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House of Reps Probes Incessant Attacks on INEC Offices

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The House of Representatives has condemned the incessant attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At the plenary on Wednesday, the green chamber of the National Assembly said the actions of the arsonists could put the nation’s democracy under threat.

On November 10, 2022, an INEC building in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State was burned, with over 65,000 uncollected PVCs destroyed by the arsonists. A similar incident happened in Osun State and a few days ago, the office of the electoral body was attacked in Ebonyi State.

It was gathered that since 2019, about 42 attacks have been carried out on INEC offices in 14 states and to the House of Reps, this is worrisome.

In order to curb this, the parliament has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the incessant razing of the offices of INEC within three weeks and produce a report of its findings.

At the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the House urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to liaise with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minster of Justice in bringing the perpetrators to book.

The decision to probe the matter followed a motion on notice moved by a lawmaker, Mr Olarewaju Ibrahim Kunle.

According to him, the attackers destroyed the main building of INEC in Ogun State earlier this month and other facilities such as 904 ballot boxes, 29 voting cubicles, 30 megaphones, 57 election bags, eight electric power generators and 65,699 uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

The lawmaker said on the same day, arsonists and thugs set ablaze the INEC building at Oke Iresi, Ede South Local Government of Osun State.

He warned that if these systematically orchestrated attacks on personnel and facilities of the agency are not checked, the 2023 general elections could be disrupted.

Mr Kunle appealed to his colleagues to take urgent action to protect democracy in Nigeria.

His appeal was welcomed, with the parliament calling on “politicians and stakeholders to admonish their supporters to refrain from attacks and violence before or during the 2023 elections.”

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Plateau Attack: CAN Demands Prosecution of Culprits

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for action over the recent attack in Plateau State, asking authorities to address and prosecute those behind the killing.

In a statement, CAN President, Mr Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “not just tragic” but also “unacceptable”.

“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. Nigerians want to see action,” the cleric said in a statement issued late Monday.

“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice; swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected.”

The attack on Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area, left 28 people dead and several others wounded.

Expectedly, the incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians and protests by angry residents of the area.

CAN called for a thorough investigation into the attack and called for proactive action before these attacks take place.

“Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” the Christian body said while acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government.

“But let it be said clearly: temporary measures are not enough. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” Mr Okoh said.

CAN told Nigerians to be vigilant and calm, but maintained that the nation owes the dead justice.

“We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, visited the affected area under heavy security and also those wounded on Monday, even as the state government imposed curfew on the affected place.

“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured. I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people,” the governor said in a state-wide broadcast.

He also vowed that Plateau State won’t succumb to fear or intimidation.

“We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace,” the governor assured.

“We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.”

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NPA Sets N1.489tn Revenue Goal, Unveils Port Modernisation Plans

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is raising its financial and operational ambitions for 2026, unveiling a revenue target of N1.489 trillion alongside plans to overhaul two of the country’s busiest seaports, Apapa and Tin Can Island, in a push to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

Speaking during the agency’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, the ports regulator’s Managing Director, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, said the new revenue projection reflects a strategic shift focused on strengthening resilience and driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s port system.

The proposed figure represents an increase over the N1.468 trillion initially projected for 2025, a benchmark the authority not only met but exceeded, recording approximately N1.97 trillion in revenue collections.

A breakdown of the 2026 proposal shows a strong tilt toward infrastructure development, with N945 billion allocated to capital expenditure. Operating costs are projected at N447.5 billion, while N90.6 billion is expected to be remitted to the federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Central to the NPA’s transformation agenda is the planned modernisation of Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, two critical gateways for Nigeria’s maritime trade. Dantsoho noted that both facilities, due to their age and outdated capacity, require urgent upgrades to meet the demands of modern shipping and logistics operations.

He disclosed that preliminary work on the projects is set to begin within weeks, marking a significant step toward repositioning Nigeria’s ports within the global maritime value chain.

On financial operations, the NPA boss reiterated that all revenues generated by the authority are remitted directly into the Treasury Single Account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, stressing that the agency operates without retaining independent revenue.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun, underscored the importance of collaboration between lawmakers and agencies. He noted that the committee’s oversight function is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen institutional performance, and ensure responsible use of public funds.

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Yusuf Tuggar Steps Down as Foreign Minister Over 2027 Political Ambition

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By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position, in line with the directive that government appointees seeking political offices must resign before March 31.

Business Post reports that the diplomat is eyeing a governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Tuggar’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Monday.

Mr Tuggar submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by President Bola Tinubu, which directs all political appointees under his administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign before March 31.

The directive is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.

With this development, more resignations are expected before the March 31 deadline as appointees seeking elective offices move to meet the stipulated deadline.

Earlier today, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Nasiru Gawuna, formally resigned from his position to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with his sights on the Kano governorship ticket.

Mr Tuggar’s resignation comes amid the speculation of his interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The 59-year-old is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure who was appointed as minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.

Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a distinguished career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.

He is widely regarded for his role in shaping Nigeria’s global engagement and advancing its foreign policy priorities.

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