News
Reps urge FG to declare state of emergency on environmental degradation in Edo

The House of Representatives has called upon the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency regarding the environmental degradation in Edo State. This decision came after Rep Anamero Dekeri (PDP-Edo) introduced a motion during the Thursday plenary session, according to NAN reports.
In presenting the motion, Dekeri expressed deep concern about the escalating environmental deterioration in the Etsako Federal Constituency. He noted that the degradation, primarily caused by rainstorms and gully erosion, has resulted in the loss of lives and property, including farmlands, and has made some areas inaccessible.
Furthermore, Dekeri highlighted that a bridge connecting Iddo-Okugbe with the Awuyemi community was washed away following a rainstorm in Okpella. He also mentioned that the damage extended to electric poles and communication routes, impacting connections between different parts of the state and the rest of the country.
Dekeri emphasized that gully erosion was particularly prevalent in the Etsako West Local Government Area, posing a significant threat to lives and property. Additionally, he pointed out that erosion had severed the Auchi-Agenebode Federal Highway, making it impossible for vehicular traffic to move between the Northern and Southern regions through that route.
He stressed the urgency of addressing this concerning trend of environmental degradation in Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo.
In response, the House urged the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to replace damaged electric poles, wires, and other components. They also called for the reconnection of the affected communities to the national grid. Additionally, the lawmakers urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to intervene and reconstruct the damaged bridge, restoring immediate access for vehicles and commuters to other parts of the country.
The House further recommended that the Ministry of Works compel the contractor responsible for the road project to resume work promptly. They also called upon the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide relief materials to the affected communities.
Deputy Speaker Rep. Benjamin Kalu, in his ruling, mandated the House Committees on the Ecological Fund, FERMA, NEMA, and REA to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.
News
Tension as security operatives take over INEC office in Lokoja

In response to the reported plot by suspected arsonists to set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, security forces have assumed control of the office premises. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies were observed with their armored personnel carriers to prevent any potential invasion of the INEC office.
According to sources, the usually bustling post office, known for its daily business activities, was deserted, and vehicular movement was restricted. Motorists were compelled to take alternative routes, particularly those heading towards Abuja, Nataco, and the Felele axis.
It is worth noting that a political party had previously accused another party of allegedly sponsoring thugs to vandalize election materials at the INEC office.
News
Local refinery: Meet your December deadline – Afenifere charges Tinubu

Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba social-political group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Port Harcourt Refinery commences operations as promised in December. The Federal Government had assured Nigerians that the local refinery would start production by the end of the year, a commitment reiterated by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), during an inspection of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited plant.
Expressing concern about the current economic situation in the country, Afenifere issued a communique at the conclusion of its caucus meeting in Akure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the government’s promise. The group believes that if the local refineries are operational, it will lead to a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.
The communique stated, “The meeting also took note of the assurances being given in regard to the commencement of production of petroleum products by some Refineries in the country very soon. It then urged the government to ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to. For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met. This is with a view to bringing the cost of petroleum products down as high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country.”
News
A reported fire emergency at the new Accident and Emergency, A&E Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital caused panic among patients and staff on Thursday morning.

An alleged fire emergency at the recently established Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital triggered panic among both patients and staff on Thursday morning.
An anonymous source reported that patients were observed hastily exiting the unit in response to the apparent fire. The source conveyed, “I can confirm to you that there is a fire emergency at the new Accident and Emergency unit of UNIOSUNTH this morning. I could see patients scampering for safety and running out of the A&E Unit to avoid the fire. We don’t know how the fire started but suddenly, we saw patients running for safety with blood and bandages on their body.”
In response to the incident, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Peter Olaitan, refuted claims of a fire outbreak. He clarified that it was a circuit breaker that had exploded. Prof. Olaitan assured that the patients were safe and located in the ward, while the hospital’s engineers were actively addressing the issue. He stated, “It is not true. There was a circuit breaker that exploded and that was all. The patients are ok and in the ward. Our engineers are already working to fix it immediately.”
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