Television Nigerian

The Ameka Mining Site in Ebonyi State’s Ezza South Local Government Area has been blocked by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, or NSCDC.

In a statement given to reporters on Wednesday, CSC Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, made this claim.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is working on the project.

According to him, the development is a component of the Corps’ dedication to stopping illicit mining and defending Nigeria’s abundant natural resources against those who would undermine the country’s economy.

Superintendent of Corps Emmanuel Nkoro, the Team Leader, stressed in his remarks following the exercise that the operation represents the NSCDC’s alignment with the Federal Government’s reinvigorated drive to sanitize the mining industry and promote legal, transparent mineral development.

He gave his word that the NSCDC South East Mining Marshals Team will continue to work with pertinent agencies to improve surveillance, bolster enforcement, and uphold the government’s zero-tolerance policy against illicit mining throughout the area.

Today, Enone is filled with a sound that is more than just noise. It is neither the silence of disappointment nor the murmur of unfulfilled promises. It is the melody of thankfulness, the rhythm of rebirth, and the harmony of optimism.

It is the hymn of an old woman who is thanking God for a load that has finally been lifted as her tired hands are raised to heaven. It is the happy cry of a new mother clutching her infant, whose safe delivery was a gift rather than a debt. It is the radiant laughing of kids making their way back to school—laughter that speaks of once-dimmed but now-bright futures.

One name stands behind this tune and this new symphony of hope: Okanga.

Who stood solid as our protection when the chilly winds of Nigeria’s economic distress blew through our homes, leaving tables bare and hearts heavy?
Who became the invisible angel paying expenses and bringing people back to life when disease struck and hopelessness crept into hospital wards?
Who helped our kids get back on their feet when poverty threatened to prevent them from attending school?

The son who never forgot his people was Okanga.

He is not an aloof politician sitting in a distant capital. He is our own; he acts on our behalf, walks among us, and listens to us. He provided us with wells of life when he observed how desperate our towns were for pure water. He brought healthcare closer to our doors after witnessing our sick suffering to get to hospitals in remote towns. He saw value rather than waste in our young people who had been abandoned.

The abandoned fields of Enone were transformed into places of hope because to his vision. Through the Enone Ward Cup, he brought our pride and enthusiasm back, turning football fields into factories of potential and ambitions.

Additionally, he did not forget our disabled brothers and sisters, who are frequently disregarded by society. He gave them dignity, empowerment, and knowledge. He offered a sympathetic hand that soothed the storms of families affected by unexpected sorrow.

In 2023, Okanga made commitments that he fulfilled. He provided us with tangible outcomes rather than meaningless rhetoric. He demonstrated compassion, accountability, and delivery in addition to speaking about government. His influence may be felt in every community: in the water that runs, in the classrooms that instruct, in the hospitals that cure, and in the smiles that reappear on tired cheeks.

He is more than just a leader; he is a testament to the possibility of keeping commitments, a symbol of trust, and a reminder that politics can still benefit people.

However, this is not the conclusion of the adventure. Okanga’s base needs to be reinforced rather than abandoned as the path to a greater Enone proceeds. We have witnessed his heart, put his honesty to the test, and experienced his influence.

Thus, we question ourselves: How can we distance ourselves from someone who has never abandoned us? How can we forget the person who kept us in mind at our most trying time?

Our kids have returned to school. Healthcare is available to our parents. Our young people have cause to dream once more. Our optimism has returned, and our water is clean.

From the fields of victory to the markets of thankfulness, from the joyful elders to the beaming adolescents, let the voice of Enone resurface. Let it be heard clearly:

Okanga, we’ve seen your light. Your affection has been felt by us. We have faith in your assurance.

Let our votes reflect our appreciation as 2027 draws near. Let’s reconfirm our conviction in oneness. Let’s unite to demand, “Give us Okanga again!”

Okanga continues to be the promise we can rely on for continuity, advancement, our children’s prosperity, and the future of our cherished Enone.

Nnamdi Kanu, the arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), once again declined to begin his defense in the Federal Government’s seven-count terrorism allegation against him on Tuesday.

Kanu, who has been defending himself since firing his legal team, maintained that there was no legitimate allegation against him during the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Kanu allegedly responded, “You cannot ask me to begin my defense when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged.”

“This court’s records demonstrate that there is no legal basis for these accusations. I ask to be freed. Please take judicial notice of all the documents in front of this court, My Lord.

He insisted that he would neither file a final written address or enter a defense in the absence of a legitimate legal provision, instead asking the court to order his immediate release from DSS custody, where he has been held since 2021.

Kanu claimed that the accusations against him were unsupported by any current legislation, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, he claimed that the court had violated the ruling of the Supreme Court that denounced his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.

The Constitution is the ultimate law in Nigeria today. It makes no mention of a terrorism offense. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act is no longer in effect. Kanu yelled from the dock, “I cannot present a defense under a repealed law.”

“Tell any lawyer to show me the valid charge,” he said, insisting that extending his trial would violate his fundamental rights. A statute that is no longer in effect cannot be used to try me.

Faults of the Prosecution Kanu’s Documents
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), lead prosecution attorney, questioned Kanu’s court submissions’ competency, characterizing them as flawed and devoid of probative value.

“The defendant is merely squandering the time of the court. Awomolo informed the court that his materials were incompetent and were to be ignored.

He pleaded with Justice Omotosho to consider the documents as Kanu’s last written statement before rendering a decision.

Judge Omotosho decided that the defendant’s papers would be taken into consideration at judgment, dismissing the prosecution’s objection.

The judge stated that since Kanu is not an attorney, the court has noted that he should be given another chance to speak with legal counsel.

The judge issued a warning, saying, “If he does not open his defense within the time allotted, the court will foreclose his right to defend himself.”

After that, the case was postponed until Wednesday, when Kanu is anticipated to either present his defense or give up the opportunity to do so.

Due to increased competition among suppliers in the downstream sector, the average price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) at private depots and the Dangote Refinery decreased somewhat on Tuesday, from ₦881.5 to ₦880.5 per litre.

Ex-depot prices were lowered from ₦890 to ₦889 per litre by major private depot operators, such as Matrix, A.Y.M. Shafa, and Sigmund Zamson, who mostly operate in Warri, Delta State, and Calabar, Cross River State.

In a same vein, Pinnacle Oil and Gas kept its pricing at ₦872 per litre, however the Dangote Petroleum Refinery changed it to ₦872 per litre, a ₦1 decrease from its prior cost of ₦873 per litre.

As deregulation continues to alter the market structure, the development comes after providers’ price competition intensifies.

Last Monday, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) set the landing cost of gasoline at ₦829.77 per litre, which is 5.69% less than the gantry rate of ₦877 per litre at the Dangote Refinery.

However, retail rates at filling stations in Lagos, such as MRS, Ardova, and NNPC Limited outlets, continued to range between ₦920 and ₦922 per litre despite the downward revision at depots, indicating that customers had not yet felt the impact of the price reduction.

Vanguard claims that the naira was trading at ₦1,443.77 per dollar on the black market as of Tuesday, which is the reason for the tardy reaction at the pump to foreign exchange difficulties.

MEMAN clarified in its most recent Energy Bulletin, which is available on its website, that variations in the Brent crude benchmark, which is presently trading at $67.02 a barrel, had an impact on the price movements.

“The average 30-day report for PMS stood at ₦829.77 per litre, while the spot prices were ₦815.38 (ASPM) and ₦815.40 (NPSC-NOJ) per litre,” MEMAN said.

“Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) recorded ₦962.53 per litre during the same period, while Diesel (AGO) averaged ₦974.50 per litre.”

Deregulation Fueling Competition in the Market
In response, Mazi Colman Obasi, National President of the Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria (OGSPAN), told Vanguard that the price changes are a reflection of the realities of a deregulated market.

“Competition should be expected because the downstream sector has been deregulated,” Obasi stated. Competition is anticipated to give consumers in the home market greater options.

Gregory W. Meeks and Sara Jacobs, two prominent members of the US Congress, have denounced President Donald Trump’s threat to launch a military assault in Nigeria due to supposed Christian genocide.

Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Jacobs, a ranking member of the Africa Subcommittee, characterized Trump’s remarks as “irresponsible and reckless” in a joint statement.

Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Trump administration was also rejected by the senators, who claimed it oversimplifies the complicated nature of violence in the nation.

“The designation ignores the fact that land competition and resource scarcity, rather than religion, are frequently the driving forces behind conflicts between farmers and herders. Both Muslims and Christians have been targeted by terrorist organizations, particularly in northern Nigeria, where villages are still being attacked by criminal gangs known as bandits, according to the statement.

Noting that “all Nigerians deserve protection,” they applauded President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives to advance interfaith unity and enhance security.

Meeks and Jacobs further denounced as a “reckless response to distorted facts” Trump’s vow to “defend Christians” with potential military action.

“President Trump’s threat of military force is extremely reckless. Offering security support is one thing, but threatening to intervene is quite another. The politicians warned that such rhetoric could lead the US into yet another needless conflict.

The lawmakers cautioned that Trump’s proposal to stop US aid to Nigeria would harm important development and humanitarian initiatives.

The House of Representatives has stopped plenary for one week following a large protest by local contractors who barred the entrance to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja over alleged nonpayment for projects completed since 2024.

According to reports, the protest, which caused heavy gridlock and disrupted legislative activities, prompted lawmakers to postpone all sittings until next Tuesday to allow the House leadership to engage the executive branch of government and ensure that contractors receive their long-overdue payments.

The resolution came after the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), raised concerns over the contractors’ “dire plight” in a motion of urgent national importance.

“You recall that our local contractors, our brothers and sisters, besieged the National Assembly today, protesting that they have not been paid for jobs completed under the 2024 budget,” Chinda told the audience.

“This non-payment has caused untold hardship to our people, and it is our duty as a Parliament to take a stand.”

Chinda stated that the contractors’ demonstration was caused by the Federal Government’s refusal to obey President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directives for the Ministers of Finance and Budget to release monies for finished projects.

Representatives deliver a seven-day ultimatum to finance and budget ministers
The House decided to give the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Accountant-General of the Federation seven days to settle all outstanding payments owed to the protesting contractors and fully implement the 2025 budget.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu presided over the plenary and put the resolution to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved by members across party lines.

Shortly after the resolution, Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu Mai-Palace (APC, Zamfara) filed a follow-up motion requesting the House to delay plenary for one week until the executive responds to the ultimatum.

“Mr Speaker, the urgency and sensitivity of this matter demand that we suspend our sittings for one week so that the leadership can engage the executive to find a lasting solution,” Mai-Pale said.

Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, supported the proposal, saying it was practical given that demonstrators had obstructed access to the National Assembly.

“Members arrived late today because the routes were blocked by demonstrators. “It’s sensible to take a step back and let the executive act,” Waive explained.

Following unanimous consent by voice vote, Deputy Speaker Kalu said that all plenary sessions would be delayed until next Tuesday, pending the conclusion of negotiations between the House leadership and the executive branch.

The House also directed its leadership to enforce strict adherence to the resolution and to report back within one week for “further drastic legislative action” if the administration fails to achieve the deadline.

The protest began early Tuesday, with scores of indigenous contractors carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs at the National Assembly Complex gate.

They accused the government of owing billions of naira for projects completed in the 2024 fiscal year.

Security personnel, including police and civil defense, were deployed to contain the crowd as parliamentarians attempted to gain admission into the building before deciding to stop proceedings.

A resolution requesting an investigation into the purported unlawful and criminal distribution of Federal Government lands at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex sent the House of Representatives into disarray on Tuesday, November 4.

Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) sponsored the motion, which called for the formation of an ad hoc committee to look into the purported land discrepancies.

However, the plan caused MPs to become tense right away, which resulted in a contentious discussion on the House floor.

Kuye’s move was fiercely opposed by a number of lawmakers who said that the House Committee on Commerce should conduct the probe rather than forming a new ad hoc committee because the issue was within its purview.

Following a voice vote, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who oversaw the meeting, decided in favor of Kuye’s proposal despite the objections.

Some members were further incensed by the ruling, accusing the presiding officer of bias and refusing to support later motions presented to the floor.

As some members started yelling at colleagues who tried to make additional motions, tensions increased. They insisted that no further legislative business should take place until the issue was reexamined.

The Deputy Speaker’s and senior members’ attempts to reestablish order were unsuccessful because disgruntled parliamentarians persisted in complaining about what they called procedural injustice.

In the midst of the chaos, the Deputy Speaker was compelled to convene an executive session, briefly halting the open plenary to facilitate private discussions meant to restore order.

The executive session’s specifics had not yet been released to the public at the time this report was filed.

The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, which is situated along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, has long been the focus of controversy, according to reports, with stakeholders accusing officials of improper allocations and land racketeering.

The most recent move represents a new phase in the ongoing dispute, which has now caused new rifts inside the Green Chamber.

According to US media, which quoted a family statement, former US Vice President Dick Cheney passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.

Between 2001 until 2009, Cheney served as the 46th vice president under Republican President George W. Bush for two terms.

The family’s statement, which was reported by US media, stated that the former congressman and defense secretary “died due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.”

“Dick Cheney served our country for decades, serving as Vice President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, Wyoming Congressman, and White House Chief of Staff,” it said.
Cheney, a Machiavellian personality with significant influence behind the scenes, is regarded as one of the most potent vice presidents in US history.
Cheney was born on January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and spent most of his childhood in Wyoming, a sparsely populated western state.

He attended Yale University but left the esteemed East Coast institution to pursue a degree in political science at the University of Wyoming back home.

Compared to the majority of his predecessors in the position, Cheney carried his neo-conservative philosophy to the White House and had a bigger say in important policy decisions.