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Why we deployed instead of CNG buses in Abia – Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said his administration chose Electric Vehicles (EVs) over Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered buses because EVs represent an upgrade in transportation technology.

Otti explained that it was for that reason that the government opted for electric buses for its public transportation system.

He offered the explanation during the October edition of his monthly media chat held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, on Friday night.

He said that the preference for EVs, notwithstanding, the State Government still encouraged the establishment of additional CNG stations in the state.

‘We are not opposed to CNG, but we chose electric vehicles for our public transportation system,’ the governor said.

He said that both petrol and CNG vehicles operate on internal combustion engines, while EVs require a different propulsion system.

He further said that some companies had expressed interest in establishing additional CNG stations in the state, adding that agreements had been reached with them.

He explained that the proposed stations would cater for privately owned vehicles and other consumers, rather than the state’s public transportation system.

Otti said that CNG was cheaper to use than petrol and expressed optimism that the conversion of petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG would gain more traction in the country.

He also said that there are Nigerian companies that specialised in converting internal combustion engine vehicles to CNG.

Otti also responded to the purported complaints about the continued existence of street trading at the Umuahia city centre, popularly called Isi-Gate.

According to him, street trading cannot be totally eliminated, hence it still operates in other developed parts of the world, including London.

He promised that traders that might suffer displacement by the state’s urban renewal efforts, would be compensated.

Otti said that the State Government was working to restore order in the capital city, particularly tackling the challenges associated with street trading.

He said the relocation of traders from Isi-Gate would be gradual, considering that many petty traders on the street depended on the income for their livelihoods.

He said that government was still exploring alternative locations for traders that would be affected to avoid pushing them into activities that could further undermine public order.

‘We are a government that is compassionate. So, if we move you out of your shop, we will pay you compensation. We will ensure that,’ he said.

Otti argued that displacing traders without considering their economic circumstances would defeat the purpose of the government’s urban renewal programme.

‘It doesn’t make sense to drive everybody away. Who are you even sanitising the place for?

‘So, it is a balancing act. We are handling it step by step,’ he said.

2027: Adamawa PDP candidate confident of victory despite mass defection to APC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa State Maurice Volnobolki has expressed confidence in the party’s chances of winning the 2027 general election despite the defection of local government chairmen and councillors to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Volnobolki gave the assurance during the inauguration of the party’s 2027 campaign council in Yola where he urged members to remain committed to the party’s campaign.

He said the defection of council chairmen and councillors across the state’s 21 local government areas and 226 wards would not diminish the PDP’s grassroots support or affect its chances at the polls.

‘There is no cause for alarm. I have no doubt in my mind that all of you representing our structures across the 226 wards and 21 local governments are capable of delivering victory for the PDP’ he said.

Volnobolki recalled the 2019 general election when the PDP won in Adamawa despite not controlling the local government councils or having councillors and political appointees.

He said the party could replicate the feat in 2027 through the commitment and mobilisation of its grassroots supporters.

The PDP candidate also commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s administration for its development and empowerment programmes which he said aligned with the party’s manifesto.

‘The party that brought the sitting governor is here and you are the grassroots that brought the governor. I assure you that we are equal to the task’ he said.

He pledged not to disappoint party members who entrusted him with the governorship ticket urging supporters to turn out in massive numbers and vote without fear of intimidation.

The PDP candidate also challenged other governorship contenders to a public debate saying he was ready to defend his policies and programmes before the electorate.

He said his nine-point agenda for Adamawa was anchored on three major pillars: people prosperity and peace.

According to him the proposed agenda would focus on citizens’ welfare justice fairness equal opportunities security and the provision of critical infrastructure.

Earlier Adamawa PDP Chairman Mr Belmont Dogo congratulated members of the campaign council and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peaceful law-abiding political engagement.

‘We in PDP have no time for propaganda or cheap blackmail but to deliver good governance to Adamawa people in the coming election’ Dogo said.

Also speaking the Director-General of the campaign council Mr Hamman Ribadu pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state to secure support for the party.

The PDP State Legal Adviser Mr John Tunoh administered the campaign council’s code of conduct and urged members to remain disciplined and committed to the party’s objectives.

Busia man demands justice over alleged night assault by gold mining firm personnel

Sixty-year-old James Kauka, a resident of Amagoro Village in Buteba Sub-county, Busia District, is currently nursing severe injuries following a violent midnight raid at his home that left him with broken ribs and a fractured hand.

Wearing a sling on his right arm and a chest brace, the incapacitated father faces a daunting road to recovery after an alleged assault involving Chinese nationals and private security guards tied to Wagagai Gold Mining Company.

The incident unfolded on the night of September 18, when Kauka was jolted awake past midnight by the sound of his front door being smashed open. A group comprising four Chinese nationals and eight-armed security personnel from Yessam Security Firm allegedly breached the residence and restrained one of his sons. When Kauka intervened to inquire about the reason for the arrest and whether local authorities were aware of the operation, the raiding team refused to explain and insisted on forcefully taking the suspect away.

According to Kauka, his attempt to shield his son triggered a violent turn of events. He identified two Chinese nationals, locally known as Lee and Sung, as his primary attackers. Lee allegedly knocked Kauka to the ground, kicked him repeatedly, and struck his hand with the muzzle of a firearm, while Yessam security personnel discharged several live rounds into the night air to intimidate the family. Kauka’s wife and daughter were also allegedly assaulted during the scuffle.

Distress calls made to the Amagoro Village Chairperson, Amos Okitwi, went unanswered during the raid as the local leader feared venturing out in the dark amid gunfire. Upon visiting the scene the following morning, Okitwi recovered several spent bullet cartridges scattered across Kauka’s compound. Okitwi immediately assisted in transporting the injured elder to Busia Police Station, from where he was referred sequentially through Busia Health Centre IV, Masafu Hospital, and ultimately Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for specialized care. Medical evaluations at Mbale confirmed multiple rib fractures and severe bone injuries to his hand.

A formal case of assault was subsequently lodged at Busia Central Police Station under reference number CRB 9281/2026. However, representatives for Wagagai Gold Mining Company have strongly disputed the victim’s account.

Bryan Wasike, a legal representative for Wagagai Gold Mining Company, denied that any Chinese nationals engaged in violence. He stated that a joint team consisting of Uganda Police Force personnel, private security, and company representatives had conducted a late-night operation to apprehend Kauka’s son over the alleged vandalism and theft of company culverts. Wasike argued that nighttime was chosen because the suspect evaded capture during the day, asserting that Kauka escalated the situation by confronting armed guards and attempting to disarm them. Wasike maintained that the security personnel retreated without assaulting anyone, suggesting Kauka fabricated claims against the Chinese staff in an effort to extract financial compensation.

Conversely, Chairperson Okitwi corroborated Kauka’s account, noting that grievances regarding high-handedness and physical abuse by Chinese personnel are common in the community. He cited multiple complaints from local residents and factory workers alleging torture at the hands of mining company management, pointing to a broader pattern of conflict in the sub-county.

Community leaders and the victim expressed frustration over the lack of arrests despite formal reports filed with the police and the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. Okitwi expressed concern that influential government connections enjoyed by foreign investors might be hindering swift police action.

Addressing the allegations, Bukedi Region Police Spokesperson Moses Mugwe confirmed that detectives visited the scene, recovered spent cartridges, and completed initial investigations. Mugwe stated that the case file has been submitted to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal direction.

As he awaits the decision of the State Attorney, Kauka claims to be living under continuous intimidation. He reported recent incidents involving low-flying drones over his homestead, damage to his rooftop solar panels by individuals atop a company water tanker, and instances where armed men pointed firearms directly at him. Chairman Okitwi confirmed receiving these supplementary reports and stated he had engaged company officials to halt the harassment.

The physical toll of the assault has left Kauka unable to engage in manual labor to sustain his household. More than a month after the attack, the family struggles to afford basic necessities, medical care, and school fees, while awaiting resolution from law enforcement authorities.

Uba Sani Is A Champion Of Human Capital Development-Institute

Governor Uba Sani has bagged the Distinguished Human Capital Development Champion Award, in recognition of his outstanding investments in education, skills development, youth empowerment and sustainable development.

The Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria (CIHCDN), which honoured him with the award, noted that it celebrates the Governor’s people-centred policies.

The award which was presented at the Institute’s National Conference held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, applauds Governor Uba Sani’s initiatives in expanding access to education, healthcare, vocational skills, economic opportunities and improved living conditions of citizens of Kaduna State.

The Institute stated that the award recognises exceptional leadership in advancing education, healthcare, skills development, rural transformation, financial inclusion, youth empowerment and capacity building.

It described Governor Uba Sani’s initiatives as a model of people-centred governance capable of delivering sustainable development and improved opportunities for Kaduna State citizens.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, expressed the Governor’s appreciation to the Institute, for recognising the commitment of Kaduna State to human capital development.

‘This recognition is a testament to Governor Uba Sani’s unwavering commitment to placing people at the centre of governance. His Excellency firmly believes that the greatest investment any government can make is in its people, particularly the young, women and the vulnerable,’ Maiyaki stated.

He cited the establishment of three Vocational Training and Skills Development Centres in Rigachikun, Soba and Samarun Kataf, designed to equip approximately 32,000 young people annually with practical, industry-relevant skills across 14 trades.

‘These centres represent a deliberate shift towards building a productive, skilled and economically independent generation. Our objective is to transform young people from job seekers into skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and employers of labour,’ he explained.

The Commissioner further noted that the administration has made substantial investments in education, including the construction of 736 new classrooms, renovation of over 1,200 classrooms, recruitment of 10,000 teachers and training of more than 33,000 teachers to strengthen quality education and enhance access.

He recalled the reduction of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by up to 50 per cent, alongside expanded scholarship and bursary interventions, demonstrating the Governor’s determination to remove financial barriers to education.

On agricultural development, Maiyaki disclosed that the administration has distributed 1,400 trucks of free fertiliser to 420,000 smallholder farmers, describing the intervention as a major investment in rural livelihoods, food security and economic empowerment.

‘Governor Uba Sani recognises that human capital development goes beyond the classroom. It includes empowering farmers to become more productive, equipping young people with employable skills, strengthening healthcare delivery and creating opportunities for families to achieve economic independence,’ he said.

Maiyaki also highlighted the Governor’s investments in healthcare, including the revitalisation of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres, improved welfare for healthcare professionals and initiatives to expand access to quality medical services, particularly in underserved rural communities.

He stressed that the administration’s development agenda is anchored on inclusive governance, by ensuring that opportunities and government interventions reach communities, irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations.

‘This award is not merely a recognition of achievements recorded; it is an encouragement to do even more. His Excellency remains resolute in building a Kaduna State where every child has access to quality education, every young person has an opportunity to acquire productive skills, and every citizen has a fair chance to prosper,’ Maiyaki added.

The Commissioner assured the Institute that the recognition would further strengthen the Governor’s determination to consolidate ongoing reforms and accelerate investments in human capital development.

Civil society groups urge BARMM parliament to shun traditional politics

As the first elected Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) opened its inaugural session Friday, civil society leaders, peacebuilders, and rights advocates warned against trading a revolutionary legacy for the transactional spoils of traditional politics.

Rights advocacy group Katungod Bangsamoro framed the assembly not merely as a legislative milestone, but as an acute stress test of whether the regional government can break away from the clan rule, patronage, and elite compromise that crippled past autonomy projects.

‘We specifically challenge the elected members of the new Parliament who emerged from the revolutionary traditions and struggles of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front to remain true to the principles that once guided their fight, and not succumb to the rotten practices of traditional politics,’ lawyer Carlos Isagani Zarate, co-convener of Katungod Bangsamoro, told the Inquirer in a text message.

‘Entering parliamentary politics must never mean turning their backs on the aspirations of the people they fought for,’ Zarate added. ‘Their struggle was never about grabbing positions and privileges for a new ruling class, but ending historical oppression and advancing genuine self-determination, justice, and a dignified life for the people.’

Katungod Bangsamoro warned that the initial regional polls had already shown disturbing signs of dynastic entrenchment, money politics, and electoral manipulation.

The group pressed lawmakers to prioritize the dismantling of land dispossession, the protection of ancestral domains for both Moro and Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP), and full accountability for public funds.

Civic leaders also underscored the heavy human cost that carved out the path to regional self-rule.

Drieza Lininding, chairman of the Marawi-based Moro Consensus Group, urged lawmakers to rise above partisan division and honor the sacrifices that bought their seats.

‘To my brothers and sisters in the Parliament: As you take your seats in this solemn chamber, remember that you carry the dreams of generations and the blood of those who paved this way,’ Lininding told the Inquirer by phone.

He added: ‘Put aside pride, unite in brotherhood, and let every law you craft serve as a shelter for the Bangsamoro people.’

Abel Moya, executive director of nongovernment Pakigdait, Inc., welcomed the recent milestone in the BARMM, but pointed out that this must translate into realities on the ground in terms of changing people’s lives. ‘My earnest hope is that the Parliament will vigorously pursue the peace accord roadmap alongside these administrative efforts-specifically pushing forward the normalization track through continued decommissioning and the comprehensive transformation of camps like Camp Bilal, ensuring that the promise of genuine security and lasting peace is felt directly by the communities on the ground,’ Moya said in a phone interview with the Inquirer.

Gov. Sani hails Abbas’ project interventions as Speaker flags off projects in Sabon Gari

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas for facilitating development projects to improve education healthcare and security in Sabon Gari Local Government Area.

The governor made the commendation during the flag-off of several projects and the commissioning of a 20-bed primary healthcare centre that Abbas facilitated in the local government.

Sani represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Abdulkadir Meyere said Abbas had shown commitment to improving his constituents’ living conditions by providing critical infrastructure and empowerment programmes.

He urged residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) arguing that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of ongoing projects and sustain development across the area.

The governor acknowledged that some of the projects facilitated by Abbas might not be completed before the 2027 general elections but urged the people to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and Abbas’ return as Speaker to ensure their completion.

He urged residents to vote for the APC at all levels saying continued support for the party would ensure the sustainability of development initiatives in Sabon Gari.

Speaking at the event Abbas said the projects were designed to address critical needs expand opportunities and improve access to essential public services.

The projects include a 10-classroom block at Saidu Primary School Samaru; a proposed secondary school in Samaru; a National Open University study centre and computer-based testing centre in Dogarawa; and a diagnostic centre at Isa Chikaji Primary Healthcare Centre.

Others include a police station at the Queen Elizabeth Area Command GRA and the 20-bed primary healthcare centre at Zangon Dan Borno Dogarawa Ward.

The Speaker said the 10-classroom block would provide pupils with a more conducive learning environment while the proposed secondary school would enable them to continue their education beyond the primary level.

He added that the National Open University study centre and computer-based testing facility would expand access to higher education and digital examinations particularly for residents who might otherwise struggle to access such opportunities.

On healthcare Abbas said the proposed diagnostic centre at Isa Chikaji Primary Healthcare Centre would improve access to medical investigations stressing that adequate equipment and qualified personnel would be necessary to deliver effective services.

He also said the 20-bed healthcare facility at Zangon Dan Borno must be supported by qualified medical personnel reliable services and an effective referral system to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

Abbas said the proposed police station at the Queen Elizabeth Area Command would strengthen security operations enable faster emergency responses and promote cooperation between security agencies and residents.

He commended President Tinubu Governor Sani and other stakeholders for their support for development and security in the area.

The Speaker urged contractors handling the projects to comply with approved specifications and timelines and called on residents to protect the facilities and monitor the utilisation of public funds.

He said the interventions were part of efforts to translate the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible benefits for communities and assured residents of his commitment to facilitating more development projects and providing effective oversight to ensure their completion.

Also speaking the member representing Sabon Gari Federal Constituency Sadiq Ango Abdullahi said Abbas had facilitated several development projects and empowerment programmes for his constituents.

He listed empowerment initiatives including the distribution of motorcycles and grinding machines as well as financial assistance for small-scale businesses.

The Chairman of Sabon Gari Local Government Jamilu Albani also commended Abbas for allocating resources to development projects in the area.

Albani said the interventions covered roads educational facilities and healthcare infrastructure adding that residents would continue to benefit from the projects.

He urged people to support the APC saying continuity in governance was important to sustain development and ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

Tanzanian Home Affairs Minister leads mourners at IGP’s father’s funeral

Musoma. Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has led mourners at the funeral of the father of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura, Mr Deusdedit Wambura, who died aged 100.

The deceased, who died on October 26, 2026, in Dar es Salaam after battling illness for more than 19 years, was buried on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

He reportedly suffered from prostate, kidney and heart conditions, which required treatment at various hospitals across the country.

Delivering condolence messages, several leaders who attended the funeral urged family members, relatives and friends not to mourn but instead celebrate the deceased’s life, noting that he had lived longer than many people.

They said few people were blessed with the opportunity to live to 100, urging the family to thank God for granting their loved one such a long life.

‘The family should celebrate the deceased’s life rather than grieve because he had lived a full life,’ said Minister Katambi.

He said religious scriptures put the human lifespan at 70 years, meaning any additional years were a blessing from Almighty God.

He also linked the deceased’s life to the Catholic faith, noting that he was born in April, when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and died in October, the month dedicated to the Rosary.

“I have not even reached 50 years. May Almighty God help me. Our elder has set a huge challenge for us, particularly in bringing up children. He raised his children well; among them are God-fearing people and public servants who are patriotic and guided by integrity,” he said.

Musoma Urban MP Mgore Miraji (CCM) said the family had no reason to grieve but should instead celebrate their father’s and grandfather’s life because he had been a blessing to them.

“Although the elder has departed, and death is always painful and something we never get used to, we should thank God for granting him 100 years. Few people reach such an age,” he said.

Serengeti MP Mary Daniel (CCM) said the family should thank God for granting the deceased a long life, noting that many people wished to reach such an age but could not.

“My own father, Joseph Surati, did not even reach 60 years. I ask to share in our elder’s blessings so that I, too, may live many years. Instead of mourning, let us celebrate his life and glorify God,” she said.

Leading the funeral Mass at the Virgin Mary Mother of God Catholic Cathedral in Musoma, Musoma Urban Parish priest Father Medard Chegere urged mourners to live exemplary lives that benefited society, the Church and the nation.

He said the deceased had strived to live with integrity and humanity, leaving a positive legacy in various sectors, including education, health, politics and leadership.

“This gathering is a true reflection of how Deusdedit lived in society. We should uphold integrity and leave a good mark. Every leader, starting at the community level, should leave a positive legacy for the people. That legacy should be peace, solidarity, unity and love,” he said.

A teacher by profession, Mr Wambura held various positions in the education sector.

By the time he retired from public service, he was serving as an education officer, a position he had held in several districts across the country.

Beyond public service, Mr Wambura was also a politician, first with the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and later the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where he held various leadership positions at district, regional and national levels.

He is survived by eight children, 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

He was buried at Mwisenge Cemetery in Musoma Municipality, Mara Region.

The funeral was attended by several leaders, including Minister for Information, Culture and Sports Paul Makonda, Minister for Works Masanja Kadogosa, Minister for Defence and National Service Rhimo Nyansaho, and Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Mkunda.

Others included Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda, regional police commanders from various regions and other leaders, including politicians.

2027: INEC organises one-day workshop for PWDs in Kebbi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday organised a one-day workshop for persons with disabilities ahead of the 2027 General Election in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.

In his opening remarks, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Abubakar Dembo Sarki Pawa, told participants that INEC remained committed to ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of disability, had an equal opportunity to participate fully in the electoral process.

Sarki Pawa, who was represented by his Administrative Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, said the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen understanding of the Commission’s disability inclusion policy, improve accessibility and promote the effective use of assistive devices. He added that it would also provide an avenue to identify practical solutions to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly at the grassroots level.

‘As we prepare for the 2027 General Election, I urge our electoral officers and disability desk officers to demonstrate greater commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded or disadvantaged on account of disability.

‘I encourage all participants to engage actively and make meaningful contributions towards achieving a more accessible, inclusive and credible electoral process,’ he stated.

In her speech, the Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department at INEC headquarters in Abuja, Mrs Lakunuya Dorothy Bello, said the programme was organised to strengthen collective understanding of disability inclusion, accessibility and interventions developed by the Commission to promote the electoral rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Represented by Mrs Bilkisu Abdusalam, Bello pointed out that the participation of PWDs as voters, candidates and election personnel was central to an inclusive, accessible and participatory democracy. She noted that the Commission therefore remained committed to identifying and addressing barriers across the electoral cycle.

Bello explained that it was important for stakeholders to understand the purpose, beneficiaries and proper application of interventions such as the Braille Ballot Guide for visually impaired voters, EC30, written instruction posters for deaf voters, magnifying glasses for persons with visual impairments and albinism, and voter education materials in Braille, as well as jingles, flyers and posters.

She emphasised that the provision of these materials would only be meaningful if they reached their intended beneficiaries and were properly utilised. She also called for voter education outreach to PWDs through the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), cluster heads, special schools, camps and settlements, with JONAPWD taking ownership in collaboration with the respective clusters.

‘As we prepare for the 2027 General Election, let us strengthen our collective responsibility to ensure that interventions reach those for whom they are intended. Let us also strengthen the partnership between INEC, JONAPWD, OPDs, cluster heads and other stakeholders,’ she said.

INEC vows tough action against those threatening electoral officials, NYSC members

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, has warned that anyone who attacks or threatens electoral officials, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed for election duties, will face the full force of the law.

Amupitan gave the warning on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during a meeting with INEC staff from the South-South region to assess preparations for the 2027 general elections.

He said INEC was working with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.

The INEC chairman also warned electoral officers against favouritism, absence from duty, negligence and financial misconduct. He said any officer found guilty of such acts would face disciplinary action.

According to him, the meeting was organised to assess the commission’s level of preparedness, identify challenges and improve its operations ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said INEC was using lessons from governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and 16 by-elections to improve its preparations.

Amupitan disclosed that the South-South region had 15,823,550 registered voters, with Rivers State accounting for 3,736,434.

He stressed that no eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to vote because of poor planning, administrative mistakes or logistical problems.

On election technology, he said INEC was preparing its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), including 57,000 newly purchased devices. The commission was also checking its electronic result management systems to improve the transparency of result transmission through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Speaking on concerns about suspicious photographs in the preliminary voters’ register published online, Amupitan said the commission was investigating the records and would take action based on verified findings.

He urged Nigerians to take part in the ongoing display of the voters’ register, where they can check their details and report errors or objections. The final voters’ register is scheduled for publication on December 15, 2026.

The INEC chairman also addressed the challenges of conducting elections in riverine and coastal communities across the South-South region. He said the commission had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maritime Transporters Union to ensure the safe and timely movement of election officials and materials.

On staff welfare, Amupitan highlighted improved salaries, hazard and field allowances under the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS). He also said monthly allocations to state offices had increased by 150 per cent from July 1, 2026.

Earlier, the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner said the meeting would help INEC assess its readiness and address challenges before the elections.

He noted that credible elections required adequate logistics, trained personnel, functional technology, effective security and voter education. He also called for greater participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities.

The Director of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs Helen Ajayi, said the assessment would cover voter registration, Permanent Voter Card collection, staff training, election security, voter education, technology and election operations across the six South-South states.

Ajayi urged electoral officers to cooperate with the assessment teams and work with traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to participate in the elections.

Representatives of the six states presented reports on their preparations, including progress made, outstanding tasks and challenges.

Amupitan formally opened the meeting by urging INEC officials to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and commitment to delivering credible, transparent and inclusive elections in 2027.

Horror in Bauchi as four men, teenager tace rape allegations

The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying four suspects were arrested over the alleged rape of the 12-year-old girl in Sakwa District, Zaki LGA.

According to Habib, the victim’s 50-year-old father reported the incident on October 29, a day after four men allegedly abducted his daughter and sexually assaulted her in one of their rooms.

The suspects were identified as Badamasi Mohammed, 18; Bello Mohammed, 18; Mustapha Bappah, 18; and Bashiru Sha’tubu, 22.

The police said the victim was taken to General Hospital, Zaki, for medical examination, while the suspects were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

In a separate case, a 15-year-old boy was arrested over the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl in Buskuri Village, Azare, Katagum LGA.

Habib said the victim’s father reported the incident on October 29, alleging that the suspect lured the girl to a farm on October 15 and sexually assaulted her.

The victim was taken to General Hospital, Azare, for medical examination, while the suspect was also transferred to the SCID.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the incidents and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling sexual violence and child abuse.

He assured that the suspects would face prosecution if found culpable and urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspected abuse to the police.