Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), has expressed profound sorrow and sympathy for the people and government of Enugu State following the tragic fuel tanker explosion that claimed several lives and left many others injured.

Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, issued a statement on Sunday, lamenting the recurrence of such disasters, which comes just a week after a similar explosion in Niger State.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

In his statement, Ugochinyere described the incident as a national tragedy, highlighting the need for stronger measures to prevent future occurrences.

He said he would propose legislation aimed at regulating the movement of fuel tankers, especially at night, to improve road safety.

“I am deeply saddened by the horrific tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday along the 9th Mile 82 Division Expressway in Enugu, when a tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) collided with vehicles and ignited a deadly blaze, resulting in numerous fatalities,” Ugochinyere said.

“It is heartbreaking that this tragedy follows closely after another similar explosion in Niger State, which claimed over 80 lives and left many others injured.”

The lawmaker extended his condolences to Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

He also expressed his hope for the swift recovery of those injured and for their families to find strength during this difficult time.

Ugochinyere called for urgent action by government authorities to prevent further incidents and pledged to introduce legislation to regulate the movement of petrol tankers to ensure the safety of all road users, both day and night.

Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the Kano State Police for issuing a ‘false’ terror alert just before the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order’s annual Maulud celebration at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Kwankwaso’s comments came after the police raised concerns about a potential threat on the eve of the highly anticipated event, which draws attendees from across Nigeria and around the world.

The senator, who congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for the successful completion of the event, expressed his disappointment in the police’s actions, calling it unprofessional and damaging to the public’s trust.

In a post on his X handle, Kwankwaso commended the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for their roles in organizing the celebration, but he expressed dismay that the police alert caused unnecessary fear and disrupted the event’s success.

“The police’s conduct, which appears to align with the Federal Government’s interference in Kano’s affairs, has further undermined its credibility,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the false alarm could lead to complacency in future situations where genuine threats arise.

He also noted that the terror alert, which was later revealed to be unsubstantiated, not only created panic within the local community but also left a negative impression of the Nigeria Police Force on the international stage, given the global nature of the event.

Kwankwaso emphasized the need for Kano police to prioritize professionalism and avoid partisan behavior.

He urged the police to maintain integrity in their work and avoid unnecessary interference in state matters.

He also called on the Federal Government to refrain from involving itself in issues that fall under the jurisdiction of Kano State, stressing that such interference complicates governance and undermines local authority.

On Monday, Mojisola Meranda officially assumed the role of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, marking her new leadership with a prayer session.

Supporters gathered to praise and pray for her as she settled into her office.

Security was heightened at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex ahead of the plenary session scheduled for later that day, amid ongoing tensions.

The former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed from office on January 13, 2025, had previously claimed that he still holds the position.

He was ousted following allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement, which he has denied, challenging lawmakers to substantiate their claims.

Monday’s plenary was Meranda’s third session as Speaker since Obasa’s removal, with the former Speaker absent from the previous two sittings.

The video

Yussuf Tuggar, 

Yussuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has accused Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State of attacking President Bola Tinubu due to his own presidential ambitions.

Mohammed, who has been a vocal critic of Tinubu recently, especially after the introduction of new tax reform bills, has claimed the policies are detrimental to the northern region and the general public, benefiting only certain parts of the country.

The governor, who also chairs the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, has warned that if these policies persist, the North would oppose the president.

In response, the presidency called on him to retract his statements, but instead, Mohammed continued his criticism.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tuggar accused Mohammed of insincerity, arguing that the governor was using his criticism of the tax reforms to further his own political ambitions.

Tuggar pointed out that while other governors had raised concerns over the tax bills, they were doing so with a genuine interest in improving the policy, unlike Mohammed, who he claimed was using the issue as a platform to begin his presidential campaign early.

Tuggar also revealed that Mohammed had attempted to meet with the president, first using a religious event to request an audience.

However, the president directed that Mohammed’s letter be forwarded to Tuggar, who suggested that the governor’s behind-the-scenes actions showed a lack of sincerity.

According to Tuggar, Mohammed’s letter contained requests for support for foreign Islamic scholars, which he allegedly used as a means to meet with the president and make his case quietly.

Mohammed, however, defended his position, stating there was no harm in criticizing Tinubu, pointing to the president’s own past opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to remove fuel subsidies in 2012.

Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has refused to vacate both his official residence and office, despite being replaced by Mojisola Meranda.

Obasa, who was removed from office while in the United States, has argued that his impeachment was unconstitutional.

However, the majority of lawmakers, 32 out of 40 members, have supported the decision, maintaining that it was legally valid.

Sources within the Assembly revealed that while Obasa’s aides have already vacated the official residence, the former Speaker remains in the quarters.

The source added, “Things will be sorted out administratively. He will vacate the residence eventually and move to an office designated for him as a regular member.”

The situation has sparked debates and raised questions about the legality of the impeachment process, with some observers noting the tension created by the refusal to vacate the premises.

Despite this, the source expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved peacefully within the Assembly’s leadership.