly and Viktor Gyokeres kept their places from the Everton game, with teenagers Dowman and Marli Salmon starting, while 18-year-old winger Ceadach O’Neill made his debut.

Languishing in 18th place in League Two, Fleetwood had lost their previous two league games against Exeter and Cheltenham, yet they showed no signs of being intimidated by their illustrious visitors.

After an eight-minute delay due to an unauthorised drone flying over the stadium, Arsenal were caught cold on a windy night by the Irish Sea.

Fleetwood are nicknamed the ‘Cod Army’ in reference to the town’s fishing industry, so it was somewhat fitting that a mistake from Salmon netted their opener in the 21st minute.

Salmon’s lack of experience was brutally exposed when Loupalo-Bi muscled his way past the 17-year-old with ease, racing into the penalty area to plant a low finish past debutant keeper Illan Meslier.

Arsenal monopolised possession after that shock, but Arteta grew visibly agitated with their lack of cutting edge.

Arteta sent on Martin Odegaard at half-time and Gyokeres bagged Arsenal’s equaliser five minutes later.

It was a scrappy effort that left Fleetwood feeling aggrieved as Gyokeres wrestled with his marker before poking O’Neill’s ball past Lynch from close-range.

Dowman saw red in the 85th minute, dismissing for kicking out at Harrison Neal after a strong challenge from the Fleetwood midfielder.

Although it looked a harsh decision, Arteta was unimpressed with Dowman, giving him a stern word as the midfielder trudged off.

Both teams scored their first three penalties in the shoot-out, but Guimaraes was denied by Lynch and Haughey held his nerve to seal the biggest shock in League Cup history.

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Stan Wawrinka bid farewell to tennis as he brought the curtain down on a decorated 24-year career following a first-round exit at the Basel Open on Tuesday.

The 41-year-old Swiss announced earlier in the season that his last tournament as a professional would be the ATP 500-level event in his home country and a 7-5, 7-6 (7/2) defeat by Czech Jiri Lehecka brought an end to the career of the three-time major champion.

Former world number three Wawrinka, along with Andy Murray, was the only player to win multiple Grand Slams in a period dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

He bested Nadal to win his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2014, before beating Djokovic in the French Open final the following season and then again in the US Open title-match in 2016.

Alongside his compatriot Federer, the Lausanne native won the Davis Cup for Switzerland and claimed gold in the doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

On court in Basel, Wawrinka’s every point won, as well as several trademark booming one-handed backhands, was greeted by wild cheers from the partisan home crowd.

But Lehecka got his nose in front with a break of serve in the 11th game and sealed the opening set with an ace as he held to love.

A tight second set rumbled towards a tie-break, but it was just a step too far for Wawrinka as his 21st-ranked opponent took firm control to seal the breaker and the match.

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Defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro left Brazil and is traveling to the United States despite a court order banning him from exiting the country, US media reported Tuesday.

The son of jailed ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro lost elections to incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday and refused to concede defeat.

The right-wing senator on Monday said a Supreme Court justice had ordered him to hand over his passports. Bolsonaro is under investigation for alleged corruption and money laundering, and with his election loss is also set to lose his parliamentary immunity.

The 45-year-old was heading to Florida, CNN reported Tuesday, citing an anonymous official source. Other US media confirmed he was heading to the country.

The US State Department said Tuesday that it would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, without confirming his travel plans.

A police source told AFP that the senator’s Brazilian and diplomatic passports had been canceled, adding that “there is no formal record of Flavio Bolsonaro leaving the country.”

But he has held Italian nationality since 2023, according to an Italian parliamentary document seen by AFP.

Bolsonaro’s campaign manager Rogerio Marinho expressed shock over reports that the defeated candidate had fled Brazil.

“We still don’t have any news about his whereabouts,” he told reporters in Brasilia on Tuesday.

“I received a text message from him this morning, where he said he would let some time pass today and then would talk with us, and that was it,” Marinho said.

“That was the only communication we had.”

– Scare tactic –

Flavio Bolsonaro said Monday that the ban on his exit from Brazil amounted to a scare tactic.

“I never had any intention of leaving the country. I will surrender my passports and defend myself against this travesty,” he said in the video posted on Instagram.

US President Donald Trump, a close ally of Jair Bolsonaro, on Monday said Brazil’s elections were “rigged” following the defeat of Bolsonaro junior.

Flavio’s brother Eduardo, a US-based former lawmaker, maintains close ties with the White House.

Last week, he told a US podcast that Flavio Bolsonaro should leave Brazil in the event of electoral defeat, given the active probes into his activities.

In his Monday statement, Lula’s challenger also said he would lead the opposition to the leftist government.

Following Lula’s victory with 51.8 percent of the vote, Bolsonaro said he would seek to annul the result, citing the decision to extend polling hours over transportation difficulties that prevented some citizens from voting.

Lula had requested the extension, as had Bolsonaro over bad weather in parts of the country.

– In his father’s footsteps –

All bets were on a Bolsonaro win after he came out on top in the first round of elections earlier this month.

He campaigned on a pledge to liberate his father, who is under house arrest for coup-plotting after his own electoral loss to Lula in 2022.

Jair Bolsonaro never conceded defeat and left the country on the eve of his rival’s inauguration, only returning to Brazil three months later.

Separately on Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered police to investigate alleged foreign funding of Flavio Bolsonaro’s campaign and other interference from abroad such as social media “manipulation.”

Lula’s campaign complained about interference in the election by Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, claiming “algorithmic manipulation.”

Meta denies taking any actions to favor one side in the election, but previously said that some of Lula’s campaign ads had been mistakenly deactivated due to technical errors.

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Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed insinuations that the Russian government sponsored some Nigerian youths who waved Russian flags during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.

Lavrov, who spoke in Moscow on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit, in response to a question by the News Agency of Nigeria, said Russia had no hand in the action and distanced Moscow from any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

According to him, Russia and Nigeria enjoy a robust relationship dating back to the Soviet Union.

He said those who wore Russian flags did so in their personal capacity and that it did not translate into official support from Russia.

“Anyone, who donned the Russian flag, did so in his or her personal capacity. It does not mean that Russia was in support of this kind of action.

“A lot of citizens sympathetic to Palestinians wave Palestinian flags to express solidarity. It does not mean the Palestinian government is behind them,” Lavrov said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), recalls that the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests took place from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10, 2024, with the protesters citing high cost of living and economic hardship for their action.

NAN also recalls that during the protests, some groups of protesters, mostly youths and minors in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Abuja, were seen waving Russian flags and chanting slogans calling for military intervention.

The action, which the Federal Government described as treasonable and a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty, led to the arrest of scores of protesters and some tailors who were allegedly sewing the flags.

The Russian Embassy in Abuja had, at the time, also denied any involvement.

Lavrov said the robust relationship between Nigeria and Russia had seen an increase in scholarships awarded to Nigerians, reaching a peak of 220 in 2026.

He recalled that in 2024, he met with his Nigerian counterpart in Abuja who warmly received him, and cemented the bilateral ties between the two countries.

On defence pacts with some countries in the Sahel, Lavrov said Russia was helping to eliminate security threats in the region, adding that Moscow was aware that some Western capitals were using Ukrainian mercenaries to sabotage the efforts, as they did in Libya, in a bid to undermine regional stability.

Commenting on the recent diesel supply agreement with the United States, the foreign minister said it was purely a business decision and would not affect the interest of its allies.

“The diesel agreement with the U.S. is purely a business decision by two world leaders who are concerned by the rising cost of energy,” he said.

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The Sokoto State House of Assembly unanimously adopted the Sixth Alteration Bill, which seeks to provide a constitutional framework for establishing state police services in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mustapha Abdullahi (APC-Sokoto South II), moved the motionduring plenary in Sokoto on Tuesday.

Presenting the bill, Abdullahi said it sought to amend the 1999 Constitution, as altered, to establish state police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal police service.

He said the executive transmitted the bill, the Senate considered it on June 24, the House of Representatives on July 23, andthe Sokoto Assembly on September 22.

According to him, the proposed framework will delineate the responsibilities of federal and state police services to ensure effective policing and address security challenges across the country.

He explained that the federal police would handle interstate and international crimes, terrorism, cybercrime, border security, policing of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and protection of federal assets.

“Conversely, state police services would be responsible for law enforcement, maintenance of public order and safety, protection of lives and property, and investigation of local crimes.

“Therefore, the federal police and state police will function side-by-side in every state,” Abdullahi said.

The lawmaker added that the federal police could intervene in state policing matters at the request of a state governor or where there was a breakdown of law and order that the state police could not contain.

He said the head of a state police service would be known as the State Commander of Police and appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Police Council, subject to confirmation by the State House of Assembly.

Abdullahi further explained that the bill proposed the establishment of a State Police Service Commission as an executive body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of state police personnel, except the State Commander.

On funding, the lawmaker said the proposed framework would provide for the State Police Service Commission to receive funds directly from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund to ensure financial autonomy.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to operate in every state until the state’s police service commenced operations.

Abdullahi cited Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides that a constitutional alteration must be approved by resolutions of the houses of assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states.

Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers supported the bill, describing state policing as a necessary measure to address the security challenges confronting states across the country.

The Speaker, Alhaji Tukur Bala, who presided over the plenary, subsequently put the motion to a voice vote and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it.

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— Insist on leadership rotation to Abia, urge massive voter turnout

By Steve Oko

The South-East Traditional Rulers Council has renewed its demand for the unconditional release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, lamenting that previous appeals to the Federal Government have failed to yield the desired outcome.

The monarchs also reaffirmed their position that the council’s leadership should rotate to Abia State, with HRM Eze Sir Dr Linus Nto Mbah assuming the chairmanship in accordance with the council’s constitution.

These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the council’s quarterly delegates meeting held on October 23, 2026, at the Parliament of Ndi Eze, Owerri, Imo State.

On the political front, the traditional rulers expressed concern over the scheduled dates for the forthcoming national elections, which they said could pose challenges for the South-East.

They nevertheless urged eligible voters across the region to return to their respective registration areas and participate massively in the elections.

The council also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to suspend festivals and ceremonies during the election period to enable eligible voters to exercise their civic responsibilities.

On traditional leadership in the South, the monarchs reaffirmed their support for the rotational chairmanship of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council among the South-East, South-West and South-South geopolitical zones.

They rejected any arrangement that would confer permanent chairmanship on one zone, insisting that the position should rotate among the three zones for two-year terms, in line with the decision of the Southern Governors Forum reached in Ogun State in 2025.

The council further called for the reconstitution of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council’s leadership to reflect recognised traditional rulers from member states and conform to the leadership template of the Southern Governors Forum.

The communiqué was signed by the chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council and chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah; the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; and other traditional rulers from the five South-East states.

The monarchs expressed appreciation to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for hosting the meeting, as well as the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and the people of the state for their hospitality.

They also acknowledged the support and encouragement of governors across the South-East.

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.Vows to hunt down anyone who threatens ad-hoc staff, corps members
.Set to hold National Election Security Confab

By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has unveiled an intelligence-led security framework to curb violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, vowing to hunt down anyone who threatens its ad-hoc staff, National Youth Service Corps NYSC members or permanent personnel.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, disclosed this in Gombe on Tuesday while declaring open the North-East Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 General Election.

The Commission in its daily bulletin said it was shifting from reactive, election-day deployments to a framework designed to protect voters, personnel and electoral materials before any ballot paper is moved.

INEC said its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, the Department of State Services DSS, the Armed Forces and other paramilitary agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security ICCES has, according to him, been fundamentally restructured.

The new framework, which the Commission terms the “ICCES Tentacle,” extends inter-agency security coordination from national and state headquarters directly down to the most remote Local Government Areas and Registration Area Centres.

Amupitan told the gathering that no election, however well planned administratively, could be deemed credible if voters, election personnel and observers operate under physical threat or fear of violence.

He explained that the framework rests on three pillars, the first being “Map and Mitigate.” Under it, the Commission will use Electoral Risk Management (ERM) tools to identify security flashpoints, seasonal threat factors and local vulnerabilities early, so that security agencies can deploy proactive measures long before ballot papers arrive.

The second pillar, “Ensure Safety,” provides a protective umbrella over all electoral personnel, technological assets, including Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and server infrastructure, and, most importantly, the voter.

The third pillar, “Guarantee Access,” is aimed at ensuring that each of the 176,846 polling units nationwide remains a safe, peaceful and dignified space for the exercise of democratic rights, regardless of geographical remoteness or historical security challenges.

According to him, the collaboration among the agencies had already produced concrete results. He disclosed that joint operations led by the DSS recently uncovered a covert plot by criminal kingpins targeting the Commission’s ad-hoc staff and Youth Corps members.

Amupitan said swift, intelligence-led intervention neutralised the threat, and the principal orchestrators were arrested and are currently undergoing prosecution.

“Let me send a clear message from Gombe,” Amupitan said, warning that anyone who attempts to threaten, intimidate or harm ad-hoc staff, NYSC members or permanent personnel of the Commission would be hunted down and brought to justice under the full weight of the law.

He disclosed that the Commission would shortly convene a National Election Security Conference in Abuja, where state-specific security protocols for high-risk zones would be finalised.

Amupitan acknowledged that the North-East presents distinct operational challenges, including vast desert terrains, riverine stretches along the Benue trough, remote agrarian communities and expansive landmasses. He noted, however, that the zone had demonstrated remarkable resilience and civic determination.

The zone has 13,965,475 registered voters, representing 13.51 per cent of the national register of over 103 million. Bauchi State has the highest number with 3,012,547 voters, followed by Borno with 2,765,165, Adamawa with 2,431,146, Taraba with 2,254,380, Gombe with 1,768,566 and Yobe with 1,733,671.

The Chairman said the 2027 General Election would be a simultaneous national undertaking across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Presidential and National Assembly Elections are scheduled for Saturday, 16th January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.

Earlier, the host Resident Electoral Commissioner REC for Gombe State, Alhaji Umar Muktar Gajiram, speaking on behalf of all North-East RECs, assured the Chairman that the zone was fully prepared, loyal and committed to ensuring that not a single voter out of the 13.96 million in the zone is disenfranchised.

Gajiram said all directives on voter register display, logistics audit and technological testing would be executed to the letter.

Amupitan assured staff and stakeholders across the North-East that INEC was not working in isolation, describing security as “the bedrock of electoral integrity.”

“Insecurity may pose a challenge, but our collective constitutional resolve is far stronger,” he said.

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Authorities have suspended the Cameroon National Salvation Front (FSNC) of opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary, in Gambian exile, for three months, the minister for territorial administration announced Tuesday.

Bakary, a former minister, had rallied young people seeking change during the presidential election of a year ago, won by 93-year-old Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

Territorial administration minister Paul Atanga Nji suspended the party, according to a statement, on grounds of “incitement to insurrection” and “serious disturbance of public order,” saying this had occurred “before, during and after the presidential election of October 12, 2025.”

The statement warned the party could face legal challenge if it did not accept the sanction.

After declaring himself the winner of the election, Bakary repeatedly called on supporters to defend his “victory”, triggering protests in major cities that were brutally suppressed, resulting in a number of deaths with the government yet to provide a toll.

Thereafter Bakary went into exile in Gambia.

The temporary suspension of the party, which has two members of parliament, comes ahead of local and parliamentary elections, scheduled for early 2027 after multiple postponements.

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By Favour Ulebor, Abuja

Diplomats from MIKTA member countries and the Federal government have called for improved access to climate finance, stronger international partnerships and increased investment in practical solutions to help developing countries address climate change.

The call was made at a MIKTA roundtable on Climate Finance and Implementation Partnerships in Africa, held on Tuesday in Abuja, ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, scheduled to hold in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20.

The discussions brought together representatives of Australia, Türkiye, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Ethiopia and relevant stakeholders from the climate change sector to examine ways of translating climate commitments into projects that support economic growth, energy access, agriculture and community resilience.

Speaking at the meeting, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Leilani Bin-Juda PSM, said climate action must deliver practical outcomes, particularly for developing countries and communities most vulnerable to its effects.

Bin-Juda said many developing countries continued to face difficulties accessing climate finance because of complex applications, fragmented funding systems, reporting requirements and delays.

She said Australia was working with Türkiye towards COP31 and with Pacific partners to ensure their priorities were reflected in the global climate discussions.

The High Commissioner also highlighted a Pacific-led Action Plan on access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, launched at Pre-COP in Fiji on October 8.

She said the initiative sought to simplify funding applications, approvals and disbursement, mobilise private investment and strengthen countries’ capacity to develop investment-ready projects.

Bin-Juda urged Nigeria to support the initiative, noting that broader international backing would strengthen efforts to make climate finance more accessible and responsive to the needs of vulnerable countries.

“For Australia, COP31 is about turning climate ambition into practical outcomes,” she said.

The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, said COP31 should focus on implementing existing commitments and ensuring that climate ambitions translated into measurable results.

Poroy said African countries needed adequate financial resources, technology, institutional capacity and support for project preparation to implement their national climate plans.

He said climate finance should also support development priorities, including energy systems, sustainable agriculture, food security, green industries and climate-resilient cities.

The ambassador highlighted Türkiye’s Climate Implementation Bridge initiative, being developed with the United Nations Development Programme, to help developing countries bridge the gap between climate commitments and investment-ready projects.

He explained that the initiative was not designed to establish a new fund or replace existing climate finance mechanisms, but to help countries connect their climate priorities with appropriate financing and private capital.

Poroy said cooperation between MIKTA countries and African partners could help strengthen implementation as the international community prepares for COP31 and COP32, expected to be hosted by Ethiopia in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Bambang Suharto, said the scale of investment required to achieve climate targets in developing countries highlighted the need to combine public resources, private investment and international support.

He said Indonesia estimated that it would require about $472.6bn to achieve its climate targets, with annual financing needs of approximately $14.5bn through 2030, compared with an annual state budget allocation of about $4.42bn.

Suharto said Indonesia was exploring different financing instruments, including green sukuk, blended finance, thematic bonds and concessional funding, to support climate action.

He called for existing international climate finance commitments to be delivered and for greater support for project preparation to help countries develop proposals capable of attracting investment.

The envoy also highlighted the importance of ocean conservation and coastal resilience, including mangrove restoration, early-warning systems and sustainable fisheries.

He expressed Indonesia’s readiness to consult with Nigeria and interested partners on a possible Indonesia-Nigeria Climate Finance and Resilience Partnership, with potential areas of cooperation including climate-resilient agriculture, land restoration, coastal protection, clean energy and green industrialisation.

Similarly, South Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jeong Yoan, outlined opportunities to deepen climate cooperation with Nigeria through renewable energy, agricultural technology, infrastructure and green investment.

Jeong said South Korea was committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and had set a 2035 target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 53 to 61 per cent compared with 2018 levels.

He said Korea’s cooperation with Nigeria included a planned 2026 to 2030 project involving the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, aimed at creating green jobs for young people in agriculture and food systems.

According to him, the project is expected to support practical training in climate-smart agriculture and digital technology, with the broader objective of improving food security and strengthening resilience.

Jeong also identified private investment and a stable investment environment as important factors in mobilising climate finance, noting that clear regulations, transparent procedures and reliable infrastructure could encourage long-term investment.

He noted, Nigeria estimated that it would require about $337bn between 2026 and 2035 to meet its climate commitments, underscoring the need for domestic resources, international financing and private-sector participation.

The Mexican Charge d’Affaires in Nigeria, Jose Manuel Briseno Flores, also stressed the need to ensure that climate resources translated into practical outcomes, including renewable energy products.

He said climate finance should support solutions that could be deployed to address the needs of communities while advancing the transition towards cleaner energy.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, NCCC, Mrs Omotenioye Majekodunmi, said the country was committed to moving from climate pledges to implementation.

Majekodunmi who was represented by the council’s Department of Energy, Transportation and Infrastructure, NCCC, Mrs Jummai Vandu said Nigeria supported efforts to turn its Nationally Determined Contributions into bankable, investment-ready projects that could attract financing and deliver measurable results.

She identified adaptation finance, decentralised climate action, gender inclusion and a just transition as key priorities for the country.

According to her, climate finance must be predictable and accessible to communities facing environmental challenges, while international partnerships should create pathways for states, cities and local governments to implement projects at the subnational level.

She also said women and young people should be empowered as decision-makers and direct beneficiaries of climate investments, adding that the transition to clean energy must protect energy security, job creation and economic equity.

Majekodunmi said Nigeria was ready to work with MIKTA, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other international partners to ensure that COP31 produced practical outcomes.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, said Africa faced disproportionate climate vulnerabilities despite contributing marginally to global emissions.

He called for direct access to predictable, grant-based financing and technology transfers, noting that African countries needed support to implement their climate priorities.

The Ethiopian envoy highlighted his country’s Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy and Green Legacy Initiative as examples of efforts to combine environmental protection, employment and sustainable development.

He said Ethiopia was looking forward to hosting COP32 in 2027, adding that the conference would provide an opportunity to place African development priorities, just energy transitions and loss-and-damage delivery at the centre of the global climate agenda.

MIKTA is a cross-regional partnership comprising Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Türkiye and Australia.

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By Clare Nnabuike, Minna

Five person, four male students and a young lady have died in a fatal accident involving the Niger state governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s convoy in Minna, the state capital.

The incident happened on Monday at Gidan Mangoro community along the Minna–Bida Road. It followed a head-on collision between a high speeding Hilux van in the convoy of Bago, and a private Peugeot 206 car.

The lady identified as Mrs Nafisa was driving the car and died at the spot of the accident. She was said to be a staff of an NGO, and Programme Manager at Labspace, and the Founder of Wosh Mart Service Ltd.

A resident of Gidan Mangoro, Abdullahi Musa, told Vanguard that the accident occurred at about 11:35am when the governor was returning from Bida. He and his team paid a condolence visit on the Etsu Nupe and chairman of the Niger state council of traditional rulers Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar over the passage of the Sagi Nupe Hajia Aisha.

He said the occupants of the private car driven by Nafisa were suspected to be postgraduate students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

His words, “The people in the private car died instantly, while those in the government Hilux sustained serious injuries with the driver dying on the spot.

“The accident was caused by wrongful overtaking by the Hilux in the governor’s convoy. The other car was in its lane when the Hilux rammed into it.”

A member of staff of Minna General Hospital, where the victims were rushed to told Vanguard that three people died on the spot while two other people died due to high level of injuries sustain from the crash.

“Some of the injured victims were subsequently referred to IBB Specialist Hospital for advanced medical care,” he said.

Vanguard gathered that one of the occupants of the Hilux van was a former Niger state local government council chairman who sustained fractures to his legs but was still alive at the time of this report.

The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Aishat Sa’adu, confirmed the road crash but said that by the time her officers arrived at the scene, the victims had already been evacuated to the hospital.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger state command Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident and said the accident was under investigation. He did not however give the names or numbers of the deceased.

“The accident occured this morning and we are investigating it,” Abiodun said.

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…19-month health workers’ arrears

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement on a series of measures aimed at easing the economic difficulties facing workers, including a ₦70,000 transport intervention and the payment of 19 months’ arrears owed to health workers.

The resolutions were reached at a conciliation meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, following an earlier meeting convened on 22 October.

The meetings were organised to address concerns raised by the NLC over the rising cost of living, the implementation of the National Minimum Wage, petroleum pump prices, workers’ welfare and outstanding allowances.

Under the agreement, the Federal Government will provide a transport intervention of ₦70,000 across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026.

The government also approved the peculiar allowance with effect from 1 May 2026. Payment of the arrears is expected to begin in November and will be made in three equal monthly instalments.

In addition, the 19 months’ outstanding allowances owed to health workers will be paid within three months, beginning in December 2026.

The meeting also agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence work immediately. However, the parties remained divided over the effective date for implementing the new minimum wage.

On the issue of tax relief for workers, the meeting resolved that the matter would be referred to the National Executive Council, as taxation is a statutory issue.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and the cost implications of the proposed hazard allowance for agricultural officers to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for verification.

The verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the commission will issue an implementation template.

Similarly, the NSIWC is expected to complete an updated assessment of the cost implications of the proposed CONHESS adjustment within three weeks. The assessment will enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to take a decision on the matter.

The Federal Government and the NLC urged state and local governments to participate in the intervention process and implement the agreed measures.

The parties also agreed to reconvene after one month to review the level of implementation of the resolutions.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the federal government by Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Timi Yakubu, Director-General, Budget, Dr. Garba Abdul S. U., Permanent Secretary (SWO), Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. For the NLC , its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero; For the Joint National Public Service Negotiation Council (JNPSNC), National Secretary, JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga

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‎By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

‎ABUJA– THE National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC) on Tuesday said its guarantees have already unlocked ₦64.13 billion in loans for 174,495 borrowers nationwide, as it intensifies efforts to dismantle the collateral barriers that have long shut viable Nigerian businesses out of formal credit.

It said it is supporting an estimated 914,791 direct and indirect jobs within its first 14 months of operation.

‎‎Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bonaventure Okhaimo, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the presidential villa, Abuja, on the company’s achievements, challenges and expansion plans.

‎‎The company, which was established by President Bola Tinubu to dismantle longstanding barriers to credit access, has also disclosed that 22,616 Nigerians who had never accessed formal bank credit have secured loans through its intervention, while women now account for 42.7 per cent of beneficiaries.

‎‎Okhaimo, who was accompanied by the Executive Director, Risk Management, Professor Ezekiel Oseni, and Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, Mrs. Tinuola Aigwedo, among others, explained that the company had deployed N30.19 billion in credit guarantees to unlock the N64.13 billion in loans as of October 21, 2026.

‎‎He said the intervention had enabled participating financial institutions to extend loans to previously excluded businesses and individuals, particularly those unable to meet conventional collateral requirements.

‎‎According to him, the initiative has already reached more than 170,000 beneficiaries through 19 participating financial institutions, including commercial and microfinance banks.

‎‎”For every one naira that we give as a credit guarantee to a bank, it creates two naira in loans. That’s the additionality”, Okhaimo explained.

‎‎He stressed that President Tinubu established the company to address a fundamental weakness in Nigeria’s financial system, where otherwise viable businesses were routinely denied credit because they lacked acceptable collateral.

‎‎”The President has said, don’t let a viable Nigerian business suffer because it doesn’t have collateral. He has taken the collateral and given it to the bank. So that’s what we are doing”, he said.

‎‎Explaining the operational model, Okhaimo said NCGC does not lend directly to businesses or individuals but provides guarantees that encourage financial institutions to extend credit to borrowers they would ordinarily consider too risky.

‎‎He said the company currently assumes up to 60 per cent of the credit risk on eligible loans, allowing lenders to relax collateral requirements while retaining responsibility for credit assessment, loan monitoring and recovery.

‎‎According to him, some banks traditionally demand collateral worth more than 150 per cent of the amount being borrowed, a practice that excludes many small businesses despite their commercial viability.

‎‎”What we are saying is, forget about collateral. Do the other due diligence. As long as the customer’s business is viable and the customer has good character, we are willing to support by giving you a credit guarantee that will enable you to give loans to your customers”, he stated.

‎‎On employment generation, the NCGC boss said the company’s interventions had supported 914,791 jobs, comprising direct employment reported by participating banks and indirect employment estimated through recognised development finance multipliers.

‎‎He explained that the indirect employment calculations were based on sector-specific multipliers, including those used by the African Development Bank, with NCGC attributing employment impact according to its share of guaranteed credit risk.

‎‎Speaking on the initiative, Aigwedo said women entrepreneurs remained disproportionately excluded from formal credit because of their limited ownership of assets acceptable as collateral.

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