Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Begins Distribution of Election Materials in Ekiti Ahead of Governorship Poll
Commission moves sensitive and non-sensitive items to local councils as state prepares for crucial June 22 vote
Commission moves sensitive and non-sensitive items to local councils as state prepares for crucial June 22 vote
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of election materials across Ekiti State, ahead of the governorship election slated for Saturday, June 22. The process began on Thursday, with officials dispatching both sensitive and non-sensitive items to various local government areas as part of preparations to ensure a smooth and credible poll.
According to INEC, the early movement of materials is aimed at preventing last-minute logistical challenges that could affect voting processes on election day. The commission stated that ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential materials are being transported under tight security to designated collation centres across all 16 local councils in the state.
This development comes as political parties and stakeholders intensify their mobilisation efforts across Ekiti, a key South-West state. The governorship race has drawn significant attention due to its potential impact on regional power dynamics and party fortunes ahead of the 2027 general elections. Analysts note that efficient distribution of electoral materials is crucial for building public confidence following recent concerns over late arrivals and missing items in past elections.
INEC officials have reiterated their commitment to transparency and fairness throughout the process. The commission urged residents to remain law-abiding and assured voters that necessary arrangements have been made to guarantee safe and timely delivery of all materials. As at Thursday afternoon, there were no reports of disruptions or incidents affecting the distribution exercise.
With just days before Ekiti voters head to the polls, attention remains on INEC’s logistics operation and the readiness of security agencies deployed across the state. Observers say the conduct of this election will serve as an important test case for Nigeria’s broader electoral reforms.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senator Ireti Kingibe Denies Endorsing Suspension Report Against Akpoti-Uduaghan
Kingibe distances self from committee recommendation, says due process must be followed in Senate disciplinary actions
Kingibe distances self from committee recommendation, says due process must be followed in Senate disciplinary actions
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT) has publicly refuted claims that she signed a committee report recommending the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) from the Senate. The development unfolded in Abuja on Thursday, following widespread reports suggesting Kingibe’s involvement in the disciplinary recommendation.
The controversy began after a Senate committee submitted a report allegedly bearing Kingibe’s signature, calling for the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan over undisclosed infractions. However, Kingibe stated that her name was wrongly included and insisted she neither participated in such deliberations nor consented to the final document.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case has attracted attention given her recent election victory and the heightened scrutiny over internal Senate procedures. The incident also raises questions about transparency and due process within the legislative arm, especially as regards how disciplinary recommendations are handled and communicated to the public.
“I wish to categorically state that I did not sign any report recommending my colleague’s suspension,” Kingibe said while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex. She emphasised her commitment to fair hearing and respect for institutional guidelines. Attempts to reach Senate leadership for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
The matter is expected to be raised formally when the Senate reconvenes for its next plenary session. Observers say its outcome could shape future relations among lawmakers and influence how disciplinary matters are managed going forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi as Military Intensifies Operations
Army says abductors abandoned victims in Adankolo Forest amid sustained ground and air raids on criminal hideouts
Army says abductors abandoned victims in Adankolo Forest amid sustained ground and air raids on criminal hideouts
Troops of the Nigerian Army rescued five persons kidnapped by armed men in Kogi State on Tuesday, after their captors fled ongoing military operations targeting criminal camps in Adankolo Forest. The rescue, which took place along the Oshokoshoko-Adankolo route, was confirmed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, acting assistant director of army public relations for 12 Brigade.
According to Abdullahi, the victims—four men and one woman—were intercepted by troops from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko during a blocking operation. The kidnappers reportedly abandoned the captives while escaping coordinated ground and air offensives launched against their hideouts.
“Vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps,” Abdullahi said in a written statement issued Wednesday. The statement added that recent air interdiction missions were part of broader efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and restrict the movement of armed groups operating within Kogi and neighbouring states in North-Central Nigeria.
The rescue comes amid heightened concern over rising cases of abduction across several parts of the country, with security agencies intensifying patrols and surveillance in forested border areas commonly used as hideouts by criminal gangs. The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to sustaining offensive actions until peace is restored in affected communities.
Further details regarding the health status or identities of the rescued victims were not disclosed as at press time. The military urged residents to continue sharing timely information on suspicious activities to support ongoing security efforts.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/troops-rescue-five-kidnap-victims-in-kogi/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Enugu Cooking Gas Sellers Record Sharp Drop in Sales as LPG Prices Hit ₦2,000 per Kilogramme
Households reduce gas purchases, with many turning to charcoal as marketers urge federal government intervention on rising costs
Households reduce gas purchases, with many turning to charcoal as marketers urge federal government intervention on rising costs
Cooking gas retailers in Enugu State say they are witnessing a severe drop in sales following a dramatic increase in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), forcing many households to cut their usage or switch to charcoal. The trend, which became more pronounced in recent months, has left traders struggling with shrinking profits and customers buying only minimal quantities.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, several sellers at Enugu’s major gas refill points revealed that many customers who previously bought five kilogrammes of gas now opt for just two kilogrammes or less. One retailer explained that he currently buys LPG at about ₦1,600 per kilogramme and sells at ₦1,850, barely making profit as he tries to keep prices within reach. “People no longer buy like before,” he lamented, adding that daily sales have dropped to a fraction of their previous levels.
The impact is also being felt among local charcoal dealers, who report increased patronage as families priced out of LPG return to solid fuels. A bag of charcoal now sells for between ₦8,000 and ₦8,500. While the price has remained relatively stable compared to gas, sellers note that transport costs from supply areas such as Eha-Amufu in Enugu State and parts of Benue and Kogi continue to erode margins.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows the average price of cooking gas has soared by 335 percent over the last decade—from ₦400 per kilogramme in 2016 to about ₦2,000 in 2026. The average cost for refilling a five-kilogramme cylinder rose from ₦7,655 in March to ₦8,706 by April alone—a 13.73 percent increase within one month. Despite Nigeria holding Africa’s largest proven gas reserves, industry analysts say more than 62 percent of the country’s output was exported during the first two months of 2026, leaving only 38 percent for local consumption.
The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers and financial analysts have called on government to urgently introduce targeted subsidies or other relief measures at the supply level. They warn that unless action is taken soon, years of progress towards cleaner cooking fuels could be reversed permanently as more families abandon gas entirely. A secondary school teacher in Enugu said she now buys less than half her usual amount and fears she may soon have no choice but to stop using LPG altogether if prices do not come down.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/enugu-cooking-gas-sellers-customers-buy-less-2026061814135053476
Senator Ireti Kingibe Denies Endorsing Suspension Report Against Akpoti-Uduaghan
Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi as Military Intensifies Operations
Enugu Cooking Gas Sellers Record Sharp Drop in Sales as LPG Prices Hit ₦2,000 per Kilogramme
Finance Ministry Dismisses New Fuel, Telecom Taxes Amid IMF Recommendations
Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Waste Evacuation Following Public Outcry
Messi and Mbappe Lead the Line as Biggest Stars Dominate World Cup Group Stage Best XI
Bayelsa Government Yet to Set Tariff for Proposed Independent Power Plant
Lagos-Based BRB Capital Acquires FCA-Approved Amalfi Capital, Sets Up ₦8.1trn Nigeria-UK Investment Corridor
Standard Bank Sets Sights on $15.4bn Expansion in Nigeria and African SME Sector
Gọvanmentị Federal Wepụtara Usoro Ntughari Maka Mmepe Iwu Ọhụrụ N’ihe Ego Ọchịchị Na-akọta
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
