Headlines

Voting in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, concluded in a rare tie, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump receiving three votes each.

As the first town in the United States to report election results, Dixville Notch holds a symbolic role in the electoral process. The small community, with only six registered voters, has maintained the tradition of completing in-person voting shortly after midnight since 1960.

At midnight, voting commenced with an accordion rendition of the U.S. national anthem, setting a festive tone for the historic occasion. Residents gathered to cast their ballots, with the count completed just 15 minutes later.

The early results from Dixville Notch are typically watched closely as an indicator of voter sentiment, offering a first glimpse into the potential outcomes of the national election.

The Sokoto State Government has raised an alarm over the emergence of a new terrorist group in the state, identified as LAKURAWAS.

Deputy Governor Idris Gobir made the disclosure during a meeting with participants from Course 33 of the National Defence College, Abuja, who were on a study visit to Sokoto. Gobir explained that the group operates under a religious ideology and is armed with advanced weaponry.

“Our assessment indicates that LAKURAWAS is active in about five local government areas of the state,” he stated, expressing concern that the growing threat adds to the already serious issue of banditry in the region. He further noted that security agencies are working hard to combat this new challenge.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the ongoing collaboration between state and federal security forces to protect lives and property. He also outlined the various measures implemented by the state government to address the security situation and expressed optimism that insights from the National Defence College’s visit would aid in understanding the emerging threats and developing effective strategies for peace.

Air Vice Marshal Titus Zuwahu Dauda, who led the delegation, provided background on the National Defence College, describing it as Nigeria’s premier military institution since its establishment in 1992. He noted that the college has trained 2,982 graduates, including participants from 30 African and Asian countries, for high-level security responsibilities.

At the end of the visit, Dauda said the delegation would compile a report with their findings and recommendations for improving security in the state.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in state funds.

Okowa, who also served as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, was taken into custody on Monday at the Port Harcourt division of the EFCC. According to officials, the funds in question were part of the 13 percent derivation allocation designated for oil-producing states.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed Okowa’s detention in a phone interview with The Gazette.

The former governor is accused of using his position to embezzle state funds and acquire assets worth N1.3 trillion. These assets allegedly include significant shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company, as well as other investments in the oil sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has on Monday sworn in seven newly appointed ministers at the Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The newly sworn-in ministers include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment; and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others are Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Trade and Investment); Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development; Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development; and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education.

The appointments of the seven ministers were confirmed by the Senate last week, following their nomination by President Tinubu.

This comes shortly after the Presidency announced the removal of five ministers from Tinubu’s cabinet.

A large crowd of Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday to protest against the escalating fuel costs, persistent fuel shortages, and deteriorating economic conditions in the country.

The protest, led by Abdullahi Bilal of the “Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal,” along with Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from the Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), called for immediate government intervention to address what they described as failures in leadership within the oil sector.

The demonstrators expressed their anger over the surging fuel prices and prolonged fuel queues, stating that these issues have contributed to rising inflation and pushed millions of Nigerians into poverty. They criticized the current fuel subsidy system, claiming it benefits only a small group while leaving the general population to face high costs.

The protesters called for full deregulation of the oil sector, demanding a system with greater transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing. They also condemned the importation of adulterated fuel, which they described as a corrupt practice that harms vehicles and businesses. The group urged authorities to halt the importation of substandard fuel and hold accountable those responsible for allowing it into the country despite quality control assurances.

In addition, the demonstrators voiced frustration over the unfulfilled promises surrounding the Dangote Refinery, which was expected to address Nigeria’s fuel crisis. They questioned the billions spent on developing new refineries and refurbishing older ones, pointing out that fuel shortages persist, forcing Nigeria—an oil-producing country—to continue relying on costly imports.

Highlighting the economic toll, protesters noted inflation rates above 24% and a 200% increase in fuel prices, which they said are driving more Nigerians into poverty.

The protest leaders called on President Bola Tinubu to replace the leadership in the oil sector, increase accountability, and prioritize the needs of citizens. The group vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are addressed.

Addressing journalists during the demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.

“We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.

“Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.

“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.

“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.

“To the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”

Supporting Bilal’s position, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac emphasized, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested about 130 foreign nationals in Abuja for alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities related to national security.

The suspects, primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, include 87 males and 26 females. Seventeen Nigerians were also among those arrested during the operation in the Jahi area of Abuja.

According to a statement by Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, the operation was carried out in coordination with officers from Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC). The raid targeted a building in the Next Cash and Carry area, where the suspects were allegedly using computers and advanced technology to carry out illegal activities.

The operation was led by AIG Benneth Igweh, Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7, on Saturday, November 3, 2024. The police have seized exhibits from the scene, which are currently being scientifically analyzed.

“We are investigating the matter, and the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of our investigations,” the statement read. The public will be updated as investigations progress.

Bandits have attacked the Turare community in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, abducting local activist Ibrahim Mai Kaita.

Kaita, known for his advocacy for good governance in the region, was shot during the attack, while his two wives were also taken to an unknown location.

Katsina State has seen a rise in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism in recent years, with many incidents going unreported.

In response, the state government, led by Governor Umar Dikko Radda, has intensified efforts to address insecurity, including the creation of the Katsina Vigilante Service, a community policing initiative.

However, recent actions by the kidnappers show that more actions need to be taken by the State Government to ensure the safety of people in Kastina state.