Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that all elections the commission will be conducting, in Edo, Ondo, Anambra and others before the 2027 general election will be free and credible.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahood Yakubu said the commission has also made 142 lists of reforms that would ensure the electoral processes in Nigeria are transparent.

Yakubu advised Nigerians to be patient with the commission. He said the commission has continued to innovate and reform to ensure the electoral process gets better.

He said this on Monday during a two-day retreat program for 10 Resident Electoral Officers

INEC Chairman said more than seven elections will be conducted by the commission before the 2027 general election.

Speaking on the 142 list recommendations, Professor Yakubu said some of the items would need a bill from the National Assembly, while some would be implemented by security agencies.

He assured that recommendations that required INEC’s implementation would be put into action ahead of the next off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra and others.

“But in addition, there is also the outcome of the retreats and engagements with stakehold­ers, which is right now being published.

“I can tell you that the com­mission has made 142 recom­mendations on the improvement of electoral process in Nigeria.

“The reforms are categorized, the majority are for implemen­tation by administrative action by INEC, but some are to be im­plemented by security agencies.

“We have those that require amendment to the electoral le­gal frameworks by the National Assembly. Some are to be imple­mented by political parties and other stakeholders,” the INEC Chairman said.

On the availability of the recommendation report, INEC Boss advised Nigerians to be patient. He said the report would be made public as soon as it was ready. “As soon as the report is ready, we will go public and en­gage with Nigerians on these reforms.

“Nigerians should be patient, as soon as we conclude the pro­cess very soon, we will share this report with Nigerians,” Yakubu added.

On Edo election coming up on Saturday, 21 September, INEC said it lost 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to flood. He disclosed that 3,500 of BVAS machines have been replaced.

He, however, added that the remaining 500 would be taken from other states.

Mahmood added that Osun, Ekiti, Anambra and the FCT council election holding in 2026 would reflect innovations the commission had made since the last general election.

“Therefore, as we think, re­flect and innovate for credible elections, we are also instantly implementing the reforms and innovations that we can intro­duce by administrative action.

“Since election is a process governed by law, we also plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for activ­ities that require legal reform,” he said.

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Aloy Ejimakor, the Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Tuesday, countered the ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court.

Ejimakor said, contrary to the court’s ruling, Kanu’s legal team submitted a legion of evidence.

On Monday, Justice James Omotosho had dismissed Kanu’s N1billion suit against the Nigerian government and the Department of State Services, DSS.

The judge said there was no evidence that the Department of State Services, DSS, prevented Kanu from having access to his lawyers in their custody.

Justice Omotosho said Kanu failed to provide credible evidence to back his allegation that DSS and its Director General, Yusuf Bichi, violated his fundamental rights.

Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had sued the Nigerian government, Attorney-General of the Federation, DSS and Bichi for refusing him access to his lawyers.

In the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1633/2023, dated and filed December 4, 2023, Kanu had demanded N1billion.

Reacting, Ejimakor vowed to appeal Justice Omotosho’s ruling.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Ejimakor said: “I am already preparing the notice of appeal. The evidence submitted before the court was legion. Some of it is even in the public domain.”

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said what organized labour wants to hear is that the federal government want to consult with the OPS and the trade unions over the new minimum wage.

Ajaero said the federal government is trying to hide under the state governors by not submitting the new minimum wage proposal to the National Assembly.

He said the federal government should it’s house in order even before coming to labour, The Guardian reports.

“What we want to hear is that they want to consult with the OPS and the trade unions. It is an aberration for the Federal Government to say it wants to consult with governors. These are what they should have done privately.”
Ajaero added the delay shows the government’s incompetence and lack of serious understanding of what they should do.

“What they are bringing to the limelight is that they have not put their own house in order and come up with one voice. There are several ways to delay the process. For us, for whatever time it is agreed upon, it will take effect from May 18, 2024, and they will pay in arrears that is the reality.

“The Federal Government is trying to hide under the state governors. Any governor that cannot pay the new minimum wage, when it becomes effective, should resign. This is earned income, we don’t want to be beggars.”

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

The Progressive League of Youth Voters (PLYV) made this allegation in a statement available to pressmen in Abuja.

Pulse reported earlier that Kwankwaso had accused the federal government of trying to disturb the peace in Kano State by following advice from the previous administration.

Speaking in Hausa at the launch of the 82-kilometre Madobi rural road project, Kwankwaso said, “We will not fold our arms and watch enemies of our state destroy the peace and harmonious coexistence of our people, as we shall do everything we can to support the governor. He will not be distracted from doing his work.

“There are people from Kano who are enemies of the state who are advising the federal government on how to plunge Kano into a state of emergency, but the good people of Kano will not allow this to happen.”

However, the PLYV, in an alleged claim, said they have a letter from Senator Kwankwaso instructing all NNPP federal lawmakers to take action as soon as the plenary session resumes.

Ambassador Abdul Usman Shaibu, the national coordinator of the pro-democracy group, stated that Senator Kwankwaso directed NNPP members in the House of Representatives to use their platform to attack and blame the President and his administration for the crisis in Kano.

Shaibu claims his group obtained a letter dated June 24, 2024, addressed to all NNPP members in the House of Assembly, urging them to condemn the President when the House reconvenes after the Sallah break, insisting that the federal government is behind the Kano crisis.

“We have it on good authority of a letter by Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to all NNPP members in the House of Representatives. In the letter, the opposition leader asked the lawmakers to use their legislative power to mount pressure on the federal government to back out of the unnecessary meddlesome in the Kano Emir-ship crisis.

“The former Minister of Defence charged the lawmakers to raise up and support the Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf,” the statement reads partly.

Meanwhile, the group has urged the National Assembly leadership to be cautious of any attempts by NNPP lawmakers, particularly those in the House of Representatives, to use the parliamentary floor to spread propaganda and tarnish President Tinubu’s reputation.

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday, said that the choice of who becomes senator in 2027 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should be determined solely by residents of the FCT, and not by the Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The former governor of Rivers State had dared Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, stating that he would ensure she did not return to the Senate in 2027.

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Petroleum has long been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, driving significant revenue and development across the nation. With over 1481 active wells and 159 oil fields, Nigeria stands as a prominent player in the global oil market, largely due to its rich reserves concentrated mainly in the Niger Delta Basin.

Oil wells, essential for extracting petroleum hydrocarbons from deep within the Earth, are owned by a mix of Nigerian and foreign entities.

Here are some notable licensed oil well owners in Nigeria, shedding light on their influence and contributions to the industry.

Alhaji Mai Deribe – OML 110

Alhaji Mai Deribe, a prominent figure from Borno State, oversees the lucrative OML 110. This oil block is home to the prolific OBE oil field, estimated to contain approximately 500 million barrels of oil reserves. At an average benchmark price of $100 per barrel, this translates to a staggering $500 billion in reserves. Deribe’s operations yield substantial profits, with annual revenues exceeding $20 billion post-tax.

Prince Nasiru Ado Bayero – ASUOKPU/UMUTU Fields

Prince Nasiru Ado Bayero, cousin to former CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi, manages the ASUOKPU/UMUTU fields under Seplat Petroleum. These fields boast a daily production capacity of 300,000 barrels, generating around $30 million daily at current market prices.

General Theophilus Danjuma – OPL 246

General Theophilus Danjuma, through his company SAPETRO, controls OPL 246, a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil exports. This block produces up to 230,000 barrels of crude oil daily, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.

Colonel Sanni Bello – NOML 112 and OML 117

Colonel Sanni Bello, affiliated with the International Petroleum Development Corporation, holds sway over NOML 112 and OML 117. His operations are integral to Nigeria’s oil sector, leveraging significant production capabilities.

Alhaji Mohammed Ludimi – OML 115, OLDWOK Field, and EBOk Field

Alhaji Mohammed Ludimi, with ties to former military leader Ibrahim Babangida, oversees OML 115 along with the OLDWOK and EBOk fields. His contributions underscore the familial and strategic connections prevalent in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Alhaji Sela Mohammed Gambo – OML 215

Alhaji Sela Mohammed Gambo heads Nor East Petroleum Limited, which operates OML 215. His role highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving indigenous oil exploration efforts in Nigeria.

Mike Adenuga – Conoil and Multiple Blocks

Mike Adenuga, a renowned entrepreneur and owner of Conoil, manages multiple blocks contributing over 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily. His company, a pioneer in Nigeria’s indigenous oil exploration sector, plays a pivotal role in the nation’s energy landscape.

Alhaji Aminu Cantata – OML 108

Alhaji Aminu Cantata oversees OML 108 through Express Petroleum Company Ltd. His operations underscore the diversity of stakeholders driving Nigeria’s oil production.

Alhaji W.I. Folawiyo – OML 113

Alhaji W.I. Folawiyo manages OML 113 under Yinka Folawiyo Ltd., contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil output and economic stability.

Atiku Yaradua, Bayero

Atiku Yaradua and Bayero are a prominent couple who own Intel and hold a respected position in Nigeria’s oil and gas development sector.

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

NAN reports that all the South East governors physically attended the meeting.

The governors are; Alex Otti of Abia, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Charles Soludo of Anambra, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi States the host governor, and Peter Mbah.

The reason for the meeting is not disclosed to the press but it might not be unconnected to insecurity in the zone and Nnamdi Kanu’s issue as well as the state of the zone.

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to unseat the senator representing the FCT at the national assembly, Ireti Kingibe, in the 2027 general elections.

The minister, reacting to the federal lawmaker’s earlier claim that Abuja residents were not impressed with Wike’s performance, vowed that the senator would not return to the National Assembly in 2027.

Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, has vowed that the Senator representing the Nigeria capital at the national assembly, ireti kingibe, will not return to the Senate in 2027 after she criticising his administration.Wike vowed to unseat the FCT senator in 2027

Wike said this at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja on Monday, July 1.
Why Wike tackles FCT senator Ireti Kingibe

Wike, who did not mention the federal lawmaker’s name, warned the senator to stop criticising his successes as FCT minister.

Senator Kingibe from the Labour Party appeared on Arise TV on Monday, complaining that she was being sidelined in the running of the FCT.

Kingibe particularly claimed that her constituency was being marginalized, adding that there was no clean water for the residents of Abuja.

She also said that roads being constructed across the FCT were not addressing the needs of the majority of the people, namely healthcare, water, education, and security.
How Wike plans to fight Ireti Kingibe

Replying to the Senator, Wike said he overheard somebody, a lawmaker in the National Assembly on Arise TV in the morning, castigating the successes being recorded in FCT.

The minister said that the lawmaker particularly criticized the rot in schools and the absence of quality hospitals in the territory but challenged her to mention what she has done as a lawmaker to improve the situation in the FCT.

His comment reads in part:

“I challenge that legislator. If you are very popular, in 2027 come and run under Abuja, we will fail you.

“Do you think that what happened last time will happen again? It will not happen again.”

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Today’s Hamster Kombat Daily Combo

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmoud Yakubu, says the flood disaster that hit some state recently affected over 4000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines at the commission’s office.

Yakubu disclosed this at the opening of a two-day induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Monday in Lagos.

The INEC chairman, however, said the commission had been able to recover no fewer than 3,500 of the machines.

The INEC Chairman said the machines in the state would not be enough for the election and that the commission would call for additional support from neighbouring states.

On the retreat, the INEC chairman said it was not just about induction of new appointees but an opportunity to review performance, reappraise processes, discuss innovations, and engage service providers.

He noted that it was also an opportunity to interface with lawmakers on critical areas of reform and explore new frontiers “in our continuous effort to improve organisational capacity for better service delivery.”

He continued: “In March 2022, we had an induction retreat for new National Commissioners, followed by another one on election logistics in October, and then another retreat for new RECs in November.

“The most recent retreat was held in August last year for the review of the 2023 general elections.

Today, we are holding another retreat to induct 10 new RECs: nine of them were sworn in on December 12, 2023, and one of them on January 30, 2024.”

The INEC boss said that in a matter of weeks after the swearing-in, many of the new RECs were saddled with the task of conducting re-run elections in a few locations in some constituencies or bye-elections in entire constituencies.

According to him, INEC will conduct four major elections before 2027, listing them as the Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun governorship elections.

“Therefore, as we think, reflect, and innovate for credible elections, we are also instantly implementing the reforms and innovations that we can introduce through administrative action.

“Since elections is a process governed by law, we also plan to intensify our engagement with the National Assembly for activities that require legal reform,” he said.