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Petrol tanker explosion: FG condoles with Bago, people of Niger

The Federal Government has condoled with the Government and people of Niger over the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, issued on Thursday in Abuja.

He expressed deep sorrow over the incident which claimed many innocent lives and left several others injured.

“We join the Government and people of Niger in mourning this painful loss.

“This heartbreaking incident has once again brought to the fore the devastating human and material consequences of fuel tanker accidents in our communities.

“The Federal Government is saddened that, despite sustained public sensitisation and repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, some citizens still take such life-threatening risks.

“Every Nigerian life is precious, and such avoidable tragedies serve as a painful reminder of the need for greater vigilance and adherence to safety instructions in times of emergency,” Idris said.

He commended the swift response of the Niger Government, security agencies, and emergency responders who promptly mobilised to put out the fire, rescue survivors, and provide support to the affected families.

He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also been directed to complement ongoing efforts by the state government in providing relief and medical assistance to the victims and their families.

“The Federal Government also directs the National Orientation Agency to sustain and intensify nationwide public awareness campaigns on safety measures, particularly in rural and high-risk communities, to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire people of Niger in this moment of grief.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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LG poll: Niger declares 2-day public holidays

The Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Bago has declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays ahead of the 1 November 2025 local government elections.

According to a directive on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, the work-free days would provide voters the opportunity to go to their respective polling units and cast their ballots.

The government said that markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices would remain closed, while movement of persons and vehicles would be restricted, except for those on essential duties.

‘Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has declared Thursday, 30th, and Friday, 31st October, 2025, as state-wide work-free days to enable citizens across the state to fully participate in the forthcoming Local Government Elections on Saturday, 1st November, 2025.

‘A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, stated that the work-free days are intended to provide all eligible voters the opportunity to go to their respective polling units and cast their votes in the elections.

“The SSG further announced that markets, banks, financial institutions, and public offices will remain closed, while movement of persons and vehicles will be restricted, except for those on essential duties”, Lawal stated.

He quoted the SSG as saying that the government was encouraging residents to come out en masse and perform their civic responsibilities on Saturday.

‘Government is encouraging citizens to come out en masse and perform their civic responsibilities on Saturday, 1st November, 2025.

‘This election provides yet another opportunity for Nigerlites to elect capable leaders who will champion development and represent our collective interests at the grassroots level.

‘Bago has directed all security agencies in the State to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, reaffirming the government’s commitment to guaranteeing a safe and hitch-free electoral process’. Usman said.

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Sowore condemns US revocation of Soyinka’s visa

Sowore claims APC stole his ideas from 2019

Human rights activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore has condemned the revocation of Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka’s United States visa, describing the development as ‘sad’.

In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the publisher of SaharaReporters expressed dismay over the incident.

He wrote: ‘Donald Trump reportedly revokes U.S. visa of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka! Sad! What the U.S. has become’.

Soyinka had disclosed during a media parley at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery at Freedom Park, Lagos, that the United States government had revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country.

‘It is necessary for me to hold this conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time’, Soyinka said.

‘I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me’, he added.

According to Soyinka, the U.S. Consulate informed him of the revocation in a letter dated 23 October 2025.

The Nobel Laureate said he was unaware of any wrongdoing that might have warranted the action, describing it as puzzling.

He also urged people to continue standing against discrimination and injustice everywhere.

Soyinka noted that he had maintained a cordial relationship with the U.S. for many years, except for moments of tension that emerged during Trump’s first administration.

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Senate Receives Tinubu’s Request To Confirm New Service Chiefs

The Nigerian Senate has received formal communication from President Bola Tinubu seeking confirmation of the newly appointed service chiefs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary session.

According to the correspondence, President Tinubu nominated Major General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The president urged the Senate to give what he described as “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for screening and confirmation.

He told senators that the process should be conducted without delay to prevent gaps in the leadership of the armed forces.

He said, “I plead with distinguished senators to reconsider. If it is agreed by the Senate, I would like to do it tomorrow so that they can go straight and start work — so we don’t leave any gap in security.”

The motion was subjected to a voice vote, and the lawmakers unanimously agreed to proceed with the screening.

The confirmation exercise is also expected to take place on Wednesday.